Ultra Protein Real Chicken & Chicken Meal Kitten Recipe Dry Cat Food
Verified Jul 17, 2026
This is a high-protein dry kitten food centered around chicken, chicken meal, and turkey meal, with added organ meats like chicken hearts and liver for extra nutrients and flavor. Peas, chickpeas, and flaxseed contribute carbohydrates and fiber, while fish oil and added omega fats support skin, coat, and overall development. It is formulated as a complete and balanced diet for kittens and other life stages that need a calorie-dense, nutrient-rich food.
Nutritionally, this is a strong, protein-focused dry food for kittens, with multiple animal protein sources at the top of the ingredient list and an overall 40% minimum protein content. The inclusion of organ meats, fish oil, taurine, and a full complement of vitamins and minerals makes it well-suited for growth and active young cats. The main nutritional caveat is the reliance on peas, chickpeas, and pea protein, which are plant proteins and also tie into current concerns about legume-heavy diets, especially for dogs (less clearly defined for cats but still worth noting).
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At a Glance
KibbleLab Review
Strengths
- High animal-protein content, with chicken, chicken meal, and turkey meal leading the ingredient list and a 40% minimum crude protein level that supports kitten growth and lean body mass.
- Includes nutrient-dense organ meats (chicken hearts and liver) plus added taurine, which are very helpful for meeting kittens’ specific amino acid needs.
- Contains fish oil and guaranteed omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, which can support skin, coat, and overall development in growing kittens.
- AAFCO complete and balanced for all life stages, meaning it is appropriate not only for kittens but also for adult cats who do well on a higher-protein, calorie-dense diet.
Considerations
- Peas, chickpeas, and pea protein are prominent ingredients and contribute a meaningful amount of plant-based protein; while not inherently bad, they do dilute the proportion of protein coming strictly from meat sources.
- Legumes (peas, chickpeas) are a key carbohydrate source; while the current heart-disease concern is better documented in dogs than cats, some owners prefer to limit legume-heavy formulas out of caution.
- Chicken appears in multiple forms (fresh, meal, organs, fat), so this recipe would not be appropriate for kittens with known chicken allergies or suspected sensitivities.
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
Pea
Pea is a plant-based ingredient used in pet foods as a source of protein, soluble and insoluble fiber, and micronutrients (often included as whole peas, pea flour, or pea protein concentrate) to boost protein content and improve texture. While peas can provide digestible carbohydrates, fiber, and some plant protein useful especially for dogs, they are not a complete protein for obligate carnivores like cats and — when overused, particularly in concentrated forms or as a major component of grain‑free diets — have been scrutinized for a possible association with canine dilated cardiomyopathy and can contribute to nutrient imbalances or excess calories, so balanced formulation and compliance with AAFCO nutritional profiles are important.
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
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
Natural Balance is a premium pet food brand focused on delivering nutritionally balanced diets made with high-quality ingredients. It is best known for its Limited Ingredient Diets, which feature simple ingredient lists designed for pets with food sensitivities. The brand also offers targeted formulas for different life stages and dietary needs. Natural Balance markets itself as a transparent and science-informed brand catering to pet owners seeking reliable, health-conscious nutrition for their pets.
Visit Natural BalanceManufacturer
Natural Balance sources and manufactures its products primarily in the United States. Its manufacturing facilities adhere to FDA and AAFCO regulations for pet food production, with quality control protocols that include routine testing for contaminants and nutritional accuracy. Production oversight includes partnerships with certified and audited co-packers to ensure consistency and safety.
Manufacturing details are compiled from public sources and not independently verified; they may not reflect contract manufacturing or co-packing.
Recall History
Natural Balance Ultra Protein Real Chicken & Chicken Meal Kitten Recipe Dry Cat Food has no recalls since 2014.
Source: FDA Pet Food Recall Database · Monitored daily
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Frequently Asked Questions
Has Natural Balance ever been recalled?
We have no recalls on record for Natural Balance. 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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