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Nourse

Complete Freeze-Dried Filled Fresh-Meat Cat Food

CatFreeze-Dried

Rating

★︎★︎★︎★︎☆︎ 4.5 / 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 Nourse Complete Freeze-Dried Filled Fresh-Meat Cat Food freeze-dried cat food good?

Nourse Complete Freeze-Dried Filled Fresh-Meat Cat Food is a freeze-dried cat food rated 4.5 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, Legumes, Nuts, Red meat, Shellfish but contains Egg, Poultry, Fish, Unknown Fish Meal.

Allergy Highlights

Contains:

EggPoultryFishUnknown Fish Meal

Free From:

Gluten grainsGrains (gluten-free)DairyLegumesNutsRed meatShellfish

Pros

  • Uses clearly named animal protein sources for better transparency.
  • Contains organ meats that provide natural vitamins and minerals.

Cons

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

Nutrition Breakdown

  • Protein 44%
  • Fat 17%
  • Est. Carbs 19%
  • Fiber 9%
  • Ash 11%

Moisture (10%) removed so you can compare foods fairly.

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

  • Protein 40%
  • Fat 15%
  • Est. Carbs 17%
  • Fiber 8%
  • Moisture 10%
  • Ash 10%

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.

    Understanding High Protein (40% - 50% Dry Matter)

    Protein-Forward Profile This bucket suggests the food is protein-forward for the selected species. The cat threshold is intentionally higher than the dog threshold because cats generally need more protein than dogs.

    Check Species and Life Stage Growing, pregnant, nursing, senior, or medically managed pets can have different targets. The adequacy statement and your vet's advice matter more than this bucket alone.

  • 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.

    Understanding High Fat (16% – 22% Dry Matter)

    Higher Calorie Density This range can support pets with higher energy needs, but it can also make overfeeding easier. Portion size, total calories, and body condition matter.

    Pancreatitis and Digestive History For dogs with pancreatitis history, fat level is often reviewed carefully. For cats, fat is only one part of the decision. Use this as a flag for vet-guided review, not as an automatic rejection.

Ingredients Analysis

23 of 23 matched

  • 1 Fresh Chicken
    Animal Protein

    Description

    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 Fresh Duck
    Animal Protein

    Description

    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.

  • 3 Chicken Meal
    Animal Protein

    Description

    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.

  • 4 Fish Meal
    Animal Protein

    Description

    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.

  • 5 Chicken Oil
    Fat

    Description

    he fatty layer separated during the cooking process. It is a quality animal fat source with a high level of omega 6s, which 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.

  • 6 Chicken Liver Powder
    Animal Protein

    Description

    A concentrated powder from chicken livers, rich in vitamin A, B12, iron, and flavor.

    Why Prefer?

    Organ meats are highly nutritious, with quality protein and many important vitamins / minerals.

  • 7 Chicken Heart Powder
    Animal Protein

    Description

    Dried and powdered chicken hearts, rich in taurine, iron, and B vitamins.

    Why Prefer?

    A nutrient-dense organ meat powder.

  • 8 Chicken Cartilage Powder
    Animal Protein

    Description

    Dried and powdered chicken cartilage, a source of glucosamine and chondroitin for joint health.

  • 9 Freeze-dried Chicken
    Animal Protein

    Description

    Dehydrated form of chicken by "cold" drying instead of "heat" drying. This method retains more nutrition value of the ingredient, but it costs up to 5 times more than the conventional drying process.

    Why Prefer?

    A high-quality animal protein with high digestibility and biological value.

  • 10 Egg Yolk Powder
    Animal Protein

    Description

    Dehydrated egg yolk, rich in protein, fats, vitamins A and D.

    Why Prefer?

    A high-quality animal protein with high digestibility and biological value.

  • 11 Egg Yolk Granules
    Animal Protein

    Description

    Granulated egg yolk, rich in vitamins, healthy fats, and choline.

  • 12 Tapioca Starch
    Carbs

    Description

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

  • 13 Brewers Yeast Powder

    (Detected): Brewer's Yeast Powder

    Plant Protein Concentrate

    Description

    Dried brewers yeast, a byproduct of brewing, rich in B vitamins and minerals.

    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.

  • 14 Psyllium Husk
    Carbs

    Description

    A light-brown-ish seed absorbs the water in the gut and promotes more bowel movement. It is a natural fiber source and is often added as a prebiotic.

  • 15 Yucca Powder
    Carbs

    Description

    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.

  • 16 Fructo-oligo-saccharides

    (Detected): Fructooligosaccharides

    Prebiotics

    Description

    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.

  • 17 Mannan-oligosaccharides

    (Detected): Mannanoligosaccharides

    Prebiotics

    Description

    Known as MOS, a sugar extracted from yeast, added as a prebiotic. It is well known for its ability to bind pathogenic bacteria, such as E. coli and Salmonella, preventing them from growing in the intestine.

