The 7 Finest Frozen and Freeze-Dried Uncooked Cat Meals of 2024

As obligate carnivores, cats should derive the diet they want from animal-sourced meat, however feeding uncooked meat to your cat (and your self) is harmful. “Uncooked diets could cause salmonella or different bacterial infections if disregarded,” Dr. Sara Redding Ochoa, DVM, on the Animal Hospital of West Monroe informed The Spruce Pets.

Freeze-dried and frozen meals could make uncooked and frivolously cooked meals safer to deal with and extra proof against spoilage, considerably decreasing the chance of bacterial an infection.

We have curated a choice of frozen and freeze-dried formulations so you may choose the preparation technique and recipe that greatest aligns along with your cat’s feeding routine. Nonetheless, we strongly advocate talking along with your veterinarian earlier than altering your cat’s food plan for steering towards the diet your cat wants.

The 7 Finest Frozen and Freeze-Dried Uncooked Cat Meals of 2024

PHOTO: Amazon

What We Like

Protein sources are cage-free
Consists of probiotics for wholesome digestive tract
By no means made with grains, glutens, fillers, synthetic preservatives or colorings
Seven flavors

Our best choice for many cats is Stella & Chewy’s Freeze-Dried Uncooked Dinner Morsels. The freeze-dried meals is available, nutritionally balanced, and appropriate for all life levels. Every recipe begins with uncooked substances and is 98 % a mix of meat, organ, and bone from sustainably sourced animal meat and/or fish.

There are seven recipes within the freeze-dried line, all impressed by a cat’s ancestral food plan and all with pleasant names: Tummy Ticklin’ Turkey, Duck Duck Goose, Chick Chick Rooster, Completely Rabbit, Yummy Lickin’ Salmon & Rooster, Sea-licious Salmon & Cod, Bountiful Beef, and Plate Lickin’ Pork.

The cat meals is enhanced with nutritional vitamins and minerals and consists of taurine for coronary heart well being and probiotics for digestive well being. Every serving could be shortly rehydrated at mealtime with water for an added dose of hydration. That’s essential as a result of cats typically don’t drink lots of water.

Within the wild, they get most of their hydration from the meals they eat. A moisture-rich meals helps your cat keep away from persistent dehydration that may result in kidney and urinary issues later in life.

Stella & Chewy’s is a woman-owned enterprise that has been providing high quality uncooked meals since 2003. Pet dad and mom like that the meals—which is ready in Oak Creek, Wisconsin—is minimally processed, comprises no added hormones or antibiotics, and is rarely made with grains, glutens, fillers, synthetic preservatives, or colorings.

Stella & Chewy’s additionally affords 4 frozen recipes all made with uncooked substances, however they’re tougher to have shipped to your own home and are often present in specialty retailers. The frozen cat meals—Stella & Chewy’s Frozen Uncooked Dinner Morsels—is wealthy in vitamins and moisture, thaws shortly, and is made with 90-98 % meat, organs, and bone.

_{Flavors: Turkey, goose, rooster, rabbit, salmon & rooster, salmon & cod, beef, pork︱Crude Protein Minimal: 40-45 %︱Crude Fats Minimal: 20-37 %︱Crude Fiber Max: 5 %}

Darwinâs Natural Selections Raw Cat Food

PHOTO: Darwinâs Pure Pet Merchandise

What We Like

Grain-free, no animal by-products or fillers
Ethically sourced, pasture-raised, cage-free meats
No antibiotics, steroids, or synthetic hormones

If you happen to really feel too busy to buy or if making it simpler will allow you to comply with by means of on uncooked meals, contemplate a subscription supply service. Darwin’s Pure Alternatives Uncooked Cat Meals is well-rated and dedicated to utilizing solely ethically raised substances.

Relying on the scale and age of your cat, you may count on to spend round $20-$25 per week. Their meals is created from minimally processed, human-quality meat and natural greens.

Darwin’s affords meat varieties just like what a wild cat may eat of their rooster and turkey flavors. Additionally they provide lamb for these cats with sensitivities to poultry.

Their web site affords a pet meals quantity calculator and when you join, they provide a quiz you may take to develop a customized feeding plan particularly in your cats. These new to uncooked meals diets can even name in for a free session about their menu and the right way to transition your pet safely to a uncooked food plan.

To get you began, they provide a big “new buyer” low cost in your first order if you join automated delivery. You select the frequency and measurement of shipments and you’ll cancel or make modifications at any time. They ship their meals to the 48 contiguous states.

