The 7 Best Fresh Cat Foods
It's hard to beat the convenience of having your cat's food delivered right to your door. But all fresh cat food delivery services are not created equal.
The 7 Best Fresh Cat Foods
It's hard to beat the convenience of having your cat's food delivered right to your door. But all fresh cat food delivery services are not created equal.
Whether you shop at the store or have it sent to your home, the diet you choose for your cat influences their overall health and longevity. It should reflect your cat's biology as a carnivore and, of equal importance, be something they enjoy eating.
In this guide, you'll learn about the advantages and drawbacks of fresh cat food delivery services and receive tips for choosing one. You'll also be introduced to our top picks for the seven best options on the market.
Our Top Picks
While fresh cat food is a nutritious option, each brand is different. We've selected our top recommendations based on product quality and nutritional value with consideration for the brand's trustworthiness and history of customer satisfaction.
Jump to Review Best Overall: Smalls Smooth Other Bird Fresh Cat Food
Jump to Review Best Alternative: Open Farm Harvest Chicken Freeze-Dried Raw Cat Food
Jump to Review Premium Pick: JustFoodForCats Fish & Chicken Recipe Frozen Human-Grade Fresh Cat Food
Jump to Review Budget Pick: Instinct Frozen Raw Bites Grain-Free Cage-Free Chicken Recipe Cat Food
Jump to Review Best Refrigerated: Freshpet Vital Chicken Recipe Grain-Free Fresh Cat Food
Jump to Review Best for Sensitive Stomach: Raised Right Original Turkey Adult Cat Recipe Fresh Cat Food
Jump to Review Best for Multiple Cats: Raw Paws Signature Blend Beef Recipe Raw Frozen Cat Food
Our Top 7 Picks for the Best Fresh Cat Food
As our overall top pick for fresh cat food, we recommend Smalls. This fresh cat food service sends monthly orders of single-protein cat food to your door with deliveries customized to your cat's preferences and needs.
While Smalls is our top pick for the best fresh cat food delivery service, it's not the only option - it may not even be the ideal choice for your cat. Consider your cat's age, health status, and personal preferences when making your selection. We've included a variety of options divided by category to help you choose.
#1 Best Overall: Smalls Smooth Other Bird Fresh Cat Food
When it comes to fresh cat food, Smalls is one of the biggest names on the market. Their products are formulated with premium ingredients, frozen at the peak of freshness, and sent to your door in convenient monthly deliveries. It's only available by subscription, but your first order will be a sampler pack to help you find out which recipes your cat enjoys.
All Smalls fresh cat food comes in 5-ounce packages, each containing roughly a day's worth of food. The product arrives frozen, so store it in your freezer and thaw a package or two at a time.
Aside from the high-quality ingredients, one of the main benefits of Smalls' food is that each recipe is made with a single source of animal protein. This makes it easy to find the flavor your cat likes and to avoid certain proteins if your cat has allergies. The food is rich in hydrating moisture and low in carbohydrates.
Ingredients
Turkey, Turkey Liver, Green Beans, Water Sufficient for Processing, Dried Yeast, Kale, Tricalcium Phosphate, Choline Chloride, Salt, Magnesium Proteinate, Dandelion Greens, Taurine, Dried Kelp, Zinc Proteinate, Iron Proteinate, Cod Liver Oil, Niacin Supplement, Vitamin E Supplement, Vitamin A Supplement, Copper Proteinate, Manganese Proteinate, Thiamine Mononitrate, D-Calcium Pantothenate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Riboflavin, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Folic Acid, Sodium Selenite, Biotin.
Guaranteed Analysis
- Crude Protein: 14.5%
- Crude Fat: 10%
- Crude Fiber: 1.5%
- Moisture: 72%
Pros
- Fresh food made with single proteins
- Rich source of hydrating moisture for cats
- Comes in convenient 5-ounce packages
- Delivered right to your door
Cons
- Only available by subscription
- Customer service only available by text and email
#2 Best Alternative: Open Farm Harvest Chicken Freeze-Dried Raw Cat Food
If you like the idea of fresh cat food but you're low on freezer space, freeze-dried food offers a nutritious alternative. It's a low-moisture product that can be rehydrated with warm water or broth. When you prepare one serving at a time, it's similar to feeding your cat fresh food.
