8 Best Freeze-Dried Cat Foods of 2024: Vet-Approved Reviews & Top Picks
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As a cat owner, finding the best nutrition for your feline friend is essential. Freeze-dried cat food has gained popularity in recent years as it offers high-quality ingredients and a long shelf life while retaining the natural flavors cats love. In this article, we’ll explore the top freeze-dried cat foods of 2024 based on reviews to help you make an informed decision for your furry companion.
A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites in 2024
| Rating | Image | Product | Details | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Best Overall
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Nulo FreeStyle Chicken & Salmon Recipe |
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Best Value
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BIXBI RAWBBLE Turkey Recipe |
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Premium Choice
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Stella & Chewy's Chick Chick Chicken Dinner |
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| Best for Kittens |
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Instinct Original Kitten Grain-Free Recipe |
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Primal Freeze Dried Cat Food Nuggets 2024 |
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The 8 Best Freeze-Dried Cat Foods
1. Nulo FreeStyle Chicken & Salmon Recipe Freeze-Dried Raw Cat Food – Best Overall
| Main ingredients: | Chicken, Salmon, Chicken Necks |
| Protein content: | 46% |
| Fat content: | 23% |
| Calories: | 200 kcal/cup |
Nulo FreeStyle Chicken & Salmon Recipe Freeze-Dried Raw Cat Food can be fed on its own or as a topper for your cat’s other food. It’s grain-free and made from 98% animal ingredients, as well as contains spinach, cranberries, and other ingredients for added vitamins and minerals. This food is highly rated by users and many say that even their picky cats loved it. But just in case, it also comes in a turkey and duck flavor as well. We think it’s the best overall freeze-dried cat food.
- Grain-free
- Contains 98% animal ingredients
- Can be used own its own or as a topper
- Some cats may not like the chicken and salmon flavor
2. BIXBI RAWBBLE Turkey Recipe Grain-Free Freeze-Dried Cat Food – Best Value
| Main ingredients: | Turkey with Ground Bone, Turkey Gizzard, Turkey Liver |
| Protein content: | 49% |
| Fat content: | 29% |
| Calories: | 197 kcal/cup |
BIXBI RAWBBLE Turkey Recipe Grain-Free Freeze-Dried Cat Food is made from real, fresh turkey and organs. This grain-free food makes a great choice for cats that are sensitive to grains, and it’s loaded with probiotics to support digestion. It also contains no artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives—just wholesome nutrition your cat will love! We think it’s the best freeze-dried cat food for the money. However, some cats may not like the turkey flavor, but it does come in other flavors as well.
- Grain-free recipe
- Real turkey as the first ingredient
- Fortified with probiotics
- No artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives
- Some cats may not like the turkey flavor
3. Stella & Chewy’s Chick Chick Chicken Dinner Morsels Freeze-Dried Raw Cat Food – Premium Choice
| Main ingredients: | Chicken, Chicken Liver, Chicken Gizzard |
| Protein content: | 45% |
| Fat content: | 25% |
| Calories: | 182 kcal/cup |
Stella & Chewy’s Chick Chick Chicken Dinner Morsels are an excellent choice for cats that need a high-protein, freeze-dried raw diet. It contains 45% protein and is low in calories, so it’s great for overweight cats as well. Not only is it made with responsibly sourced ingredients, but the freeze-dried nature of the food helps to lock in all of those juicy flavors that cats crave! Plus, this formula contains added vitamins and minerals to help keep your cat healthy. We think it’s the best overall freeze-dried cat food, but it is a little expensive compared to other options.
- High-quality protein sources
- Freeze-dried for flavor and nutritional retention
- Added vitamins and minerals for optimal health
- Expensive compared to other options
4. Instinct Original Kitten Grain-Free Recipe with Real Chicken Freeze-Dried Food – Best for Kittens
| Main ingredients: | Chicken, Turkey Meal, Menhaden Fish Meal, Peas |
| Protein content: | 42.5% |
| Fat content: | 22.5% |
| Calories: | 557 kcal/cup |
Instinct Original Kitten Grain-Free Recipe Freeze-Dried Food is our pick for the best food for kittens. This food contains meat-based protein as the first three ingredients and it is also grain-free, ensuring that it meets your kitten’s nutritional needs. It also contains probiotics for healthy digestion and natural DHA for brain and eye development. Even though it is high in calories compared to other foods, note that kittens need more calories than adult cats and traditional freeze-dried foods may not meet these needs. The only downside is that some users say their kitten wouldn’t eat this food.
- Meat as first 3 ingredients
- Contains probiotics for healthy digestion
- DHA for brain development
- Some kittens may not eat it
5. Primal Freeze-Dried Nuggets Feline Turkey Formula
| Main ingredients: | Turkey, Turkey Livers, Organic Pumpkin Seeds |
| Protein content: | 48% |
| Fat content: | 22% |
| Calories: | 123 kcal/oz |
Primal Freeze-Dried Feline Turkey Formula is made with antibiotic, hormone, and steroid-free turkey, along with other organic produce, providing the necessary nutrients for cats’ growth and development. This freeze-dried cat food also supplements to support your cat’s overall health. It’s made in the USA and is free from grains, wheat, corn, and soy. We think it’s the best overall freeze-dried cat food this year, but some cats may not like the turkey flavor. If that’s the case, this food also comes in six other flavors.
