Grain Free Chicken & Legumes Recipe Dry Cat Food
Verified Jun 14, 2026
This is a grain-free dry cat food for all life stages that uses chicken and chicken meal as the main protein sources, along with peas, faba beans, and lentils as the primary carbohydrates. It offers moderate-to-high protein and fat levels suitable for kittens and adults, plus added omega fatty acids from chicken fat, flaxseed, and salmon oil. The formula also includes probiotics and taurine to support digestion and overall feline health needs.
Nutritionally, this is a solid grain-free dry option for cats of all ages, with chicken and chicken meal providing good-quality, animal-based protein. The protein and fat levels are appropriate for kittens, adults, and queens, and the inclusion of salmon oil, flaxseed, and probiotics is a plus. The main caveat is that peas, faba beans, pea protein, and lentils make up a large portion of the formula, which means a meaningful share of the protein and calories is coming from legumes rather than meat.
The KibbleLab Score (1–10) is assessed from publicly available product data. Our evaluation is science-based, not marketing-based.
KibbleLab may earn an affiliate commission when you buy through a link. No one can pay for a higher score, or to change what we recommend for your pet.
At a Glance
KibbleLab Review
Strengths
- Chicken and chicken meal as the first two ingredients provide good-quality animal protein for cats, who are obligate carnivores.
- Appropriate protein (32%) and fat (15%) levels for all life stages, including growth and reproduction, when fed as directed.
- Includes omega-3 and omega-6 sources (chicken fat, salmon oil, flaxseed) that can support skin and coat health.
- Contains added probiotics and taurine, plus a full vitamin and mineral premix, and is formulated to meet AAFCO nutrient profiles for all life stages.
Considerations
- Legumes (peas, faba beans, pea protein, lentils) are prominent ingredients, so a notable portion of the protein is plant-based rather than from meat, which is not ideal for very carnivorous species like cats.
- As a grain-free, legume-heavy formula, it may not be the best fit for owners specifically wishing to avoid diets where peas and other pulses are major ingredients.
- Contains chicken, which is a common food allergen for some cats, so it would not be appropriate for cats with known chicken sensitivities.
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
Chicken
Chicken is a common animal-based protein in dog and cat foods, supplying essential amino acids, B vitamins, and energy-dense fats that support muscle maintenance, growth, and overall health; for cats it also contributes toward dietary taurine but must be present in sufficient amounts or provided via supplementation. It is prized for its digestibility and palatability, though some pets develop sensitivities or allergies to chicken, and nutritional value and safety depend on ingredient quality and processing—raw chicken carries pathogen risks and whole bones can pose choking or GI hazards.
02
Chicken
Chicken is a common animal-based protein in dog and cat foods, supplying essential amino acids, B vitamins, and energy-dense fats that support muscle maintenance, growth, and overall health; for cats it also contributes toward dietary taurine but must be present in sufficient amounts or provided via supplementation. It is prized for its digestibility and palatability, though some pets develop sensitivities or allergies to chicken, and nutritional value and safety depend on ingredient quality and processing—raw chicken carries pathogen risks and whole bones can pose choking or GI hazards.
03
Pea
Pea is a plant-based ingredient used in pet foods as a source of protein, soluble and insoluble fiber, and micronutrients (often included as whole peas, pea flour, or pea protein concentrate) to boost protein content and improve texture. While peas can provide digestible carbohydrates, fiber, and some plant protein useful especially for dogs, they are not a complete protein for obligate carnivores like cats and — when overused, particularly in concentrated forms or as a major component of grain‑free diets — have been scrutinized for a possible association with canine dilated cardiomyopathy and can contribute to nutrient imbalances or excess calories, so balanced formulation and compliance with AAFCO nutritional profiles are important.
04
Faba Bean
Faba beans (fava beans) are a legume used in pet foods as a plant-based source of protein, fiber and complex carbohydrates, often added to boost protein content and calorie balance while lowering reliance on animal ingredients. They can provide digestible energy and fiber but have a limited amino acid profile for obligate carnivores, may require processing to reduce antinutrients and lectins, can cause gastrointestinal upset or flatulence in some pets, and — as with other pulses — are used cautiously in grain‑free diets because of unsettled links to canine heart concerns.
05
Pea Protein
Pea protein is a concentrated plant-based protein and functional ingredient in pet foods used to raise protein levels, improve texture and contribute soluble fiber, vitamins and minerals. It can be a useful, digestible protein source for dogs and a supplemental protein in some cat formulas, but because it is lower in certain essential amino acids (and cats are obligate carnivores), diets relying heavily on pea protein should be formulated to meet AAFCO nutrient profiles and owners should note potential legume sensitivities and the debated link between high‑pulse, grain‑free diets and canine heart concerns.
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
Chicken Soup for the Soul Pet Food offers holistic, natural dog and cat foods positioned around wellness and emotional bonding, inspired by the popular Chicken Soup for the Soul brand. The brand targets pet owners seeking wholesome, balanced diets at an accessible premium price point.
Visit Chicken Soup for the Soul Pet FoodManufacturer
Products are manufactured by contracted co-packers in Utah (dry) and Kansas (canned) under AAFCO and FDA standards.
Manufacturing details are compiled from public sources and not independently verified; they may not reflect contract manufacturing or co-packing.
Recall History
Chicken Soup for the Soul Pet Food Grain Free Chicken & Legumes Recipe Dry Cat Food has no recalls since 2014.
Source: FDA Pet Food Recall Database · Monitored daily
Sign up for the full picture
Feeding Calculator
Personalized portion sizes based on your pet's weight, age, and activity level.
Get started
Post your cat's report card and challenge friends to check their food.
Frequently Asked Questions
Has Chicken Soup for the Soul Pet Food ever been recalled?
We have no recalls on record for Chicken Soup for the Soul Pet Food. 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.
Continue with Google
Continue with Facebook