Naturally Healthy Grain Free Grilled Tuna & Mackerel Dinner in Gravy Wet Cat Food
Verified Jun 20, 2026
This is a grain-free, canned wet food for cats featuring tuna and mackerel in gravy as the main protein sources. It offers a high-moisture, relatively low-fat formula with added vitamins, minerals, and taurine to meet complete and balanced AAFCO nutrient profiles. The simple recipe uses tapioca as the carbohydrate source and includes sunflower oil to supply essential fatty acids.
This is a solid, moisture-rich canned option for kittens and adult cats who do well on a fish-based diet. It provides complete and balanced nutrition with tuna and mackerel as key protein sources, and the high water content can be helpful for urinary tract support and overall hydration. The fat level is on the lower side for a cat food, which may suit some cats but might not be ideal for very active or hard-to-keep-weight-on cats if fed as the only diet long term.
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At a Glance
KibbleLab Review
Strengths
- Tuna and mackerel as primary protein sources, giving good-quality animal protein and a palatable fish flavor for many cats.
- Complete and balanced to AAFCO cat food nutrient profiles, so it can be used as a primary diet for kittens and adults if desired.
- Very high moisture content, which supports hydration and can be particularly beneficial for cats that don’t drink much water.
- Relatively simple ingredient list without grains or artificial colors/flavors, which may suit some cats with non-specific sensitivities.
Considerations
- Fish-based diets can be an issue for cats with fish allergies or for those where you’re trying to limit fish due to previous sensitivities or strong preferences developing.
- The minimum fat level is fairly low for a cat food, so very active, thin, or growing cats may need careful monitoring of body condition and potentially additional calories from other foods.
- Guar gum and tapioca are generally well tolerated, but a small number of cats with very sensitive digestion may not do as well with these thickeners/carbohydrate sources.
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
Tuna Broth
Tuna broth is used in pet foods and toppers mainly as a flavor enhancer and moisture source to improve palatability and encourage hydration; it may contribute small amounts of fish-derived protein and omega‑3s but is not a significant standalone protein source. While it can make meals more appealing, pet parents should watch for added salt or preservatives, potential fish allergies, and contaminants such as mercury or histamine, and remember tuna broth does not provide a complete, balanced nutrient profile (including taurine for cats).
02
Tuna
Tuna is commonly used in pet foods as a highly palatable animal protein and flavor enhancer, providing readily digestible protein and omega‑3 fatty acids (EPA/DHA) along with B vitamins for both dogs and cats. While nutritionally beneficial, tuna can be high in mercury or sodium (especially canned), and feeding it exclusively or frequently may cause nutrient imbalances (including risks for thiamine or taurine issues in cats), so it should be offered in moderation as part of a complete, balanced diet.
03
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.
04
Tapioca
Tapioca is a processed starch from the cassava root commonly used in pet foods and treats as a gluten-free carbohydrate, binder and thickening agent, providing easily digestible calories but very little protein, fat, vitamins or minerals. While useful in hypoallergenic or grain-free formulations, it has limited nutritional value and a high glycemic index, so it should be used in moderation—especially for overweight or diabetic dogs and cats—and only in properly processed form to avoid cassava-related toxins.
05
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.
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
Dave's Pet Food offers budget-friendly, nutritious dog and cat food made with a focus on quality ingredients and transparency. The brand caters to pet owners seeking a balance between affordability and nutritional value, offering grain-free, sensitive diet, and specialized formulations.
Visit Dave's Pet FoodManufacturer
Dave's Pet Food develops its recipes in the United States and works with third-party manufacturing partners (co-packers) that follow FDA regulations and AAFCO nutritional standards for pet food labeling and safety. The company maintains oversight through rigorous quality control and supplier standards.
Manufacturing details are compiled from public sources and not independently verified; they may not reflect contract manufacturing or co-packing.
Recall History
Dave's Pet Food Naturally Healthy Grain Free Grilled Tuna & Mackerel Dinner 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 Dave's Pet Food ever been recalled?
We have no recalls on record for Dave's Pet Food. 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.