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Original Ultra Ocean Fish Recipe Pate Wet Cat Food
Natural Balance

Original Ultra Ocean Fish Recipe Pate Wet Cat Food

Verified Aug 29, 2026

Cat · Wet All Life Stages All Breed Sizes

A canned pate for cats of all life stages, this recipe uses ocean fish, mackerel, tuna, and chicken liver as key protein sources with brown rice and carrots for additional fiber and energy. It provides moderate protein and fat for a wet food, plus added taurine for heart and eye health in cats. The formula is designed to be fed as a complete meal or alongside dry kibble.

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Over-the-counter AAFCO No recalls

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KibbleLab Score
8.7 out of 10

Strong Choice

This is a well-balanced wet food suitable for kittens through adult and senior cats, using a mix of fish and poultry organ meats to provide a good range of nutrients. The protein and fat levels are appropriate for an all-life-stages canned diet, and it includes added taurine along with some fiber sources and omega-rich ingredients like salmon oil and flaxseed. It’s a solid option for healthy cats who do well on fish and chicken-based diets and whose owners prefer a softer pate texture.

Nutritional profile 9.6
Ingredient composition 8.0
Adequacy substantiation 7.0
Health considerations 10.0

Computed from 4 of 4 applicable checks. Missing data is skipped, never counted against a food.

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

Nutritional profile Protein, fat, fiber on a dry-matter basis, for the stated life stage and format
Adequacy substantiation Complete and balanced substantiation; feeding trials valued higher
Ingredient composition Screened for unnamed sources, artificial additives, and label protein inflation. Not a quality ranking.
Health considerations Pulse-heavy grain-free (DCM) pattern and recall history
Verified manufacturer evidence A small bonus when we can verify evidence addressing WSAVA selection criteria
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 6.0 Review Carefully

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At a Glance

Suitable For
All Life Stages All Breed Sizes
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Nutritional Perspective

KibbleLab Review

Strengths

  • Multiple named animal protein sources (ocean fish, chicken liver, mackerel, tuna, chicken hearts) provide a good amino acid profile and natural vitamins and minerals from organ meats.
  • Complete and balanced to AAFCO standards for all life stages, so it can be used for kittens, adults, and seniors as a sole diet if desired.
  • Includes beneficial ingredients such as salmon oil and ground flaxseed for omega fatty acids, plus cranberries and blueberries as additional whole-food components.
  • Moderate protein and fat with added taurine support the specific nutritional needs of cats, who are obligate carnivores.

Considerations

  • Contains several common allergens (fish and chicken), so it would not be appropriate for cats with known sensitivities to these proteins.
  • Includes pea protein among the ingredients, which contributes some plant-based protein; cats with very high-protein medical needs may be better suited to more strictly meat-based formulas.
  • Fish-heavy diets can be very palatable but may not be ideal as the only long-term protein source for some cats; rotating with non-fish formulas can be worth discussing with your veterinarian.
Scored using the rubric of an NAVC Certified Pet Nutrition Coach (PNCC). This is informational, not veterinary advice.

Full Ingredient List

OCEAN FISH, SALMON BROTH, CHICKEN LIVER, MACKEREL, TUNA, BROWN RICE, CHICKEN HEARTS, CARROTS, PEA PROTEIN, GROUND FLAXSEED, NATURAL FLAVOR, DRIED PLAIN BEET PULP, SALMON OIL (PRESERVED WITH MIXED TOCOPHEROLS), CRANBERRIES, BLUEBERRIES, SALT, AGAR-AGAR, FRUCTOOLIGOSACCHARIDE, POTASSIUM CHLORIDE, TAURINE, CALCIUM CARBONATE, MINERALS (IRON PROTEINATE, ZINC PROTEINATE, COPPER PROTEINATE, MANGANESE PROTEINATE, POTASSIUM IODIDE, SODIUM SELENITE), VITAMINS (THIAMINE MONONITRATE, VITAMIN E SUPPLEMENT, NIACIN SUPPLEMENT, MENADIONE SODIUM BISULFITE COMPLEX (SOURCE OF VITAMIN K ACTIVITY), d-CALCIUM PANTOTHENATE, PYRIDOXINE HYDROCHLORIDE, RIBOFLAVIN SUPPLEMENT, VITAMIN A SUPPLEMENT, VITAMIN D3 SUPPLEMENT, VITAMIN B12 SUPPLEMENT, FOLIC ACID, BIOTIN), CHOLINE CHLORIDE, MAGNESIUM SULFATE, SODIUM CARBONATE.

