Purina Friskies Wet Cat Food Pate, Chicken and Tuna Dinner -

The Verdict

If your cat turns up its nose at pricey “gourmet” pates but devours anything from a blue can, you already know Friskies. The Chicken and Tuna Dinner Pate is the workhorse of the wet food aisle — and with a 4.6-star average across 229 Amazon ratings, it’s clearly earning its keep in households with finicky felines. But is it actually good for your cat, or just cheap? Here’s the honest breakdown.

What You’re Actually Getting

This is a classic smooth pate — dense, uniform, and sliceable with a fork. It’s not shredded, not in gravy, not “flaked.” Just a solid loaf of meaty mush that breaks apart easily. The ingredient list leads with chicken and meat by-products, followed by fish, poultry by-products, and enough artificial colors to give it that uniform brown-pink hue. It’s not pretty, and it’s not trying to be.

Each can delivers roughly 78% moisture — a real plus for cats who don’t drink enough water. You’re getting complete and balanced nutrition per AAFCO guidelines for adult maintenance, with taurine included, which is non-negotiable for feline heart and eye health.

Real-World Performance

Here’s where this food shines: palatability. Cats that refuse other wet foods consistently eat this. One reviewer put it plainly: “My cat is extremely picky and she loves this. I’ve tried expensive brands and she snubs them.” That sentiment repeats throughout the reviews — picky eaters, senior cats with missing teeth, and kittens transitioning from mother’s milk all take to this pate easily.

The texture is genuinely forgiving. Older cats with dental issues can gum it without struggle. You can also mash it with warm water to create a slurry for cats recovering from illness. Multiple reviewers mention using it as a topper to get dry-food addicts to accept moisture in their diet.

The 5.5-ounce can size is practical — roughly one meal for an average 10-pound cat, or two smaller meals if you’re splitting it. Leftovers keep covered in the fridge for a couple days without turning into an unappetizing crust.

Where It Falls Short

Let’s be direct: this is not a premium food. It contains meat by-products, artificial colors, and carrageenan — a thickening agent some owners actively avoid. If you’re feeding a cat with allergies, sensitivities, or a vet-recommended limited-ingredient diet, this is not your product.

The smell is notable. It’s a strong, fish-forward aroma that hits you the moment the can opens and lingers. One reviewer admitted, “The smell is a bit strong but my cats go crazy for it.” Expect that trade-off.

Some cats also experience gassier stools on this formula compared to higher-quality foods. It’s not universal, but it’s a recurring theme. And because it contains fish, you’ll want to rotate flavors if your cat is prone to developing fish sensitivities over time.

Who Should Buy This

Buy it if: You have a picky eater, a senior cat with dental issues, or a tight budget that still demands daily wet food. This is also a solid choice for multi-cat households where feeding several cats premium wet food daily would break the bank.

Skip it if: Your cat has known food allergies or sensitivities, your vet has recommended a specific prescription diet, or you’re committed to avoiding by-products and artificial additives entirely.

FAQ

Can I feed this as a complete diet, not just a treat? Yes. It’s formulated to meet AAFCO nutrient profiles for adult maintenance. Many reviewers feed it exclusively. Just follow portion guidelines based on your cat’s weight.

How many cans should I feed my cat per day? For an average 10-pound adult cat, plan on one 5.5-ounce can per day, split into two meals. Adjust up or down based on activity level and whether you’re supplementing with dry food.

Is the chicken and tuna flavor actually fishy? Yes, noticeably so. The tuna component drives the aroma. If your cat prefers milder flavors, try the plain chicken pate variant instead.

The Verdict

Rating: 4.6/5

The Purina Friskies Chicken and Tuna Dinner Pate isn’t trying to be gourmet — it’s trying to be reliable, affordable, and palatable. And on those fronts, it delivers consistently. The 4.6-star rating across 229 reviews reflects a product that simply works for the vast majority of cats and their owners. It’s not the best food you can buy, but it might be the best food your cat will actually eat at a price you can sustain.

Buy it if you need a budget-friendly wet food your cat won’t refuse. Skip it if you’re shopping for premium ingredients or managing specific health conditions. For everyone else, this is a dependable staple that earns its place in the rotation.

Where to Buy

👉 Check Price on Amazon →

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Last updated: 2026-08-06. Ratings and prices current as of review date. Verify on Amazon before purchasing.