HQS Natural Chicken with Pumpkin in Broth

Protein (dry-matter)

Protein content after removing water, so wet and dry foods can be compared fairly.

Fat (dry-matter)

Fat content after removing water. Important for energy and nutrient absorption.

Fiber (dry-matter)

Fiber content after removing water. Supports healthy digestion.

Moisture

Water content. Higher moisture helps with hydration, especially for cats.

Nutrient Transparency

How many nutrients the brand reports beyond the basic required minimums.

Named Protein Sources

How many of the top 5 ingredients are identifiable, single-species proteins like chicken or salmon.

Primary Protein Quality

Quality of the first protein listed. Whole meat ranks higher than meals or by-products.

Low Filler Content

Corn, wheat, and soy in the top ingredients. Fewer fillers is better.

Ingredient Simplicity

Total number of ingredients. Simpler recipes can be easier to digest.

Omega-3 Source

Whether the omega-3 comes from fish oil (delivers EPA/DHA directly) or just flaxseed (plant ALA, which pets convert very poorly).

Label Transparency

Whether the same ingredient is listed in multiple forms (like pea protein + pea fiber) to make meat appear higher on the label.