Original Ultra Tuna & Shrimp Recipe Pate Wet Cat Food
Verified Jun 16, 2026
This is a canned pate-style wet food for cats of all life stages, featuring tuna as the primary protein along with chicken, shrimp, and mackerel. It includes brown rice, carrots, flaxseed, beet pulp, and added salmon oil, plus supplemental taurine to meet feline requirements. The formula is designed to provide complete and balanced nutrition for kittens through adults when fed as a main diet.
Overall, this is a high-quality, fish-forward wet cat food that uses multiple named animal protein sources and is formulated to be complete and balanced for all life stages. The protein and fat levels are appropriate for a canned food, and added taurine and omega-rich ingredients like salmon oil are very helpful for cats. It should work well as a primary diet for most healthy kittens and adult cats who tolerate fish and chicken proteins.
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At a Glance
KibbleLab Review
Strengths
- Multiple named animal proteins (tuna, chicken, shrimp, mackerel, chicken liver and hearts) provide a rich mix of high-quality amino acids for growth and maintenance.
- All life stages AAFCO-compliant by formulation, so it is appropriate for both kittens and adult cats when fed as directed.
- Includes beneficial extras such as ground flaxseed, salmon oil, cranberries, and fructooligosaccharide, which can support skin, coat, and digestive health.
- Wet pate texture with 78% moisture can help support hydration, which is especially useful for cats that don’t drink much water.
Considerations
- Fish (tuna, mackerel) and chicken are common protein allergens for some cats, so this would not be suitable for cats with known sensitivities to those ingredients.
- Fish-heavy diets for cats are often best rotated with other protein sources over time to avoid over-reliance on fish and to give more variety in nutrient sources.
- Contains brown rice and beet pulp, which are well-tolerated by most cats but may not be ideal if you are specifically looking to avoid grains or added fiber sources.
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
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.
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
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.
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
Shrimp
Shrimp is used in pet foods and treats as a lean, palatable animal protein and flavor enhancer that supplies high-quality amino acids and nutrients such as vitamin B12, selenium, phosphorus, small amounts of omega-3s and taurine (important for cats). While nutritious and often well-accepted by dogs and cats, owners should watch for shellfish allergies, high cholesterol and added sodium in processed products, and avoid shells or raw/undercooked shrimp to prevent choking and microbial or contaminant risks—choose cooked, deboned, responsibly sourced shrimp when possible.
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 Original Ultra Tuna & Shrimp Recipe Pate 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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