Skip to content

7,500+ pet foods rated. Your best match, free in 30 seconds.

Back
Original Indoor Kitten Salmon Dry Cat Food
Simply Nourish

Original Indoor Kitten Salmon Dry Cat Food

Verified Aug 18, 2026

Cat · Dry Kitten All Breed Sizes

This is a high-protein, with-grain dry food formulated for indoor kittens, using deboned salmon and fish meal as the main animal protein sources. Brown rice, barley, and oatmeal provide carbohydrates and fiber, while added DHA, taurine, and omega fatty acids support healthy growth and development. It’s designed to fuel active kittens with concentrated calories in a small kibble portion.

Jump to ingredients
Over-the-counter No recalls

Affiliate link · may earn a commission at no extra cost to you

Official product page
KibbleLab Score
9.3 out of 10

Top Pick

Overall, this looks like a nutrient-dense dry food suitable for growing indoor kittens who do well with fish-based diets. It offers high protein and fat levels that match the needs of rapidly growing kittens, along with added DHA and taurine. It can work well for owners who prefer a salmon-focused formula and are comfortable with a legume-containing, with-grain food.

Nutritional profile 10.0
Ingredient composition 8.0
Health considerations 10.0

Computed from 3 of 4 applicable checks. Missing data is skipped, never counted against a food.

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

Nutritional profile Protein, fat, fiber on a dry-matter basis, for the stated life stage and format
Adequacy substantiation Complete and balanced substantiation; feeding trials valued higher
Ingredient composition Screened for unnamed sources, artificial additives, and label protein inflation. Not a quality ranking.
Health considerations Pulse-heavy grain-free (DCM) pattern and recall history
Verified manufacturer evidence A small bonus when we can verify evidence addressing WSAVA selection criteria
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 6.0 Review Carefully

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

Marketed Benefits
Where these benefits come from Benefits the manufacturer highlights in its own product marketing. KibbleLab lists them for reference and does not verify these claims.
Brain Health Eye Health Heart Care
Suitable For
Kitten All Breed Sizes
Does this food work for your pet?
We'll check every ingredient against your pet's sensitivities and avoidance list.

Nutritional Perspective

KibbleLab Review

Strengths

  • Deboned salmon as the first ingredient provides highly digestible animal protein for growing kittens.
  • The 38% protein and 18% fat give kittens the energy and amino acids they need for healthy growth.
  • Includes DHA, taurine, and omega-3 and -6 fatty acids to support brain, eye, heart, and skin health.
  • Uses digestible whole grains like brown rice, barley, and oatmeal instead of relying only on starches.

Considerations

  • Fish-based diets can be an issue for kittens with fish allergies or for cats that tend to become fixated on fish flavors.
  • Pea protein is fairly high on the list, so some of the protein comes from plant sources rather than only animal sources.
  • At 425 calories per cup, this food is quite calorie-dense, so portions need to be measured carefully to avoid overfeeding.
  • Includes menadione (a synthetic vitamin K source), which some owners prefer to avoid, though it is allowed in pet foods.
Scored using the rubric of an NAVC Certified Pet Nutrition Coach (PNCC). This is informational, not veterinary advice.

Full Ingredient List

Deboned Salmon (Source Of DHA), Fish Meal, Pea Protein, Salmon Meal, Ground Brown Rice, Vegetable Oil (Preserved With Mixed Tocopherols), Whole Flaxseed, Pearled Barley, Oatmeal, Natural Flavor, Dried Chicory Root, Pea Fiber, Dried Cranberries, Salt, Choline Chloride, Potassium Chloride, Taurine, Vitamins (Vitamin E Supplement, Niacin Supplement, Vitamin A Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate, d-Calcium Pantothenate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Riboflavin Supplement, Biotin, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Menadione Sodium Bisulfite Complex, Folic Acid, Vitamin D3 Supplement), DL-Methionine, Minerals (Potassium Chloride, Zinc Sulfate, Zinc Proteinate, Iron Proteinate, Ferrous Sulfate, Copper Sulfate, Copper Proteinate, Manganese Sulfate, Sodium Selenite, Manganese Proteinate, Calcium Iodate), Citric Acid A (Preservative), Mixed Tocopherols (A 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.
View ingredient
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
Pea Protein
Pea protein is a concentrated plant-based protein and functional ingredient in pet foods used to raise protein levels, improve texture and contribute soluble fiber, vitamins and minerals. It can be a useful, digestible protein source for dogs and a supplemental protein in some cat formulas, but because it is lower in certain essential amino acids (and cats are obligate carnivores), diets relying heavily on pea protein should be formulated to meet AAFCO nutrient profiles and owners should note potential legume sensitivities and the debated link between high‑pulse, grain‑free diets and canine heart concerns.
04
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.
View ingredient
05
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.

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)
38.00%
Low High
Crude Fat (min)
18.00%
Low High
Crude Fiber (max)
4.00%
Low High
Moisture (max)
10.00%
Low High
3741
kcal / Kg
425
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.

Not sure how much of this to feed?

The right daily portion depends on your cat's weight, age, and activity level. Create a free account, add your cat, and get their daily calories and portion sizes.


Product Details & Brand

Product Specs

Lifestage Kitten
Breed size All Breed Sizes
Texture Kibble
Food type Dry

Brand

Simply Nourish is a PetSmart-exclusive, proprietary pet food brand introduced in 2011. It offers dry and wet foods, meal toppers, and treats for dogs and cats. Current ranges include Original, Source, and Limited Ingredient Diet, plus a dog-only Fresh Market frozen line.

Price tier $$$

Manufacturer

Company name PetSmart LLC
Founded 1986
Headquarters Phoenix, Arizona, USA
Manufacturing type Co Packer
Manufacturing oversight

PetSmart does not manufacture Simply Nourish itself; production is handled by third-party suppliers, and the manufacturer and country of production vary by product.

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

No recall is listed for Simply Nourish Original Indoor Kitten Salmon Dry Cat Food.

Source: FDA animal food recall listings back to January 2019 · Checked daily, last on Aug 31, 2026

Unlock More

Sign up for the full picture

Ingredient Check

We'll check every ingredient against your pet's profile.

Feeding Calculator

Personalized portion sizes based on your pet's weight, age, and activity level.

Side-by-Side Comparison

Compare this food with alternatives to find the best fit.


Share this food
KibbleLab food report
TOP TIER.
9.3 /10 Grade A+
Original Indoor Kitten Salmon Dry Cat Food
Simply Nourish · kibblelab.com

Post your cat's report card and challenge friends to check their food.


Frequently Asked Questions

Has Simply Nourish ever been recalled?

We have no recalls on record for Simply Nourish. We track the FDA's animal food recall listings back to January 2019 and publish every pet food recall automatically. A filing that isn't pet food may not appear here.

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.

What does YOUR pet eat?
Look up any dog or cat food. Free, takes 30 seconds, no sign-up.
Check a Food

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 listings. Last verified dates reflect our most recent data check. We track the FDA's animal food recall listings back to January 2019 and publish every pet food recall automatically. A filing that isn't pet food may not appear here.