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Wellness CORE

CORE Tiny Tasters Pate Chicken Recipe

CatWet

Rating

★︎★︎★︎★︎★︎ 5.0 / 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 Wellness CORE CORE Tiny Tasters Pate Chicken Recipe wet cat food good?

Wellness CORE CORE Tiny Tasters Pate Chicken Recipe is a wet cat food rated 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, Egg, Nuts, Red meat, Fish, Shellfish, Unknown Meal but contains Legumes, Poultry.

Allergy Highlights

Contains:

LegumesPoultry

Free From:

Gluten grainsGrains (gluten-free)DairyEggNutsRed meatFishShellfishUnknown Meal

Pros

  • Uses clearly named animal protein sources for better transparency.

Cons

  • Some non-animal ingredients are not clearly identified, which reduces formula transparency.
  • Relies mostly on inorganic mineral supplements, which may be less bioavailable.

Nutrition Breakdown

  • Protein 46%
  • Fat 36%
  • Fiber 5%
  • Ash 32%

Moisture (78%) removed so you can compare foods fairly.

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

  • Protein 10%
  • Fat 8%
  • Fiber 1%
  • Moisture 78%
  • 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 High (46% 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 Super High (36% 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.

    Understanding Super High Fat (≥ 22% Dry Matter)

    Very Energy Dense This dry-matter fat range can provide a lot of calories in a small amount of food. It may fit some working, very active, or underweight pets when the full diet is appropriate.

    Medical Context Matters Pancreatitis nutrition is case-dependent. Low-fat diets are often used for dogs with pancreatitis, while cats may need different strategies such as highly digestible or hydrolyzed diets. Pets with pancreatitis history, digestive disease, or weight concerns should follow veterinary guidance.

Ingredients Analysis

33 of 33 matched

  • 1 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 Chicken Broth
    Animal Protein

    Description

    The soup produced by cooking chicken bones, parts, or meat. It is high in glycine which claims to detoxify the liver and prevent leaky gut. There is a lack of evidence to show the benefits to pets.

    Why Prefer?

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

  • 3 Water Sufficient for Processing
    Food Additive

    Description

    Water added during manufacturing, not a nutritional ingredient.

  • 4 Natural Flavors
    Food Additive

    Description

    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.

  • 5 Tapioca Starch
    Carbs

    Description

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

  • 6 Sunflower Oil
    Fat

    Description

    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.

  • 7 Tricalcium Phosphate
    Supplement

    Description

    A supplement for calcium and phosphorus. It is mainly used to improve the texture of pet foods.

  • 8 Locust Bean Gum
    Food Additive

    Description

    A natural thickener from carob seeds, used as a stabilizer in pet foods.

    Why Concerned?

    A food additive that is likely to be safe but unnecessary.

  • 9 Potassium Chloride
    Supplement

    Description

    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.

  • 10 Guar Gum
    Food Additive

    Description

    Extracted from guar beans, used as a thickener in pet foods.

    Why Concerned?

    A food additive that is likely to be safe but unnecessary.

    Digestion Concern

    Studies show that it may affect protein digestion and amino acid absorption.

  • 11 Salt
    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.

  • 12 Sodium Carbonate
    Food Additive

    Description

    A sodium salt used as a pH regulator and leavening agent in pet food processing.

  • 13 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).

  • 14 Xanthan Gum
    Food Additive

    Description

    A polysaccharide used as a thickener and stabilizer in pet foods.

    Why Concerned?

    A food additive that is likely to be safe but unnecessary.

  • 15 Vitamin E Supplement
    Supplement

    Description

    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.

  • 16 Thiamine Hydrochloride
    Supplement

    Description

    An organic form of thiamine, has 5 - 15% more absorption rate than the inorganic form. It is important for energy production and glucose metabolism.

  • 17 Niacin
    Supplement

    Description

    Known as vitamin B3, essential to maintain healthy GI tracts, skin/coat, and nervous system.

  • 18 Vitamin A Supplement
    Supplement

    Description

    Supplement of vitamin A, it is essential for healthy skin, normal vision, and immune function.

  • 19 Pyridoxine Hydrochloride
    Supplement

    Description

    A synthetical supplement of vitamin B6, which is an essential element for nearly every part of metabolism.

