Herring & Orange Adult Dry Cat Food
Verified Jun 4, 2026
This is a high-protein, grain-free dry food for adult cats, built around herring and other fish ingredients as the main animal protein sources. It provides substantial omega-3 fatty acids from herring and herring oil, with sweet potato and pea starch supplying carbohydrates. The recipe also includes added taurine, prebiotic fibers, and various fruits and botanicals to support overall nutrition for healthy adult cats.
This is an excellent-quality dry food for adult cats that leans heavily on fish-based protein, with herring and dehydrated herring at the top of the ingredient list and an impressively high protein and fat content for active adult cats. The grain-free recipe avoids peas and lentils as major ingredients and includes meaningful omega-3 levels, taurine, and prebiotic fibers for digestive support. It’s a strong option for healthy adult cats who do well on fish, though cats with fish or egg allergies or those needing lower-calorie diets may need a different formula.
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At a Glance
KibbleLab Review
Strengths
- Very high protein (44%) and substantial fat (20%) from named fish sources (herring, dehydrated herring, fish hydrolysate), which suits the carnivorous needs of adult cats.
- Rich in omega-3 fatty acids (from herring, herring oil, and stated EPA/DHA levels) which can support skin, coat, and overall health.
- Grain-free without using peas or lentils as primary ingredients; carbohydrates come mainly from pea starch and sweet potatoes in moderate amounts.
- Contains added taurine, L-carnitine, and prebiotic fibers (inulin, fructooligosaccharides, beet pulp, pea fiber, psyllium) that can help support heart function and digestive health in cats.
Considerations
- Fish (herring) and eggs are common allergens for some cats, so this formula would not be appropriate for cats with known fish or egg sensitivities.
- The high calorie density (about 412 kcal per cup) and high fat content may be too rich for sedentary or overweight cats unless portions are measured carefully.
- Hydrolyzed fish, while generally well tolerated, adds another processed protein source; cats with very specialized medical needs should have diets chosen in consultation with a veterinarian.
- As a formulation-based AAFCO maintenance diet, it is intended for adult cats only and not suitable as the sole diet for kittens or pregnant/nursing queens.
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
Herring
Herring is commonly used as a high-quality, palatable fish protein and oil source in dog and cat foods, supplying digestible protein along with beneficial long-chain omega-3s (EPA/DHA), vitamin D, B vitamins and trace minerals. It can support skin, coat and joint health, but may be an allergen for some pets and raw fish can contain thiaminase (typically destroyed by commercial cooking); owners should also consider fat content for pancreatitis-prone animals and look for responsibly sourced, low-contaminant products.
02
Herring
Herring is commonly used as a high-quality, palatable fish protein and oil source in dog and cat foods, supplying digestible protein along with beneficial long-chain omega-3s (EPA/DHA), vitamin D, B vitamins and trace minerals. It can support skin, coat and joint health, but may be an allergen for some pets and raw fish can contain thiaminase (typically destroyed by commercial cooking); owners should also consider fat content for pancreatitis-prone animals and look for responsibly sourced, low-contaminant products.
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
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
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 Herring & Orange Adult 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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