Mousse HQS Mackerel and Chicken Recipe Wet Cat Food
Verified Jun 15, 2026
This is a high-moisture mousse-style wet food featuring mackerel and chicken as the main protein sources. It’s relatively low in fat and calories, making it more of a light, supplemental topper than a stand-alone diet. Best used alongside a complete and balanced cat food to boost meat content, moisture, and palatability for adult and senior cats.
Nutritionally, this is a simple, meat-forward wet food with good protein from named animal sources and a very modest amount of starch. However, it is labeled for supplemental feeding only, which means it does not provide all the vitamins and minerals a cat needs on its own. It works best as a topper or occasional treat rather than your cat’s primary diet, and its relatively low fat and calories could help in weight management when combined with a balanced base food.
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
- Mackerel and chicken as primary ingredients provide high-quality animal protein that suits a carnivorous species like cats.
- Very short ingredient list with minimal carbohydrate (tapioca starch at less than 1%) and no added colors or flavors listed.
- High moisture content can help support hydration, which is especially beneficial for cats that don’t drink much water.
- Low fat and calorie density may be helpful when used as part of a controlled-calorie feeding plan for cats needing weight management.
Considerations
- Labeled for supplemental feeding only, so it cannot be used as the sole diet; it must be combined with a complete and balanced cat food to avoid nutrient deficiencies over time.
- Contains chicken and egg, which are common protein allergens for some cats and would not be appropriate for cats known to react to these ingredients.
- Low fat content may not be ideal for very active or underweight cats if used in large amounts without a higher-calorie, balanced base diet.
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
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
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.
05
Egg
Eggs are used in pet foods as a highly digestible, complete animal protein and nutrient source—providing essential amino acids, bioavailable vitamins (A, D, E, B-complex including B12), minerals like selenium and iron, choline and healthy fats—while also improving palatability and texture. They support muscle maintenance, skin/coat and cognitive health in dogs and cats, but raw eggs can carry bacterial risk and contain avidin in whites that may reduce biotin with long-term feeding; some pets may also have egg allergies or require portion control for calorie management.
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
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 Mousse HQS Mackerel and Chicken Recipe 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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