3 Best Fresh Cat Food Delivery Services in 2023

The disparity between fresh food delivery services for dogs and cats is stark. While dogs can dine on a wide array of fresh food delivery services, cat owners often find themselves with limited choices. 

Luckily, there are a few reliable fresh cat food delivery services out there. I did the research work to identify the very best options for your feline friend. For this, I considered factors like ingredient quality, freshness, veterinarian approval, and overall user reviews.

After thorough consideration, Smalls stands out as the best fresh cat food delivery service. It offers recipes that are ultra-high in protein, vet-approved, freshly prepared, and utilize only the highest quality ingredients.

But there are a few other services you may want to consider, too. So make sure to browse my list of the best fresh cat food delivery services to find the best choice for your cat's dietary needs!

The Best Fresh Cat Food Delivery Services Reviewed

1. Smalls – Best Overall Fresh Cat Food Recipes

Smalls’s recipes focus on high-protein and low-carb formulas. In comparison to kibble, which can be filled with empty calories, Smalls's approach ensures your cat maintains a healthy weight and stays fuller for longer. So, if you've been worried about your cat's diet and want something better, this might be the change you're looking for.

Smalls knows cats are picky eaters, so it offers 4 recipes: chicken, turkey, beef, and fish. Each of these recipes comes in 2 textures (smooth and ground) and includes high-quality meat and high-quality nutrients. To learn more about each recipe’s composition, check out my colleague’s in-depth Smalls review.

Only human-grade ingredients are used in Smalls’s recipes. When I say “human-grade,” I mean that the ingredients are fit for human consumption. This ensures that the food you're providing to your cat is of the highest quality, essentially giving them the kind of meal that you'd want for yourself.

You won't find any preservatives or artificial flavors in Smalls. I appreciate that the company sticks to natural ingredients, eliminating any potential health risks associated with chemicals or artificial additives. This is a feature I believe is crucial for maintaining the overall health of our feline friends.

Besides high-quality fresh food, you also get free treats with your first Smalls order. I was pleased to find that these treats aren't just filler but crunchy, bite-sized morsels made with chicken, sweet potatoes, and catnip. It's a delightful bonus that your cat will surely love.

Another thing that sets Smalls apart is the gentle cooking method used for the meals. This way, the company makes sure all the proteins and tastes stay in the food. It’s also the reason why there’s no need for artificial flavors – the recipes already have the right flavor from the natural ingredients.

I also like that first-time buyers get a sampler with all the recipes and textures. I think this is a smart move, as it allows you to gauge which recipes your cat prefers the most. You can watch your cat’s reaction to each recipe and then decide on future orders based on their favorites.

Smalls is reasonably priced, starting at <$2 per meal per day. Of course, the price can vary depending on your cat’s needs. However, with Smalls, you're not just getting quality but also an option that doesn't break the bank. 

2. Raised Right – Great for Holistic, Balanced Meals

Raised Right offers fresh food made with human-grade ingredients for dogs and cats. Each dish is low in carbs and carefully formulated in collaboration with veterinarians to make sure your furry friends get all the nutrients they need. Plus, the recipes use limited ingredients that are easy to recognize.

Raised Right offers 4 recipes for adult cats. These are Original Chicken, Original Turkey, Turkey & Pumpkin Paté, and Chicken & Pumpkin Paté. Each recipe includes high-quality meat and a mixture of nutrients and vitamins adult cats need to grow happy and healthy. 

It’s important to understand just what goes into your pet’s food. To learn more about recipe composition, check out my colleague’s Raised Right review. 

It was refreshing to see that most recipes contain less than 2% carbs. The company doesn’t use any high-carb fillers like potato, rice, oats, and wheat and stays away from preservatives. You can trust that your furry friend will get meals rich in essential nutrients, not empty calories.

Raised Right takes ingredient sourcing seriously and is very transparent about it. You can use the map provided on the website to trace every ingredient back to its source. This way, it’s easier to make sure your cat’s food comes from a reputable source.

I also appreciate the company’s commitment to safety – every batch undergoes lab testing. Before any batch hits the market, it's tested for pathogens. This step ensures the food is not just nutritious but also safe for your pet's consumption.

All the Raised Right recipes undergo gentle cooking in human-grade facilities. This low-temperature cooking process not only meets USDA pathogen kill-step standards but also maintains moisture and preserves nutritional integrity. It's reassuring to know that the same care that goes into human food production is extended to our pets' meals.

Pricing starts at $9.99/bag per day. Plus, if you're ordering a full box, which contains 16 bags weighing 16 oz each, shipping is free. While it might seem a tad more expensive, depending on your cat's consumption rate, it remains a feasible choice for many pet owners committed to quality.

3. We Feed Raw – Best for Natural Raw Feeding

We Feed Raw specializes in fresh raw meals for dogs and cats. Although many of its recipes are promoted primarily for dogs, it's worth noting that cats, being obligate carnivores, can benefit immensely from these raw diets. This diet taps into the natural diet of felines, bringing them closer to their ancestral roots.

The menu features 6 recipes – venison, lamb, duck, turkey, beef, and chicken. Each is a single-protein formula developed with the expertise of We Feed Raw’s on-site Ph.D. Nutritionist. And, while there aren't dedicated cat meal plans, you can easily buy 5 lb bulk patties and portion them according to your cat's needs.

