9 Best Raw Cat Foods – 2024 Reviews & Top Picks

More and more pet parents are turning to raw foods for their pets to avoid the questionable ingredients that are found in many traditional foods. The benefits of raw cat food include higher water content, more nutritional value, and better digestibility. However, just like dry kibble and other commercially available foods, all raw foods for your cat aren’t created equal. We’ve put together our reviews of the best options out there for your needs and your cat’s health.

Disclaimer: The foods reviewed here were chosen because they have certain characteristics that might help with some of the causes or consequences of this medical condition. However, they are not a medical treatment or a substitute for medical treatment. Keep in mind that each medical case is different and what works for some pets may not work for others. Your veterinarian is the right person to advise you on the best diet for your pet’s individual case.

A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites in 2024

The 9 Best Raw Cat Foods

1. Darwin’s Natural Selections Raw Cat Food Subscription – Best Overall

Darwin’s Natural Selections Raw Cat Food is our pick for the best raw cat food. They offer well-rounded, species-appropriate, protein-rich meals with their Chicken, Turkey, and Beef recipe options, ensuring comprehensive nutrition for your beloved feline companions. For example, in their chicken recipe, they use antibiotic-free chicken, along with essential organs like gizzard, liver, bone, and heart, to deliver vital nutrients, vitamins, and minerals crucial for your cat’s vitality. Sustainable marine oils enrich the formula with Omega fatty acids. Darwin’s commitment to quality nutrition remains a constant throughout all of what they do, and they offer a very easy-to-use subscription service, delivered right to your door. They are slightly expensive, but we think that it’s worth the price for the quality you receive (and your kitty will think so too).

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2. Feline Natural Chicken & Lamb Feast Cat Food

Our next pick for the best raw cat food is the Feline Naturals line of raw cat food products, which scores high ratings for the quality of the ingredients and the range of available flavors. These freeze-dried bits are appropriate for cats of all ages from kitten to senior. They do not contain any fillers or artificial ingredients. They are high in protein, vitamins, and minerals for optimal cat health. The only negatives are that they are a bit pricey and come in a smaller bag than some of the other options we have reviewed here.

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3. Stella & Chewy’s Duck Duck Goose Freeze-Dried Raw Cat Food

Our best value raw cat food is Stella & Chewy’s Duck Duck Goose Dinner Morsels. These nutritious morsels are packed with flavors that cats enjoy as well as plenty of nutrients. They have a high amount of protein, healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals to keep your cat healthy and strong. Their formula is free from ingredients that tend to cause stomach upset in cats and they are easy to digest. There are no fillers or preservatives either so you can rest assured that your cat is only getting what they need.

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4. CountryPet Naturals Pasteurized Frozen Cat Food

Our pick for the best frozen raw cat food is CountryPet Naturals Pasteurized Frozen Cat Food. This food comes in frozen tubes, instead of freeze-dried kibble like many of the others on our list. If your kitty has a tough time with freeze-dried foods or simply prefers wet food, then you may want to try this one. Even though it comes in rather large rolls, they’ll keep in your refrigerator for up to 6 weeks once defrosted so you shouldn’t have a problem getting through the food in that time.

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5. Vital Essentials Chicken Mini Nibs Freeze-Dried Cat Food

Another good option is Vital Essentials Chicken Mini Nibs Freeze-Dried Cat Food. These small kibble-sized bits are a great choice for the picky cat. You can introduce a new product to your cat without spending a bunch of money. The bits are small, which makes them easier for your cat to eat. They can be served dry or rehydrated with a little bit of water. They are high in protein and other essential nutrients without any artificial ingredients or preservatives.

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6. Northwest Naturals Freeze Dried Diet for Cats

Northwest Naturals Freeze-Dried foods are available in three different flavors: chicken, turkey, and duck. They are high in protein and free from additives, hormones, and preservatives. These bits are low in carbohydrates, focusing instead on what your cat needs. They have a decent shelf-life for raw food as well. Some cats struggle with the texture, although rehydrating these bits before serving may help with that.

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7. Instinct Frozen Raw Bites Grain-Free Cage-Free Chicken Recipe Cat Food

Instinct Frozen Raw Bites are small frozen bits instead of a tube, like some other frozen foods. They need to remain frozen until right before feeding time so you cannot defrost the entire bag in your refrigerator at once. They contain high-quality, natural ingredients and are high in protein. They are also grain-free so they can be fed to cats with grain sensitivities. The small bits formula also makes it easy to gradually incorporate into your cat’s feeding routine as a topper for their other food first.

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8. The New Zealand Natural Pet Food Co. Meow Beef & Hoki Cat Food

This freeze-dried raw food contains different flavors than many of the others on our list. The two primary ingredients are Hoki, a white fish usually found in Australia and New Zealand, and beef. If you have a cat that doesn’t like chicken products or is sensitive to poultry, this might be a good option. It’s expensive, especially for a small bag but can be used as a supplemental topper to other foods if needed.

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9. Wysong Archetype Chicken Formula Freeze-Dried Raw Dog & Cat Food

These chicken morsels are packed with the nutrition your cat needs. They’re also suitable for dogs, although the small package size might not last very long if you’re feeding larger dogs. For cats, however, these freeze-dried pieces provide a good amount of protein and healthy fats. They are made by a family-owned and operated company as well, so the quality is highly monitored.

Buyer’s Guide: Finding the Best Raw Cat Food

When you are searching for a new food for your cat, you want to make sure you are selecting the best one for their needs. A few things we recommend you keep in mind when deciding on the best raw food choice for your cat include:

While providing our feline companions with high-quality food is paramount, selecting the right food and water bowl is equally important. The modern yet practical design of our Hepper NomNom Cat Bowl combines cat-catered features, like whisker-friendly shallow dishes and slight elevation, with a contemporary style aimed at protecting your floors from messy eating and drinking. The NomNom is entirely dishwasher safe and was thoughtfully created with your cat’s health and well-being in mind. 

Final Thoughts

Now that you’ve read our reviews, you know more about raw foods for your cat. Our best overall option is Darwin’s Natural Selections Raw Cat Food, for its high-quality meats and easy-to-use services. Next, Feline Natural Chicken & Lamb Feast Raw Cat Food is a balanced, protein-packed option that is grain-free and freeze-dried. For the cat parent on a budget, Stella & Chewy’s Duck, Duck, Goose food won’t break the bank while still giving your cat a tasty, healthy meal. If you’re ready to switch your cat to a raw food diet, or just want to include more raw foods in their current diet, we’re sure you can find one to fit your needs here.

Related Reads:

• 10 Best Dry Cat Foods – Reviews & Top Picks
• 10 Best Natural & Organic Cat Foods – Reviews and Top Picks

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Featured Image Credit: Nils Jacobi, Shutterstock