Understanding Smalls Cat Food
The cornerstone of a happy and healthy feline companion is undoubtedly proper nutrition. In recent years, there’s been a significant shift in pet owner awareness, leading to a surge in popularity for fresh, human-grade pet food options. Among these rising stars is Smalls, a subscription-based cat food company specializing in fresh, undeniably appealing wet food formulations. But with so many options available, and Smalls commanding a premium price point, a crucial question arises: Is Smalls wet cat food genuinely worth the hype and, perhaps more importantly, the investment?
This review aims to provide you with a comprehensive and unbiased evaluation of Smalls wet cat food. We’ll delve into its ingredients, explore its variety of flavors, weigh its potential benefits, analyze its cost, and consider the real-world experiences of other cat owners. Whether you’re actively seeking healthier alternatives for your feline friend, seriously contemplating a Smalls subscription, or simply exploring the landscape of high-quality cat food brands, this review is designed to equip you with the knowledge you need to make an informed decision.
Smalls isn’t just another cat food company; it’s a brand built on a foundation of clear values: freshness, human-grade ingredients, and a convenient subscription model. Their core philosophy revolves around providing cats with food that mirrors their natural diet, prioritizing wholesome, minimally processed ingredients over the fillers and artificial additives that often plague traditional commercial options. At the heart of their offering are their wet food recipes.
Smalls primarily offers two textures in their wet food lines: Smooth and Ground. Both options share the same commitment to high-quality ingredients but cater to different textural preferences that cats may have. The Smooth recipes offer a pate-like consistency, while the Ground recipes provide a more shredded or minced texture. This attention to texture showcases Smalls’ dedication to meeting the diverse needs of feline palates.
What truly sets Smalls apart is their commitment to human-grade ingredients. This signifies that the ingredients used in their cat food are fit for human consumption, meaning they are sourced from suppliers that adhere to stringent quality and safety standards. This is a stark contrast to many traditional pet food companies that may use feed-grade ingredients, which have lower standards for quality and safety. Smalls emphasizes fresh protein sources, including chicken, fish, and turkey, as the foundation of their recipes. These protein sources are complemented by a selection of carefully chosen vegetables, providing essential vitamins and minerals. Crucially, Smalls recipes intentionally exclude fillers like corn, wheat, and soy, as well as artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives, aligning with the growing demand for clean and natural pet food options.
While relatively newer than some established brands, Smalls has rapidly gained traction with a clear mission: to revolutionize cat nutrition and provide pet owners with a convenient way to feed their feline companions the healthiest and most palatable food possible.
Exploring the Flavors and Ingredients in Smalls Wet Food
Smalls understands that variety is the spice of life, even for our feline friends. They offer a selection of wet food flavors designed to appeal to a wide range of tastes, all while maintaining their commitment to high-quality ingredients. Let’s take a closer look at each flavor:
Chicken Recipe (Smooth/Ground)
This recipe features chicken as the primary protein source, offering a lean and easily digestible option. Alongside chicken, you’ll find ingredients like chicken liver, green beans, peas, and kale. These vegetables contribute essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber, promoting overall health and digestive regularity. Chicken liver, in particular, provides a concentrated source of essential nutrients, including vitamin A and iron.
Turkey Recipe (Smooth/Ground)
Similar to the chicken recipe, the turkey recipe centers around turkey as the main protein source. This alternative protein option can be a good choice for cats with sensitivities to chicken. The ingredient list also includes turkey liver, green beans, peas, and kale, mirroring the nutritional benefits of the chicken recipe.
Fish Recipe (Smooth/Ground)
This flavor option features whitefish as the primary protein source, providing a rich source of omega-three fatty acids. These essential fatty acids are crucial for maintaining healthy skin and coat, as well as supporting brain function and joint health. Alongside whitefish, you’ll find ingredients like salmon, green beans, peas, and kale. Salmon provides an additional boost of omega-three fatty acids, further enhancing the health benefits of this recipe.
When evaluating any cat food, it’s essential to examine the nutritional analysis. Smalls wet cat food typically boasts a high protein content, often exceeding fifty percent on a dry matter basis. This high protein level is essential for supporting cats’ muscle development, energy levels, and overall health. The fat content is also carefully balanced to provide essential fatty acids and support energy needs. Fiber content is moderate, promoting healthy digestion. Finally, the high moisture content of wet food, typically around seventy to eighty percent, is crucial for maintaining proper hydration.
It’s worth noting that all of the Smalls formulas meet or exceed the AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials) guidelines for cat food, ensuring that they provide complete and balanced nutrition for adult cats.
Smalls also emphasizes the sourcing of their ingredients, striving to use sustainably sourced fish and humanely raised poultry. While specific details about their sourcing practices may vary, the company is transparent about their commitment to ethical and responsible sourcing.
The Multifaceted Benefits of Smalls Wet Cat Food
Choosing Smalls wet cat food can unlock a myriad of benefits for your feline companion, stemming from its high-quality ingredients and thoughtful formulation.
One of the most significant benefits is improved hydration. Cats naturally have a low thirst drive and often don’t drink enough water, leading to dehydration and potential urinary issues. Wet food, with its high moisture content, provides a significant boost in hydration, helping to keep cats healthy and prevent urinary tract problems.
The high protein content of Smalls wet cat food is another key advantage. Cats are obligate carnivores, meaning they require a diet rich in animal protein to thrive. Protein is essential for building and maintaining muscle mass, supporting energy levels, and promoting overall health.
