Cage Free Duck Meal & Blueberries Formula Dry Cat Food
Verified Jun 30, 2026
A limited-ingredient, pea-free dry cat food using duck meal as the single main animal protein source and potato as the carbohydrate base. It offers a relatively high protein and moderate fat level for cats at all life stages, with added taurine and controlled magnesium to support normal feline urinary health. Blueberries, kale, and added vitamins and minerals round out the formula for everyday feeding, especially for cats that may do better on a simpler ingredient list.
This is a high-quality, limited-ingredient dry food that should suit many healthy cats, including those needing a simpler recipe or avoiding common proteins like chicken and beef in the main meat source. The protein and fat levels are appropriate for most adult cats and growing kittens, and the controlled magnesium plus adequate moisture intake from other sources can support normal urinary health. It’s a good fit for owners looking for a single-main-protein, pea-free formula, as long as their cat tolerates duck, chicken fat, and potato well.
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
- Duck meal as the first ingredient provides a named, concentrated animal protein source with a solid overall protein level at 36%.
- Limited-ingredient and pea-free design can be helpful for some cats with more sensitive digestion or suspected reactions to more complex formulas.
- Formulated to be complete and balanced for all life stages according to AAFCO profiles, so it can be fed to both adult cats and kittens with appropriate portion control.
- Controlled magnesium (0.16% max) and added taurine (0.2% min) support typical feline urinary and heart/eye nutritional needs, and the calorie density is clearly stated per kg and per cup, which helps with precise feeding.
Considerations
- Although duck is the main protein, the recipe still contains chicken fat, so it’s not suitable for cats with true chicken allergies.
- Potato is the primary carbohydrate source; while acceptable nutritionally for most cats, very carb-sensitive or weight-prone cats may need careful portion control given the relatively high calories per cup (530 kcal).
- The phosphorus and calcium levels (1.3% and 2% min as-fed) are appropriate for growth but may be on the higher side for some older cats with kidney concerns, where a more restricted-mineral diet is often recommended under veterinary guidance.
- Brewer’s dried yeast is well tolerated by most cats but could be an issue for the rare cat with a yeast sensitivity.
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
Duck
Duck is used in pet food primarily as a flavorful animal protein and fat source, commonly included in limited-ingredient or novel-protein formulas for dogs and cats. It supplies high-quality amino acids and energy and can help pets with sensitivities to common proteins, but it is relatively rich in fat (so may be unsuitable for low‑fat or pancreatitis-prone animals), can still trigger allergies in some pets, and requires proper cooking/processing and handling to avoid bacterial contamination.
02
Potato
Potato is commonly used in pet foods as a digestible carbohydrate source and functional binder, supplying starch, fiber, and modest amounts of vitamins (B6, C) and potassium—often included as cooked or dehydrated flakes, starch, or protein concentrates. While it provides energy and helps formulate grain‑free recipes, potatoes are not a primary protein for dogs or cats (and are not nutritionally required for obligate‑carnivore cats), can contribute to excess calories or affect blood glucose in diabetic animals, and must be cooked and free of green skins or sprouts to avoid solanine toxicity; allergies are uncommon but possible.
03
Chicken Fat
Chicken fat is used in dog and cat foods as a concentrated energy and flavor source that supplies essential fatty acids (notably linoleic acid) and aids absorption of fat‑soluble vitamins, improving palatability and supporting skin and coat health. Because it is calorie‑dense, diets must account for added fat to prevent weight gain, and quality (proper rendering and antioxidant protection to prevent rancidity) is important; although fats are less commonly allergenic than proteins, pets with poultry sensitivities may still react in some cases.
04
Mixed Tocopherol
Mixed tocopherols are a blend of natural vitamin E compounds (alpha, beta, gamma and delta tocopherols) used in pet foods primarily as a natural antioxidant and preservative to protect fats and fat‑soluble nutrients and extend shelf life. They also supply dietary vitamin E—an essential antioxidant for immune function, skin and coat health and cellular integrity in dogs and cats—and are generally safe at typical use levels, though they are not a substitute for a complete vitamin formulation and may be less effective in animals with fat‑absorption disorders.
05
Blueberry
Blueberries are used in pet foods and treats as a low‑calorie source of dietary fiber, vitamins (notably vitamin C) and antioxidant phytochemicals (anthocyanins), providing natural color and mild flavor. They may support general antioxidant and digestive health in dogs and, to a lesser extent, cats (obligate carnivores), but should be offered in moderation due to natural sugars and possible gastrointestinal upset, and owners should avoid products with added sweeteners (especially xylitol) or harmful preservatives.
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
FirstMate is the flagship brand of FirstMate Pet Foods, offering premium, grain-free and limited-ingredient diets for dogs and cats. The brand focuses on nutrition, sustainability, and ingredient traceability, appealing to pet owners looking for high-quality, family-made Canadian pet food.
Visit FirstMateManufacturer
FirstMate Pet Foods owns and operates its own manufacturing facilities, ensuring complete control over production, quality, and safety standards. The company complies with HACCP and ISO safety and quality standards and follows CFIA and FDA guidelines.
Manufacturing details are compiled from public sources and not independently verified; they may not reflect contract manufacturing or co-packing.
Recall History
FirstMate Cage Free Duck Meal & Blueberries Formula Dry Cat Food has no recalls since 2014.
Source: FDA Pet Food Recall Database · Monitored daily
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Frequently Asked Questions
Has FirstMate ever been recalled?
We have no recalls on record for FirstMate. 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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