Unicorn Pate (Wild Earth) Review — A Honest Look at This Vegan, Nutritionally Complete Wet Cat Food
Looking for a plant-based wet food for your cat that claims to be nutritionally complete? Wild Earth’s Unicorn Pate is a bold entry into the vegan pet food market: a lentil- and sweet-potato–based pate fortified with taurine and microalgae. This review breaks down what it actually delivers, who it’s best for, and the real-world pros and cons from nutrition, palatability, price, and sustainability perspectives.
Quick product overview
Unicorn Pate is a vegan, nutritionally complete wet cat food made by Wild Earth. Each 5.5-ounce can provides 160 kcal of metabolizable energy and a nutrient profile designed to meet AAFCO cat food nutrient requirements. Ingredients include lentils, sweet potatoes, marine microalgae, added vitamins, minerals, and taurine (0.1%). The formula lists 8.5% crude protein and 4.0% crude fat on an as-fed basis.
Key features and real-world benefits
- Nutritionally complete (AAFCO-compliant) — Formulated to meet AAFCO cat food nutrient profiles, including added taurine and essential vitamins. Benefit: you can use it as a primary wet food without major nutrient gaps (when following feeding guidelines).
- Plant-based ingredients — Uses lentils, sweet potatoes, and marine microalgae as core ingredients. Benefit: lower environmental footprint compared with meat-based canned food and a cruelty-free option for ethically minded owners.
- Wet pate format — Soft texture that adds moisture to your cat’s diet. Benefit: useful for cats who need extra hydration or are fed exclusively dry food.
- Fortified with taurine — Contains 0.1% taurine, an essential nutrient for cats. Benefit: addresses the primary nutritional concern often raised about plant-based cat diets.
- Multiple purchase and subscription options — Available as a case of 12 or 24 cans, with subscription delivery frequencies (2–12 week intervals) and a 5% subscription discount. Benefit: convenient repeat deliveries and modest savings for regular buyers.
- Transparency and labeling — Nutrition percentages and kcal per can are published. Benefit: easier to calculate feeding amounts and consult your vet.
Nutrition at a glance
| Serving size | 5.5 oz (1 can) |
| Calories | 160 kcal per can |
| Crude protein | 8.5% (as fed) |
| Crude fat | 4.0% (as fed) |
| Taurine | 0.1% |
| Primary ingredients | Lentils, sweet potatoes, marine microalgae, added vitamins & minerals |
Taste, palatability, and real cat reactions
Palatability is the toughest challenge for any vegan cat food. Reviews are mixed:
- Many cat owners report immediate acceptance — several reviewers say their cats devoured the pate on first try.
- Others found it less appealing. Attempts to increase interest (warming, adding yeast flakes, mixing with treats or broth) helped some owners but not all.
- Tip: introduce gradually by mixing small amounts with your cat’s current wet food and allow a 7–14 day transition. Try warming to body temperature and offering multiple textures to encourage acceptance.
Price, availability, and subscription details
Unicorn Pate is sold in cases: a case of 12 cans is priced around $60, and a case of 24 cans around $90. Wild Earth offers a subscription program with delivery frequency options from every 2 to 12 weeks and a typical 5% subscription discount. Subscriptions are cancellable from your WildEarth.com account.
Average cost per can (before subscription discount):
- Case of 12 — approximately $5.00 per can
- Case of 24 — approximately $3.75 per can
Environmental and ethical considerations
Choosing plant-based wet food can reduce the environmental footprint of pet feeding. Wild Earth highlights lower CO2, land, and water requirements per can compared with typical meat-based canned cat food. For owners concerned about animal welfare and sustainability, Unicorn Pate is a compelling option.
Customer experience and support — what to expect
Most customers praise the concept and the food itself, reflected in an average rating around 4.3/5 from dozens of reviews. Positive comments often mention cats that loved the pate and owners who appreciate the cruelty-free approach.
However, some customers report subscription and customer service problems, such as delayed shipments, slow responses, or issues resolving order errors. If you rely heavily on subscriptions for consistent delivery, be aware that occasional fulfillment hiccups have been reported.
Pros and cons
- Pros: Nutritionally complete and AAFCO-aligned; cruelty-free; fortified with taurine; multiple subscription options; lower environmental impact.
- Cons: Palatability varies by cat; price can be higher than mainstream wet foods; some customers report subscription or customer-service issues.
Who should (and shouldn’t) buy Unicorn Pate
- Should buy: Owners committed to a plant-based, cruelty-free diet for their pets; cats who accept vegan wet foods; people wanting a nutritionally complete vegan option with added taurine.
- Should be cautious / may not buy: Cats with very picky palates or strong preference for meaty flavors; owners who need rock-solid subscription reliability without contingency plans; anyone whose veterinarian advises against non-animal ingredient diets for a specific health condition.
Final verdict
Unicorn Pate is a serious, thoughtfully formulated vegan wet cat food that addresses the main nutritional concern—taurine—while delivering a cruelty-free, lower-impact alternative to meat-based cans. For ethically driven owners and for many cats, it works well and can be used as a primary wet food. Palatability is the main limitation: while many cats take to it immediately, others won’t. If your cat is adventurous with new textures and flavors, or if you’re prepared to transition gradually and experiment with serving methods, Unicorn Pate is worth trying. If your cat is extremely picky or has specific medical needs, consult your veterinarian before switching.
Frequently asked questions
Where can I buy Wild Earth products?
Unicorn Pate is currently available on WildEarth.com.
I thought cats were obligate carnivores — how does that work with no meat in the diet?
Cats are obligate carnivores biologically, meaning they require certain nutrients (like taurine) that are typically abundant in animal tissues. Wild Earth’s formula is fortified with taurine and other essential nutrients to meet AAFCO nutrient profiles. That said, discuss any major diet changes with your veterinarian, and monitor your cat’s health regularly.
How much should I feed my cat?
Feeding amounts vary by age, weight, activity level, and health goals. Use the feeding chart on the product page or consult your vet for personalized guidance. Introduce the new food gradually over 7–14 days.
Does Wild Earth meet AAFCO requirements?
Yes — Wild Earth states Unicorn Pate meets the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Cat Food Nutrient Profiles.
Can I cancel my Wild Earth cat food subscription at any time?
Yes. Subscriptions can be cancelled, updated, or paused from your account on WildEarth.com. The company also offers delivery frequency options and a small subscription discount.
If you decide to try Unicorn Pate, start with a small case and a gradual transition. Watch your cat’s appetite, weight, and veterinary markers during the first several weeks to ensure a successful switch.
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