For both adult dogs and cats, herring can make an excellent protein-rich base for a recipe. But the label doesn't always tell the full story. Between Farmina N&D Ocean dog kibble, herring-based wet cat food, and MjAMjAM veal and herring pâté, the differences in ingredients, format and usage can have a real impact on your budget… and on your pet's bowl.
Here are the key points to check before choosing a Farmina or MjAMjAM herring-based diet for dogs and cats, along with a selection tailored to different household profiles in the UK.
A label like "with herring" doesn't necessarily mean the fish makes up the bulk of the recipe. Start by checking the ingredient list and the percentages given. Some Farmina dog recipes, for instance, list 26% fresh herring and 25% dehydrated herring, while the MjAMjAM recipe featured here contains 20% herring, alongside 50% veal meat, lungs and hearts.
Reading this way helps you tell the difference between a recipe that's genuinely fish-focused and one that only includes a small amount.
The term grain-free dog and cat food simply means the recipe contains no cereals. It says nothing about other carbohydrate sources. Farmina herring and orange kibble, for example, includes sweet potato, while the Farmina Quinoa Fur Supplement recipe contains pea starch and quinoa seed extract.
So it's better to look at the whole formula rather than stopping at a single marketing claim.
A large bag of adult dog kibble usually brings the price per kilogram down, but it needs to be kept in a cool, dry place, away from air and moisture. Pouches and tins of adult cat wet food are handy for varying meals, but an opened portion must be refrigerated and used quickly.
For MjAMjAM pâté, the instructions recommend refrigeration after opening and consumption within 24 hours. Something to bear in mind if you have multiple pets or your cat eats small amounts.
For everyday use, look for the term "complete food". This means the product is formulated to meet your pet's nutritional needs when served according to the guidelines. The MjAMjAM veal and herring reference is presented as a complete food for adult cats.
Farmina kibble also targets specific categories: small-breed adult dog, medium or large-breed adult dog, or neutered cat. This indication should match your pet's age, weight and activity level.
Protein richness isn't just about the analytical percentage. Where it comes from matters just as much. The Farmina Quinoa Fur Supplement recipe for dogs combines herring with dehydrated herring protein. The MjAMjAM recipe, meanwhile, blends veal and herring with meat broth.
For neutered cat kibble, also check the recommended daily portion and energy density on the packaging. An indoor cat doesn't necessarily have the same needs as a very active one.
Foods with no added sugar may appeal to owners who want to avoid unnecessary ingredients. But this claim doesn't replace a thorough look at the full composition. MjAMjAM states its recipe is grain-free, gluten-free and free from added sugar, enriched with taurine, vitamin E and minerals.
Water content also plays a major role with wet food. The MjAMjAM recipe featured here has 76% moisture, 10.5% crude protein and 8.5% crude fat. These values can't be compared directly with dry kibble without accounting for the difference in water content.
Why this suits this profile: At 125g, this small format lets you gradually introduce adult cat wet food and minimises leftovers in a single-cat household.
The detailed composition clearly breaks down 50% veal, 20% herring and 29% meat broth, rather than relying solely on the product name.
Complete food for adult cats, grain-free and with no added sugar according to the information provided. The stated daily portion is 200 to 400g for a cat weighing around 3 to 5kg.
Why this suits this profile: This recipe is aimed at owners looking for fish-based adult dog kibble in a medium-sized format that's easy to store.
The formula distinguishes fresh herring at 26% from dehydrated herring at 25%, and specifies the other carbohydrate and fibre sources.
The recipe contains herring fish oil, sweet potato and 0.5% dried orange. The 2.5kg format remains easy to store.
Why this suits this profile: This bag is ideal for households that want herring and orange adult dog kibble for regular use.
The product is clearly labelled for medium or large-breed adult dogs, reducing the risk of choosing the wrong kibble size.
The recipe contains 26% fresh herring, 25% dehydrated herring and herring fish oil. At 2.5kg, the bag remains easy to handle.
Why this suits this profile: This product is designed specifically for neutered cats, making it a handy reference to avoid category mistakes at the point of purchase.
The word "neutered" appears in the product name. However, it's still essential to check the daily portion and your cat's body condition to adjust the amounts.
The 1.5kg format is suitable for a first purchase or a household that wants to keep the kibble fresh.
We've put together a comprehensive, real-time updated list of products that fully meet these strict selection criteria and European safety regulations.
Yes, it's perfectly possible to organise a mixed diet as long as both products are suitable for your pet's age and profile. Just reduce the amount of each food to avoid an excessive total portion. The guidelines on the packaging are a starting point; your pet's weight, activity level and changes in body condition should also be taken into account.
A herring recipe isn't automatically right for every animal. Some dogs or cats may prefer a different texture or be sensitive to certain ingredients. Introduce any new food gradually and monitor their digestive tolerance. If problems persist, seek advice from a vet.
For the MjAMjAM references featured here, it's recommended to place the opened product in the fridge and use it within 24 hours. Serve it at room temperature, following the instructions, and always leave fresh water available.