Grain Free Salmon & Legumes Recipe Dry Cat Food
Verified Jun 8, 2026
This is a grain-free dry cat food for all life stages that uses salmon and menhaden fish meal as its primary animal protein sources. Peas, lentils, and other legumes provide additional protein and carbohydrates, while added omega fatty acids and probiotics support skin, coat, and digestive health. It is formulated to be complete and balanced for kittens through adult cats, including pregnant and nursing cats.
Nutritionally, this is a solid, mid- to higher-protein dry food that can suit many healthy cats at any life stage. The salmon and fish meal offer good-quality animal protein, and the added taurine, omega-3s, and probiotics are nice features. The heavy reliance on legumes does raise some caution, especially since similar formulas in dogs have been linked to heart concerns, so I would be thoughtful about long-term use in cats with cardiac risk factors.
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At a Glance
KibbleLab Review
Strengths
- Salmon and menhaden fish meal provide good-quality animal protein as the first ingredients.
- AAFCO complete and balanced for all life stages, so it covers kittens through adults when fed as directed.
- Includes added DHA and a relatively high omega-3 level, which can support skin, coat, and neurologic development in kittens.
- Probiotic fermentation products are included, which may help support digestive health in some cats.
Considerations
- Peas, lentils, pea protein, and faba beans make up a large part of the formula, so a lot of the protein is plant-based rather than strictly animal-based.
- Legume-heavy, grain-free diets have been linked to heart disease concerns in dogs; while data in cats is limited, I would be cautious in breeds or cats with known heart issues.
- Contains fish, which can be a common allergen, so it is not a good fit for cats with fish allergies or 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
Salmon
Salmon is commonly used as a high-quality animal protein and rich source of omega‑3 fatty acids (EPA/DHA) in dog and cat foods, supporting skin and coat condition, joint and cognitive health, and overall muscle maintenance. While very nutritious, salmon can be an allergen for some pets and raw salmon may pose risks from parasites, thiaminase-related thiamine loss, and region-specific pathogens (e.g., salmon poisoning); owners should avoid feeding uncooked bones and consider sourcing to minimize contaminant and sustainability concerns.
02
Menhaden Fish
Menhaden fish is used in pet foods primarily as a high-quality animal protein and as a concentrated source of fish oil rich in omega‑3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA), which support healthy skin and coat, joint mobility, and anti‑inflammatory benefits for dogs and cats. It enhances palatability and provides essential micronutrients like iodine and selenium, but owners should be aware of possible fish allergies, caloric density and oil oxidation, and prefer products from reputable, sustainably sourced suppliers to reduce contamination risks.
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
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
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 Salmon & Legumes 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 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.
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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.
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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.
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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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