Shreds With Real Turkey in Sauce Wet Cat Food
Verified Jun 17, 2026
A maintenance wet food for adult cats featuring meat by-products, turkey, and chicken as primary protein sources in a shredded texture with sauce. The formula is AAFCO-formulated for adult maintenance and includes added taurine and omega-6 fatty acids. It’s designed as a complete diet rather than just a topper, suitable for cats that enjoy moist, shredded meals.
This is a basic but complete canned food for adult cats that relies on meat by-products plus turkey and chicken as its main protein sources. On a dry-matter basis, the protein level is moderate for a wet cat food, and it does meet AAFCO standards for adult maintenance. It can work well for healthy adult cats, especially as part of a rotation, but there are more protein-dense and less carbohydrate-heavy options available if you’re looking for a more carnivore-leaning formula.
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
- Complete and balanced to AAFCO standards for adult maintenance, so it can be fed as a sole diet to healthy adult cats.
- Multiple animal protein sources (meat by-products, turkey, chicken, fish) provide a broad amino acid profile and good nutrient density from organ-rich ingredients.
- Added taurine and omega-6 fatty acids to support essential needs specific to cats.
- Wet texture with high moisture (up to 82%) can help support overall hydration for cats that don’t drink much water.
Considerations
- Meat by-products are the primary ingredient; nutritionally they can be very good, but the exact tissues aren’t specified, so quality depends heavily on the manufacturer.
- Protein is on the moderate side for a wet cat food (about 44% on a dry-matter basis), which is adequate but not as high as some more meat-heavy options.
- Contains soy protein concentrate, soy flour, and wheat flour, which add plant-based protein and carbohydrates; these are unnecessary for most cats and may not suit cats with known soy or wheat sensitivities.
- Includes artificial colors (titanium dioxide, iron oxide, caramel color), which do not add nutritional value and are generally best minimized in pet diets.
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
Turkey
Turkey is commonly used as a primary animal protein in dog and cat foods, offering highly digestible, high‑quality protein and supplying essential amino acids along with B vitamins, phosphorus and zinc to support muscle maintenance and metabolism. Its fat level varies by cut so products can be lean or richer; some pets may develop allergies to poultry, cooked bones are hazardous, raw meat carries bacterial risk, and owners should rely on balanced commercial formulations (and ensure adequate taurine for cats) if turkey is a main ingredient.
04
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.
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 Shreds With Real Turkey in Sauce 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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