- Formulated for kittens
- High in protein
- Contains organic produce and supplements
- May be too rich for some kittens
6. Feline Natural Freeze-Dried Chicken & Lamb Feast
| Main ingredients: | Chicken, Lamb Heart, Lamb Kidney |
| Protein content: | 48% |
| Fat content: | 31% |
| Calories: | 185 kcal/cup |
Feline Natural Freeze-Dried Chicken & Lamb Feast features a combination of high-quality chicken and lamb as protein sources. It’s made up of 98% fresh meat and organs and is high in protein for your cat. This grain-free formula also includes New Zealand green-lipped mussels for added omega-3 fatty acids, supporting joint health and overall well-being. The only downside is that some cats may not like the taste of this particular recipe. But, this food comes in other flavors as well in case your cat doesn’t like chicken.
- High-quality protein sources
- Grain-free
- Contains omega-3 fatty acids
- Some cats may not like the taste
7. Nature’s Diet Ultimate Raw Duck and Herring Freeze Dried Cat Food
| Main ingredients: | Duck Meal, Herring Meal, Field Peas, Lentils |
| Protein content: | 40% |
| Fat content: | 17% |
| Calories: | 489 kcal/cup |
Nature’s Diet Ultimate Raw Duck and Herring Freeze Dried Cat Food is a great affordable option for cats that enjoy raw food. Made with duck meal and herring meal as the primary protein sources, this freeze-dried cat food also contains added vitamins and minerals to provide complete nutrition. Plus, it’s grain-free so it’s suitable for cats with sensitivities or allergies. However, it does contain peas and lentils and some cats may not like the duck flavor, they may not eat it due to these three ingredients. It’s also significantly higher in calories than other freeze-dried foods on this list.
- High in protein
- Affordable
- Contains added vitamins and minerals
- Some cats may not like the flavor
- Higher in calories than other foods
8. Instinct Raw Boost Mixers Chicken Recipe
| Main ingredients: | Chicken, Chicken Liver, Pumpkin Seeds |
| Protein content: | 36% |
| Fat content: | 26% |
| Calories: | 16 kcal/tbsp |
Instinct Raw Boost Mixers Chicken Recipe offers a versatile option to incorporate freeze-dried nutrition into your cat’s diet. These mixers can be added as a topper to your cat’s regular food or offered as a treat. Made with cage-free chicken and nutrient-rich pumpkin seeds, this recipe supports digestive health and overall well-being. However, considering that this food is designed more as a meal topper, it may not meet all of your cat’s nutritional needs. It’s also a little pricey for what it is.
- Versatile as a mixer or treat
- High-quality protein source
- Supports digestive health
- Pricey
- Not a standalone meal
Buyer’s Guide: Choosing the Best Freeze-Dried Cat Food
Freeze-dried cat food has become increasingly popular among pet owners as it offers a convenient and nutritious option for feeding cats. This buyer’s guide will help you understand everything about freeze-dried cat food, so you can make an informed decision when shopping for your feline friend.
What Is Freeze-Dried Cat Food?
Freeze-dried cat food is a type of pet food that has undergone a process called freeze-drying or lyophilization. This process removes moisture from the food while preserving the nutritional content, making it lightweight, shelf-stable, and easy to store.
Benefits of Freeze-Dried Cat Food
- Nutrient Preservation: Freeze-drying helps retain most of the original nutrients in the food, ensuring that your cat receives the essential vitamins, minerals, and amino acids they need.
- Long Shelf Life: Due to the removal of moisture, freeze-dried cat food can be stored for a long time without refrigeration, making it perfect for emergencies or travel.
- Convenience: Freeze-dried cat food is easy to prepare – just add water to rehydrate the food before serving it to your cat.
- High-Quality Ingredients: Many freeze-dried cat foods use high-quality, human-grade ingredients, providing your cat with a delicious and healthy meal.
- Limited Processing: Unlike other types of pet food, freeze-dried cat food undergoes minimal processing, which helps maintain the natural flavors and textures of the ingredients.
Factors to Consider When Buying Freeze-Dried Cat Food
Ingredients
Look for freeze-dried cat food made with high-quality, natural ingredients. At least the first ingredient should be a protein source, such as chicken, turkey, or fish. Avoid artificial preservatives, colors, and flavors, as well as fillers like corn, wheat, or soy.
Nutritional Content
Ensure the freeze-dried cat food meets your cat’s nutritional needs by checking the guaranteed analysis on the label. Look for a high protein content, moderate fat, and low carbohydrate levels. The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) provides guidelines for the minimum nutrient requirements for cats, which can be helpful when comparing different products. All cat foods that are nutritionally acceptable for cats should have the AAFCO seal of approval on the packaging.
Price and Value
Freeze-dried cat food can be more expensive than other types of pet food. Consider the price per serving, the quality of ingredients, and the ease of preparation to determine if it’s worth the investment for your cat’s health and your convenience.
Allergies and Sensitivities
If your cat has food allergies or sensitivities, look for a freeze-dried cat food made with limited ingredients and without common allergens such as grains, dairy, or artificial additives.
Brand Reputation
Choose a reputable brand that is known for producing high-quality, safe, and nutritionally balanced freeze-dried cat food. Check customer reviews and recall history to ensure the brand is trustworthy.
Remember to consult your veterinarian before making any significant changes to your cat’s diet. They can help you determine if freeze-dried cat food is the right choice for your feline friend and provide specific recommendations based on your cat’s unique needs.
Conclusion
After reviewing the top freeze-dried cat foods of 2024, our top pick is Nulo FreeStyle Chicken & Salmon Recipe Freeze-Dried Raw Cat Food Smalls Freeze-Dried Water Bird Cat Food for its high-quality ingredients and nutritional content. For the best value option, we like BIXBI RAWBBLE Turkey Recipe Grain-Free Freeze-Dried Cat Food. Stella & Chewy’s Chick Chick Chicken Dinner Morsels is a great premium choice for your cat. These options cater to various needs and preferences, ensuring that you can find the perfect freeze-dried cat food for your feline friend.
Featured Image Credit: Photo_Olivia, Shutterstock
