Fresh cat food delivered to your door has become popular. Smalls is one of the best-known fresh cat food brands. This review looks at what it offers.
The Short Answer: Smalls offers fresh and freeze-dried cat food by subscription. Many cats enjoy it. It’s more expensive than traditional food and requires freezer space.
Key Details
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Type | Fresh and freeze-dried cat food |
| Delivery | Subscription |
| Storage | Frozen or refrigerated |
| Cost | Higher than traditional food |
| Life stage | Check current labels |
What It Is and How It Works
Smalls makes cooked fresh cat food with visible meat ingredients, along with freeze-dried options. Food is delivered frozen on a subscription plan, and you thaw portions in the refrigerator before serving.
Fresh food is high in moisture, which can help cats that don’t drink much water. Many cats find it very palatable, which can help picky eaters.
“Fresh” doesn’t automatically mean better nutrition. What matters most is whether a food is complete and balanced for your cat’s life stage and made with good quality control. Check the AAFCO statement for each recipe, and ask the company about its nutritionists and testing. Fresh foods also need careful handling, like any perishable food. See wet vs. dry cat food.
What We Like
- High moisture
- Many cats like it
- Convenient delivery
- Visible ingredients
Drawbacks
- Expensive
- Requires freezer space
- Subscription
- Short shelf life
Switching Foods Safely
Cats can be sensitive to sudden diet changes, and some are very particular about texture and flavor. A gradual switch over 7 to 10 days usually works best:
| Days | Old food | New food |
|---|---|---|
| 1 to 3 | About 75% | About 25% |
| 4 to 6 | About 50% | About 50% |
| 7 to 9 | About 25% | About 75% |
| 10 onward | 0% | 100% |
Go slower if your cat has soft stools or refuses the mix. Never let a cat go without eating for more than a day or so while switching. Cats that stop eating can develop a serious liver condition called hepatic lipidosis, especially if overweight.
Things to Consider Before Buying
- Check the AAFCO statement for each recipe.
- Compare the monthly cost with your budget.
- Make sure you have freezer and fridge space.
- Switch gradually to avoid stomach upset.
- Ask your vet if your cat has health conditions.
Tips for Using It
- Thaw food in the fridge, not on the counter.
- Throw out uneaten fresh food after the time recommended by the company.
- Wash bowls after every meal.
Who It Suits
| Good fit if… | Consider something else if… |
|---|---|
| You want a high-moisture, fresh-style food | You’re on a tight budget |
| Your cat is a picky eater | You don’t have freezer space |
| You like subscription delivery | Your cat needs a prescription diet |
Alternatives to Consider
| Option | How it differs |
|---|---|
| Canned wet food | High moisture at lower cost |
| Other fresh cat food brands | Similar format |
| Freeze-dried complete diets | Shelf-stable, high in protein |
When to Call Your Vet
Contact your vet if:
- Your cat stops eating for more than a day
- Your cat has vomiting or diarrhea after the switch
- Your cat’s weight changes unexpectedly
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Smalls a good cat food?
Many cats enjoy it, and its recipes are labeled as complete and balanced. Whether it’s the best choice depends on your budget, your cat’s health and your vet’s advice.
Is Smalls complete and balanced?
Check the AAFCO statement on each recipe you buy. It tells you whether the food is complete and balanced and for which life stage.
How should I store Smalls?
Keep it frozen until needed, then thaw portions in the refrigerator. Follow the company’s guidance on how long thawed food stays fresh.
Is Smalls expensive?
Fresh cat food generally costs more than canned or dry food. Price depends on your cat’s size and plan.
Can kittens eat Smalls?
Check whether the recipe is labeled for growth or all life stages. Kittens need food formulated for growth.
How do I switch my cat to Smalls?
Mix it with your cat’s current food and increase the share slowly over 7 to 10 days. Some cats switch quickly, while others need more time.
Can I pause or cancel my Smalls subscription?
Subscription terms can change. Check the company’s current policies before signing up.
Is fresh food better than canned food?
Not necessarily. Both can be complete and balanced and high in moisture. Fresh food appeals to some cats and owners, but canned food can meet a cat’s needs at lower cost.
Pet Health Man is independent and isn’t paid by the brands we review. Product formulas, specifications and prices change, so check the current label or the manufacturer’s information before you buy.
This article is for general information only and isn’t a substitute for professional veterinary advice. If you’re worried about your pet’s health, contact your veterinarian or an emergency animal hospital.
