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Skin & Coat Quail Dry Cat Food
Farmina

Skin & Coat Quail Dry Cat Food

Verified Aug 12, 2026

Cat · Dry Adult All Breed Sizes

This is a limited-ingredient dry food for adult cats that uses quail as its main animal protein, supported by dehydrated quail and hydrolyzed fish and pork liver. Quinoa, sweet potato, and pea starch provide carbohydrates, while herring oil, flaxseed, and coconut contribute omega fatty acids to support skin and coat. It’s formulated to be complete and balanced for adult maintenance according to AAFCO profiles.

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Over-the-counter AAFCO No recalls

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KibbleLab Score
8.3 out of 10

Strong Choice

N&D Quinoa Skin & Coat Quail is a high-quality, limited-ingredient dry diet for adult cats, centered around quail as a novel protein source for many cats. The formula offers moderate protein with relatively high fat and a very generous omega-3 and omega-6 profile, which can be helpful for skin and coat support. It’s a good option for adult cats who do well on a richer, grain-free kibble and may benefit from a different protein source than the usual chicken or beef.

Nutritional profile 8.0
Ingredient composition 8.0
Adequacy substantiation 7.0
Health considerations 10.0

Computed from 4 of 4 applicable checks. Missing data is skipped, never counted against a food.

The KibbleLab Score (1–10) is assessed from publicly available product data. Our evaluation is science-based, not marketing-based.

Nutritional profile Protein, fat, fiber on a dry-matter basis, for the stated life stage and format
Adequacy substantiation Complete and balanced substantiation; feeding trials valued higher
Ingredient composition Screened for unnamed sources, artificial additives, and label protein inflation. Not a quality ranking.
Health considerations Pulse-heavy grain-free (DCM) pattern and recall history
Verified manufacturer evidence A small bonus when we can verify evidence addressing WSAVA selection criteria
9.0 - 10 Top Pick
8.0 - 8.9 Strong Choice
7.0 - 7.9 Solid Option
6.0 - 6.9 Worth a Conversation
Below 6.0 Review Carefully

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At a Glance

Marketed Benefits
Where these benefits come from Benefits the manufacturer highlights in its own product marketing. KibbleLab lists them for reference and does not verify these claims.
Digestive Health Allergy Support Itch Relief Hot Spot Relief Skin Coat Health
Diet & Compliance
Limited Ingredient
Suitable For
Adult All Breed Sizes
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Nutritional Perspective

KibbleLab Review

Strengths

  • Quail and dehydrated quail as primary ingredients provide named, animal-based protein, with hydrolyzed fish and pork liver supporting digestibility and palatability.
  • Very good fatty acid profile for a dry cat food, with added herring oil, flaxseed, coconut, and declared omega-3 (1.2%) and omega-6 (2%) levels that can support skin and coat health.
  • Limited-ingredient style formula using a less common protein (quail), which may be useful for some cats that don’t tolerate more typical proteins.
  • Complete and balanced for adult maintenance according to AAFCO nutrient profiles, with added taurine (0.3%) and essential vitamins and chelated minerals for good nutrient support.

Considerations

  • Protein at 30% (dry food) is adequate for most adult cats, but more active or underweight cats may benefit from a higher-protein option if they don’t keep weight or muscle on this diet.
  • Contains pea starch as a key carbohydrate source; while not usually a problem, some cats with suspected sensitivities to legumes may not do as well on it.
  • Grain-free and relies on pea starch and sweet potato for carbohydrates; for cats with a history of obesity or very low activity, careful portion control is important due to the relatively high calorie density (about 390 kcal per cup).
Scored using the rubric of an NAVC Certified Pet Nutrition Coach (PNCC). This is informational, not veterinary advice.

Full Ingredient List

quail, dehydrated quail, pea starch, herring oil, quinoa seed, pork fat, hydrolyzed fish, sweet potatoes, hydrolyzed pork liver, natural flavors, flaxseed, dried coconut, turmeric, inulin, fructooligosaccharide, yeast extract, psyllium seed husk, L-Lysine, Cystine, L-Tryptophan, L-Carnitine, calcium carbonate, dicalcium phosphate, calcium sulfate dihydrate, potassium chloride, salt, brewers dried yeast, vitamin A supplement, vitamin D3 supplement, vitamin E supplement, ascorbic acid, niacin, calcium pantothenate, riboflavin, pyridoxine hydrochloride, thiamine hydrochloride, biotin, folic acid, vitamin B12 supplement, choline chloride, beta-carotene, zinc methionine hydroxy analogue chelate, manganese methionine hydroxy analogue chelate, ferrous glycine, copper methionine hydroxy analogue chelate, DL-Methionine, taurine, aloe vera gel concentrate, green tea extract, rosemary extract, mixed tocopherols (a preservative).

