Real Salmon & Brown Rice Recipe Dry Cat Food
Verified Jun 3, 2026
A dry cat food formulated for all life stages, using salmon and fish meal as primary animal protein sources with brown rice, corn protein concentrate, and peas as key carbohydrate contributors. The recipe offers moderate-to-high protein and fat for most healthy cats, plus added omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. It is designed to provide complete and balanced daily nutrition for kittens through adults when fed as the main diet.
This is a solid, mid- to upper-tier dry cat food that should meet the needs of many healthy cats, including kittens and adults, when fed as directed. It provides good protein levels from a mix of salmon, fish meal, and plant-based sources, along with added omega fatty acids and taurine. It’s a reasonable choice for cats without specific medical or severe food allergy issues who do well on dry diets.
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At a Glance
KibbleLab Review
Strengths
- Uses salmon and fish meal as key animal protein sources, with an overall protein level (34% minimum) that is appropriate for most cats, including many kittens and active adults.
- Contains added omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, which help support skin, coat, and overall health needs in growing and adult cats.
- Formulated as a complete and balanced diet for all life stages, so it can be used for both kittens and adult cats under one product.
- Includes taurine and a standard vitamin–mineral premix to support essential feline nutrient requirements.
Considerations
- Protein comes from a mix of animal and plant sources (corn protein concentrate and peas), which is fine for most cats but may not be ideal if you prefer a more animal-heavy protein profile.
- Contains multiple common animal protein allergens (salmon/fish and chicken fat), so it would not be suitable for cats with known fish or poultry fat sensitivities.
- Calorie density is on the higher side at about 399 kcal per cup, so portion control is important, especially for indoor or less active cats to help prevent weight gain.
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
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
Fish
Fish is commonly used in pet foods as a highly digestible animal protein and an excellent source of omega‑3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA) that support skin and coat health, joint function, and cognitive development in both dogs and cats. It also supplies B vitamins and minerals but can be a common allergen, may contain environmental contaminants or mercury depending on species and sourcing, and raw fish can contain thiaminase—so choose properly processed, nutritionally balanced, and sustainably sourced fish ingredients.
03
Corn Protein Concentrate
Corn protein concentrate is a plant-derived, concentrated protein ingredient produced by removing much of the starch from corn and is used in pet foods to increase protein content as a vegetarian/plant-based protein source. It is economical and shelf-stable but has lower biological value and digestibility than most animal proteins, is relatively low in key amino acids such as lysine and provides little or no taurine for cats, so diets relying on it should be carefully formulated and supplemented; a small number of pets may also show sensitivity to corn.
04
Brown Rice
Brown rice is a whole-grain carbohydrate and fiber ingredient commonly used in dog and cat foods to provide digestible energy, dietary fiber, and modest amounts of B‑vitamins and minerals; it typically offers more nutrients and fiber than white rice. It’s generally well tolerated and can help with sensitive stomachs, but because it is high in carbohydrates (not a primary protein source) and can contain trace inorganic arsenic depending on sourcing, it should be included in balanced formulations and monitored in overweight or diabetic pets.
05
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.
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
Rachael Ray Nutrish is a pet food brand developed in partnership with celebrity chef Rachael Ray. Originally launched under Ainsworth Pet Nutrition, the brand was later owned by The J.M. Smucker Company before being acquired by Post Holdings in April 2023. Nutrish offers natural dog and cat food recipes emphasizing simple, wholesome ingredients.
Visit Rachael Ray NutrishManufacturer
Post Holdings operates manufacturing facilities acquired from J.M. Smucker, following FDA and AAFCO regulatory standards.
Manufacturing details are compiled from public sources and not independently verified; they may not reflect contract manufacturing or co-packing.
Recall History
Rachael Ray Nutrish Real Salmon & Brown Rice 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 Rachael Ray Nutrish ever been recalled?
We have no recalls on record for Rachael Ray Nutrish. 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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