Are you tired of sifting through endless cat food options, unsure which one will truly nourish your feline friend? Do you worry about the ingredients lurking in those bags of kibble, wondering if they’re contributing to your cat’s health issues or lack of energy? Finding the perfect cat food can feel like an impossible task, and that’s where Smalls Cat Food enters the picture.
Smalls has quickly gained popularity, promising fresh, human-grade cat food delivered directly to your doorstep. But is it really worth the hype? In this comprehensive review, we’ll delve deep into the world of Smalls Cat Food to help you decide if it’s the right choice for your beloved companion. We’ll explore the ingredients, benefits, drawbacks, customer reviews, and everything else you need to know before making a decision.
What Smalls Cat Food Is All About
Smalls isn’t just another cat food brand; it’s a philosophy centered around providing cats with the healthiest, most natural diet possible. They believe that cats deserve real food, not processed kibble filled with fillers and artificial ingredients. Their core principle revolves around fresh, human-grade ingredients prepared with care and delivered directly to your home.
Smalls offers a range of options designed to appeal to even the pickiest of eaters:
Fresh Recipes
These are the cornerstone of the Smalls Cat Food line. The fresh recipes come in a few consistencies, including a smooth pate, ground texture, and others. They’re made with high-quality protein sources like chicken, turkey, and fish. Each recipe is carefully formulated to provide a complete and balanced diet for cats of all ages. The chicken recipe, for example, boasts ingredients like chicken thigh, chicken liver, green beans, peas, and kale, delivering a protein-packed and nutrient-rich meal. The turkey and fish options offer similar benefits with their own unique ingredient profiles.
Freeze-Dried Raw
For those who prefer a raw diet but want the convenience of pre-portioned meals, Smalls offers freeze-dried raw options. Freeze-drying preserves the nutritional value of the raw ingredients while making them shelf-stable and easy to serve. This process removes moisture, so hydration becomes an important factor when feeding freeze-dried raw.
Dry Food
While Smalls is primarily known for its fresh and freeze-dried options, they do have dry food available for those who prefer it. The dry food is made with high-quality ingredients and is designed to be a healthier alternative to traditional kibble. As with their other recipes, Smalls prioritizes real meat and avoids fillers and artificial additives.
Treats
To round out their offerings, Smalls also provides a selection of treats. These treats are made with simple, wholesome ingredients and are perfect for rewarding your cat or simply showing them some love.
The Smalls experience is built around a subscription model. When you sign up, you’ll answer questions about your cat’s age, weight, activity level, and any health concerns. Based on this information, Smalls will create a customized meal plan tailored to your cat’s specific needs. The food is then delivered to your doorstep on a regular schedule, ensuring that you always have a fresh supply on hand.
Diving Deep Into The Ingredients: What Makes Smalls Special?
The true differentiator of Smalls Cat Food lies in the quality of its ingredients. They proudly advertise “human-grade” ingredients, which means that the ingredients meet the same standards as food intended for human consumption. This is a significant step up from many commercial cat foods, which often use feed-grade ingredients that are not held to the same rigorous standards.
Smalls prioritizes transparency and lists all ingredients clearly on their website. You’ll find real meat as the primary ingredient in every recipe, followed by a variety of vegetables and essential nutrients. The absence of fillers, artificial preservatives, and artificial colors is a major selling point for many cat owners.
Let’s take a closer look at some key ingredients:
Meat Sources (Chicken, Turkey, Fish)
Smalls sources its meat from responsible suppliers who prioritize animal welfare. Chicken provides lean protein and essential amino acids. Turkey is another excellent source of protein and is often a good option for cats with sensitivities to chicken. Fish offers omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for skin and coat health. The quality of the meat is evident in the taste and texture of the food, which many cats find highly palatable.
Vegetables (Peas, Green Beans, Kale)
These vegetables provide essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Peas and green beans are good sources of vitamin K, while kale is packed with antioxidants. While cats are primarily carnivores, a small amount of vegetables can contribute to overall health.
Supplements (Vitamins, Minerals, Taurine)
Smalls includes a carefully selected blend of vitamins, minerals, and taurine to ensure that the food meets all of your cat’s nutritional needs. Taurine is particularly important for cats, as they cannot produce it on their own. A deficiency in taurine can lead to serious health problems.
Analyzing the ingredient list, it’s clear that Smalls prioritizes real, whole foods over processed ingredients. While some cats may have sensitivities to certain ingredients (like peas), the overall quality is significantly higher than most commercial cat foods.
The Good and Not-So-Good: Weighing the Pros and Cons of Smalls
Like any product, Smalls Cat Food has its advantages and disadvantages. Here’s a balanced look at the pros and cons:
Pros
Unmatched Ingredient Quality: The use of human-grade ingredients is a major selling point. You can feel confident that you’re feeding your cat real food, not processed fillers.
Ultimate Convenience: The subscription delivery service takes the hassle out of cat food shopping. You’ll never have to worry about running out of food again.
Truly Customized Plans: The personalized meal plans ensure that your cat is getting the right amount of food based on their individual needs.
