Cage-Free Chicken & Rice Wet Cat Food
Verified Jun 9, 2026
A grain-inclusive canned diet for cats featuring boneless cage-free chicken as the primary protein source and rice as the single grain carbohydrate. This pate-style formula is complete and balanced for all life stages, including kittens and pregnant or nursing queens, and includes added taurine plus a small amount of fruits and vegetables. It can be fed on its own or alongside a compatible dry food as part of a mixed-feeding plan.
This is a high-quality, meat-forward wet food that should suit most healthy cats, including kittens and breeding females, who do well with chicken and a moderate-fat formula. The nutrient profile is appropriate for all life stages, with adequate protein and fat for a canned diet and added taurine for heart and eye health. It’s a good everyday option for owners wanting a simple, grain-friendly formula without peas, potatoes, or gums like carrageenan and guar gum.
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At a Glance
KibbleLab Review
Strengths
- Boneless chicken is the primary ingredient, providing highly digestible animal protein suitable for cats at all life stages.
- Rice is the only grain and a generally well-tolerated, easy-to-digest carbohydrate source for most cats.
- Taurine and a full vitamin–mineral premix are added to support complete and balanced nutrition for all life stages, including growth and reproduction.
- Very low magnesium (0.02% max as-fed) and moderate phosphorus and calcium levels, which can be helpful for maintaining urinary health in many cats.
Considerations
- Chicken is a common food allergen for cats, so this formula is not a good fit for cats with known chicken sensitivities.
- The fat level is on the moderate side for a canned food, which is fine for most cats but may not be ideal for those needing a higher-calorie, higher-fat diet for weight gain.
- Formulated to meet AAFCO standards by calculation rather than feeding trials, so real-world digestibility and performance have not been formally feeding-test verified.
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
Chicken
Chicken is a common animal-based protein in dog and cat foods, supplying essential amino acids, B vitamins, and energy-dense fats that support muscle maintenance, growth, and overall health; for cats it also contributes toward dietary taurine but must be present in sufficient amounts or provided via supplementation. It is prized for its digestibility and palatability, though some pets develop sensitivities or allergies to chicken, and nutritional value and safety depend on ingredient quality and processing—raw chicken carries pathogen risks and whole bones can pose choking or GI hazards.
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
Rice
Rice is a common carbohydrate source and binder in dog and cat foods, supplying readily digestible energy and often used in formulations for sensitive stomachs or hypoallergenic diets. White rice is gentle and easy to digest while brown rice provides more fiber and micronutrients, but rice is low in essential amino acids, has a relatively high glycemic index, and can accumulate trace arsenic, so it should not be relied on as a primary protein and portions should be considered for diabetic or weight‑management pets.
04
Salt
Salt (sodium chloride) is used in pet foods as a flavor enhancer, mild preservative and a source of essential electrolytes (sodium and chloride), and is often provided in iodized form to help meet iodine requirements for thyroid function; these minerals support nerve and muscle function and fluid balance in dogs and cats. Small, controlled amounts are nutritionally important, but excessive salt can cause dehydration, worsen heart or kidney disease and, in extreme cases, lead to salt toxicity, so pet owners should avoid adding extra table salt or high‑sodium human foods and follow veterinary guidance for animals with medical conditions.
05
Calcium Carbonate
Calcium carbonate is a common mineral supplement and buffering agent in pet foods used to provide dietary calcium, help meet calcium-to-phosphorus balance, and stabilize pH. It supports bone and dental health and is essential for growth, reproduction, and metabolic functions, but excessive calcium (or imbalanced calcium/phosphorus ratios) can cause skeletal problems in growing animals—especially large-breed puppies—so it should be included at appropriate levels determined by a qualified formulation.
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
FirstMate is the flagship brand of FirstMate Pet Foods, offering premium, grain-free and limited-ingredient diets for dogs and cats. The brand focuses on nutrition, sustainability, and ingredient traceability, appealing to pet owners looking for high-quality, family-made Canadian pet food.
Visit FirstMateManufacturer
FirstMate Pet Foods owns and operates its own manufacturing facilities, ensuring complete control over production, quality, and safety standards. The company complies with HACCP and ISO safety and quality standards and follows CFIA and FDA guidelines.
Manufacturing details are compiled from public sources and not independently verified; they may not reflect contract manufacturing or co-packing.
Recall History
FirstMate Cage-Free Chicken & Rice Wet Cat Food has no recalls since 2014.
Source: FDA Pet Food Recall Database · Monitored daily
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Frequently Asked Questions
Has FirstMate ever been recalled?
We have no recalls on record for FirstMate. 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.