Like Smalls, Open Farm uses premium ingredients and their freeze-dried foods are packed with animal protein but low in carbohydrates. Open Farm's ingredients are all sustainably and humanely sourced, so you can feel good about the product you're buying.
This recipe features a carnivore-appropriate blend of chicken muscle meat, organs, and ground bone. It doesn't contain hard-to-digest ingredients like beans and legumes, and it's a single-protein formula which is ideal for cats with food sensitivities.
Ingredients
Chicken with Ground Bone, Chicken Liver, Chicken Neck, Montmorillonite Clay, Organic Dandelion Greens, Potassium Chloride, Choline Chloride, Vitamins (Niacin Supplement, Vitamin E Supplement, Vitamin A Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate, Pantothenic Acid, Riboflavin Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Folic Acid, Biotin) Taurine, Organic Cranberries, Minerals (Zinc Proteinate, Iron Proteinate, Copper Proteinate, Manganese Proteinate, Calcium Iodate, Sodium Selenite) Salt, Salmon Oil, Mixed Tocopherols, Magnesium Sulfate, Rosemary Extract.
Guaranteed Analysis
- Crude Protein: 47%
- Crude Fat: 40%
- Crude Fiber: 5%
- Moisture: 5%
Pros
- Made with chicken muscle meat, organs, and bone
- Rich in animal-sourced protein
- Easy to digest, limited list of ingredients
- Low-carbohydrate option
Cons
- Needs to be rehydrated before feeding
- Can be expensive
#3 Premium Pick: JustFoodForCats Fish & Chicken Recipe Frozen Human-Grade Fresh Cat Food
Made with a protein-rich blend of chicken and fish, this fresh cat food from JustFoodForCats is sold in 18-ounce packages. Though it's available for Autoship like Smalls and other fresh cat food companies, you can also purchase this product with a one-time order. You will, however, save 40% on your first Autoship and 5% on each subsequent order.
This fresh cat food formula features wild-caught Alaskan Pacific cod as the primary ingredient with supplemental protein from chicken thighs and chicken organs. Whole Atlantic sardines provide additional protein but primarily serve as a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids.
With its short list of ingredients and high moisture content, this fresh food is highly digestible for most cats. It may also be an appropriate choice for cats with allergies to proteins other than chicken or fish.
Ingredients
Cod, Chicken, Chicken Heart, Chicken Liver, Cassava Root, Sardines, Calcium Carbonate, Salt, Potassium Chloride, Potassium Iodide, Zinc Amino Acid Chelate, Iron Amino Acid Chelate, Copper Amino Acid Chelate, Choline Bitartrate, Manganese Gluconate, Vitamin E Supplement, d-Calcium Pantothenate, Niacinamide, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Folic Acid, Biotin, Riboflavin, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate.
Guaranteed Analysis
- Crude Protein: 12%
- Crude Fat: 4.5%
- Crude Fiber: 0.5%
- Moisture: 74%
Pros
- Protein-rich blend of chicken and fish
- Rich source of hydrating moisture
- Available for one-time purchase or autoship
- Limited list of ingredients, easy to digest
Cons
- Can be expensive
- Not recommended for cats with chicken or fish allergies
#4 Budget Pick: Instinct Frozen Raw Bites Grain-Free Cage-Free Chicken Recipe Cat Food
Fresh cat food is typically more expensive than shelf-stable varieties but there are economical options available. Instinct frozen raw cat food, for example, is priced under $0.50 per ounce. It's also available in pet stores and sold by online retailers like Chewy.
This frozen raw formula features cage-free chicken as the sole source of protein, inclusive of muscle meat, ground bone, and chicken organs. Salmon oil provides omega-3 fatty acids to support your cat's skin and coat health while fresh fruits and veggies supply dietary fiber to support healthy digestion.