Only human-grade meat ingredients find their way into these recipes. I was impressed to discover that there aren’t any preservatives or high-carb fillers. The primary components are muscle meat, organ meat, and finely ground raw meaty bones, ensuring a wholesome meal for your cat.

Even more, all recipes exceed the AAFCO taurine requirement naturally. This means that We Feed Raw doesn't add additional taurine to its meals. According to my colleague’s We Feed Raw review, these recipes are the most minimally processed on the market. Plus, the meals are never cooked or heated, which makes them easy to digest for dogs and cats.

Each recipe includes USDA human-grade meats. Knowing the stringent criteria of USDA, you can be confident about the quality you're feeding your cat. Overall, it's clear that We Feed Raw puts emphasis on providing complete and balanced raw meals.

You don’t have to worry about shipping either – We Feed Raw offers nationwide free cold shipping. The recipes are maintained in a chilled environment and then frozen for shipping. This ensures that the bioavailability of the food isn’t altered in any way.

Overall, safety is evident in every step of the process. All recipes not only comply with AAFCO recommendations but also undergo cold-pressure treatment. This reduces the presence of harmful pathogens like Salmonella and E. coli, making it safe for your cat's consumption.

The starting price is $6.59/lb per day – bulk orders can get you a better deal. Just a note – if you decide to stock up, ensure you've got lots of freezer space to store these nutritious delights.

Bonus: JustFoodForDogs – Fresh Pet Food Made Right

JustFoodForDogs focuses on whole, human-grade meals for dogs and cats. The company’s approach to fresh food is straightforward – gently cooked meals that maximize nutrient absorption, putting the health and well-being of pets at the forefront.

However, the company mainly targets dogs and only offers 1 fresh cat food recipe and 1 treat. The solitary cat recipe is named Fish & Chicken and is ideal for adult cats. This high-protein recipe is free from gluten and grains, making it a prime choice for cats with allergies or sensitive gastrointestinal tracts. 

The recipe includes a variety of animal proteins and features 42 calories per ounce. If you choose to try it, your cat will enjoy a mixture of wild-caught Alaska Pacific cod, chicken thighs, chicken hearts, chicken liver, and sardines. The carbohydrate source is limited to tapioca starch. 

The Fish & Chicken recipe and the treats meet AAFCO standards for adult cat nutrition. The treat is made from wild-caught salmon and features a low-fat formulation. Especially if your cat has food sensitivities, these treats could be a fantastic choice, given their straightforward ingredients and minimal processing.

Overall, JustFoodForDogs is adamant about using fresh whole food ingredients. According to my colleague’s well-detailed JustFoodForDogs review, there are no additives or preservatives in any of the recipes. What you see is what you get – pure, unadulterated, nutrient-rich food for your feline (or dog) companion.

This is possible due to JustFoodForDogs’s robust team standing behind each recipe. The team includes nutritionists, veterinarians, food formulators, and a plethora of other pet food specialists who make sure all the recipes are nothing short of the best for your pets’ well-being.

Pricing is kept competitive at $6.45 per day, and you’ll get a better price if you buy in bulk. JustFoodForDogs tries to keep prices affordable so more pets can relish in the benefits of fresh, nourishing food.

Quick Comparison Table

Tips for Choosing the Best Fresh Cat Food Delivery Services

To determine the best fresh cat food delivery services, I used several criteria, such as recipe variety, ingredient quality, and affordability.  Here’s a short description of each:

• Consider the number of available recipes for cats: A variety of recipes ensures that your cat doesn't tire of the same flavor and gets a balanced diet. Smalls, for instance, offers multiple recipes that can cater to the taste preferences and nutritional needs of different felines.

• Check if the ingredients are human-grade: This indicates that the food is of high quality and safe for consumption. Raised Right, as an example, emphasizes using human-grade ingredients, ensuring the meals are both nutritious and trustworthy.

• Check the quality of nutrients and caloric content: Cats have specific dietary requirements. You'll want to ensure they're getting the right balance of nutrients and not just empty calories. We Feed Raw champions this, focusing on high-quality nutrients and adhering to AAFCO recommendations for all life stages.

• Consider the price per serving: While quality is paramount, affordability matters too. Smalls is a service that manages to strike a balance between offering high-quality recipes and maintaining competitive pricing, making it a good choice for consistent feeding.

FAQ

What is the most affordable fresh cat food delivery service?

Smalls offers competitive pricing starting at <$2 per meal per day per cat. While the price can vary depending on specific recipes and plans, its affordability makes it a standout choice for cat owners who want to ensure their feline friends get quality nutrition without breaking the bank.

What’s the best fresh cat food delivery service?

Raised Right is well-known for its holistic approach to pet food. The company focuses on balanced meals made with human-grade ingredients. Plus, it collaborates with veterinarians to make sure the recipes are both nutritious and tasty.

What’s the healthiest fresh cat food delivery service?

We Feed Raw emphasizes natural raw feeding with single-protein nutritious formulas. This approach ensures cats get a diet closest to their natural consumption habits. The absence of preservatives and high-carb fillers guarantees that your cat is eating meals that prioritize their health.

Best Fresh Cat Food Delivery Services in 2023 — Final Score