Raw cat food closely mimics the natural diet of cats, providing them with high protein and low carbohydrate. This is in contrast to many commercial cat foods, often filled with artificial additives and fillers.
Raw foods, particularly those with organ meat and ground bones, offer a balanced diet, promote better digestion, and maintain a healthy weight.
My favorite raw cat food is Stella & Chewy’s Dinner Morsels Raw Cat Food.
This freeze-dried raw cat food is crafted with premium protein sources, such as fresh chicken muscle meat and ground chicken bone, ensuring a nourishing and nutrient-rich meal for your feline friend.
Although this is an excellent choice, other raw cat food diets are available in the market, each with unique benefits. Here is my list of the best raw cat foods to choose from.
Our Top Picks: Best Raw Cat Food
- Stella & Chewy’s Dinner Morsels Raw Cat Food (Best Overall Food)
- Instinct Raw Meals Grain-Free Cat Food (Best For Picky Eaters)
- Primal Raw Freeze-Dried Cat Food (Best Premium Food)
- Open Farm Surf Freeze Dried Raw Morsels (Best For All Life Stages)
- Feline Natural Chicken Freeze-Dried Cat Food (Best Low-Carb Food)
- Nulo FreeStyle Freeze-Dried Raw Cat Food (Best For Weight Control)
6 Best Raw Cat Foods Reviewed
We carefully selected the raw cat foods reviewed based on their premium ingredients, protein content, and well-rounded nutritional profile.
They also follow the standard AAFCO nutrient profile guidelines. However, always consult with your vet before making any changes to your cat’s diet.
Now, let’s explore each of them to see why they made the list.
Stella & Chewy’s Dinner Morsels Raw Cat Food
Guaranteed Analysis: 45% Crude Protein, 25% Crude Fat, 5% Crude Fiber, 5% Moisture
Caloric Content: 443 kcal/cup
First 5 Ingredients: Chicken ( with ground bone), Chicken Liver, Chicken Gizzard, Pumpkin Seed, Potassium Chloride
Type of Product: Raw cat food
Food Form: Freeze-Dried
Life Stage: Adult
Key Feature: Grain-Free, Gluten Free, Limited Ingredient Diet, Raw, Pea-Free, Natural, Premium
Pros:
- Made with high-quality animal protein sources
- Limited ingredient diet
- Contains calcium for strong bones and teeth
- Includes probiotics for digestive health
- Grain-free, gluten-free, and pea-free
Cons:
- May arrive extremely crumbly
This Limited Ingredient diet is made with high-quality protein sources such as real natural chicken, chicken liver, and chicken gizzard to provide your cat with essential amino acids for muscle maintenance and overall health.
It also contains ground bone, which supplies natural calcium for strong bones and teeth.
The freeze-dried raw formula helps preserve the natural nutrients, vitamins, and minerals in the fresh meat, mirroring their natural diet in the wild.
Moreover, the inclusion of pumpkin seeds and probiotics in the formula aids the digestive health of your feline friend, especially those with sensitive stomachs.
With no artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives, Stella & Chewy’s Dinner Morsels Raw Cat Food offers a safe and nutritious meal option for your adult cat.
Cat parents love that this recipe is grain-free, gluten-free, and pea-free to prevent cat food sensitivities. However, the bags may arrive extremely crumbly, which can make it unappealing to picky eaters.
Instinct Raw Meals Grain-Free Cat Food
Guaranteed Analysis: 38% Crude Protein, 34% Crude Fat, 3% Crude Fiber, 6% Moisture
Caloric Content: 197 kcal/cup
First 5 Ingredients: Chicken (including Ground Chicken Bone), Chicken Liver, Chicken Heart, Montmorillonite Clay, Ground Flaxseed
Type of Product: Raw cat food
Food Form: Freeze-Dried
Life Stage: Adult
Key Feature: Grain-Free, High-Protein, No Corn, No Wheat, No Soy, Gluten Free, Pea-Free, Raw, Natural
Pros:
- High protein and fat content
- Made with natural ingredients
- Rich in antioxidants, vitamins and minerals
- Promotes healthy skin and coat
- Grain-free, gluten-free and pea-free
- Good option for picky eaters
Cons:
- Food pieces may be a bit large for some cats
- Pricey
Instinct Raw Meals Grain-Free Cat Food is a complete and balanced meal made with high-quality, all-natural ingredients.
