4 Best Fresh Cat Food Delivery Services

Nutrition Reviews December 13, 2021

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4 Best Fresh Cat Food Delivery Services

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Best Fresh Cat Food Service

Like humans, cats love quality food that is made fresh. Making fresh food at home is ideal but there isn’t always time for that. This is where fresh delivery cat food services come in handy. But which one is best for your cat and budget?

To get an idea of how fresh cat food services compare, we ordered, researched and tested the most popular brands on the market today. We will walk you through each company’s sign up process, pricing, meal options, shipping, and the number of recipes they offer.

Keep reading to learn everything about these various delivery services, and if they really make your life easier and your cat healthier, without breaking the bank.

Why Should You Trust This Review?

  • I am a certified pet nutritionist
  • I’ve been a cat mom for 30 plus years
  • I have volunteered at cat shelters for over 15 years
  • I did 72 hours of research on these fresh cat food brands

Quick Look: The Best Fresh Cat Food Service Reviewed And Compared

IMAGE PRODUCT  
 
  • Available at their retail kitchens, select veterinarians and pet stores
  • High quality, high protein and low carbohydrate food
  • Made with human grade ingredients
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  • Grain free recipes
  • Flexible price plans
  • Sourced from US suppliers

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  • Human-grade cat food
  • Each batch of food is tested for pathogens
  • They use a single animal protein source
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  • Recipes for cats with special diets
  • Available in local stores
  • No subscription needed
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What To Look For When Choosing The Best Fresh Cat Food Service?

  • Nutritionally Complete – Cat food sold in the U.S. is regulated by the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) and the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO). Cat food manufacturers are required to properly label their products, and meet or exceed AAFCO cat food regulations.
  • Ordering Process – Setting up an online profile for your cat should not be rocket science. However it should allow for customization based on health issues, weight, breed and/or age. Being able to customize your cats meal plan and select the recipes based on a short question and answer form means less headaches in the long run.
  • Variety of Recipes – Some cats are picky eaters or can not eat certain recipes. Having the choice to change recipes or serving size is a bonus. The more recipes available means a cat food service makes it on our list.
  • Packaging – This is a big deal when your cat is meowing dinner demands. Having to fumble and pull on a food package is not only frustrating but it can be very messy when trying to serve. Also, the box the fresh cat food arrives in, and how cold it is is important, as well as how easy it it to unpack.
  • Price – Most fresh cat food delivery services are pricey and some more than others. We took this in account as well as the amount of meals each provides for the cost. The larger your cat is, the bigger the bill.
  • Flexibility of Delivery – Being able to decide when you want your cat food delivered or how much of it, is part of the convenience of the service. Companies that allow you to pause, cancel or change delivery service is something we definitely considered.

The 4 Best Fresh Cat Foods Reviewed

#1 Just Food For Cats

Available Recipes:

  • Just Cats Fish & Chicken

The Good

  • No subscription needed
  • Available in local stores, vets and retail kitchens
  • They use human grade ingredients from natural sources

The Bad

  • Only one recipe available for cats
  • Must spend $100 to get free shipping
  • Packaging is not user friendly or resealable

Location: USA


Overview

Just Food For Cats falls under the brand “Just Food for Dogs” and was founded by Shawn Buckley in 2010 with four core values: truth, honesty, reason and fact. His intention was to offer human-grade, all-natural food for cats and dogs as well as aim to improve the quality and length of life for as many pets as possible with healthy and balanced meals.

Just Food For Cats offers only one type of cat food currently, Just Cats Fish and Chicken. They also offer Salmon Bark Treats for Cats.

The brand is the top vet-recommended fresh pet food on the market, and two independent universities conducted year-long trials proving their recipes boost the immune system of pets in a healthy way.

Just Food For Cats makes all its food in USDA-inspected kitchens, which are in California, New York, and Washington, and are staffed by full-time food safety experts and nutrition consultants. who can help you choose the best food for your cat. Each recipe includes USDA inspected and approved meats, as well as quality ingredients intended for human consumption. These ingredients are even supplied by the same farms that provide the food we eat at home and sold at restaurants.