  • 20 D-calcium Pantothenate
    Supplement

    Description

    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.

  • 21 Riboflavin Supplement
    Supplement

    Description

    A synthetic supplement for vitamin B2. which is vital for the body's metabolism and health.

  • 22 Folic Acid
    Supplement

    Description

    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.

  • 23 Vitamin D3 Supplement
    Supplement

    Description

    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).

  • 24 Biotin
    Supplement

    Description

    A water-soluble vitamin B that is important for maintaining healthy skin, coat, and nails.

  • 25 Vitamin B12 Supplement
    Supplement

    Description

    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.

  • 26 Magnesium Sulfate
    Supplement

    Description

    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.

  • 27 Choline Chloride
    Supplement

    Description

    Vital molecule for various functions in the body, lack of choline can result in weight loss, vomiting, and fatty liver.

  • 28 Zinc Animo Acid Chelate

    (Detected): Zinc Amino Acid Chelate

    Supplement

    Description

    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.

  • 29 Iron Amino Acid Chelate
    Supplement

    Description

    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.

  • 30 Copper Amino Acid Chelate
    Supplement

    Description

    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.

  • 31 Manganese Amino Acid Chelate
    Supplement

    Description

    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.

  • 32 Sodium Selenite
    Food Additive

    Description

    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.

  • 33 Potassium Iodide
    Supplement

    Description

    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.

Tips

  • Named animal proteins near the top: Chicken, Chicken Broth are listed early in the ingredient panel.
  • Ingredients worth checking: Natural Flavors, Locust Bean Gum, Guar Gum.
  • Possible digestion triggers: Guar Gum 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 100%

Strong clarity: 100% of Wellness CORE CORE Tiny Tasters Pate Chicken 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

Chicken Chicken Broth

Animal Protein

High
High
  • Animal 100%

Meat-forward: 100% of the weighted protein in Wellness CORE CORE Tiny Tasters Pate Chicken Recipe 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

Chicken Chicken Broth

Wellness CORE CORE Tiny Tasters Pate Chicken Recipe wet cat food Review

Wellness CORE CORE Tiny Tasters Pate Chicken Recipe is a strong choice — rated 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

  • 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.
  • On a dry-matter basis: 46% protein, 36% fat, 0% estimated carbohydrates.
  • 100% of the weighted protein comes from animal sources.
  • Free from Gluten grains, Grains (gluten-free), Dairy, Egg, Nuts, Red meat, Fish, Shellfish, Unknown Meal.

Frequently asked questions

Is Wellness CORE CORE Tiny Tasters Pate Chicken Recipe good for cats?

Yes — rated 5 stars, with high ingredient transparency and strong animal protein content.

Does Wellness CORE CORE Tiny Tasters Pate Chicken Recipe contain Dairy?

No — based on the ingredient list, Wellness CORE CORE Tiny Tasters Pate Chicken Recipe doesn't include Dairy or related ingredients, so pets sensitive to Dairy can typically avoid this allergen here.

Does Wellness CORE CORE Tiny Tasters Pate Chicken Recipe contain Egg?

No — based on the ingredient list, Wellness CORE CORE Tiny Tasters Pate Chicken Recipe doesn't include Egg or related ingredients, so pets sensitive to Egg can typically avoid this allergen here.

Does Wellness CORE CORE Tiny Tasters Pate Chicken Recipe contain Legumes?

Yes — based on the ingredient list, Wellness CORE CORE Tiny Tasters Pate Chicken Recipe contains Legumes, so pets sensitive to Legumes should generally avoid this product or consult a vet first.

Does Wellness CORE CORE Tiny Tasters Pate Chicken Recipe contain Nuts?

No — based on the ingredient list, Wellness CORE CORE Tiny Tasters Pate Chicken Recipe doesn't include Nuts or related ingredients, so pets sensitive to Nuts can typically avoid this allergen here.

Is Wellness CORE CORE Tiny Tasters Pate Chicken Recipe grain-free?

Yes — there are no grains in this recipe.

What are the main protein sources in Wellness CORE CORE Tiny Tasters Pate Chicken Recipe?

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

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