Oven-Baked Tradition Grain-Free Chicken Recipe
Oven-Baked Tradition Grain-Free Chicken Recipe scores 3.5/5 on Moesonson's label-based analysis. Its strongest factor is animal-protein content (strong — 94% of the weighted protein comes from animal sources); its weakest is protein clarity (moderate — 55% of the recipe's protein panel is clearly named).
Rating
Updated Jul 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 Oven-Baked Tradition Grain-Free Chicken Recipe dry cat food good?
Oven-Baked Tradition Grain-Free Chicken Recipe is a dry cat food rated 3.5 stars, with moderate ingredient transparency and strong animal protein content. Real muscle meat appears as a primary protein source, supported by whole-food ingredients. 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, Nuts, Red meat, Shellfish but contains Egg, Legumes, Poultry, Fish, Unknown Fish Meal.
Allergy Highlights
Contains:
Free From:
Pros
- Contains organ meats that provide natural vitamins and minerals.
- 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 | 47% |
|---|---|
| Fat | 22% |
| Est. Carbs | 16% |
| Fiber | 4% |
| Ash | 11% |
Moisture (10%) removed so you can compare foods fairly.
Dry matter basis = label value ÷ (100% − moisture%). Carbs estimated from remaining.
| Protein | 42% |
|---|---|
| Fat | 20% |
| Est. Carbs | 15% |
| Fiber | 4% |
| Moisture | 10% |
| Ash | 10% |
As-fed values are the raw percentages printed on the product label.
Tips
- Protein is High (47% 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 Super High (22% dry matter) on our label-based comparison range. This is very energy-dense; cats with pancreatitis, digestive disease, or weight concerns need case-specific veterinary guidance.
Ingredients Analysis
47 of 47 matched
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1 Fresh Deboned Chicken
Animal ProteinDescription
Fresh deboned chicken, a high-quality lean protein source.
Why Prefer?
A high-quality named animal protein with high digestibility.
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2 Chicken Meal
Animal ProteinDescription
A dehydrated form of chicken, it is a meat concentrate that contains up to 4 times more protein than fresh chicken on dry matter basis.
Why Prefer?
A high-quality animal protein with high digestibility and biological value.
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3 Ground Whole Lentils
Plant Protein CarbsDescription
Ground whole lentils providing plant-based protein and dietary fiber.
Why Prefer?
Named legume protein source.
Digestion Concern
May cause gas or bloating in some pets.
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4 Dehydrated Fish
Animal ProteinDescription
A dehydrated form of unnamed fish. It is a meat concentrate that contains up to 4 times more protein than fresh fish on dry matter basis.
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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5 Fish Meal
Animal ProteinDescription
A dehydrated form of unnamed fish. It is a meat concentrate that contains up to 4 times more protein than fresh fish on dry matter basis.
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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6 Chicken Fat
FatDescription
The fatty layer separated during the cooking process, with a high level of omega 6, It is more preferable by dogs and cats over other types of fats.
Why Prefer?
A high-quality animal fat with high digestibility and biological value.
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7 Fresh Chicken Liver
Animal ProteinDescription
An excellent source of vitamin A, chromium, and copper.
Why Prefer?
Organ meats are highly nutritious, with quality protein and many important vitamins / minerals.
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8 Natural Flavor
Food AdditiveDescription
Made of extracts from plant or animal sources to improve the taste of food.
Why Concerned?
Contrary to its name, natural flavors are highly processed and contain many chemical additives.
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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 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.
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11 Fresh Fish
Animal ProteinDescription
Unnamed fish from unknown source, which its quality is highly questionable.
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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12 Dried Plain 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.
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13 Pumpkin
CarbsDescription
An alternative high carbs filler with an excellent source of potassium, vitamin C, and beta carotene.
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14 Dried Egg Product
Animal ProteinDescription
A processed form of eggs, a less expensive option compared to whole eggs. It could mean anything from egg yolk, white, and eggshell.
Why Concerned?
A less preferable egg ingredient that is made of unspecified egg parts - which quality is concerned.
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15 Ground Whole 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.
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16 Calcium Sulfate
SupplementDescription
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.
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17 Inulin
CarbsDescription
A prebiotic that promote friendly bacteria in the gut and support better digestion.
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18 Taurine
SupplementDescription
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).
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19 Alfalfa
Carbs Plant ProteinDescription
Typically used in horse feed, high in fiber, and contains around 20% plant protein.
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20 Glucosamine Hydrochloride
SupplementDescription
The most common joint supplement for reducing the level of pain and inflammation.
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21 Chondroitin Sulfate
SupplementDescription
Derived from animal parts containing cartilage, as a supplement to support joint health.
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22 Spinach
CarbsDescription
Nutrient-dense leafy greens, an excellent source of vitamin A, C, K1, B9, iron, and calcium.
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23 Iron Sulfate
SupplementDescription
An inorganic form of iron. It is essential for the transport and movement of oxygen around the body. Compare to organic form, it has 5 - 15% less absorption rate to the body.
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24 Zinc Sulfate
SupplementDescription
An inorganic form of zinc, which is vital in skin function and wound healing, cell replication, the structure and function of biological membranes. Compare to organic form, it has 5 - 15% less absorption rate to the body.
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25 Apples
CarbsDescription
Contains mainly carbs and sugar with multiple antioxidants to prevent radical damages by oxidative stress.
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26 Bananas
CarbsDescription
High in carbs and natural sugar, well known for its potassium content.
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27 Blueberries
CarbsDescription
Superfood packed with antioxidants, a good source of vitamin C, K, and manganese.
