Classics Chicken & Crab Stew Wet Cat Food
Verified Jun 17, 2026
A gently cooked, grain-free wet stew for cats and kittens, this recipe uses chicken as the main protein source with added crab and chicken bone broth for extra flavor and moisture. It provides moderate protein and low fat, along with taurine and omega-3 and -6 fatty acids to support overall health and hydration. The inclusion of fruits and vegetables adds some additional fiber and micronutrients in a highly palatable, stew-style texture.
This is a high-quality, gently cooked wet food suitable for kittens and adult cats, including those who benefit from extra moisture in their diet. It features named animal proteins, a straightforward ingredient list, and added taurine and omega fatty acids to support general health. The relatively low fat level makes it a lean option, which can be helpful for some cats but may not be ideal as the sole diet for very active or underweight cats without monitoring body condition closely.
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
- Named animal proteins (chicken and crab) and chicken bone broth high on the ingredient list provide good-quality, highly digestible protein and natural flavor.
- Complete and balanced for all life stages according to AAFCO, so it can be used as a primary diet for both kittens and adults if desired.
- High moisture content supports hydration, which is especially important for cats that may not drink much water on their own.
- Added taurine plus omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids (from marine microalgae oil and chicken) support heart, eye, skin, and coat health needs typical for cats.
Considerations
- Chicken and crab are both potential allergens for some cats, so this recipe would not be appropriate for pets with known poultry or fish/shellfish sensitivities.
- The fat content is on the low side for a canned cat food, so very lean or highly active cats may need careful monitoring to ensure they maintain a healthy body weight.
- Tapioca starch is used as a thickener; while safe, it does not add significant nutritional value beyond calories.
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
Chicken Bone Broth
Chicken bone broth is commonly used as a palatability enhancer and hydration topper in dog and cat diets, supplying gelatin, collagen-derived amino acids and trace minerals that may support joint comfort and gut health while making food more appealing. It is not a complete food, so choose low-sodium, additive-free products (avoid broths containing onion, garlic or excessive fat), and ensure no bone fragments are present—use caution with pets that have pancreatitis, sodium-sensitive conditions, or known food sensitivities.
03
Crab
Crab is used in pet foods mainly as a palatable seafood protein and flavoring, providing high‑quality animal protein along with trace minerals (zinc, copper, selenium) and modest amounts of marine omega‑3s that can benefit skin and coat condition in dogs and cats. While it can enhance taste and offer lean nutrition, shellfish is a common allergen, whole shells can pose choking or digestive risks, and processed crab may contain added salt or environmental contaminants, so only properly prepared crab products formulated for pets are recommended.
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
Natural Flavor
Natural flavor is used primarily as a palatability enhancer in pet foods to improve taste and aroma and is not intended to provide significant nutrients, typically coming from concentrated extracts of meat, poultry, plant, or fermentation sources. While it can increase acceptance in picky dogs and cats, manufacturers are not required to disclose specific sources so pets with known sensitivities or allergies may react, and presence of natural flavor should not be taken as a guarantee of overall product quality.
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
Caru is a premium pet food brand offering human-grade, slow-cooked stews, broths, and treats for dogs and cats. The brand focuses on natural ingredients and home-style preparation methods, appealing to pet owners seeking minimally processed, high-quality nutrition for their pets.
Visit CaruManufacturer
Caru Pet Food Company manufactures its products in the United States in a USDA-inspected human-grade facility. The company follows Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) food safety guidelines and ensures all products are made to human food standards using 100% human-grade ingredients.
Manufacturing details are compiled from public sources and not independently verified; they may not reflect contract manufacturing or co-packing.
Recall History
Caru Classics Chicken & Crab Stew Wet Cat Food has no recalls since 2014.
Source: FDA Pet Food Recall Database · Monitored daily
Sign up for the full picture
Feeding Calculator
Personalized portion sizes based on your pet's weight, age, and activity level.
Get started
Post your cat's report card and challenge friends to check their food.
Frequently Asked Questions
Has Caru ever been recalled?
We have no recalls on record for Caru. 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.
Continue with Google
Continue with Facebook