Cost

Just Food for Cats fresh-frozen cat food costs $11.45 for one 18-ounce package and the Salmon Bark Cat Treat bags cost $12.95 each. If your cat is between 2 and 10 pounds like mine, this can cost you approximately $2.86 to $3.81 per day.

Remember you need to spend $100 to get free shipping when ordering from the Just Food for Dogs website.

Delivery Options

Just Food for Cats has a website with several options for ordering your cat’s food and having it delivered to your doorstep. You can choose to make a one time purchase or sign up for auto ship and have your cat’s food delivered every 1 to 8 weeks at your choosing. You can change or cancel your auto ship at any time.

Just Food for Cats cat food is available on their website at www.JustFoodForDogs.com. You can also buy it directly at their retail kitchens, select veterinary clinics and hospitals, and Pet Food Express stores in California and save 5% off your purchase.

You might also find Just Food for Cats food in some Petco stores across the United States. You can check their Find a Location tool to find a local store near you that carries the Just Cats food.

Guaranteed Analysis

  • Crude Protein – 12.0% Min
  • Crude Fat – 4.5% Min
  • Crude Fiber – 0.5% Max
  • Moisture – 77.0% Max
  • Calories – 1219 (kcals)

Ingredients

Alaskan Pacific Wild-Caught Cod, Chicken Thighs, Chicken Heart, Chicken Liver, Dried Yuca Root, Atlantic Sardines, Calcium Carbonate, Sodium Chloride, Potassium Chloride, Dried Seaweed Meal.

#2 Smalls Cat Food

Available Recipes:

  • Bird Recipe
  • Other Bird Recipe
  • Cow Recipe

The Good

  • The meat and produce are sourced from US suppliers
  • Grain free recipes
  • Plans for every budget
  • Free shipping

The Bad

  • The food must be refrigerated
  • Website is hard to navigate
  • Food packaged in large portions

Location: Chicago, Illinois


Overview

Matt Michaelson and Calvin Bohn created a simple and wholesome cat food in their East Village apartment in New York. They wanted a basic, fresh food with whole ingredients to become their simple recipes for cats. They outcome was Smalls food for cats that is prepared with 100% human grade ingredients.

Smalls wet food recipes were developed with the help of Susan Lauten, Phd, who owns a Pet Nutrition Consulting firm. All of the ingredients are human grade, and meat and produce are sourced from US suppliers. All Smalls foods meet AAFCO standards.

Cost

The price of Smalls depends on your cat’s needs, the recipes you choose, and your delivery schedule. With this in mind you will be paying about $2.00 to $3.89 per day per cat depending on the plan you choose and not entirely on cat size.

Their goal is to provide cats with a meal plan that is good for both nutrition and affordability. Smalls offers plenty of options to customize your cat’s meal plan to keep you on budget.

Delivery Options

To sign up with Smalls, you will need to create a profile for your cat with the ability to add up to 5 cat profiles. You will be asked to provide each cats current age, health goal, current food type and recipe selection. You also have flexibility on your budget and what you are willing to pay.

Next you will be provided with a recommended meal plan for your cat. You are able to customize your plan if you don’t agree with their selection.

Depending on the plan you choose, you will be given a delivery schedule which is usually every 4 weeks. Your first box will be a taste sampler, if you chose more than one type of food or recipe. You can then change your cats preferences before your next delivery.

Each pack of food you receive is about three days worth of food, so you will want to start defrosting a pack for your cat once your box arrives. You can skip, pause or cancel orders for the month through your account when needed, as well.

Smalls also includes bonus gifts like bone broth or bonito flakes which can be added to food to entice picky cats.

Guaranteed Analysis

  • Crude Protein – 21.2% Min
  • Crude Fat – 8.05% Min
  • Crude Fiber – 0.4% Max
  • Moisture – 66.1% Max
  • Ash – 2.25% Max

Ingredients

Chicken Thigh, Chicken Breast, Chicken Liver, Green Beans, Peas, Water sufficient for processing, Chicken Heart, Kale, Vegetable Oil, Calcium Carbonate, Dicalcium Phosphate, Choline Bitartrate, Salt, Taurine, Magnesium Gluconate, Potassium Chloride, Zinc Gluconate, Ascorbic Acid, Copper Gluconate, Vitamin E Supplement, Manganese Gluconate, Ferrous Gluconate, Niacin, Thiamine Hydrochloride, Vitamin A, Calcium Pantothenate, Riboflavin, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Folic Acid, Selenium,Dried Kelp, Biotin, Vitamin B12.

