Best Freeze-Dried Cat Food
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Cat food comes in all shapes and forms, not to mention a wide variety of flavors. With so many options to choose from, how can you possibly pick just one?
The best course of action is to choose a high-quality and nutritious option that provides for your cat’s nutritional needs. Freeze-dried cat food is a healthy option that may cost a bit more than traditional kibble but offers numerous benefits to make it worth it.
Keep reading to learn more about the benefits of freeze-dried cat food and what to look for. You’ll also receive our top 5 picks for the best freeze-dried cat food.
What Are The Benefits Of Freeze-dried Cat Food?
Freeze-dried cat food is not cooked at high temperatures like traditional kibble. The extrusion process through which commercial kibble is made involves cooking the ingredients at high heat in a process that destroys some of the original nutritional quality of the raw ingredients. Freeze-dried cat food is made using an entirely different process that preserves more of that nutritional integrity.
Compare Best Freeze-Dried Cat Food
|
Overall Best
1. Stella & Chewy's Chick Chick Chicken Dinner Morsels Freeze-Dried Raw Cat Food |
Best Affordable
2. Instinct Raw Boost Grain-Free Recipe with Real Chicken & Freeze-Dried Raw Coated Pieces Dry Cat Food |
Best For Grain Free
3. Primal Chicken & Salmon Formula Nuggets Grain-Free Raw Freeze-Dried Cat Food |
Best For Topper
4. Instinct Raw Boost Mixers Chicken Recipe Grain-Free Freeze-Dried Cat Food |
Best For Allergies
5. Vital Essentials Chicken Mini Nibs Entree Freeze-Dried Cat Food |
|
Protein
45% Min |
Protein
41% Min |
Protein
49% Min |
Protein
36% Min |
Protein
55% Min |
|
Fat
25% Min |
Fat
22% Min |
Fat
26% Min |
Fat
26% Min |
Fat
27% Min |
|
Fiber
5% Max |
Fiber
3.5% Max |
Fiber
2% Max |
Fiber
15% Max |
Fiber
1% Max |
|
Life Stage
Adult |
Life Stage
Adult |
Life Stage
Adult |
Life Stage
Adult |
Life Stage
All Life Stages |
|
Type
Freeze-Dried |
Type
Dry Food, Freeze-Dried |
Type
Freeze-Dried |
Type
Food Topping, Freeze-Dried |
Type
Freeze-Dried |
|
Made In
United States |
Made In
United States |
Made In
United States |
Made In
United States |
Made In
United States |
In order to freeze-dry cat food, manufacturers remove moisture from the raw ingredients, effectively rendering the product shelf-stable without actually cooking it. This is a different process from creating dehydrated cat food, which involves cooking the food at very low temperature for an extended period of time to remove moisture.
Here are some of the benefits of freeze-dried cat food:
- It is usually made with high-quality, natural ingredients like real meat, fruits, and vegetables.
- It is a more convenient option than raw food but offers similar nutritional quality.
- It has a longer shelf-life than fresh and frozen foods, similar to traditional kibble.
- It retains more of the original nutritional quality and natural flavor than kibble.
Though freeze-dried food has many benefits, it is more expensive than kibble, and some cats don’t like the texture of it. Keeping all of these things in mind, you’re now ready to learn how to choose the best freeze-dried cat food. Here’s what you need to know:
How To Choose The Best Freeze-dried Cat Food?
When shopping for freeze-dried cat food, you should keep in mind that there are different kinds. Not all freeze-dried cat foods are raw, though many are. Keep in mind as well that some freeze-dried products are intended to be used as food toppers or treats rather than a staple diet for your cat. Be mindful of these things when shopping for freeze-dried cat food to ensure that you get the right product.
Here are some things to look for in a freeze-dried cat food:
- High-quality, natural ingredients. To ensure the quality of freeze-dried food, look for high-quality, natural ingredients. Whole-food ingredients are the most biologically valuable and nutritious ingredients for your cat.
- Real animal protein. Cats are obligate carnivores, so protein is the most important nutrient, and it should come primarily from animal sources like poultry, meat, and fish.
- Rich in healthy fats. Fat provides a concentrated source of energy for your cat as well as support for healthy skin and coat. Look for animal-based fats like chicken fat and salmon oil.
