AATU For Cats Free Run Duck
AATU For Cats Free Run Duck scores 4.5/5 on Moesonson's label-based analysis. Its strongest factor is protein clarity (high — 100% of the recipe's protein panel is clearly named); its weakest is animal-protein content (strong — 77% of the weighted protein comes from animal sources).
Rating
Updated Apr 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 AATU For Cats Free Run Duck dry cat food good?
AATU For Cats Free Run Duck 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, Red meat, Fish, Shellfish, Unknown Meal but contains Legumes, Poultry.
Allergy Highlights
Contains:
Free From:
Pros
- Uses clearly named animal protein sources for better transparency.
- Includes plant ingredients that can provide fiber and natural antioxidants.
Ingredients Analysis
36 of 36 matched
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1 Duck
Animal ProteinDescription
A novel animal protein source in pet foods. Other than protein, it is also rich in vitamin B3, B2, selenium, phosphorus, iron, zinc, and copper.
Why Prefer?
A high-quality animal protein with high digestibility and biological value.
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2 Dehydrated Duck
Animal ProteinDescription
A dehydrated form of ducks. it is a meat concentrate that contains up to 4 times more protein than fresh ducks on dry matter basis.
Why Prefer?
A high-quality animal protein with high digestibility and biological value.
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3 Sweet Potato
CarbsDescription
An alternative high carbs filler with an excellent amount of vitamin A, C, B6.
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4 Peas
Carbs Plant ProteinDescription
A type of legume that is added to boost up the protein content and acts as an alternative carb. It contains around 22% protein.
Digestion Concern
Legume contains oligosaccharides, which is a 3 - 5 carbon short-chain sugar that are indigestible by dogs / cats.
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5 Apple
CarbsDescription
Contains mainly carbs and sugar with multiple antioxidants to prevent radical damages by oxidative stress.
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6 Chickpeas
Carbs Plant ProteinDescription
Also known as garbanzo beans, a type of legume that is added to boost up the protein content and acts as an alternative carb. It contains around 20% protein.
Digestion Concern
Legume contains oligosaccharides, which is a 3 - 5 carbon short-chain sugar that are indigestible by dogs / cats.
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7 Minerals
SupplementDescription
A general term for mineral supplementation, specific sources not identified.
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8 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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9 Tapioca
CarbsDescription
An alternative high carbs filler as a source of vitamin Bs, iron, manganese, and calcium.
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10 Lucerne
Carbs Plant ProteinDescription
Also known as alfalfa, typically used in horse feed, high in fiber, and contains around 20% plant protein.
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11 Cranberry
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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12 Pear
CarbsDescription
A sugary fruit, a good source of vitamin C, folate, copper and potassium, along with polyphenol antioxidant.
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13 Blueberry
CarbsDescription
Superfood packed with antioxidants, a good source of vitamin C, K, and manganese.
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14 Mulberry
CarbsDescription
The bubble-like berries, rich in antioxidants and various vitamins / minerals, especially vitamin C and iron.
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15 Orange
CarbsDescription
Type of citrus fruit, moderate in sugar content, packed with vitamin C and potassium.
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16 Bilberry
CarbsDescription
Commonly known as European blueberries, contains a good amount of manganese, vitamin C and K.
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17 Cowberry
CarbsDescription
Also known as "lingonberry". It is a red berry similar to cranberries, well known for its high content of antioxidants.
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18 Carrot
CarbsDescription
Well known for its alpha and beta-carotene content, also rich in potassium and vitamin B6. Most pet foods use it as a minor ingredient (include 0.1% to 3% of the total composition).
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19 Tomato
CarbsDescription
Packed with vitamins A, C, K, potassium, and manganese.
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20 Chicory
CarbsDescription
Contains insulin, which is a prebiotic that promotes friendly bacteria in the gut and supports better digestion.
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21 Parsley
CarbsDescription
A type of plant native to the Mediterranean. It is particularly rich in vitamin K, and a good source of vitamin A, C, and antioxidants.
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22 Peppermint
CarbsDescription
An aromatic herb used in food and teas, well known for its minty scent from menthol. Aside from its cleansing smell, it is also believed to help to treat indigestion and fight bacterial infections.
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23 Spirulina
Plant Protein ConcentrateDescription
A type of cyanobacteria grows in water, it contains around 57% protein. It is one of the most nutrient-dense foods, an excellent source of vitamins B1, B2, B3, copper, iron, and omega 3s & 6s.
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24 Seaweed
CarbsDescription
An excellent source of various minerals including calcium, iron, magnesium. Rich in rare mineral iodine essential for healthy thyroid function.
