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Limited Ingredient Wild Tuna Wet Cat Food
FirstMate

Limited Ingredient Wild Tuna Wet Cat Food

Verified Jun 10, 2026

Cat · Wet Adult Kitten All Breed Sizes

This is a grain-free, limited-ingredient canned food for adult cats, built around deboned wild-caught albacore tuna as the primary protein source. It provides moderate protein and fat for maintenance, with potato as the main carbohydrate and added taurine, vitamins, and minerals for complete adult nutrition. The simple ingredient list may be helpful for cats with suspected food sensitivities, as long as they tolerate fish and potato well.

Over-the-counter AAFCO No recalls
Official product page
KibbleLab Score
8.3 out of 10

Nutritionally, this is a solid limited-ingredient wet diet for adult cats who do well on fish-based formulas. It offers a straightforward recipe with tuna as the main protein and avoids grains, chicken, beef, and dairy, which can be useful in elimination or sensitivity-focused diets. It’s best suited as a complete food for healthy adult cats, and can be used alongside other protein sources to keep the overall diet balanced over time.

The KibbleLab Score (1–10) is assessed from publicly available product data. Our evaluation is science-based, not marketing-based.

Ingredient composition Quality, beneficial additions, absence of artificial colors/flavors
Nutritional profile Protein, fat, fiber evaluated for stated life stage and food type
AAFCO compliance Complete and balanced certification; feeding trials valued higher
Health considerations Sensitivity profile, DCM risk, processing method
9.0 – 10 Top Pick
8.0 – 8.9 Strong Choice
7.0 – 7.9 Solid Option
6.0 – 6.9 Worth a Conversation
Below 6 Not Recommended

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

Health Benefits
Sensitive Stomach Allergy Support
Diet & Compliance
Limited Ingredient
Suitable For
Adult Kitten All Breed Sizes
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Nutritional Perspective

KibbleLab Review

Strengths

  • Deboned tuna as the main ingredient provides a clearly named animal protein source that many cats find palatable.
  • Limited-ingredient, grain-free formula without chicken, beef, wheat, soy, or dairy, which can be useful for some cats with food sensitivities.
  • Complete and balanced to AAFCO standards for adult maintenance, so it can be fed as a primary diet for adult cats.
  • Wet pate texture with 78% moisture helps support overall water intake, which is useful for urinary tract health in many cats.

Considerations

  • Formulated only for adult maintenance by AAFCO, so it is not actually complete and balanced for kittens, pregnant, or nursing cats despite the feeding suggestions for those stages.
  • Fish-based diets can be problematic for some cats with fish allergies and, if fed as the sole protein long term, may not be ideal from a variety standpoint; many cats do better rotating in non-fish proteins as well.
  • Potato is the main carbohydrate source; while generally well tolerated, it does not add much nutritional value beyond calories and may not be necessary for all cats.
  • Protein level is moderate for a canned food; very active, underweight, or muscle-wasting cats may benefit from a higher-protein option, depending on their individual needs.
Scored using the rubric of an NAVC Certified Pet Nutrition Coach (PNCC). This is informational, not veterinary advice.

Full Ingredient List

Deboned Tuna, Water sufficient for processing, Potato, Minerals (Salt, Calcium Carbonate, Monodicalcium phosphate, Choline chloride, Potassium chloride, Zinc Proteinate, Iron Proteinate, Copper Proteinate, Manganese Proteinate, Calcium Iodate), Vitamins (Vitamin E Supplement, Niacin, Vitamin A Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate, Riboflavin, Biotin, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Folic Acid, Vitamin D3 Supplement, D-calcium pantothenate), Taurine, Kale

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
Tuna
Tuna is commonly used in pet foods as a highly palatable animal protein and flavor enhancer, providing readily digestible protein and omega‑3 fatty acids (EPA/DHA) along with B vitamins for both dogs and cats. While nutritionally beneficial, tuna can be high in mercury or sodium (especially canned), and feeding it exclusively or frequently may cause nutrient imbalances (including risks for thiamine or taurine issues in cats), so it should be offered in moderation as part of a complete, balanced diet.
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
Potato
Potato is commonly used in pet foods as a digestible carbohydrate source and functional binder, supplying starch, fiber, and modest amounts of vitamins (B6, C) and potassium—often included as cooked or dehydrated flakes, starch, or protein concentrates. While it provides energy and helps formulate grain‑free recipes, potatoes are not a primary protein for dogs or cats (and are not nutritionally required for obligate‑carnivore cats), can contribute to excess calories or affect blood glucose in diabetic animals, and must be cooked and free of green skins or sprouts to avoid solanine toxicity; allergies are uncommon but possible.
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.
As Fed
Crude Protein (min)
11.00%
Low High
Crude Fat (min)
5.00%
Low High
Crude Fiber (max)
0.50%
Low High
Moisture (max)
78.00%
Low High
951
kcal / Kg
86
kcal / 91 g can
Moderate
Calorie density category
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

Lifestage Adult
Lifestage Kitten
Breed size All Breed Sizes
Texture Pate
Processing method Canned
Food type Wet

AAFCO Nutritional Adequacy
What is AAFCO Association of American Feed Control Officials. It sets the nutritional adequacy standards US pet foods are measured against.

Complete & balanced Yes
AAFCO life stages Adult Maintenance
Substantiation Formulation
FirstMate Wild Tuna Formula is Formulated to meet the Nutritional Guidelines Established by the AAFCO Cat Food Nutrient Profiles for Adult Maintenance

Brand

FirstMate

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 FirstMate
Price tier $$$$

Manufacturer

Company name FirstMate Pet Foods
Parent company Nasta Pet Food
Founded 1989
Headquarters North Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Manufacturing type In House
Manufacturing country Canada
Manufacturing region British Columbia
Manufacturing oversight

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

No recalls on record

FirstMate Limited Ingredient Wild Tuna Wet Cat Food has no recalls since 2014.

Source: FDA Pet Food Recall Database · Monitored daily

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KibbleLab food report
GREAT BOWL.
8.3 /10 Grade A
Limited Ingredient Wild Tuna Wet Cat Food
FirstMate · kibblelab.com

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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.

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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.