Schesir honest review: the Italian premium wet food with visible tuna
Schesir occupies a distinctive position in the premium wet cat food landscape. It lacks the UK brand awareness of Applaws and the supermarket distribution of Lily's Kitchen. And yet, when you open a can of Schesir Natural Tuna, you see the same thing as with Applaws: identifiable chunks of fish, not a homogeneous paste. That is rare.
This review covers the full Schesir range, with a focus on the flagship Natural Tuna reference, its A score (83/100) on our scoring methodology, its genuine strengths, commercial limitations, and how it compares to Italian and British competitors. French version available: Schesir avis honnête.
Who makes Schesir?
Schesir is an Italian brand created in 1998, owned by the Agras Delic group, based in Fossano, Piedmont. Agras Delic is a human food manufacturer that pivoted into pet food - which partly explains the quality culture that comes through in the recipes: the rigour of the Italian human food sector, particularly for fish.
The brand is now distributed in around forty countries. In the UK and Europe, you find it primarily through specialists (Zooplus, Amazon, independent pet stores). It is not in supermarkets, which is consistent with its price positioning.
The Agras Delic group also produces under other brands, but Schesir is their premium flagship. The Fossano plant is certified to European food safety standards (HACCP, ISO 22000), and recipes are developed with veterinary nutritionists.
Schesir Natural Tuna score: A (83/100)
Composition in detail
The Schesir Natural Tuna recipe (the best-selling reference):
Ingredients: Tuna (70%), broth, aloe vera (0.1%), vitamin E.
That is all. Four ingredients. That is a remarkably short list in a sector where formulas commonly contain 15 to 25 components.
Nutritional analysis (on fresh matter basis):
| Nutrient | Value |
|---|---|
| Crude protein | 15.0% |
| Crude fat | 1.0% |
| Crude ash | 2.2% |
| Moisture | 80.0% |
| Crude fibre | 0.1% |
On a dry matter basis, proteins represent 75 percent - an excellent level, consistent with the needs of the obligate carnivore cat. Fat content is very low: 5 percent on dry matter. This is the consequence of using lean tuna (as opposed to fatty tuna) and is precisely why Schesir Natural is a complementary food, not a complete one.
Sub-score breakdown
| Criterion | Score | Comment |
|---|---|---|
| Proteins | A (90/100) | 70% identified tuna, species named, first position |
| Nutrition | B (68/100) | Complementary: fat content insufficient to cover energy needs alone |
| Undesirables | A (95/100) | Zero sugar, zero colourant, zero synthetic preservative, zero thickener |
| Transparency | A (88/100) | Species named, percentage declared, ultra-short list |
| Adaptability | A (85/100) | Feline formulation, taurine naturally present in tuna |
Main penalty: complementary status causes the Nutrition score to drop. A complementary food cannot constitute 100 percent of the ration without risk of nutritional imbalance. For an adult 4 kg cat, daily fat requirements are around 5 to 6 g/day. With a wet food at 1 percent fat on fresh matter, you would need to give approximately 600 g per day to cover those needs - far more than the usual 150 to 200 g daily portion.
Why aloe vera?
Aloe vera at 0.1 percent is the ingredient that distinguishes Schesir from direct competitors and generates the most questions.
What Schesir says: the aloe vera acts as a natural gelling agent, maintaining the chunk texture without resorting to corn starch, carrageenan or other industrial thickeners. It would also contribute to the digestive properties of the food.
What the science says: topical aloe vera use is well-documented for healing and anti-inflammatory properties in humans. Internal use in cats is a grey area. At 0.1 percent, the dose is very small. Whole aloe vera (gel + leaf latex) contains anthraquinones (aloin) potentially toxic to cats at high doses, but the purified gel used in food is processed to remove these compounds. The EFSA (European Food Safety Authority) examined aloe vera uses in animal feed and did not identify risks at low doses in processed formulations.
Verdict: at 0.1 percent with purified aloe vera, no justified concern. This is primarily marketing around the "natural" angle - the functional gelling effect exists, but it could have been achieved through other means. This is not a disqualifying argument, just a nuance worth knowing.
