Sardine & Mackerel Recipe in Broth Cat Food Topper
Verified Aug 21, 2026
This is a fish-based broth topper for adult cats, using sardine and mackerel as the key protein sources with a small amount of rice. It’s designed as a complementary food to add extra moisture and palatability on top of a balanced dry diet, rather than to be fed as a complete meal. The high moisture content can help support hydration, especially for cats that don’t drink much water on their own.
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Worth a Conversation
Nutritionally, this is a simple, high-moisture fish topper that can work well for adult cats who enjoy fish flavors or need encouragement to eat and drink more. The short ingredient list with named fish proteins is a plus, and the low fat content keeps calories modest. Because it’s only a complementary food and not complete and balanced, it needs to be paired with a fully balanced cat food to meet all nutritional needs.
Computed from 3 of 3 applicable checks. Missing data is skipped, never counted against a food.
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At a Glance
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.KibbleLab Review
Strengths
- Very short ingredient list with named fish (sardine and mackerel) as the primary protein sources, which many cats find highly palatable.
- Extremely high moisture content (about 92%), which can help support hydration, especially for cats on mostly dry food.
- Relatively low in calories per weight, making it useful as a flavor and moisture enhancer without adding excessive calories.
- Contains no obvious artificial colors or flavors based on the ingredient list provided.
Considerations
- Labeled and formulated as a complementary/supplemental food, so it does not provide complete and balanced nutrition on its own and must be fed alongside a complete cat food.
- Fish (including sardine and mackerel) is a common allergen for some cats, so this wouldn’t be suitable for cats with known fish sensitivities.
- Protein level is modest for a cat food product and, combined with the lack of added vitamins and minerals listed, reinforces that it should not replace a nutritionally complete main diet.
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
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.
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02
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.
03
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.
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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.
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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
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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.
Manufacturer
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.
PSC is a nonprofit that Accredits pet companies on their environmental and social impact, through third-party verification. MPM Products is a PSC Accredited business. View profile
Manufacturing details are compiled from public sources and not independently verified; they may not reflect contract manufacturing or co-packing.
Recall History
No recall is listed for Applaws Sardine & Mackerel Recipe in Broth Cat Food Topper.
Source: FDA animal food recall listings back to January 2019 · Checked daily, last on Aug 31, 2026
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Frequently Asked Questions
Has Applaws ever been recalled?
We have no recalls on record for Applaws. 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.
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.
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