Complete HQS Mackerel Recipe With Sea Bream In Gravy Wet Cat Food
Verified Jun 10, 2026
This is a fish-based wet food for adult and senior cats, using mackerel and sea bream as the primary protein sources in a gravy format. It’s relatively low in fat and calories, which can be helpful for cats who need weight control, while still providing taurine and added vitamins and minerals for complete nutrition. The simple ingredient list with tapioca starch and sunflower oil keeps carbohydrates modest and offers a gentle option for many cats’ digestion.
Overall, this is a high-quality wet food for adult and senior cats that emphasizes whole fish as the main protein sources and keeps the recipe relatively simple. The nutrient profile is moderate in protein on an as-fed basis, low in fat, and fairly low in calories, which can suit indoor or less active cats and those needing weight management. It’s a good option for cats that do well on fish-based diets, as long as they don’t have fish allergies and are getting appropriate total daily calories from all meals combined.
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At a Glance
KibbleLab Review
Strengths
- Uses named whole fish (mackerel and sea bream) as the primary ingredients, providing good-quality animal protein and essential amino acids.
- Relatively low fat and calorie density, which can support weight management when portions are controlled appropriately.
- Contains added taurine plus a full vitamin and mineral premix, indicating it is designed as a complete diet rather than just a topper.
- Simple, grain-free recipe without common non-fish allergens like chicken, beef, wheat, or soy, which may help some sensitive cats.
Considerations
- Fish (mackerel and sea bream) are common allergens for some cats, so this would not be appropriate for cats with known fish allergies or sensitivities.
- The fat level is quite low for a wet food, which is fine for many cats but may not be ideal for very active, underweight, or high-calorie–needing cats without additional food sources.
- A fish-only protein pattern long term can sometimes be limiting for some cats; many cats do best rotating or combining with non-fish proteins over time.
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
Sea Bream
Sea bream is used in pet foods as a lean, palatable source of high‑quality animal protein providing essential amino acids, B vitamins and minerals like selenium and phosphorus. It can also supply omega‑3 fatty acids (EPA/DHA) that support skin, coat, joint and cognitive health, but proper processing is important to remove bones and parasites and pet owners should be aware of possible fish allergies and the general risk of environmental contaminants if sourced from polluted waters.
04
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.
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 Sea Bream 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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