Complete HQS Mackerel Recipe With Pumpkin In Gravy Wet Cat Food
Verified Jun 6, 2026
A low-fat, wet food for adult and senior cats featuring mackerel as the main animal protein in a gravy with pumpkin. The recipe uses sunflower oil for added fatty acids and includes vitamins, minerals, and taurine to make it a complete diet rather than just a topper. Its higher moisture and moderate protein can work well for many indoor or less active cats who benefit from extra hydration and a lighter formula.
This is a well-formulated, complete wet food that relies on mackerel as a clearly named animal protein and keeps fat on the lower side, which can suit many adult and senior cats who don’t need a rich diet. The nutrient profile looks balanced for everyday feeding, with adequate protein for a canned food, controlled minerals, and added taurine and vitamins. It’s a good option for cats who like fish-based recipes and for owners looking for a moist, relatively low-calorie diet.
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At a Glance
KibbleLab Review
Strengths
- Mackerel is the primary animal protein source, providing good-quality, highly palatable protein for most cats.
- Moderate protein (11.5% as-fed) and low fat (3% as-fed) for a canned food make this a lighter option that can help with weight control when portions are managed appropriately.
- Pumpkin and guar gum add some fiber, which may help stool quality and support digestive comfort in some cats.
- Includes added taurine, a full vitamin–mineral premix, and controlled levels of calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium to support complete and balanced daily feeding.
Considerations
- Fish (mackerel) is a common allergen for some cats, so this food is not a good fit for cats with known fish sensitivities or fish-only diets long term if your vet has advised variety.
- The relatively low fat level may not be ideal for very active or underweight cats that need a more calorie-dense formula to maintain body condition.
- Sunflower oil is the main added fat source, which supplies omega-6 fatty acids but less omega-3 than marine oils; cats that benefit from higher omega-3 intake may still need a separate supplement if recommended by a veterinarian.
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
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.
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
Sunflower Oil
Sunflower oil is used in pet foods as a concentrated fat source to increase energy density, palatability and supply linoleic acid (an essential omega‑6) that helps maintain healthy skin and coat. It is beneficial for dogs and cats but is high in omega‑6 and low in omega‑3—so formulas should balance fatty acids to avoid an inflammatory imbalance; it is calorie‑dense (important for weight control and pancreatitis-prone animals) and may require antioxidants or high‑oleic formulations for better shelf stability.
04
Pumpkin
Pumpkin is used in pet foods primarily as a fiber-rich carbohydrate and moisture source that can help regulate digestion and firm up loose stools or add bulk for softer stools, and it provides beta-carotene (vitamin A precursor) plus small amounts of vitamins and minerals for dogs and cats. It is safe and beneficial when plain cooked or canned (not spiced or sweetened pie filling), should be fed in moderation as a supplement rather than a primary food, and introduced gradually since large amounts can cause gastrointestinal upset or interfere with absorption of some medications.
05
Tapioca Starch
Tapioca starch is a purified carbohydrate used in pet foods mainly as a thickener, binder and easily digestible energy source, contributing virtually no protein, fat, vitamins or minerals. It is low‑allergy and gluten‑free, but because it is a high‑glycemic, low‑nutrient filler it should be limited in diets for overweight or diabetic pets and not relied on for essential nutrition.
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
Brand
Almo Nature is a premium Italian pet food brand known for its use of HFC (Human Food Chain) ingredients and commitment to transparency, animal welfare, and environmental sustainability. Its products include wet and dry food for dogs and cats emphasizing natural, minimally processed recipes.
Visit Almo NatureManufacturer
Almo Nature oversees its product formulation and quality control with traceable ingredients and production meeting European Union feed safety standards. The company emphasizes sustainability and ethical sourcing rather than in-house manufacturing.
Manufacturing details are compiled from public sources and not independently verified; they may not reflect contract manufacturing or co-packing.
Recall History
Almo Nature Complete HQS Mackerel Recipe With Pumpkin 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 Almo Nature ever been recalled?
We have no recalls on record for Almo Nature. 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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