CORE Pate Whitefish, Salmon & Herring Recipe Wet Cat Food
Verified Jun 10, 2026
This is a grain-free, fish-based canned pate for cats of all life stages, providing moderate protein and fat with high moisture for added hydration. It uses whitefish, salmon, tuna, and herring as key animal protein sources, with potatoes and flaxseed contributing additional energy and fiber. The recipe includes taurine, omega fatty acids, and a full vitamin and mineral blend to support everyday nutrition for kittens through adult cats.
Nutritionally, this is a well-formulated wet food for cats who do well on fish-based diets and benefit from the extra moisture canned food provides. It offers multiple marine protein sources, added taurine, and essential vitamins and minerals in a grain-free formula that avoids common plant proteins like peas and lentils. It’s generally a solid option for healthy kittens and adult cats, as long as fish-heavy diets and known fish allergies are not a concern.
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At a Glance
KibbleLab Review
Strengths
- Multiple named fish proteins (whitefish, salmon, tuna, herring) provide high-quality, highly palatable animal protein sources for cats.
- High moisture content can help support overall hydration, which is especially helpful for cats that don’t drink much water on their own.
- Grain-free without relying on pulses like peas or lentils; potatoes are the main carbohydrate source and are not linked to diet-associated DCM concerns.
- Includes taurine and omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, along with a complete vitamin and mineral premix, to support balanced feline nutrition for all life stages.
Considerations
- Fish (including salmon, tuna, and herring) are common allergens for some cats, so this formula is not ideal if your cat has known fish sensitivities.
- This is a fish-heavy diet; some veterinarians prefer rotating with non-fish recipes long term to balance exposure to different protein sources.
- The protein and fat levels are moderate for a wet cat food, which is fine for many cats but may be on the lighter side for very high-energy or underweight individuals who might need a more calorie-dense option.
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
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.
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
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.
04
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.
05
Herring
Herring is commonly used as a high-quality, palatable fish protein and oil source in dog and cat foods, supplying digestible protein along with beneficial long-chain omega-3s (EPA/DHA), vitamin D, B vitamins and trace minerals. It can support skin, coat and joint health, but may be an allergen for some pets and raw fish can contain thiaminase (typically destroyed by commercial cooking); owners should also consider fat content for pancreatitis-prone animals and look for responsibly sourced, low-contaminant products.
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
Wellness is WellPet’s flagship brand, offering a full range of natural pet foods including dry, canned, and toppers for dogs and cats. The brand focuses on complete, balanced nutrition using natural ingredients and is positioned within the holistic and premium segment of the market.
Visit WellnessManufacturer
Products are manufactured in company-owned and partner facilities in the United States under strict quality and safety programs, including adherence to FDA and AAFCO standards for pet food production. Wellness Pet Company maintains internal quality assurance teams and ingredient traceability protocols.
Manufacturing details are compiled from public sources and not independently verified; they may not reflect contract manufacturing or co-packing.
Recall History
Wellness CORE Pate Whitefish, Salmon & Herring 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 Wellness ever been recalled?
We have no recalls on record for Wellness. 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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