Introduction
Are you tired of dry kibble mountains? Does your feline friend turn their nose up at every new food you offer? Do you worry about the ingredients lurking in commercial cat food? If so, you’re not alone. Many cat owners are searching for healthier and more appealing alternatives, and fresh cat food delivery services like Smalls have become increasingly popular. But is Smalls truly worth the hype and, perhaps more importantly, the price tag? This article provides an objective and comprehensive Smalls cat food review, diving deep into the ingredients, recipes, cost, customer service experiences, pros, cons, and ultimately helping you decide if it’s the right choice for your beloved companion.
Understanding Smalls Cat Food: A Background and Overview
Smalls is a cat food delivery service that focuses on providing fresh, human-grade meals for your feline friends. The company was founded with the goal of improving the health and well-being of cats through better nutrition. They believe that cats deserve real food, made with high-quality ingredients, rather than the processed and often questionable ingredients found in many commercial cat foods. Smalls aims to offer a healthier and more convenient alternative for cat owners seeking the best for their pets.
The foundation of Smalls cat food lies in its commitment to using human-grade ingredients. This means that the ingredients used in their recipes are of the same quality and standard as those you would find in food intended for human consumption. Smalls emphasizes sourcing practices that prioritize quality and transparency. You won’t find any fillers, artificial flavors, or artificial preservatives in their meals. They focus on real meat, poultry, or fish as the primary protein source, combined with carefully selected vegetables to provide a complete and balanced diet for your cat. Key ingredients include chicken, turkey, fish like cod and salmon, and nutritious vegetables like peas and green beans. These ingredients are chosen to provide essential nutrients and support overall health.
Recipe Options
Smalls offers a variety of recipe options to cater to different cat preferences and dietary needs. These options fall into two main categories: Fresh recipes and Freeze-Dried Raw recipes.
Fresh Recipes
The Fresh recipes are the cornerstone of the Smalls cat food lineup. They are prepared with gently cooked, human-grade ingredients and are designed to be highly palatable and easy to digest. The Fresh recipes are available in several flavors, including Chicken, Turkey, and Fish. The texture is moist and appealing, similar to a pate, making it attractive even to picky eaters. The high moisture content of fresh food is particularly beneficial for cats, who often don’t drink enough water and can be prone to urinary tract issues. This added moisture helps to keep them hydrated and support kidney health.
Freeze-Dried Raw Recipes
For cat owners interested in the benefits of a raw food diet but concerned about the safety and convenience, Smalls offers Freeze-Dried Raw recipes. The freeze-drying process removes moisture from the raw ingredients while preserving their nutritional value. This results in a shelf-stable food that can be easily rehydrated with water before serving. The Freeze-Dried Raw options also come in different protein sources. Raw food proponents argue it provides higher bio-availability of nutrients and is closer to a cat’s natural diet.
Beyond the core food offerings, Smalls sometimes offers other products such as treats, supplements, and even cat toys. These items can be a convenient way to supplement your cat’s diet or provide enrichment.
Smalls operates on a subscription model, providing a convenient and personalized feeding solution. When you sign up, you’ll answer questions about your cat’s age, weight, activity level, and any specific health concerns. Based on this information, Smalls will create a customized meal plan tailored to your cat’s individual needs. The food is delivered regularly to your doorstep, and you can easily adjust the delivery frequency or pause your subscription as needed. This customized approach ensures that your cat receives the right amount of food to maintain a healthy weight and optimal health.
The Advantages of Choosing Smalls Cat Food
There are several compelling reasons why cat owners choose Smalls cat food. One of the most significant benefits is the potential for improved health. The fresh, human-grade ingredients and the absence of fillers and artificial additives can have a positive impact on your cat’s overall well-being.
Improved Health Outcomes
The superior ingredients of Smalls often translates to improved digestion for cats. Cats with sensitive stomachs or digestive issues may find fresh food easier to process than heavily processed kibble. This can lead to fewer instances of vomiting, diarrhea, and other digestive upsets. The high moisture content of Smalls Fresh recipes is also crucial for maintaining healthy hydration levels in cats. Many cats don’t drink enough water, which can contribute to urinary tract problems and kidney issues. By providing food that is naturally high in moisture, Smalls helps to keep your cat hydrated and support the health of their urinary system.
Furthermore, a balanced, high-protein diet like Smalls can be instrumental in weight management for cats. Obesity is a common problem in cats, leading to a variety of health complications. Smalls’ customized meal plans ensure that your cat receives the appropriate number of calories to maintain a healthy weight, while the high protein content helps to build and maintain muscle mass. Owners also report that switching to Smalls leads to improvements in their cat’s coat and skin health. The essential fatty acids and nutrients found in the fresh ingredients promote a healthy, shiny coat and can alleviate skin problems such as dryness and itching.
