Beef Recipe Pate Wet Cat Food
Verified Jun 17, 2026
This is a high-moisture beef-based canned pate for cats of all ages, using beef and beef liver as the main animal protein sources. The formula is relatively high in protein for a wet food, moderate in fat, and includes added taurine plus salmon oil and green mussel for additional nutrients. It’s designed as a complete everyday diet that can work well for cats who do best on a meat-focused, lower-carbohydrate style wet food.
Overall, this is a very solid wet diet for cats that emphasizes animal protein and moisture, which are both important for feline health. Beef, beef broth, and beef liver provide high-quality, highly digestible protein, and the calorie density is appropriate for most adult cats when fed according to directions. It’s a good fit for cats who do well on beef and whose owners are looking for a meat-forward, low-filler canned food option.
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
- Beef and beef liver are the primary ingredients, offering highly digestible, animal-based protein that aligns well with feline nutritional needs.
- Very low in carbohydrate ingredients, with no grains, peas, potatoes, or other starchy fillers listed, which can suit cats that do better on lower-carb diets.
- Includes added taurine at a clearly stated level, along with salmon oil and New Zealand green mussel, which provide additional beneficial nutrients such as omega fatty acids.
- High moisture content typical of canned foods helps support overall hydration, which is particularly valuable for cats that don’t drink much water on their own.
Considerations
- Beef and egg are common protein allergens for some cats, so this formula would not be appropriate for cats with known sensitivities to those ingredients.
- The fat level is moderate; very overweight or pancreatitis-prone cats may need careful portion control and veterinary guidance when using any higher-protein, moderate-fat diet.
- Agar-agar is used as a gelling agent; while generally safe, a small number of cats with very sensitive digestion may not tolerate certain gums or gelling agents well.
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
Beef
Beef is commonly used in dog and cat foods as a primary animal protein and palatability enhancer, supplying high-quality essential amino acids, B vitamins, iron, and zinc that support muscle maintenance and overall health. Owners should note beef can be calorie- and fat-dense and is a relatively common allergen, and raw or improperly handled beef carries microbial risks, so formulation, fat content, and sourcing/processing are important considerations.
02
Beef Broth
Beef broth is commonly used in pet foods and toppers as a savory flavoring and moisture enhancer to boost palatability and encourage hydration, and depending on preparation can contribute small amounts of protein, minerals and gelatin-derived collagen. Care should be taken because commercial broths are often high in sodium and may contain added ingredients (onion, garlic, spices, preservatives or sweeteners) that can be harmful to dogs or cats, so choose low-sodium, pet-safe formulations and avoid if your pet has a beef allergy or sodium-sensitive condition.
03
Beef Liver
Beef liver is an organ meat commonly used in dog and cat foods and treats as a highly palatable, protein-rich, nutrient-dense ingredient that provides concentrated, bioavailable vitamins (especially vitamin A and B12), heme iron, copper, and essential amino acids. While it supports blood health and overall nutrition, beef liver should be fed in moderation because excess vitamin A can cause toxicity, its richness may upset sensitive stomachs or contribute to pancreatitis in predisposed pets, and proper sourcing/processing is important to minimize contaminant or bacterial risks.
04
Agar
Agar is a seaweed-derived gelling agent and thickener commonly used in pet foods and treats to create firm textures, stabilize wet formulas, and act as a vegetarian binder, contributing soluble but largely indigestible fiber rather than significant protein or calories. Generally safe and useful for texture and stool-bulking, it provides little direct nutrition for dogs or cats and can cause loose stools or gastrointestinal upset if used in excess, so it should be included at appropriate levels in balanced formulations.
05
Calcium Sulfate
Calcium sulfate is an inorganic mineral used in pet foods primarily as a calcium supplement and as a firming or dough‑conditioning agent in treats and canned formulations. It supplies dietary calcium important for bone and muscle health in dogs and cats but must be balanced with phosphorus to avoid excess intake—especially in growing large‑breed puppies—and is generally regarded as safe when included at appropriate levels.
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
Dr. Elsey’s is a premium pet brand best known for its high-quality cat litters and the Cleanprotein line of cat food. The brand targets cat owners seeking high-protein, low-carbohydrate formulations modeled after a cat’s natural diet. Dr. Elsey’s products are developed with veterinary input and emphasize overall feline wellness.
Visit Dr. Elsey'sManufacturer
Manufacturing is overseen by veterinary professionals led by Dr. Bruce Elsey, with products developed to meet holistic feline health standards. Food manufacturing partners follow AAFCO nutritional guidelines and strict quality controls for pet food safety.
Manufacturing details are compiled from public sources and not independently verified; they may not reflect contract manufacturing or co-packing.
Recall History
Dr. Elsey's Beef Recipe Pate Wet Cat Food has no recalls since 2014.
Source: FDA Pet Food Recall Database · Monitored daily
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Frequently Asked Questions
Has Dr. Elsey's ever been recalled?
We have no recalls on record for Dr. Elsey's. 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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