Dry Cat Salmon & Ocean Fish
Verified Jun 17, 2026
This is a high‑protein dry food for adult cats that uses salmon, chicken meal, and fish meal as its main animal protein sources. It’s grain-free and relies on peas, lentils, and tapioca for carbohydrates, with added taurine and omega-6 fatty acids to support essential feline needs. The nutrient profile (40% protein, 18% fat) makes it well suited for healthy adult cats that do well on a richer, more calorie-dense diet.
Nutritionally, this is a protein-dense, grain-free kibble that should meet the needs of most healthy adult cats and is likely to be quite satisfying for active or underweight cats. It uses a mix of animal proteins (salmon, chicken meal, fish meal) and plant proteins (pea and potato proteins), which boosts protein content but means not all of it is animal-derived. Because peas, lentils, and pea protein are prominent ingredients in a grain-free formula, I’d be a bit cautious in cats with any heart concerns until more is known about the legume–heart disease connection (currently better described in dogs).
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At a Glance
KibbleLab Review
Strengths
- Very high protein (40% as-fed) and moderate-to-high fat (18%) levels, appropriate for most adult cats and supportive of lean muscle maintenance.
- Multiple named animal protein sources (salmon, chicken meal, fish meal) early in the ingredient list provide a good base of essential amino acids.
- Includes added taurine (0.16% min) and omega-6 fatty acids, both important nutrients for cats.
- Grain-free for owners seeking alternatives to corn, wheat, or soy, while still maintaining a complete and balanced formula.
Considerations
- Plant proteins (pea protein, potato protein) and legumes (split peas, lentils) make up a noticeable portion of the protein and carbohydrate content, which may not be ideal for owners who prefer predominantly animal-based formulas for cats.
- Contains common animal allergens such as chicken and fish, so it would not be suitable for cats with known sensitivities to these proteins.
- Grain-free formula with multiple legumes in the top ingredients; although data are stronger in dogs, some clinicians prefer to be cautious using legume-heavy, grain-free diets in pets with or at risk for heart disease.
- Relatively calorie-dense at about 401 kcal per cup, so portion control is important to prevent weight gain in less active cats.
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
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 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
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.
05
Mixed Tocopherol
Mixed tocopherols are a blend of natural vitamin E compounds (alpha, beta, gamma and delta tocopherols) used in pet foods primarily as a natural antioxidant and preservative to protect fats and fat‑soluble nutrients and extend shelf life. They also supply dietary vitamin E—an essential antioxidant for immune function, skin and coat health and cellular integrity in dogs and cats—and are generally safe at typical use levels, though they are not a substitute for a complete vitamin formulation and may be less effective in animals with fat‑absorption disorders.
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
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.
Visit CraveManufacturer
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
Crave Dry Cat Salmon & Ocean Fish has no recalls since 2014.
Source: FDA Pet Food Recall Database · Monitored daily
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Frequently Asked Questions
Has Crave ever been recalled?
We have no recalls on record for Crave. 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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