Full Schesir range
Canned range (Natural)
| Reference | Main ingredient | Protein | Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| Natural Tuna | Tuna 70% | Tuna | A (83/100) |
| Natural Chicken | Chicken 70% | Chicken | A (82/100) |
| Natural Tuna + Salmon | Tuna 50%, Salmon 20% | Tuna+Salmon | A (81/100) |
| Natural Tuna + Prawn | Tuna 50%, Prawn 20% | Tuna+Prawn | A (80/100) |
| Natural Chicken + Papaya | Chicken 50%, Papaya 20% | Chicken+Papaya | B+ (79/100) |
The Chicken reference loses one point compared to Tuna due to a slight difference in sourcing traceability. The "duo" recipes (Tuna + Salmon, Tuna + Prawn) remain excellent but the dilution of the main protein percentage penalises them slightly.
The Chicken + Papaya recipe uses papaya as a texture agent and as a source of papain (digestive enzyme). The intent is interesting from a digestive standpoint, but papaya reduces the proportion of animal proteins and the Adaptability sub-score suffers - an obligate carnivore cat gains little nutritional benefit from a fruit.
Pouch range (Fruit Range)
Schesir also offers sauce pouches with tuna/pineapple, chicken/pear, salmon/coconut combinations. These recipes are aesthetically original but nutritionally questionable: the addition of fruit in sauce dilutes proteins and adds nothing biologically for cats. Scores in this range fall to B (72-76/100). We do not recommend them as a dietary base.
Schesir dry kibble
Schesir also manufactures kibble. Their score is more modest: B+ (76/100). The dry range contains rice flour and dehydrated vegetables that dilute proteins and increase the glycaemic index. For cats, wet food remains the best nutritional format - keep Schesir kibble for the dry supplement in a rotation rather than as a base.
Schesir vs Applaws: same concept, two visions
Applaws and Schesir are often compared because they share the same principle: visible tuna, short list, complementary status. The differences are real.
| Criterion | Applaws Natural Tuna (A, 87/100) | Schesir Natural Tuna (A, 83/100) |
|---|---|---|
| % Tuna | 75% | 70% |
| Ingredients | 5 | 4 |
| Salmon oil | Yes (added omega-3) | No |
| Aloe vera | No | Yes |
| Tuna traceability | Pole-and-line Pacific | Atlantic/Pacific tuna |
| Price (approx.) | £18-22/kg | £13-16/kg |
| Availability | Wide (Amazon, Zooplus) | Zooplus, specialists |
Applaws' advantage is the addition of salmon oil which enriches the omega-3 fatty acid profile (DHA/EPA), beneficial for cardiac and skin health in cats. Applaws is also slightly higher in protein and has somewhat more detailed traceability.
Schesir's advantage is its more accessible price and even shorter list (4 ingredients vs 5). For allergic or hypersensitive cats that react to everything, the most stripped-back recipe is sometimes the best option.
Our verdict: if budget allows, Applaws edges ahead thanks to the omega-3 contribution. If value-for-money is the priority, Schesir is an excellent A-grade choice at a lower price point.
Schesir vs Almo Nature
Almo Nature is the other major Italian premium wet cat food brand. The comparison is inevitable.
| Criterion | Schesir Natural Tuna (A, 83/100) | Almo Nature HFC Tuna (B+, 76/100) |
|---|---|---|
| % Tuna declared | 70% | 50-55% |
| Recipe | 4 ingredients | 4-6 ingredients |
| Broth | Yes | Variable |
| Phosphorus | Moderate | Higher (renal concern) |
| Price | £13-16/kg | £12-15/kg |
Schesir outperforms Almo Nature on several points: higher tuna percentage, more favourable mineral profile for cats at renal risk. Almo Nature remains a good brand but does not justify the same premium positioning when Schesir delivers more at a similar price.
Which cat is Schesir Natural Tuna right for?
Ideal profile
- Healthy adult cats that appreciate chunks (prefer texture to homogeneous pates)
- Picky gourmet cats for whom standard pates do not work
- Quality rotation: 1 to 2 Schesir meals out of 3 or 4, as a complement to a complete wet food
- Post-digestive illness: the ultra-short recipe limits potential irritants
Cases to treat with caution
- Fish-allergic cats: obviously to avoid if the allergen is tuna or fish in general. See our cat food allergy guide.
- Cats with renal problems (CKD stage 2+): canned tuna can have variable phosphorus content. Prefer wet foods specifically formulated for CKD (Hill's k/d, Royal Canin Renal).
