Limited Ingredient Pork & Apple Formula Wet Cat Food
Verified May 20, 2026
This is a grain-free, limited-ingredient canned pâté for cats of all life stages, using pork as the main animal protein. It includes apple and potato as carbohydrate sources and added taurine and minerals for complete and balanced nutrition. The moderate protein and fat levels make it suitable as a primary diet or to mix with dry food for extra moisture and variety.
Nutritionally, this looks like a well-balanced, limited-ingredient wet food that should suit most healthy cats, including kittens and adults, as an everyday diet. Pork provides the main animal protein, and the recipe keeps the ingredient list fairly simple while still meeting AAFCO standards for all life stages. It’s a good option if you’re looking for a non-chicken, grain-free canned food with moderate protein and fat and relatively low ash and magnesium levels.
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
- Complete and balanced to AAFCO standards for all life stages, so it can be used for kittens through adults if fed as the main diet.
- Pork as the primary animal protein offers an alternative for cats that don’t do well on more common proteins like chicken or beef.
- Grain-free, limited-ingredient style formula with a fairly short ingredient list, which can be helpful for cats with simpler dietary needs.
- Reasonable mineral profile on paper (including low ash and controlled magnesium), which can be supportive of urinary health when paired with good hydration.
Considerations
- Some cats may be sensitive to pork, so if your cat has a history of food reactions, introduce this gradually and watch for any issues.
- The as-fed protein level is moderate for a wet cat food; very active cats or those needing extra lean body mass may do better with a higher-protein option.
- Contains dried yeast, which is generally safe but may not suit a very small subset of cats with yeast sensitivities.
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
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.
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
Yeast
Yeast (such as brewer’s, nutritional yeast, or yeast extracts) is used in pet foods as a palatability enhancer, a supplemental protein and B‑vitamin source, and for functional components like beta‑glucans and mannans that can support immune and gut health. It can help with appetite, skin/coat quality and digestion, but some pets may be allergic, product strains and processing vary in quality, and higher purine or added-salt levels in certain yeast products can be a concern for animals with specific medical or dietary restrictions.
04
Porcine Plasma
Porcine plasma is a spray‑dried, blood‑derived ingredient used in pet foods and milk replacers as a highly digestible animal protein and palatability enhancer with useful binding and emulsifying properties. It supplies concentrated plasma proteins—including immunoglobulins and growth factors—that may support gut health and nutrient absorption (particularly in puppies and kittens), but because it is pork‑derived some pets with pork sensitivities or owners with dietary/religious concerns may prefer to avoid it; manufacturers typically process it to reduce pathogen risk.
05
Apple
Apple is used in pet foods as a fruit ingredient that supplies soluble fiber (pectin), natural flavor, moisture, and small amounts of vitamins and antioxidants. It can support digestion and add low‑calorie sweetness, but seeds and cores should be avoided because of cyanogenic compounds, apples are relatively high in natural sugars so should be used in moderation (and washed to remove pesticides), and cats—being obligate carnivores—gain less nutritional benefit than dogs.
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 Limited Ingredient Pork & Apple Formula 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.
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