VFS Powercat Herring & Salmon Dry Cat Food
Verified Jun 17, 2026
This is a very high-protein, fish-based dry food for kittens and adult cats, using herring and salmon as the main animal ingredients with relatively low carbohydrate content. It includes added taurine, omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, and probiotics to support overall health, skin and coat, and digestion. The formula avoids peas, lentils, legumes, and grains, which may appeal to cats that do better on a more meat-focused diet.
Nutritionally, this is a very strong dry food option for healthy kittens and adult cats who do well on fish. It offers high protein and fat levels appropriate for all life stages, with relatively low starch and added omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids for skin and coat. The use of a named fish as the first ingredient plus supplemental fish meals suggests a good-quality animal protein base, though it may not suit cats with fish allergies or very sensitive stomachs.
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At a Glance
KibbleLab Review
Strengths
- Very high protein and fat levels are appropriate for active cats and growing kittens when fed in the right amounts.
- Herring and salmon meals provide concentrated, high‑quality animal protein and natural omega‑3 fatty acids.
- Starch content is relatively low for a kibble, which can be helpful for cats that don’t tolerate high-carb diets well.
- Includes taurine, omega-3 and omega-6 fats, vitamins, minerals, and a probiotic to support overall health and digestion.
Considerations
- Fish is a common food allergen for some cats, so this diet would not be suitable for those with known fish sensitivities.
- High fat and calorie density mean portions need to be measured carefully to avoid unwanted weight gain.
- Being an all‑life‑stages formula, it is quite energy-dense and may be more than some indoor, low‑activity adults need unless amounts are adjusted.
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
Herring
Herring is commonly used as a high-quality, palatable fish protein and oil source in dog and cat foods, supplying digestible protein along with beneficial long-chain omega-3s (EPA/DHA), vitamin D, B vitamins and trace minerals. It can support skin, coat and joint health, but may be an allergen for some pets and raw fish can contain thiaminase (typically destroyed by commercial cooking); owners should also consider fat content for pancreatitis-prone animals and look for responsibly sourced, low-contaminant products.
02
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.
03
Herring
Herring is commonly used as a high-quality, palatable fish protein and oil source in dog and cat foods, supplying digestible protein along with beneficial long-chain omega-3s (EPA/DHA), vitamin D, B vitamins and trace minerals. It can support skin, coat and joint health, but may be an allergen for some pets and raw fish can contain thiaminase (typically destroyed by commercial cooking); owners should also consider fat content for pancreatitis-prone animals and look for responsibly sourced, low-contaminant products.
04
Potato
Potato is commonly used in pet foods as a digestible carbohydrate source and functional binder, supplying starch, fiber, and modest amounts of vitamins (B6, C) and potassium—often included as cooked or dehydrated flakes, starch, or protein concentrates. While it provides energy and helps formulate grain‑free recipes, potatoes are not a primary protein for dogs or cats (and are not nutritionally required for obligate‑carnivore cats), can contribute to excess calories or affect blood glucose in diabetic animals, and must be cooked and free of green skins or sprouts to avoid solanine toxicity; allergies are uncommon but possible.
05
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.
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
SquarePet is a premium pet food brand offering veterinarian-formulated diets for dogs and cats. The brand focuses on functional nutrition with high-protein formulas, limited-ingredient diets, and solutions-based recipes, such as those for gastrointestinal and skin sensitivities. Their formulas often use cage-free meats and responsibly sourced animal proteins.
Visit SquarePetManufacturer
SquarePet partners with U.S.-based manufacturers that meet stringent food safety and quality control standards, including adherence to FDA and AAFCO regulations. The company ensures that ingredient sourcing and production processes are closely monitored for safety and nutritional integrity.
Manufacturing details are compiled from public sources and not independently verified; they may not reflect contract manufacturing or co-packing.
Recall History
SquarePet VFS Powercat Herring & 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 SquarePet ever been recalled?
We have no recalls on record for SquarePet. 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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