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25 Oregano
CarbsDescription
A herb that is often used in pasta sauce, rich in antioxidants carvacrol and thymol, which help to prevent radical damages in the body.
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26 Sage
CarbsDescription
A herb from the mint family, a good source of vitamin K and antioxidants - it contains over 160 plant-based polyphenols.
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27 Marjoram
CarbsDescription
A herb from the mint family, often used as a herbal medicine for its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.
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28 Thyme
CarbsDescription
A herb often used for cooking, a great source of vitamin C, A, copper, iron, and manganese.
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29 Chamomile
CarbsDescription
Flowery herbs used to make tea in the human world. For us, the main benefit is to treat inflammation and gastrointestinal upset.
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30 Rosehip
CarbsDescription
Small red seeds that are rich in antioxidants, including vitamin C, catechins, quercetin, and ellagic acid. These help the body to reduce inflammation and oxidative stress.
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31 Stinging Nettle
CarbsDescription
A herb used as medicine to treat hay fever and allergies, rich in a wide variety of nutrients. In pet foods, it is added mainly to the belief that it could help promote healthy skin/coat and reduce inflammation.
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32 Yucca
CarbsDescription
Yucca schidigera is a desert plant found in the arid southwestern US and Mexico. It has been shown to reduce fecal aroma (poop's smell) without any harmful effect.
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33 Marigold
CarbsDescription
Known as calendula, a flowering plant often used to make tea or herbal medicine. It is packed with antioxidants, and research shows that it reduces oxidative stress from the consumption of MSG (flavor enhancer found in many pet foods).
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34 Aniseed
FatDescription
Contains a strong licorice-like flavor and scent that excite most dogs, the "catnip" for dogs.
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35 Fenugreek
CarbsDescription
A herb often used in Chinese medicine to treat skin problems. It is often found in cooking spices and soaps.
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36 Cinnamon
CarbsDescription
Loaded with antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties, it is completely safe for pets to consume.
Allergen Concern
Cinnamon and its oil can cause skin irritation if consumed in large quantities.
Tips
- Named animal proteins near the top: Duck, Dehydrated Duck are listed early in the ingredient panel.
- Plant protein is worth closer review for cats: Peas, Chickpeas, Lucerne may raise the listed protein percentage without meaning there is more meat.
- Higher-priority ingredients to review: Cellulose.
- Higher-caution ingredients: Cellulose have caution notes in the ingredient database.
- Possible allergy triggers: Cinnamon have allergen notes; review them if your pet has sensitivities.
Protein Analysis
How this recipe earned its protein scores.
Protein Clarity
High- Named 100%
Strong clarity: 100% of AATU For Cats Free Run Duck's animal-protein ingredients are clearly named (like chicken or salmon). Only 0% 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
Animal Protein
High- Animal 77%
- Plant 22%
- Auxiliary 1%
Meat-forward: 77% of the weighted protein in AATU For Cats Free Run Duck comes from animal sources. Plant signals are modest (22% whole plants, 0% plant concentrates), so the protein profile leans on real meat.
Contributing ingredients
Animal
Plant
Auxiliary
AATU For Cats Free Run Duck dry cat food Review
AATU For Cats Free Run Duck 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 100% of the recipe's protein panel — a clear sourcing win.
- Contains common allergens: Legumes, Poultry.
- 77% of the weighted protein comes from animal sources.
- Free from Gluten grains, Grains (gluten-free), Dairy, Egg, Nuts, Red meat, Fish, Shellfish, Unknown Meal.
- Overall rating: 4.5 stars, based on transparency, protein source, and macro balance.
Frequently asked questions
Is AATU For Cats Free Run Duck good for cats?
Yes — AATU For Cats Free Run Duck 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 AATU For Cats Free Run Duck contain Dairy?
No — based on the printed ingredient list, AATU For Cats Free Run Duck 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 AATU For Cats Free Run Duck contain Egg?
No — based on the printed ingredient list, AATU For Cats Free Run Duck 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 AATU For Cats Free Run Duck contain Legumes?
Yes — according to the printed ingredient list, AATU For Cats Free Run Duck 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 AATU For Cats Free Run Duck contain Nuts?
No — based on the printed ingredient list, AATU For Cats Free Run Duck 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 AATU For Cats Free Run Duck grain-free?
Yes — AATU For Cats Free Run Duck 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 AATU For Cats Free Run Duck?
The main animal proteins in AATU For Cats Free Run Duck are Duck, Dehydrated Duck. 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.
