Duck Recipe Pate
Verified Jun 15, 2026
This is a high–animal-protein canned pate for cats of all ages, featuring duck as the primary ingredient along with pork liver and dried egg for additional protein. The formula is low in carbohydrates, includes added taurine and salmon oil, and provides extra moisture, which can be especially helpful for cats who don’t drink much water. It’s designed for everyday feeding of healthy, active cats and may also suit those needing tighter calorie or carbohydrate control under veterinary guidance.
This is a very strong wet option for cats who do well on a high-protein, low-carbohydrate diet, with duck and other animal ingredients making up the bulk of the recipe. It offers good moisture content, added taurine, and beneficial extras like salmon oil and green-lipped mussel. It’s generally well-suited to most healthy adult cats and many kittens, as long as they tolerate duck, egg, and pork proteins.
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At a Glance
KibbleLab Review
Strengths
- Duck as the first ingredient, supported by pork liver and dried egg, provides high-quality, highly digestible animal protein.
- Low-carbohydrate, grain-free formula that aligns well with the natural higher-protein needs of cats.
- Includes salmon oil, a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids that can support skin, coat, and overall health.
- Contains added taurine and chelated (proteinate) trace minerals, which can improve nutrient availability compared with non-chelated forms.
Considerations
- Contains egg and pork, which can be problem ingredients for cats with known food allergies or sensitivities to these proteins.
- Duck is a less common protein than chicken or beef, so if you ever need a truly novel protein for an allergy workup later, using duck now may limit that option.
- Calorie density is moderate for a canned food, so portion control will still be important for strictly indoor or low-activity cats.
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
Duck
Duck is used in pet food primarily as a flavorful animal protein and fat source, commonly included in limited-ingredient or novel-protein formulas for dogs and cats. It supplies high-quality amino acids and energy and can help pets with sensitivities to common proteins, but it is relatively rich in fat (so may be unsuitable for low‑fat or pancreatitis-prone animals), can still trigger allergies in some pets, and requires proper cooking/processing and handling to avoid bacterial contamination.
02
Duck Broth
Duck broth is used in pet food primarily as a flavorful liquid to boost palatability and moisture, and it can contribute modest amounts of amino acids and minerals depending on how it’s made. It can help entice picky dogs and cats and encourage hydration, but caregivers should check labels for high sodium, added onions/garlic or excessive fat, and avoid broths with bone fragments or if the animal has a poultry allergy or pancreatitis risk.
03
Egg Product
Egg product is used in pet foods as a high-quality, highly digestible animal protein and palatability enhancer, providing complete essential amino acids, fats, vitamins (such as A, D and B12), minerals and choline, and it often serves as a binder or emulsifier when included as whole, dried or concentrated egg. It supplies bioavailable nutrients for dogs and cats but can be a food allergen for some individuals, may be higher in fat depending on yolk content, and should be properly processed (pasteurized or cooked) to reduce microbial risk.
04
Pork Liver
Pork liver is an organ meat used in pet foods as a nutrient‑dense source of high‑quality protein and concentrated vitamins and minerals—notably vitamin A, B vitamins (including B12 and folate), iron and copper—that support red blood cell production, skin/coat condition and overall metabolism. Because liver is very rich in vitamin A and certain minerals, it should be included in limited amounts to avoid hypervitaminosis A or mineral imbalances and must be properly processed to reduce pathogen risk; pets with urinary stone issues or a pork sensitivity should use caution.
05
Natural Duck Flavor
Natural duck flavor is a concentrated flavoring derived from duck tissues or extracts used to increase the palatability of pet foods and treats rather than to provide substantive nutrition. While it can make diets more appealing—particularly for picky dogs and cats—it is not a significant protein or nutrient source and may provoke reactions in animals with poultry allergies or sensitivities, so owners of food‑sensitive pets should check ingredient lists and consult their veterinarian.
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 Duck Recipe Pate 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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