Healthy Start Complete & Balanced Kitten Chicken Recipe Dry Food
Verified Jun 16, 2026
A high-protein dry kitten food featuring chicken and turkey meals as the main protein sources, supported by dried egg for additional amino acids. Chickpeas, lentils, and peas provide carbohydrates and fiber, while salmon oil and flaxseed contribute omega fatty acids. This recipe is designed for growing kittens and aims to support healthy development and energy needs from 12 weeks of age onward.
This is a high-protein, energy-dense dry food that should suit most healthy, growing kittens who do well on chicken-based diets. It uses multiple animal protein sources plus egg, and includes omega-rich salmon oil and flaxseed, which can help support skin, coat, and overall growth. The reliance on several legumes fairly high in the ingredient list is something to be aware of, but the animal proteins still clearly lead the formula.
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At a Glance
KibbleLab Review
Strengths
- Very high protein (43% as-fed) and fat (20% as-fed), which is appropriate for the high energy and growth demands of kittens.
- Multiple high-quality animal protein sources (chicken, chicken meal, turkey meal, dried egg) provide a good amino acid profile for development.
- Includes salmon oil and flaxseed, supplying omega fatty acids that can support skin, coat, brain, and eye development.
- Contains added taurine and a full vitamin and chelated mineral mix, indicating attention to essential micronutrient needs for kittens.
Considerations
- Contains several common protein allergens (chicken, egg, fish), so it would not be suitable for kittens with known sensitivities to these ingredients.
- Chickpeas, lentils, and peas appear relatively high in the ingredient list; while animal proteins come first, some cats with digestive sensitivities may not do as well on legume-inclusive diets.
- The calorie density is quite high (4075 kcal/kg), so portions will need to be measured carefully to avoid unwanted weight gain, especially in indoor kittens who are less active.
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
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.
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
Turkey
Turkey is commonly used as a primary animal protein in dog and cat foods, offering highly digestible, high‑quality protein and supplying essential amino acids along with B vitamins, phosphorus and zinc to support muscle maintenance and metabolism. Its fat level varies by cut so products can be lean or richer; some pets may develop allergies to poultry, cooked bones are hazardous, raw meat carries bacterial risk, and owners should rely on balanced commercial formulations (and ensure adequate taurine for cats) if turkey is a main ingredient.
04
Egg
Eggs are used in pet foods as a highly digestible, complete animal protein and nutrient source—providing essential amino acids, bioavailable vitamins (A, D, E, B-complex including B12), minerals like selenium and iron, choline and healthy fats—while also improving palatability and texture. They support muscle maintenance, skin/coat and cognitive health in dogs and cats, but raw eggs can carry bacterial risk and contain avidin in whites that may reduce biotin with long-term feeding; some pets may also have egg allergies or require portion control for calorie management.
05
Chickpea
Chickpeas are a legume commonly used in pet foods as a plant-based protein, source of digestible carbohydrates, and supply of soluble and insoluble fiber that helps with stool quality and satiety. They can be a useful ingredient for dogs but are not a complete protein for obligate carnivores like cats and may cause gas or digestive upset if underprocessed; additionally, high inclusion of legumes in some grain‑free diets has been discussed as a potential factor in canine dilated cardiomyopathy so diets should be balanced and any concerns discussed with your veterinarian.
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
Brand
Applaws is a premium pet food brand focusing on natural ingredients and simple recipes for cats and dogs. It is known for its high meat content, transparent labeling, and grain-free offerings targeted at health-conscious pet owners seeking minimally processed food options.
Visit ApplawsManufacturer
MPM Products works with audited co-manufacturers that comply with international pet food safety standards such as HACCP and GMP. Their manufacturing partners are located primarily in Thailand and the UK, and they ensure ingredient traceability and quality through third-party certification and oversight.
Manufacturing details are compiled from public sources and not independently verified; they may not reflect contract manufacturing or co-packing.
Recall History
Applaws Healthy Start Complete & Balanced Kitten Chicken Recipe Dry Food has no recalls since 2014.
Source: FDA Pet Food Recall Database · Monitored daily
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Frequently Asked Questions
Has Applaws ever been recalled?
We have no recalls on record for Applaws. 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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