La Cucina HQS Chicken Dinner With Apple Wet Cat Food in Jelly
Verified Jun 14, 2026
This is a chicken-based wet cat food in jelly for adult and senior cats, with chicken as the primary protein source and apple as a minor addition. It offers a relatively high moisture content to support hydration, modest fat, and added taurine, vitamins, and minerals to help provide complete daily nutrition. The texture is chunks in jelly, which many cats find palatable and easy to eat.
Overall, this is a high-quality wet food centered on chicken, with simple, recognizable ingredients and a full vitamin and mineral premix. The moderate protein level is reasonable for a wet adult/senior formula, and the very high moisture content can be helpful for cats who don’t drink much water. It’s best suited as a main meal for healthy adult and senior cats who do well on chicken-based diets.
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
- Chicken is the first ingredient and main protein source, which is appropriate for a carnivorous species like cats.
- Very high moisture (about 82%) supports hydration, which is especially beneficial for urinary tract health in many cats.
- Includes added taurine plus a full spectrum of vitamins and minerals, indicating it’s formulated to be nutritionally complete rather than just a topper.
- Relatively low fat content can be useful for cats that need a lighter formula or are prone to weight gain, as long as portions are controlled.
Considerations
- Chicken is a very common feline allergen, so this would not be suitable for cats with known chicken sensitivities.
- The fat content is quite low for some active or underweight cats, so those cats may need careful monitoring of body condition and total daily calories.
- Contains apple, which is safe in this small amount but does not add meaningful nutritional value for cats, who are obligate carnivores.
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
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.
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
Apple
Apple is used in pet foods as a fruit ingredient that supplies soluble fiber (pectin), natural flavor, moisture, and small amounts of vitamins and antioxidants. It can support digestion and add low‑calorie sweetness, but seeds and cores should be avoided because of cyanogenic compounds, apples are relatively high in natural sugars so should be used in moderation (and washed to remove pesticides), and cats—being obligate carnivores—gain less nutritional benefit than dogs.
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
Tricalcium Phosphate
Tricalcium phosphate is an inorganic mineral commonly used in dog and cat foods as a source of calcium and phosphorus and as an anti-caking/bulking agent to help fortify diets and adjust the dietary Ca:P balance. It supplies minerals important for bone and tooth health and neuromuscular function, but must be formulated carefully to maintain an appropriate calcium‑to‑phosphorus ratio and may be a consideration in pets with kidney disease where phosphorus intake is restricted.
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 La Cucina HQS Chicken Dinner With Apple Wet Cat Food in Jelly 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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