Smalls Cat Food Review: Premium Nutrition or Overhyped?

Smalls Cat Food offers premium, human-grade nutrition, often excelling in ingredient quality and palatability for many cats. While it’s a high-quality option, its premium price and subscription model mean it’s best for owners prioritizing fresh, customized diets who are comfortable with the investment. It delivers on nutrition, but assess if the value aligns with your budget.

Are you wondering if Smalls cat food is the right choice for your furry friend? Choosing the best food for your cat can feel overwhelming. With so many options, from kibble to wet food to fresh diets, it’s tough to know what’s truly healthy. Many cat parents worry about ingredients, nutrition, and whether a premium price tag is really worth it. You want what’s best for your cat’s health and happiness. Don’t worry, you’re in the perfect place. This article will break down everything you need to know about Smalls, helping you decide if it’s the purr-fect fit for your beloved companion.

What is Smalls Cat Food?

Smalls is a pet food company that specializes in fresh, human-grade food for cats. Founded on the belief that cats deserve better than highly processed kibble, Smalls aims to provide meals that are as close to what a cat would eat in the wild as possible, while still being complete and balanced for domestic felines. They focus on whole, recognizable ingredients, prepared gently to retain nutrients.

Unlike traditional dry kibble or even many canned foods, Smalls meals are made with ingredients fit for human consumption. This means real meat, poultry, fish, and a carefully selected blend of vegetables and supplements, without artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives. The food is cooked in USDA-certified kitchens, then flash-frozen and shipped directly to your door.

Smalls’ Nutritional Philosophy: A Deep Dive into Quality

At the heart of Smalls’ appeal is its commitment to high-quality nutrition. Their philosophy revolves around several key principles designed to support feline health:

• Human-Grade Ingredients: This is a cornerstone. It means the ingredients used are fit for human consumption, often surpassing the quality standards for typical pet food. This translates to better quality control and purer raw materials.
• High Protein, Low Carb: Cats are obligate carnivores, meaning their bodies are designed to thrive on a diet rich in animal protein. Smalls’ recipes prioritize real meat, poultry, or fish as the first ingredient, providing the essential amino acids cats need. They also keep carbohydrate content low, avoiding fillers like corn, wheat, or soy that are common in many conventional pet foods and can contribute to weight gain or digestive issues in cats.
• Minimally Processed: The fresh-cooked meals are gently steamed, which helps preserve the nutritional integrity of the ingredients compared to high-heat extrusion methods used for kibble. This gentle processing ensures that vitamins, minerals, and enzymes remain more bioavailable for your cat.
• Complete and Balanced: All Smalls recipes are formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) for all life stages. This is crucial, as it ensures your cat is getting all the necessary nutrients for growth, maintenance, and reproduction. They achieve this through a precise blend of whole foods and added vitamins and minerals.
• No Artificial Additives: You won’t find any artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives in Smalls food. This commitment to natural ingredients reduces the risk of sensitivities or allergic reactions in susceptible cats.

This comprehensive approach to nutrition aims to support everything from a healthy coat and skin to improved digestion, energy levels, and even weight management.

Types of Smalls Cat Food

Smalls offers a few different formats to cater to various preferences and needs, though their fresh-cooked options are the most popular:

• Fresh-Cooked (Wet Food): This is their flagship product. These meals are gently cooked and come in a pâté or shredded texture, depending on the protein. They are shipped frozen and need to be refrigerated upon arrival. Available proteins typically include chicken, turkey, and beef.
• Freeze-Dried Raw (Dry Food Alternative): For those who prefer a less messy option or want to transition away from kibble, Smalls also offers freeze-dried raw recipes. These are lightweight, shelf-stable, and can be served as is or rehydrated with water. They offer the benefits of raw food in a convenient format.
• Kibble (Limited Availability): Smalls has also experimented with a limited kibble offering, though their primary focus remains on fresh and freeze-dried options.
• Treats and Toppers: Beyond full meals, Smalls also provides high-quality treats (often single-ingredient freeze-dried meats) and meal toppers to enhance palatability or add a nutritional boost.