- Fresh fruits and vegetables. Real fruits and vegetables provide a natural source of key vitamins and minerals in a more digestible and biologically valuable way than synthetic supplements, though these can still be included to ensure optimal nutritional balance.
- Complete and balanced nutrition. Check the food package for an AAFCO statement of nutritional adequacy – this will tell you whether the product is intended as a staple diet or if it is only recommended for supplemental feeding.
Our Top Picks For The Best Freeze-Dried Cat Food
Keep reading to see our top 5 recommendations for the best freeze-dried cat food.
Freeze-dried cat food offers a healthy, nutritious alternative to raw food that is also shelf-stable and easier to store and feed. If you’re looking for freeze-dried cat food, keep your cat’s minimum nutritional requirements in mind and look for a recipe made with wholesome, natural ingredients.
Stella & Chewy's Chick Chick Chicken Dinner Morsels Freeze-Dried Raw Cat Food
Product Info
- Protein: 45% Min
- Fat: 25% Min
- Fiber: 5% Max
- Life Stage: Adult
- Type: Freeze-Dried
- Made In: United States
Guaranteed Analysis
Dry Matter Basis
- Freeze-dried morsels are easy to feed
- Made of 98% chicken ingredients
- Gluten-free and grain-free for digestibility
- Very expensive to feed as a staple diet
- Some cats dislike the texture of freeze-dried food
Instinct Raw Boost Grain-Free Recipe with Real Chicken & Freeze-Dried Raw Coated Pieces Dry Cat Food
Product Info
- Protein: 41% Min
- Fat: 22% Min
- Fiber: 3.5% Max
- Life Stage: Adult
- Type: Dry Food, Freeze-Dried
- Made In: United States
Guaranteed Analysis
Dry Matter Basis
- High-protein kibble and freeze-dried raw pieces
- Real cage-free chicken as the first ingredient
- Highly digestible and loaded with protein
- Not completely a freeze-dried recipe
- Significantly more expensive than traditional kibble
Primal Chicken & Salmon Formula Nuggets Grain-Free Raw Freeze-Dried Cat Food
Product Info
- Protein: 49% Min
- Fat: 26% Min
- Fiber: 2% Max
- Life Stage: Adult
- Type: Freeze-Dried
- Made In: United States
Guaranteed Analysis
Dry Matter Basis
- Made of 90% chicken, salmon, organs, and bone
- Completely free from gluten and grains
- No corn, wheat, soy, or artificial additives at all
- Significantly more expensive than traditional kibble
- Some cats may be allergic or sensitive to chicken ingredients
Instinct Raw Boost Mixers Chicken Recipe Grain-Free Freeze-Dried Cat Food
Product Info
- Protein: 36% Min
- Fat: 26% Min
- Fiber: 15% Max
- Life Stage: Adult
- Type: Food Topping, Freeze-Dried
- Made In: United States
Guaranteed Analysis
Dry Matter Basis
- Real cage-free chicken as the main ingredient
- Easy to feed, simply pour over kibble
- Grain-free and made with all-natural ingredients
- Some cats may be allergic or sensitive to chicken ingredients
- Not intended as a staple diet, supplemental feeding only
Vital Essentials Chicken Mini Nibs Entree Freeze-Dried Cat Food
Product Info
- Protein: 55% Min
- Fat: 27% Min
- Fiber: 1% Max
- Life Stage: All Life Stages
- Type: Freeze-Dried
- Made In: United States
Guaranteed Analysis
Dry Matter Basis
- Limited number of main ingredients
- Primary ingredients are whole meat, organs, and bone
- Highly digestible and high nutritional quality
- Some cats dislike the freeze-dried texture of the food
- Some cats may be sensitive or allergic to chicken ingredients
Final Remarks
Freeze-dried cat food is a great option for your cat if you’re looking for a product that offers high-quality nutrition without the hassle of raw food. It is a shelf-stable option that is not cooked at high temperatures, and it comes in a wide range of flavors and formulas.
Now that you understand what freeze-dried cat food is and what to look for, you’re ready to start shopping! If you’re not sure where to start, try one of our top 5 picks reviewed above!
