Smalls Cat Food Review: Ingredients, Varieties, and Benefits

What is Smalls Cat Food?

Smalls Cat Food is a subscription-only cat food service providing fresh human-grade cat formulas. The recipes are protein-rich, filler-free, and appetizing. Smalls creates the food exclusively in USDA-certified kitchens.  

The brand’s motto is “Everything they need. Nothing they don’t,” reflecting Smalls Cat Food’s dedication to quality. The company has been featured in New York, Business Insider, and BuzzFeed. 

Smalls offers vet-formulated and vet-recommended cat food customized to every cat’s needs and preferences. New customers are advised to order a risk-free Sampler package and try the included Smalls cat food recipes.

What are the Key Features of Smalls Cat Food?

The key features of Smalls Cat Food are listed below. 

• Human-Grade Quality: Small Cat Foods’ recipes are human-grade quality, with the ingredients and manufacturing practices complying with the highest hygiene standards. 
• Excellent Ingredients: Smalls Cat Food uses carefully selected, humanely harvested, and sustainably sourced ingredients compatible with cats’ nutritional needs. 
• Minimal Processing: Smalls Cat Food steams the ingredients to lock in nutrients and freezes the meals to retain freshness. 
• Customizable Recipes: Smalls Cat Food lets customers choose between various protein sources and textures to suit cats’ individual preferences. 
• Convenient Delivery: Smalls Cat Foods delivers its recipes to the customer’s doorstep, ensuring a reliable food supply. 

How Does Smalls Cat Food Compare to Other Premium Cat Food Brands?

Smalls Cat Food compares to other premium cat food brands by being superior in ingredient grade and quantity. 

Smalls Cat Food features an above-average protein (over 80%) and low carbohydrate content, while competing cat food providers feature carb-heavy foods with only 50% protein. 

The brand’s cat formulas are free from artificial additives and fillers. Artificial additives are proven to be carcinogenic, and fillers, such as corn, wheat, or soy, are allergenic and difficult to digest.

Smalls Cat Food is rich in moisture, ensuring hydration. Hydration is critical for cats as they are sporadic drinkers. Kibble, on the other hand, is low in moisture. 

The recipes from Smalls Cat Food are minimally processed and resemble a cat’s natural diet. The sole processing methods are steaming for nutrient retention and freezing for maintaining freshness. 

Cat kibble is processed via extrusion, stripping the ingredients of all nutrients. Kibble is coated with artificial flavors to enhance palatability. 

What are the Main Ingredients in Smalls Cat Food?

The main ingredients in Smalls Cat Food are listed below. 

• Real Meat or Fish: The main ingredient in every Smalls recipe is real meat or fish to suit cats’ tastes. Meat and fish options include chicken, turkey, pork, salmon, and cod. 
• Organ Meat: The second ingredient in the formulas is organ meat, such as chicken liver, turkey liver, or pork liver. Animal livers are packed with vitamins and minerals and are an excellent ingredient in cat food. 
• Vegetables: Smalls Cat Food adds fiber-rich vegetables to the recipes. Options include spinach, green beans, pumpkin, dandelion greens, kale, and dried parsley.  
• Dried Yeast: Dried yeast is a protein-rich source of various amino acids and is low in fats and ash. Amino acids are the foundation of proteins, while B vitamins are nutrients found in yeast. 
• Taurine: Smalls Cat Food uses taurine in every recipe. Taurine is an amino acid that cats are unable to produce naturally. Taurine deficiency is associated with fatal health problems, including a type of heart disease called dilated cardiomyopathy. 
• Animal Oils: Animal oils are sustainable pet food ingredients and excellent sources of quality fats. Smalls uses cod liver oil in certain recipes. 
• Vegetable Oils: Vegetable oils are filled with omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. Omegas are vital for development and immunity. Sunflower oil and canola oil are two main vegetable oils found in Smalls Cat Food. 
• Vitamins: Smalls Cat Food contains niacin, vitamin E, vitamin A, vitamin D3, riboflavin, folic acid, vitamin B12, pyridoxine hydrochloride, and biotin. 
• Minerals: Smalls Cat Food contains tricalcium phosphate, potassium chloride, magnesium proteinate, zinc proteinate, copper proteinate, potassium iodide, manganese proteinate, sodium selenite, iron proteinate, calcium carbonate, and sodium selenite. 

Is Smalls Cat Food Raw?

No, Smalls Cat Food is not raw. The brand’s recipes are fresh and minimally processed but always cooked. A raw diet consists of uncooked meat, organs, and edible bones.  

Smalls Cat Food is lightly steamed to lock in nutrients. Steaming is a mild cooking form suitable for freezing. Prepared meals are frozen to preserve freshness and flavor. 

Are the Smalls Products Good for All Cats?

No, Smalls products are not good for all cats. Smalls Cat Food is recommended for healthy cats of all ages. The food is unsuitable for cats with particular health conditions. 

For example, Smalls Cat Food contains too much protein and phosphorus for cats with advanced kidney disease. Consult a veterinarian before starting a new food routine to ensure it is compatible with the cat’s needs.

What are Different Varieties of Smalls Cat Food?

