Natura Wild Small Ridge Kitten Rich in Chicken Meat
Natura Wild Small Ridge Kitten Rich in Chicken Meat scores 2.5/5 on Moesonson's label-based analysis. Its strongest factor is animal-protein content (strong — 86% of the weighted protein comes from animal sources); its weakest is protein clarity (moderate — 33% of the recipe's protein panel is clearly named).
Rating
Updated Aug 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 Natura Wild Small Ridge Kitten Rich in Chicken Meat dry cat food good?
Natura Wild Small Ridge Kitten Rich in Chicken Meat is a dry cat food rated 2.5 stars, with moderate ingredient transparency and strong animal protein content. Real muscle meat appears as a primary protein source, supported by whole-food ingredients. 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
- Includes plant ingredients that can provide fiber and natural antioxidants.
Cons
- Contains several unnamed animal ingredients, which reduces ingredient transparency.
- Some non-animal ingredients are not clearly identified, which reduces formula transparency.
Nutrition Breakdown
| Protein | 44% |
|---|---|
| Fat | 18% |
| Est. Carbs | 27% |
| Fiber | 3% |
| Ash | 8% |
Moisture (10%) removed so you can compare foods fairly.
Dry matter basis = label value ÷ (100% − moisture%). Carbs estimated from remaining.
| Protein | 40% |
|---|---|
| Fat | 16% |
| Est. Carbs | 25% |
| Fiber | 3% |
| Moisture | 10% |
| Ash | 7% |
Moisture not listed on label; 10% used as the standard estimate for this food type.
As-fed values are the raw percentages printed on the product label.
Tips
- Protein is High (44% dry matter) on our label-based comparison range. This is generally more aligned with cats' higher protein needs than lower-protein recipes, assuming the food is complete for the cat's life stage.
- Fat is High (18% 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
20 of 20 matched
-
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.
-
2 Dehydrated Poultry Protein
Animal ProteinDescription
A dehydrated form of unnamed poultry products, a meat concentrate that could contain 400% more protein than fresh form. Poultry is a generic name that could include any domestic fowl like chicken, turkey, or duck of any condition.
Why Notice?
Often times generic name like poultry is used to cover the inferior meat quality from unknown sources, commonly found in low quality pet foods.
Uncertain/Risky
Unnamed poultry products could be made of "4-D animals" (dead, diseased, disabled, or dying prior to slaughter), turkey, chicken, roadkill, birds, which are not safe for consumption.
-
3 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.
-
4 Flaxseed
FatDescription
One of the richest sources of plant-based omega 3s, well known for its anti-inflammatory properties. It contains around 41% of fat, 57% of the total fatty acids is omega 3s.
-
5 Dehydrated Carrot
OthersDescription
Dried carrot providing concentrated beta-carotene, fiber, and vitamins.
-
6 Chicory Pulp
CarbsDescription
Contains insulin, which is a prebiotic that promotes friendly bacteria in the gut and supports better digestion.
-
7 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.
-
8 Chia Seeds
Fat Carbs Plant ProteinDescription
A "superfood" that is rich in plant-based omega 3s(ALA) and contains around 24% of protein. It is added mainly as a gel or suspending agent in pet foods.
-
9 Dehydrated Raspberry
CarbsDescription
Dehydrated raspberries retain antioxidants and vitamins in a shelf-stable form.
Why Prefer?
Dehydrated raspberry is a named fruit — retains key antioxidants.
-
10 Dehydrated Apple
CarbsDescription
Contains mainly carbs and sugar with multiple antioxidants to prevent radical damages by oxidative stress.
-
11 Greaves
FatDescription
A by-product of melting raw fats of different animals, a low-grade fat source.
Why Notice?
An inexpensive, inferior source of animal fat, often seen in low quality pet foods.
Uncertain/Risky
Could be made of redered fat of waste animal parts which are not safe for consumption. It could be a potential cause of severe illness.
-
12 Dried Potato
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.
-
13 Poultry Fat
FatDescription
Leftover fat during the production of unknown poultry meat meal. Poultry is a generic name that could include any domestic fowl like chicken, turkey, or duck of any condition.
Why Notice?
Often times generic name like poultry is used to cover the inferior meat quality from unknown sources, commonly found in low quality pet foods.
Uncertain/Risky
Unnamed poultry products could be made of "4-D animals" (dead, diseased, disabled, or dying prior to slaughter), turkey, chicken, roadkill, birds, which are not safe for consumption.
-
14 Hydrolysed Animal Protein
(Detected): Hydrolyzed Animal Protein
Animal ProteinDescription
Animal protein broken down into smaller parts by using enzymes in a process called "Hydrolysis". MSG (food enhancer) is formed during the process.
Why Notice?
Unspecified animal products from unknown sources. Its quality is highly concerned, often seen in low quality pet foods.
Uncertain/Risky
Could be made from any animals, including "4-D animals" (dead, diseased, disabled, or dying prior to slaughter). Contaminated meats can lead to severe illnesses.
