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CORE Tiny Tasters Kitten Chicken Recipe Pate Wet Food
Wellness

CORE Tiny Tasters Kitten Chicken Recipe Pate Wet Food

Verified Jun 17, 2026

Cat · Wet Kitten All Breed Sizes

A high-moisture kitten wet food featuring chicken as the primary protein source, with added tuna and duck for variety. The formula provides moderate fat to support growth, added taurine for heart and eye health, and EPA/DHA from marine microalgae oil to support developing brains and vision. Its smooth pate texture in sauce can be especially appealing and easy for small kittens to eat.

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

This is a well-formulated wet food for kittens, with named animal proteins at the top of the ingredient list and appropriate protein and fat levels on a wet-food basis. The inclusion of marine microalgae oil for EPA and DHA and a solid vitamin-mineral premix makes it nutritionally robust for growth. It should work well for most kittens who tolerate chicken and fish and can be especially helpful for those who benefit from higher moisture intake.

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

Suitable For
Kitten All Breed Sizes
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Nutritional Perspective

KibbleLab Review

Strengths

  • Chicken as the first ingredient, supported by tuna and duck, provides a good mix of high-quality animal proteins for growing kittens.
  • High moisture content helps support hydration, which is beneficial for urinary tract health and overall kidney support in cats.
  • Added marine microalgae oil supplies EPA and DHA, important omega-3 fatty acids for brain and eye development in kittens.
  • Includes supplemental taurine and chelated minerals, which support heart, eye, and overall growth needs in kittens.

Considerations

  • Contains chicken and fish, which are common feline allergens, so it is not ideal for kittens with known sensitivities to these proteins.
  • Uses multiple thickening gums (locust bean, guar, xanthan), which are generally safe but may cause soft stool in a small number of sensitive cats.
  • As a pouch product, it may be less calorie-dense than some canned foods, so portion sizes need to be followed closely to ensure adequate energy for rapid kitten growth.
Scored using the rubric of an NAVC Certified Pet Nutrition Coach (PNCC). This is informational, not veterinary advice.

Full Ingredient List

Chicken, Chicken Broth, Water Sufficient for Processing, Tuna, Duck, Natural Flavors, Tapioca Starch, Sunflower Oil, Tricalcium Phosphate, Locust Bean Gum, Potassium Chloride, Marine Microalgae Oil (preserved with mixed tocopherols), Guar Gum, Salt, Sodium Carbonate, Taurine, Xanthan Gum, Vitamins (Vitamin E Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate, Niacin, Vitamin A Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, d-Calcium Pantothenate, Riboflavin Supplement, Folic Acid, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Biotin, Vitamin B12 Supplement), Magnesium Amino Acid Chelate, Choline Chloride, Minerals (Zinc Amino Acid Chelate, Iron Amino Acid Chelate, Copper Amino Acid Chelate, Manganese Amino Acid Chelate, Sodium Selenite, Potassium Iodide).

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
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.
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
Duck
Duck is used in pet food primarily as a flavorful animal protein and fat source, commonly included in limited-ingredient or novel-protein formulas for dogs and cats. It supplies high-quality amino acids and energy and can help pets with sensitivities to common proteins, but it is relatively rich in fat (so may be unsuitable for low‑fat or pancreatitis-prone animals), can still trigger allergies in some pets, and requires proper cooking/processing and handling to avoid bacterial contamination.

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)
9.50%
Low High
Crude Fat (min)
7.00%
Low High
Crude Fiber (max)
1.00%
Low High
Moisture (max)
80.00%
Low High
1400
kcal / Kg
70
kcal / Pouch
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 Kitten
Breed size All Breed Sizes
Texture Pate
Food type Wet

Brand

Wellness

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.

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Price tier $$$$

Manufacturer

Company name Wellness Pet Company
Parent company Clearlake Capital Group
Founded 2021
Headquarters Tewksbury, Massachusetts, USA
Manufacturing type In House
Manufacturing country United States
Manufacturing region Arkansas; Indiana
Manufacturing oversight

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

No recalls on record

Wellness CORE Tiny Tasters Kitten Chicken Recipe Pate Wet Food has no recalls since 2014.

Source: FDA Pet Food Recall Database · Monitored daily

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KibbleLab food report
GREAT BOWL.
8.6 /10 Grade A
CORE Tiny Tasters Kitten Chicken Recipe Pate Wet Food
Wellness · kibblelab.com

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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.

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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.