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Tuna Fillet & Mackerel in Gravy Topper
Applaws

Tuna Fillet & Mackerel in Gravy Topper

Verified Jun 15, 2026

Cat · Topper Adult All Breed Sizes

A simple fish-based topper for adult cats, made primarily from tuna fillet and mackerel in a light gravy. It offers extra animal protein and moisture to add on top of a complete and balanced cat food. This can work well for picky eaters or cats that enjoy additional wet texture and flavor with their regular diet.

Over-the-counter No recalls
Official product page
KibbleLab Score
7.4 out of 10

This is a straightforward, limited-ingredient fish topper that can be a nice add-on for adult cats who enjoy tuna and mackerel. The protein level is modest for a wet product, but it’s appropriate for a complementary food that’s meant to be fed alongside a complete diet. It’s best suited for otherwise healthy adult cats who are already eating a nutritionally complete cat food and just need some extra palatability and moisture.

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

Ingredient composition Quality, beneficial additions, absence of artificial colors/flavors
Nutritional profile Protein, fat, fiber evaluated for stated life stage and food type
AAFCO compliance Complete and balanced certification; feeding trials valued higher
Health considerations Sensitivity profile, DCM risk, processing method
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 Not Recommended

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

Health Benefits
Allergy Support Sensitive Stomach
Diet & Compliance
Limited Ingredient
Suitable For
Adult All Breed Sizes
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Nutritional Perspective

KibbleLab Review

Strengths

  • Short, simple ingredient list with named fish sources (tuna fillet and mackerel) as the main components.
  • High moisture content can help increase overall water intake, which is often beneficial for cats.
  • Limited-ingredient formulation may be helpful for some cats that do better with simpler recipes, as long as they tolerate fish well.
  • Moderate calorie density for a topper, which makes it easier to add some flavor without dramatically increasing daily calories if portions are controlled.

Considerations

  • This is labeled and formulated as a complementary food, so it does not provide complete and balanced nutrition on its own and must be fed with a complete cat food.
  • Fish (tuna and mackerel) are common protein allergens for some cats, so it’s not ideal for cats with known fish sensitivities.
  • Very low fat content may not be satisfying enough if used in large amounts instead of a complete diet, and could dilute the overall nutrient balance if overfed as a replacement for regular food.
Scored using the rubric of an NAVC Certified Pet Nutrition Coach (PNCC). This is informational, not veterinary advice.

Full Ingredient List

Fish Broth, Tuna Fillet, Mackerel, Potato Starch, Guar Gum.

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
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.
02
Tuna Fillet
Tuna fillet is commonly used in pet foods and treats as a highly palatable, lean animal protein that provides EPA/DHA omega‑3 fatty acids, B vitamins (notably B12) and minerals like selenium, supporting skin and coat condition, cognitive health and general protein needs for both dogs and cats. It should be fed in moderation and within a balanced diet because frequent large servings—especially canned tuna—can contribute to mercury and excess sodium exposure, and raw tuna may carry parasites or enzymes that affect thiamine; prefer cooked, boneless, unsalted preparations and consult your veterinarian for long‑term use.
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.
04
Potato Starch
Potato starch is a highly digestible carbohydrate commonly used in pet foods as a binder, thickener and texture agent to help kibble formation, stabilize wet formulas and create chewy treats. It provides readily available energy but is low in protein, fat and micronutrients, so while generally safe, its high glycemic load and limited nutritional value mean it should be used sparingly—particularly for overweight pets, diabetic animals or cats on low‑carbohydrate diets, and excessive amounts can sometimes contribute to loose stools.
05
Guar Gum
Guar gum is a soluble plant-derived fiber commonly used in pet foods as a thickener, stabilizer and emulsifier to improve texture, moisture retention and prevent separation in wet foods, gravies and coatings. It provides little nutritional value beyond soluble fiber—which can help stool consistency and modestly slow digestion—but excessive amounts may cause gastrointestinal upset or affect nutrient absorption, so it is used at controlled low levels and is generally considered safe for most dogs and cats.

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)
9.00%
Low High
Crude Fat (min)
0.10%
Low High
Crude Fiber (max)
2.00%
Low High
Moisture (max)
92.00%
Low High
537
kcal / Kg
Low
Calorie density category
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

Lifestage Adult
Breed size All Breed Sizes
Texture Chunks In Gravy
Processing method Canned
Food type Topper

Brand

Applaws

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 Applaws
Price tier $$$$

Manufacturer

Company name MPM Products
Parent company Partners Group
Founded 2002
Headquarters Manchester, United Kingdom
Manufacturing type Co Packer
Manufacturing country Thailand
Manufacturing oversight

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

No recalls on record

Applaws Tuna Fillet & Mackerel in Gravy Topper has no recalls since 2014.

Source: FDA Pet Food Recall Database · Monitored daily

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KibbleLab food report
SOLID PICK.
7.4 /10 Grade B
Tuna Fillet & Mackerel in Gravy Topper
Applaws · kibblelab.com

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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.

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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.