As a content creator for foods.edu.vn and a dedicated foodie, I’m always keen to explore what’s new and noteworthy in the pet food world, especially when it comes to our feline companions. Like many cat parents, I want my cats to live long, healthy lives. Considering indoor cats can live 10-15 years, their diet becomes a crucial factor in their overall wellbeing. That’s why I was intrigued when I discovered Smalls Cat Food. Smalls positions itself as a fresh, healthy alternative to traditional cat food, delivered right to your door via subscription. Could this be the upgrade my cats’ bowls – and their health – needed?
In this review, I’ll delve into Smalls cat food, analyzing its ingredients, benefits, subscription model, and, most importantly, how my own discerning felines, Benedict and Aspen, reacted to it. Prepare for an honest assessment, flavored with insights from my expert perspective and, of course, the invaluable opinions of my cats (spoiler: clean bowls were involved!).
Smalls cat food delivery arrives frozen, packed with dry ice and eco-friendly, biodegradable insulation.
Unpacking the Problem with Conventional Cat Food Ingredients
Before we dive into the specifics of Smalls, let’s address the elephant in the room: the often-questionable ingredients found in many commercial cat foods. While countless brands have dominated the pet food market for years, a closer look at their ingredient lists can be unsettling. Many mass-market brands rely on:
- Chemical Preservatives: Ingredients like butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) have raised concerns due to potential health risks.
- Meat By-products: Often considered a lower-quality protein source compared to whole meats that cats biologically need.
- Carbohydrate Fillers and Grains: Cats are obligate carnivores and have no nutritional requirement for grains and excessive carbohydrates, which can be used as cheap fillers.
As pet parents, we’re diligent about reading nutrition labels for ourselves, but it’s easy to overlook doing the same for our feline family members. However, understanding what goes into their food is just as crucial for their health and longevity.
Smalls offers wet cat food in enticing flavors like Fresh Bird (chicken), Fresh Other Bird (turkey), and Fresh Cow (beef).
Furthermore, the pet food industry’s regulatory landscape can be murky. “Feed-grade” ingredients, common in many cat foods, aren’t subject to the same stringent safety standards as human food. This means the quality of ingredients can vary significantly. The term “human-grade” can also be misleading, sometimes used loosely without true adherence to human food standards. This is where Smalls aims to differentiate itself, positioning itself as a leader in healthy, high-quality cat food. In fact, Smalls has been recognized as the #1 healthy cat food by various sources, highlighting its commitment to superior ingredients and feline nutrition.
Smalls cat food is made with USDA-certified, human-grade ingredients, gently cooked to maintain nutritional value.
Smalls’ Mission: Elevating Feline Nutrition with Fresh, Human-Grade Food
So, what sets Smalls apart? The founders of Smalls recognized a gap in the pet food market – the absence of fresh, human-grade options for cats. Driven by this realization, they started experimenting with home-cooked cat food, sharing small batches with friends and their feline companions. The overwhelmingly positive feedback sparked the birth of Smalls cat food.
Smalls is dedicated to providing fresh, healthy, human-grade cat food. For Smalls, “human-grade” isn’t just a marketing term. It signifies USDA-certified, humanely harvested, and sustainably sourced ingredients—the same quality you’d find at your local grocery store. Developed with veterinary nutritionists, Smalls’ recipes are carefully formulated and gently cooked to preserve essential nutrients and moisture. Each batch undergoes rigorous testing for harmful bacteria like e.coli, salmonella, listeria, and mold, with regular checks to ensure consistent nutritional content and quality.
Understanding that cats are obligate carnivores, Smalls prioritizes protein-rich formulas. Their recipes feature high levels of animal protein supplemented with small amounts of cat-friendly vegetables like green beans and peas for added vitamins and fiber. Crucially, Smalls food is free from BPAs, artificial preservatives, fillers, meat by-products, unnecessary grains, and any mystery ingredients – ensuring complete transparency and peace of mind for cat owners.
Smalls’ online quiz helps personalize a cat food plan based on your cat’s individual needs and preferences.
Smalls Subscription: Convenience Tailored for Cat Owners
Beyond the quality of the food itself, Smalls excels in user experience. The subscription service is designed for ease and personalization. It starts with a simple online quiz that gathers information about your cat’s age, weight, activity level, and dietary needs. This quiz helps determine the ideal combination of wet and dry food, tailored to your cat and budget, with meal plans starting from approximately $1.93 per meal. The average cost for a single-cat household is around $3 per day, but Smalls emphasizes flexibility in creating a plan that fits individual financial considerations.
