Chicken Recipe Dry Cat Food
Verified Jun 14, 2026
This is a very high‑protein dry cat food made primarily from chicken, with additional animal proteins like hydrolyzed pork and pork plasma. It’s designed for cats of all ages who do well on a low‑carbohydrate, meat-focused diet, and it includes added taurine, omega‑3s, and prebiotics for overall nutritional support. The formula is complete and balanced to AAFCO standards for all life stages, including kittens and adults.
Nutritionally, this is a standout dry food for cats who thrive on a high‑protein, low‑carbohydrate diet. The protein comes almost entirely from animal sources, with no starchy fillers like peas, potatoes, or grains, which keeps carbs unusually low for a kibble. It can be a strong option for cats needing careful calorie and carb control, as long as they tolerate chicken and pork well and are also getting enough moisture in their overall diet.
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At a Glance
KibbleLab Review
Strengths
- Exceptionally high protein (59% as‑fed) from animal sources like chicken, hydrolyzed pork, pork plasma, and gelatin, which better matches a cat’s natural carnivorous needs.
- No grains, legumes, or starchy fillers listed, so carbohydrate content is likely very low for a dry food, which can be helpful for weight and blood sugar control in appropriate cats.
- Includes taurine, salmon oil, flaxseed, and omega‑3 fats (EPA/DHA), supporting heart, eye, skin, and coat health.
- Complete and balanced to AAFCO standards for all life stages, so it’s suitable for kittens, adults, and seniors when fed appropriately.
Considerations
- Chicken and pork are major ingredients, so this food would not be suitable for cats with known allergies or sensitivities to those proteins.
- Very calorie-dense at about 523 kcal per cup, so portions need to be measured carefully to avoid unwanted weight gain, especially in indoor or less active cats.
- Like all dry foods, it is relatively low in moisture, so it’s important that your cat drinks well or that you pair it with a wet food to support hydration, particularly in cats with urinary or kidney concerns.
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
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.
03
Plasma
Plasma (typically spray-dried blood plasma from porcine or bovine sources) is used in pet foods as a highly digestible animal protein and functional ingredient that supplies immunoglobulins and bioactive peptides to enhance palatability, support gut health and immune function, and aid growth or recovery in puppies, kittens, and convalescent animals. It is generally considered safe when properly processed to reduce pathogens, but because it is a blood-derived ingredient owners may have allergen, ethical or sourcing concerns, so manufacturers should disclose the source and processing methods.
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
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.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 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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