Dry Cat Chicken Recipe
Verified Aug 26, 2026
This is a high‑protein, grain-free dry food for cats that uses chicken and chicken meal as the main animal protein sources. Pea- and potato-based ingredients provide additional protein and carbohydrates, and the formula includes added taurine and omega-6 fatty acids to support overall feline health. It is designed as a complete and balanced diet for cats at all life stages, including kittens and adults.
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Strong Choice
Nutritionally, this is a high‑protein, relatively high‑fat dry food that should suit many healthy, active cats, including kittens. It relies on chicken and fish as key animal proteins, with legumes and potato protein contributing additional plant protein. It offers a solid nutrient profile for all life stages, though the prominent use of peas and pea protein may not be ideal for every cat, especially if you prefer fewer legumes in the diet.
Computed from 4 of 4 applicable checks. Missing data is skipped, never counted against a food.
The KibbleLab Score (1–10) is assessed from publicly available product data. Our evaluation is science-based, not marketing-based.
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At a Glance
Where these benefits come from
Benefits the manufacturer highlights in its own product marketing. KibbleLab lists them for reference and does not verify these claims.KibbleLab Review
Strengths
- Chicken and chicken meal are the first ingredients, providing good-quality animal protein for cats.
- High protein and fat levels are appropriate for most active adult cats and growing kittens.
- Includes taurine at a clearly stated level, which is essential for heart and eye health in cats.
- Formulated as a complete and balanced diet for all life stages, so it can be fed long term.
Considerations
- Chicken and fish are common allergens, so this food is not a good fit for cats with sensitivities to those proteins.
- Pea protein, split peas, and potato protein contribute a significant portion of the protein from plant sources.
- The calorie density is fairly high, so portions need to be measured carefully to prevent weight gain.
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.
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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.
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03
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.
04
Split Pea
Split peas are a cooked, milled legume commonly used in pet foods as a plant-based source of digestible carbohydrates, fiber and supplementary protein, supplying soluble fiber, resistant starch and micronutrients like B vitamins, iron and potassium to support digestion and satiety. They are not a complete protein for obligate carnivores (cats) and, when used in high concentrations in some grain‑free diets, legumes including peas have been investigated for a possible association with canine dilated cardiomyopathy; therefore split peas should be included only in properly formulated diets that meet AAFCO/NRC nutrient profiles and pet owners with heart‑concern or sensitive animals should consult their veterinarian.
05
Chicken Fat
Chicken fat is used in dog and cat foods as a concentrated energy and flavor source that supplies essential fatty acids (notably linoleic acid) and aids absorption of fat‑soluble vitamins, improving palatability and supporting skin and coat health. Because it is calorie‑dense, diets must account for added fat to prevent weight gain, and quality (proper rendering and antioxidant protection to prevent rancidity) is important; although fats are less commonly allergenic than proteins, pets with poultry sensitivities may still react in some cases.
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.Not sure how much of this to feed?
The right daily portion depends on your cat's weight, age, and activity level. Create a free account, add your cat, and get their daily calories and portion sizes.
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
Crave is a high-protein dog and cat food brand from Mars Petcare positioned as grain-free or grain-inclusive recipes inspired by ancestral diets. It targets consumers seeking higher meat content, no artificial flavors or preservatives, and a more natural, meat‑focused ingredient list at a mainstream retail price.
Manufacturer
Mars Petcare operates large-scale manufacturing facilities in North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and Latin America with formal quality and food safety systems modeled on human food standards. Facilities follow HACCP-based programs, Good Manufacturing Practices, and are routinely audited for compliance with local regulatory bodies (e.g., FDA and USDA in the U.S., FEDIAF-related standards in Europe). Mars maintains in‑house research and development centers, employs veterinarians and pet nutrition scientists, and conducts digestibility and palatability studies and AAFCO feeding trials for many of its complete-and-balanced diets.
Manufacturing details are compiled from public sources and not independently verified; they may not reflect contract manufacturing or co-packing.
Recall History
No recall is listed for Crave Dry Cat Chicken Recipe.
Source: FDA animal food recall listings back to January 2019 · Checked daily, last on Aug 31, 2026
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Frequently Asked Questions
Has Crave ever been recalled?
We have no recalls on record for Crave. We track the FDA's animal food recall listings back to January 2019 and publish every pet food recall automatically. A filing that isn't pet food may not appear here.
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 listings. Last verified dates reflect our most recent data check. We track the FDA's animal food recall listings back to January 2019 and publish every pet food recall automatically. A filing that isn't pet food may not appear here.
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