Nourse Complete Fresh Meat Baked Cat Food
Nourse Complete Fresh Meat Baked Cat Food scores 4.5/5 on Moesonson's label-based analysis. Its strongest factor is animal-protein content (strong — 100% of the weighted protein comes from animal sources); its weakest is protein clarity (high — 80% of the recipe's protein panel is clearly named).
Rating
Updated Mar 2026
How this score is made
This score isn’t a hand-wavy impression: it reads what the label actually prints — the ingredient list, guaranteed analysis and AAFCO adequacy statement — and runs it through the same algorithmic rubric as every other product. No brand pays for placement, and there are no affiliate links on reviewed products.
Is Nourse Complete Fresh Meat Baked Cat Food dry cat food good?
Nourse Complete Fresh Meat Baked Cat Food is a dry cat food rated 4.5 stars, with high ingredient transparency and strong animal protein content. The recipe lists most animal ingredients by name and features real muscle meat as a primary protein source. This recipe is free from Gluten grains, Grains (gluten-free), Dairy, Egg, Nuts, Unknown Meal but contains Legumes, Poultry, Red meat, Fish, Shellfish.
Allergy Highlights
Contains:
Free From:
Pros
- Uses clearly named animal protein sources for better transparency.
- Contains organ meats that provide natural vitamins and minerals.
- Includes plant ingredients that can provide fiber and natural antioxidants.
Nutrition Breakdown
| Protein | 53% |
|---|---|
| Fat | 17% |
| Est. Carbs | 13% |
| Fiber | 6% |
| Ash | 11% |
Moisture (10%) removed so you can compare foods fairly.
Dry matter basis = label value ÷ (100% − moisture%). Carbs estimated from remaining.
| Protein | 48% |
|---|---|
| Fat | 15% |
| Est. Carbs | 12% |
| Fiber | 5% |
| Moisture | 10% |
| Ash | 10% |
As-fed values are the raw percentages printed on the product label.
Tips
- Protein is Super High (53% dry matter) on our label-based comparison range. Cats generally need more protein than dogs, but diagnosed kidney disease or other medical needs should still be managed with your vet.
- Fat is High (17% dry matter) on our label-based comparison range. It can raise calorie density, so watch body condition and seek vet input for cats with pancreatitis or digestive disease.
Ingredients Analysis
27 of 27 matched
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1 Fresh Chicken
Animal ProteinDescription
The dominant animal protein source in pet foods. Other than protein, it is also high in iron, zinc, selenium, and B vitamins.
Why Prefer?
A high-quality animal protein with high digestibility and biological value.
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2 Freeze-Dried Raw Bone Meat
Animal ProteinDescription
Freeze-dried raw meat with bone, providing protein, calcium, and phosphorus in a natural ratio.
Why Prefer?
A high-quality animal protein with high digestibility and biological value.
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3 Fresh Chicken
Animal ProteinDescription
The dominant animal protein source in pet foods. Other than protein, it is also high in iron, zinc, selenium, and B vitamins.
Why Prefer?
A high-quality animal protein with high digestibility and biological value.
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4 Chicory Inulin
CarbsDescription
Contains insulin, which is a prebiotic that promotes friendly bacteria in the gut and supports better digestion.
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5 Antarctic Krill
Animal ProteinDescription
Small crustaceans from Antarctic waters, rich in omega-3s and astaxanthin.
Why Prefer?
A high-quality animal protein with high digestibility and biological value.
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6 Freeze-Dried Oyster
Animal ProteinDescription
Freeze-dried oysters, a nutrient-dense shellfish rich in zinc, iron, vitamin B12, and omega-3s.
Why Prefer?
A high-quality animal protein with high digestibility and biological value.
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7 Freeze-dried Chicken Liver
Animal ProteinDescription
A dehydrated form of chicken livers by "cold" drying instead of "heat" drying. This method retains more nutrition value of the ingredient, but it costs up to 5 times more than the conventional drying process.
Why Prefer?
Organ meats are highly nutritious, with quality protein and many important vitamins / minerals.
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8 Fish
Animal ProteinDescription
Unnamed fish from unknown sources, it could be a mixture of various fish parts.
Why Notice?
It does not state what kind of fish is used to make the ingredient. Its quality is highly concerned, often seen in low quality pet foods.
Uncertain/Risky
Unnamed fish products could source from sick, deadly animal bodies. It is a potential risk for severe illness.
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9 Flying Fish Roe
Animal ProteinDescription
Roe from flying fish, rich in protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamin D.
Why Prefer?
A high-quality animal protein with high digestibility and biological value.
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10 Fish Oil
FatDescription
Oil derived from fish, rich in omega-3 fatty acids, DHA, and EPA.