This raw formula contains real chicken as the first ingredient, providing cats with essential amino acids for optimal health.
It also contains ground chicken bone, chicken liver, and heart. These ingredients boost the protein content up to 38%, making it an excellent option to support your cat’s active lifestyle.
The addition of ground bones plays a significant role in this formula. It is a natural and excellent source of essential minerals like calcium and phosphorus, which are crucial for the health and strength of your cat’s teeth and bones.
Thoughtful ingredients such as carrots, apples, butternut squash, and blueberries provide additional essential vitamins and minerals. And spinach adds valuable antioxidants and vitamin C for a robust immune system.
Salmon oil provides a natural source of omega fatty acids, promoting healthy skin and coat. All these ingredients and nutrients are freeze-dried to keep their nutritional value and flavor, making it irresistible for even the pickiest of eaters.
The freeze-drying process also reduces the moisture content, eliminating bacteria and preventing foodborne pathogens. This makes it a safe and healthy option for cat parents concerned with the digestive issues that may arise from artificial colors, flavors, and additives.
My cats, who are usually quite picky regarding their diet, quickly gobbled down this food. They seemed to enjoy it like it was the best thing ever.
Unfortunately, I found the food sizes to be a bit large, so you may need to break them into smaller pieces.
Primal Raw Freeze-Dried Cat Food
Guaranteed Analysis: 49% Crude Protein, 26% Crude Fat, 2% Crude Fiber, 8% Moisture
Caloric Content: 128 kcal/oz
First 5 Ingredients: Chicken (with ground bone), Chicken Livers, Salmon, Organic Pumpkin Seeds, Organic Sunflower Seeds
Type of Product: Raw cat food
Food Form: Freeze-Dried
Life Stage: Adult
Key Feature: Gluten Free, Grain-Free, No Corn, No Wheat, No Soy, Raw, Pea-Free, Natural
Pros:
- High protein content
- Contains real natural chicken and salmon
- Grain-free, gluten-free, and pea-free
- Made with organic ingredients
Cons:
- Pricey
- Seems to take longer to rehydrate compared to other brands
Primal Raw Freeze-Dried Cat Food is a high-quality raw food option for cat parents looking to provide their fur babies with a biologically appropriate diet.
This formula is made from antibiotic-free chicken and wild-caught salmon, providing your cat with premium animal protein sources to maintain lean muscle growth. It also includes ground bones for added calcium, essential for strong bones and teeth in cats.
In addition to the high-quality protein sources, this recipe also contains organic pumpkin and sunflower seeds, which provide a natural source of fiber for healthy digestion.
A standout feature of this product lies in its inclusion of whole organ meat, such as chicken livers. Rich in essential amino acids, vitamins A and B, and minerals like iron, these organ meats provide the key nutrients necessary for maintaining a balanced diet and promoting overall feline health.
Vitamin A is essential for good vision, while vitamin B supports a healthy immune system. Iron, on the other hand, is crucial for red blood cell production and energy levels.
Aside from its impressive nutritional content, Primal Freeze-Dried Cat Food is also free from grains, gluten, and peas – common allergens that can cause digestive issues and food sensitivities in some cats.
This food also features vegetables and fruits, such as organic carrots and organic cranberries, which provide natural sources of antioxidants for a robust immune system.
The only downside to this product is its price – it can be a bit more expensive than other food options. Some cat parents have also noted that this formula takes a tad longer to rehydrate properly. However, most agree that the quality ingredients and nutritional value make it worth the extra cost.