-
15 Hydrolyzed Poultry Protein
Animal ProteinDescription
Hydrolyzed protein from poultry sources, broken down for improved digestibility.
Why Concerned?
Unnamed poultry source makes it difficult to identify specific protein origin.
-
16 Dried Potato Pulp
CarbsDescription
The dried fibrous residue from potato processing, used as a fiber source.
-
17 Hydrolyzed Liver and Heart Protein
Animal ProteinDescription
Hydrolyzed protein derived from liver and heart of unnamed animal sources. The lack of species specification reduces transparency.
Why Concerned?
The animal source is not specified — lacks transparency.
-
18 Yeast
Plant Protein ConcentrateDescription
Made from fungus and often used to make beer, a rich source of minerals such as selenium. B-complex vitamins, and chromium. It contains around 40% protein.
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.
-
19 Beet Pulp
CarbsDescription
The leftover pulp after sugar is extracted from sugar beets, contains higher fiber and less sugar compared to whole beets.
Why Concerned?
Controversial - Some say it is a good dietary fiber source, some believe it is just an inexpensive filler.
-
20 Minerals
SupplementDescription
A general term for mineral supplementation, specific sources not identified.
Tips
- Some protein sources are less clear: Dehydrated Poultry Protein appear near the top without a clearly defined animal source.
- Plant protein is worth closer review for cats: Peas, Chia Seeds may raise the listed protein percentage without meaning there is more meat.
- Higher-priority ingredients to review: Dehydrated Poultry Protein, Greaves, Poultry Fat.
- Higher-caution ingredients: Dehydrated Poultry Protein, Greaves, Poultry Fat, and 1 more have caution notes in the ingredient database.
- Possible digestion triggers: Peas have digestion notes; watch tolerance if your pet has a sensitive stomach.
Protein Analysis
How this recipe earned its protein scores.
Protein Clarity
Low- Named 33%
- Unnamed 67%
Low clarity: only 33% of Natura Wild Small Ridge Kitten Rich in Chicken Meat's animal-protein ingredients are clearly named. 67% use vague terms such as "meat meal" and 0% are by-products. Named protein ingredients let you verify the source and spot allergens; vague ones don't.
Contributing ingredients
Named
Unnamed
Animal Protein
High- Animal 86%
- Plant 13%
- Auxiliary 1%
Meat-forward: 86% of the weighted protein in Natura Wild Small Ridge Kitten Rich in Chicken Meat comes from animal sources. Plant signals are modest (13% whole plants, 0% plant concentrates), so the protein profile leans on real meat.
Contributing ingredients
Animal
Plant
Auxiliary
Natura Wild Small Ridge Kitten Rich in Chicken Meat dry cat food Review
Natura Wild Small Ridge Kitten Rich in Chicken Meat is a solid mid-tier dry cat food at 2.5 stars, with moderate ingredient transparency and strong animal protein content. It has clear strengths alongside a few trade-offs worth weighing.
Best for
- Pets avoiding gluten grains
- Pets that thrive on muscle-meat protein
Avoid if
- You're avoiding legumes
- Ingredient transparency is non-negotiable
Key takeaways
- Contains common allergens: Legumes, Poultry.
- On a dry-matter basis: 44% protein, 18% fat, 27% estimated carbohydrates.
- 86% 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: 2.5 stars, based on transparency, protein source, and macro balance.
Frequently asked questions
Is Natura Wild Small Ridge Kitten Rich in Chicken Meat good for cats?
Mostly — Natura Wild Small Ridge Kitten Rich in Chicken Meat is a solid mid-tier choice at 2.5 out of 5 stars on Moesonson’s label-based analysis, pairing moderate ingredient transparency with strong animal protein content. It shows real strengths alongside a few trade-offs, so weigh the ingredient list against your cat’s needs — allergies, life stage and protein preference.
Does Natura Wild Small Ridge Kitten Rich in Chicken Meat contain Dairy?
No — based on the printed ingredient list, Natura Wild Small Ridge Kitten Rich in Chicken Meat 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 Natura Wild Small Ridge Kitten Rich in Chicken Meat contain Egg?
No — based on the printed ingredient list, Natura Wild Small Ridge Kitten Rich in Chicken Meat 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 Natura Wild Small Ridge Kitten Rich in Chicken Meat contain Legumes?
Yes — according to the printed ingredient list, Natura Wild Small Ridge Kitten Rich in Chicken Meat 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 Natura Wild Small Ridge Kitten Rich in Chicken Meat contain Nuts?
No — based on the printed ingredient list, Natura Wild Small Ridge Kitten Rich in Chicken Meat 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 Natura Wild Small Ridge Kitten Rich in Chicken Meat grain-free?
Yes — Natura Wild Small Ridge Kitten Rich in Chicken Meat 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 Natura Wild Small Ridge Kitten Rich in Chicken Meat?
The main animal proteins in Natura Wild Small Ridge Kitten Rich in Chicken Meat are Fresh Chicken. 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.