Darwin’s additionally affords Clever Design Veterinary Formulation that require a prescription from a veterinarian. These are for cats with particular well being points equivalent to kidney illness or meals allergic reactions. Observe that the common recipes have a barely larger phosphorus content material which isn’t appropriate for cats with kidney points.

_{Flavors: Rooster, turkey︱Crude Protein Minimal: 16-18 %︱Crude Fats Minimal: 7-14 %︱Crude Fiber Max: 0.2–1 %}

PHOTO: Important Necessities

What We Like

Grain-free, gluten-free, and made with out corn, wheat, or soy
No fillers, by-products, synthetic colours or flavors, or preservatives
Wealthy in protein, amino acids, and important fatty acids
Meat is farm raised and humanely harvested
Frozen and freeze-dried formulations

With uncooked substances, Important Necessities makes use of a 48-hour gradual freeze-drying course of to lock in vitamins whereas remaining free from added hormones, antibiotics, fillers, flavoring, and rendered by-products. They provide 5 recipes (rabbit, rooster, pork, turkey, and duck) made with one protein supply, so the meals is extremely advantageous for cats with meals sensitivities and digestive issues.

Important Necessities Freeze-Dried Uncooked Entree Cat Meals is packaged as bite-sized mini nibs and mini patties. The nibs could be fed instantly from the bag or rehydrated, and the mini patties are designed to be crumbled up and rehydrated with water or sprinkled as a meal topper. You possibly can select the mixture that most accurately fits your cat’s distinctive wants whereas following the rules on the packaging to keep away from over-feeding.

Important Necessities additionally manufactures frozen cat meals recipes all made with uncooked substances in the USA, however they’re more durable to order on-line.

_{Flavors: Rabbit, rooster, pork, turkey, duck, beef & rooster︱Crude Protein Minimal: 38-60 %︱Crude Fats Minimal: 17-40 %︱Crude Fiber Max: 2-7 %}

freestyle freeze-dried raw turkey & duck recipe

PHOTO: Nulo Pet Meals

What We Like

Comprises added probiotics for wholesome digestion
98 % animal-based substances
Grain-free
Appropriate for all life levels

Whereas most uncooked meals are thought-about premium cat meals as a result of they’re nutrient-dense with fewer fillers and extra high-quality substances, Nulo FreeStyle Uncooked Freeze-Dried Cat Meals are extremely rated due to their high quality recipes.

For instance, the Turkey & Duck taste is fabricated from 98 % turkey, duck, organs, and ground-in bone that helps steadiness phosphorus ranges. Additionally they add small quantities of some superfoods like cranberries, spinach, salmon and coconut oils, floor flaxseed, and kelp for superior diet.

Nulo was based in Austin, Texas, by a former biomedical engineer and his canine when he observed a rise in demand for insulin for overweight and diabetic animals. He labored with animal nutritionists, veterinarians, and meals formulators to develop wholesome recipes that optimize pet well being.

_{Flavors: Turkey & duck, rooster & salmon︱Crude Protein Minimal: 42-46 %︱Crude Fats Minimal: 23-37 %︱Crude Fiber Max: 2 %}

ONLY NATURAL PET POWERTOPPERS SUPERFOOD + TURKEY RAW INCLUSIONS FOR CATS - 1 OZ

PHOTO: Solely Pure Pet

What We Like

Made in Boulder, Colorado, from globally sourced substances
Grain-free
Irradiated for extra hygiene security

A topper or mixer is a wonderful approach to introduce uncooked meals into your cat’s food plan, particularly when you’ve by no means tried them earlier than. They’re meant to be poured over or combined in along with your cat’s day by day meal. Many of the uncooked meals on this record will also be used as toppers or mixers or as a full meal.

Solely Pure Pet PowerToppers Superfood and Turkey Uncooked Inclusions for cats are designed particularly to be used for “intermittent or supplemental feeding” or as treats somewhat than as a meal. This topper makes use of freeze-dried, one hundred pc cage-free turkey chunks combined with superfood bites that embody candy potatoes, goat milk, carrots, broccoli, kale, and blueberries.

Solely Pure Pet is a Licensed B Corp, which implies they’ve met excessive requirements for social, environmental, and governance practices, so you may really feel good understanding your buy is from an organization that cares about high quality in any respect ranges of their enterprise. You too can save 15 % by signing up for automated supply.