Potential Health Improvements: Many cat owners report improvements in their cat’s coat, energy levels, digestion, and weight management after switching to Smalls. While anecdotal, these reports suggest that a fresh, high-quality diet can have a significant impact on overall health.
Great Taste: Most cats seem to genuinely enjoy the taste of Smalls Cat Food. Even picky eaters often readily accept the fresh recipes.
Cons
High Cost: Smalls is significantly more expensive than traditional dry food. This can be a barrier for some cat owners.
Commitment: The subscription model requires a certain level of commitment. You’ll need to plan ahead and manage your deliveries.
Storage Needs: Fresh food requires refrigerator or freezer space. This can be an issue for those with limited storage.
Transition Challenges: Some cats may experience digestive upset during the transition to a new diet. A gradual introduction is essential.
Limited Availability: Smalls may not be available in all geographical areas.
What Cat Owners are Saying: Real Reviews and Testimonials
Customer reviews of Smalls Cat Food are generally positive, but it’s important to consider a range of opinions. Many cat owners rave about the improved health and vitality of their cats after switching to Smalls.
“My cat used to have a dull coat and low energy,” says one reviewer. “Since switching to Smalls, his coat is shiny, and he’s much more playful.”
Another reviewer notes, “I was hesitant about the price, but it’s worth it to see my cat finally enjoying his food and having better digestion.”
However, not all reviews are glowing. Some cat owners have reported issues with palatability, particularly with certain flavors. Others have experienced shipping delays or difficulties with customer service.
One recurring concern is the transition period. Some cats experience diarrhea or vomiting when first introduced to Smalls. It’s crucial to follow the recommended transition guidelines and introduce the new food gradually.
The Price Tag: Is Smalls a Good Value?
Smalls Cat Food is undoubtedly a premium product, and its price reflects that. A typical Smalls subscription can cost significantly more than traditional dry food. To determine if it’s a good value, you need to consider the cost per day/meal. This will vary depending on your cat’s size, age, and activity level.
Compared to other fresh cat food brands, Smalls is generally in the mid-range in terms of price. Nom Nom and Ollie, for example, are often more expensive, while some smaller brands may be slightly cheaper.
Ultimately, the value proposition comes down to your priorities. If you’re willing to pay more for high-quality ingredients, convenience, and potential health benefits, Smalls may be a worthwhile investment. However, if you’re on a tight budget, there are other options to consider. Smalls often provides trial offers to allow consumers to try their product at a lower initial cost.
How to Successfully Transition Your Cat to Smalls
Switching your cat to a new food requires patience and a gradual approach. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Start Slow: Mix a small amount of Smalls Cat Food (around 25%) with your cat’s current food.
- Gradually Increase the Ratio: Over the course of several days, gradually increase the ratio of Smalls while decreasing the amount of the old food.
- Monitor Your Cat’s Digestion: Watch for any signs of digestive upset, such as diarrhea or vomiting. If your cat experiences problems, slow down the transition process.
- Be Patient: It may take several weeks for your cat to fully adjust to the new food.
For picky eaters, try warming the food slightly to enhance its aroma. You can also try mixing in a small amount of tuna juice or broth to make it more appealing.
If your cat experiences persistent digestive problems, consult with your veterinarian.
Other Brands: Alternatives to Consider
While Smalls is a popular choice, it’s not the only fresh cat food brand on the market. Here are some alternatives to consider:
- Nom Nom: Nom Nom offers fresh, human-grade cat food with a focus on customized meal plans. They are often considered to be the more expensive brand.
- Ollie: Ollie also provides fresh, human-grade cat food delivered to your door.
- Raised Right: Raised Right is another fresh cat food brand that emphasizes high-quality ingredients and transparency.
Premium dry food options can also be a good alternative for those who prefer kibble. Look for brands that prioritize real meat and avoid fillers and artificial ingredients.
Answering Your Questions: Frequently Asked Questions About Smalls Cat Food
- Can I cancel my Smalls subscription? Yes, you can cancel your subscription at any time.
- How long does the food last? Fresh Smalls Cat Food should be stored in the refrigerator and will last for a few days. Freeze-dried food has a much longer shelf life.
- Is Smalls good for kittens and senior cats? Yes, Smalls offers formulas that are suitable for cats of all ages.
- What if my cat doesn’t like Smalls? Smalls offers a satisfaction guarantee. If your cat doesn’t like the food, they may offer a refund or alternative product.
The Verdict: Is Smalls Cat Food a Good Choice for Your Cat?
So, is Smalls Cat Food worth the hype? The answer depends on your individual needs and priorities. If you’re looking for a high-quality, convenient, and potentially health-boosting cat food, Smalls is definitely worth considering. The use of human-grade ingredients, customized meal plans, and delivery service make it a standout option.
However, the high cost may be a barrier for some. If you’re on a tight budget, there are other options to explore. Ultimately, the best way to decide if Smalls is right for your cat is to try it out for yourself. Take advantage of their trial offer and see how your feline friend responds.
Providing your cat with a healthy and nutritious diet is one of the best things you can do for their overall well-being. Whether you choose Smalls or another brand, prioritize real, whole foods and avoid fillers and artificial ingredients. Your cat will thank you for it! Now that you know all about the food that Smalls has to offer, go give it a try!
