Nutrience
SubZero Duck & Pear Recipe
Rating
Is Nutrience SubZero Duck & Pear Recipe dry cat food good?
Nutrience SubZero Duck & Pear Recipe is a dry cat food rated 3 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, Red meat, Shellfish, Unknown Meal but contains Legumes, Poultry, Fish.
Allergy Highlights
Contains:
Free From:
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 36%
- Fat 13%
- Est. Carbs 38%
- Fiber 6%
- Ash 8%
Moisture (10%) removed so you can compare foods fairly.
Dry matter basis = label value ÷ (100% − moisture%). Carbs estimated from remaining.
- Protein 32%
- Fat 12%
- Est. Carbs 34%
- Fiber 5%
- Moisture 10%
- Ash 7%
Ash value not listed on label; 7% used as a standard estimate.
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 Medium (13% dry matter) on our label-based comparison range. This is a moderate energy-density signal for many cats, but total calories and body condition still matter.
Ingredients Analysis
53 of 53 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 Duck Meal
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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3 Peas
Carbs Plant ProteinDescription
A type of legume that is added to boost up the protein content and acts as an alternative carb. It contains around 22% protein.
Digestion Concern
Legume contains oligosaccharides, which is a 3 - 5 carbon short-chain sugar that are indigestible by dogs / cats.
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4 Lentils
Carbs Plant ProteinDescription
A type of legume that is added to boost up the protein content and acts as an alternative carb. It contains around 27% protein.
Digestion Concern
Legume contains oligosaccharides, which is a 3 - 5 carbon short-chain sugar that are indigestible by dogs / cats.
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5 Canola Oil
FatDescription
Oil extracted from canola seed, high in omega 6 fats and contains a small amount of trans-fats which is not optimal for health.
Why Concerned?
A controversial, less optimal choice of fat.
Digestion Concern
High amount of plant-based fat is not easily digested by dogs / cats, can cause obstruction and gastrointestinal upset.
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6 Suncured Alfalfa Meal
(Detected): sun-cured alfalfa meal
Carbs Plant ProteinDescription
Typically used in horse feed, high in fiber, and contains around 20% plant protein.
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7 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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8 Pears
CarbsDescription
A sugary fruit, a good source of vitamin C, folate, copper and potassium, along with polyphenol antioxidant.
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9 Freeze Dried Duck
(Detected): freeze-dried duck
Animal ProteinDescription
A dehydrated form of ducks 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.
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10 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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11 Ground Miscanthus Grass
CarbsDescription
A C4 grass is originally grown for landscape cover, a novel fiber source in pet foods.
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12 Calcium Carbonate
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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13 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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14 Pea Starch
Carbs Plant ProteinDescription
The starchy part of peas after protein is extracted for pea protein products. It mainly consists of carbs and around 13% plant-based protein.
Why Concerned?
A controversial filler with limited nutrition value to dogs / cats.
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15 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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16 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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17 Pea Fiber
CarbsDescription
Produced by separating the starch of peas from fiber, consists mainly of insoluble fiber, contains around 6 - 12% protein.
Why Concerned?
A controversial filler with limited nutrition value to dogs / cats.
Digestion Concern
Legume contains oligosaccharides, which is a 3 - 5 carbon short-chain sugar that are indigestible by dogs / cats.
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18 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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19 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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20 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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21 Inulin
CarbsDescription
A prebiotic that promote friendly bacteria in the gut and support better digestion.
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22 L-lysine
SupplementDescription
One of the essential amino acids that dogs and cats cannot produce by themselves therefore must be obtained from the diet. Usually, pet foods with a high amount of meat and legumes do not require this supplement as they are high in lysine naturally.
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23 Apples
CarbsDescription
Contains mainly carbs and sugar with multiple antioxidants to prevent radical damages by oxidative stress.
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24 Blueberries
CarbsDescription
Superfood packed with antioxidants, a good source of vitamin C, K, and manganese.
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25 Carrots
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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26 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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27 Ginger
CarbsDescription
Knowns for its digestive properties, especially its aid in digesting fats.
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28 Pumpkin
CarbsDescription
An alternative high carbs filler with an excellent source of potassium, vitamin C, and beta carotene.
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29 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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30 Iron Proteinate
SupplementDescription
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.
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31 L-ascorbyl-2-polyphosphate
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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32 Niacin Supplement
SupplementDescription
Known as vitamin B3, essential to maintain healthy GI tracts, skin/coat, and nervous system.
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33 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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34 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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35 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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36 Dried Lactobaccillus Acidophilus Fermentation Product
(Detected): dried Lactobacillus acidophilus fermentation product
ProbioticsDescription
A type of probiotics, good bacteria that promotes good digestion and overall health. L. acidophilus produces lactic acid, which is believed to help prevent bad bacterias from growing in the intestines.
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37 Dried Lactobacillus Casei Fermentation Product
ProbioticsDescription
A type of probiotics, good bacteria that promotes good digestion and overall health. L. casei are often used to prevent and treat diarrhea.
