Fussie CatOceanfish with Salmon Purée

Fish with no species stated. The maker may use whatever is available, so the fish can change between batches. Nutritionally it is a fine protein and often a source of omega-3 fats. The gap is for pets with a known fish allergy, or whose owners are trying to track which protein causes a reaction, because an unnamed ingredient makes that very hard. Named fish such as salmon or whitefish give you that information.

The familiar white potato, used as a carbohydrate source in many grain-free foods. Potato starch binds kibble; potato protein is a concentrated plant protein that lifts the protein figure on the bag. Cooked potato is safe and well digested. Grain-free foods built on potatoes and legumes were part of the FDA's 2018 to 2022 look at diet-associated heart disease in dogs, which did not establish a cause; the agency has not asked for any to be withdrawn.

A fatty fish used as a protein source and as a natural source of omega-3 fats. Fresh salmon is mostly water, so a salmon meal lower on the list may be contributing more protein. Salmon is a common alternative protein for pets that react to chicken or beef, though fish allergies exist too. Farmed and wild salmon differ in fat profile, and labels rarely say which.

A plant oil added as a source of linoleic acid, the omega-6 fat dogs and cats need for skin and coat. It is cheap, stable and well tolerated. Sunflower oil contains no omega-3, so a food that uses it as the main fat will usually add fish oil or flaxseed for balance. The high-oleic variety is lower in linoleic acid and used mainly for shelf stability.