Mackerel & Sardine in Broth Cat Food Topper
Verified Jun 11, 2026
A simple fish-based topper or complementary wet food for adult cats, featuring mackerel and sardine in a light broth with a small amount of rice. It offers moderate protein with very low fat and high moisture, making it most suitable for adding flavor and hydration alongside a complete and balanced dry or wet food. This is designed to be part of a mixed diet, not your cat’s sole nutrition source.
Nutritionally, this is a straightforward, limited-ingredient fish topper that works well to enhance the flavor and moisture of a complete cat food. The mackerel and sardine provide good-quality animal protein and naturally occurring omega-3s, while the high moisture content can help with overall hydration. It should always be fed along with a complete and balanced diet, as it isn’t formulated to meet all of a cat’s nutrient needs on its own.
The KibbleLab Score (1–10) is assessed from publicly available product data. Our evaluation is science-based, not marketing-based.
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At a Glance
KibbleLab Review
Strengths
- Named fish proteins (mackerel and sardine) as primary ingredients provide good-quality, palatable animal protein.
- Very high moisture content can help support hydration, which is particularly helpful for cats that don’t drink much water.
- Short, simple ingredient list may suit some cats that do better with fewer added ingredients or additives.
- Low fat content may be useful for cats that require a lower-fat topper as part of their overall feeding plan.
Considerations
- This is a complementary food only and does not provide complete and balanced nutrition, so it must be combined with a complete diet to meet all your cat’s needs.
- Fish (especially from multiple sources like mackerel and sardine) can be a common allergen for some cats, so it’s not ideal if your cat has known fish sensitivities.
- Very low fat and moderate protein mean this should not be relied on as a major calorie source for underweight or high‑energy cats.
- Contains rice, which is generally well tolerated but may not be necessary for cats that do best on strictly animal-based ingredients.
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
Mackerel
Mackerel is a fatty fish commonly used in pet foods as a high‑quality animal protein and a rich source of omega‑3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA), often added for flavor, palatability and healthy fats. Its omega‑3s support skin and coat condition, immune and joint health in dogs and cats, but owners should be aware of potential heavy‑metal accumulation, food sensitivities, and higher fat or sodium in some preparations, so choose properly processed, deboned sources from reputable suppliers.
02
Sardine
Sardine serves as a rich animal protein and palatability enhancer in pet food, supplying highly digestible protein, abundant omega‑3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA), B vitamins and vitamin D, and when included whole can provide calcium and phosphorus. They can benefit both dogs and cats by supporting skin and coat, joint and cardiac health, but owners should watch for high sodium in some canned products, potential fish allergies or digestive upset in sensitive animals, and choose sustainably sourced, low‑sodium options to minimize contaminant exposure.
03
Fish Broth
Fish broth is used in pet food primarily as a flavor and moisture enhancer, providing modest amounts of fish-derived protein, amino acids, minerals and sometimes trace omega‑3s but not serving as a primary source of complete nutrition. It can improve hydration and entice picky, senior, or ill dogs and cats to eat, but caregivers should watch for high sodium, added seasonings (especially onion or garlic), potential fish allergies, and variable quality depending on processing.
04
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
Brand
Applaws is a premium pet food brand focusing on natural ingredients and simple recipes for cats and dogs. It is known for its high meat content, transparent labeling, and grain-free offerings targeted at health-conscious pet owners seeking minimally processed food options.
Visit ApplawsManufacturer
MPM Products works with audited co-manufacturers that comply with international pet food safety standards such as HACCP and GMP. Their manufacturing partners are located primarily in Thailand and the UK, and they ensure ingredient traceability and quality through third-party certification and oversight.
Manufacturing details are compiled from public sources and not independently verified; they may not reflect contract manufacturing or co-packing.
Recall History
Applaws Mackerel & Sardine in Broth Cat Food Topper has no recalls since 2014.
Source: FDA Pet Food Recall Database · Monitored daily
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Frequently Asked Questions
Has Applaws ever been recalled?
We have no recalls on record for Applaws. 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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