FirstMate Grain-Free Line — Dry Cat Food Review
CanadaPetPicks.ca Score: 4.4 / 5 | Single product review | Made in Abbotsford, BC | Single protein | No peas | No legumes | Wild Pacific fish
Where to Buy
- FirstMate store locator — independent Canadian pet stores
- Global Pet Foods — widely stocked nationally
Overview
FirstMate Pacific Ocean Fish with Blueberries is a grain-free, limited ingredient dry cat food using wild-caught Pacific herring, anchovies, and sardines as the single protein source. The carbohydrate base is Burbank and Norkotah potato — no peas, no lentils, no legumes of any kind. Blueberries are included for antioxidant support. It is one of the few premium grain-free dry cat foods in Canada that is completely free of legumes, making it a meaningful option for owners who want a grain-free diet without the pea and lentil content found in most competing formulas. Made at FirstMate’s own facility in Abbotsford, BC.
Our Assessment
Cat Food Advisor rates the FirstMate Grain-Free cat range as above-average. The Pacific Ocean Fish formula earns particular praise for its novel protein combination (herring, anchovies, sardines) which most cats will not have been previously exposed to, and for the absence of legumes. Owner reviews on the FirstMate website note strong palatability, coat improvement from the omega-3-rich fish protein, and resolution of allergy symptoms in cats previously reacting to chicken-based foods. The chicken fat used is protein-free (centrifuge-processed), eliminating chicken allergen risk.
| Category | Score |
|---|---|
| Ingredient quality | 4.5 / 5 |
| Canadian sourcing | 4.0 / 5 |
| Allergy suitability | 5.0 / 5 |
| Value for money | 4.0 / 5 |
| Palatability (owner reports) | 4.5 / 5 |
| CanadaPetPicks Score | 4.4 / 5 |
Best For
- Cats with chicken or turkey protein sensitivities
- Owners wanting a legume-free grain-free dry cat food
- Cats that benefit from high omega-3 fish protein for skin and coat
- Elimination diet — novel fish protein, short ingredient list
- All life stages
Ingredients
Ocean Fish Meal, Burbank Potato, Norkotah Potato, Tomato Pomace, Blueberries, Chicken Fat (preserved with mixed tocopherols), Dicalcium Phosphate, Choline Chloride, Calcium Propionate (a preservative), Minerals (Zinc Proteinate, Iron Proteinate, Calcium Carbonate, Manganese Proteinate, Copper Proteinate, Selenium Yeast, Calcium Iodate), Vitamins (Vitamin E Supplement, Niacin, Thiamine Mononitrate, Vitamin A Supplement, D-Pantothenic Acid, Riboflavin, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Biotin, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Folic Acid), Taurine, Yeast Extract (a source of prebiotics), Rosemary Extract.
Ocean fish meal leads as the sole protein — wild Pacific herring, anchovies, and sardines. Two potato varieties provide the low-allergen carbohydrate base. Blueberries add antioxidants and polyphenols. Chicken fat is protein-free (centrifuge-processed), safe for cats with chicken allergies. The mineral package uses proteinate-chelated forms. Selenium yeast is used rather than sodium selenite. Taurine is supplemented directly — essential for cats. Yeast extract provides prebiotic support. Rosemary extract provides natural preservation. No artificial colours, flavours, or preservatives.
At a Glance
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Brand | FirstMate Pet Foods |
| Product | Pacific Ocean Fish with Blueberries Dry Cat Food |
| Line | Grain-Free (Limited Ingredient) |
| Made in | Abbotsford, British Columbia 🍁 |
| Primary protein | Wild Pacific herring, anchovies, sardines |
| Grain free | Yes |
| Pea free | Yes |
| Legume free | Yes |
| Cat Food Advisor rating | Above-average |
| Approx. price (CAD) | $28 — $35 / 1.8 kg | $60 — $70 / 5.4 kg |
Where to Buy
- FirstMate store locator — independent Canadian pet stores
- Global Pet Foods — widely stocked nationally
- Amazon Canada — search for FirstMate pet food
Disclosure: Some links above are affiliate links. If you purchase through them we earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. This does not influence our ratings or recommendations.
