Forest
Cat & Kitten Duck Formula
Rating
Is Forest Cat & Kitten Duck Formula dry cat food good?
Forest Cat & Kitten Duck Formula 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, Grains (gluten-free), Dairy, Egg, Legumes, Nuts, Red meat, Shellfish, Unknown Meal but contains Poultry, Fish.
Allergy Highlights
Contains:
Free From:
Pros
- Uses clearly named animal protein sources for better transparency.
- 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 36%
- Fat 17%
- Est. Carbs 31%
- Fiber 6%
- Ash 11%
Moisture (10%) removed so you can compare foods fairly.
Dry matter basis = label value ÷ (100% − moisture%). Carbs estimated from remaining.
- Protein 32%
- Fat 15%
- Est. Carbs 28%
- Fiber 5%
- Moisture 10%
- Ash 10%
As-fed values are the raw percentages printed on the product label.
Tips
- Protein is Medium (36% dry matter) on our label-based comparison range. Cats usually benefit from higher protein than dogs, so confirm the food is complete for cats and fits the cat's life stage.
- Fat is High (17% 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
44 of 44 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 Mackerel
Animal ProteinDescription
Greenish-blue back silverfish, high in protein, vitamin B12, and selenium. It is also an excellent source of omega 3s, similar to salmon.
Why Prefer?
A high-quality animal protein with high digestibility and biological value.
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3 Trevally
Animal ProteinDescription
A tropical and subtropical marine fish, a source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids.
Why Prefer?
A high-quality animal protein with high digestibility and biological value.
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4 Potatoes
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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5 Tapioca
CarbsDescription
An alternative high carbs filler as a source of vitamin Bs, iron, manganese, and calcium.
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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 Hydrolyzed Chicken Liver
Animal ProteinDescription
Chicken liver is broken down into smaller parts by using enzymes in a process called "Hydrolysis". MSG (food enhancer) is formed during the process.
Why Concerned?
An animal protein with high digestibility. However, MSG could be linked to several side effects including headache, nausea, and weakness.
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8 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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9 Brewer´s Yeast
(Detected): Brewers 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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10 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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11 Fish Oil
FatDescription
Oil derived from fish, rich in omega-3 fatty acids, DHA, and EPA.
Why Concerned?
A high-quality animal fat with high digestibility and biological value.
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12 Salt
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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13 Ferrous 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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14 Zinc Proteinate
SupplementDescription
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.
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15 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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16 Manganese Proteinate
SupplementDescription
An organic form of manganese that has 5 - 15% higher absorption rate than the inorganic form. It is essential for normal metabolic function with the body.
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17 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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18 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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19 Vitamin A
SupplementDescription
Supplement of vitamin A, it is essential for healthy skin, normal vision, and immune function.
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20 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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21 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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22 Thiamine
SupplementDescription
A supplement for vitamin B1, which is important for energy production and glucose metabolism.
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23 Riboflavin
SupplementDescription
A synthetic supplement for vitamin B2. which is vital for the body's metabolism and health.
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24 Vitamin B6
SupplementDescription
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.
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25 Vitamin B12
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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26 Niacin
SupplementDescription
Known as vitamin B3, essential to maintain healthy GI tracts, skin/coat, and nervous system.
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27 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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28 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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29 Biotin
SupplementDescription
A water-soluble vitamin B that is important for maintaining healthy skin, coat, and nails.
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30 Yucca Schidigera Extract
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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31 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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32 Dl-methionine
SupplementDescription
Added to balance the amino acids profile of pet foods with limited amounts of meat protein. Meat / fish naturally contains methionine, which does not require extra supplements. It is sometimes used to help support urine acidification.
Why Concerned?
A safe supplement to improve the completeness of essential amino acids profile (the building block of protein). However, it could imply the lack of meat protein - usually in lower quality pet foods.
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33 Choline Chloride
SupplementDescription
Vital molecule for various functions in the body, lack of choline can result in weight loss, vomiting, and fatty liver.
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34 Fructo-oligo-saccharides
(Detected): Fructooligosaccharides
PrebioticsDescription
Known as FOS, a type of fiber derived from chicory roots, beets, or cane. It is added as prebiotics for good bacteria growth in the colon, which aids digestion.
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35 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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36 Dried 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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37 Dried Blueberry
CarbsDescription
Superfood packed with antioxidants, a good source of vitamin C, K, and manganese.
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38 Dried Apple
CarbsDescription
Contains mainly carbs and sugar with multiple antioxidants to prevent radical damages by oxidative stress.
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39 Dried 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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40 Dried Spinach
CarbsDescription
Nutrient-dense leafy greens, an excellent source of vitamin A, C, K1, B9, iron, and calcium.
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41 Dried Pumpkin
CarbsDescription
An alternative high carbs filler with an excellent source of potassium, vitamin C, and beta carotene.
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42 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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43 Rosemary
CarbsDescription
A common herb used for cooking, it is rich in antioxidants to fight off radical damages in the body.
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44 Thyme
CarbsDescription
A herb often used for cooking, a great source of vitamin C, A, copper, iron, and manganese.
Tips
- Named animal proteins near the top: Duck, Mackerel are listed early in the ingredient panel.
- Ingredients worth checking: Potatoes, Hydrolyzed Chicken Liver, Beet Pulp.
Protein Analysis
How this recipe earned its protein scores.
Protein Clarity
High- Named 100%
Strong clarity: 100% of Forest Cat & Kitten Duck Formula'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 97%
- Auxiliary 3%
Meat-forward: 97% of the weighted protein in Forest Cat & Kitten Duck Formula 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
Auxiliary
Forest Cat & Kitten Duck Formula dry cat food Review
Forest Cat & Kitten Duck Formula 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 avoiding gluten grains
- Pets that thrive on muscle-meat protein
Key takeaways
- Named animal proteins make up 100% of the recipe's protein panel — a clear sourcing win.
- Contains common allergens: Poultry, Fish.
- On a dry-matter basis: 36% protein, 17% fat, 31% estimated carbohydrates.
- 97% of the weighted protein comes from animal sources.
- Free from Gluten grains, Grains (gluten-free), Dairy, Egg, Legumes, Nuts, Red meat, Shellfish, Unknown Meal.
Frequently asked questions
Is Forest Cat & Kitten Duck Formula good for cats?
Yes — rated 4 stars, with high ingredient transparency and strong animal protein content.
Does Forest Cat & Kitten Duck Formula contain Dairy?
No — based on the ingredient list, Forest Cat & Kitten Duck Formula doesn't include Dairy or related ingredients, so pets sensitive to Dairy can typically avoid this allergen here.
Does Forest Cat & Kitten Duck Formula contain Egg?
No — based on the ingredient list, Forest Cat & Kitten Duck Formula doesn't include Egg or related ingredients, so pets sensitive to Egg can typically avoid this allergen here.
Does Forest Cat & Kitten Duck Formula contain Legumes?
No — based on the ingredient list, Forest Cat & Kitten Duck Formula doesn't include Legumes or related ingredients, so pets sensitive to Legumes can typically avoid this allergen here.
Does Forest Cat & Kitten Duck Formula contain Nuts?
No — based on the ingredient list, Forest Cat & Kitten Duck Formula doesn't include Nuts or related ingredients, so pets sensitive to Nuts can typically avoid this allergen here.
Is Forest Cat & Kitten Duck Formula grain-free?
Yes — there are no grains in this recipe.
What are the main protein sources in Forest Cat & Kitten Duck Formula?
The top animal proteins are Duck, Mackerel, Trevally — clearly named, so you can verify the source.