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Almo Nature HQS Complete Salmon with Apple in Gravy

Almo Nature

HQS Complete Salmon with Apple in Gravy

CatWet

Rating

★︎★︎★︎★︎★︎ 5.0 / 5
Protein Clarity

Protein Clarity

This measures how clearly the protein sources are identified on the label. "High" means ingredients like "chicken" or "salmon" are listed by name, so you know exactly what your pet is eating. "Low" means vague terms like "meat meal" or "animal by-products" are used, making it harder to know what's really inside.

Why does clarity matter?

According to AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials), pet food labels must follow specific naming standards. When a product uses a named protein like "chicken" it must contain at least 25% of that ingredient. Vague terms like "meat by-products" have no such minimum and can include lower-quality parts from any animal source — making it impossible to know what your pet is actually eating or to identify allergens.

High
Animal Protein

Animal Protein

This estimates how meat-forward the protein sources are from the ingredient label. Named animal proteins count strongly, plant protein concentrates count strongly against the score, and whole plant ingredients with some protein count more lightly. A "High" score means the recipe appears mainly animal-protein led. A "Low" score means the label shows a stronger reliance on plant protein signals.

This is an ingredient-label heuristic, not an exact lab measurement of protein grams.

Why does animal protein matter?

1. Contains irreplaceable essential nutrients Taurine and Arginine — which cats need to stay healthy — are only found in meat. Plants contain none at all.

2. Plant proteins are poorly utilized by the body Even though plant proteins (like corn gluten meal) may show 92.9–96% apparent digestibility, that does not mean high bioavailability. They lack adequate Lysine (only 1.7% vs. the ideal 6–7%) and contain phytic acid that blocks mineral absorption.

High

Is Almo Nature HQS Complete Salmon with Apple in Gravy wet cat food good?

Almo Nature HQS Complete Salmon with Apple in Gravy is a wet cat food rated 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. However, most minerals are supplied in inorganic forms that may be less well absorbed. This recipe is free from Gluten grains, Grains (gluten-free), Dairy, Egg, Nuts, Poultry, Red meat, Shellfish, Unknown Meal but contains Legumes, Fish.

Allergy Highlights

Contains:

LegumesFish

Free From:

Gluten grainsGrains (gluten-free)DairyEggNutsPoultryRed meatShellfishUnknown Meal

Pros

  • Uses clearly named animal protein sources for better transparency.
  • Includes plant ingredients that can provide fiber and natural antioxidants.

Cons

  • Relies mostly on inorganic mineral supplements, which may be less bioavailable.

Nutrition Breakdown

  • Protein 71%
  • Fat 10%
  • Fiber 6%
  • Ash 14%

Moisture (82%) removed so you can compare foods fairly.

Dry matter basis = label value ÷ (100% − moisture%). Carbs estimated from remaining.

  • Protein 13%
  • Fat 2%
  • Fiber 1%
  • Moisture 82%
  • Ash 3%

As-fed values are the raw percentages printed on the product label.

Tips

  • Protein is Super High (71% 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.

    Understanding Super High Protein (≥ 50% Dry Matter)

    Species-Specific Range This bucket uses dry-matter label math. Cats use a higher protein threshold than dogs because cats generally have higher protein needs, so a value that is super high for a dog may only be high for a cat.

    Health Context Matters Healthy adult and senior pets still need enough high-quality protein to maintain lean tissue. Pets with chronic kidney disease or other medical conditions may need adjusted nutrient targets, so those cases should be managed with veterinary guidance.

  • Fat is Low (10% dry matter) on our label-based comparison range. This may lower calorie density, but cats still need enough essential fatty acids and overall calories.

    Understanding Low Fat (< 10% Dry Matter)

    Lower Energy Density Lower fat can be useful when a pet needs fewer calories or a veterinarian recommends a lower-fat diet. It is not automatically better for every pet.

    Energy and Essential Fats Still Matter Very active, growing, pregnant, or nursing pets may need more energy. Complete diets still need to provide essential fatty acids, so check the adequacy statement and use veterinary guidance for medical diets.

