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Limited Ingredient Salmon & Green Pea Pate Recipe Wet Cat Food
Natural Balance

Limited Ingredient Salmon & Green Pea Pate Recipe Wet Cat Food

Verified Jun 15, 2026

Cat · Wet Adult All Breed Sizes

This is a limited-ingredient wet food for adult cats, using salmon as the main animal protein and peas as the primary carbohydrate and fiber source. The pate-style formula is grain-free and fairly simple, which can be helpful for cats with suspected food sensitivities or sensitive digestion. It’s complete and balanced for adult maintenance and can be fed alone or used as a topper over dry food.

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

A thoughtfully designed limited-ingredient wet diet for adult cats that leans on salmon and pea-based ingredients, making it a reasonable option for many cats with grain or multi-protein sensitivities. The protein and fat levels are appropriate for a canned maintenance diet, and taurine is supplemented to support feline requirements. Because peas and pea derivatives make up a significant part of the formula and this is a grain-free diet, I’d be a bit more cautious in cats with cardiac risk factors and would not rely on this as the only long-term diet without veterinary guidance.

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
Sensitive Stomach Digestive Health Allergy Support
Diet & Compliance
Limited Ingredient
Suitable For
Adult All Breed Sizes
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Nutritional Perspective

KibbleLab Review

Strengths

  • Salmon as the first ingredient provides a named, animal-based protein source that most cats find palatable and digestible.
  • Limited ingredient and single primary animal protein design can be useful when trying to simplify the diet for suspected food sensitivities.
  • Includes flaxseed and cranberries, which add some omega fatty acids and phytonutrients, and has added taurine to meet feline needs.
  • Complete and balanced to AAFCO standards for adult maintenance, so it can serve as a sole diet for healthy adult cats.

Considerations

  • This is a grain-free, pea-heavy recipe (peas, ground dried peas, pea protein are all high in the list), so for cats with heart concerns or breeds at higher cardiac risk, I’d discuss long-term use with your veterinarian.
  • All the animal protein appears to come from salmon, so it will not be suitable for cats with fish allergies or those who need to avoid fish-based diets.
  • The diet is formulated to AAFCO standards rather than verified through feeding trials, so actual digestibility and real-world performance haven’t been formally tested in a study setting.
Scored using the rubric of an NAVC Certified Pet Nutrition Coach (PNCC). This is informational, not veterinary advice.

Full Ingredient List

SALMON, SALMON BROTH, PEAS, GROUND DRIED PEAS, PEA PROTEIN, GROUND FLAXSEED, NATURAL FLAVOR, DRIED PLAIN BEET PULP, CRANBERRIES, SALT, AGAR-AGAR, POTASSIUM CHLORIDE, CHOLINE CHLORIDE, INULIN, 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), TAURINE, 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
Salmon
Salmon is commonly used as a high-quality animal protein and rich source of omega‑3 fatty acids (EPA/DHA) in dog and cat foods, supporting skin and coat condition, joint and cognitive health, and overall muscle maintenance. While very nutritious, salmon can be an allergen for some pets and raw salmon may pose risks from parasites, thiaminase-related thiamine loss, and region-specific pathogens (e.g., salmon poisoning); owners should avoid feeding uncooked bones and consider sourcing to minimize contaminant and sustainability concerns.
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
Pea
Pea is a plant-based ingredient used in pet foods as a source of protein, soluble and insoluble fiber, and micronutrients (often included as whole peas, pea flour, or pea protein concentrate) to boost protein content and improve texture. While peas can provide digestible carbohydrates, fiber, and some plant protein useful especially for dogs, they are not a complete protein for obligate carnivores like cats and — when overused, particularly in concentrated forms or as a major component of grain‑free diets — have been scrutinized for a possible association with canine dilated cardiomyopathy and can contribute to nutrient imbalances or excess calories, so balanced formulation and compliance with AAFCO nutritional profiles are important.
04
Pea
Pea is a plant-based ingredient used in pet foods as a source of protein, soluble and insoluble fiber, and micronutrients (often included as whole peas, pea flour, or pea protein concentrate) to boost protein content and improve texture. While peas can provide digestible carbohydrates, fiber, and some plant protein useful especially for dogs, they are not a complete protein for obligate carnivores like cats and — when overused, particularly in concentrated forms or as a major component of grain‑free diets — have been scrutinized for a possible association with canine dilated cardiomyopathy and can contribute to nutrient imbalances or excess calories, so balanced formulation and compliance with AAFCO nutritional profiles are important.
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.
As Fed
Crude Protein (min)
9.00%
Low High
Crude Fat (min)
5.00%
Low High
Crude Fiber (max)
1.50%
Low High
Moisture (max)
78.00%
Low High
1333
kcal / Kg
208
kcal / Can
High
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 Adult Maintenance
Substantiation Formulation
Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Salmon & Green Pea Formula Cat Food is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Cat Food Nutrient Profiles for maintenance.

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 Limited Ingredient Salmon & Green Pea Pate Recipe Wet Cat Food has no recalls since 2014.

Source: FDA Pet Food Recall Database · Monitored daily

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KibbleLab food report
SOLID PICK.
7.8 /10 Grade B
Limited Ingredient Salmon & Green Pea Pate Recipe 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 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.

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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 database. Last verified dates reflect our most recent data check.