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Ultra Protein Real Salmon & Chicken Meal Recipe Dry Cat Food
Natural Balance

Ultra Protein Real Salmon & Chicken Meal Recipe Dry Cat Food

Verified Jun 11, 2026

Cat · Dry All Life Stages All Breed Sizes

This is a high-protein dry cat food for all life stages, built around salmon, chicken meal, and turkey meal as the main animal protein sources. It also includes organ meats like chicken hearts and liver, plus added taurine and omega fatty acids to support overall health. The formula is designed for cats who thrive on a richer protein level, from active adults to growing kittens and nursing moms.

Over-the-counter AAFCO No recalls
Official product page
KibbleLab Score
8.6 out of 10

This is an excellent high-protein dry diet for cats that delivers substantial animal-based protein along with balanced fat and fiber levels. It’s formulated to be complete and balanced for all life stages, making it suitable for kittens, adults, and pregnant or nursing cats as long as they tolerate the ingredients well. The inclusion of organ meats, omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, and taurine adds good nutritional value for most healthy cats.

The KibbleLab Score (1–10) is assessed from publicly available product data. Our evaluation is science-based, not marketing-based.

Ingredient composition Quality, beneficial additions, absence of artificial colors/flavors
Nutritional profile Protein, fat, fiber evaluated for stated life stage and food type
AAFCO compliance Complete and balanced certification; feeding trials valued higher
Health considerations Sensitivity profile, DCM risk, processing method
9.0 – 10 Top Pick
8.0 – 8.9 Strong Choice
7.0 – 7.9 Solid Option
6.0 – 6.9 Worth a Conversation
Below 6 Not Recommended

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

Health Benefits
Digestive Health Immune Support High Energy
Suitable For
All Life Stages All Breed Sizes
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Nutritional Perspective

KibbleLab Review

Strengths

  • Very high protein level for a dry food (minimum 40%) from multiple named animal sources, including salmon, chicken meal, and turkey meal, which helps meet cats’ natural protein needs.
  • Contains nutrient-dense organ meats (chicken hearts and liver), which provide additional amino acids, vitamins, and minerals beyond muscle meat alone.
  • Includes omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids (from salmon, chicken fat, and flaxseed), which support skin, coat, and overall health.
  • AAFCO complete and balanced for all life stages by formulation, so it can be fed to kittens, adults, and pregnant or nursing cats if appropriate for their individual needs.

Considerations

  • Peas, chickpeas, and pea protein are prominent ingredients; while common in many grain-free diets, some cats with sensitive digestion may not do well with higher legume content.
  • Contains multiple common protein allergens (fish, chicken, turkey), so it would not be appropriate for cats with known allergies to any of these ingredients.
  • At 3598 kcal/kg and 395 kcal per cup, this is a relatively calorie-dense food, so portion control is important to help prevent weight gain in less active indoor cats.
Scored using the rubric of an NAVC Certified Pet Nutrition Coach (PNCC). This is informational, not veterinary advice.

Full Ingredient List

Salmon, Chicken Meal, Turkey Meal, Peas, Dried Yeast, Chickpeas, Chicken Fat (Preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Pea Protein, Chicken Hearts, Chicken Liver, Flaxseed, Natural Flavor, Choline Chloride, Dried Plain Beet Pulp, Vitamins (Vitamin E Supplement, Ascorbic Acid, Niacin Supplement, Vitamin A Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate, d-Calcium Pantothenate, Riboflavin Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Folic Acid, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Biotin), Taurine, Minerals (Zinc Proteinate, Zinc Sulfate, Ferrous Sulfate, Iron Proteinate, Copper Sulfate, Copper Proteinate, Sodium Selenite, Manganese Sulfate, Manganese Proteinate, Calcium Iodate), Salt, Potassium Chloride, Mixed Tocopherols (Preservative), Rosemary Extract.

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
Salmon
Salmon is commonly used as a high-quality animal protein and rich source of omega‑3 fatty acids (EPA/DHA) in dog and cat foods, supporting skin and coat condition, joint and cognitive health, and overall muscle maintenance. While very nutritious, salmon can be an allergen for some pets and raw salmon may pose risks from parasites, thiaminase-related thiamine loss, and region-specific pathogens (e.g., salmon poisoning); owners should avoid feeding uncooked bones and consider sourcing to minimize contaminant and sustainability concerns.
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
Yeast
Yeast (such as brewer’s, nutritional yeast, or yeast extracts) is used in pet foods as a palatability enhancer, a supplemental protein and B‑vitamin source, and for functional components like beta‑glucans and mannans that can support immune and gut health. It can help with appetite, skin/coat quality and digestion, but some pets may be allergic, product strains and processing vary in quality, and higher purine or added-salt levels in certain yeast products can be a concern for animals with specific medical or dietary restrictions.

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.
As Fed
Crude Protein (min)
40.00%
Low High
Crude Fat (min)
14.00%
Low High
Crude Fiber (max)
4.00%
Low High
Moisture (max)
10.00%
Low High
3598
kcal / Kg
395
kcal / Cup
Moderate
Calorie density category
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

Lifestage All Life Stages
Breed size All Breed Sizes
Texture Kibble
Food type Dry

AAFCO Nutritional Adequacy
What is AAFCO Association of American Feed Control Officials. It sets the nutritional adequacy standards US pet foods are measured against.

Complete & balanced Yes
AAFCO life stages All Life Stages
Substantiation Formulation
Natural Balance Ultra Protein Real Salmon & Chicken Meal Recipe Cat Food is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Cat Food Nutrient Profiles for All Life Stages.

Brand

Natural Balance

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 Balance
Price tier $$$$

Manufacturer

Company name Natural Balance Pet Foods
Parent company Ethos Pet Brands (L Catterton / Nexus Capital)
Founded 1989
Headquarters Burbank, California, USA
Manufacturing type Co Packer
Manufacturing country United States
Manufacturing region California
Manufacturing oversight

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

No recalls on record

Natural Balance Ultra Protein Real Salmon & Chicken Meal Recipe Dry Cat Food has no recalls since 2014.

Source: FDA Pet Food Recall Database · Monitored daily

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KibbleLab food report
GREAT BOWL.
8.6 /10 Grade A
Ultra Protein Real Salmon & Chicken Meal Recipe Dry Cat Food
Natural Balance · kibblelab.com

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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.

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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.