N&D Quinoa Skin & Coat Herring Dry Cat Food
Verified Jun 30, 2026
This is a limited-ingredient, dry adult cat food built around herring and dehydrated herring as the main animal protein sources. It uses quinoa, pea starch, and sweet potato for carbohydrates and includes high levels of omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil and flaxseed to support skin and coat. The formula is designed for adult cats, particularly those needing a fish-based diet without chicken protein.
This is a high-quality, fish-based dry food for adult cats, with herring as the primary protein and a clear focus on supporting skin and coat through very robust omega-3 levels. The protein and fat levels are appropriate for most adult cats, and the recipe is relatively simple in terms of animal proteins, which can be useful for cats who don’t do well on chicken. It’s best suited to adult cats that tolerate fish proteins and need a maintenance diet with a strong skin and coat focus.
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At a Glance
KibbleLab Review
Strengths
- Named animal proteins (fresh herring and dehydrated herring) are the first ingredients, providing good-quality, species-appropriate protein (30% as-fed).
- Very high omega-3 content (2.4% with added EPA and DHA) from herring oil and flaxseed, which can be beneficial for skin and coat health.
- Formulated as a limited-ingredient diet with a single animal protein source and no chicken protein, which may help some cats with food sensitivities to common meats.
- Complete and balanced for adult maintenance according to AAFCO, with added taurine and appropriate mineral supplementation.
Considerations
- Fish (herring) is a common allergen for some cats, so this diet would not be appropriate if your cat is fish-sensitive.
- Contains pea starch and pea fiber; while not a major concern for cats in the same way as grain-free pulse-heavy dog diets, it may not suit owners looking to minimize legumes entirely.
- Fat level (16% as-fed) and calorie density (about 385 kcal per cup) are on the higher side for some indoor or less active cats, so portion control will be important to avoid weight gain.
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
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.
04
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.
05
Sweet Potato
Sweet potato is used in pet foods as a digestible carbohydrate and source of soluble fiber, vitamins (notably beta‑carotene), minerals and antioxidants, often helping with stool quality and serving as a binder or energy ingredient. It is generally well tolerated by dogs and can support gut health, but because cats poorly convert beta‑carotene to vitamin A and require preformed vitamin A from animal sources, sweet potato is not a substitute for meat-based nutrients; its relatively high carbohydrate content also means portion control is advised for overweight or diabetic pets and it should be cooked for best digestibility.
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 N&D Quinoa Skin & Coat Herring 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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