Pate With Real Chicken & Tuna Wet Cat Food
Verified May 25, 2026
A canned pate-style wet food for adult cats, this formula uses meat by-products, chicken, poultry by-products, fish, and tuna as its main protein sources. It provides moderate protein and fat levels for adult maintenance, along with added taurine and omega-6 fatty acids. This food is designed as a complete and balanced everyday diet for adult cats rather than kittens or pregnant/nursing queens.
This is a basic, maintenance-level canned diet for adult cats that relies on meat and poultry by-products plus chicken and fish as cost-effective protein sources. It meets AAFCO nutrient profiles for adult maintenance and provides adequate protein and fat for most average adult cats. It can work well as an affordable staple wet food, though it does include some additives and color agents that more premium diets typically avoid.
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
- Multiple animal protein sources (meat by-products, chicken, poultry by-products, fish, tuna) provide a broad amino acid profile for adult cats.
- Formulated to meet AAFCO nutrient profiles for adult maintenance, so it is complete and balanced for adult cats.
- Added taurine helps support essential heart and eye functions in cats, and omega-6 fatty acids contribute to skin and coat health.
- Canned, high-moisture format can help support overall hydration, which is helpful for many cats.
Considerations
- Contains several common allergens such as chicken, poultry by-products, and fish/tuna, so it would not be appropriate for cats with known sensitivities to these proteins.
- Includes titanium dioxide as a color agent and sodium nitrite for color retention; these do not add nutritional value and are largely cosmetic additives.
- Protein level is adequate for maintenance but on the modest side for a wet cat food, so highly active or very lean cats may do better on a higher-protein formula.
- Labeled only for adult maintenance, so it is not suitable as the sole diet for kittens or pregnant/nursing cats.
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
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.
02
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.
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
Poultry By-Product
Poultry by-product is used primarily as a concentrated protein, fat and micronutrient source in pet foods and consists of rendered poultry parts such as internal organs, bones and connective tissues that supply amino acids, minerals (notably calcium and phosphorus) and B‑vitamins. It can be a cost‑effective source of bioavailable nutrients, but composition and quality vary by source and processing—owners of pets with poultry allergies or who prefer named-meat ingredients may choose alternatives, and safety depends on reputable rendering and adherence to regulatory standards.
05
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.
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 Pate With Real Chicken & Tuna 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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