If you've got freezer space to spare and you like the option to purchase your cat's food in-store, this Instinct formula may be a good option. It's protein-rich, easily digestible, and full of hydrating moisture. Plus, it's formed into bite-sized nuggets for easy feeding.
Ingredients
Chicken (including Ground Chicken Bone), Chicken Liver, Chicken Heart, Montmorillonite Clay, Ground Flaxseed, Salmon Oil, Carrots, Apples, Butternut Squash, Vitamins (Vitamin E Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate, Vitamin D3 Supplement), Potassium Chloride, Tricalcium Phosphate, Choline Chloride, Taurine, Yeast Culture, Salt, Minerals (Zinc Proteinate, Copper Proteinate, Manganese Proteinate, Calcium Iodate), DL-Methionine, Blueberries, Spinach.
Guaranteed Analysis
- Crude Protein: 12%
- Crude Fat: 9%
- Crude Fiber: 3%
- Moisture: 70%
Pros
- Made with a single source of animal protein
- Bite-sized nuggets are easy to feed
- Available in stores and online
- Protein-rich and high in moisture
Cons
- Only available in chicken flavor on Chewy
#5 Best Refrigerated: Freshpet Vital Chicken Recipe Grain-Free Fresh Cat Food
If you're looking for fresh cat food you can pour straight into your cat's bowl, this Freshpet formula might be a good choice. It's refrigerated, not frozen, so it's ready to feed right out of the bag. You can easily find this formula online, in pet stores, and even in some grocery stores.
This Freshpet formula features chicken muscle meat and chicken liver as the primary ingredients. Eggs provide supplemental animal-sourced protein while fish oil is the main source of added fat. The food also contains pea protein which is less biologically valuable for cats than animal protein, but it's difficult to say how much of the total protein content it comprises.
Though certainly not perfect in terms of carnivore-appropriate nutrition for cats, this Freshpet recipe is economically priced and easy to find. Cats appear to enjoy the flavor and cat owners like how easy it is to serve.
Ingredients
Chicken, Chicken Liver, Natural Flavors, Pea Protein, Eggs, Carrots, Minerals (Dicalcium Phosphate, Potassium Chloride, Calcium Carbonate, Iron Proteinate, Zinc Proteinate, Manganese Proteinate, Copper Proteinate, Sodium Selenite, Calcium Iodate), Pea Fiber, Vinegar, Spinach, Salt, Vitamins (Choline Chloride, Vitamin E Supplement, Niacin, Thiamine Mononitrate, Calcium Pantothenate, Riboflavin, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Biotin, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Folic Acid), Beta-Carotene, Fish Oil, Taurine, Celery Powder.
Guaranteed Analysis
- Crude Protein: 17%
- Crude Fat: 10%
- Crude Fiber: 1.5%
- Moisture: 65%
Pros
- Fresh cat food ready to serve
- Made with protein-rich chicken and eggs
- Easy to find online and in stores
- Fish oil provides omega-3 fatty acids
Cons
- Contains plant protein concentrates
#6 Best for Sensitive Stomach: Raised Right Original Turkey Adult Cat Recipe Fresh Cat Food
The more complicated a cat food product's ingredients list, the more difficult it will be for your cat to digest. This Raised Right fresh food formula has a limited list of ingredients and features a single source of animal protein.
Made with turkey thigh, turkey heart, and turkey liver, this cat food offers over 63% protein, measured as dry matter. It's a moisture-rich formula, so it supports your cat's hydration, and it doesn't contain any difficult-to-digest beans or legumes.
Raised Right cat food is sold in 1-pound bags and shipped frozen. You have the option to purchase four bags as a sampler pack or a full box of 16 bags. Raised Right offers a subscription option, like Smalls, and you can mix and match the four flavors available.