Comparing Smalls’ Main Food Formats

Here’s a quick comparison of Smalls’ Fresh-Cooked versus Freeze-Dried Raw options:

Feature	Fresh-Cooked Meals	Freeze-Dried Raw Bites
Preparation	Gently steamed, then flash-frozen.	Raw ingredients are freeze-dried to remove moisture.
Texture	Pâté or shredded (moist, soft).	Dry, crunchy bites (can be rehydrated).
Storage	Frozen until ready to use, then refrigerated for up to 5 days.	Shelf-stable, store in a cool, dry place.
Ingredients	Human-grade muscle meat, organs, vegetables, supplements.	Human-grade muscle meat, organs, bone, supplements.
Cost	Generally higher per serving due to water content and shipping.	Can be more cost-effective per serving, especially when not rehydrated.
Palatability	Often very high due to moisture and natural aromas.	High for cats who enjoy crunchy textures; rehydration enhances appeal.
Convenience	Requires thawing, portioning; slightly more prep.	Very convenient; scoop and serve.

Key Ingredients and Their Benefits

Let’s look at some common ingredients found in Smalls’ recipes and why they’re beneficial for your feline companion:

• Chicken (e.g., Chicken Recipe): A highly digestible and lean protein source, rich in essential amino acids necessary for muscle maintenance and overall health. It’s often a good choice for cats with sensitive stomachs.
• Turkey (e.g., Turkey Recipe): Another excellent lean protein, turkey is often used in hypoallergenic diets and provides a good source of B vitamins and phosphorus.
• Beef (e.g., Beef Recipe): A robust source of protein, iron, zinc, and B vitamins, crucial for energy production and red blood cell formation.
• Chicken Liver/Beef Liver: Organ meats are nutritional powerhouses for cats. They are packed with vitamins A, D, E, K, and B vitamins, as well as essential minerals like iron and copper, supporting vision, immune function, and metabolism.
• Green Beans/Kale/Spinach: Included in small, appropriate amounts, these vegetables provide dietary fiber for digestive health, antioxidants, and various vitamins (like Vitamin K from leafy greens).
• Fish Oil (e.g., Salmon Oil): A fantastic source of Omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA), which are vital for healthy skin and a shiny coat, joint health, cognitive function, and reducing inflammation.
• Taurine: An essential amino acid for cats, which they cannot synthesize themselves. It’s critical for heart health, vision, and reproductive function. Smalls ensures adequate taurine levels in their recipes.
• Vitamins and Minerals: Smalls fortifies its recipes with a blend of essential vitamins and minerals (e.g., Vitamin E, Vitamin B12, Iron Proteinate, Zinc Proteinate) to ensure complete and balanced nutrition, covering any micronutrient gaps from whole ingredients.

Pros of Smalls Cat Food

Smalls brings several compelling advantages to the table for cat owners:

• Superior Ingredient Quality: The human-grade, whole ingredients are a significant step up from many commercial pet foods. This means fewer questionable fillers and more bioavailable nutrients.
• High Palatability: Many cat owners report that even picky eaters readily take to Smalls’ fresh-cooked meals. The natural aromas and textures are often more appealing than processed kibble.
• Potential Health Benefits: Anecdotal evidence from users often includes improvements in coat shininess, reduced shedding, better digestion (less vomiting, healthier stools), increased energy levels, and even weight management for overweight cats due to the low-carb, high-protein nature of the food.
• Customized Meal Plans: Smalls offers personalized meal plans based on your cat’s age, weight, activity level, and any dietary sensitivities. This ensures appropriate portioning and nutrient intake.
• Convenience of Delivery: Having fresh, high-quality food delivered right to your door on a subscription basis saves time and effort, ensuring you never run out.
• Transparency: Smalls is generally transparent about its ingredients and sourcing, which is reassuring for concerned pet parents.

Cons of Smalls Cat Food

While Smalls offers many benefits, there are also some drawbacks to consider:

• Cost: This is often the biggest hurdle. Smalls is significantly more expensive than traditional kibble and even many premium wet foods. The cost can add up quickly, especially for multi-cat households or larger cats.
• Subscription Model: While convenient, the subscription model means you’re committing to regular deliveries. Adjusting delivery schedules or pausing can sometimes require planning.
• Storage Requirements: The fresh-cooked food takes up considerable freezer space upon arrival, and then refrigerator space once thawed. This can be an issue for those with small freezers or refrigerators.
• Transition Challenges: Some cats, especially those used to dry kibble, may be resistant to new textures and flavors. A slow, gradual transition is essential, which requires patience.
• Limited Protein Variety (Fresh-Cooked): While they offer chicken, turkey, and beef, some cats with specific allergies or preferences might desire a wider range of novel proteins (e.g., rabbit, duck, lamb) in the fresh-cooked format.
• Mess Factor: Fresh food can be messier than kibble, requiring bowl cleaning after each meal.

