Chicken & Shrimp Pate Recipe Wet Cat Food
Verified Jun 15, 2026
This is a grain-free canned pate for adult cats, using chicken, chicken liver, and shrimp as its main animal protein sources. The recipe offers moderate protein and fat levels for a wet food, with added fish oil for omega fatty acids and taurine for heart and eye health. It’s formulated as a complete and balanced everyday diet for adult cats who enjoy a smooth pate texture and poultry/seafood flavors.
Nutritionally, this is a solid wet food option for healthy adult cats, with named animal proteins at the top of the ingredient list and a straightforward, grain-free recipe. Protein and fat levels are appropriate for an adult maintenance wet diet, and taurine is supplemented to meet feline needs. It should suit many adult cats well, especially those who like poultry and seafood flavors and benefit from extra moisture in their diet.
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At a Glance
KibbleLab Review
Strengths
- Chicken, chicken liver, and shrimp provide multiple high-quality animal protein sources near the top of the ingredient list.
- Complete and balanced to AAFCO standards for adult maintenance, so it can be fed as a sole diet for adult cats.
- Inclusion of fish oil adds a source of omega fatty acids, which support skin, coat, and overall health.
- Grain-free formula can be useful for owners specifically avoiding grains, while still relying on animal proteins rather than heavy plant ingredients.
Considerations
- Contains chicken and fish (including shrimp), which are common allergens for some cats; not ideal for cats with known sensitivities to these proteins.
- Grain-free but not low-carbohydrate, as tapioca starch is included as a carb and texture agent, which may not be necessary for very carb-sensitive cats.
- Formulated by AAFCO nutrient profiles rather than being backed by feeding trials, so digestibility and real-world performance are inferred rather than directly tested.
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
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.
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
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.
04
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.
05
Water
Water is an essential nutrient and the primary solvent and moisture component in pet foods, especially wet and canned diets, and is also used in processing and to adjust texture and palatability. It is vital for digestion, nutrient transport, temperature regulation and waste removal in dogs and cats; pets must have constant access to clean water as dehydration can quickly lead to serious health issues and requirements increase with activity, heat, or illness, while moisture in wet food can help meet part of their daily needs.
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
Nutro is a natural-leaning dog and cat food brand from Mars Petcare positioned as a premium, ingredient-focused line. It emphasizes non-GMO ingredients where possible, no artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives, and simple ingredient lists. Nutro offers grain-inclusive and grain-free lines and markets itself to pet owners seeking more natural, wholesome recipes at a premium but broadly accessible price point.
Visit NutroManufacturer
Mars Petcare operates large-scale manufacturing facilities in North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and Latin America with formal quality and food safety systems modeled on human food standards. Facilities follow HACCP-based programs, Good Manufacturing Practices, and are routinely audited for compliance with local regulatory bodies (e.g., FDA and USDA in the U.S., FEDIAF-related standards in Europe). Mars maintains in‑house research and development centers, employs veterinarians and pet nutrition scientists, and conducts digestibility and palatability studies and AAFCO feeding trials for many of its complete-and-balanced diets.
Manufacturing details are compiled from public sources and not independently verified; they may not reflect contract manufacturing or co-packing.
Recall History
Nutro Chicken & Shrimp Pate Recipe Wet Cat Food has no recalls since 2014.
Source: FDA Pet Food Recall Database · Monitored daily
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Frequently Asked Questions
Has Nutro ever been recalled?
We have no recalls on record for Nutro. 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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