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Bites With Real Chicken & Fish in Gravy Wet Cat Food
9Lives

Bites With Real Chicken & Fish in Gravy Wet Cat Food

Verified Jun 15, 2026

Cat · Wet Adult All Breed Sizes

This is a canned, chunks-in-gravy wet food for adult cats, using meat by-products along with added chicken and fish as its main animal protein sources. It’s formulated to be complete and balanced for adult maintenance and includes added taurine and omega-6 fatty acids. The relatively moderate protein and fat levels make it reasonable for many healthy adult cats who enjoy gravy-style foods.

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

Overall, this is a basic but nutritionally complete wet food for adult cats, formulated to meet AAFCO maintenance standards. It relies on meat by-products plus chicken and fish for protein, and uses wheat flour and soy ingredients as major carbohydrate and plant protein sources. It can work well for many healthy adult cats, especially those that enjoy gravy textures, but there are some ingredient considerations for cats with food sensitivities or owners who prefer fewer plant-based ingredients.

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

Suitable For
Adult All Breed Sizes
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Nutritional Perspective

KibbleLab Review

Strengths

  • Complete and balanced to AAFCO standards for adult maintenance, so it can be fed as a primary diet for healthy adult cats.
  • Contains added taurine at appropriate levels, which is essential for heart, eye, and overall health in cats.
  • Wet, high-moisture format (82% max moisture) can help support cats’ overall water intake, which is often beneficial for urinary health.
  • Provides omega-6 fatty acids, which support skin and coat health.

Considerations

  • Protein level (8% as-fed in a high-moisture food) is on the modest side compared with some other canned foods, so very active or underweight cats may do better on a higher-protein option.
  • Includes common allergens such as chicken, fish, wheat flour, and soy, so it is not a good fit for cats with known sensitivities to any of these ingredients.
  • Uses several plant-based ingredients (wheat flour, soy protein concentrate, soy flour, modified food starch) as significant components of the formula, which contribute calories but are less aligned with the cat’s natural high-protein, low-carbohydrate requirements.
Scored using the rubric of an NAVC Certified Pet Nutrition Coach (PNCC). This is informational, not veterinary advice.

Full Ingredient List

Water Sufficient For Processing, Meat-By-Products, Chicken, Fish, Wheat Flour, Soy Protein Concentrate, Modified Food Starch, Natural Flavor, Calcium Carbonate, Sodium Tripolyphosphate, Soy Flour, Titanium Dioxide (Color), Glycine, Potassium Chloride, Salt, Choline Chloride, Bone Phosphate, Vitamins (Vitamin E Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate, Niacin, Vitamin A Supplement, D-Calcium Pantothenate, Riboflavin Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Menadione Sodium Bisulfite Complex, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Folic Acid, Biotin), Taurine, Minerals (Ferrous Sulfate, Zinc Oxide, Manganous Oxide, Copper Sulfate, Calcium Iodate, Sodium Selenite), Iron Oxide (Color).

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
Fish
Fish is commonly used in pet foods as a highly digestible animal protein and an excellent source of omega‑3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA) that support skin and coat health, joint function, and cognitive development in both dogs and cats. It also supplies B vitamins and minerals but can be a common allergen, may contain environmental contaminants or mercury depending on species and sourcing, and raw fish can contain thiaminase—so choose properly processed, nutritionally balanced, and sustainably sourced fish ingredients.
05
Wheat Flour
Wheat flour is commonly used in pet foods as a carbohydrate source, binder and extender that provides digestible energy, some protein (including gluten), and small amounts of fiber and B‑vitamins when enriched. While generally safe and economical for many dogs, it is not a required ingredient for obligate carnivores like cats, can contribute to excess calories or a high glycemic load, and can trigger food allergies or gluten sensitivity in susceptible pets, so animals with known wheat sensitivities or weight concerns may benefit from wheat‑free formulations.

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)
8.00%
Low High
Crude Fat (min)
2.50%
Low High
Crude Fiber (max)
1.00%
Low High
Moisture (max)
82.00%
Low High
770
kcal / Kg
120
kcal / Can
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 Wet

AAFCO Nutritional Adequacy
What is AAFCO Association of American Feed Control Officials. It sets the nutritional adequacy standards US pet foods are measured against.

Complete & balanced Yes
AAFCO life stages Adult Maintenance
Substantiation Formulation
9Lives(TM) Bites With Real Chicken & Fish In Gravy Cat Food Is Formulated To Meet The Nutritional Levels Established By The Aafco Cat Food Nutrient Profiles For Maintenance.

Brand

9Lives

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 9Lives
Price tier $

Manufacturer

Company name Post Holdings Pet Brands
Parent company Post Holdings, Inc.
Founded 2023
Headquarters St. Louis, Missouri, USA
Manufacturing type In House
Manufacturing country United States
Manufacturing oversight

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

No recalls on record

9Lives Bites With Real Chicken & Fish in Gravy Wet Cat Food has no recalls since 2014.

Source: FDA Pet Food Recall Database · Monitored daily

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KibbleLab food report
SO-SO.
6.6 /10 Grade C
Bites With Real Chicken & Fish in Gravy Wet Cat Food
9Lives · kibblelab.com

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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.

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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.