Essence Original Grain Free High Meat Dry Cat Food - Air & Gamefowl
Dry food for cats · by Essence
We have not seen this label’s AAFCO statement yet.
See the full breakdown in Beagly
What to watch for
- Chickpeas Moderate risk
Chickpeas add plant protein, starch and fiber. The FDA has been investigating reports of heart disease (DCM) in dogs eating diets high in peas, lentils and other legumes, often grain-free. No cause has been proven, but it is worth knowing when legumes sit near the top of the list. - Lentils Moderate risk
Lentils add plant protein, starch and fiber. The FDA has been investigating reports of heart disease (DCM) in dogs eating diets high in peas, lentils and other legumes, often grain-free. No cause has been proven, but it is worth knowing when legumes sit near the top of the list. - Natural flavor Low risk
Flavoring from natural sources. Normally safe, but the term can hide which animal or plant it came from, which matters for allergies. - Salt Low risk
Salt supplies sodium and chloride, which dogs need. Pet foods use small amounts; high salt is mainly a concern for dogs with heart or kidney disease. - Copper sulfate Low risk
A source of copper, an essential trace mineral. Some breeds accumulate copper in the liver, and vets have raised concern that some dog foods supply more than dogs need.
What it does well
- High protein 43.3%
40% or more on a dry-matter basis (cat). - Taurine added
Cats need taurine in their diet; this label lists it.
Ingredients
- Boar, Goat, Lamb, Pork, Boar Meal, Lamb Meal, Pork Meal, Mutton Meal, Garbanzo Beans, Pork Fat (Preserved With Mixed Tocopherols), Coconut Flour, Natural Flavors, Red Lentils, Dicalcium Phosphate, Potassium Chloride, Choline Chloride, Pumpkin, Calcium Carbonate, Dandelion Greens, Taurine, Fructooligosaccharide, Salt, Vitamins (Vitamin E Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate, Niacin Supplement, D-Calcium Pantothenate, Biotin, Vitamin A Supplement, Riboflavin Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Folic Acid), Minerals (Zinc Proteinate, Iron Proteinate, Copper Proteinate, Manganese Proteinate, Sodium Selenite, Calcium Iodate), Chia Seed Oil.
Guaranteed analysis
| Crude protein (min) | 39% |
|---|---|
| Crude fat (min) | 19% |
| Crude fiber (max) | 4% |
| Moisture (max) | 10% |
| Calcium (min) | 1.5% |
| Phosphorus (min) | 1% |
What the label cannot tell you
- Ingredient order is by weight before cooking; fresh meat counts water.
- We could not find the AAFCO nutritional adequacy statement for this product. Scan the bag to confirm it is complete and balanced.
Sizes and barcodes
- Essence Original Grain Free High Meat Dry Cat Food - Air & Gamefowl / 4 lb UPC 888641132508
Higher-scoring dry food for cats
- Instinct Ultimate Protein Adult Cat Food - Natural, Grain Free, Chicken 89/100 · Excellent
- Instinct Ultimate Protein Cat Food - Grain Free, High Protein, Chicken 89/100 · Excellent
- ACANA Regionals Grain Free Dry Cat Food - Grasslands 87/100 · Excellent
- The Honest Kitchen Dehydrated Grain Free Chicken & Fish Cat Food, 4 lb Box 86/100 · Excellent
- Nature's Logic Chicken Meal Feast Dry Cat Food 85/100 · Excellent
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Score version 2026.11.6 · Page updated 2026-11-03