Cat Chow Complete High Protein With Real Salmon Dry Cat Food
Verified Jun 16, 2026
This is a dry, all-life-stages cat food that uses chicken by-product meal as the main protein source, supported by corn, wheat, rice, and soybean meal for additional protein and carbohydrates. It includes real salmon and fish meal in smaller amounts, plus added taurine, essential fatty acids, and vitamins and minerals for complete and balanced nutrition. It’s designed for healthy kittens through adult cats who do well on a traditional, grain-inclusive kibble.
Nutritionally, this is a solid, all-purpose dry food that meets AAFCO standards for all life stages, including growth, with a reasonable 32% protein and 12% fat level suitable for most healthy cats. It relies on chicken by-product meal and plant proteins rather than large amounts of whole meat, but those ingredients are still very capable of providing complete amino acid nutrition when formulated correctly. This kind of formula can work well for many cats, as long as they don’t have specific issues with chicken or common grains like corn or wheat.
The KibbleLab Score (1–10) is assessed from publicly available product data. Our evaluation is science-based, not marketing-based.
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
KibbleLab Review
Strengths
- Complete and balanced for all life stages, so it can be fed to both kittens and adult cats if needed.
- Chicken by-product meal as the first ingredient offers concentrated, highly nutritious animal protein, with added taurine for heart and eye health.
- Moderate protein (32%) and fat (12%) levels are appropriate for many indoor adult cats and growing kittens when portions are managed.
- Includes corn, wheat, rice, and soybean meal, which provide digestible energy and additional protein, and added linoleic acid for skin and coat support.
Considerations
- Contains chicken by-product meal, salmon, fish meal, and soybean meal, so it is not a good choice for cats with known allergies or sensitivities to chicken, fish, or soy.
- Uses multiple grains (corn, wheat, rice), which are fine for most cats but may not suit those needing a grain-restricted diet for specific medical reasons.
- Includes artificial colors (Red 40, Yellow 5, Blue 2), which do not add nutritional value and are best avoided in cats with very sensitive systems.
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 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.
02
Yellow Corn
Yellow corn is commonly used in pet foods as a digestible carbohydrate and energy source, supplying starch, some fiber, plant-based protein, B vitamins and carotenoids like lutein. It is a cost-effective ingredient that dogs digest well (cats, as obligate carnivores, do not require carbohydrates), but corn’s protein is lower in certain essential amino acids, it can add excess calories if overused, and quality control is important to minimize contaminants (e.g., mycotoxins) and address rare food sensitivities.
03
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.
04
Whole Grain Wheat
Whole grain wheat is used in pet foods as a digestible source of carbohydrates, fiber and some plant protein, and provides B‑vitamins and minerals to supply energy and help support stool quality—its nutritional contribution is typically more relevant for dogs than for obligate‑carnivore cats. While whole wheat retains more nutrients and fiber than refined wheat, it is calorie‑dense and can trigger gluten or grain sensitivities in a minority of pets, so animals with known wheat allergies or weight management concerns may be better served by wheat‑free or lower‑carbohydrate options.
05
Rice
Rice is a common carbohydrate source and binder in dog and cat foods, supplying readily digestible energy and often used in formulations for sensitive stomachs or hypoallergenic diets. White rice is gentle and easy to digest while brown rice provides more fiber and micronutrients, but rice is low in essential amino acids, has a relatively high glycemic index, and can accumulate trace arsenic, so it should not be relied on as a primary protein and portions should be considered for diabetic or weight‑management pets.
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
Purina Cat Chow is a staple mid-range cat food brand emphasizing everyday nutrition, variety, and affordability. The brand markets balanced nutrition for cats of all life stages.
Visit Purina Cat ChowManufacturer
Nestlé Purina operates its own manufacturing facilities in the United States and globally with rigorous quality assurance programs. Facilities comply with FDA and USDA standards and implement HACCP-based food safety systems. The company conducts AAFCO feeding trials and employs board-certified veterinary nutritionists.
Manufacturing details are compiled from public sources and not independently verified; they may not reflect contract manufacturing or co-packing.
Recall History
Purina Cat Chow Cat Chow Complete High Protein With Real Salmon Dry Cat Food has no recalls since 2014.
Source: FDA Pet Food Recall Database · Monitored daily
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Frequently Asked Questions
Has Purina Cat Chow ever been recalled?
We have no recalls on record for Purina Cat Chow. 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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