The different varieties of Smalls Cat Food are listed below. 

• Smalls Fresh Bird: Smalls Fresh Bird is a chicken pâté (Smooth) or minced chicken (Ground) recipe with chicken, chicken liver, and green beans. 
• Smalls Fresh Other Bird: Smalls Fresh Other Bird is a turkey pâté (Smooth) or minced turkey (Ground) formula with turkey, turkey liver, and green beans.  
• Smalls Fresh Smooth Fish: Smalls Fresh Smooth Fish is a fine-textured fish pâté formulated with salmon, cod, green beans, and pumpkin.  
• Smalls Fresh Smooth Pig: Smalls Fresh Smooth Pig is a pork pâté featuring pork meat, pork liver, and green beans. 
• Smalls Fresh Smooth Bird & Fish Dish: Smalls Fresh Smooth Bird & Fish Dish is a multi-protein chicken and salmon pâté made with chicken, chicken liver, and salmon. 
• Smalls Human-Grade Fish Broth: Smalls Fish Broth is an appealing cat food topper with wild-caught tuna broth and dried yeast to complement the brand’s recipes. 
• Smalls Human-Grade Bird Broth: Smalls Bird Broth is a chicken broth and dried yeast recipe that is fit for pouring on top of regular cat food for improved palatability. 

How does Smalls Cat Food Address the Specific Health Needs of Cats?

Smalls Cat Food addresses the specific health needs of cats through species-appropriate nutrition. The brand’s recipes are protein-rich and filler-free. The food is easily digestible and reduces fecal levels. 

The formulas help with hairballs, poor coat quality, stomach upsets, frequent vomiting, and joint problems. 

Smalls’ recipes are human-grade and protein-packed, ideal for managing common cat health issues. 88% of customers report health improvements after switching to Smalls. 

What are the Benefits of Feeding Your Cat Smalls Cat Food?

The benefits of feeding your cat Smalls Cat Food are listed below. 

• Improved Coat Quality: Smalls’ balanced nutritive profile reduces hairballs and shedding, producing a silkier coat shine. 78% of customers report shinier and softer fur after using Smalls. 
• Less Odorous Litter Box: Smalls Cat Food’s nutrients support easier digestion. 64% of customers report a less odorous litter box after using Smalls.
• Increased Energy Levels: Smalls’ high protein and moisture content result in stronger bones and muscles. 64% of customers report boosted energy levels in their cats after switching to Smalls. 

What do Customers Say About Smalls Cat Food?

Customers say Smalls Cat Food provides a species-appropriate food choice for cats. Satisfied clients rave about the ingredient quality. Multiple reviewers note improvements in their cats’ digestion after using Smalls products.

The main complaints about Smalls Cat Food are the recurring shipment plan and an inability to contact the support team (until May 2022, the brand lacked live chat or phone support and was only contactable via text or email).

Smalls Cat Food has a Trustpilot rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars based on 2097 reviews. The following are customer comments about the brand.

How Does the Subscription Service for Smalls Cat Food Work?

The subscription service for Smalls Cat Food works by following the instructions below. 

1. Visit the Smalls website. The brand’s website is user-friendly and easy to navigate. Visit the website, create a profile, and click the start button. 
2. Answer a short questionnaire. Answer several simple questions about the cat’s health and taste preferences so that Smalls is able to suggest recipes and meal plans. 
3. Proceed to checkout. Click the checkout button to start the subscription and receive a sampler box. Subscribed users receive free treats, with add-ons such as broths, crochet toys, and a Smallsware container for safe food storage. 
4. Receive the Sampler box. Try the different flavors and textures contained in the Samper box to see which combination the cat prefers. The Sampler box contains enough food for two weeks, sufficient time for the cat to display preferences. 
5. Customize the subscription plan. Tailor the subscription plan to include the desired food flavor and texture. Choose the add-ons and the shipping frequency (Smalls sends food packages weekly, two weeks after the Sampler box).  
6. Make adjustments anytime. Adjust the food delivery frequency, include further add-ons, postpone a shipment, or cancel the subscription at any time through the client’s Account Portal. 

Smalls Cat Food Offer

 

• Start a new subscription and receive free treats for life
• Get 20% off + free shipping on your first order

Check Price

What is the Delivery and Shipping Process for Smalls Cat Food?

The delivery and shipping process for Smalls Cat Food is simple. Orders are processed within six days of subscribing to the service. Smalls offers free shipping in the US (except Hawaii and Alaska).

All orders contain tracking numbers for customers to check the delivery status. Smalls does not offer international shipping and does not ship to P.O. boxes.   

How Much Does Smalls Cat Food Cost?

Smalls Cat Food costs $4 per 5-ounce package. The Sampler box with 10 packs is $40. First-time subscribers get a 20% discount, lowering the cost of the first box to $32.  

Follow-up costs after the Sampler box depend on the meal plan. Smalls Cat Food costs between $1 and $3.50 per day based on the cat’s size and nutritional requirements. 

Smalls offers a money-back guarantee, free shipping, and a free bag of Shameless cat treats with each shipment. The brand has an excellent cost-to-value ratio, considering the formula quality. 