Open Farm Surf Freeze Dried Raw Morsels
Guaranteed Analysis: 45% Crude Protein, 34% Crude Fat, 5% Crude Fiber, 5% Moisture
Caloric Content: 234 kcal ME/cup
First 5 Ingredients: Salmon, Beef, Beef Liver, Beef Heart, Beef Bone
Type of Product: Raw cat food
Food Form: Freeze-Dried
Life Stage: All Life Stages
Key Feature: Gluten Free, Grain-Free, No Corn, No Wheat, No Soy, Raw, Pea-Free, Natural
Pros:
- High in animal protein
- Made with high-quality natural ingredients
- Low in carbohydrates
- Grain-free and gluten-free
- Complete and balanced formula
- Suitable for cats of all life stages
Cons:
- Smells strong due to the raw ingredients
- Pricey
Open Farm Surf & Turf Freeze-Dried Raw Morsels is an excellent option for cat parents starting a raw diet. It contains high-quality protein sources from wild-caught salmon and grass-fed beef.
These premium animal-sourced proteins provide a whooping 45% crude protein essential for your cat’s muscle development and maintenance.
It also contains a blend of organ meats like beef liver, heart, and bone, providing the necessary nutrients to keep your feline companion healthy.
One of the main benefits of this raw cat food is its low carbohydrate content, which closely resembles a cat’s natural diet as an obligate carnivore.
The fat content of this recipe is adequate and comes from high-quality sources like salmon and beef, providing your cat with essential fatty acids for a shiny coat and healthy skin.
This recipe is free of artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives. And it doesn’t contain any grain, corn, wheat, or soy. It’s perfect for cats of all life stages.
However, this food has a strong smell due to the raw ingredients, which can be unpleasant for some cat parents. And it is a bit pricey if you are on a budget or have multiple cats.
Feline Natural Chicken Freeze-Dried Cat Food
Guaranteed Analysis: 48% Crude Protein, 31% Crude Fat, 1% Crude Fiber, 8% Moisture
Caloric Content: 185 kcal/cup
First 5 Ingredients: Chicken, Lamb Heart, Lamb Kidney, Lamb Liver, Lamb Blood
Type of Product: Raw cat food
Food Form: Freeze-Dried
Life Stage: All Life Stages
Key Feature: Gluten Free, Grain-Free, No Corn, No Wheat, No Soy, High-Protein, Pea-Free, Non-GMO, Raw
Pros:
- High in protein and low in carbs
- Made with high-quality protein sources like chicken and lamb
- Rich in fatty acids and taurine
- Free from artificial additives and fillers
Cons:
- Hard bones may be present in food
Feline Natural Chicken Freeze-Dried Cat Food offers a complete and balanced diet that closely resembles what cats eat in the wild.
This recipe features 99% chicken and lamb, including organs like heart, kidney, and liver. These ingredients are all rich sources of essential amino acids, fatty acids, and other vital cat nutrients.
One thing that sets this raw cat food apart is that it contains very low levels of carbohydrates, which is essential for cats as they are obligate carnivores. It also does not include any artificial additives, fillers, grains, or other common allergens like corn, wheat, and soy.
Ingredients such as flaxseed flakes and dried kelp provide additional nutrients. Flaxseed flakes are a natural source of omega fatty acids, crucial for maintaining healthy skin and coat. They also support joint health and promote a healthy immune system.
Dried kelp is an excellent source of fiber and antioxidants. These promote digestion and a robust immune system.
Cat parents love this raw cat food because it offers their furry friends a natural and balanced diet without artificial ingredients. However, there have been some concerns about hard bones in the food, so you may need to be careful when feeding it to your cat.
Nulo FreeStyle Freeze-Dried Raw Cat Food
Guaranteed Analysis: 42% Crude Protein, 37% Crude Fat, 2% Crude Fiber, 5% Moisture
Caloric Content: 235 kcal/cup
First 5 Ingredients: Turkey, Turkey Necks, Turkey Liver, Duck, Duck Liver
Type of Product: Raw cat food
Food Form: Freeze-Dried, Food Topping
Life Stage: All Life Stages
Key Feature: Grain-Free, High-Protein, Low Glycemic, No Corn, No Wheat, No Soy, Raw
Pros:
- Rich in premium animal proteins
- Low glycemic ingredients to support healthy weight
- Supports digestive health
- Used as a complete meal or topper
- Grain-free and free from artificial additives
Cons:
- Freeze-dried bits have inconsistent sizes
Nulo Freestyle offers a high protein balanced raw diet for cats. It contains real turkey and duck, rich in animal-based proteins that support strong muscles and an active lifestyle.