_{Taste: Superfood & turkey | Crude Protein Minimal: 43 % | Crude Fats Minimal: 21 % | Crude Fiber Max: 5 %}

PHOTO: PureBites

What We Like

All treats are made with one or two substances most
Meat and fish proteins are sourced and freeze dried in the USA
Common of two energy per deal with

PureBites affords freeze-dried treats for cats which can be excessive in protein, low in energy (as much as two energy per deal with), and utterly freed from preservatives, fillers, synthetic colours, and flavoring.

You possibly can select between single-ingredient treats made with solely wild-caught minnow, whitefish, salmon, shrimp, or tuna, or regionally sourced rooster, duck, beef, or turkey. There are additionally some choices that blend two proteins, like rooster & duck and rooster & lamb.

PureBites manufactures all of their freeze-dried cat treats in the USA, and all packaging used is recyclable.

_{Flavors: Minnow, salmon, whitefish, shrimp, tuna, turkey, rooster, duck, beef, rooster & lamb, rooster & duck | Crude Protein Minimal: 64-74 % | Crude Fats Minimal: 3-9 % | Crude Fiber Max: 0.3-1 %}

PHOTO: Viva

What We Like

Single-animal protein
Responsibly sourced from licensed humane smaller farms
No hormones or antibiotics
Produced in small batches

In a Reddit discussion board on cat meals, a number of commenters singled out Viva uncooked cat meals for noticeable enhancements to their pets’ look and well being. “Adjustments I noticed that had been virtually fast: much less poop, poop now not smells, fur now not greasy with dandruff – they each really feel like silk and so fluffy.” says one consumer.

Every recipe is nutritionally full and balanced in keeping with AAFCO requirements and created from a single animal protein, primarily muscle meat or entire birds. They’re sourced from licensed humane smaller farms that use no hormones or antibiotics. The meals is produced in small batches to keep up high quality and optimum diet.

Viva’s starter pack features a two-pound pack of every taste: rabbit, duck, beef, rooster, and turkey—about three weeks’ price of meals—shipped with dry ice in recyclable packing. You possibly can customise your order preferences thereafter. One factor to notice is that the minimal order is 10 kilos.

_{Flavors: Duck, rabbit, beef, rooster, turkey | Crude Protein Minimal: 15.6-18.2 %︱Crude Fats Minimal: 6.5-9.1 % | Crude Fiber Max: 0.7-0.9 %}

The Last Verdict

We like Stella & Chewy’s Frozen Uncooked Dinner Morsels as a result of they’re moisture-rich and fabricated from 98 % cage-free meat with probiotics for wholesome digestion. This woman-owned firm manufactures its meals in Wisconsin. To make it simpler on your self, contemplate a subscription service like Darwin’s Pure Alternatives Uncooked Cat Meals that’s ethically sourced and comes with free assist to find out what mixture of uncooked meals is perfect in your cat.

What to Look For in Frozen and Freeze-Dried Uncooked Cat Meals

As obligate carnivores, cats advanced from consuming absolutely uncooked diets and solely had non-raw meals added to their food plan since we’ve domesticated them. When selecting freeze-dried or frozen uncooked meals, you’ll want to contemplate parts of security, the type of the meals, and full diet.

Be considerate when transitioning your cat to a brand new meals. Don’t purchase quite a bit till you’re certain your cat will eat it. Take your time deciding if it’s the proper match. As a result of all meals differ in caloric content material, comply with the producer’s instructions on what amount to feed your cat.

Your cat could have points with a brand new meals’s palatability, mouthfeel, or protein supply. Some early upsets go away after a day or two into the transition. In case your first selection doesn’t match, transition slowly to a different.

If you’ve discovered the proper meals, you’ll doubtless see a change in your cat’s conduct. A change of their well being will seem within the delicate glow of their fur, their spunk, and the lustrous sparkle of their eyes.

Security

As a result of the meals is uncooked, it has not been cooked to kill germs that may trigger intestinal and different ailments and infections. When saved in a cool, dry place, freeze-dried meals can final effectively as a result of the moisture has been eliminated earlier than packaging.

Equally, frozen meals can last as long as a 12 months when freezing temperatures are correctly maintained. However as soon as the freeze-dried meals is hydrated or the frozen meals has thawed, like human meals, it could possibly sit out for under a brief interval earlier than disease-causing micro organism and viruses can begin to develop and thrive.

