Freeze-dried cat food is a type of pet food that undergoes a freeze-drying process to preserve it. This process removes almost all the moisture while maintaining the ingredients nutrients, texture, and flavor. It is available in various forms, including raw freeze-dried meat, complete meals, or as a topper for dry or wet food.
The main benefits of freeze-dried food is the fact the freeze-drying process preserves most of the nutrients, making it comparable to fresh or raw food. It is also lightweight, compact, and doesn't require refrigeration.
Cats often find freeze-dried food more appealing due to its rich flavor and texture compared to some kibble. It can be served as-is or rehydrated with water for added moisture, which is beneficial for cats prone to dehydration.
Freeze-dried food is often made with high-quality, limited ingredients, which is ideal for cats with allergies or dietary sensitivities.
However, freeze-dried cat food is typically more expensive than kibble or wet food due to the complex freeze-drying process and high-quality ingredients.
If rehydration is required, it takes a few minutes, which may not suit all pet parents.
When served dry, it lacks the moisture cats need, especially for hydration and urinary health. Rehydration is recommended to mitigate this issue.
Once opened, this food type can absorb moisture from the air, potentially leading to spoilage if not sealed properly.
Is freeze-dried cat food right for your cat?
It depends on your cat’s dietary needs, preferences, and your budget. It can be an excellent choice for cats with specific nutritional requirements, allergies, or picky eating habits. However, ensure the product is labeled as a "complete and balanced" diet if using it as the primary food source.
To help, please see our list below of the best freeze-dried cat foods chosen by our team of experts, made up of pet nutritionists and veterinarians.
Our top picks
- pawTree Freeze-Dried Raw Cat Food Jump to review
- Dr Marty Nature’s Feast (Freeze-Dried Raw) Jump to review
- Nulo Freestyle (Freeze-Dried Raw) Jump to review
- Instinct (Freeze-Dried Raw) Jump to review
- Stella & Chewy’s Dinner Morsels (Freeze-Dried Raw) Jump to review
- Vital Essentials Mini-Patties (Freeze-Dried) Jump to review
- BIXBI (Freeze-Dried) Jump to review
- Primal Nuggets (Freeze-Dried) Jump to review
- Feline Natural Freeze-dried (Wet) Jump to review
- Nature’s Advantage (Freeze-Dried) Jump to review
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pawTree Freeze-Dried Raw Cat Food
pawTree Freeze-Dried Raw Real Chicken Recipe received the Cat Food Advisor’s highest rating: 5 stars.
It is one of three recipes in this product range made by pawTree, a company based in Southlake, Texas. All the foods are made in the USA and distributed by pawTree
pawTree Freeze-Dried Raw Real Chicken Recipe derives the bulk of its protein from chicken. Dry matter label analysis reveals this food contains 44.7% protein, 34% fat and 13.3% carbohydrates . . . with a fat-to-protein ratio of 76%.
This food offers a complete and balanced diet when fed alone or can be used as a nutritious topper.
Read our review of the full pawTree Freeze-Dried Raw Cat Food range hereThings we like
- High in protein
- Multiple sources of animal protein
- Low in carbohydrate
Main Ingredients Chicken, chicken liver, chicken hearts, garbanzo beans, chicken gizzards Texture Kibble Type Grain-free Protein Percentage 44.7% AAFCO Standards All Life Stages Best For All cats Save money on pawTree cat food
10% off orders up to $100 with code INTRO4U10 & 20% off orders over $100 with code INTRO4U20
Sample buyer review...
"This product exceeded my expectations as a pet parent and Miller "goes crazy" when I just show her the bag!"
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Dr Marty Nature’s Feast (Freeze-Dried Raw)
Dr Marty Nature’s Feast Essential Wellness Fish & Poultry recipe received the Cat Food Advisor’s highest rating: 5 stars.
It is one of three formulas in a product range founded by Dr Marty Goldstein, one of America’s best-known veterinarians with a career which spans more than 50 years.
Dr Marty Nature’s Feast Essential Wellness Fish & Poultry recipe derives the bulk of its protein from salmon and turkey. Dry matter label analysis reveals a recipe containing 38.9% protein, 24.2% fat and 28.8% carbohydrates . . . with a fat-to-protein ratio of 62%.
The first three ingredients are quality meat or fish sources which means the protein level is very high. This food is also free from artificial preservatives and fillers.
Read our review of the full Dr Marty Nature’s Feast (Freeze-Dried Raw) range hereThings we like
- The first three ingredients are fish or meat
- No preservatives, additives or fillers
- Freeze-Dried preserves more of the nutritional value
Main Ingredients Salmon, turkey, whitefish, chicken liver, chicken heart Texture Dry Type Grain-free Protein Percentage 38.9% AAFCO Standards Maintenance Best For Adult and senior cats Exclusive new customer offer
up to 54% off Dr Marty Nature's Feast
Sample buyer review...
"I hear cats will eat more if they aren't getting the proper nutrients. Both my cats are happier with this food and not always bugging me for more food or treats."
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Nulo Freestyle (Freeze-Dried Raw)
Nulo Freestyle Freeze-Dried Raw Chicken & Salmon Recipe received the Cat Food Advisor’s second highest rating: 5 stars.
