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8 Best Raw Cat Foods Of 2023 | Our Top Picks

  • By Sana Riaz
  • November 19, 2022
  • 11 minutes read
8 Best Raw Cat Foods Of 2022 Review And Buying Guide

If you are a cat owner and want to switch your cat to a raw diet but are confused about which raw cat food to buy. We are here to help, no need to waste your time and money on the wrong product. We all want to see the energetic side of our cats and that can only be achieved through high-quality raw cat food, which is also known as freeze-dried cat food.

And when it comes to raw cat food, pet parents should choose the right brand that supports the overall health of their kitties. Here, we will discuss our top picks and the primary ingredients of the best raw cat foods available in the market.

Our Top Picks for Raw Cat Foods

Below, we have reviewed some of the best and the most popular cat foods so that you can choose one for your cat.

1. Stella & Chewy’s Freeze-Dried Raw Cat Food

Stella & Chewy's Freeze-Dried Raw Cat Food

Stella & Chewy’s Chicken Raw Cat Food is on the top of our list because it is made with 98% meat, organs, and ground bones. Cats are carnivores and they crave raw meat but since raw meat can put your cat at risk for developing several illnesses and viruses, Stella & Chewy’s Chicken Dinner Morsels is a great option. It is available in a freeze-dried form for convenience and longer shelf life.

This cat food has everything your cat needs to stay healthy. It consists of mostly meat and has some veggies or fruits. The main ingredients in this nutritious cat food include chicken, ground bones, chicken liver, chicken gizzard, and pumpkin seeds. Pumpkin seeds are added to support the digestive health of the cats.

The best thing about Stella & Chewy’s freeze-dried cat food is that they use raw, cage-free chicken. Stella & Chewy’s chick chicken is free from grains, gluten, hormones, and antibiotics. This cat food uses probiotics for healthy digestion and uses taurine as an amino acid. It also includes Vitamin A, Vitamin E, Vitamin D, and Vitamin B12. It is responsibly prepared in Stella & Chewy’s own USA kitchen. This freeze-dried cat food is suitable for all life stages. It is a little expensive but it provides the nutrition your cats need and the taste they carve.

2. ORIJEN Original Grain-Free Dry Cat Food

ORIJEN Original Grain-Free Dry Cat Food

Orijen Original grain-free dry cat food comes in a kibble form that your cat is going to love. The kibble is covered in freeze-dried liver which not only enhances the taste but also adds extra nutrition to it. Orijen grain-free cat food is not completely raw but it is one of the best raw cat foods available in the market.

It is made with 90% premium animal ingredients and it is high in proteins and low in carbs. It includes chicken, turkey, mackerel, organ meats, and flounder as the main ingredients. The ingredient list is full of protein sources including chicken liver, turkey liver, heart, and gizzards. The ingredients also include omega-6 fatty acids and omega-3 fatty acids.

It is not only packed with nutritious ingredients but it is also free from gluten, grain, corn, wheat, and soy. No artificial preservatives are added to this protein-rich, raw cat food. Although, some veggies like whole pinto beans are added to it. If you are looking for protein-rich, grain-free cat food that is also good for the money then, Orijen Original grain-free dry cat food is one of the best options you can consider.

3. Instinct Freeze-Dried Raw Cat Food

Instinct Freeze-Dried Raw Cat Food

Instinct Raw Boost Freeze-Dried cat food is the best raw cat food you can get at a good price with high-quality ingredients. If you are introducing your cat to the raw diet for the first time, then this is a great option available in the market because Instinct Raw Boost cat food is a topper that you can slowly add to your cat’s diet. Your cat will enjoy the little bits in the regular meals. It is made with cage-free chicken. Ground chicken bone, chicken liver, chicken heart, pumpkin, and pumpkin seeds are also included in the ingredients.

The natural probiotics included in the formula will aid the digestive health of your cat. Not only does it support digestion but also makes the skin and coat shiny. This is an all-natural cat food that is free from grain and gluten. No artificial flavors and preservatives are added. The formula does not include potato, corn, wheat, or soy. If your cat is dealing with digestive problems, then this kibble is the best for your cat.

4. CANIDAE Grain-Free Freeze-Dried Raw Cat Food

CANIDAE Grain-Free Freeze-Dried Raw Cat Food

If you are looking for protein-rich raw cat food then you should consider CANIDAE grain-free freeze-dried cat food. Primary ingredients used in this formula include chicken, turkey, chicken meal, turkey meal, and freeze-dried chicken. This formula also includes Vitamin A, Vitamin B6, Vitamin B12, and Vitamin D3. It is freeze-dried and has an amazing taste that cats crave.
This formula will keep your indoor cats healthy and active.

