Cat & Kitten Formula Dry Cat Food
Verified Jun 17, 2026
This is a grain-friendly dry food for kittens and adult cats, using chicken meal and ocean fish meal as concentrated protein sources. Oatmeal and brown rice provide digestible carbohydrates, and the recipe is fortified with taurine, vitamins, and chelated minerals for complete all-life-stage nutrition. It’s designed as a balanced everyday diet rather than a specialty or therapeutic formula.
This is a high-protein, high-fat dry food suitable for both growing kittens and adult cats, with chicken and fish meals providing dense, animal-based nutrition. The grain-friendly recipe avoids corn, wheat, soy, peas, and potatoes, using oatmeal and brown rice instead, which can work well for many cats’ digestion. Overall it’s a solid, well-balanced option for healthy kittens and adults, especially in multi-cat households where one food needs to cover all life stages.
The KibbleLab Score (1–10) is assessed from publicly available product data. Our evaluation is science-based, not marketing-based.
KibbleLab may earn an affiliate commission when you buy through a link. No one can pay for a higher score, or to change what we recommend for your pet.
At a Glance
KibbleLab Review
Strengths
- Good protein and fat levels for kittens and active adult cats (32% protein, 19% fat on an as-fed basis) from chicken meal and ocean fish meal.
- Formulated to meet AAFCO nutrient profiles for all life stages, so it can support both growth and adult maintenance.
- Grain-friendly formula using oatmeal and brown rice instead of peas, lentils, or potatoes, which avoids the current grain-free/legume-related DCM concerns in dogs and may be easier to tolerate for some cats.
- Includes taurine at a healthy level, plus chelated (proteinate) trace minerals and added fruits like blueberries, raspberries, and cranberries for micronutrient support.
Considerations
- Contains chicken and fish, which are common allergens for some cats; not ideal if your cat has known sensitivities to these proteins.
- The calorie density is quite high at 568 kcal per cup, so portion control is important to prevent weight gain, especially in indoor or less active adult cats.
- Dry kibble alone may not provide enough moisture for some cats prone to urinary issues, so pairing with increased water intake or some wet food can be helpful.
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
Ocean Fish
Ocean fish is commonly used in pet food as a high-quality animal protein and flavor ingredient and is valued for providing omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA) plus minerals like iodine and selenium that support skin and coat, joint, heart, and cognitive health in dogs and cats. While it offers important nutritional benefits, fish can be an allergen for some pets and may carry environmental contaminants (mercury, PCBs) depending on source, so responsible sourcing, proper processing, and variety in protein choices are recommended.
02
Chicken
Chicken is a common animal-based protein in dog and cat foods, supplying essential amino acids, B vitamins, and energy-dense fats that support muscle maintenance, growth, and overall health; for cats it also contributes toward dietary taurine but must be present in sufficient amounts or provided via supplementation. It is prized for its digestibility and palatability, though some pets develop sensitivities or allergies to chicken, and nutritional value and safety depend on ingredient quality and processing—raw chicken carries pathogen risks and whole bones can pose choking or GI hazards.
03
Oatmeal
Oatmeal is used in pet foods as a digestible carbohydrate and source of soluble fiber (notably beta‑glucans), serving as a gentle filler or binder that can support healthy digestion and steady energy release. It provides B vitamins and minerals, is generally well tolerated by dogs and many cats when cooked and plain, but should be free of added sugars or flavorings and used cautiously for overweight or diabetic pets or animals with individual grain sensitivities.
04
Brown Rice
Brown rice is a whole-grain carbohydrate and fiber ingredient commonly used in dog and cat foods to provide digestible energy, dietary fiber, and modest amounts of B‑vitamins and minerals; it typically offers more nutrients and fiber than white rice. It’s generally well tolerated and can help with sensitive stomachs, but because it is high in carbohydrates (not a primary protein source) and can contain trace inorganic arsenic depending on sourcing, it should be included in balanced formulations and monitored in overweight or diabetic pets.
05
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.
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 Cat & Kitten 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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