Hand Packed Catch Of The Day Whole Sardines Wet Cat Food
Verified Jun 16, 2026
This is a simple, fish-based canned food featuring whole sardines in gravy as the sole protein and main ingredient, formulated as a complete and balanced diet for cats of all life stages. The recipe is grain-free and offers moderate protein and fat with naturally occurring omega-3 fats from sardines. It can work as a primary diet or as a high-moisture topper for cats that enjoy fish-heavy meals.
Nutritionally, this is a very straightforward, high–animal-protein wet food centered on whole sardines, which is a highly digestible, nutrient-rich fish source for most cats. It’s formulated to be complete and balanced for all life stages, so it can be used long term, not just as a treat. The main caveat is that it’s a strongly fish-based diet, which may not be ideal as the only protein source for every cat over many years.
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
- Whole sardines as the first and only significant protein source provide high-quality animal protein and naturally rich omega-3 fatty acids.
- Very short, simple ingredient list with no grains, fillers, or artificial colors/flavors, which can be helpful for cats needing a more limited formula.
- AAFCO complete and balanced for all life stages by formulation, so it is suitable for kittens, adults, and pregnant or nursing cats when fed appropriately.
- High moisture canned food, which supports hydration—especially helpful for cats that don’t drink much water.
Considerations
- This is an all-fish formula; long-term, fish-only diets may not suit every cat, so many veterinarians prefer rotating with non-fish proteins over time.
- Fish (including sardines) is a common allergen for some cats, so this food would not be appropriate if your cat has a known fish allergy.
- Protein level is moderate rather than very high on an as-fed basis, so very active or underweight cats may need careful portioning to meet their calorie and protein needs.
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
Sardine
Sardine serves as a rich animal protein and palatability enhancer in pet food, supplying highly digestible protein, abundant omega‑3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA), B vitamins and vitamin D, and when included whole can provide calcium and phosphorus. They can benefit both dogs and cats by supporting skin and coat, joint and cardiac health, but owners should watch for high sodium in some canned products, potential fish allergies or digestive upset in sensitive animals, and choose sustainably sourced, low‑sodium options to minimize contaminant exposure.
02
Water
Water is an essential nutrient and the primary solvent and moisture component in pet foods, especially wet and canned diets, and is also used in processing and to adjust texture and palatability. It is vital for digestion, nutrient transport, temperature regulation and waste removal in dogs and cats; pets must have constant access to clean water as dehydration can quickly lead to serious health issues and requirements increase with activity, heat, or illness, while moisture in wet food can help meet part of their daily needs.
03
Vitamin E
Vitamin E is a fat‑soluble vitamin and antioxidant commonly added to dog and cat foods both as an essential nutrient and to protect fats and fat‑soluble vitamins from oxidation. It supports immune function, healthy skin and coat, and cellular protection; deficiency is uncommon in complete diets, while excessive supplemental doses are unnecessary and very high amounts may interfere with blood clotting or interact with certain medications.
04
Niacin
Niacin (vitamin B3) is a water‑soluble B vitamin included in pet foods as an essential nutrient for energy metabolism and for maintaining healthy skin, nervous system, and digestive function. Dogs can make some niacin from tryptophan, but cats have a limited ability and therefore need sufficient dietary niacin; deficiencies cause poor growth, dermatitis and gastrointestinal or neurological signs, while very high supplemental doses can cause gastrointestinal upset or, rarely, liver issues, so it is normally provided at balanced levels in vitamin premixes.
05
L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate
L‑Ascorbyl‑2‑Polyphosphate is a stabilized, water‑soluble derivative of vitamin C used in pet foods primarily as an antioxidant and preservative to protect fats and other nutrients, maintain color and flavor, and occasionally as a supplemental source of ascorbate. Because dogs and cats can synthesize vitamin C, dietary supplementation is generally not required, though this ingredient can provide extra antioxidant support with low toxicity as excess is typically excreted; high‑dose supplementation should be guided by a 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
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
Evanger's is the flagship brand of Evanger's Dog & Cat Food Company, offering natural, grain-free, and gourmet pet food recipes. The brand is known for its use of locally sourced meats and limited ingredient recipes catering to pet owners seeking specialty or holistic diets.
Visit Evanger'sManufacturer
Evanger's manufactures its products in-house at its facility in Illinois. The company maintains quality control standards compliant with USDA and FDA regulations and adheres to AAFCO nutritional standards. However, Evanger's has faced past recalls and scrutiny from the FDA, prompting improvements in its quality assurance protocols.
Manufacturing details are compiled from public sources and not independently verified; they may not reflect contract manufacturing or co-packing.
Recall History
Evanger's Hand Packed Catch Of The Day Whole Sardines Wet Cat Food has no recalls since 2014.
Source: FDA Pet Food Recall Database · Monitored daily
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Frequently Asked Questions
Has Evanger's ever been recalled?
We have no recalls on record for Evanger'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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