Bites With Real Chicken & Beef In Gravy Wet Cat Food
Verified Jun 11, 2026
This is a canned, chunks-in-gravy wet food for adult cats, using meat by-products along with chicken and beef as its primary animal-derived ingredients. It provides moderate protein and fat for maintenance, with added taurine and essential vitamins and minerals to meet adult cat nutritional needs. Soy protein concentrate and wheat flour contribute additional carbohydrates and plant-based protein.
This food offers a complete and balanced wet option for adult cats, with meat by-products plus chicken and beef supplying the main animal nutrients. The protein and fat levels are appropriate for a standard adult maintenance diet, and it includes added taurine and omega-6 fatty acids. It’s a straightforward, formulated product that can work well for many healthy adult cats, though it does rely on soy and wheat and uses artificial colors, which some owners prefer to avoid for non-nutritional reasons.
The KibbleLab Score (1–10) is assessed from publicly available product data. Our evaluation is science-based, not marketing-based.
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
KibbleLab Review
Strengths
- Meat by-products, chicken, and beef provide a mix of animal proteins that can be quite nutrient-dense for adult cats.
- Formulated to meet AAFCO nutrient profiles for adult maintenance, so it supplies required vitamins, minerals, and taurine.
- Wet texture with high moisture content can help support overall hydration in cats that don’t drink much water.
- Includes added omega-6 fatty acids and a full vitamin–mineral premix to support skin, coat, and general health.
Considerations
- Contains chicken, beef, and soy, which are common food allergens for some cats; not ideal if your cat has known sensitivities to these ingredients.
- Uses soy protein concentrate and wheat flour as significant non-animal components, which may be less suitable for cats that do better on more animal-heavy formulas.
- Includes artificial color (caramel color and iron oxide); these don’t add nutritional value, though they are considered safe preservatives and colorants.
- Protein level is moderate for a wet cat food, so very active or underweight cats may do better on a higher-protein option.
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
Water
Water is an essential nutrient and the primary solvent and moisture component in pet foods, especially wet and canned diets, and is also used in processing and to adjust texture and palatability. It is vital for digestion, nutrient transport, temperature regulation and waste removal in dogs and cats; pets must have constant access to clean water as dehydration can quickly lead to serious health issues and requirements increase with activity, heat, or illness, while moisture in wet food can help meet part of their daily needs.
02
Meat By-Product
Meat by-products are rendered animal parts such as organ meats, blood, bone and other tissues used in pet food as a concentrated source of animal protein, fat, vitamins and minerals. They can provide biologically valuable nutrients—especially for cats, which require animal-derived proteins—but composition and quality vary by source so owners seeking specific ingredients or with pet food sensitivities should look for transparency and regulation-compliant sourcing.
03
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.
04
Beef
Beef is commonly used in dog and cat foods as a primary animal protein and palatability enhancer, supplying high-quality essential amino acids, B vitamins, iron, and zinc that support muscle maintenance and overall health. Owners should note beef can be calorie- and fat-dense and is a relatively common allergen, and raw or improperly handled beef carries microbial risks, so formulation, fat content, and sourcing/processing are important considerations.
05
Soy Protein Concentrate
Soy protein concentrate is a plant-derived, concentrated protein commonly used in dog and cat foods to raise overall protein content and serve as a cost-effective alternative to animal proteins. It supplies high levels of protein and some essential amino acids but is lower in certain sulfur-containing amino acids and contains no taurine (important for cats), can be a common allergen for some pets, and typically requires processing to reduce antinutritional factors and improve digestibility; manufacturers and veterinarians may consider these factors when formulating or recommending diets.
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
9Lives is a widely recognized cat food brand known for its affordability and long history in the U.S. market. It offers primarily wet and dry cat food products targeting budget-conscious cat owners.
Visit 9LivesManufacturer
Post Holdings operates manufacturing facilities acquired from J.M. Smucker, following FDA and AAFCO regulatory standards.
Manufacturing details are compiled from public sources and not independently verified; they may not reflect contract manufacturing or co-packing.
Recall History
9Lives Bites With Real Chicken & Beef In Gravy Wet Cat Food has no recalls since 2014.
Source: FDA Pet Food Recall Database · Monitored daily
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Frequently Asked Questions
Has 9Lives ever been recalled?
We have no recalls on record for 9Lives. 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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