The initial trial box is a fantastic way to introduce Smalls to your cat. It allows them to sample different flavors (chicken, turkey, and beef) and textures (smooth and ground) to discover their preferences. Shipping for the trial is free, and subsequent deliveries are automatically scheduled every two to eight weeks, adjustable to your needs. You have full control to change recipes, adjust quantities, or pause deliveries at any time, offering ultimate convenience. Regular orders include a $10 shipping fee to maintain the frozen delivery.
Smalls wet food arrives frozen in convenient packets, marked in 50-calorie increments for easy portioning. The instructions are clear: store everything in the freezer, thaw one packet at a time in the refrigerator, and serve using the specially designed, perfectly sized container included with your first order. The process is only slightly more involved than opening a can of traditional wet food, but the quality and health benefits make it a worthwhile trade-off.
Aspen eagerly anticipates his Smalls wet food dinner, highlighting the palatability of Smalls for cats.
Observing the Purr-fect Results: Healthier Cats, Happier Home
Switching from canned wet food, my cats initially seemed to miss the sound of the can opening – a familiar dinner bell. However, they quickly adapted, associating the fridge door opening with mealtime excitement. Benedict, always a foodie, embraced Smalls immediately, particularly favoring the smooth chicken recipe (composed of 92% chicken breast and thigh, 6% liver, and 2% heart). Aspen, the more cautious of the two, took a few days of sniffing and tentative nibbling before fully committing. Once he did, he devoured his Smalls with gusto, even competing with Benedict to finish his bowl first! Given cats’ reputation for picky eating, Smalls’ palatability is a significant win. And for hesitant felines, Smalls provides guidance on transitioning to their food.
The promised benefits of Smalls extend beyond happy mealtimes. Smalls highlights potential improvements like fresher breath, reduced litter box odor, a shinier coat, fewer hairballs, and increased energy levels. The most noticeable change in my cats has been their increased energy. While they were always playful, their bursts of activity are now more sustained. Seeing them more active and engaged is a joy, even amidst the occasional chaos they create! I’m looking forward to observing further positive changes in their health and wellbeing in the coming months – and hoping for that less-smelly litter box!
Beyond wet food, Smalls also offers freeze-dried raw food and delectable treats, expanding their range of healthy cat food options.
The Smalls Difference: Care and Quality You Can Trust
Ultimately, what resonates most about Smalls is the sense of trust and care they embody. Knowing that there’s a company genuinely invested in my cats’ health is incredibly reassuring. Like any devoted cat parent, my cats are family, and investing in their wellbeing is a top priority. Smalls aligns perfectly with this philosophy – offering a convenient way to provide them with truly nutritious food, potentially extending their precious time with me.
Bonus Recommendation for Cat Owners: Pacagen Cat Allergen Spray
Beyond diet, another product I’ve found invaluable for cat owners is Pacagen’s Cat Allergen Neutralizing Spray. While we love our cats, cat allergies are a reality for many. Pacagen effectively reduces cat allergens, allowing allergy sufferers to enjoy their feline companions more comfortably. Spritzing it on furniture helps neutralize allergens, minimizing symptoms. Whether for yourself or guests, Pacagen is a game-changer for managing cat allergies and creating a more welcoming environment for everyone.
Top 5 Reasons to Choose Smalls Cat Food Right Meow:
- Money-Back Guarantee: Picky eater? If your cat doesn’t love Smalls after the two-week trial, you’ll get your money back.
- Dedicated Cat Concierge: Smalls provides a dedicated support team via text and email to answer questions and guide you through the transition to fresh food.
- Sustainability Commitment: Smalls uses 100% recyclable boxes and biodegradable, corn-based styrofoam insulation, showcasing their environmental responsibility.
- Variety of Textures and Options: Beyond wet food, Smalls offers freeze-dried raw food in chicken, turkey, and duck, providing nutrient-rich alternatives for cats who prefer dry food. New textures are also in development.
- Proven Results and Rave Reviews: Numerous verified Smalls customers report improvements in their cats’ weight, digestion, energy, and overall well-being. Read the glowing reviews and see the difference Smalls makes.
