Platefulls Mackerel & Sardine Recipe Morsels in Gravy Wet Cat Food
Verified Jun 8, 2026
This is a wet food for adult cats that uses mackerel, sardines, and chicken (including chicken liver) as its main protein sources in a gravy format. It’s complete and balanced for maintenance and includes added taurine plus omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, which are important for heart, skin, and coat health. Vegetables like carrots, peas, and potatoes contribute fiber to support healthy digestion, and it can be served as a full meal or as a topper over dry food.
Overall, this is a high-quality adult wet food that provides animal-based protein from multiple fish sources plus chicken and organ meat, with an appropriate nutrient profile for adult cat maintenance. It offers added taurine and specified omega-3 and omega-6 levels, which are particularly useful for heart health and skin/coat support in cats. It’s likely a good fit for adult cats who enjoy fish-based diets and can also work well as a moisture-rich topper for cats eating dry food.
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At a Glance
KibbleLab Review
Strengths
- Multiple named animal proteins (mackerel, sardines, chicken liver, chicken) high on the ingredient list, providing good-quality, species-appropriate protein.
- Complete and balanced to AAFCO standards for adult maintenance by formulation, so it can be fed as the sole diet for adult cats.
- Guaranteed taurine, omega-3, and omega-6 levels, which support heart function and skin/coat health in cats.
- Wet, gravy-style format helps increase water intake, which is often beneficial for feline urinary and overall health.
Considerations
- Fish (mackerel and sardines) and chicken are common protein allergens, so this wouldn’t be appropriate for cats with known sensitivities to these ingredients.
- Protein and fat levels are on the modest side for a wet cat food, which is fine for many adult cats but may be lower than ideal for very active or underweight cats needing a richer diet.
- Contains peas, potatoes, and beet pulp as plant ingredients; while generally safe, they add some non-animal-derived components for owners specifically seeking strictly meat-heavy formulations.
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
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.
02
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.
03
Sardine
Sardine serves as a rich animal protein and palatability enhancer in pet food, supplying highly digestible protein, abundant omega‑3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA), B vitamins and vitamin D, and when included whole can provide calcium and phosphorus. They can benefit both dogs and cats by supporting skin and coat, joint and cardiac health, but owners should watch for high sodium in some canned products, potential fish allergies or digestive upset in sensitive animals, and choose sustainably sourced, low‑sodium options to minimize contaminant exposure.
04
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.
05
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.
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
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.
Visit Natural BalanceManufacturer
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
Natural Balance Platefulls Mackerel & Sardine Recipe Morsels in Gravy Wet Cat Food has no recalls since 2014.
Source: FDA Pet Food Recall Database · Monitored daily
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Frequently Asked Questions
Has Natural Balance ever been recalled?
We have no recalls on record for Natural Balance. 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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