Why Concerned?
A high-quality animal fat with high digestibility and biological value.
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11 Freeze-dried Salmon
Animal ProteinDescription
The dehydrated form of salmon, a meat concentrate that could contain up to 400% more protein compared to fresh meat. It is one of the most nutrient-dense fish, high in protein, packed with omega 3s, B vitamins, and it is a good source of potassium selenium, and antioxidants.
Why Prefer?
A high-quality animal protein with high digestibility and biological value.
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12 Freeze-dried Chicken Liver
Animal ProteinDescription
A dehydrated form of chicken livers by "cold" drying instead of "heat" drying. This method retains more nutrition value of the ingredient, but it costs up to 5 times more than the conventional drying process.
Why Prefer?
Organ meats are highly nutritious, with quality protein and many important vitamins / minerals.
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13 Potato Flour
CarbsDescription
Contains mainly carbs, often used as an alternative filler for grain-free pet foods.
Why Concerned?
An inexpensive filler without gluten, with limited nutrition value to dogs / cats.
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14 Sweet Potato Flour
CarbsDescription
A flour made from dried sweet potatoes, a grain-free carbohydrate source rich in fiber and vitamins.
Why Prefer?
A quality grain-free carbohydrate source.
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15 Cellulose
CarbsDescription
The substance provides strength and rigidity to plants, which are mostly made of insoluble fiber. It is commonly added to pet foods to reduce the calorie content for the "weight management" type.
Why Notice?
Unspecified plant products made of unknown sources. Its quality is highly concerned, often seen in low quality pet foods.
Digestion Concern
Dogs and cats lack the enzymes capable of digesting cellulose. A high level of fiber could interfere with the digestion of protein and other minerals.
Uncertain/Risky
Could be made up of cheap and unwanted fiber by-products. However, from our research, most cellulose used in pet food is made up of pine trees.
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16 Chicken Liver Hydrolysate
Animal ProteinDescription
Chicken liver is broken down into smaller parts by using enzymes in a process called "Hydrolysis". MSG (food enhancer) is formed during the process.
Why Concerned?
An animal protein with high digestibility. However, MSG could be linked to several side effects including headache, nausea, and weakness.
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17 Yeast Hydrolysate
Plant Protein ConcentrateDescription
Hydrolyzed yeast providing umami flavor and nutritional compounds.
Why Concerned?
A controversial ingredient, some believe it can support the immune system, while others say it can be linked to allergies and bloating. However, no scientific research can provide a concrete conclusion.
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18 Konjac Flour
OthersDescription
A flour from konjac root, rich in glucomannan fiber and very low in calories.
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19 Pea Fiber
CarbsDescription
Produced by separating the starch of peas from fiber, consists mainly of insoluble fiber, contains around 6 - 12% protein.
Why Concerned?
A controversial filler with limited nutrition value to dogs / cats.
Digestion Concern
Legume contains oligosaccharides, which is a 3 - 5 carbon short-chain sugar that are indigestible by dogs / cats.
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20 Hydrolyzed Fish Protein Powder
Animal ProteinDescription
Fish protein hydrolyzed and dried into powder for improved digestibility.
Why Prefer?
A high-quality animal protein with high digestibility and biological value.
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21 Cod Collagen
SupplementDescription
Collagen derived from cod fish, supporting skin, coat, and joint health.
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22 Chicken Liver Powder
Animal ProteinDescription
A concentrated powder from chicken livers, rich in vitamin A, B12, iron, and flavor.
Why Prefer?
Organ meats are highly nutritious, with quality protein and many important vitamins / minerals.
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23 Brown Algae Powder
CarbsDescription
Dried brown algae powder, rich in iodine and minerals.
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24 Cranberry Powder
CarbsDescription
High in vitamin C and antioxidants, it is also best known for fighting Urinary Tract Infections. While it could be true for humans, the effect on pets is yet to be confirmed by further research.
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25 Spirulina Powder
SupplementDescription
A nutrient-dense blue-green algae powder rich in protein, B vitamins, iron, and antioxidants.
Why Prefer?
A highly nutritious superfood supplement.
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26 Ganoderma Lucidum
SupplementDescription
Reishi mushroom, a medicinal fungus with immune-modulating and antioxidant properties.
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27 Chlorella Powder
SupplementDescription
A single-celled green algae powder rich in protein, chlorophyll, vitamins, and minerals.
Why Prefer?
A highly nutritious superfood supplement.
Tips
- Some protein sources are less clear: Freeze-Dried Raw Bone Meat, Fish appear near the top without a clearly defined animal source.
- Higher-priority ingredients to review: Fish, Cellulose.