Who is Smalls Best Suited For?

Smalls isn’t for every cat or every cat owner, but it can be an excellent fit for specific situations:

• Picky Eaters: Many owners report that their finicky felines who turn their noses at other foods will happily devour Smalls’ fresh recipes. The natural flavors and textures are often irresistible.
• Cats with Digestive Issues or Sensitivities: The limited, whole-ingredient recipes without common allergens (like corn, wheat, soy, artificial additives) can be highly beneficial for cats experiencing vomiting, diarrhea, or skin issues.
• Owners Prioritizing Fresh, Human-Grade Nutrition: If you believe in the benefits of minimally processed, high-quality food and are willing to invest in your cat’s diet, Smalls aligns perfectly with this philosophy.
• Cats Needing Weight Management: The high protein, low carbohydrate content can help cats feel fuller longer and support healthy weight loss or maintenance.
• Owners Seeking Convenience: While pricey, the direct-to-door delivery of pre-portioned, high-quality food is a major convenience for busy pet parents.

How Smalls Compares to Other Premium Cat Food Brands

Smalls operates in the premium fresh pet food market, which has grown significantly. Here’s a brief comparison with some other types of premium options:

Feature	Smalls (Fresh-Cooked)	Nom Nom (Fresh-Cooked)	Tiki Cat (Premium Canned)	Orijen (Premium Kibble)
Food Type	Human-grade, fresh-cooked wet food.	Human-grade, fresh-cooked wet food.	High-protein, grain-free canned wet food.	High-protein, grain-free dry kibble.
Ingredient Quality	Excellent (Human-grade, whole ingredients).	Excellent (Human-grade, whole ingredients).	Very good (Real meat/fish, limited ingredients).	Excellent (Fresh & raw animal ingredients, whole prey ratios).
Processing	Gently steamed.	Gently cooked.	Lightly cooked in broth.	Low-temperature cooked, extruded.
Cost Level	High	High	Moderate to High	Moderate to High
Convenience	Subscription delivery, requires thawing/refrigeration.	Subscription delivery, requires thawing/refrigeration.	Shelf-stable cans, easy to serve.	Shelf-stable bag, scoop and serve.
Protein Focus	Very high animal protein, low carb.	Very high animal protein, low carb.	Very high animal protein, low carb.	Very high animal protein, biologically appropriate.

As you can see, Smalls and Nom Nom are direct competitors in the fresh-cooked space, offering very similar value propositions. Tiki Cat offers premium canned food that is often very high in protein and low in carbs but is shelf-stable. Orijen represents the pinnacle of premium kibble, focusing on biologically appropriate raw ingredients, but it’s still a processed dry food.

Customer Reviews and Experiences

Online reviews for Smalls Cat Food are generally positive, with many customers raving about noticeable improvements in their cats’ health and happiness. Common themes include:

• Improved Coat and Skin: Many owners report shinier, softer fur and a reduction in skin irritations or excessive shedding.
• Better Digestion: Fewer instances of vomiting, firmer and less odorous stools, and overall healthier gut function are frequently mentioned.
• Increased Energy and Playfulness: Cats often seem more vibrant and active after switching to Smalls.
• Weight Management: Overweight cats sometimes shed excess pounds, while underweight cats gain healthy mass, suggesting better nutrient utilization.
• Picky Eater Success: A significant number of reviews highlight Smalls as the only food their finicky cats will consistently eat.

However, the negative feedback almost exclusively centers around the high price point and, occasionally, the challenge of transitioning a particularly stubborn cat to the new food. Some also mention the need for freezer space as a logistical hurdle.

Is Smalls Worth the Price? A Value Proposition

Deciding if Smalls is “worth it” boils down to a personal assessment of value versus cost. Yes, it is expensive, often costing several dollars per day for a single cat, which can quickly add up to hundreds of dollars per month. However, consider the following:

• Preventative Health: Investing in high-quality nutrition upfront can potentially lead to fewer vet visits for diet-related issues down the line. A healthier cat often means lower long-term healthcare costs.
• Quality of Life: For cats with chronic digestive issues, allergies, or extreme pickiness, Smalls can dramatically improve their quality of life, reducing discomfort and increasing enjoyment of meals.
• Peace of Mind: Knowing you are feeding your cat human-grade, minimally processed food free from common fillers and artificial ingredients can provide significant peace of mind.
• Convenience: The subscription delivery model offers unparalleled convenience, saving trips to the pet store and ensuring a consistent supply of food.

