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Salmon Freeze Dried Cat Food
PureBites

Salmon Freeze Dried Cat Food

Verified Jun 10, 2026

Cat · Dry All Life Stages All Breed Sizes

A very high-protein, freeze-dried raw salmon recipe designed as a complete and balanced food for cats of all life stages, or as a high-value topper. Salmon is the only animal protein source, with added flaxseed, fish oil, and kelp contributing fats, fiber, and micronutrients. This limited-ingredient formula can suit many cats that need a simple, salmon-based diet while still meeting full nutritional needs.

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

This is a high-protein, high-fat freeze-dried raw salmon formula that offers complete and balanced nutrition for cats at any life stage. It uses salmon as the sole animal protein and includes added taurine, chelated minerals, and vitamin supplementation, which is important in raw-style diets. It can work well either as a primary diet for healthy cats used to rich foods or as a nutrient-dense topper to boost protein and palatability on another diet.

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
Allergy Support Diabetic Support Sensitive Stomach
Diet & Compliance
Limited Ingredient
Suitable For
All Life Stages All Breed Sizes
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Nutritional Perspective

KibbleLab Review

Strengths

  • Very high protein (69% as-fed) and high fat (24% as-fed), which is in line with the nutrient-dense needs of carnivorous cats, especially when rehydrated.
  • Salmon as the single animal protein source, with a relatively short, limited-ingredient list that can help some cats with food sensitivities or simple-ingredient preferences.
  • Freeze-dried raw processing helps preserve nutrients and flavor while offering the convenience of a dry product that can be fed as is or rehydrated.
  • Meets AAFCO nutrient profiles for all life stages by formulation, with added taurine and chelated (proteinate) trace minerals to support appropriate micronutrient intake.

Considerations

  • Very energy-dense (about 4,267 kcal/kg), so portion sizes will be small; overfeeding is easy if you don’t carefully measure, especially for indoor or less active cats.
  • High fat content may be too rich for some cats with a history of pancreatitis or fat-sensitive digestive issues; those cats often do better on more moderate-fat diets.
  • Salmon and fish oil are common allergens for some cats, so this wouldn’t be suitable if your cat has known fish or salmon allergies.
  • Powdered, freeze-dried pieces can be quite dry if not rehydrated; cats that don’t drink much water with meals may do better if you routinely add water to this food.
Scored using the rubric of an NAVC Certified Pet Nutrition Coach (PNCC). This is informational, not veterinary advice.

Full Ingredient List

American Sourced human grade salmon, flaxseed, gelatin, dried kelp, mixed tocopherols (preservative), psyllium seed husk, inulin, potassium chloride, salt, fish oil, dulse powder, zinc proteinate, taurine, iron proteinate, vitamin E supplement, copper proteinate, manganese proteinate, vitamin A supplement, thiamine mononitrate, pyridoxine hydrochloride, vitamin D3 supplement, 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
Flaxseed
Flaxseed is used in pet foods as a plant-based source of alpha‑linolenic acid (ALA) omega‑3, soluble and insoluble fiber, and modest protein, often added to support skin and coat condition, digestive health, and kibble texture; ground seed or flaxseed oil is more digestible than whole seed. Dogs can partially convert ALA to long‑chain EPA/DHA but cats convert ALA poorly and therefore still need marine sources for essential DHA/EPA; flax is calorie‑dense, prone to oxidation if not stabilized, and contains lignans (phytoestrogens) and trace cyanogenic compounds, so it should be processed and used in moderation.
03
Gelatin
Gelatin, a collagen-derived gelling agent and binder, is commonly used in pet treats, chews and wet foods to improve texture, moisture retention and as an ingredient in joint or skin supplements. It provides collagen-related amino acids (e.g., glycine and proline) that may support joint and coat health but is not a complete protein—lacking essential amino acids such as tryptophan and taurine—so it should not replace balanced animal protein; source and quality (bovine vs. porcine) can matter for dietary preferences and safety concerns.
04
Kelp
Kelp is a dried seaweed ingredient used in dog and cat foods primarily for trace minerals (notably iodine), vitamins, fiber, and natural flavor rather than as a significant protein or energy source. It can support skin, coat and general micronutrient intake, but iodine levels are highly variable and excessive iodine or contaminants from poorly sourced kelp can affect thyroid function or introduce heavy metals, so pets with thyroid disease should have intake discussed with their veterinarian and products should come from reputable suppliers.
05
Mixed Tocopherol
Mixed tocopherols are a blend of natural vitamin E compounds (alpha, beta, gamma and delta tocopherols) used in pet foods primarily as a natural antioxidant and preservative to protect fats and fat‑soluble nutrients and extend shelf life. They also supply dietary vitamin E—an essential antioxidant for immune function, skin and coat health and cellular integrity in dogs and cats—and are generally safe at typical use levels, though they are not a substitute for a complete vitamin formulation and may be less effective in animals with fat‑absorption disorders.

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
Protein (min)
69.00%
Low High
Fat (min)
24.00%
Low High
Fiber (max)
2.00%
Low High
Moisture (max)
5.00%
Low High
4267
kcal / Kg
2
kcal / Morsel
High
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 Whole Pieces
Processing method Freeze Dried
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
PureBites Salmon Recipe is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Cat Food Nutrient Profiles for all life stages.

Brand

PureBites

PureBites is a pet treat and food brand specializing in high-quality, single-ingredient treats and freeze-dried raw foods for dogs and cats. The brand targets health-conscious pet owners seeking minimally processed, natural protein sources. Its products are marketed as pure and simple, focusing on nutritional transparency and limited ingredients.

Visit PureBites
Price tier $$$$

Manufacturer

Company name Pure Treats Inc.
Founded 2005
Headquarters Vaudreuil-Dorion, Quebec, Canada
Manufacturing type In House
Manufacturing country United States; Canada
Manufacturing region Texas; Quebec
Manufacturing oversight

Pure Treats Inc. oversees manufacturing operations in North America with strict adherence to food safety and quality assurance programs, including sourcing from USDA-inspected facilities and maintaining traceability of raw materials. Products are made under standards that meet or exceed applicable Canadian and U.S. pet food regulations.

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

PureBites Salmon Freeze Dried Cat Food has no recalls since 2014.

Source: FDA Pet Food Recall Database · Monitored daily

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KibbleLab food report
GREAT BOWL.
8.8 /10 Grade A
Salmon Freeze Dried Cat Food
PureBites · kibblelab.com

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Frequently Asked Questions

Has PureBites ever been recalled?

We have no recalls on record for PureBites. 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.