Skin & Coat Quail Dry Cat Food
Verified Jun 8, 2026
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.
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.
The KibbleLab Score (1–10) is assessed from publicly available product data. Our evaluation is science-based, not marketing-based.
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At a Glance
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).
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
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.
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.
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.
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 Skin & Coat Quail 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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