If your budget allows, and you prioritize premium, fresh nutrition for your cat’s long-term health and well-being, then Smalls can absolutely be worth the investment. If budget is a significant constraint, there are still many excellent, more affordable premium wet foods available that can provide good nutrition.

Transitioning Your Cat to Smalls

Cats are creatures of habit, and changing their diet too quickly can lead to digestive upset or outright refusal. A slow and patient transition is key to success with Smalls:

1. Start Slowly: For the first few days, offer a very small amount of Smalls mixed with your cat’s current food. Aim for about 90% old food, 10% Smalls.
2. Gradual Increase: Over the next 7-10 days (or even longer for sensitive cats), gradually increase the proportion of Smalls while decreasing the old food.
3. Monitor Your Cat: Pay close attention to your cat’s appetite, energy levels, and stool consistency. If you notice any digestive upset (vomiting, diarrhea), slow down the transition.
4. Patience is Key: Some cats might take weeks to fully transition. Don’t get discouraged if your cat is hesitant. Try warming the Smalls food slightly to enhance its aroma, or mix it with a tiny bit of tuna water or a favorite treat to entice them.
5. Consider Texture: If your cat is used to kibble, the soft, moist texture of Smalls might be unfamiliar. You might start with the freeze-dried option, or try mixing small bits of the fresh food with their kibble to introduce the flavor.
6. Separate Bowls (if necessary): If your cat refuses to eat the mixed food, you can try offering Smalls in a separate bowl alongside their old food, gradually increasing the Smalls portion as they become more curious.

Remember, consistency and patience are your best tools during this process. For more detailed advice on transitioning cat food, consult resources like the American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP).

Sustainability and Sourcing at Smalls

For environmentally conscious pet owners, Smalls also makes efforts regarding sustainability and ethical sourcing. They typically emphasize:

• Humanely Raised Proteins: While specific certifications can vary, Smalls often highlights its commitment to sourcing meats from farms that practice humane animal welfare standards.
• Ingredient Traceability: They aim for transparency in their supply chain, often working directly with farms and suppliers to ensure quality and ethical practices.
• Recyclable Packaging: Smalls uses insulated boxes and liners that are often recyclable or made from recycled materials, minimizing their environmental footprint.
• Minimizing Waste: By offering customized meal plans, they help reduce food waste by ensuring cats receive appropriate portions, rather than excess.

These efforts contribute to the overall value proposition for consumers who prioritize not just their pet’s health, but also the broader impact of their purchasing decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Is Smalls Cat Food suitable for all cat life stages?

Yes, Smalls recipes are formulated to meet the nutritional requirements for all life stages, from kittens to adult cats and seniors, as established by AAFCO standards. They customize portion sizes based on your cat’s age and specific needs.

Q2: How do I store Smalls fresh-cooked food?

Smalls fresh-cooked food arrives frozen. You should transfer it directly to your freezer. When ready to use, thaw a pouch in the refrigerator for 24 hours. Once thawed, it can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Q3: Can I feed Smalls alongside my cat’s current food?

Yes, you can. Many owners choose to feed Smalls as a partial diet, supplementing it with their cat’s current food to manage cost or to provide variety. If doing so, ensure the total diet remains balanced and adjust portion sizes accordingly.

Q4: What if my cat doesn’t like Smalls?

Smalls offers a money-back guarantee for first-time subscribers. If your cat doesn’t take to the food, you can contact their customer service for a refund or to try a different recipe or format.

Q5: Is Smalls good for cats with allergies?

Smalls uses limited, whole ingredients and avoids common allergens like corn, wheat, and soy. This makes it a good option for many cats with food sensitivities. However, if your cat has specific allergies (e.g., to chicken), be sure to select a recipe that avoids that protein.

Q6: How often does Smalls deliver?

Delivery frequency depends on your cat’s needs and the size of your order. Smalls offers flexible subscription schedules, typically every 2 to 8 weeks, which you can adjust in your account settings.

Q7: Does Smalls offer different textures?

Yes, Smalls fresh-cooked meals come in two main textures: Pâté (a smooth, blended consistency) and Shredded (meat cooked and then shredded). You can choose the texture your cat prefers during the customization process.