- Kittens: Schesir Natural is not formulated for kittens (different calcium, DHA, energy requirements).
How to integrate Schesir into the daily ration
Recommended rotation pattern
Cats benefit from dietary rotation: varied protein sources, alternating complete and complementary wet foods, and perhaps some premium kibble for dental hygiene.
An example of a balanced rotation with Schesir:
| Meal | Food | Role |
|---|---|---|
| Morning | Lily's Kitchen Salmon Terrine (85/100, complete) | Complete main meal |
| Evening | Schesir Natural Tuna (83/100, complementary) | Pleasure variation, proteins |
| Treat | Orijen kibble (small handful) | Texture variation, dental hygiene |
This rotation provides a varied protein intake (salmon in the morning, tuna in the evening), complete nutritional balance via the morning complete wet food, and the aromatic richness of Schesir to maintain appetite.
Indicative quantities
For a neutered adult cat weighing 4 kg with moderate activity:
| Food | Approximate daily quantity |
|---|---|
| Schesir Natural Tuna (alone, complementary) | 200-250 g (insufficient as sole meal) |
| Schesir in rotation (50% of ration) | 100-120 g + complete food to complement |
| Schesir + premium kibble | 80-100 g Schesir + 20-25 g kibble |
Price and availability
Schesir Natural Tuna is found in the UK primarily on:
- Zooplus: approximately £14-16/kg in 70g cans, less in 12 or 24 packs
- Amazon: variable, often more expensive than Zooplus
- Independent pet stores: occasional availability, varies by region
Buying packs of 24 cans (70g) brings you down to approximately £13-14/kg, representing roughly £1.50-1.70 per day for a 120g portion (50% rotation). That is the right balance for premium nutrition without blowing the budget.
Compared to Royal Canin wet food (C score, 64/100, approximately £9-11/kg), Schesir costs more per kilo but significantly less per useful nutrient - the protein density and absence of undesirables make it a better long-term investment for your cat's health.
Schesir and the tuna question: sustainability and mercury
Two environmental and health questions consistently surround tuna-based cat products: fishing sustainability and mercury content.
Fishing sustainability
Tuna is among the most overexploited species in the Atlantic and Pacific. Schesir declares using skipjack tuna (Katsuwonus pelamis), the most abundant and least threatened species among commercial tuna, caught primarily by purse-seine net in the Atlantic and Pacific. Schesir does not claim MSC (Marine Stewardship Council) certification nor pole-and-line fishing on its standard range - unlike Applaws which highlights Pacific pole-and-line sourcing.
For an environmentally conscious owner, this is a real distinguishing point in favour of Applaws. But it should be noted that on the scale of the European cat wet food market, Schesir remains in the upper-average of traceability practices.
Mercury content
Tuna accumulates methylmercury in its tissues. The question is legitimate for daily feline feeding. Available data on skipjack tuna indicates mercury content among the lowest of tuna species: between 0.01 and 0.10 mg/kg fresh weight, depending on fishing zone.
For a 4 kg cat consuming 120 g of Schesir Natural Tuna per evening meal (approximately 60 g in a 50% rotation), mercury exposure stays well below the concern thresholds established by the EFSA for companion animals. The mercury concern becomes more relevant for cats fed exclusively on tuna at high frequency, particularly with albacore tuna products (mercury content 5 to 10 times higher than skipjack).
Practical recommendation: if your cat eats tuna every day as a primary food, consider diversifying protein sources. Schesir in rotation (50 to 60 percent of the ration) with a complete salmon or chicken-based wet food is a prudent balance.
Schesir and European regulatory compliance
European pet food regulation (Regulation EC 767/2009 and its updates) imposes strict requirements on the labelling of complementary foods. Schesir is compliant on all critical points:
| Regulatory requirement | Schesir compliance |
|---|---|
| "Complementary food" mention visible | Yes, on every can |
| Animal species named | Yes (tuna, skipjack) |
| Percentage of main ingredients | Yes (70% tuna declared) |
| Technological additives declared | Aloe vera declared with % |
| Minimum nutritional guarantees | Declared on packaging |
The FEDIAF (European Pet Food Industry Federation) sets out the voluntary guidelines that go beyond regulation - Schesir's declared compliance with FEDIAF nutritional guidelines for complementary feline foods is a positive signal. The AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials), the American regulatory equivalent, has no formal certification for imported products, but Schesir recipes sold in the United States are adapted to respect AAFCO nutritional profiles for feline supplements.