Another great feature of Nulo Freestyle is its low glycemic ingredients, which help regulate blood sugar levels and prevent health issues such as obesity and diabetes.
Thanks to its use of Ganeden BC30 probiotics, this raw food recipe packs essential nutrients that promote digestive and immune health.
Salmon oil, ground flaxseed, and coconut oil are supplemented to enhance this food’s nutritional value further. These ingredients provide valuable fatty acids that brighten your cat’s skin and coat.
Inulin and dried kelp are also included in the ingredients list, providing a good source of fiber and antioxidants, respectively.
In addition to being grain-free, this raw cat food is also free from common allergens such as corn, wheat, and soy. It contains no artificial colors or additives that could harm your cat’s health.
The best part about Nulo Freestyle is its versatility. It can be used as a complete meal for your cat or as a food topper for added flavor and nutrition.
Unfortunately, some cat parents have reported inconsistencies in the size of the freeze-dried bits, some bigger than others.
Guide to Buying Raw Cat Food
Here are some things to consider when searching for the best raw food:
High-Quality Animal Proteins
Cats are obligate carnivores, meaning they require a diet high in animal-based protein to thrive. Raw food diets should consist of muscle meat, organ meat, and ground bone.
Look for non-GMO, antibiotic-free, and hormone-free meats from a reputable source. Some brands even use human-grade meat that is fit for human consumption.
Balanced Nutrition
A raw diet should be high in animal-based protein and provide the essential nutrients cats need to stay healthy. These nutrients include taurine, fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals.
Ensure that the raw food you choose has a proper balance of essential nutrients to meet your cat’s dietary requirements.
Probiotics and antioxidants can also be added to the food for improved digestion and immune support.
Quality Ingredients
Avoid raw food diets that contain artificial additives or preservatives. These can cause digestive issues or trigger food sensitivities in some cats. Instead, go for natural ingredients free from artificial colors, flavors, and fillers.
Useful Fruits and Veggies
Some raw diets include fruits and vegetables for added nutrition. Cats don’t require a significant amount of plant-based food in their diet.
However, adding small amounts of fruits and vegetables can boost the nutritional value of their meals. Safe and nutritious choices include blueberries, pumpkin, cranberries, kelp, and spinach.
What is Raw Cat Food?
Raw cat food is a diet for cats that consists of uncooked or undercooked muscle meat, organ meat, and ground bones.
Other ingredients, such as raw eggs, fruits, and vegetables, can also be included in a raw diet. Raw cat food mimics the natural eating habits of cat ancestors, who primarily consumed whole prey animals.
Types of Raw Food
Raw cat food comes in various forms, including freeze-dried, dehydrated raw diets, and frozen raw foods.
Freeze-dried raw food offers convenience and a long shelf life. It involves drying raw food using the process of sublimation at low temperatures, resulting in lightweight, nutrient-dense morsels that you can easily reinstitute with water.
Air-dried or dehydrated raw cat food formulas remove moisture from fresh meat and other ingredients through evaporation at low heat. It results in a product similar to freeze-dried food, but the difference is that air-dried food does not require reconstitution with water.
Frozen raw diets involve freezing raw food until they are ready to be thawed and served. This can be homemade food or commercial raw food.
Pros and Cons of Feeding Your Cat Raw Food
What are the advantages and disadvantages of feeding raw cat food? First, let’s examine the benefits.
Benefits of Raw Cat Food
- A raw diet closely mirrors what cats naturally consume in the wild, providing a more natural and species-appropriate form of nutrition. This diet is rich in high-quality protein from fresh meat, such as muscle, organ, and ground bones, which are crucial for a cat’s muscle development and overall health.
- Cats on a raw food diet often experience improved digestion since these diets are free of artificial additives and fillers in many commercial cat foods. The absence of these unnecessary substances can be particularly beneficial for cats with sensitive stomachs or food sensitivities.