How Can You Transition Your Cat to Smalls Cat Food?

The ways you can transition your cat to Smalls Cat Food are listed below. 

1. Administer Smalls Cat Food exclusively. Feed the cat Smalls recipes exclusively. The so-called “cold-turkey” method, replacing existing food with a new option, is the most efficient way to transition cats. 
2. Gradually introduce Smalls Cat Food. Gradual food adjustments are recommended for cats with sensitive stomachs. Add a portion of Smalls Cat Food to the regular meal and increase the amount until the cat only consumes Smalls. 
3. Warm the Smalls Cat Food formula. Add a splash of hot water or microwave the food for five to ten seconds before serving. Cats prefer foods that are slightly warm or at room temperature. Warmth enhances the food’s palatability. 
4. Layer the Smalls Cat Food with toppers. Add Bird Broth or Fish Broth (available in the Sampler box) to encourage the cat’s appetite. Some cats need persuasion to accept new foods. 
5. Try different Smalls Cat Food recipes. Cats are fussy about food taste and textures. Use the Sampler box to test different recipes and determine the cat’s favorite option. 
6. Be patient when switching to Smalls Cat Food. Give the cat time to adjust to the new food. Cats are habitual, and it takes several weeks for them to fully adjust to new foods. 

What is the Nutritional Profile of Smalls Cat Food?

The nutritional profile of Smalls Cat Food is in accordance with the AAFCO standards. AAFCO, or the Association of American Feed Control Officials, is a private association that establishes nutritional requirements for pet food. AAFCO-approved foods are comprehensive and balanced. 

Smalls Fresh (Smooth and Ground) Bird contains 1411 kcal/kg (200 kcal per 5 oz), 13.0% crude protein, 8.5% crude fat, 1.5% crude fiber, and 73% moisture. 

Smalls Fresh (Smooth and Ground) Other Bird contains 1411 kcal/kg (200 kcal per 5 oz), 14.5% crude protein, 10.0% crude fat, 1.5% crude fiber, and 72% moisture. 

Smalls Fresh Smooth Fish contains 1246 kcal/kg (200 kcal per 5 oz), 15.0% crude protein, 5.0% crude fat, 1.5% crude fiber, and 76% moisture. 

Smalls Fresh Smooth Pig contains 1243 kcal/kg (200 kcal per 5 oz), 16.0% crude protein, 6.0% crude fat, 1.5% crude fiber, and 74% moisture. 

Smalls Fresh Smooth Bird & Fish contains 1411 kcal/kg (200 kcal per 5 oz), 15.0% crude protein, 9.0% crude fat, 1.5% crude fiber, and 73% moisture. 

How Does Smalls Cat Food Ensure the Quality and Safety of Its Products?

Smalls Cat Food ensures the quality and safety of its products through high-quality ingredients and manufacturing practices. The brand only uses USDA-certified cuts of meat in each recipe. 

The remaining ingredients are sustainably sourced from the United States or Canada. Smalls prepares the meals in USDA-certified kitchens in Woodbridge Township, New Jersey.

Each Smalls Cat Food batch is tested for common pathogens. The brand ensures every meal passes several standards of excellence before shipment. 

The meals are frozen and dispatched in boxes with dry ice lasting two to three days to preserve freshness. 

Are There Any Reported Side Effects or Issues with Smalls Cat Food?

No, there are no reported side effects or issues with Smalls Cat Food. The brand’s three main criticisms are its recall history, subscription-only service, and lack of options. 

Smalls Cat Food has been voluntarily recalled twice since its establishment in 2017. The first recall was in 2019, and the second was in 2021. 

Each recipe is only available via subscription through the brand’s website. Smalls Cat Food offers just a handful of recipes packed in 5-ounce bags, limiting variety. 

How Environmentally Friendly Is Smalls Cat Food Packaging?

The Smalls Cat Food packaging is environmentally friendly. Smalls uses 100% recyclable packaging. The insulators that keep the food cold are constructed from biodegradable corn-based styrofoam. 

Remove the insulators from the green plastic bags, place them in the sink, and turn on the water to melt the foam. The green bags covering the insulators and the cardboard are recyclable. 

Can Smalls Cat Food Help with Weight Management in Cats?

Yes, Smalls Cat Food can help with weight management in cats. The recipes are not marketed for weight loss but help support healthy body weight. 

Each formula is rich in protein, converting calories into usable energy. The low carbohydrate content is another factor contributing to weight loss. 

The Smalls recipes are packaged in 5-ounce packages, enabling easy portion control, which is critical for cat weight management. 

Can Smalls Cat Food Cater Different Stages of Cats?

Yes, Smalls Cat Food can cater to different life stages of cats. The brand’s food recipes are not specifically formulated for certain life stages.

The formulas are designed to meet the needs of all cats. Each recipe contains a unique nutritional value and texture, allowing individual tailoring. 

The smooth formulas are suited for kittens, seniors, and cats with dental problems, while the ground recipes are perfect for healthy adult cats who enjoy solid foods. 

Consult a veterinarian if unsure about the specific nutritional needs based on a cat’s age, breed, and lifestyle.