Ingredients Analysis

26 of 26 matched

  • 1 Salmon
    Animal Protein

    Description

    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.

  • 2 Water
    Others

    Description

    It is added in the pet food as a blending / thinning agent.

  • 3 Apple
    Carbs

    Description

    Contains mainly carbs and sugar with multiple antioxidants to prevent radical damages by oxidative stress.

  • 4 Tapioca Starch
    Carbs

    Description

    An alternative high carbs filler as a source of vitamin Bs, iron, manganese, and calcium.

  • 5 Sodium Chloride
    Others

    Description

    Mainly added to enhance the flavor, might cause kidney and blood pressure issues in a larger dose. High-quality pet foods should get a sufficient amount from raw meat, additional salt is not necessary.

    Why Concerned?

    A controversial ingredient that might cause health issues, unnecessary for the risk.

  • 6 Guar Gum
    Food Additive

    Description

    Extracted from guar beans, used as a thickener in pet foods.

    Why Concerned?

    A food additive that is likely to be safe but unnecessary.

    Digestion Concern

    Studies show that it may affect protein digestion and amino acid absorption.

  • 7 Tricalcium Phosphate
    Supplement

    Description

    A supplement for calcium and phosphorus. It is mainly used to improve the texture of pet foods.

  • 8 Taurine
    Supplement

    Description

    An essential amino acid (building blocks of protein) to maintain a healthy brain and heart functions.

    Why Prefer?

    A safe supplement to improve the completeness of essential amino acids profile (the building block of protein).

  • 9 Vitamin C
    Supplement

    Description

    Supplement for vitamin C, which can help to prevent oxidative damages by radicals, maintain healthy skin, and boost the immune system.

  • 10 Niacin
    Supplement

    Description

    Known as vitamin B3, essential to maintain healthy GI tracts, skin/coat, and nervous system.

  • 11 Vitamin B1
    Supplement

    Description

    Supplement for vitamin B1, which is important for energy production and glucose metabolism.

  • 12 Vitamin A
    Supplement

    Description

    Supplement of vitamin A, it is essential for healthy skin, normal vision, and immune function.

  • 13 Vitamin B12
    Supplement

    Description

    Supplement for vitamin B12, which is vital for carbon transfer and propionate metabolism. A deficiency will result in symptoms similar to gastrointestinal disorders, such as diarrhea and weight loss.

  • 14 Vitamin B6
    Supplement

    Description

    Supplement for vitamin B6, which is vital for producing glucose, red blood cells, and synthesis of niacin, taurine, dopamine. A deficiency will result in symptoms like anemia, seizures, and heart-related issues.

  • 15 Calcium D-pantothenate
    Supplement

    Description

    An inorganic form of calcium, it is essential in the formation of bones / teeth and different cellular functions. Compare to organic form, it has 5 - 15% less absorption rate to the body.

  • 16 Riboflavin
    Supplement

    Description

    A synthetic supplement for vitamin B2. which is vital for the body's metabolism and health.

  • 17 Vitamin D3
    Supplement

    Description

    Supplement for vitamin D3 (animal-derived), which is essential for calcium homeostasis - to maintain a constant concentration of calcium. A deficiency will result in osteopenia (lower bone mass).

  • 18 Folic Acid
    Supplement

    Description

    A synthetic form of folate, which is also known as vitamin B9. It plays an important role to support the body's functions, such as cell growth.

  • 19 Vitamin K3
    Supplement

    Description

    Menadione, a synthetic form of vitamin K essential for blood clotting.

    Why Concerned?

    A synthetic vitamin that has been controversial due to potential toxicity at high doses.

    Uncertain/Risky

    Synthetic form with potential toxicity concerns at high doses.

  • 20 Potassium Chloride
    Supplement

    Description

    An inorganic form of potassium, which offers 5 - 15% less absorption rate to the body. It is essential for important functions like nerve impulse transmission, muscle contraction, and carbon dioxide / oxygen transport.

  • 21 Zinc Animo Acid Chelate

    (Detected): zinc amino acid chelate

    Supplement

    Description

    An organic form of zinc, which is vital in skin function and wound healing, cell replication, the structure and function of biological membranes. Compare to inorganic form, it has 5 - 15% more absorption rate to the body.

