Smalls cat food has gained popularity for its fresh, meat-focused formulas designed to cater to a cat’s carnivorous needs. But How Much Is Smalls Cat Food Per Month, and is it a worthwhile investment for your feline friend? This article delves into the cost of Smalls, its nutritional value, and customer reviews to help you make an informed decision.
Smalls distinguishes itself with fresh, human-grade cat food delivered to your doorstep via custom meal plans. Founded in 2017, the company focuses on providing high-quality ingredients and formulas tailored to your cat’s specific dietary requirements. Let’s explore what makes Smalls unique and how its subscription model works.
Breaking Down the Cost of Smalls Cat Food
A significant factor when choosing cat food is the cost. The price of Smalls cat food depends on several variables, including your cat’s size, calorie requirements, and the specific recipes you choose. Understanding these factors will help you estimate your monthly expenses accurately.
Subscription and Initial Costs
Every new customer begins with a sample pack that contains 10 packages of fresh food. This sample pack allows you to test different recipes based on the information you provide about your cat’s preferences during signup.
The standard cost of Smalls cat food is $4 per 5-ounce package. The initial 10-pack sampler is discounted by 20%, reducing the first box’s price to $32, including free shipping. Keep an eye out for promotional codes; for example, using the code CATS35 can give you 35% off your first order.
Ongoing Subscription and Potential Upcharges
After receiving your sample pack, you can adjust your cat’s meal plan through your Smalls account. This includes changing flavors and altering the number of packets in your subscription. Unless you cancel, the subscription continues automatically, with billing at $4 per packet every four weeks.
If you choose to include “Pulled” recipes, be aware of a $0.50 upcharge per packet. These recipes require a unique manufacturing process, hence the additional cost.
Estimating Monthly Costs
Depending on your cat’s size and caloric needs, Smalls fresh food can cost between $1.00 and $3.50 per day. To provide a clearer picture, here’s a breakdown of potential monthly costs:
- Small Cat (6-8 lbs): Typically requires 2-3 packs per day, costing approximately $240-$360 per month.
- Medium Cat (10-12 lbs): Often needs 3-4 packs daily, translating to about $360-$480 each month.
- Large Cat (14+ lbs): May require 4-5 packs per day, which could cost $480-$600 monthly.
Remember, these are estimates. You can always adjust the plan based on your cat’s needs to find the right balance between nutrition and budget.
What Factors Influence the Monthly Cost?
The monthly cost of Smalls cat food is influenced by several key factors. Knowing these factors can help you better manage your budget and tailor your subscription to your cat’s specific needs.
- Calorie Requirements: A cat’s age, weight, activity level, and overall health all play a role in determining daily caloric needs. Kittens and active cats generally need more calories than older, less active cats.
- Recipe Choice: While most Smalls recipes are priced similarly, selecting “Pulled” recipes will add an extra $0.50 per packet.
- Subscription Adjustments: You have the flexibility to adjust your subscription to accommodate changes in your cat’s appetite or health conditions.
Exploring Smalls Cat Food Recipes
Smalls offers a variety of fresh cat food recipes to cater to different tastes and dietary needs. Each recipe is formulated to be nutritionally complete and balanced according to AAFCO guidelines, using human-grade ingredients. Let’s take a closer look at some popular options.
- Smooth Bird: Chicken pâté, a single-protein option ideal for cats who prefer smooth textures.
- Ground Bird: Minced chicken, offering a slightly different texture from the pâté.
- Smooth Other Bird: Turkey pâté, an alternative protein source for cats with sensitivities.
- Ground Other Bird: Minced turkey, providing another texture option for turkey lovers.
- Smooth Fish: Fish pâté, made with salmon and cod, rich in omega-3 fatty acids.
- Smooth Pig: Pork pâté, suitable for cats who enjoy pork or have sensitivities to other proteins.
- Smooth Bird & Fish Dish: A multi-protein formula with chicken and salmon for picky eaters.
- Pulled Bird: Shredded chicken, a premium recipe offering a unique texture.
- Pulled Other Bird: Shredded turkey, another premium option for cats who prefer shredded food.
Customer Reviews and Feedback
While Smalls cat food generally receives positive reviews, it’s important to consider both positive and negative feedback from other customers to get a well-rounded perspective.
Positive Reviews
Many satisfied customers praise the quality of Smalls’ ingredients and how much their cats enjoy the food. Some have noted improvements in their cat’s digestion and overall health. A common sentiment is that the cost is justified by the health benefits and high-quality ingredients.
Negative Reviews
Some negative reviews mention issues with customer service, recurring billing, and unexpected subscription charges. A few customers also reported that their cats stopped liking the food after a formula change.
Weighing the Pros and Cons
Before deciding if Smalls is the right choice for your cat, weigh the advantages and disadvantages.
Pros:
- High-quality, human-grade ingredients
- Customizable meal plans
- Species-appropriate nutrition
- Variety of recipes and textures
- Convenient subscription service
Cons:
- Higher cost compared to commercial cat food
- Subscription-based model requires active management
- Potential for inconsistent customer service experiences
Final Verdict: Is Smalls Worth the Investment?
Smalls cat food offers a high-quality, convenient option for cat owners who prioritize fresh, species-appropriate nutrition. While it comes at a higher price point than traditional cat food, the potential health benefits and customizable meal plans can make it a worthwhile investment for many.
Ultimately, whether Smalls is a good fit for you depends on your budget, your cat’s dietary needs, and your preferences for convenience and quality. If you’re looking to provide your cat with top-notch nutrition and don’t mind the subscription-based model, Smalls is certainly worth considering.
By understanding how much Smalls cat food costs per month and what factors influence that cost, you can make an informed decision that benefits both your cat’s health and your wallet.
