Earthborn Holistic Monterey Medley Wet Cat Food, 24-Pack
✅ PROS
- High-protein recipe with ocean fish, chicken, and shrimp as the first three ingredients — no carrageenan or artificial binders
- Consistent pâté texture that holds up well when portioned, making it easy to split a 5.5-oz can across multiple feedings
- Reliable for multi-cat households — flavor profile appeals broadly, even to cats that typically reject fish-only foods
❌ CONS
- Strong fish-forward aroma that lingers in the bowl and can be off-putting for owners with sensitive noses
- Pâté can dry out quickly if left out — needs to be served fresh or mixed with water for slower eaters
The Verdict
If your cat turns up its nose at the grocery-store fish brands but you’re not ready to pay prescription-food prices, Earthborn Holistic Monterey Medley sits in a sweet spot worth examining. With 235 ratings averaging 4.7 stars, this 24-pack of 5.5-ounce cans has built a following among owners of finicky felines. But is it genuinely better than the mid-tier competition, or just another pretty label?
What’s Actually in the Can
This is a pâté-style wet food, and the ingredient list reads better than most at this price point. Ocean fish, chicken, and shrimp lead the formula — that’s real protein, not by-product meal hiding behind vague language. The recipe includes pumpkin and blueberries, which sounds like marketing fluff until you realize those ingredients provide natural fiber and antioxidants without resorting to artificial supplements.
Each can delivers roughly 10% crude protein and 6% fat, which lands in a reasonable range for adult maintenance. The moisture content sits around 78%, typical for wet food but worth noting if you’re using this to manage a cat that doesn’t drink enough water.
How It Performs in Real Life
The texture is where Monterey Medley wins points. It’s a firm pâté that holds its shape when scooped — no soupy mess at the bottom of the bowl. That matters more than you’d think. Cats that eat too fast tend to inhale loose-textured foods, but this one requires actual chewing, which slows down gulpers and reduces the likelihood of regurgitation.
The aroma, however, is a double-edged sword. It’s unmistakably fish-forward, and while that’s precisely what draws most cats in, it’s also what makes some owners hold their breath at serving time. One verified buyer noted, “My two boys go crazy for this, but I won’t pretend the kitchen smells great for an hour after they eat.” That’s the tradeoff you’re signing up for with a seafood-based formula.
What Buyers Consistently Praise
Across the reviews, three themes keep surfacing. First, picky eaters that rejected other premium brands (think Blue Buffalo and Wellness) accepted this one within a day. Second, multi-cat households report that even cats with different taste preferences will eat the same can without protest. Third, the 24-pack price-per-ounce beats buying single cans at pet specialty stores by a meaningful margin.
One reviewer summed it up: “I’ve tried every ‘high-end’ canned food my pet store carries. This is the only one my cat finishes completely, every time, without me having to hand-feed her.”
Where It Falls Short
Let’s be direct about the downsides. The fish-forward formula means this isn’t ideal as an everyday food for cats with a history of urinary issues — variety in protein sources matters for long-term health. The pâté also dries out noticeably if left in the bowl for more than 20 minutes, which is a problem if your cat grazes instead of eating meals in one sitting.
The can size (5.5 oz) is generous for a single cat — roughly two full meals — but if you split it, you’ll need a can cover and refrigeration. There’s no pull-tab on every can (some batches have them, some don’t), so keep a manual can opener handy.
Who Should Buy This
This is for owners of adult cats with no major health conditions who want a protein-rich, grain-free wet food without paying $3+ per can. It’s especially well-suited to households with multiple cats or a single picky eater that has rejected other premium options. If your cat has dietary restrictions, a sensitive stomach, or a vet-recommended prescription diet, skip this and follow professional guidance.
FAQ
How many cans come in the pack, and what size are they? You get 24 cans at 5.5 ounces each — roughly 8.25 pounds of food total. For a 10-pound cat eating one can per day, that’s about three weeks of food.
Is this food good for kittens? The formula is balanced for adult maintenance. Kittens need higher calorie density and different calcium-to-phosphorus ratios, so stick with kitten-specific food until they’re at least one year old.
Does the strong fish smell bother cats or just humans? Cats generally love it — that’s why the picky-eater success rate is high. The lingering aroma is primarily a human concern. If you’re sensitive to fish smells, plan to wash bowls promptly after feeding.
The Verdict
Buy it if: you have a picky adult cat, a multi-cat household, or you want a high-protein wet food that won’t break the budget.
Skip it if: your cat has urinary issues, you’re extremely sensitive to fish odors, or your cat prefers shredded/chunky textures over pâté.
Rating: 4.6/5 — A solid, reliable performer that earns its 4.7-star rating through consistency and broad appeal. It’s not revolutionary, but it does exactly what it promises: gets cats to eat quality food happily.
Where to Buy
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Last updated: 2026-08-06. Ratings and prices current as of review date. Verify on Amazon before purchasing.