  • 22 Manganese Sulfate
    Supplement

    Description

    An inorganic form of manganese that has 5 - 15% less absorption rate than the organic form. It is essential for the transport and movement of oxygen around the body.

  • 23 Iron Amino Acid Chelate
    Supplement

    Description

    An organic form of iron. It is essential for the transport and movement of oxygen around the body. Compare to inorganic form, it has 5 - 15% more absorption rate to the body.

  • 24 Sodium Selenite
    Food Additive

    Description

    An inorganic selenium supplement. It remains controversial as the long term effect of consuming it is not known, and there is a much safer organic alternative available.

    Why Concerned?

    A food additive that is likely to be safe but unnecessary.

  • 25 Calcium Iodate
    Supplement

    Description

    An inorganic form of calcium, it is essential in the formation of bones / teeth and different cellular functions. Compare to organic form, it has 5 - 15% less absorption rate to the body.

  • 26 Copper Sulfate
    Supplement

    Description

    An inorganic form of copper, which is important for the production of blood cells, hair coat color pigmentation, and maintaining the nervous system. Compare to organic form, it has 5 - 15% less absorption rate to the body.

Tips

  • Named animal proteins near the top: Salmon are listed early in the ingredient panel.
  • Ingredients worth checking: Sodium Chloride, Guar Gum, Vitamin K3.
  • Higher-caution ingredients: Vitamin K3 have caution notes in the ingredient database.
  • Possible digestion triggers: Guar Gum have digestion notes; watch tolerance if your pet has a sensitive stomach.

Protein Analysis

How this recipe earned its protein scores.

Protein Clarity

High
High
  • Named 100%

Strong clarity: 100% of Almo Nature HQS Complete Salmon with Apple in Gravy'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

Salmon

Animal Protein

High
High
  • Animal 100%

Meat-forward: 100% of the weighted protein in Almo Nature HQS Complete Salmon with Apple in Gravy 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

Salmon

Almo Nature HQS Complete Salmon with Apple in Gravy wet cat food Review

Almo Nature HQS Complete Salmon with Apple in Gravy is a strong choice — rated 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, Fish.
  • On a dry-matter basis: 71% protein, 10% fat, 0% estimated carbohydrates.
  • 100% of the weighted protein comes from animal sources.
  • Free from Gluten grains, Grains (gluten-free), Dairy, Egg, Nuts, Poultry, Red meat, Shellfish, Unknown Meal.

Frequently asked questions

Is Almo Nature HQS Complete Salmon with Apple in Gravy good for cats?

Yes — rated 5 stars, with high ingredient transparency and strong animal protein content.

Does Almo Nature HQS Complete Salmon with Apple in Gravy contain Dairy?

No — based on the ingredient list, Almo Nature HQS Complete Salmon with Apple in Gravy doesn't include Dairy or related ingredients, so pets sensitive to Dairy can typically avoid this allergen here.

Does Almo Nature HQS Complete Salmon with Apple in Gravy contain Egg?

No — based on the ingredient list, Almo Nature HQS Complete Salmon with Apple in Gravy doesn't include Egg or related ingredients, so pets sensitive to Egg can typically avoid this allergen here.

Does Almo Nature HQS Complete Salmon with Apple in Gravy contain Legumes?

Yes — based on the ingredient list, Almo Nature HQS Complete Salmon with Apple in Gravy contains Legumes, so pets sensitive to Legumes should generally avoid this product or consult a vet first.

Does Almo Nature HQS Complete Salmon with Apple in Gravy contain Nuts?

No — based on the ingredient list, Almo Nature HQS Complete Salmon with Apple in Gravy doesn't include Nuts or related ingredients, so pets sensitive to Nuts can typically avoid this allergen here.

Is Almo Nature HQS Complete Salmon with Apple in Gravy grain-free?

Yes — there are no grains in this recipe.

What are the main protein sources in Almo Nature HQS Complete Salmon with Apple in Gravy?

The top animal proteins are Salmon — clearly named, so you can verify the source.

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