Ranch & Meadow Wet Cat Food
Verified Jun 6, 2026
This is a high–animal-protein wet food for cats of all life stages, using lamb, pork, and pork liver as its primary ingredients. The red meats provide concentrated protein and essential nutrients, while added taurine and vitamins help support overall feline health. Sea vegetables, dandelion greens, and prebiotic fiber from fructooligosaccharides contribute additional micronutrients and digestive support.
A meat-focused, canned pâté that offers a good protein and fat profile for kittens and adult cats, with lamb and pork as the main animal sources. It’s formulated to be complete and balanced for all life stages and includes organ meat, taurine, and a small amount of prebiotic fiber and marine microalgae oil. This food should suit most healthy cats who do well on red meats and can be a nice option for those rotating away from poultry or fish-based diets.
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
- Lamb, pork, and pork liver are the first ingredients, providing highly bioavailable animal protein and nutrient-dense organ meat.
- Formulated to meet AAFCO nutrient profiles for all life stages, so it is appropriate for kittens and adults when fed as the primary diet.
- Includes added taurine at a defined level, which is critical for cat heart and eye health in wet diets.
- Contains fructooligosaccharides (a prebiotic) and marine microalgae oil, which can support gut health and provide a source of omega fatty acids.
Considerations
- Red meats like lamb and pork can be triggers for some food-allergic cats, so this would not be suitable for cats known to react to these proteins.
- The recipe is relatively rich compared to many dry foods, so very sedentary or overweight-prone cats may need careful portion control when feeding this as a sole diet.
- Cats that are accustomed to poultry- or fish-only diets may need a slow transition to adjust to the different protein sources and reduce any risk of digestive upset.
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
Lamb
Lamb is commonly used in dog and cat foods as a high-quality animal protein that supplies essential amino acids, iron and B vitamins and is often chosen for its palatability or as a “novel” protein in elimination diets. It can be higher in fat and calories than some other meats and may still cause allergic reactions in sensitive animals, so owners of overweight pets or those with food sensitivities should consult a veterinarian and use proper handling/cooking practices if feeding raw or homemade lamb.
02
Pork
Pork is used in pet foods primarily as a high-quality animal protein and flavor enhancer, supplying essential amino acids, B vitamins (especially B12 and niacin), iron and zinc, plus fat for calorie-dense energy; it can be suitable for both dogs and cats when balanced in a complete diet. Because pork can be relatively high in fat, it may be inappropriate for pets requiring low‑fat diets or those prone to pancreatitis, some animals may have sensitivities to pork, and raw or undercooked pork can carry parasites or pathogens so it should be properly processed or cooked.
03
Lamb Broth
Lamb broth is used in pet foods and toppers primarily as a flavorful, moisture-rich base or gravy to boost palatability and hydration, and it can contribute small amounts of animal protein, amino acids, and electrolytes. Pet parents should be aware that broths can be high in sodium or fat and may contain allergens or toxic seasonings (e.g., onion, garlic, xylitol), so choose low‑sodium, pet-safe formulations and consult a veterinarian for pets with dietary restrictions or sensitive stomachs.
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
Boar
Boar is used as an alternative or novel animal protein in dog and cat foods, supplying high-quality protein and essential amino acids and often used in limited-ingredient or hypoallergenic formulas. It can be a nutritious option but should be properly sourced and rendered to mitigate risks from parasites or contaminants associated with wild game, and manufacturers must ensure formulations meet species-specific needs (for example adequate taurine for cats) and avoid cross-contamination for food-sensitive pets.
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
Essence is a grain-free and animal protein–focused pet food brand designed around high meat inclusion and sustainable ingredients, offering premium nutrition for dogs and cats.
Visit EssenceManufacturer
Pets Global partners with trusted U.S.-based manufacturers for its products, maintaining oversight of ingredient sourcing and recipe formulation to ensure food safety and nutritional quality standards. Its products are formulated to meet AAFCO nutrient profiles and follow U.S. FDA manufacturing guidelines.
Manufacturing details are compiled from public sources and not independently verified; they may not reflect contract manufacturing or co-packing.
Recall History
Essence Ranch & Meadow Wet Cat Food has no recalls since 2014.
Source: FDA Pet Food Recall Database · Monitored daily
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Frequently Asked Questions
Has Essence ever been recalled?
We have no recalls on record for Essence. 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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