FirstMate Limited Ingredient Dog Food Review (Canned)

FirstMate Limited Ingredient canned product range consists of four recipes with ratings varying from 3 to 5 stars. The average rating of the whole range is 4 stars.

These grain-free, limited-ingredient formulas are ideal for dogs with food sensitivities.

The table below shows each recipe in this range including our rating and the AAFCO nutrient profile: Growth (puppy), Maintenance (adult), All Life Stages, Supplemental or Unspecified.

Recipe and Label Analysis

FirstMate Limited Ingredient Wild Salmon Formula was selected to represent the other products in the line for detailed recipe and nutrient analysis.

Ingredients Analysis

The first ingredient in this dog food is salmon. Salmon is an oily marine and freshwater fish not only high in protein but also omega 3 fatty acids, essential oils needed by every dog to sustain life.

The second ingredient is water, which adds nothing but moisture to this food. Water is a routine finding in most canned dog foods.

The third ingredient is potato. Potatoes can be considered a gluten-free source of digestible carbohydrates. Yet with the exception of perhaps their caloric content, potatoes are of only modest nutritional value to a dog.

From here, the list goes on to include a number of other items.

But to be realistic, ingredients located this far down the list (other than nutritional supplements) are not likely to affect the overall rating of this FirstMate product.

With two notable exceptions…

First, this food contains chelated minerals, minerals that have been chemically attached to protein. This makes them easier to absorb. Chelated minerals are usually found in better dog foods.

And lastly, we find taurine, an important amino acid associated with the healthy function of heart muscle. Although taurine is not typically considered essential in canines, some dogs have been shown to be deficient in this critical nutrient.

Since taurine deficiency appears to be more common in pets consuming grain-free diets, we view its presence in this recipe as a positive addition.

Nutrient Analysis

Based on its ingredients alone, FirstMate Limited Ingredient Dog Food looks like an above-average wet product.

The dashboard displays a dry matter protein reading of 48.1%, a fat level of 15.4% and estimated carbohydrates of about 30.8%.

As a group, the brand features an average protein content of 39.2% and a mean fat level of 25.8%. Together, these figures suggest a carbohydrate content of 29.2% for the overall product line.

And a fat-to-protein ratio of about 70%.

Which means this FirstMate product line contains…

Near-average protein. Near-average fat. And above-average carbs when compared to a typical wet dog food.

Free of any plant-based protein boosters, this looks like the profile of a canned dog food containing a notable amount of meat.

FirstMate Dog Food Recall History

The following automated list (if present) includes all dog food recalls related to FirstMate through December 2025.

No recalls noted.

You can view a complete list of all dog food recalls since 2009 here.

Our Rating of FirstMate Limited Ingredient Dog Food

FirstMate Limited Ingredient is a grain-free canned dog food using a notable amount of named meats as its dominant source of animal protein, thus earning the brand 4 stars.

It is worth noting that the lower ratings within this range are due to the high fat-to-protein ratio. With lower fat content, both of these recipes would have received higher ratings.

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About

Michael Florian founded FirstMate in 1989. After poor experiences with outsourced manufacturing, he decided the company should have its own facilities to ensure quality and safety. Today, FirstMate pet food is still made in its own kibble factory and cannery.

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