  • 18 Deep-Sea Fish Oil

    (Detected): Deep Sea Fish Oil

    Fat

    Description

    Fish oil from deep-sea fish, rich in omega-3 fatty acids.

    Why Concerned?

    A high-quality animal fat with high digestibility and biological value.

  • 19 Dicalcium Phosphate
    Supplement

    Description

    A supplement for calcium and phosphorus. It is mainly used to improve the texture of pet foods. It is also found in some toothpaste as a polishing agent.

    Why Notice?

    A risky supplement that can cause health issues, backed by research studies.

    Digestion Concern

    It does not absorb any water, almost insoluble, and becomes very hard in digesting.

    Uncertain/Risky

    Studies show that it can cause the formulation of kidney stones.

  • 20 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.

  • 21 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).

  • 22 Vitamin Premix
    Supplement

    Description

    A blend of multiple vitamins used to ensure complete vitamin supplementation.

  • 23 Mineral Premix
    Supplement

    Description

    A blended supplement containing multiple essential minerals in appropriate proportions.

Tips

  • Some protein sources are less clear: Fish Meal appear near the top without a clearly defined animal source.
  • Higher-priority ingredients to review: Fish Meal, Dicalcium Phosphate.
  • Higher-caution ingredients: Fish Meal, Dicalcium Phosphate have caution notes in the ingredient database.
  • Possible digestion triggers: Dicalcium Phosphate 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 85%
  • Unnamed 15%

Strong clarity: 85% of Nourse Complete Freeze-Dried Filled Fresh-Meat Cat Food's animal-protein ingredients are clearly named (like chicken or salmon). Only 15% 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

Fresh Chicken Fresh Duck Chicken Meal Chicken Liver Powder Chicken Heart Powder Chicken Cartilage Powder Freeze-dried Chicken Egg Yolk Powder Egg Yolk Granules

Unnamed

Fish Meal

Animal Protein

High
High
  • Animal 100%
  • Auxiliary 0%

Meat-forward: 100% of the weighted protein in Nourse Complete Freeze-Dried Filled Fresh-Meat Cat Food 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

Fresh Chicken Fresh Duck Chicken Meal Fish Meal Chicken Liver Powder Chicken Heart Powder Chicken Cartilage Powder Freeze-dried Chicken Egg Yolk Powder Egg Yolk Granules

Auxiliary

Brewers Yeast Powder

Nourse Complete Freeze-Dried Filled Fresh-Meat Cat Food freeze-dried cat food Review

Nourse Complete Freeze-Dried Filled Fresh-Meat Cat Food is a strong choice — rated 4.5 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

  • Your pet is allergic to eggs
  • You need to know the exact animal source of every protein

Key takeaways

  • Named animal proteins make up 85% of the recipe's protein panel — a clear sourcing win.
  • Contains common allergens: Egg, Poultry, Fish, Unknown Fish Meal.
  • On a dry-matter basis: 44% protein, 17% fat, 19% estimated carbohydrates.
  • 100% of the weighted protein comes from animal sources.
  • Free from Gluten grains, Grains (gluten-free), Dairy, Legumes, Nuts, Red meat, Shellfish.

Frequently asked questions

Is Nourse Complete Freeze-Dried Filled Fresh-Meat Cat Food good for cats?

Yes — rated 4.5 stars, with high ingredient transparency and strong animal protein content.

Does Nourse Complete Freeze-Dried Filled Fresh-Meat Cat Food contain Dairy?

No — based on the ingredient list, Nourse Complete Freeze-Dried Filled Fresh-Meat Cat Food doesn't include Dairy or related ingredients, so pets sensitive to Dairy can typically avoid this allergen here.

Does Nourse Complete Freeze-Dried Filled Fresh-Meat Cat Food contain Egg?

Yes — based on the ingredient list, Nourse Complete Freeze-Dried Filled Fresh-Meat Cat Food contains Egg, so pets sensitive to Egg should generally avoid this product or consult a vet first.

Does Nourse Complete Freeze-Dried Filled Fresh-Meat Cat Food contain Legumes?

No — based on the ingredient list, Nourse Complete Freeze-Dried Filled Fresh-Meat Cat Food doesn't include Legumes or related ingredients, so pets sensitive to Legumes can typically avoid this allergen here.

Does Nourse Complete Freeze-Dried Filled Fresh-Meat Cat Food contain Nuts?

No — based on the ingredient list, Nourse Complete Freeze-Dried Filled Fresh-Meat Cat Food doesn't include Nuts or related ingredients, so pets sensitive to Nuts can typically avoid this allergen here.

Is Nourse Complete Freeze-Dried Filled Fresh-Meat Cat Food grain-free?

Yes — there are no grains in this recipe.

What are the main protein sources in Nourse Complete Freeze-Dried Filled Fresh-Meat Cat Food?

The top animal proteins are Fresh Chicken, Fresh Duck, Chicken Meal — clearly named, so you can verify the source.

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