#3 Raised Right Cat Food

Available Recipes:

  • Turkey Adult Cat Recipe
  • Chicken Adult Cat Recipe

The Good

  • Human-grade cat food
  • Each batch of food is tested for pathogens
  • They use a single animal protein source

The Bad

  • Only two recipes available for cats
  • Meals aren’t pre-portioned
  • Very pricey

Location: USA


Overview

Raised Right is proud to call their pet food human-grade. Every ingredient passes the same standards necessary for human consumption and their products are lightly cooked in USDA-inspected human food facilities. Every batch is lab tested for safety and quality before leaving the production facility.

Working alongside renowned veterinarian Dr. Karen Becker, they designed formulas that deliver complete and balanced nutrition without any unnecessary additives. All of Raised Right’s pet food products are made with human-grade ingredients in USDA-inspected facilities. The food is cooked at low temperatures to kill food-borne pathogens without destroying the nutrient content of the raw ingredients or affecting their moisture content.

What sets Raised Right apart from the competition is the fact that they’re the first company to voluntarily submit a recipe to be tested by Check Your Pet Food. In submitting their Turkey Adult Dog Recipe, Raised Right received confirmation that the guaranteed analysis of the product matches the label, and the nutritional analysis meets AAFCO standards.

Cost

Raised Right is priced at $19.99 for 2 pounds, making the per-pound price about $9.99. You can purchase a full box of eight bags for $19.99 each with free shipping. They also offer a Sample box with 4 – one pound meals (turkey or chicken or both) for $49.95 plus $9.99 shipping.

You can also enter your cat’s details into their website to get an idea about how much a custom meal plan would cost you.

Delivery Options

You can purchase Raised Right cat food through the brand’s website. You have the option to build your own box of eight bags of food or a sample box of two bags. The other option is to use the custom meal planner to create a meal plan of 100% Raised Right, 50%, or 25% Raised Right.

You can also purchase Raised Right through Amazon. There you can choose a full box of eight 2-pound bags or a smaller box of two 2-pound bags.

Guaranteed Analysis

  • Crude Protein – 20%
  • Crude Fat – 9%
  • Crude Fiber – 2%
  • Moisture – 66%

Ingredients:

Chicken Thigh, Chicken Heart, Chicken Liver, Carrots, Organic Spearmint, Blueberries, Cod Liver Oil, Egg Shell Powder, Organic Dried Kelp, Flaxseed Oil, Taurine, Thiamine Mononitrate.

#4 Freshpet Cat Food

Available Recipes:

  • Vital Grain-free
  • Natures Fresh
  • Freshpet Select
  • Select Complete

The Good

  • The meat and produce are sourced from local US suppliers
  • Most recipes are low in carbohydrates
  • Available in local retailers
  • Recipe choices for cats with allergies, health problems and food sensitivities

The Bad

  • Some plant ingredients are used as fillers and proteins
  • The food must be kept cold until served which makes travel difficult
  • Some recipes have high fat content

Location: Bethlehem, Pennsylvania


Overview

Freshpet set out on a mission to revolutionize the way all pets are fed by making fresh, natural food. They put together a team of the best in both pet and human food and in October 2006, they were cooking nutritious, fresh meals for pets. Today over one million pet owners in North America alone, serve their fur-babies Freshpet foods.

Freshpet vows to never use meat meals, powders, preservatives, or additives in their foods. They also partner with shelters and rescues to increase their visibility and provide the pets in their care with the food and resources they need until they find their forever homes. All Freshpet poultry, beef and fish ingredients are sourced from USDA registered suppliers who follow all USDA regulations for safe handling. The poultry used in their Nature’s Fresh recipes are antibiotic and hormone free.