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28 Broccoli
CarbsDescription
A safe treat for both dogs and cats in small amounts, as it contains isothiocyanates which can cause gastric irritation.
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29 Cranberries
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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30 Dried Kelp
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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31 Sweet Potato
CarbsDescription
An alternative high carbs filler with an excellent amount of vitamin A, C, B6.
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32 Vitamin E Supplement
SupplementDescription
Supplement for vitamin E, which is an important antioxidant that protects oxidative damages on cellular membranes by free radicals. A deficiency will result in symptoms like anorexia, depression, and dermatitis.
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33 Niacin Supplement
SupplementDescription
Known as vitamin B3, essential to maintain healthy GI tracts, skin/coat, and nervous system.
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34 Copper Sulfate
SupplementDescription
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.
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35 Vitamin A Supplement
SupplementDescription
Supplement of vitamin A, it is essential for healthy skin, normal vision, and immune function.
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36 Manganese Sulfate
SupplementDescription
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.
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37 Thiamine Mononitrate
SupplementDescription
An organic form of thiamine, has 5 - 15% more absorption rate than the inorganic form. It is important for energy production and glucose metabolism.
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38 D-calcium Pantothenate
SupplementDescription
An organic form of calcium, it is essential in the formation of bones / teeth and different cellular functions. Compare to inorganic form, it has 5 - 15% more absorption rate to the body.
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39 Pyridoxine Hydrochloride
SupplementDescription
A synthetical supplement of vitamin B6, which is an essential element for nearly every part of metabolism.
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40 Biotin
SupplementDescription
A water-soluble vitamin B that is important for maintaining healthy skin, coat, and nails.
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41 Riboflavin Supplement
SupplementDescription
A synthetic supplement for vitamin B2. which is vital for the body's metabolism and health.
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42 Vitamin B12 Supplement
SupplementDescription
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.
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43 Vitamin D3 Supplement
SupplementDescription
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).
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44 Calcium Iodate
SupplementDescription
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.
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45 Folic Acid
SupplementDescription
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.
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46 Sodium Selenite
Food AdditiveDescription
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.
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47 Rosemary Extract
CarbsDescription
A common herb used for cooking, it is rich in antioxidants to fight off radical damages in the body.
Tips
- Some protein sources are less clear: Dehydrated Fish, Fish Meal appear near the top without a clearly defined animal source.
- Plant protein is worth closer review for cats: Ground Whole Lentils may raise the listed protein percentage without meaning there is more meat.
- Higher-priority ingredients to review: Dehydrated Fish, Fish Meal, Fresh Fish.
- Higher-caution ingredients: Dehydrated Fish, Fish Meal, Fresh Fish have caution notes in the ingredient database.
- Possible digestion triggers: Ground Whole Lentils have digestion notes; watch tolerance if your pet has a sensitive stomach.
Protein Analysis
How this recipe earned its protein scores.
Protein Clarity
Moderate- Named 55%
- Unnamed 45%
Mixed clarity: 55% of Oven-Baked Tradition Grain-Free Chicken Recipe's animal-protein ingredients are clearly named, but 45% use vague terms such as "meat meal" and 0% are by-products. Where names are vague, you cannot verify the source or check for allergens.
Contributing ingredients
Named
Unnamed
Animal Protein
High- Animal 94%
- Plant 6%
Meat-forward: 94% of the weighted protein in Oven-Baked Tradition Grain-Free Chicken Recipe comes from animal sources. Plant signals are modest (6% whole plants, 0% plant concentrates), so the protein profile leans on real meat.
Contributing ingredients
Animal
Plant
Oven-Baked Tradition Grain-Free Chicken Recipe dry cat food Review
Oven-Baked Tradition Grain-Free Chicken Recipe is a solid mid-tier dry cat food at 3.5 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
- Your pet is allergic to eggs
- You're avoiding legumes
- You need to know the exact animal source of every protein
Key takeaways
- Named animal proteins make up 55% of the recipe's protein panel — a clear sourcing win.
- Contains common allergens: Egg, Legumes, Poultry, Fish, Unknown Fish Meal.
- On a dry-matter basis: 47% protein, 22% fat, 16% estimated carbohydrates.
- 94% of the weighted protein comes from animal sources.
- Free from Gluten grains, Grains (gluten-free), Dairy, Nuts, Red meat, Shellfish.
Frequently asked questions
Is Oven-Baked Tradition Grain-Free Chicken Recipe good for cats?
Mostly — Oven-Baked Tradition Grain-Free Chicken Recipe is a solid mid-tier choice at 3.5 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 Oven-Baked Tradition Grain-Free Chicken Recipe contain Dairy?
No — based on the printed ingredient list, Oven-Baked Tradition Grain-Free Chicken Recipe 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 Oven-Baked Tradition Grain-Free Chicken Recipe contain Egg?
Yes — according to the printed ingredient list, Oven-Baked Tradition Grain-Free Chicken Recipe contains Egg. Pets with a known Egg 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 Oven-Baked Tradition Grain-Free Chicken Recipe contain Legumes?
Yes — according to the printed ingredient list, Oven-Baked Tradition Grain-Free Chicken Recipe 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 Oven-Baked Tradition Grain-Free Chicken Recipe contain Nuts?
No — based on the printed ingredient list, Oven-Baked Tradition Grain-Free Chicken Recipe 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 Oven-Baked Tradition Grain-Free Chicken Recipe grain-free?
Yes — Oven-Baked Tradition Grain-Free Chicken Recipe 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 Oven-Baked Tradition Grain-Free Chicken Recipe?
The main animal proteins in Oven-Baked Tradition Grain-Free Chicken Recipe are Fresh Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Fresh Chicken Liver. 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.
