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Limited Ingredient Wild Salmon Wet Dog Food
FirstMate

Limited Ingredient Wild Salmon Wet Dog Food

Verified Jun 4, 2026

Dog · Wet All Life Stages All Breed Sizes

This is a grain-free, limited-ingredient canned diet for dogs that uses wild-caught salmon as its main protein source, with potato as the primary carbohydrate. The moderate protein and fat levels are appropriate for most dogs, and the added vitamins, minerals, and taurine help make it a complete and balanced option for all life stages. Its simple ingredient list can be helpful for dogs with food sensitivities who do well on fish-based diets.

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

A thoughtfully formulated, limited-ingredient salmon pâté that should suit many dogs, including those with sensitivities to more common proteins or grains. The use of wild-caught salmon as the sole animal protein is a plus, and the nutrient profile is balanced for all life stages, including growth and reproduction. It’s a good option for owners looking for a simple, fish-based wet food without legumes or grains.

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

Health Benefits
Allergy Support Sensitive Stomach
Diet & Compliance
Limited Ingredient
Suitable For
All Life Stages All Breed Sizes
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Nutritional Perspective

KibbleLab Review

Strengths

  • Wild-caught salmon as the sole animal protein source, which can be useful for dogs that don’t tolerate chicken or beef.
  • Grain-free and limited-ingredient formula using potato as the main carbohydrate, which helps narrow down potential triggers for sensitive dogs.
  • Complete and balanced to AAFCO standards for all life stages, including puppies and pregnant/lactating dogs.
  • Relatively low ash content and added taurine, which support an overall sound nutrient profile for a fish-based diet.

Considerations

  • Fish is a common allergen for some dogs, so this wouldn’t be suitable if your dog is known to react to salmon or other fish proteins.
  • As a wet food with moderate protein and low fat, very high-energy or working dogs may need larger portions or an additional higher-calorie food to meet their needs.
  • Being grain-free and potato-based, it relies heavily on a single starch; dogs that don’t tolerate potato would need a different option.
Scored using the rubric of an NAVC Certified Pet Nutrition Coach (PNCC). This is informational, not veterinary advice.

Full Ingredient List

Boneless/skinless Salmon, Water sufficient for processing, Potato, Minerals (Salt, Calcium Carbonate, Monodicalcium phosphate, Choline chloride, Potassium chloride, Zinc Proteinate, Iron Proteinate, Copper Proteinate, Manganese Proteinate, Calcium Iodate), Vitamins (Vitamin E Supplement, Niacin, Vitamin A Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate, Riboflavin, Biotin, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Folic Acid, Vitamin D3 Supplement, D-calcium pantothenate), Taurine, Kale

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
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.
02
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.
03
Potato
Potato is commonly used in pet foods as a digestible carbohydrate source and functional binder, supplying starch, fiber, and modest amounts of vitamins (B6, C) and potassium—often included as cooked or dehydrated flakes, starch, or protein concentrates. While it provides energy and helps formulate grain‑free recipes, potatoes are not a primary protein for dogs or cats (and are not nutritionally required for obligate‑carnivore cats), can contribute to excess calories or affect blood glucose in diabetic animals, and must be cooked and free of green skins or sprouts to avoid solanine toxicity; allergies are uncommon but possible.
04
Salt
Salt (sodium chloride) is used in pet foods as a flavor enhancer, mild preservative and a source of essential electrolytes (sodium and chloride), and is often provided in iodized form to help meet iodine requirements for thyroid function; these minerals support nerve and muscle function and fluid balance in dogs and cats. Small, controlled amounts are nutritionally important, but excessive salt can cause dehydration, worsen heart or kidney disease and, in extreme cases, lead to salt toxicity, so pet owners should avoid adding extra table salt or high‑sodium human foods and follow veterinary guidance for animals with medical conditions.
05
Calcium Carbonate
Calcium carbonate is a common mineral supplement and buffering agent in pet foods used to provide dietary calcium, help meet calcium-to-phosphorus balance, and stabilize pH. It supports bone and dental health and is essential for growth, reproduction, and metabolic functions, but excessive calcium (or imbalanced calcium/phosphorus ratios) can cause skeletal problems in growing animals—especially large-breed puppies—so it should be included at appropriate levels determined by a qualified formulation.

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)
3.00%
Low High
Crude Fiber (max)
0.40%
Low High
Moisture (max)
78.00%
Low High
840
kcal / Kg
290
kcal / 345 g can
Moderate
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 All Life Stages
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 All Life Stages
Substantiation Formulation
FirstMate Wild Salmon Formula is Formulated to meet the Nutritional Guidelines Established by the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles for All Life Stages

Brand

FirstMate

FirstMate is the flagship brand of FirstMate Pet Foods, offering premium, grain-free and limited-ingredient diets for dogs and cats. The brand focuses on nutrition, sustainability, and ingredient traceability, appealing to pet owners looking for high-quality, family-made Canadian pet food.

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Price tier $$$$

Manufacturer

Company name FirstMate Pet Foods
Parent company Nasta Pet Food
Founded 1989
Headquarters North Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Manufacturing type In House
Manufacturing country Canada
Manufacturing region British Columbia
Manufacturing oversight

FirstMate Pet Foods owns and operates its own manufacturing facilities, ensuring complete control over production, quality, and safety standards. The company complies with HACCP and ISO safety and quality standards and follows CFIA and FDA guidelines.

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

FirstMate Limited Ingredient Wild Salmon Wet Dog Food has no recalls since 2014.

Source: FDA Pet Food Recall Database · Monitored daily

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KibbleLab food report
GREAT BOWL.
8.4 /10 Grade A
Limited Ingredient Wild Salmon Wet Dog Food
FirstMate · kibblelab.com

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Frequently Asked Questions

Has FirstMate ever been recalled?

We have no recalls on record for FirstMate. 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.