The fresh, human-grade ingredients in Smalls wet cat food can also improve digestibility. Minimally processed ingredients are often easier for cats to digest, reducing the risk of digestive upset and promoting optimal nutrient absorption. Some cat owners report noticeable improvements in their cats’ stool quality after switching to Smalls.
Limited ingredient diets, like those offered by Smalls, can be helpful for cats with food sensitivities or allergies. By excluding common allergens like corn, wheat, and soy, Smalls wet cat food can help to reduce the risk of allergic reactions and improve overall health. Many customers have indicated a reduction in allergic symptoms, like skin irritation, after switching their cat to Smalls.
Finally, Smalls wet cat food can be a good option for picky eaters. The palatable recipes and enticing textures can appeal to cats who are finicky about their food. Many cat owners have reported that their picky cats readily devour Smalls wet food.
The Subscription Model: Convenience Delivered
Smalls operates on a subscription-based model, offering a convenient and customizable way to ensure your cat always has a supply of fresh, healthy food. The subscription process begins with creating a cat profile, providing information about your cat’s age, weight, activity level, and dietary preferences. Based on this information, Smalls will recommend a customized meal plan tailored to your cat’s individual needs.
Smalls offers flexible shipping and delivery options, allowing you to choose the frequency that best suits your needs. The food is shipped frozen in insulated packaging to ensure freshness. Upon arrival, you can store the food in your freezer and thaw portions as needed.
Smalls also offers a high degree of flexibility, allowing you to adjust your orders, pause your subscription, or cancel at any time. Their customer support team is readily available to assist with any questions or concerns.
Smalls Wet Cat Food: Weighing the Pros and Cons
Like any product, Smalls wet cat food has its advantages and disadvantages. Let’s take a balanced look at both sides:
Pros
High-quality, human-grade ingredients. Improved hydration for cats. Convenient subscription model with customizable plans. Potential health benefits, including improved digestion and reduced allergies. Formulas are enticing for picky eaters.
Cons
Higher price point compared to traditional cat food options. Requires freezer and refrigerator space for storage. Transitioning to fresh food may take time for some cats. Subscription commitment, although flexible, might not be ideal for all. Availability might be limited based on location.
Cost and Value: Is Smalls Worth the Investment?
The cost of Smalls wet cat food varies depending on several factors, including your cat’s size, activity level, and the specific meal plan you choose. The price can range from roughly three dollars to seven dollars per day.
When comparing the cost of Smalls to other premium wet cat food brands, both subscription-based and store-bought, Smalls typically falls within the higher end of the price range. While this might seem like a significant investment, it’s essential to consider the value proposition.
The higher cost of Smalls is justified by the quality of ingredients, the convenience of the subscription model, and the potential health benefits. Many cat owners are willing to pay a premium for food that they believe is healthier and more beneficial for their feline companions. Ultimately, the decision of whether Smalls is worth the investment depends on your individual budget and priorities.
What Other Cat Owners Are Saying
Customer reviews of Smalls wet cat food are generally positive, with many cat owners reporting significant improvements in their cats’ health and well-being.
Common themes in customer feedback include: Improved coat and skin health. Increased energy levels. Better digestion and stool quality. Picky eaters enjoying the food. Concerns about the price of the food or occasional shipping delays.
Here are a couple of examples from customer reviews: “My cat used to have skin issues and was always scratching. Since switching to Smalls, her skin is much healthier and she doesn’t scratch as much.” Another customer stated, “My cat is the pickiest eater I know, but she loves Smalls wet food. I’m so glad I finally found a food that she enjoys.”
A Smooth Transition: Introducing Smalls to Your Cat
To avoid digestive upset, it’s important to gradually transition your cat to Smalls wet food. Start by mixing a small amount of Smalls with your cat’s current food, gradually increasing the amount of Smalls over a period of seven to ten days.
If your cat is a picky eater, you can try warming the food slightly to enhance its aroma or adding a small amount of tuna juice or other palatable topping. Smalls also provides a transition guide and expert advice to help you successfully introduce their food to your cat.
Alternatives Worth Considering
While Smalls is a popular choice, there are other high-quality wet cat food brands that offer similar benefits. Brands like Nom Nom, Raised Right, and Instinct are all worth considering.
Nom Nom offers fresh, human-grade cat food delivered on a subscription basis. Raised Right focuses on limited ingredient recipes made with human-grade ingredients. Instinct offers a variety of wet and dry cat food options, including raw and grain-free formulas.
The best alternative for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences. Consider factors like price, ingredients, availability, and your cat’s dietary requirements.
The Verdict: Is Smalls Right for Your Cat?
Smalls wet cat food offers a compelling combination of high-quality ingredients, convenience, and potential health benefits. While the higher price point may be a barrier for some, many cat owners are willing to pay a premium for food that they believe is healthier and more beneficial for their feline companions.
Smalls wet cat food is a particularly good choice for cat owners who are seeking a convenient way to feed their cats a fresh, human-grade diet. It’s also a good option for cats with food sensitivities or allergies, as well as picky eaters.
Ultimately, the decision of whether Smalls wet cat food is right for your cat is a personal one. Consider your cat’s individual needs, your budget, and your priorities. Always consult with your veterinarian before making significant changes to your cat’s diet. If you believe that Smalls is a good fit for your cat, visit their website to learn more and start a subscription today. You can also read additional reviews and testimonials from other cat owners to get a better sense of their experiences. Your feline friend may thank you for it!