Ingredients
Turkey Thigh, Turkey Heart, Turkey Liver, Carrots, Blueberries, Organic Spearmint, Cod Liver Oil, Egg Shell Powder, Flaxseed Oil, Organic Dried Kelp, Taurine, Thiamine Mononitrate.
Guaranteed Analysis
- Crude Protein: 21%
- Crude Fat: 8%
- Crude Fiber: 2%
- Moisture: 67%
Pros
- Made with a single source of animal protein
- Short list of ingredients makes it easily digestible
- Good source of hydrating moisture
- Free from hard-to-digest beans and legumes
Cons
- Can be expensive
- Only two protein choices available
#7 Best for Multiple Cats: Raw Paws Signature Blend Beef Recipe Raw Frozen Cat Food
Fresh cat food can be pricey for a single cat, let alone multiple cats. If you're looking for fresh food that's easy to serve in large portions, consider this raw frozen recipe from Raw Paws. It comes in 1-pound rolls so you can serve up as much or as little as you need.
Raw Paws Signature Blend raw frozen foods are formulated for both cats and dogs. This recipe features a carnivore-appropriate blend of beef muscle meat, organs, and ground bone. Because it's a single-protein formula, it may be appropriate for cats with food allergies.
Made only with animal-sourced ingredients, this raw food is very digestible for cats. Keep in mind that it's completely raw, however, so it's important to use safe handling practices and to transition your cat onto the diet slowly.
Ingredients
Beef Rounds, Beef Meat, Beef Bones, Beef Heart, Beef Tongue, Beef Liver, Beef Kidney, Beef Spleen, Beef Suet.
Guaranteed Analysis
- Crude Protein: 15.6%
- Crude Fat: 10.3%
- Crude Fiber: 4.5%
- Moisture: 70.1%
Pros
- Made with beef muscle meat, organs, and bone
- Easy to customize the portion size
- Carnivore-appropriate and easy to digest
- Rich in protein and hydrating moisture
Cons
- Not formulated specifically for cats
- 1-pound rolls can be slow to thaw
5 Things to Consider When Shopping for Fresh Cat Food
When shopping for fresh cat food, it's important to evaluate the quality of the product first. Prioritize products that rely primarily on animal-sourced protein and fat with minimal carbohydrates and plenty of hydrating moisture.
Here are some things to consider specifically when evaluating fresh cat food companies:
- Who formulates the products? Your cat's food should be formulated by a veterinarian or veterinary nutritionist to ensure balanced nutrition.
- How and where are the products made? Many fresh cat food companies have their own manufacturing facilities - look for certifications and third-party testing to determine safety.
- What's the ordering process like? Determine whether you can place a one-time order or if you have to start a subscription. Which option do you prefer?
- How customizable are the meal plans? If you have a picky eater, you might prefer a company that has multiple recipes to choose from and that allows you to change your order from month to month.
- Does the cost fit your budget? While fresh cat food can be pricey, the cost may be comparable to a premium wet food and some companies offer autoship discounts.
It's also a good idea to read customer reviews before placing an order. While individual experiences will vary, reading reviews will give you a general idea of how closely the actual customer experience aligns with the marketing materials. Don't forget to look into customer service options, either, in case you have a problem with your order.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is fresh food better for cats?
It depends on the formula. Fresh cat food is preferable to dry food for its higher moisture content, but the nutritional value of any cat food is determined by its ingredients. Cat food products made primarily with animal-sourced ingredients are ideal for cats. Fresh cat food tends to be lower in carbohydrates than standard commercial cat foods and is often a much more species-appropriate choice than kibble.
Should I give my cat fresh food every day?
As long as it is nutritionally balanced for cats, you can feed your cat fresh food as their staple diet. If cost is a concern, consider feeding your cat fresh food for one meal per day or use it as a wet food topper.
How should fresh cat food be stored?
Fresh cat food should be stored according to the state in which you receive it. If it arrives frozen, store it in the freezer and thaw a little at a time - as much as your cat will eat in a few days. Refrigerated fresh food should be kept in the fridge and used within a few days of opening.