Ranch & Meadow Dry Cat Food
Verified Jun 11, 2026
This is a high-protein dry food for adult cats that relies on multiple red meats, with lamb and pork (including meat meals) making up the bulk of the recipe. Instead of grains, it uses lentils and chickpeas as the main carbohydrate and fiber sources, and includes added taurine and omega fatty acids to support general health. It’s designed for healthy adult cats who do well on a rich, meat-focused, grain-free diet.
Nutritionally, this is a very protein-rich, meat-heavy dry food for adult cats, using lamb and pork (plus their meals) as primary protein sources and avoiding grains. The guaranteed analysis shows high protein and moderate fat, with added taurine and omega-3 and -6 fatty acids appropriate for adult maintenance. It can work well for healthy adult cats that tolerate red meats and higher protein, but the heavy reliance on pulses (lentils, chickpeas) is something to be aware of, especially in light of emerging concerns with legume-heavy, grain-free diets in dogs (though this specific issue has been less clearly documented in cats).
The KibbleLab Score (1–10) is assessed from publicly available product data. Our evaluation is science-based, not marketing-based.
KibbleLab may earn an affiliate commission when you buy through a link. No one can pay for a higher score, or to change what we recommend for your pet.
At a Glance
KibbleLab Review
Strengths
- Very high protein content for a dry food, with multiple named red meat ingredients (lamb, pork, lamb meal, mutton meal, pork meal) at the top of the list.
- Formulated to meet AAFCO nutrient profiles for adult maintenance, including added taurine for heart and eye health in cats.
- Includes omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, plus ingredients like chia oil and pumpkin that can contribute beneficial fats and fiber.
- Grain-free option that may suit cats who don’t tolerate common grains but do well with legumes and red meats.
Considerations
- Relies heavily on legumes (red lentils, chickpeas, green lentils) as the primary carbohydrate and fiber sources; some cats may develop soft stools or gas on legume-rich diets.
- Contains multiple red meat proteins (lamb, pork, mutton, boar, goat), which is great for variety but not ideal for cats needing a very simple, limited-ingredient diet for food allergies.
- The calorie density is fairly high (about 421 kcal per cup), so portions need to be measured carefully to avoid unwanted weight gain, especially in indoor or 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
Lamb
Lamb is commonly used in dog and cat foods as a high-quality animal protein that supplies essential amino acids, iron and B vitamins and is often chosen for its palatability or as a “novel” protein in elimination diets. It can be higher in fat and calories than some other meats and may still cause allergic reactions in sensitive animals, so owners of overweight pets or those with food sensitivities should consult a veterinarian and use proper handling/cooking practices if feeding raw or homemade lamb.
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
Lamb
Lamb is commonly used in dog and cat foods as a high-quality animal protein that supplies essential amino acids, iron and B vitamins and is often chosen for its palatability or as a “novel” protein in elimination diets. It can be higher in fat and calories than some other meats and may still cause allergic reactions in sensitive animals, so owners of overweight pets or those with food sensitivities should consult a veterinarian and use proper handling/cooking practices if feeding raw or homemade lamb.
04
Mutton
Mutton is the meat of mature sheep used in pet foods as a high-quality animal protein source providing essential amino acids, fats and minerals that support maintenance, muscle health and palatability for dogs and cats. It can serve as an alternative protein in limited-ingredient formulas but is often higher in fat and connective tissue than younger lamb, so owners should monitor calories and fat (important for pets prone to pancreatitis), consider potential red‑meat allergies, and ensure the diet is properly processed and balanced to meet species-specific nutrient needs.
05
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.
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
Essence is a grain-free and animal protein–focused pet food brand designed around high meat inclusion and sustainable ingredients, offering premium nutrition for dogs and cats.
Visit EssenceManufacturer
Pets Global partners with trusted U.S.-based manufacturers for its products, maintaining oversight of ingredient sourcing and recipe formulation to ensure food safety and nutritional quality standards. Its products are formulated to meet AAFCO nutrient profiles and follow U.S. FDA manufacturing guidelines.
Manufacturing details are compiled from public sources and not independently verified; they may not reflect contract manufacturing or co-packing.
Recall History
Essence Ranch & Meadow Dry Cat Food has no recalls since 2014.
Source: FDA Pet Food Recall Database · Monitored daily
Sign up for the full picture
Feeding Calculator
Personalized portion sizes based on your pet's weight, age, and activity level.
Get startedSimilar Foods
Post your cat's report card and challenge friends to check their food.
Frequently Asked Questions
Has Essence ever been recalled?
We have no recalls on record for Essence. 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.
Continue with Google
Continue with Facebook