This level of regulatory compliance is a seriousness signal often overlooked in brand comparisons. Novelty brands with "natural" uncontrolled compositions can be far less reliable despite more appealing marketing.
Schesir owner community: what cat owners actually report
Beyond laboratory scoring, owner and cat community feedback provides useful texture. Key patterns from aggregated reviews on Zooplus, Amazon UK and specialist forums:
Strongly positive patterns:
- High palatability, particularly in picky and senior cats. The visible tuna texture and broth appeal to cats that reject homogeneous pates.
- Very consistent texture batch-to-batch. A recurring concern with other premium wet foods is inconsistency between batches (different water content, different firmness). Schesir's industrial control appears strong.
- Stool improvement reported by owners transitioning from lower-grade wet food. Smaller, firmer, less odorous stools are consistently mentioned.
Recurring concerns:
- Price increases over 2023-2025 (approximately 15 to 20 percent in real terms due to supply chain costs) have reduced the value-for-money gap with Applaws.
- Some owners report their cat eventually developing lower interest after 3 to 6 months of daily feeding - the rotation recommendation is practically reinforced by this.
- A small number of owners report mild digestive loosening in the first week of introduction, possibly related to the aloe vera component at introduction. This settles within a week in all documented cases.
Where does Schesir rank in the best wet cat food 2026?
In our overall wet food ranking, Schesir Natural Tuna comes in 4th position, behind Applaws (87), Lily's Kitchen (85) and Edgard and Cooper (84). It sits far ahead of Felix (D, 48/100), Whiskas (D, 45/100) and Sheba (C, 62/100).
Its top-5 position is deserved: clean recipe, honest proteins, zero undesirables. The complementary status penalty prevents it from ranking higher, but in its category (complementary wet foods with visible tuna), it has no direct competitor at the same quality for the same price.
Building a complete rotation around Schesir: useful resources
To go further in constructing a balanced diet with Schesir at its centre, here are useful PetFoodRate references:
- Best wet dog food 2026 - if you have a dog in the household and want equivalent quality references
- Felix honest review - why the popular Felix vs Schesir comparison consistently favours Schesir
- Farmina honest review - another Italian brand for comparison
- Edgard and Cooper honest review - comparing another premium fresh-meat brand
- Blue Buffalo honest review - wider context for the premium wet food market
- Brit Care honest review - if you need a budget alternative for kibble alongside Schesir wet food
- Best cat kibble 2026 - for selecting the right dry complement to your Schesir rotation
Final verdict
Schesir Natural Tuna is an honest premium wet food that earns its A score. It does not mislead: 70 percent declared tuna, ultra-short list, zero synthetic preservatives, zero sugar, zero industrial thickener. The aloe vera is an acceptable marketing touch at an infinitesimal dose.
Its two limits are clear: it is a complementary food that cannot constitute 100 percent of the ration, and tuna is not the ideal protein for cats at renal risk or allergic to fish.
Within a well-constructed rotation with a quality complete wet food, Schesir is an excellent choice. It is accessible premium - 4 ingredients, no deception, a cat eating real fish.
Sources
- Schesir - Agras Delic, Fossano, Italy. Official product files and nutritional analysis. https://www.schesir.com/
- EFSA Panel on Additives and Products or Substances used in Animal Feed. "Safety of dried whole Aloe vera leaf powder for use in animal feed." EFSA Journal, 2018. https://www.efsa.europa.eu/
- FEDIAF - European Pet Food Industry. "Nutritional Guidelines for Complete and Complementary Pet Food for Cats and Dogs." 2024. https://www.fediaf.org/self-regulation/nutrition.html
- National Research Council. "Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats." National Academies Press, 2006. https://nap.nationalacademies.org/catalog/10668/
- International Renal Interest Society (IRIS). "IRIS Staging of CKD." http://www.iris-kidney.com/
- Jepson RE, Brodbelt D, Vallance C, Syme HM, Elliott J. "Evaluation of predictors of the development of azotemia in cats." JAVMA, 2009.
- Theo Blanchard, Pet Food Product Analyst, PetFoodRate