Unlike traditional shelf-stable pet foods, Freshpet ingredients are cooked only once at lower temperatures. In addition, the food does not contain any processed meat meals or by-products, and is made in small batches to preserve the natural goodness of the ingredients.

Cost

Most Freshpet recipes cost around $5 a bag or roll. A 10 pound cat may run you about $4 a day to feed Freshpet food if you follow their feeding guidelines.

Delivery Options

Fresh Pet has a website with several options for ordering your cat’s food and having it delivered to your doorstep via third party services. If you choose to use their website, there is a handy tool called product selector. This questionnaire will take you through a series of questions about your cat, asking for name, sex, weight, energy level and dietary needs.

Otherwise you can find Fresh Pet in big box stores, pet stores and some grocery stores.

Guaranteed Analysis

  • Crude Protein -18%
  • Crude Fat – 10%
  • Crude Fiber – 2%
  • Moisture – 65%

Ingredients:

Chicken, Chicken Liver, Beef, Natural Flavors, Pea Protein, Carrots, Eggs, Spinach, Ocean Whitefish, Pea Fiber, Vinegar, Salt, Potassium Chloride, Beta-Carotene, Taurine,Celery Powder, Choline Chloride, Vitamin E Supplement, Niacin, Thiamine Mononitrate, Calcium Pantothenate, Riboflavin, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Biotin, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Folic Acid, Dicalcium Phosphate, Iron Proteinate, Zinc Proteinate, Manganese Proteinate, Copper Proteinate, Sodium Selenite, Calcium Iodate.

Fresh Cat Food Cost Comparison

CAT FOOD BRAND CAT SIZE MONTHLY COST
Nom Nom 7 to 20 Pounds $ 104.00 to $ 152.00
Smalls 5 to 20 Pounds $ 60.00 to $ 117.00
Just Food for Cats 2 to 10 Pounds $ 85.00 to $ 115.00
Fresh Pet 2 to 10 Pounds $ 80.00 to $ 120.00
Raised Right for Cats 2 to 10 Pounds $ 95.00 to $ 120.00

Final Thoughts

Giving your kitty fresh food that is personalized and made to order offers great health benefits. This means meals are already pre-portioned for your cats age, size and other needs. Fresh food also means less ingredients and no artificial flavors or dyes.

Also the convenience and flexibility of choosing meals, delivery days and pausing and/or cancelling meals, makes last minute runs to the store for cat food a thing of the past. Some fresh food delivery services allow you to stock up for vacation or have food delivered to another location. So, if your cat means that much to you then feeding him human grade food makes sense.

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Amy is the founder of Cat Mania and a Certified NAVC Pet Nutritionist. She is the proud owner of two cats and a dog and her love for animals has led her to a successful career as a freelance writer specializing in pet care, nutrition, and product reviews.
2 Comments
  1. Sad Fresh Cat Food Customer

    We have been using NomNom and Smalls for the past year. I can say we were really excited at first but the customer service for both companies essentially killed our customer relationship. With Smalls, I wanted to decrease our order and also pause our order because cats being cats, they were no longer eating the food. I was still planning on ordering more dry for a friend but when it came to corresponding with the Smalls company, they burned the bridge by saying they essentially didn’t believe my cats were not eating the food because I had ordered so much. I didn’t even understand why that was part of the conversation but, we are no longer customers, sadly. For NomNom, their communication was also the reason we are no longer customers - also, because they changed their offering to chicken only while they ‘reformulate’ (whatever that means) their other selections, we responded we didn’t want any chicken. Instead of pausing our account, they just cancelled it. No effort to try to keep us as over $200 a month customers in any way - they just cancelled us. I only found out when I went to actually add some dog food to my order. So, in essence, looks like there is room for a fresh cat food company to swoop in because if they have a good product AND good customer relation skills - they could be profitable.

    • Cat Mania

      I am sorry this happened to you and am disappointed that customer service for both of these fresh cat food companies failed you. The good news is many fresh cat food companies are popping up which gives you a chance to give your kitties some variety. Maybe consider Raised Right Cat Food or Fresh Pet which can be found in big box retail stores.

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