Grain Free Chicken Pate Recipe Wet Cat Food
Verified May 20, 2026
This is a grain-free canned pate for kittens and adult cats, using chicken as the primary protein source. The recipe is moderately high in moisture with added pea protein and fiber sources, plus a full vitamin and mineral premix to make it complete and balanced for growth and maintenance. It can work as a main meal for healthy cats who do well on chicken-based, grain-free wet diets.
This grain-free chicken pate offers a straightforward, chicken-based wet diet suitable for both kittens and adult cats. The nutrient profile is typical for a canned food, with reasonable protein and fat levels for an all-life-stages formula and relatively low ash. It’s a solid everyday option for cats that tolerate chicken well and whose owners prefer a grain-free, canned diet, though it does rely partly on pea protein and uses a synthetic vitamin K source (menadione).
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
- Chicken as the first ingredient provides a clearly named animal protein source appropriate for cats.
- Complete and balanced for both growth and maintenance, so it can be fed to kittens and adults alike.
- High moisture content can help support hydration, which is useful for many cats who don’t drink a lot of water.
- Relatively low ash maximum (2%) suggests a reasonable mineral load for a canned product.
Considerations
- Contains pea protein, which contributes to the total protein; while fine for most cats, it means not all of the protein comes from meat.
- Chicken is a very common feline allergen, so this food would not be suitable for cats with known chicken sensitivities.
- Includes menadione (a synthetic form of vitamin K), which is acceptable from a regulatory standpoint but is avoided by some nutritionists when other options are available.
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
Chicken Broth
Chicken broth is commonly used in pet foods and toppers as a flavorful liquid base or gravy to improve palatability and add moisture, providing modest amounts of soluble protein, electrolytes and minerals. It can help encourage eating and increase hydration, but owners should choose low‑sodium, onion‑ and garlic‑free formulations (or make homemade broth), since commercial broths may contain excessive salt, seasonings or additives that are unsafe or unsuitable for dogs and cats.
03
Tapioca Starch
Tapioca starch is a purified carbohydrate used in pet foods mainly as a thickener, binder and easily digestible energy source, contributing virtually no protein, fat, vitamins or minerals. It is low‑allergy and gluten‑free, but because it is a high‑glycemic, low‑nutrient filler it should be limited in diets for overweight or diabetic pets and not relied on for essential nutrition.
04
Cellulose
Cellulose is a purified, plant-derived insoluble fiber commonly used in pet foods as a bulking agent, binder and to adjust kibble texture or calorie density. It is not digestible for dogs or cats but can help increase stool bulk, support satiety and assist hairball control in some formulations; however, it provides no usable nutrients and excessive inclusion may dilute dietary nutrients or cause gastrointestinal upset, particularly in obligate carnivores like cats.
05
Pea Protein
Pea protein is a concentrated plant-based protein and functional ingredient in pet foods used to raise protein levels, improve texture and contribute soluble fiber, vitamins and minerals. It can be a useful, digestible protein source for dogs and a supplemental protein in some cat formulas, but because it is lower in certain essential amino acids (and cats are obligate carnivores), diets relying heavily on pea protein should be formulated to meet AAFCO nutrient profiles and owners should note potential legume sensitivities and the debated link between high‑pulse, grain‑free diets and canine heart concerns.
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
Health Extension is the flagship brand of Health Extension Pet Care, offering holistic dog and cat foods made with premium proteins and whole-food ingredients. The brand targets pet owners seeking natural, grain-inclusive, and grain-free options without artificial additives.
Visit Health ExtensionManufacturer
Health Extension Pet Care oversees manufacturing in facilities that comply with FDA and AAFCO standards. Each batch undergoes quality assurance and safety checks, and foods are made in the USA using high-quality ingredients sourced from trusted suppliers.
Manufacturing details are compiled from public sources and not independently verified; they may not reflect contract manufacturing or co-packing.
Recall History
Health Extension Grain Free Chicken Pate Recipe Wet Cat Food has no recalls since 2014.
Source: FDA Pet Food Recall Database · Monitored daily
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Frequently Asked Questions
Has Health Extension ever been recalled?
We have no recalls on record for Health Extension. 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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