Duck Meal & Herring Meal Recipe Dry Cat Food
Verified Jun 9, 2026
A high-protein, grain-free dry cat food made with duck meal and herring meal as the main animal protein sources. It uses peas, lentils, and chickpeas as the primary carbohydrates and includes added omega-rich fish oil, taurine, and probiotics. This formula is designed to provide complete and balanced nutrition for cats of all life stages, from kittens to adults.
Nutritionally, this is a high-protein, moderate-fat dry food that meets AAFCO standards for all life stages, including kittens. It uses concentrated animal proteins from duck, herring, and whitefish, with good omega-3 and omega-6 levels and added taurine and probiotics. The main drawback is that it is grain-free and relies heavily on peas, lentils, and chickpeas, which may be a concern for some owners in light of ongoing research about legume-heavy diets and heart health in pets, especially dogs.
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At a Glance
KibbleLab Review
Strengths
- High protein level at 37% with duck, herring, and whitefish meals providing concentrated animal protein sources.
- Good omega-3 and omega-6 levels from fish oil and fish meals, which can support skin, coat, and overall health.
- Meets AAFCO requirements for complete and balanced nutrition for cats of all life stages, including kittens.
- Includes added taurine and multiple probiotic fermentation products, which can support heart and digestive health.
Considerations
- This is a grain-free formula that relies heavily on peas, lentils, and chickpeas as main carbohydrate and plant protein sources.
- Contains egg and fish, which are common allergens for some cats, so it may not suit cats with those specific food sensitivities.
- Ash is on the higher side at a maximum of 10%, which may be less ideal for cats needing tighter mineral control.
- Peas and pea protein add a fair amount of plant-based protein, so not all of the 37% protein is from animal sources.
Full Ingredient List
Ingredients and analysis reflect manufacturer data at the time of our last update and can change without notice. Always check the actual product packaging before feeding.
Ingredient filtering helps identify compatible options but is not a substitute for a veterinary elimination diet.
Top 5 Ingredients Explained
01
Duck
Duck is used in pet food primarily as a flavorful animal protein and fat source, commonly included in limited-ingredient or novel-protein formulas for dogs and cats. It supplies high-quality amino acids and energy and can help pets with sensitivities to common proteins, but it is relatively rich in fat (so may be unsuitable for low‑fat or pancreatitis-prone animals), can still trigger allergies in some pets, and requires proper cooking/processing and handling to avoid bacterial contamination.
02
Herring
Herring is commonly used as a high-quality, palatable fish protein and oil source in dog and cat foods, supplying digestible protein along with beneficial long-chain omega-3s (EPA/DHA), vitamin D, B vitamins and trace minerals. It can support skin, coat and joint health, but may be an allergen for some pets and raw fish can contain thiaminase (typically destroyed by commercial cooking); owners should also consider fat content for pancreatitis-prone animals and look for responsibly sourced, low-contaminant products.
03
Field Pea
Field peas are commonly used in dog and cat foods as a plant-based protein, starch/binder and fiber source, contributing protein, soluble and insoluble fiber and some micronutrients (e.g., iron and B‑vitamins) while being low in fat. They can be a useful ingredient in moderate amounts—particularly in grain‑free or novel‑protein diets—but are less bioavailable than animal proteins for obligate carnivores, can cause gas from oligosaccharides, contain antinutritional factors that are reduced by processing, and have been highlighted in investigations of diet‑associated canine DCM when used in high levels or in diets lacking key nutrients (e.g., taurine), so balanced formulation and monitoring are important.
04
Lentil
Lentils are a plant-based source of protein, complex carbohydrates, fiber and micronutrients (notably folate and iron) commonly used in pet foods to add bulk, promote satiety and help moderate post-meal blood sugar. They can be a useful ingredient for dogs when properly processed and balanced with animal-derived amino acids, but lentil protein is less digestible and incomplete for obligate carnivores like cats; high legume inclusion can also increase gas or digestive upset and has been discussed in the context of diet-associated heart concerns in dogs, so lentils should be used in nutritionally complete, vetted formulations.
05
Chickpea
Chickpeas are a legume commonly used in pet foods as a plant-based protein, source of digestible carbohydrates, and supply of soluble and insoluble fiber that helps with stool quality and satiety. They can be a useful ingredient for dogs but are not a complete protein for obligate carnivores like cats and may cause gas or digestive upset if underprocessed; additionally, high inclusion of legumes in some grain‑free diets has been discussed as a potential factor in canine dilated cardiomyopathy so diets should be balanced and any concerns discussed with your veterinarian.
Nutritional Breakdown
How to read As Fed versus Dry Matter
As fed shows the numbers straight off the label, water included. Dry matter removes the water so you can compare a wet food and a dry food fairly.What is calorie density
How many calories the food packs per unit. Denser foods mean smaller portions for the same calories.Product Details & Brand
Product Specs
AAFCO Nutritional Adequacy
What is AAFCO
Association of American Feed Control Officials. It sets the nutritional
adequacy standards US pet foods are measured against.
What is AAFCO
Association of American Feed Control Officials. It sets the nutritional adequacy standards US pet foods are measured against.Brand
Birdie & Louie is a boutique pet food brand offering premium canned dog foods crafted in small batches with U.S.-sourced ingredients. The brand markets itself on simplicity, quality, and transparency, targeting pet owners seeking wholesome, gourmet-style nutrition for their dogs.
Visit Birdie & LouieManufacturer
Birdie & Louie maintains a focus on quality and safety through sourcing USDA-inspected ingredients and following FDA guidelines for pet food manufacturing. Their manufacturing partners adhere to standard U.S. pet food safety protocols and good manufacturing practices (GMP).
Manufacturing details are compiled from public sources and not independently verified; they may not reflect contract manufacturing or co-packing.
Recall History
Birdie & Louie Duck Meal & Herring Meal Recipe Dry Cat Food has no recalls since 2014.
Source: FDA Pet Food Recall Database · Monitored daily
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Frequently Asked Questions
Has Birdie & Louie ever been recalled?
We have no recalls on record for Birdie & Louie. We monitor the FDA Pet Food Recall Database daily.
How does KibbleLab rate foods?
Our scores are based on ingredient composition, nutritional profile, AAFCO compliance, and health considerations. We don't penalize by-products, grains, or synthetic preservatives. Brands cannot pay for higher scores.
Is KibbleLab a substitute for veterinary advice?
No. KibbleLab provides data-driven food analysis, not medical advice. Always consult your veterinarian before making dietary changes, especially for pets with health conditions.
KibbleLab provides informational content only. This is not veterinary advice. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before changing your pet's diet.
KibbleLab may earn affiliate commissions through product links. No one can pay for a higher score, or to change what we recommend for your pet.
Product data sourced from manufacturer websites, AAFCO statements, and FDA recall database. Last verified dates reflect our most recent data check.
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