If your cats are not gaining healthy weight, then this freeze-dried cat food will help your cat build lean muscles. CANIDAE grain-free freeze-dried formula does not include soy, wheat, and corn which makes it a good grain-free raw cat food option to consider. This high-quality formula made in the USA does not use any artificial flavors or preservatives. CANIDAE grain-free raw cat food is made with real salmon which delivers the right amount of nutrition your cat needs.

5. Primal Freeze-Dried Nuggets Raw Cat Food

Primal Freeze-Dried Nuggets Raw Cat Food

Primal Freeze-Dried Nuggets Raw Cat Food is rich in protein and can help your cat build lean muscles. With 49% of protein content, Primal Freeze-Dried cat food gives the nutrition your cat needs. The fat content is also high in this formula but this fat is coming from the chicken used in the ingredients. The primary ingredients include chicken, ground bones, chicken livers, salmon, organic pumpkin seeds, and organic sunflower seeds. It also uses organic minerals and unrefined vitamins. Primal Freeze-Dried Nuggets Formula is suitable for all life stages of your beloved cat.

Essential fatty acids and enzymes are included to improve the digestive health as well as the overall health of your cats. Primal freeze-dried cat food is made in the USA using high-quality ingredients. No corn, wheat, lentils, or soy are added to this raw cat food. The chicken used in this cat food is raised without steroids, antibiotics, or added hormones. It is the best formula for cats but one downside I see is that it is also very expensive.

6. Vital Essentials Freeze-Dried Rabbit Dinner Raw Food For Cats

Vital Essentials Freeze-Dried Rabbit Dinner Raw Food

Vital Essentials Freeze-Dried Rabbit Dinner raw food is a unique formula because it does not come in regular kibble. It comes in the form of bricks (or biscuits). High-quality ingredients are used to formulate this raw cat food. Primary ingredients include rabbit, rabbit liver, rabbit heart, rabbit kidney, and goat’s milk. With so many meat ingredients, this formula contains 52% of protein. This high-protein cat food is completely grain-free and gluten-free.

It does not contain any corn, wheat, soy, or lentils. No filler ingredients or artificial ingredients are used in this raw cat food. If you want to slowly add a raw cat diet to your cat’s meal then this is also a great option to choose.  Vital Essentials Rabbit Dinner Patties are freeze-dried to preserve freshness. Daily feeding guidelines are written on the package.

7. Feline Natural Chicken & Lamb High-Protein Cat Food

Feline Natural Chicken & Lamb High-Protein Cat Food

Feline Natural Chicken & Lamb High-Protein Cat Food is made using chicken and lamb as the primary ingredients. Whole chicken and lamb organs are used in this raw cat diet which makes it one of the high-protein cat foods. Most of the ingredients consist of meat, and a little portion consists of veggies i.e. dried kelp which makes this raw cat food full of nutrition. This protein-rich cat food is packed with Vitamins and minerals. Ingredients also include New Zealand green mussel which is a very good source of omega-3 fatty acids that help fight inflammatory conditions.

Feline Natural Chicken & Lamb High-Protein Cat Food is a complete and balanced diet. It is suitable for all life stages. The high-quality and protein-rich cat diet improves the skin, coat, digestive health, and appetite of the cats. It is available in a freeze-dried form which preserves its freshness. The freeze-dried cat food does not include grains, gluten, artificial colors, preservatives, flavors, wheat potato, or fillers. This dry cat food is high in protein and full of nutrition but it is also one of the more expensive options.

8. Nulo Freestyle Chicken & Salmon Raw Cat Food

Nulo Freestyle Chicken & Salmon Raw Cat Food

Nulo Freestyle Chicken & Salmon Raw Cat Food is made mostly with Chicken and salmon. Chicken necks, chicken liver, and chicken hearts are included in the ingredients of this protein-rich raw cat food. It is a grain-free cat food because it does not include grain, gluten, wheat, soy, corn, or lentils. The Nulo Freestyle Chicken & Salmon Cat Food is free from artificial flavors and preservatives.

This freeze-dried cat food contains 46% protein content. High-quality veggies and fruits are also added to this formula like cranberries and spinach which makes it full of nutrition. Cats are carnivores and they crave meat, Nulo Freestyle Chicken & Salmon Freeze-dried Cat Food is perfect to meet your cat’s meaty cravings because it is made from 98% animal ingredients.

This freeze-dried cat food will help your cat stay active and energetic. This grain-free cat food has probiotics that aid the digestive and immune health of cats. You can serve this freeze-dried cat food as a complete meal or you can slowly add it to your cat’s meal. Many customers complain that there is sawdust of the product at the end of the packet and it is difficult to transport because it is extremely fragile. Apart from this, it is a complete and balanced diet rich in protein and low in carbohydrates.

Buying Guide To Choose The Best Raw Cat Food & FAQs

When it comes to raw cat food, buying the right product is important. Here are some key factors to keep your eye on that will help you choose high-quality raw food for your cat.