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
Quail
Quail is used in pet foods as a novel or alternative animal protein—available as meat, whole-ground bird, or meal—to provide high-quality, bioavailable protein and essential amino acids for both dogs and cats. It supplies B vitamins and minerals like iron, is often featured in limited-ingredient or hypoallergenic formulas, but pets can still develop sensitivities, raw or cooked bones may present hazards, and diets relying heavily on quail should be complete or balanced by formulation or supplementation.
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02
Quail
Quail is used in pet foods as a novel or alternative animal protein—available as meat, whole-ground bird, or meal—to provide high-quality, bioavailable protein and essential amino acids for both dogs and cats. It supplies B vitamins and minerals like iron, is often featured in limited-ingredient or hypoallergenic formulas, but pets can still develop sensitivities, raw or cooked bones may present hazards, and diets relying heavily on quail should be complete or balanced by formulation or supplementation.
View ingredient
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
Herring Oil
Herring oil is a fish-derived oil used in dog and cat diets as a concentrated source of long-chain omega‑3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA), which support healthy skin and coat, help modulate inflammation, and can benefit joint and cardiovascular health. It is calorically dense and can cause fishy odor or gastrointestinal upset in some pets, so quality, freshness, and dosing matter—products should be properly processed to limit oxidation and contamination and a veterinarian should be consulted for pets with bleeding disorders, pancreatitis, or when combining with certain medications.
05
Quinoa
Quinoa is used in pet foods as a cooked pseudo‑grain providing digestible carbohydrates, fiber and a relatively high‑quality plant protein with a broad amino acid profile. It supplies B vitamins and minerals (e.g., iron, magnesium) and can be a useful energy and fiber source for dogs, but should be cooked and rinsed to remove bitter saponins, offered in moderation due to calorie density and potential digestive upset, and it should not replace essential animal‑derived nutrients (such as taurine) required by cats.
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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.
As Fed
Crude Protein (min)
30.00%
Low High
Crude Fat (min)
16.00%
Low High
Crude Fiber (max)
2.30%
Low High
Moisture (max)
8.00%
Low High
1802
kcal / Lb
390
kcal / Cup
Moderate
Calorie density category
What is calorie density How many calories the food packs per unit. Denser foods mean smaller portions for the same calories.

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Product Details & Brand

Product Specs

Lifestage Adult
Breed size All Breed Sizes
Texture Kibble
Processing method Extruded
Food type Dry

AAFCO Nutritional Adequacy
What is AAFCO Association of American Feed Control Officials. It sets the nutritional adequacy standards US pet foods are measured against.

Complete & balanced Yes
AAFCO life stages Adult Maintenance
Substantiation Formulation
N&D Quinoa SKIN&COAT - Quail, quinoa, coconut and turmeric recipe for adult cats is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Cat Food Nutrient Profiles for maintenance

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.

Price tier $$$$

Manufacturer

Company name Farmina Pet Foods
Founded 1965
Headquarters Naples, Italy
Manufacturing type In House
Manufacturing country Italy; Serbia; Brazil
Manufacturing region Campania; Belgrade; Sao Paulo; North Carolina
Manufacturing oversight

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

No recalls on record

No recall is listed for Farmina Skin & Coat Quail Dry Cat Food.

Source: FDA animal food recall listings back to January 2019 · Checked daily, last on Sep 1, 2026

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KibbleLab food report
GREAT BOWL.
8.3 /10 Grade A
Skin & Coat Quail Dry Cat Food
Farmina · kibblelab.com

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Frequently Asked Questions

Has Farmina ever been recalled?

We have no recalls on record for Farmina. We track the FDA's animal food recall listings back to January 2019 and publish every pet food recall automatically. A filing that isn't pet food may not appear here.

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.

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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 listings. Last verified dates reflect our most recent data check. We track the FDA's animal food recall listings back to January 2019 and publish every pet food recall automatically. A filing that isn't pet food may not appear here.