N&D Ocean Cod, Shrimp, Pumpkin & Cantaloupe Melon Kitten Dry Cat Food
Verified Jun 16, 2026
This is a high-protein, grain-free dry food for kittens and reproductive queens, built around ocean fish (cod, dehydrated cod, hydrolyzed fish, shrimp, and herring) as the main protein and fat sources. It provides a rich supply of omega-3 fatty acids, taurine, and added L-carnitine to support growth, muscle development, and overall vitality. Pumpkin, sweet potato, and small amounts of fruits and vegetables contribute fiber and micronutrients for digestive support.
This formula offers very high protein and moderate-to-high fat levels that are well suited to the energy needs of growing kittens and nursing or pregnant cats. The use of multiple fish ingredients, including hydrolyzed fish, makes it a strong option for cats who do better on fish-based diets, while the added omega-3s, taurine, and carefully balanced minerals support healthy development. It is grain-free and uses pea starch as a main carbohydrate, which is generally fine for cats but may not be ideal if you’re specifically avoiding pea-based ingredients.
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At a Glance
KibbleLab Review
Strengths
- Very high protein (44% as-fed) and adequate fat (20% as-fed), appropriate for the high energy and growth demands of kittens and reproductive cats.
- Multiple named marine protein sources (cod, dehydrated cod, hydrolyzed fish, shrimp, herring) provide a rich amino acid profile and naturally high levels of EPA and DHA.
- Strong omega profile (omega-3 at 1.4%, omega-6 at 3.1%) plus added herring oil supports skin, coat, and neurologic development in growing kittens.
- Includes taurine (0.4% min), L-carnitine, and a wide range of vitamins, chelated trace minerals, and functional fibers like inulin and beet pulp for overall nutritional support and digestive health.
Considerations
- Fish is a common allergen in some cats, so this may not be suitable if your cat has a known fish allergy or sensitivity.
- Pea starch and pea fiber are key carbohydrate and fiber sources; while generally safe, some owners prefer to limit pea ingredients, and extremely fish- and legume-heavy diets have been questioned in other species.
- High calorie density (about 412 kcal per cup) means precise portion control is important to prevent excessive weight gain in indoor kittens.
- Being a fish-focused diet, some cats may develop strong fish preferences, which can make future diet changes a bit more challenging.
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
Cod
Cod is a lean white fish used in pet foods as a high-quality, easily digestible animal protein that provides essential amino acids, B vitamins (notably B12), selenium and modest amounts of omega‑3 fatty acids for skin, coat and overall health. It is palatable and low in fat, but should be properly deboned and sourced; avoid feeding raw fish without appropriate processing (some raw fish can contain enzymes that affect thiamine) and monitor for fish allergies or contaminants such as mercury.
02
Cod
Cod is a lean white fish used in pet foods as a high-quality, easily digestible animal protein that provides essential amino acids, B vitamins (notably B12), selenium and modest amounts of omega‑3 fatty acids for skin, coat and overall health. It is palatable and low in fat, but should be properly deboned and sourced; avoid feeding raw fish without appropriate processing (some raw fish can contain enzymes that affect thiamine) and monitor for fish allergies or contaminants such as mercury.
03
Hydrolyzed Fish Protein
Hydrolyzed fish protein is a processed protein ingredient used in pet foods as a highly digestible protein source and flavor enhancer, commonly included in hypoallergenic or elimination diets because enzymatic hydrolysis breaks proteins into smaller peptides and amino acids that are less likely to trigger immune reactions. It provides essential amino acids and can improve palatability, but severely fish‑allergic pets may still react to incompletely hydrolyzed material, and owners should be aware that quality, sodium content, and processing (to limit histamine) can vary between manufacturers.
04
Pea Starch
Pea starch is used in pet foods primarily as a carbohydrate binder, thickener and texture agent to help form kibble and provide readily digestible energy, rather than as a protein or fiber source. It is a gluten‑free, highly digestible starch that can increase calorie density and glycemic load (important for overweight or diabetic pets) and, like other pea/legume ingredients used in high amounts in some grain‑free diets, should be part of a balanced formulation chosen with veterinary guidance for pets with special health concerns.
05
Pork Fat
Pork fat is a concentrated animal fat commonly added to pet food to boost calorie density, palatability, and texture, serving as a primary energy source and flavor enhancer. It provides mainly saturated and monounsaturated fats and some omega‑6 fatty acids that can support energy needs and skin/coat condition, but because it is calorie‑dense and relatively low in omega‑3s, excessive inclusion can contribute to obesity or pancreatitis risk, and it should be properly rendered and preserved to avoid rancidity; some pets may also have pork sensitivities.
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
Brand
Farmina is the flagship brand of Farmina Pet Foods, known for its Natural & Delicious (N&D) and Vet Life lines. The brand focuses on diets that combine natural ingredients with scientific research. Farmina’s offerings target premium pet owners seeking nutritionally balanced recipes made with high-quality proteins and low-glycemic carbohydrates.
Visit FarminaManufacturer
Farmina operates its own manufacturing facilities in Italy, Serbia, and Brazil, allowing complete control over ingredient sourcing, formulation, and production quality. The company follows strict quality assurance protocols and complies with international food safety standards including HACCP and ISO-certified processes.
Manufacturing details are compiled from public sources and not independently verified; they may not reflect contract manufacturing or co-packing.
Recall History
Farmina N&D Ocean Cod, Shrimp, Pumpkin & Cantaloupe Melon Kitten Dry Cat Food has no recalls since 2014.
Source: FDA Pet Food Recall Database · Monitored daily
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Frequently Asked Questions
Has Farmina ever been recalled?
We have no recalls on record for Farmina. 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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