Superior Ingredient Quality
The commitment to using human-grade ingredients is a major selling point for Smalls. Cat owners can feel confident that they are feeding their pets food that is made with the same quality standards as their own food. The absence of fillers, artificial flavors, and artificial preservatives is also a significant advantage. These additives can be harmful to cats and contribute to health problems over time.
Convenient Subscription Model
The Smalls subscription service is designed to be incredibly convenient for busy cat owners. The food is delivered directly to your doorstep on a regular schedule, eliminating the need to make frequent trips to the pet store. The pre-portioned meals also save time and effort, making feeding your cat a breeze.
Appealing to Finicky Felines
Smalls has garnered a reputation for being appealing to even the most discerning eaters. Many cat owners have reported that their cats, who previously refused to eat other foods, readily devour Smalls. The fresh, flavorful ingredients and the palatable texture of the food seem to be particularly enticing to picky cats.
Personalized Nutrition Plans
The personalized meal plans offered by Smalls ensure that your cat receives the right amount of nutrients based on their individual needs. This customized approach is essential for maintaining optimal health and preventing weight problems. By taking into account your cat’s age, weight, activity level, and health goals, Smalls creates a feeding plan that is tailored specifically to your pet.
Potential Drawbacks to Consider with Smalls Cat Food
Despite its many advantages, Smalls cat food also has some potential drawbacks that cat owners should consider. The most significant concern is the price. Smalls is considerably more expensive than traditional dry or wet cat food. This can be a barrier for some cat owners, particularly those on a tight budget.
However, there are ways to potentially offset the cost. One option is to use Smalls as a partial feeding solution, supplementing it with a less expensive dry or wet food. This allows you to provide your cat with some of the benefits of fresh food without breaking the bank.
Storage and Handling Requirements
Fresh food requires refrigeration and freezer space. This can be inconvenient for some cat owners, particularly those with limited refrigerator or freezer capacity. It’s important to factor in the storage requirements before committing to Smalls.
Transition Period
When switching to any new food, it’s essential to transition your cat gradually to avoid digestive upset. Smalls provides guidelines for transitioning your cat to their food, and it’s important to follow these instructions carefully. Rushing the transition can lead to diarrhea, vomiting, and other digestive problems.
Handling and Clean Up
Fresh food can be messier to handle than dry kibble. It’s important to clean your cat’s food bowl thoroughly after each meal to prevent bacterial growth. Some cat owners may find the messiness of fresh food to be a deterrent.
Evaluating Smalls: Customer Reviews and Testimonials
To get a more complete picture of Smalls cat food, it’s helpful to consider the experiences of other cat owners. A quick online search will reveal a wealth of customer reviews and testimonials, offering valuable insights into the pros and cons of the product.
Many customers rave about the positive impact that Smalls has had on their cats’ health. They report improvements in digestion, coat quality, energy levels, and overall well-being. Some customers also mention that their picky eaters have finally found a food that they enjoy.
However, there are also some common concerns raised in customer reviews. The high price is a frequent complaint, and some customers have mentioned issues with shipping or customer service. It’s important to weigh these concerns against the potential benefits before making a decision. Reading several reviews will provide a balanced viewpoint.
Exploring Alternatives to Smalls Cat Food
If Smalls doesn’t seem like the right fit for your cat or your budget, there are other alternatives to consider. Several other fresh cat food brands offer similar products and services. These include Nom Nom. Comparing these brands in terms of price, ingredients, and recipe options can help you find the best fit for your cat’s needs.
Another option is to consider making your own fresh cat food. However, this is a complex undertaking that requires careful planning and research. It’s crucial to follow a recipe formulated by a veterinary nutritionist to ensure that your cat receives a complete and balanced diet. Improperly formulated homemade cat food can lead to serious health problems.
Finally, high-quality wet food can be a more affordable alternative to fresh food. Look for brands that use human-grade ingredients and avoid fillers, artificial flavors, and artificial preservatives.
Making the Decision: Is Smalls Cat Food Right for Your Cat?
Smalls cat food offers a compelling combination of high-quality ingredients, convenience, and potential health benefits. However, the high price and storage requirements may be a deterrent for some cat owners.
Smalls is best suited for cats with specific health needs, such as digestive problems, allergies, or weight issues. It’s also a good choice for owners who are willing to pay a premium for high-quality food and appreciate the convenience of a subscription service. Busy owners who value convenience above all other things may also find value in the product.
Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to try Smalls is a personal one. Weigh the pros and cons carefully, consider your cat’s individual needs and preferences, and consult with your veterinarian before making any significant changes to their diet. Smalls might be a great option for cat owners looking for a convenient and healthy way to feed their cats, but the high price may be a barrier for some. Visit the Smalls website today, take the quiz, and read more customer reviews to make an informed decision about whether this is the right choice for your beloved feline companion. Remember to always consult with your veterinarian for personalized dietary recommendations.
(Affiliate Disclosure: This article may contain affiliate links, meaning I may earn a commission if you purchase through those links.)