It is one of two formulas in a product range made by Nulo, a company founded in 2009 by Michael Landa and Brett Montana, after they saw high rates of diabetes and other medical issues in dogs and cats while running their pet-sitting business.
Nulo Freestyle Freeze-Dried Raw Chicken & Salmon Recipe derives the bulk of its protein from turkey. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 48.4% protein, 24.2% fat and 19.4% carbohydrates . . . with a fat-to-protein ratio of 50%.
This grain-free food contains high levels of protein from animal sources and includes probiotics to help digestive and immune health.
Read our review of the full Nulo Freestyle (Freeze-Dried Raw) range hereThings we like
- Contains probiotics
- Grain-free
- Protein-rich
Main Ingredients Chicken, salmon, chicken necks, chicken liver, chicken hearts Texture Dry Type Grain-Free Protein Percentage 48.4% AAFCO Standards All life stages Best For All cats Sample buyer review...
"All our cats would give two paws up for this treat. Each cat has a preference: toss it as a treat to chase, in the bowl plain, and one prefers with a little water to soften it. Either way, it is quality food."
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Instinct (Freeze-Dried Raw)
Instinct Raw Longevity 100% Freeze-Dried Cage-Free Chicken Recipe received the Cat Food Advisor’s highest rating: 5 stars.
It is one of eight recipes in a product range made by Instinct Pet Food, a brand founded in 2002 in Lincoln, Nebraska.
Instinct Raw Longevity 100% Freeze-Dried Cage-Free Chicken Recipe derives the bulk of its protein from chicken. Dry matter label analysis reveals this recipe contains 46.8% protein, 34% fat and 11.1% carbohydrates . . . with a fat-to-protein ratio of 73%.
The food is made with real meat and a selection of vegetables and fruits to provide key nutrients to your cat.
Read our review of the full Instinct (Freeze-Dried Raw) range hereThings we like
- Contains good quality animal protein
- Many natural ingredients included
- Freeze-Dried means no high temperature processing
Main Ingredients Chicken (including ground chicken bone), chicken liver, chicken heart, ground flaxseed, fish oil Texture Dry Type Grain-free Protein Percentage 46.8% AAFCO Standards Maintenance Best For Adult and senior cats Sample buyer review...
"I think she’s visibly a little less chunky than she previously was, without her begging endlessly for more food, which she has the bad habit of doing, so I think this food sits really well in her stomach and makes her feel more full than other foods."
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Stella & Chewy’s Dinner Morsels (Freeze-Dried Raw)
Stella & Chewy’s Chick, Chick Chicken Freeze-Dried Raw Dinner Morsels received the Cat Food Advisor’s second highest rating: 4.5 stars.
It is one of eight recipes in a range made by Stella & Chewy, a company founded by Marie Moody after she adopted two dogs named Stella & Chewy and pursued her passion for pet nutrition and starting her own business.
This recipe derives the bulk of its protein from chicken. Dry matter label analysis reveals a dry recipe containing 47.4% protein, 26.3% fat and 18.3% carbohydrates . . . with a fat-to-protein ratio of 56%.
Made in Stella & Chewy’s own USA kitchen with cage-free poultry and 100% organic-certified fruits and vegetables, this food does not contain grains, gluten, fillers, artificial preservatives, or colorings.
A simple recipe with limited ingredients and rich in protein.
Read our review of the full Stella & Chewy’s Dinner Morsels (Freeze-Dried Raw) range hereThings we like
- Rich in animal protein
- Free of animal by-products
- Made without artificial colors, flavors and preservatives
Main Ingredients Chicken with ground bone, chicken liver, chicken gizzard, pumpkin seeds, potassium chloride Texture Dry Type Grain-free Protein Percentage 47.4% AAFCO Standards All Life Stages Best For All cats including kittens Sample buyer review...
"I’ve been feeding my cats Stella & Chewy's Freeze-Dried Raw Dinner Morsels and I’m really happy with it. I love feeding them raw food, and freeze-dried is such a convenient way to offer them something healthier without the hassle."
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Vital Essentials Mini-Patties (Freeze-Dried)
Vital Essentials Mini Patties Rabbit Entree recipe received the Cat Food Advisor’s second highest rating: 4.5 stars.
It is made by Carnivore Meat Company — a leading manufacturer of raw frozen and freeze-dried pet foods and treats in America.
This recipe derives the bulk of its protein from rabbit. Dry matter label analysis reveals this recipe contains 59.8% protein, 16.3% fat and 15.9% carbohydrates . . . with a fat-to-protein ratio of 27%.
It contains naturally occurring vitamins and minerals that build strong muscles and support a cat’s digestive and oral health.
Read our review of the full Vital Essentials Mini-Patties (Freeze-Dried) range hereThings we like
- High animal-sourced protein
- Low carbohydrate content
- No added hormones or antibiotics
Main Ingredients Rabbit, rabbit liver, rabbit heart, rabbit kidney, rabbit lung Texture Patties Type Grain-free Protein Percentage 59.8% AAFCO Standards All Life Stages Best For All cats Sample buyer review...