- Higher-caution ingredients: Fish, Cellulose have caution notes in the ingredient database.
- Possible digestion triggers: Cellulose, Pea Fiber have digestion notes; watch tolerance if your pet has a sensitive stomach.
Protein Analysis
How this recipe earned its protein scores.
Protein Clarity
High- Named 80%
- Unnamed 20%
Strong clarity: 80% of Nourse Complete Fresh Meat Baked Cat Food's animal-protein ingredients are clearly named (like chicken or salmon). Only 20% use vague terms such as "meat meal" and 0% are by-products. Named protein ingredients let you verify the source and check for allergens.
Contributing ingredients
Named
Unnamed
Animal Protein
High- Animal 100%
- Auxiliary 0%
Meat-forward: 100% of the weighted protein in Nourse Complete Fresh Meat Baked Cat Food comes from animal sources. Plant signals are modest (0% whole plants, 0% plant concentrates), so the protein profile leans on real meat.
Contributing ingredients
Animal
Auxiliary
Nourse Complete Fresh Meat Baked Cat Food dry cat food Review
Nourse Complete Fresh Meat Baked Cat Food is a strong choice — rated 4.5 stars with high ingredient transparency and strong animal protein content. A confident pick when the ingredient panel matches your pet's needs.
Best for
- Owners who want clearly named protein sources
- Pets avoiding gluten grains
- Pets that thrive on muscle-meat protein
Avoid if
- You're avoiding legumes
Key takeaways
- Named animal proteins make up 80% of the recipe's protein panel — a clear sourcing win.
- Contains common allergens: Legumes, Poultry, Red meat, Fish, Shellfish.
- On a dry-matter basis: 53% protein, 17% fat, 13% estimated carbohydrates.
- 100% of the weighted protein comes from animal sources.
- Free from Gluten grains, Grains (gluten-free), Dairy, Egg, Nuts, Unknown Meal.
Frequently asked questions
Is Nourse Complete Fresh Meat Baked Cat Food good for cats?
Yes — Nourse Complete Fresh Meat Baked Cat Food earns 4.5 out of 5 stars on Moesonson’s label-based analysis, combining high ingredient transparency with strong animal protein content. The score is computed from the printed ingredient list and guaranteed analysis rather than marketing claims — a confident pick when the label matches your cat’s needs.
Does Nourse Complete Fresh Meat Baked Cat Food contain Dairy?
No — based on the printed ingredient list, Nourse Complete Fresh Meat Baked Cat Food does not include Dairy or closely related ingredients, so pets sensitive to Dairy can typically avoid that trigger here. Recipes do get reformulated, though, so re-check the packaging before feeding — Moesonson’s reading reflects the label at analysis time.
Does Nourse Complete Fresh Meat Baked Cat Food contain Egg?
No — based on the printed ingredient list, Nourse Complete Fresh Meat Baked Cat Food does not include Egg or closely related ingredients, so pets sensitive to Egg can typically avoid that trigger here. Recipes do get reformulated, though, so re-check the packaging before feeding — Moesonson’s reading reflects the label at analysis time.
Does Nourse Complete Fresh Meat Baked Cat Food contain Legumes?
Yes — according to the printed ingredient list, Nourse Complete Fresh Meat Baked Cat Food contains Legumes. Pets with a known Legumes sensitivity should generally avoid this recipe, or check with a veterinarian first. Moesonson flags allergens directly from the label’s ingredient panel, so this reflects what the manufacturer actually declares.
Does Nourse Complete Fresh Meat Baked Cat Food contain Nuts?
No — based on the printed ingredient list, Nourse Complete Fresh Meat Baked Cat Food does not include Nuts or closely related ingredients, so pets sensitive to Nuts can typically avoid that trigger here. Recipes do get reformulated, though, so re-check the packaging before feeding — Moesonson’s reading reflects the label at analysis time.
Is Nourse Complete Fresh Meat Baked Cat Food grain-free?
Yes — Nourse Complete Fresh Meat Baked Cat Food is grain-free according to its printed ingredient list: no gluten grains (like wheat) and no gluten-free grains (like rice or corn) appear in the recipe. That makes it a candidate for pets with diagnosed grain sensitivities, though grain-free offers no automatic benefit for pets without one.
What are the main protein sources in Nourse Complete Fresh Meat Baked Cat Food?
The main animal proteins in Nourse Complete Fresh Meat Baked Cat Food are Fresh Chicken, Fresh Chicken, Antarctic Krill. Each is named by species on the printed ingredient list — a protein-clarity strength in Moesonson’s scoring, because named sources let you verify what your cat is eating and avoid specific proteins when managing food allergies.
