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FirstMate Chicken Meal with Blueberries Formula Limited Ingredient Diet Grain-Free Dry Cat Food

FirstMate Chicken Meal with Blueberries Formula Limited Ingredient Diet Grain-Free Dry Cat Food
Company info
Company HQ
British Columbia, Canada
Parent company
FirstMate Pet Foods
Product info
Age Range: Adult
Food Form Dry Cat Food
Cost per day: $0.19
Primary proteins
  • Chicken Meal

Ingredients

Chicken Meal, Potato, Chicken Fat (Preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Whole Blueberries, Dl-Methionine, Minerals: (Zinc Proteinate, Iron Proteinate, Manganese Proteinate, Copper Proteinate, Calcium Iodate, Cobalt Carbonate, Sodium Selenite), Vitamins: (Niacin, Thiamine Mononitrate, D-Calcium Pantothenate, Riboflavin, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Folic Acid, Biotin, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Vitamin E Supplement, Vitamin A Supplement, Vitamin D3 Supplement), Potassium Chloride, Calcium Propionate (a Preservative), Taurine, Yeast Extract (a Source of Prebiotics), Kale, Glucosamine Hydrochloride.

Overall Score

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71%

Ratings

? This rating is determined by comparing the food’s nutritional content to AAFCO standards and other foods in our database. Nutrient Value 60%
? Each recipe is evaluated based on a 5-point ingredient rating system that measures ingredients’ nutritional value, safety, and more. Quality of Ingredients 77%
? We scan the FDA’s database and rate each brand by the number of recalls in its history. Brands with fewer recalls receive higher ratings. Recall History 100%
? By comparing the prices of foods in our database, we determine if a food is above or below market average price. Lower-priced foods receive higher ratings. Price 40%
? This metric is based on customer ratings from various retailers. Customer Experience 85%
? Our rating system evaluates each food’s manufacturing method, assigning higher ratings to manufacturing processes that promote higher nutritional value. Manufacturing Method 40%
? Based on the variety of sizes available. Size Variety 83%

Estimated Nutrient Content

To understand the nutrient content of pet food, we visualize its macronutrient composition in three ways. In the charts below, you’ll see a guaranteed analysis on an as-fed basis, a dry matter analysis, and a breakdown of the food’s macronutrients on a calorie-weighted basis.

Remember that all of these values are estimates based on the guaranteed analysis published by the company, and the food’s actual nutrient values may be slightly different.

Guaranteed Analysis

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Protein: 36%

Fat: 16%

Fiber: 4%

Moisture: 10%

Ash: 8%

Carb: 26%

Dry Matter Analysis

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Protein: 40%

Fat: 17.78%

Fiber: 4.44%

Ash: 8.89%

Carb: 28.89%

Calorie Weighted Basis

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Protein: 35.69%

Fat: 38.53%

Carb: 25.78%

Our Review

Pros
  • To our knowledge, FirstMate has never had a product recall
  • Supplemented with chelated minerals for optimal nutrient absorption
  • Doesn’t contain fillers, by-products, or artificial additives
  • Affordable
Cons
  • High in carbohydrates
  • Low in moisture
  • Contains plant-based proteins

Recall History

The following list (if present) shows all cat food recalls related to FirstMate since 2011. If no recalls are listed, no recall events have been reported.

Since 2011 FirstMate has never been recalled.

Ingredient Review

Our review of FirstMate Chicken Meal with Blueberries Formula Limited Ingredient Diet Grain-Free Dry Cat Food begins with a detailed look at the food’s ingredients.

The first ingredient is Chicken Meal. In pet food, chicken meal is often listed as a source of protein. Chicken meal is produced by baking and grinding chicken meat and skin. As a dry form of animal protein, it is most often found in kibble and treats.

The second ingredient is Potato. Potatoes are versatile starchy root vegetables that provide carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals, and some fiber. In pet food, potatoes can add texture and flavor while replacing other starches. Many grain-free and gluten-free pet foods contain potatoes.

The third ingredient is Chicken Fat. Chicken fat is a good source of omega-6 fatty acids including linoleic acid. In pet food, chicken fat also adds flavor, improves consistency, and serves as a source of the animal fat pets need for overall wellbeing.

The fourth ingredient is Mixed Tocopherols. Mixed tocopherols are a form of vitamin E. These antioxidants are used as a natural preservative. In pet food, mixed tocopherols help to prevent spoilage and oxidization.

The fifth ingredient is Whole Blueberries. In pet food, whole blueberries serve as a source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to support your companion’s immune system and overall well-being. Whole blueberries also contain fiber and a small amount of easily digestible carbohydrates.

When we analyzed the ingredients in FirstMate Chicken Meal with Blueberries Formula Limited Ingredient Diet Grain-Free Dry Cat Food, we found that most of the protein is derived from meat based sources.

Price Analysis

Price per lb

Product Price

$5.06

Market Price avg.

$4.51

% From the Avg

+12%

Price per 100 kcal

Product Price

$0.32

Market Price avg.

$0.28

% From the Avg

+15%

Price per day

Product Price

$0.19

Market Price avg.

$0.16

% From the Avg

+19%

FirstMate Chicken Meal with Blueberries Formula Limited Ingredient Diet Grain-Free Dry Cat Food is priced above the average market price for dry cat food.

Nutritional Analysis

Adult cat foods can have a lot of variability in calorie density but generally meet requirements for the average active cat. With formulations addressing a wide variety of needs, including weight loss or gain, indoor or outdoor living, or hairball problems, individual recipes may vary greatly in calorie, fiber, and nutritional content.

With that in mind, we’ve compared FirstMate Chicken Meal with Blueberries Formula Limited Ingredient Diet Grain-Free Dry Cat Food to the other 534 dry cat food recipes in our database:

DM Protein

DM Protein

Product info

40%

All Products avg.

38.91%

% From the Avg

+3%

DM Fat

DM Fat

Product info

17.78%

All Products avg.

16.8%

% From the Avg

+6%

DM Fiber

DM Fiber

Product info

4.44%

All Products avg.

5.11%

% From the Avg

-13%

DM Carb

DM Carb

Product info

28.89%

All Products avg.

37.83%

% From the Avg

-24%

Analysis Overview

Overall, this is a meat based food that’s moderate in protein with moderate fat and low carbohydrate content relative to other dry cat foods.

Disclaimer and Disclosure

At Pet Food Sherpa, our primary goal is to provide pet owners like you with accurate, relevant, and unbiased information about pet nutrition. As such, we do not accept gifts or incentives as motivation to include certain products in our reviews.

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