Kitten Healthy Start Tuna Fillet Recipe Pate Wet Food
Verified Aug 22, 2026
This is a tuna-based wet pate formulated for kittens, providing moderate protein and fat with added vitamins, minerals, taurine, and DHA to support growth and development. It uses tuna fillet as the main protein source and includes fish oil and marine microalgae oil for omega-3s, along with prebiotic inulin and a probiotic fermentation product to support digestion. It’s intended to be fed together with a complete dry or wet kitten food rather than as the only diet.
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Strong Choice
Nutritionally, this looks like a high-quality tuna-based wet food designed to support growing kittens when used alongside a complete diet. It offers named fish as the primary protein, appropriate protein and fat levels for a kitten wet food, and beneficial additions like taurine, DHA, and omega-3 sources. Because it is described as complementary and not a stand-alone complete diet, it needs to be combined with a complete kitten food to fully meet all nutritional needs.
Computed from 3 of 4 applicable checks. Missing data is skipped, never counted against a food.
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At a Glance
KibbleLab Review
Strengths
- Tuna fillet as the first ingredient provides a clear, highly digestible animal protein source for kittens.
- Includes added taurine and DHA from fish oil and marine microalgae oil, which are important nutrients for kitten eye, brain, and heart development.
- Grain-free and carrageenan-free formulation, which can suit kittens who don’t do well with certain gums or grains.
- Contains prebiotic inulin and a Lactobacillus plantarum fermentation product that may help support a healthy digestive tract.
Considerations
- Labeled and described as a complementary food, so it should not be the sole source of nutrition; it needs to be paired with a complete kitten diet to ensure all nutrients are met over time.
- Contains egg whites and whey (dairy), which are potential allergens for some cats; not ideal if your kitten has known sensitivities to egg or dairy proteins.
- Tuna-heavy diets can be very palatable but are best used as part of a rotation with other protein sources to avoid over-reliance on one type of fish long term.
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
Tuna Fillet
Tuna fillet is commonly used in pet foods and treats as a highly palatable, lean animal protein that provides EPA/DHA omega‑3 fatty acids, B vitamins (notably B12) and minerals like selenium, supporting skin and coat condition, cognitive health and general protein needs for both dogs and cats. It should be fed in moderation and within a balanced diet because frequent large servings—especially canned tuna—can contribute to mercury and excess sodium exposure, and raw tuna may carry parasites or enzymes that affect thiamine; prefer cooked, boneless, unsalted preparations and consult your veterinarian for long‑term use.
02
Fish Broth
Fish broth is used in pet food primarily as a flavor and moisture enhancer, providing modest amounts of fish-derived protein, amino acids, minerals and sometimes trace omega‑3s but not serving as a primary source of complete nutrition. It can improve hydration and entice picky, senior, or ill dogs and cats to eat, but caregivers should watch for high sodium, added seasonings (especially onion or garlic), potential fish allergies, and variable quality depending on processing.
03
Sunflower Oil
Sunflower oil is used in pet foods as a concentrated fat source to increase energy density, palatability and supply linoleic acid (an essential omega‑6) that helps maintain healthy skin and coat. It is beneficial for dogs and cats but is high in omega‑6 and low in omega‑3—so formulas should balance fatty acids to avoid an inflammatory imbalance; it is calorie‑dense (important for weight control and pancreatitis-prone animals) and may require antioxidants or high‑oleic formulations for better shelf stability.
04
Potato Starch
Potato starch is a highly digestible carbohydrate commonly used in pet foods as a binder, thickener and texture agent to help kibble formation, stabilize wet formulas and create chewy treats. It provides readily available energy but is low in protein, fat and micronutrients, so while generally safe, its high glycemic load and limited nutritional value mean it should be used sparingly—particularly for overweight pets, diabetic animals or cats on low‑carbohydrate diets, and excessive amounts can sometimes contribute to loose stools.
05
Natural Fish Flavor
Natural fish flavor is used in pet foods primarily to enhance palatability and encourage eating rather than as a significant source of nutrients. Because it is derived from fish, it may contain trace marine compounds but generally provides little protein or omega‑3s and can be a concern for pets with fish allergies or owners sensitive to strong food odors.
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
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Product Details & Brand
Product Specs
Brand
Applaws is a premium pet food brand focusing on natural ingredients and simple recipes for cats and dogs. It is known for its high meat content, transparent labeling, and grain-free offerings targeted at health-conscious pet owners seeking minimally processed food options.
Manufacturer
MPM Products works with audited co-manufacturers that comply with international pet food safety standards such as HACCP and GMP. Their manufacturing partners are located primarily in Thailand and the UK, and they ensure ingredient traceability and quality through third-party certification and oversight.
PSC is a nonprofit that Accredits pet companies on their environmental and social impact, through third-party verification. MPM Products is a PSC Accredited business. View profile
Manufacturing details are compiled from public sources and not independently verified; they may not reflect contract manufacturing or co-packing.
Recall History
No recall is listed for Applaws Kitten Healthy Start Tuna Fillet Recipe Pate Wet Food.
Source: FDA animal food recall listings back to January 2019 · Checked daily, last on Aug 31, 2026
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Frequently Asked Questions
Has Applaws ever been recalled?
We have no recalls on record for Applaws. We track the FDA's animal food recall listings back to January 2019 and publish every pet food recall automatically. A filing that isn't pet food may not appear here.
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 listings. Last verified dates reflect our most recent data check. We track the FDA's animal food recall listings back to January 2019 and publish every pet food recall automatically. A filing that isn't pet food may not appear here.
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