First mate cat food – Let’s be honest—finding a cat food that checks every box (quality, safety, nutrition, affordability) can feel like a wild goose chase. If you’ve been hunting for a grain-free option that doesn’t just ride the marketing wave but actually delivers, FirstMate Cat Food has probably caught your eye. Proudly made in Canada, this family-owned brand has been quietly building a loyal fanbase thanks to its transparent sourcing, limited-ingredient formulas, and no-recall track record.
But here’s the real question: Is FirstMate truly one of the best grain-free cat foods out there, or just another pretty label on the shelf? In this deep-dive review, we’ll dissect its ingredients, nutritional quality, wet vs. dry options, pros and cons, and how it stacks up against competitors. By the end, you’ll know whether FirstMate deserves a permanent spot in your cat’s bowl—or if it’s best left on the shelf.
Table of Contents
Brand Background & Philosophy: first mate cat food.
Before you scoop kibble into a bowl or crack open a can, it helps to know who you’re trusting with your cat’s nutrition. FirstMate isn’t just a catchy name—it’s a legacy brand with roots deeper than many of the flashy newcomers on the pet food scene.
Founded in 1989 by a commercial fisherman-turned-nutrition advocate, FirstMate is still owned and operated by the same Canadian family. That matters. Why? Because unlike many pet food giants that outsource manufacturing, FirstMate does things differently: they formulate, produce, and package all their food in-house at their own facilities in British Columbia. That level of vertical integration isn’t just rare—it’s a built-in safety net. And it shows in one key stat: FirstMate has never had a single product recall in over 30 years.
Their philosophy is simple but strong: fewer ingredients, higher quality, no gimmicks. Most of their recipes feature single animal proteins (like chicken, salmon, or turkey) and are completely free from grains, gluten, peas, and soy—common culprits for digestive issues in cats.
What also stands out is how quietly they operate. There’s no celebrity endorsement, no billion-dollar ad campaigns. Just a consistent commitment to quality, safety, and biologically appropriate feline nutrition.
FAQ: Has FirstMate Cat Food Ever Been Recalled?
No. As of 2025, there has never been a recall issued for any FirstMate cat food product. That level of consistency speaks volumes about their production standards and internal quality control.
Grain-Free Product Lineup: Wet vs Dry Breakdown
FirstMate built its reputation on simplicity—and that’s exactly what you get when browsing their grain-free offerings. Whether you’re leaning toward dry kibble or high-moisture canned food, the brand sticks to limited ingredients and species-appropriate formulations.
Wet Food Lineup: Moisture-Rich and Meat-Focused
If your cat’s a picky eater or needs more hydration (spoiler: most cats do), FirstMate’s grain-free canned foods are where they shine. Each formula is crafted with a single source of animal protein—think Wild Tuna, Chicken, Salmon, or Turkey. These aren’t filler-heavy pates either; the ingredient lists are refreshingly short and start with real meat or fish, followed by wholesome broth and vitamins.
Why that matters: Cats are obligate carnivores. FirstMate’s wet food delivers around 60% protein on a dry matter basis and keeps carbs low—hovering around 15–17%, far below many commercial brands.
Dry Food Lineup: Still Clean, But Carbs Creep In
Their grain-free dry kibble also follows a limited-ingredient philosophy and is free from peas, lentils, soy, and wheat—a rare combo in the dry food world. But here’s the catch: while protein content remains decent (~40–45%), carbohydrate content can climb up to 30–34%, depending on the formula. That’s a red flag for owners trying to mimic ancestral diets or manage feline weight.
Still, for those needing a reliable, easy-to-store option with fewer allergens than mass-market brands, FirstMate’s grain-free dry food holds its own.
FAQ: Are All FirstMate Cat Foods Grain-Free?
Not all. While many of FirstMate’s formulas are grain-free—especially the canned options—they also offer some grain-inclusive dry foods (like those with oatmeal or brown rice). Always double-check the label if grain-free is non-negotiable.
Ingredient & Nutritional Analysis
Let’s break this down like a label-savvy cat parent would—because ingredients matter, but so do the numbers behind them. And when it comes to FirstMate, the nutritional math mostly works in your cat’s favor.
Wet Food: High Protein, Low Carbs, No Fillers
FirstMate’s grain-free wet food lineup is arguably where the brand hits its stride. The first ingredient is always a named animal protein (like chicken, turkey, or salmon), followed by a clean broth and a minimal blend of vitamins and minerals. What you won’t find? Peas, legumes, gluten, or weird byproducts.
On a dry matter basis, these formulas typically clock in at:
- ~60% protein
- ~20–25% fat
- ~15–17% carbohydrates
That carb count is critical—many canned foods sneak in more starch than you’d expect. FirstMate keeps it lean, making it ideal for weight-sensitive, diabetic, or indoor cats with low activity levels.
Dry Food: Moderate Protein, Higher Carbs
Now, here’s where things get murkier. FirstMate’s dry formulas still start with real animal protein and avoid controversial fillers. But dry food by nature requires starch to bind the kibble, and in this case, potato is often the culprit.
Nutritionally, dry versions offer:
- ~40–45% protein
- ~15–20% fat
- ~30–34% carbohydrates
While better than many big-box brands, that carb load can be problematic for cats prone to weight gain or sugar spikes. If you’re feeding dry exclusively, that’s something to weigh carefully—literally and figuratively.
What’s Missing?