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38 Dried Enterococcus Faceium Fermentation Product
(Detected): dried Enterococcus faecium fermentation product
ProbioticsDescription
A type of probiotics, good bacteria that promotes good digestion and overall health. E. faecium is uniquely able to survive the digestive process and grow, balancing the gut environment.
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39 Dried Bifidobacterium Bifidum Fermentation Product
ProbioticsDescription
A type of probiotics, good bacteria that promotes good digestion and overall health. Bifidobacterium bifidium can be found naturally in the stomach and intestines.
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40 Sunflower Oil
FatDescription
The oil derived from sunflower seeds, high in either omega 6 and 9 fats, low in saturated fat and is packed with natural anti-oxidant vitamin E.
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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 A Supplement
SupplementDescription
Supplement of vitamin A, it is essential for healthy skin, normal vision, and immune function.
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43 Copper Proteinate
SupplementDescription
An organic form of copper, which is important for the production of blood cells, hair coat color pigmentation, and maintaining the nervous system. Compare to inorganic form, it has 5 - 15% more absorption rate to the body.
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44 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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45 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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46 Menadione Sodium Bisulfite Complex
SupplementDescription
The synthetic form of vitamin K3, it has been banned as a supplement for humans (toxic in large doses), but still consider "OK" for use in pet foods.
Why Notice?
A risky supplement that can cause health issues, backed by research studies.
Uncertain/Risky
Repeated or long-term consumption may produce cumulative health effects involving organs or biochemical systems.
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47 Pyridoxine Hydrochloride
SupplementDescription
A synthetical supplement of vitamin B6, which is an essential element for nearly every part of metabolism.
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48 Biotin
SupplementDescription
A water-soluble vitamin B that is important for maintaining healthy skin, coat, and nails.
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49 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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50 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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51 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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52 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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53 Rosemary Extract
CarbsDescription
A common herb used for cooking, it is rich in antioxidants to fight off radical damages in the body.
Tips
- Named animal proteins near the top: Duck, Duck Meal are listed early in the ingredient panel.
- Plant protein is worth closer review for cats: Peas, Lentils, Suncured Alfalfa Meal may raise the listed protein percentage without meaning there is more meat.
- Higher-priority ingredients to review: Menadione Sodium Bisulfite Complex.
- Higher-caution ingredients: Menadione Sodium Bisulfite Complex have caution notes in the ingredient database.
- Possible digestion triggers: Peas, Lentils, Canola Oil, and 1 more have digestion notes; watch tolerance if your pet has a sensitive stomach.
Protein Analysis
How this recipe earned its protein scores.
Protein Clarity
High- Named 100%
Strong clarity: 100% of Nutrience SubZero Duck & Pear Recipe'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 79%
- Plant 21%
Meat-forward: 79% of the weighted protein in Nutrience SubZero Duck & Pear Recipe comes from animal sources. Plant signals are modest (21% whole plants, 0% plant concentrates), so the protein profile leans on real meat.
Contributing ingredients
Animal
Plant
Nutrience SubZero Duck & Pear Recipe dry cat food Review
Nutrience SubZero Duck & Pear Recipe is a solid mid-tier dry cat food at 3 stars, with high ingredient transparency and strong animal protein content. It has clear strengths alongside a few trade-offs worth weighing.
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, Poultry, Fish.
- On a dry-matter basis: 36% protein, 13% fat, 38% estimated carbohydrates.
- 79% of the weighted protein comes from animal sources.
- Free from Gluten grains, Grains (gluten-free), Dairy, Egg, Nuts, Red meat, Shellfish, Unknown Meal.
Frequently asked questions
Is Nutrience SubZero Duck & Pear Recipe good for cats?
Mostly — a solid mid-tier pick at 3 stars, with high ingredient transparency and strong animal protein content. Best paired with knowledge of your pet's needs.
Does Nutrience SubZero Duck & Pear Recipe contain Dairy?
No — based on the ingredient list, Nutrience SubZero Duck & Pear Recipe doesn't include Dairy or related ingredients, so pets sensitive to Dairy can typically avoid this allergen here.
Does Nutrience SubZero Duck & Pear Recipe contain Egg?
No — based on the ingredient list, Nutrience SubZero Duck & Pear Recipe doesn't include Egg or related ingredients, so pets sensitive to Egg can typically avoid this allergen here.
Does Nutrience SubZero Duck & Pear Recipe contain Legumes?
Yes — based on the ingredient list, Nutrience SubZero Duck & Pear Recipe contains Legumes, so pets sensitive to Legumes should generally avoid this product or consult a vet first.
Does Nutrience SubZero Duck & Pear Recipe contain Nuts?
No — based on the ingredient list, Nutrience SubZero Duck & Pear Recipe doesn't include Nuts or related ingredients, so pets sensitive to Nuts can typically avoid this allergen here.
Is Nutrience SubZero Duck & Pear Recipe grain-free?
Yes — there are no grains in this recipe.
What are the main protein sources in Nutrience SubZero Duck & Pear Recipe?
The top animal proteins are Duck, Duck Meal, Freeze Dried Duck — clearly named, so you can verify the source.