So, not like dry mainstream kibble, uncooked meals shouldn’t sit out for greater than an hour at room temperature (or no matter interval is beneficial by the producer on the packaging). Hold this in thoughts in case your cat is extra of a grazer, consuming small quantities a number of instances a day.

All producers of those uncooked meals point out on their web sites and packaging their protected dealing with suggestions. These often embody washing your palms totally in sizzling, soapy water earlier than and after dealing with uncooked pet meals to forestall contamination and publicity to dangerous microorganisms. They advocate you utilize chrome steel or glass containers and wash all utensils, counters, and feeding dishes with sizzling, soapy water after every use or contact with uncooked meat and poultry merchandise.

Think about avoiding any uncooked meals model that doesn’t point out their manufacturing facility security requirements and be aware protected dealing with directions on their packaging.

Kind & Vitamin

Uncooked meals are commercially obtainable as treats, toppers, nuggets, or patties and in both freeze-dried or frozen type. Freeze drying extracts moisture from the meals so it is available in a light-weight, very dry type that’s greatest to rehydrate earlier than serving (though could be served dry). Most advocate rehydrating for at the least a couple of minutes earlier than serving—utilizing a bone broth for cats to rehydrate is one possibility.

“Ensure that the meals comprises all of the vitamins which can be wanted for a cat and never simply protein. Your cat will want correct ranges of proteins, fat, and amino acids equivalent to taurine to assist preserve them wholesome,” provides Dr. Ochoa. “Some frozen or freeze-dried meals are solely for use as meal toppers and never full diets. If the food plan does meet the requirements put out by The Affiliation of American Feed Management Officers (AAFCO) it’s going to say so on the bag.”

Patties are sometimes meant for use as meals however could be damaged into smaller items for use as treats. Nuggets are simple to make use of as meals, toppers/mixers, or treats. Make sure you learn rigorously the packaging for toppers and treats as most aren’t nutritionally balanced for use as a sole meals supply, however somewhat for use as a complement to a core meal meals.

Make certain that you’re feeding day by day meals that supply full balanced diet (confirmed on the packaging) with important ranges of nutritional vitamins and vitamins together with the amino acid important to cats, taurine.

It’s additionally essential to feed your cat the right quantity of meals every day to realize these optimum dietary ranges. Out of doors cats who exit by means of a cat door and get loads of train may have extra meals than indoor cats.

All the time test the packaging or seek the advice of the producer to decide on a meals quantity that matches your cat’s measurement, age, and exercise degree. Additionally, remember the fact that you’ll feed totally different volumes of meals relying on whether or not it is freeze-dried or frozen, which can have an effect on value calculations.

FAQ

The immune system of kittens is much less developed and due to this fact extra fragile than older cats. Though they obtain some pure immunity from their moms whereas nursing, they’re typically extra vulnerable to illness than adolescents and grownup cats.

“It’s best to stay to a kibble, canned, or freeze-dried meals for kittens,” notes Dr. Ochoa. “They have an inclination to not eat all their meals at one time. This may result in micro organism rising on the uncooked meals whereas it is ready to be eaten.”

“As soon as the bag is opened it’s best to maintain it within the fridge,” advises Dr. Ochoa. “You possibly can retailer it in a closed container on the counter so long as it’s stored in a cool dry place.” All the time test the unique packaging for storage suggestions particular to the meals you bought to make sure meals security and an extended shelf life.

Why Belief The Spruce Pets?

This piece was written by Lorraine Wilde who has had at the least two cat companions in her dwelling for the previous 35 years, together with some particular wants kitties. Two of her cats lived fortunately and healthily into their early 20s. Her present feline companions have been challenged by digestive and urinary tract well being points. When researching these manufacturers, Wilde evaluated the kind and high quality of the substances, the corporate’s analysis and growth of the meals, and their enterprise ethics.

Wilde has solely the very best requirements for what she feeds her pets. She holds a bachelor’s diploma in biology and a grasp’s diploma in environmental science with an emphasis on toxicology. She is a agency believer that customers could make wholesome, knowledgeable, and environmentally acutely aware decisions to guard their pets and our planet.

Dr. Sara Redding Ochoa, DVM, is a veterinary marketing consultant with SeniorTailWaggers.com and has greater than 9 years of veterinary expertise treating small animals. She is presently an affiliate veterinarian on the Animal Hospital of West Monroe in Louisiana.

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