"My two cats absolutely love the rabbit vital essentials. Ingredients are fabulous, no additives. Less additives are so much better when you don’t want to feed your pets the extra stuff and best for allergies."
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BIXBI (Freeze-Dried)
BIXBI Rawabble Freeze-Dried Chicken & Salmon recipe received the Cat Food Advisor’s highest rating: 5 stars.
It is one of four formulas in a product range made by the BIXBI Pet Company. All the ingredients come from the U.S., and it uses local and fresh produce whenever available.
This recipe derives the bulk of its protein from chicken and salmon. Dry matter label analysis reveals it contains 46.3% protein, 30.5% fat and 15.2% carbohydrates . . . with a fat-to-protein ratio of 66%.
Crafted using chicken raised without any antibiotics or added hormones, it does not contain any meal by-products, soy, corn, wheat or artificial preservatives or colors.
Read our review of the full BIXBI (Freeze-Dried) range hereThings we like
- Good quality animal protein - originally for human consumption
- High levels of protein
- Low in carbohydrate
Main Ingredients Chicken with ground bone, salmon, whitefish, pumpkin, coconut flour Texture Dry Type Grain-free Protein Percentage 46.3% AAFCO Standards All Life Stages Best For All cats Sample buyer review...
"Bixie Rawabble is good cat food. I like that it comes in larger packages than many other brands, and is more cost friendly to my budget."
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Primal Nuggets (Freeze-Dried)
Primal Pet Foods Freeze-Dried Nuggets Chicken & Salmon recipe received the Cat Food Advisor’s highest rating: 5 stars.
It is one of six formulas in this product range made by Primal Pet Foods Inc. which was founded in 2000 by Matt Koss and acquired by Kinderhook Industries, LLC. in 2021.
This recipe derives the bulk of its protein from human-grade chicken and is free from grains and synthetic vitamins. Dry matter label analysis reveals a dry food containing 51.1% protein, 34.8% fat and 6.1% carbohydrates . . . with a fat-to-protein ratio of 68%.
Read our review of the full Primal Nuggets (Freeze-Dried) range hereThings we like
- High in protein
- Human-grade recipes
- No artificial vitamins or minerals
Main Ingredients Chicken (with ground bone), chicken liver, salmon, organic kale, organic squash Texture Nuggets Type Grain-free Protein Percentage 51.1% AAFCO Standards All Life Stages Best For All cats Sample buyer review...
"In my opinion, it’s one of the best options on the market outside of making your own food for your fur babies. I have had excellent experiences with this food and positive changes in their coats as well."
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Feline Natural Freeze-dried (Wet)
Feline Natural Chicken Feast Freeze-Dried Cat Food received the Cat Food Advisor’s highest rating: 5 stars.
It is one of six recipes in a product range made by Natural Pet Food Group, which also owns K9 Natural and is based in Christchurch, New Zealand.
This particular recipe derives the bulk of its protein from chicken. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 48.9% protein, 30.4% fat and 12.7% carbohydrates . . . with a fat-to-protein ratio of 62%.
A low carbohydrate formula with added vitamins, Feline Natural Chicken Feast Freeze-Dried Cat Food offers a very good diet option for cats at all life stages.
Read our review of the full Feline Natural Freeze-dried (Wet) range hereThings we like
- Very low in carbohydrate
- Vitamins added
Main Ingredients Chicken, chicken liver, New Zealand green mussel, fish oil, flaxseed flakes Texture Kibble Type Grain-free Protein Percentage 48.9% AAFCO Standards All Life Stages Best For All cats Sample buyer review...
"You get what you pay for — excellent, species appropriate ingredients that are transparently sourced."
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Nature’s Advantage (Freeze-Dried)
Nature’s Advantage Freeze-Dried Turkey & Tuna Dinner Cat Food Mini Patties received the Cat Food Advisor’s highest rating: 5 stars.
It is one of eight recipes in a range made by Carnivore Meat Company, which was founded by Lanny Viegut in 2012 and specializes in the manufacture of frozen and freeze-dried raw pet food.
This particular recipe derives the bulk of its protein from turkey. Dry matter label analysis reveals it contains 48.9% protein, 19.6% fat and 23.5% carbohydrates . . . with a fat-to-protein ratio of 40%.
A simple formula with high levels of protein derived from multiple sources of good quality animal protein. Ingredients are limited, carbohydrate content low and it is grain free.
Read our review of the full Nature’s Advantage (Freeze-Dried) range hereThings we like
- High in protein
- First ingredient listed as animal protein
- Multiple animal organs used
Main Ingredients Turkey, turkey liver, tuna, turkey heart, herring oil Texture Dry Type Freeze-Dried Protein Percentage 48.9% AAFCO Standards All Life Stages Best For All cats Sample buyer review...
"They definitely seem to get a bit of a wild instinct when it comes to eating these. There is a sense that they are in predator and prey mode once they get a hold of these."
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Article reviewed by
Pet Nutritionist
Laura studied BSc (Hons) Animal Science with an accreditation in Nutrition at the University of Nottingham, before working for eight years in the pet food and nutrition industry.
