Skip to content

7,500+ pet foods rated. Your best match, free in 30 seconds.

Back
Wet pet food
Nulo

Kitten Chicken & Mackerel Recipe Pate With Shreds

Verified Aug 28, 2026

Cat · Wet Kitten All Breed Sizes

A wet kitten food designed for growth, this formula uses chicken as the main protein source with added mackerel for variety and omega fatty acids. It includes pumpkin for gentle fiber and coconut and salmon oils to support skin and coat, all in a soft pate with meat shreds that’s easy for kittens to eat. The recipe is complete and balanced for growing kittens according to AAFCO standards.

Jump to ingredients
Over-the-counter AAFCO No recalls

Affiliate link · may earn a commission at no extra cost to you

Official product page
KibbleLab Score
8.8 out of 10

Strong Choice

This is a high-quality canned option for growing kittens, with animal protein from chicken and mackerel leading the ingredient list and a moisture-rich texture that helps support hydration. The nutrient profile is appropriate for growth, and the added taurine and mix of vitamins and chelated minerals support overall development. The inclusion of chickpeas is not harmful but is an extra legume ingredient that most kittens don’t strictly need, and some very sensitive cats may not do as well with it.

Nutritional profile 10.0
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

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

Marketed Benefits
Where these benefits come from Benefits the manufacturer highlights in its own product marketing. KibbleLab lists them for reference and does not verify these claims.
Bone Health Immune Support Eye Health Heart Care Skin Coat Health Digestive Health Hydration Support
Suitable For
Kitten All Breed Sizes
Does this food work for your pet?
We'll check every ingredient against your pet's sensitivities and avoidance list.

Nutritional Perspective

KibbleLab Review

Strengths

  • Chicken and mackerel as early ingredients provide good-quality animal protein to support healthy muscle and overall growth in kittens.
  • Complete and balanced for growth per AAFCO, with added taurine and a full vitamin–mineral premix tailored for kittens.
  • High moisture canned formula (78% max moisture) helps support hydration, which is especially beneficial for cats in general.
  • Includes pumpkin plus prebiotic inulin and omega-rich oils (coconut and salmon oil), which can support digestive comfort and skin and coat health.

Considerations

  • Contains chickpeas, which are unnecessary for most kittens and may not suit cats that are very sensitive to legumes.
  • Chicken and fish are both common feline allergens, so this would not be appropriate for kittens with known chicken or fish allergies.
  • Uses menadione (a synthetic vitamin K source); it is allowed and commonly used, but some owners prefer to avoid it.
Scored using the rubric of an NAVC Certified Pet Nutrition Coach (PNCC). This is informational, not veterinary advice.

Full Ingredient List

Chicken, Chicken Broth, Chickpeas, Mackerel, Pumpkin, Coconut Oil, Tricalcium Phosphate, Potassium Chloride, Inulin, Guar Gum, Salt, Choline Chloride, Magnesium Sulfate, Taurine, Salmon Oil, Iron Amino Acid Chelate, Zinc Amino Acid Chelate, Vitamin E Supplement, L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate (source of Vitamin C), Thiamine Mononitrate (source of Vitamin B1), Vitamin A Supplement, Nicotinic Acid (Vitamin B3), Manganese Amino Acid Chelate, Copper Amino Acid Chelate, Calcium Iodate, Calcium d-Pantothenate (source of Vitamin B5), Sodium Selenite, Riboflavin (Vitamin B2), Vitamin B12 Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (source of Vitamin B6), Folic Acid, Cholecalciferol (source of Vitamin D3), Biotin, Menadione Sodium Bisulfite Complex (source of Vitamin K activity).

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
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.
View ingredient
02
Chicken Broth
Chicken broth is commonly used in pet foods and toppers as a flavorful liquid base or gravy to improve palatability and add moisture, providing modest amounts of soluble protein, electrolytes and minerals. It can help encourage eating and increase hydration, but owners should choose low‑sodium, onion‑ and garlic‑free formulations (or make homemade broth), since commercial broths may contain excessive salt, seasonings or additives that are unsafe or unsuitable for dogs and cats.
03
Chickpea
Chickpeas are a legume commonly used in pet foods as a plant-based protein, source of digestible carbohydrates, and supply of soluble and insoluble fiber that helps with stool quality and satiety. They can be a useful ingredient for dogs but are not a complete protein for obligate carnivores like cats and may cause gas or digestive upset if underprocessed; additionally, high inclusion of legumes in some grain‑free diets has been discussed as a potential factor in canine dilated cardiomyopathy so diets should be balanced and any concerns discussed with your veterinarian.
View ingredient
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.
View ingredient
05
Pumpkin
Pumpkin is used in pet foods primarily as a fiber-rich carbohydrate and moisture source that can help regulate digestion and firm up loose stools or add bulk for softer stools, and it provides beta-carotene (vitamin A precursor) plus small amounts of vitamins and minerals for dogs and cats. It is safe and beneficial when plain cooked or canned (not spiced or sweetened pie filling), should be fed in moderation as a supplement rather than a primary food, and introduced gradually since large amounts can cause gastrointestinal upset or interfere with absorption of some medications.
View ingredient

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)
11.00%
Low High
Crude Fat (min)
5.00%
Low High
Crude Fiber (max)
1.00%
Low High
Moisture (max)
78.00%
Low High
1341
kcal / Kg
107
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.

Not sure how much of this to feed?

The right daily portion depends on your cat's weight, age, and activity level. Create a free account, add your cat, and get their daily calories and portion sizes.


Product Details & Brand

Product Specs

Lifestage Kitten
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 Growth (puppy/kitten)
Substantiation Formulation
Nulo Kitten Chicken & Mackerel Recipe is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Cat Food Nutrient Profiles for growth.

Brand

Nulo is a premium pet food brand focused on grain-free and high-meat-protein recipes for dogs and cats. It is positioned as a performance and wellness brand, emphasizing quality ingredients, ancestral diet alignment, and the inclusion of probiotics to support digestive health.

Price tier $$$$

Manufacturer

Company name Nulo, Inc.
Parent company Apax Partners
Founded 2009
Headquarters Austin, Texas, USA
Website nulo.com
Manufacturing type Co Packer
Manufacturing country United States
Manufacturing region Midwest and Southern regions
Manufacturing oversight

Nulo partners with trusted manufacturing facilities in the United States and Canada that maintain high food safety standards including HACCP and SQF certification. Nulo oversees ingredient sourcing and quality control to ensure nutritional accuracy and consistency across batches.

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 Nulo Kitten Chicken & Mackerel Recipe Pate With Shreds.

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

Unlock More

Sign up for the full picture

Ingredient Check

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

Feeding Calculator

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

Side-by-Side Comparison

Compare this food with alternatives to find the best fit.


Share this food
KibbleLab food report
GREAT BOWL.
8.8 /10 Grade A
Kitten Chicken & Mackerel Recipe Pate With Shreds
Nulo · kibblelab.com

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


Frequently Asked Questions

Has Nulo ever been recalled?

We have no recalls on record for Nulo. 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.

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 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.