Artificial colors, preservatives, and “meat meals” with unknown origins. That’s a win. But some owners may notice the absence of added taurine or omega-3 sources in certain recipes—those are worth supplementing if your cat has specific needs.
FAQ: How Much Protein Is in FirstMate Cat Food?
It depends on the type:
- Wet food: About 60% protein (dry matter)
- Dry food: Around 40–45% protein
Both start with real meat and skip filler grains, but the wet line offers a better protein-to-carb ratio overall.
Pros & Cons Summary first mate cat food.
By now, you’ve seen the good, the great—and the asterisks. Let’s zoom out and lay it all on the table.
✅ Pros of First Mate Cat Food
- High-quality animal protein is always the first ingredient. No mystery meats or vague “meat meals.”
- Wet formulas are top-tier for moisture content and biologically appropriate macros—ideal for cats needing more hydration.
- Zero recalls in over 30 years of production. That’s rare and signals serious quality control.
- Simple, limited-ingredient formulas help reduce food sensitivities and allergic reactions.
- Made in-house in Canada, not outsourced overseas. That means tighter oversight and cleaner supply chains.
- No peas, lentils, wheat, soy, or gluten, which many cats struggle to digest.
⚠️ Cons of First Mate Cat Food
- Dry food carb content is on the higher side, which may not suit diabetic, obese, or low-activity cats.
- Limited variety in protein options, especially for exotic or rotational feeding diets.
- Price point is mid-to-premium, which might stretch some budgets.
- Brand visibility is low, so finding FirstMate in local stores may be a challenge—it’s more of an online or specialty retailer brand.
- No prebiotics/probiotics in many formulas, which could matter if your cat has gut issues.
FAQ: Is FirstMate Better as a Wet or Dry Food?
Wet food, hands down. It offers better protein, lower carbs, and moisture cats actually need. The dry line is still clean and digestible but not ideal for cats requiring a strict low-carb or low-starch diet.
Comparison to Competitors
So how does FirstMate stack up when put side-by-side with other well-known grain-free cat food brands like Wellness, Tiki Cat, Merrick, or even premium players like Ziwi Peak? The answer depends on what you value most—because the differences are subtle, but important.
Against Wellness CORE & Merrick
- Ingredient quality is comparable—real meat first, no fillers—but FirstMate pulls ahead by skipping peas and lentils, which are commonly used in both Wellness and Merrick dry formulas.
- Recalls? Wellness and Merrick have had a few; FirstMate hasn’t had any. That’s a massive trust factor for safety-conscious cat parents.
- Protein-to-carb ratio favors FirstMate wet food, especially for low-carb diets. However, Merrick offers more recipe variety, including exotic proteins.
Against Tiki Cat
- Tiki Cat is known for its ultra-high protein and moisture content, often outperforming on paper. But some of their formulas are too lean, making them less suitable for active or underweight cats.
- FirstMate’s texture and consistency are often preferred by cats who snub Tiki Cat’s brothy or shredded formulas.
- Both are clean, but FirstMate leans more toward limited ingredients and simplicity.
Against Ziwi Peak
- Ziwi Peak offers air-dried raw-style nutrition, which is arguably more “ancestral”—but it comes at a serious price tag.
- FirstMate isn’t raw, but it gives similar digestibility benefits at half the cost.
- For the average cat parent seeking grain-free and gut-friendly without spending $100+/month, FirstMate is a smart, middle-ground alternative.
FAQ: How Does FirstMate Compare to Other Grain-Free Brands?
In short:
- Better than most mid-range brands on safety, ingredients, and simplicity.
- Not as exotic or raw-style as ultra-premium lines like Ziwi or Stella & Chewy’s.
- Ideal for cat owners who want clean, reliable, high-moisture food without going into raw or ultra-premium territory.
Who Should Feed It?
FirstMate isn’t for every cat—or every cat owner. But if you’re looking for a food that’s clean, consistent, and biologically aligned with what cats are supposed to eat, it checks a lot of boxes. Still, the key is knowing if it fits your specific feline’s lifestyle, needs, and quirks.
Ideal For…
- Cats with food sensitivities or allergies: Thanks to limited-ingredient formulas and no common irritants like grains, peas, or soy.
- Owners prioritizing safety and transparency: No recalls, fully in-house production, and traceable sourcing give it a trust edge.
- Wet food enthusiasts: If your cat needs hydration, FirstMate’s canned options are a smart switch from dry-heavy diets.
- Those managing weight or diabetes: Especially true for wet recipes with high protein and lower carbs (~15–17%).
Maybe Not Best For…
- Raw-only purists or ultra-premium feeders: If you’re committed to freeze-dried raw, air-dried, or ancestral-style feeding, FirstMate might feel a bit too “cooked.”
- Budget-constrained homes: While not the most expensive, it does sit in the mid-to-premium tier—especially if feeding multiple cats.
- Cats who must have novel proteins: FirstMate sticks to the basics (chicken, turkey, salmon, tuna). No duck, rabbit, or venison here.
In essence, FirstMate is perfect for cat parents who want peace of mind, clean labels, and formulas that are biologically sensible—but don’t want to go fully raw or break the bank.
FAQ: Is First Mate Cat Food Good for Senior or Indoor Cats?
Yes—with conditions. Their wet formulas are fantastic for hydration and lean muscle maintenance, which seniors need. Indoor cats do well on FirstMate too, but for those less active, portion control becomes crucial—especially with the dry formulas, which can skew carb-heavy.