Duck & Chicken Recipe Dry Cat Food
Verified Jun 10, 2026
This is a very high-protein dry cat food designed for cats of all ages, using duck and dried chicken as the main animal protein sources. It is low in carbohydrates, includes added taurine and omega-3s, and is formulated to support active, overweight, and diabetic cats as well as general kidney health. The recipe is complete and balanced for all life stages according to AAFCO formulation standards.
Nutritionally, this is a standout dry food for cats that closely mimics a high-meat, low-carbohydrate diet. With animal proteins dominating the ingredient list and a very high protein level, it’s well suited for healthy adult cats, active cats, and many cats needing weight or blood sugar management, as long as they tolerate the specific proteins used. As with any rich, high-protein formula, it’s best introduced gradually and monitored in cats with pre-existing medical conditions under veterinary guidance.
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At a Glance
KibbleLab Review
Strengths
- Very high protein (58% as-fed) with duck, dried chicken, hydrolyzed pork, and pork plasma providing highly digestible animal-based amino acids.
- Low-carbohydrate, meat-focused formula with no grain fillers and no pulses or starchy vegetables high on the list, which can be helpful for weight control and diabetic management under veterinary supervision.
- Added taurine and omega-3s (including EPA and DHA from salmon oil), plus vitamin E and other antioxidants to support overall health and heart/eye function in cats.
- Complete and balanced for all life stages per AAFCO formulation, so it can be used for kittens through adults if fed appropriately for life stage and body condition.
Considerations
- Contains multiple common animal allergens (chicken, pork, fish), so it is not a good choice for cats with known food allergies or sensitivities to these proteins.
- Very calorie-dense at 518 kcal per cup, so portion control is critical, especially for indoor or less active cats, to avoid weight gain.
- The high protein and fat levels may be too rich for some cats with certain medical conditions; cats with kidney, pancreatic, or other chronic disease should have this diet reviewed by their veterinarian before use.
- All-life-stages formulas can be fed to kittens and adults, but growing kittens and pregnant/nursing queens will need careful portion adjustments to ensure they get enough energy and nutrients.
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
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
Pork
Pork is used in pet foods primarily as a high-quality animal protein and flavor enhancer, supplying essential amino acids, B vitamins (especially B12 and niacin), iron and zinc, plus fat for calorie-dense energy; it can be suitable for both dogs and cats when balanced in a complete diet. Because pork can be relatively high in fat, it may be inappropriate for pets requiring low‑fat diets or those prone to pancreatitis, some animals may have sensitivities to pork, and raw or undercooked pork can carry parasites or pathogens so it should be properly processed or cooked.
04
Gelatin
Gelatin, a collagen-derived gelling agent and binder, is commonly used in pet treats, chews and wet foods to improve texture, moisture retention and as an ingredient in joint or skin supplements. It provides collagen-related amino acids (e.g., glycine and proline) that may support joint and coat health but is not a complete protein—lacking essential amino acids such as tryptophan and taurine—so it should not replace balanced animal protein; source and quality (bovine vs. porcine) can matter for dietary preferences and safety concerns.
05
Pork Plasma
Pork plasma is a spray-dried animal plasma used in pet foods as a highly digestible functional protein and palatant that supplies immunoglobulins and other bioactive plasma proteins to support gut health, immune function, and feed intake, particularly in young or recovering animals. It can improve nutrient absorption and palatability but may be unsuitable for pets with pork sensitivities or for owners avoiding pork for dietary or religious reasons, and its safety depends on proper sourcing and processing (e.g., spray-drying) to inactivate pathogens.
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
Dr. Elsey’s is a premium pet brand best known for its high-quality cat litters and the Cleanprotein line of cat food. The brand targets cat owners seeking high-protein, low-carbohydrate formulations modeled after a cat’s natural diet. Dr. Elsey’s products are developed with veterinary input and emphasize overall feline wellness.
Visit Dr. Elsey'sManufacturer
Manufacturing is overseen by veterinary professionals led by Dr. Bruce Elsey, with products developed to meet holistic feline health standards. Food manufacturing partners follow AAFCO nutritional guidelines and strict quality controls for pet food safety.
Manufacturing details are compiled from public sources and not independently verified; they may not reflect contract manufacturing or co-packing.
Recall History
Dr. Elsey's Duck & Chicken 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 Dr. Elsey's ever been recalled?
We have no recalls on record for Dr. Elsey's. 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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