Label

There are so many options available in the market and there are chances that you might buy the wrong one and realize it later. Always check if the formula is for cats or dogs. Then check if the brand is reputable. Is it made for some specific health conditions?

Weight Of The Bag

Do not forget to check the weight of the bag. Buy a bag depending on the amount of cat food your cat will need for a month or two. It will also help the cat food to stay fresh and it will not expire or go stale from moisture in the air as you will be using it for at least a couple of weeks.

Ingredients

First, you should know what the nutritional requirements of your cat are. Then, check the ingredients and assess if these ingredients will fulfill your cat’s nutritional needs. Primary ingredients included in the formula should consist of meat to fulfill the protein needs of your cat.

No hormones, grains, filler, or artificial ingredients should be included in the formula. Also, make sure all the ingredients are responsibly sourced and caged-free meat is used in the ingredients.

Price

Always choose high-quality and protein-rich raw cat food that covers your budget. Obviously, no one wants to run out of their budget. Although raw cat foods are expensive, there are several raw cat food brands available in the market that will fit your budget and the ingredients used will be high-quality.

Types Of Raw Cat Food

Another thing you need to know here is that there are different types of raw cat foods. It all depends on the availability and which type of raw cat food you want to buy and which suits your cat.

Fresh Raw Cat Food

Fresh raw cat food is considered a premium option for your cats and they are refrigerated because they are fresh. You can get fresh raw cat food from the refrigerated section of your local pet food store.

Fresh raw cat food is frozen and refrigerated to keep it fresh for a longer time. They come in patties and rolls form. Well, you need to defrost it a little before giving it to your kitty. This type of raw cat food is packed with a high amount of protein.

Freeze-Dried Raw Cat Food

Freeze-dried raw cat food is a more common option than fresh raw cat food. It is convenient to use and it stays fresh for a longer period as compared to fresh raw cat food. They are mostly available in kibble form, all you need to do is pour some into your cat’s bowl and your cat would love it.

Benefits of Raw Cat Food

Raw cat food provides more benefits than cooked cat food and here are some of the benefits that will make you choose the best raw cat food for your cats:

  • Improved Digestion

Our furry felines are carnivores and they need meat. Their digestive systems are flexible to a meat-based diet. Cats’ digestive tract is short and acidic and they can easily and efficiently process raw cat food.

  • High in Protein

Raw cat food is high in protein and low in carbohydrates. Cats do not require carbohydrates and it is because they cannot digest carbs. They can easily digest and utilize proteins for their energy requirement and growth.

  • Healthy Coat And Less Shedding

Cats need fatty acids, omega-6 and omega-3 and they can fulfill this requirement only from animal sources. These essential fatty acids keep the cats’ skin and coat healthy. They also reduce shedding and make the coat soft and silky.

  • Intracellular Moisture

Cat’s digestive system needs intracellular moisture to break down and process food. When the cat food is cooked, it loses all the intracellular moisture while on the other hand, raw cat food is packed with intracellular moisture.

  • Improved Dental Health

Cat foods high in carbohydrates cannot control plaque buildup and tarter. Raw cat foods are high in protein and low in carbs and keep all dental diseases at bay.

  • Increased Energy

Raw cat food contains protein in high amounts and cats require protein to stay energetic. Cats burn protein and convert it into energy in their liver.

  • Reduced Stool Odor And Volume

When cats eat a proper raw diet, the stool volume is reduced because they utilize most of their food. A high-quality raw cat food would not cause stool odor.

Raw cat foods are high in proteins and hence cats convert the proteins into energy. When cat food contains more carbs, cats are not able to efficiently process carbs and this is why the stool is large in volume and very smelly.

FAQs

Why should I choose raw cat food?

Freeze-dried raw cat food is high in proteins and low in carbs. Raw cat food improves the digestive health of your cat. Skin, coat, and immune health also improve by using raw cat food.

Raw cat food fulfills all the nutritional needs of your cats hence it is the best option you can choose for your cat.

Can you feed raw cat food to your kittens?

Your kittens should have the right teeth to cut through raw meats but if you are buying freeze-dried raw cat food, then kittens can easily eat, chew and digest the raw cat food.

How can I switch my cat to raw cat food?

It is not always the best idea to switch to another food too quickly. If your cat is eating another type of food, slow down because raw cat foods have a different texture than other foods and it will disturb your cat’s digestive system.

Gradually add a small amount of raw cat food to your cat’s diet.

Why raw cat foods are expensive?

Raw cat foods are expensive because they are made from raw ingredients and raw ingredients are more expensive as compared to overly processed ingredients. Raw cat food is primarily made with meat which is more expensive than fruits and veggies.

What is the best raw cat food for cats?

Stella & Chewy’s freeze-dried raw cat food is the best raw cat food one can buy because it is made from premium and raw ingredients. 98% meat and organs are used which makes it high in proteins and low in carbs.

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