Leonardo Fresh Salmon
Leonardo Fresh Salmon scores 4/5 on Moesonson's label-based analysis. Its strongest factor is animal-protein content (strong — 97% of the weighted protein comes from animal sources); its weakest is protein clarity (high — 67% 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 Leonardo Fresh Salmon dry cat food good?
Leonardo Fresh Salmon is a dry cat food rated 4 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, Dairy, Legumes, Nuts, Red meat, Unknown Meal but contains Grains (gluten-free), Egg, Poultry, Fish, Shellfish.
Allergy Highlights
Contains:
Free From:
Pros
- Includes a fair number of clearly named animal ingredients.
- Includes plant ingredients that can provide fiber and natural antioxidants.
Cons
- Relies mostly on inorganic mineral supplements, which may be less bioavailable.
Ingredients Analysis
28 of 28 matched
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1 Fresh Salmon
Animal ProteinDescription
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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2 Fresh Poultry Meat
Animal ProteinDescription
The meat of a mixture of poultry - a generic name that could include any domestic fowl like chicken, turkey, or duck of any conditions.
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.
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3 Rice
CarbsDescription
Without its bran and germ (the main source of nutrients), white rice is considered as "empty carbs".
Why Concerned?
A common filler without gluten, with limited nutrition value to dogs / cats.
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4 Dried Marine Zooplankton
Animal Protein SupplementDescription
Dried marine zooplankton, a source of protein, omega-3, and trace nutrients.
Why Prefer?
Named marine protein and supplement source.
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5 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.
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6 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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7 Potato Starch
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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8 Poultry Hydrolysate
Animal ProteinDescription
Hydrolyzed protein from unspecified poultry sources.
Why Concerned?
Unnamed poultry source — specific species not disclosed.
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9 Chia Seed
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.
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10 Dried Eggs
Animal ProteinDescription
A dehydrated form of eggs, it contains almost every nutrient the body needs. It also has the highest biological value (protein absorption) among other animal proteins.
Why Prefer?
A high-quality animal protein with high digestibility and biological value.
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11 Dried Brewers Yeast
(Detected): Dried Brewer's 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.
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12 Carob Pod
(Detected): Carob Pods
CarbsDescription
Pod from the carob tree, a natural source of fiber.
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13 Dried Apple Pomace
CarbsDescription
It is usually the finely ground remnants byproduct of making apple juice. It mainly serves as a source of fiber in pet food.
Why Concerned?
Fruit is an acceptable source of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.
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14 Sodium Chloride
OthersDescription
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.
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15 Potassium Chloride
SupplementDescription
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.
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16 Monosodium Phosphate
SupplementDescription
An inorganic form of phosphate, has 5 - 15% less absorption rate compared to the organic form. Phosphorus is essential for various body functions, especially critical to maintain normal metabolism.
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17 Yucca Schidigera
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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18 Vitamin A
SupplementDescription
Supplement of vitamin A, it is essential for healthy skin, normal vision, and immune function.
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19 Vitamin D3
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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20 Vitamin E
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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21 Vitamin C
SupplementDescription
Supplement for vitamin C, which can help to prevent oxidative damages by radicals, maintain healthy skin, and boost the immune system.
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22 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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23 Copper Sulfate Pentahydrate
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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24 Ferrous Sulphate Monohydrate
(Detected): Ferrous Sulfate Monohydrate
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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25 Manganous Oxide
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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26 Zinc Oxide
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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27 Calcium Iodate Anhydrous
SupplementDescription
An inorganic iodine supplement providing bioavailable iodine for thyroid function.
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28 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.
Tips
- Some protein sources are less clear: Fresh Poultry Meat, Poultry Hydrolysate appear near the top without a clearly defined animal source.
- Plant protein is worth closer review for cats: Chia Seed may raise the listed protein percentage without meaning there is more meat.
- Higher-priority ingredients to review: Fresh Poultry Meat, Poultry Fat.
- Higher-caution ingredients: Fresh Poultry Meat, Poultry Fat have caution notes in the ingredient database.
Protein Analysis
How this recipe earned its protein scores.
Protein Clarity
Moderate- Named 67%
- Unnamed 33%
Mixed clarity: 67% of Leonardo Fresh Salmon's animal-protein ingredients are clearly named, but 33% 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 97%
- Plant 2%
- Auxiliary 1%
Meat-forward: 97% of the weighted protein in Leonardo Fresh Salmon comes from animal sources. Plant signals are modest (2% whole plants, 0% plant concentrates), so the protein profile leans on real meat.
Contributing ingredients
Animal
Plant
Auxiliary
Leonardo Fresh Salmon dry cat food Review
Leonardo Fresh Salmon is a strong choice — rated 4 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 that thrive on muscle-meat protein
Avoid if
- Your pet is allergic to eggs
Key takeaways
- Named animal proteins make up 67% of the recipe's protein panel — a clear sourcing win.
- Contains common allergens: Grains (gluten-free), Egg, Poultry, Fish, Shellfish.
- 97% of the weighted protein comes from animal sources.
- Free from Gluten grains, Dairy, Legumes, Nuts, Red meat, Unknown Meal.
- Overall rating: 4 stars, based on transparency, protein source, and macro balance.
Frequently asked questions
Is Leonardo Fresh Salmon good for cats?
Yes — Leonardo Fresh Salmon earns 4 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 Leonardo Fresh Salmon contain Dairy?
No — based on the printed ingredient list, Leonardo Fresh Salmon 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 Leonardo Fresh Salmon contain Egg?
Yes — according to the printed ingredient list, Leonardo Fresh Salmon 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 Leonardo Fresh Salmon contain Legumes?
No — based on the printed ingredient list, Leonardo Fresh Salmon does not include Legumes or closely related ingredients, so pets sensitive to Legumes 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 Leonardo Fresh Salmon contain Nuts?
No — based on the printed ingredient list, Leonardo Fresh Salmon 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 Leonardo Fresh Salmon grain-free?
No — Leonardo Fresh Salmon is not grain-free: the printed ingredient list includes Grains (gluten-free). That mainly matters for pets with a diagnosed grain sensitivity or allergy; most cats tolerate grains well as an energy source. If your cat must avoid grains, choose a recipe without these ingredients.
What are the main protein sources in Leonardo Fresh Salmon?
The main animal proteins in Leonardo Fresh Salmon are Fresh Salmon, Dried Marine Zooplankton, Dried Salmon. 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.
