Tender Centers Salmon & White Meat Chicken Flavors Dry Cat Food
Verified Jun 11, 2026
This is a dry cat food for all life stages that uses chicken by-product meal and salmon meal as its main animal protein sources, along with corn, soybean meal, and wheat for additional protein and carbohydrates. The formula provides moderate protein and fat for adult cats and growing kittens, plus added taurine, vitamins, and minerals for complete and balanced nutrition. It also includes synthetic and natural preservatives to help keep the food stable over time.
Nutritionally, this is a complete and balanced dry food suitable for adult cats, kittens, and pregnant or nursing queens, with adequate protein and fat levels for most healthy cats. It relies heavily on corn, soybean meal, and wheat for calories and plant-based protein, with animal protein coming mainly from chicken by-product meal and salmon meal. This can work well for many cats, but there are some considerations around common allergens and the use of artificial colors that some owners may prefer to avoid.
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At a Glance
KibbleLab Review
Strengths
- Meets AAFCO nutrient profiles for all life stages (including growth and reproduction), so it is formulated to support kittens, adults, and pregnant/nursing cats.
- Decent protein level for a dry food (minimum 31%) from chicken by-product meal and salmon meal, which can provide a good amino acid profile for cats.
- Includes taurine, essential vitamins, and minerals, plus added methionine and lysine to support overall health and proper protein utilization.
- Uses effective preservatives (including BHA and mixed tocopherols) to maintain freshness and reduce the risk of fat rancidity.
Considerations
- Contains multiple common feline allergens, including chicken (chicken by-product meal, chicken flavor), fish (salmon meal), soy, wheat, and corn, so it may not suit cats with food allergies or sensitivities to these ingredients.
- Relies significantly on plant-based ingredients (corn, soybean meal, wheat) for calories and part of the protein, which may not be ideal for cats that do better on more animal-heavy diets.
- Includes several artificial colors (Yellow 5, Yellow 6, Red 40, titanium dioxide), which are not nutritionally necessary for cats.
- Moderate fat level (minimum 11%) may be on the leaner side for very active or growing cats that need higher energy density, so portion control and body condition monitoring are important.
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
Corn
Corn is commonly used in dog and cat foods as a digestible source of carbohydrates and calories, and it also provides some plant protein, fiber, B vitamins and minerals while helping with kibble structure and palatability. While generally safe and economical, corn is relatively high in starch and has an incomplete amino acid profile for obligate carnivores (cats), can be a source of mycotoxin contamination if poorly stored, and although true corn allergies are uncommon, some pets may be sensitive, so quality and proper formulation with animal proteins are important.
02
Chicken By-Product
Chicken by-product is a common protein ingredient in pet foods made from edible parts of the bird not typically consumed by people—such as organs (liver, heart), necks and other tissues—and is used to add protein, flavor and nutrient density. It can provide concentrated protein, essential amino acids, B vitamins and minerals (and may contribute taurine when organ meats are included), but composition and quality vary by source, so pet parents concerned about sourcing, higher ash/fat content or chicken allergies should check the manufacturer’s labeling and quality standards.
03
Soybean
Soybean is a common plant-based ingredient in pet foods used as a concentrated protein and fat source (in forms such as soybean meal, soy protein concentrate/isolate, and soybean oil) that supplies essential amino acids, calories, and beneficial polyunsaturated fats. It can be a cost-effective, digestible protein for many dogs but is less ideal as the sole protein for obligate carnivores like cats and may trigger allergies or deliver phytoestrogens and antinutritional factors (e.g., trypsin inhibitors, phytates) that are typically reduced by proper processing, so diets using soy should be balanced and monitored.
04
Corn Protein Meal
Corn protein meal is a concentrated plant-based protein ingredient commonly used to raise crude protein and energy in dry kibbles, treats and some wet diets as a cost-effective alternative to animal protein sources. It provides digestible amino acids for dogs but has an incomplete amino acid profile (notably low in lysine and lacking taurine), so it should be balanced with higher-quality animal proteins for growing animals and obligate‑carnivore cats; some pets may also be sensitive to corn and quality/sourcing can affect safety and nutrient content.
05
Beef Tallow
Beef tallow is rendered beef fat used in pet foods as a concentrated energy and flavoring ingredient, providing dietary lipids that improve palatability and supply mainly saturated and monounsaturated fatty acids though it is not a notable source of essential omega‑3s. It can help support skin and coat condition and increase caloric density, but should be used in moderation because its high fat content can promote weight gain and may trigger gastrointestinal upset or pancreatitis in fat‑sensitive animals, and product quality/processing affect freshness and safety.
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
Meow Mix is a well-known cat food brand famous for its advertising campaigns and wide availability. It offers dry and wet cat food products emphasizing taste appeal for cats.
Visit Meow MixManufacturer
Products are manufactured in company-owned and partner facilities under the oversight of The J.M. Smucker Company’s quality assurance program, following FDA and AAFCO regulatory guidelines for pet food production.
Manufacturing details are compiled from public sources and not independently verified; they may not reflect contract manufacturing or co-packing.
Recall History
Meow Mix Tender Centers Salmon & White Meat Chicken Flavors Dry Cat Food has no recalls since 2014.
Source: FDA Pet Food Recall Database · Monitored daily
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Frequently Asked Questions
Has Meow Mix ever been recalled?
We have no recalls on record for Meow Mix. 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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