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
Ocean Fish
Ocean fish is commonly used in pet food as a high-quality animal protein and flavor ingredient and is valued for providing omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA) plus minerals like iodine and selenium that support skin and coat, joint, heart, and cognitive health in dogs and cats. While it offers important nutritional benefits, fish can be an allergen for some pets and may carry environmental contaminants (mercury, PCBs) depending on source, so responsible sourcing, proper processing, and variety in protein choices are recommended.
02
Salmon Broth
Salmon broth is a savory liquid used in pet foods and as a meal topper to boost palatability and encourage hydration, supplying small amounts of protein, amino acids and omega‑3 fatty acids that can support skin and coat health in dogs and cats. It can help entice picky eaters and increase water intake, but owners should choose low‑sodium, commercially prepared broths free of onion/garlic or other toxic additives and be mindful of fish allergies or potential contaminants in fish‑derived ingredients.
03
Chicken Liver
Chicken liver is a nutrient-dense organ meat commonly used in pet foods and treats as a highly palatable protein source and flavor enhancer, providing concentrated vitamins (especially vitamin A and B-complex), iron, and copper that support energy metabolism, red blood cell formation, and skin/coat health in both dogs and cats. Because it is so rich, liver should be fed in moderation—excessive intake can cause vitamin A toxicity, and its high fat content and risk of bacterial contamination mean it should be properly sourced or cooked and limited for pets with pancreatitis or specific dietary restrictions.
04
Mackerel
Mackerel is a fatty fish commonly used in pet foods as a high‑quality animal protein and a rich source of omega‑3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA), often added for flavor, palatability and healthy fats. Its omega‑3s support skin and coat condition, immune and joint health in dogs and cats, but owners should be aware of potential heavy‑metal accumulation, food sensitivities, and higher fat or sodium in some preparations, so choose properly processed, deboned sources from reputable suppliers.
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05
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.
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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)
9.00%
Low High
Crude Fat (min)
4.00%
Low High
Crude Fiber (max)
1.50%
Low High
Moisture (max)
78.00%
Low High
1029
kcal / Kg
161
kcal / 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.

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Product Details & Brand

Product Specs

Lifestage All Life Stages
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 All Life Stages
Substantiation Formulation
Natural Balance Original Ultra Ocean Fish Recipe Pate9 cat food is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO cat food nutrient profiles for all life stages.

Brand

Natural Balance is a premium pet food brand focused on delivering nutritionally balanced diets made with high-quality ingredients. It is best known for its Limited Ingredient Diets, which feature simple ingredient lists designed for pets with food sensitivities. The brand also offers targeted formulas for different life stages and dietary needs. Natural Balance markets itself as a transparent and science-informed brand catering to pet owners seeking reliable, health-conscious nutrition for their pets.

Price tier $$$$

Manufacturer

Company name Natural Balance Pet Foods
Parent company Ethos Pet Brands (L Catterton / Nexus Capital)
Founded 1989
Headquarters Burbank, California, USA
Manufacturing type Co Packer
Manufacturing country United States
Manufacturing region California
Manufacturing oversight

Natural Balance sources and manufactures its products primarily in the United States. Its manufacturing facilities adhere to FDA and AAFCO regulations for pet food production, with quality control protocols that include routine testing for contaminants and nutritional accuracy. Production oversight includes partnerships with certified and audited co-packers to ensure consistency and safety.

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

No recall is listed for Natural Balance Original Ultra Ocean Fish Recipe Pate Wet Cat Food.

Source: FDA animal food recall listings back to January 2019 · Checked daily, last on Aug 31, 2026

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KibbleLab food report
GREAT BOWL.
8.7 /10 Grade A
Original Ultra Ocean Fish Recipe Pate Wet Cat Food
Natural Balance · kibblelab.com

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Frequently Asked Questions

Has Natural Balance ever been recalled?

We have no recalls on record for Natural Balance. 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.

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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 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.