Hey there, fellow cat enthusiasts! Today, I want to chat about something close to our feline friends’ hearts (and stomachs) – Smalls Cat Food. If you’re anything like me, you probably spend a lot of time pondering over what’s in your cat’s food bowl. After all, we want our purring pals to live their nine lives to the fullest, right? So, let’s dive into the world of Smalls Cat Food and see what makes it stand out in the crowded pet food market.
What is Smalls Cat Food?
Smalls is a brand that’s been making waves in the cat food industry with its emphasis on high-quality, human-grade ingredients. Born out of a Manhattan kitchen in 2017 by Matt Michaelson and Calvin Bohn, Smalls began as a homemade project but has since grown to be produced in a commercial facility near Chicago. The real kicker? They source their ingredients from places like the USDA certified London Meat Co. and good old grocery stores for veggies. Talk about keeping it real and traceable!
Now, let’s get into the nitty-gritty of their product lineup. As of my latest scoop, Smalls offers a range of fresh cat foods in various textures – smooth, ground, and pulled. These come in several protein options like chicken, turkey, beef, and fish. They used to offer freeze-dried cat food and kibble until mid-2023, but now they’re fully focused on fresh cat food. Each meal is carefully cooked, then frozen to lock in that freshness and nutrition. And for the cherry on top, each subscription box comes with free treats for life – a delightful bonus for your furry friend.
Quality and Ingredients
When it comes to quality, Smalls isn’t playing around. They ensure freshness by cooking with ingredients bought the same day and then freezing the food immediately. This approach also allows them to avoid the need for heavy processing and preservatives, giving your cat a meal that’s as close to natural as possible.
The ingredient list reads like a gourmet menu. Take, for example, their Fresh Smooth Fish recipe, which includes cod and salmon as the primary proteins, along with pumpkin, nutritional yeast, peas, and green beans. Or the Fresh Ground Bird recipe, featuring chicken muscle meat and liver, green beans, kale, and dandelion greens. These ingredients are not only high in protein but also rich in essential nutrients and moisture, making them a fantastic choice for our feline friends.
Nutritional Value
Smalls Cat Food packs a punch in the nutrition department. Their recipes boast high protein levels with the Fresh Smooth Fish recipe containing about 55.8% protein on a dry matter basis. This is significantly higher than average when compared to typical fresh cat food, indicating a commitment to providing species-appropriate nutrition.
Moreover, their foods are formulated to meet the AAFCO Cat Food Nutrient Profiles for all life stages, ensuring a well-rounded diet for your cat. They also focus on using low-glycemic vegetables like kale and spinach, keeping the carbohydrate content low and manageable for our obligate carnivore companions.
Variety and Flavors
Now, let’s talk variety because, let’s face it, our feline friends can be quite the picky eaters. Smalls steps up to the plate here with an array of flavors that could tempt even the fussiest of felines. Picture this: your cat, usually unimpressed by the usual fare, suddenly perks up at the sight of a Smalls meal. Whether it’s the Smooth Bird – a chicken pâté that’s as smooth as jazz, or the Ground Other Bird – a diced turkey delight, Smalls seems to have cracked the code on feline food preferences.
Remember my friend’s cat, Mr. Whiskers? He used to turn his nose up at almost everything. But when introduced to Smalls’ Smooth Fish – a fish pâté – he transformed into the most enthusiastic diner you’ve ever seen. It’s like watching a food critic being pleasantly surprised by an unexpected gourmet dish.
Packaging and Sustainability
In today’s world, we’re all trying to make more environmentally friendly choices, and Smalls understands this. Their packaging is not just about keeping the food fresh; it’s also about sustainability. Think of it as getting your cat’s dinner in a package that Mother Nature would nod approvingly at. The food arrives in eco-friendly, recyclable materials, showing that Smalls cares as much about the planet as they do about pet nutrition.
Pricing and Value
Let’s talk money, because quality cat food is an investment in our furry friends’ health. While Smalls might be on the pricier side compared to your average store-bought cat food, what you’re getting is far from average. Imagine you’re choosing between a fast-food meal and a dish from a gourmet restaurant for yourself. The price difference is justified by the quality of the ingredients and the care in preparation – it’s the same concept with Smalls.
Customer Reviews and Feedback
Hearing from other cat parents really puts things into perspective. Most reviews echo a sentiment of satisfaction and noticeable health benefits in their cats. Of course, there are a few who aren’t as thrilled, mostly due to the cost or the cat’s personal taste – after all, no brand can be a universal hit.
Feeding Trials and Veterinarian Opinions
Now, for the scientific backing. Smalls isn’t just a hit with cat parents; it has also garnered positive feedback from veterinarians. After all, when a vet nods in approval, you know you’re on the right track. Feeding trials have shown positive outcomes, reinforcing the brand’s commitment to quality and nutrition.
Availability and Accessibility
One of the great things about Smalls is its accessibility. While it’s exclusively available online, the ordering process is a breeze – user-friendly and efficient. Plus, with their home delivery service, it’s like having a cat food concierge at your service.
Conclusion
Wrapping up, Smalls Cat Food seems like a gastronomic delight for our feline friends. With its focus on high-quality ingredients, nutritional value, variety, and eco-friendly practices, it’s a brand that cat lovers can feel good about. While the price point might be higher, the investment in your cat’s health could be well worth it.
So, as you ponder over your cat’s next meal, consider what Smalls has to offer. It’s not just about filling a bowl; it’s about nourishing a life.
