Wishbone Ocean New Zealand King Salmon Dry Cat Food
Verified Jun 20, 2026
This is a grain-free, high-animal-protein dry food for cats of all life stages, featuring ocean fish meal and New Zealand king salmon as the main protein sources. It provides moderate protein and fat levels with added taurine and omega-3 fatty acids, plus various fruits and herbs as functional ingredients. It’s designed as a complete everyday diet rather than a topper or treat.
Nutritionally, this is a well-balanced, grain-free dry food with a strong focus on fish-based protein and added salmon, suitable for kittens through adult cats. The protein, fat, and taurine levels are appropriate for most healthy cats, and the inclusion of omega-3s is a plus for skin, coat, and overall wellness. It will suit cats who do well on fish and chicken, but isn’t the best choice if your cat needs to avoid those proteins or peas.
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At a Glance
KibbleLab Review
Strengths
- Fish meal and chicken meal as primary ingredients provide concentrated, highly digestible animal protein for cats of all life stages.
- Good macronutrient profile for dry cat food, with at least 32% protein and 12% fat, plus added taurine at 0.2%.
- Includes omega-3 fatty acids (minimum 1%) from fish, salmon, and flaxseed, which can support skin, coat, and joint health.
- Grain-free formula for cats that do better without grains, with a variety of fruits and herbs that add phytonutrients and antioxidants.
Considerations
- Contains chicken and fish, which are common allergens for some cats; not ideal if your cat has known sensitivities to these proteins.
- Peas are a key carbohydrate source; while generally safe for cats, some owners may prefer lower-legume diets, especially in multi-pet households with dogs where DCM concerns are relevant.
- Dry food at 419 kcal per cup is calorie-dense, so portion control is important to prevent weight gain, especially in indoor or less active cats.
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
Ocean Fish
Ocean fish is commonly used in pet food as a high-quality animal protein and flavor ingredient and is valued for providing omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA) plus minerals like iodine and selenium that support skin and coat, joint, heart, and cognitive health in dogs and cats. While it offers important nutritional benefits, fish can be an allergen for some pets and may carry environmental contaminants (mercury, PCBs) depending on source, so responsible sourcing, proper processing, and variety in protein choices are recommended.
02
Chicken
Chicken is a common animal-based protein in dog and cat foods, supplying essential amino acids, B vitamins, and energy-dense fats that support muscle maintenance, growth, and overall health; for cats it also contributes toward dietary taurine but must be present in sufficient amounts or provided via supplementation. It is prized for its digestibility and palatability, though some pets develop sensitivities or allergies to chicken, and nutritional value and safety depend on ingredient quality and processing—raw chicken carries pathogen risks and whole bones can pose choking or GI hazards.
03
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.
04
Tapioca
Tapioca is a processed starch from the cassava root commonly used in pet foods and treats as a gluten-free carbohydrate, binder and thickening agent, providing easily digestible calories but very little protein, fat, vitamins or minerals. While useful in hypoallergenic or grain-free formulations, it has limited nutritional value and a high glycemic index, so it should be used in moderation—especially for overweight or diabetic dogs and cats—and only in properly processed form to avoid cassava-related toxins.
05
King Salmon
King salmon is used in pet foods as a high-quality animal protein and a rich source of omega‑3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA), B vitamins and vitamin D, which can support healthy skin and coat, joint health, and cognitive function in dogs and cats. Because fish can be an allergen for some pets and raw salmon may carry parasites or thiaminase, commercially prepared diets use cooked or otherwise processed king salmon and balanced formulations, and owners should be mindful of calorie density and potential environmental contaminants rather than feeding large amounts as a sole food.
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
Wishbone is a boutique pet food brand by AAF (Asia) Ltd. that specializes in premium, natural, grain-free recipes made with free-range New Zealand meats, fruits, and vegetables. The brand is positioned towards pet owners seeking holistic, small-batch nutrition with a focus on ethical sourcing and local ingredients.
Visit WishboneManufacturer
AAF (Asia) Ltd. oversees all stages of production in its own manufacturing facilities in New Zealand, maintaining strict quality and safety controls. Its manufacturing processes adhere to New Zealand’s Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) export standards, and the company follows HACCP principles for food safety.
Manufacturing details are compiled from public sources and not independently verified; they may not reflect contract manufacturing or co-packing.
Recall History
Wishbone Wishbone Ocean New Zealand King 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 Wishbone ever been recalled?
We have no recalls on record for Wishbone. 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.