- Cat parents might also notice their cats displaying more energy and vitality on a raw diet. This could be because of the high-quality protein and the correct balance of essential amino acids, fatty acids, and other key nutrients in raw meals.
Moreover, many raw cat food options maintain an ideal protein content without using excessive carbohydrate fillers, which are common in dry cat food. They support a lean and healthy body composition for your cat.
- Feeding raw food can also affect your cat’s coat and dental health. The natural ingredients in a raw diet contribute to a shiny and softer coat while chewing raw meats and ground bones can help reduce plaque and maintain better overall dental health.
As picky eaters, cats often prefer the taste of raw food, which mimics their natural diet, leading to more enjoyment and satisfaction at meal times.
The drawback of Raw Cat Food
One significant concern of raw food is the risk of bacterial contamination from raw meats, which can pose health hazards to cats and humans.
Foodborne pathogens like Salmonella and Listeria monocytogenes are real risks associated with raw diets, necessitating strict food handling practices, such as thoroughly washing hands with soap and cat bowls after use.
You can also minimize this risk by purchasing food with human-grade meat from reputable raw cat food manufacturers that follow high safety standards.
Homemade Raw Food Vs. Commercial Raw Cat Food. Which is Best?
When it comes to the best raw cat food, cat parents often find themselves comparing commercial raw cat food to homemade raw food. Each option has its pros and cons.
Homemade raw food gives cat owners complete control over their kitty’s diet. Tailor the meal plan to avoid food sensitivities and use only the freshest, high-quality protein sources.
However, homemade raw diets require careful planning to meet your cat’s nutritional requirements. This means being attentive to the correct balance of meats, organs, and bones and understanding the essential amino acids and vitamins needed for a complete and nutritious meal.
Commercial raw cat foods typically meet your feline’s nutritional needs and come in various options, such as freeze-dried or frozen meat morsels.
Many cat food companies use high-quality ingredients and include the right proportions of organ meat, ground bones, and muscle meat. This spares cat parents the trouble of nutritional calculations and the hassle of preparing the food themselves.
Furthermore, commercial options from reputable brands follow strict guidelines set by the AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials) to ensure the food is safe for consumption. They also have rigorous quality control measures to prevent bacterial contamination and foodborne pathogens, which can be a concern when handling raw meats at home.
While both options offer their advantages, it ultimately boils down to personal preference and what works best for your cat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Want to know more about buying raw food for your kitty? Here are answers to some common questions.
Do Vets Recommend Raw Cat Food?
Not all vets recommend a raw diet for cats. This is because raw diets may pose a risk of bacterial contamination and foodborne pathogens.
There are also nutritional concerns regarding a raw diet, such as dietary deficiencies.
If you choose to feed your cat a raw diet, consult your vet for guidance.
Is Raw Food Safe for Cats?
Raw cat food can be safe for cats if handled, prepared, and stored correctly to minimize the risk of bacterial contamination and foodborne pathogens.
Do Cats Live Longer on Raw Diets?
It’s difficult to determine if cats live longer on raw diets as no definitive research exists on this topic. However, a balanced and adequately formulated raw diet can benefit your cat’s health and well-being.
Is Raw Food Safe for Kittens?
Feeding kittens a raw diet is generally not recommended, as their immune systems are still developing and are more susceptible to bacterial contamination.
Can Cats Get Worms from Eating a Raw Diet?
Cats can get worms from a raw diet if the meat is not sourced or handled correctly.
To avoid this, choose a reputable raw pet food manufacturer and handle the food properly.
Do Cats Prefer Raw or Cooked Meat?
Every cat is unique. Some may prefer raw meat, while others may prefer cooked. It just boils down to your cat’s personal preference.
Our Verdict
The best raw cat food for your feline friend is a diet that incorporates a balance of raw meats, organ meats, ground bones, and other essential nutrients.
Stella & Chewy’s Dinner Morsels Raw Cat Food is our first choice. It is a limited-ingredient diet that contains enough animal proteins and fat to meet your cat’s high-energy needs.
But of course, we have included other options too and no matter your cat’s needs, you can find the perfect raw cat food for them.