Skip to content

6,000+ pet foods rated. Your best match, free in 30 seconds.

Back
Ultra Protein Real Duck With Protein-Rich Organs Pate Wet Cat Food
Natural Balance

Ultra Protein Real Duck With Protein-Rich Organs Pate Wet Cat Food

Verified Jun 9, 2026

Cat · Wet Adult All Breed Sizes

This is a high-protein, canned pate cat food featuring duck as the primary ingredient, supported by duck broth, whitefish, chicken liver, chicken hearts, and tuna. It’s formulated as a complete and balanced diet for all life stages, with added taurine, omega-rich oils, and fiber sources like flaxseed and inulin. The recipe is designed for cats who enjoy rich, meat-based wet foods and may need higher energy density.

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

This is a protein-forward wet food with multiple animal protein sources, making it a good fit for healthy cats who do well on rich, meat-based diets, including active adults and growing kittens. The inclusion of organ meats boosts natural nutrient density, and the added taurine and balanced vitamins and minerals support overall feline needs. It may be too mixed for cats needing a tightly limited-ingredient diet or those with chicken or fish allergies, but for most cats it offers a solid, meat-focused option.

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
High Energy
Suitable For
Adult All Breed Sizes
Does this food work for your pet?
We'll check every ingredient against your pet's sensitivities and avoidance list.
Check for my pet

Nutritional Perspective

KibbleLab Review

Strengths

  • Duck is the first ingredient, supported by several additional animal proteins (whitefish, chicken liver, chicken hearts, tuna) for a robust amino acid profile.
  • Appropriate wet-food macronutrient profile for cats, with good protein and fat levels on an as-fed basis and added taurine for heart and eye health needs in cats.
  • Includes nutrient-dense organ meats and omega sources (ground flaxseed, sunflower oil, marine microalgae oil) which can help support skin, coat, and overall health.
  • AAFCO complete and balanced for all life stages, so it can be fed to both adult cats and kittens as a sole diet if desired.

Considerations

  • Contains multiple common allergens (chicken, fish, tuna), so it is not suitable for cats with known sensitivities to these proteins.
  • Because there are several different animal proteins, it is not a true limited-ingredient or single-protein option for cats undergoing food trials or needing strict ingredient control.
  • High-protein, higher-fat wet foods can be very calorie-dense per can, so portion control is important, especially for indoor or less active cats to help prevent weight gain.
Scored using the rubric of an NAVC Certified Pet Nutrition Coach (PNCC). This is informational, not veterinary advice.

Full Ingredient List

Duck, Duck Broth, Whitefish, Chicken Liver, Tuna, Chicken Hearts, Carrots, Ground Flaxseed, Natural Flavor, Agar-Agar, Potassium Chloride, Calcium Carbonate, Salt, Minerals (Iron Proteinate, Zinc Proteinate, Copper Proteinate, Manganese Proteinate, Sodium Selenite, Potassium Iodide), Yucca Schidigera Extract, Vitamins (Thiamine Mononitrate, Vitamin E Supplement, Niacin Supplement, Vitamin A Supplement, d-Calcium Pantothenate, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Riboflavin Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Biotin, Folic Acid, Vitamin D3 Supplement), Choline Chloride, Sunflower Oil, Taurine, Inulin, Magnesium Sulfate, Sodium Carbonate, Marine Microalgae Oil (Preserved With Mixed Tocopherols).

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
Duck
Duck is used in pet food primarily as a flavorful animal protein and fat source, commonly included in limited-ingredient or novel-protein formulas for dogs and cats. It supplies high-quality amino acids and energy and can help pets with sensitivities to common proteins, but it is relatively rich in fat (so may be unsuitable for low‑fat or pancreatitis-prone animals), can still trigger allergies in some pets, and requires proper cooking/processing and handling to avoid bacterial contamination.
02
Duck Broth
Duck broth is used in pet food primarily as a flavorful liquid to boost palatability and moisture, and it can contribute modest amounts of amino acids and minerals depending on how it’s made. It can help entice picky dogs and cats and encourage hydration, but caregivers should check labels for high sodium, added onions/garlic or excessive fat, and avoid broths with bone fragments or if the animal has a poultry allergy or pancreatitis risk.
03
Whitefish
Whitefish (such as pollock, cod, or haddock) is commonly used in pet foods as a lean animal protein source that provides high‑quality essential amino acids, good digestibility, and some omega‑3 fatty acids to support skin, coat and muscle maintenance. While generally palatable and useful for weight‑managed formulas, pet parents should be aware of potential fish allergies and the importance of responsible sourcing and processing to minimize contaminants; cats also require adequate dietary taurine, so whitefish should be part of a complete, balanced diet.
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
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.

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)
6.00%
Low High
Crude Fiber (max)
1.00%
Low High
Moisture (max)
78.00%
Low High
1190
kcal / Kg
94
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.

Product Details & Brand

Product Specs

Lifestage Adult
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 Ultra Protein Duck Recipe with Protein-Rich Organs Cat Food is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Cat Food Nutrient Profiles for All Life Stages.

Brand

Natural Balance

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 Balance
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

Natural Balance Ultra Protein Real Duck With Protein-Rich Organs Pate Wet Cat Food has no recalls since 2014.

Source: FDA Pet Food Recall Database · Monitored daily

Unlock More

Sign up for the full picture

Ingredient Check

We'll check every ingredient against your pet's profile.

Get started

Feeding Calculator

Personalized portion sizes based on your pet's weight, age, and activity level.

Get started

Side-by-Side Comparison

Compare this food with alternatives to find the best fit.

Get started

Share this food
KibbleLab food report
GREAT BOWL.
8.4 /10 Grade A
Ultra Protein Real Duck With Protein-Rich Organs Pate Wet Cat Food
Natural Balance · kibblelab.com

Post your cat's report card and challenge friends to check their food.


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.

What does YOUR pet eat?
Look up any dog or cat food. Free, takes 30 seconds, no sign-up.
Check a Food

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.