Choosing fresh food can be a great way to ensure your cat gets high-quality nutrition.
Fresh cat food is often made with human-grade, high-quality ingredients which means it is free from fillers, artificial preservatives, and low-quality protein sources found in some commercial cat foods.
This type of food tends to retain more of its natural nutrients compared to highly processed foods and includes essential vitamins, minerals, and amino acids that are crucial for your cat’s health.
Fresh food is also generally easier for cats to digest. This can lead to better nutrient absorption, improved digestion, and fewer gastrointestinal issues. It is also more palatable, due to its texture, flavor, and aroma which can be particularly beneficial for picky eaters.
Many fresh cat foods have a higher moisture content compared to dry kibble. Cats naturally have a low thirst drive, so consuming moisture-rich food can help keep them hydrated, reducing the risk of urinary tract problems and kidney issues.
Below is a list of the best fresh cat food brands recommended by the Cat Food Advisor team.
Our top picks
- Smalls (Fresh) Jump to review
- Just Food for Cats (Fresh) Jump to review
- Now Fresh (Wet) Jump to review
- Tom & Sawyer (Fresh) Jump to review
- KatKin (Fresh) Jump to review
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Smalls (Fresh)
Smalls fresh cat food receives the Cat Food Advisor’s highest rating: 5 stars.
This range consists of nine recipes that are high in protein and designed to promote strong bones and toned muscles in cats.
Smalls was founded in New York City in 2017 by friends Matt Michaelson and Calvin Bohn. It is now produced with a co-manufacturer in a human-grade facility near Chicago.
Smalls Fresh Smooth Fish was selected to represent the other products in the line for a detailed recipe and nutrient analysis. It derives the bulk of its protein from cod and salmon. Dry matter label analysis reveals a wet recipe containing 55.8% protein, 26.9% fat and 9.3% carbohydrates . . . with a fat-to-protein ratio of 56%.
This fresh food is all made from human-grade ingredients, cooked to lock in nutrients and then frozen to maximize freshness. The company offers customized meal plans designed to meet your cat’s individual requirements.
Read our review of the Smalls (Fresh) range here.
Read our review of the full Smalls (Fresh) range hereThings we like
- High in protein
- Customized meal plans
- Frozen to maximize freshness
Main Ingredients Cod, salmon, pumpkin, nutritional yeast, peas, green beans Texture Wet Type Fresh Protein Percentage 55.8% AAFCO Standards All Life Stages Best For Kittens and adult cats 35% off your first order
Use code CATFOODADVISOR
Sample buyer review...
"All three of my 3 year old cats meow non stop as I am trying to prepare their fresh food from Smalls!! They just can’t wait! They have more energy and are better mannered since getting Smalls food! They love all the flavors and I like to vary their meals."
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Just Food for Cats (Fresh)
Just Food For Cats Fresh cat food receives the Cat Food Advisor’s second highest rating, 4.5 stars.
There is just one recipe in this fresh range and it provides cats with an excellent source of quality protein to keep your cat strong and healthy.
Just Food for Cats was founded by Shawn Buckley, a serial entrepreneur who has founded a number of businesses. Lovingly made by hand, in open-to-public kitchens, the homemade food is lightly cooked to retain its nutritional value.
Just Food For Cats Fish & Chicken recipe derives the bulk of its protein from Alaska Pacific cod. Dry matter label analysis reveals a wet recipe containing 46.2% protein, 17.3% fat and 28.5% carbohydrates . . . with a fat-to-protein ratio of 3%.
This food has high moisture levels, so will keep your cat hydrated and is perfect for adult cats of all breeds.
Read our review of the full Just Food for Cats Fresh range here.
Read our review of the full Just Food for Cats (Fresh) range hereThings we like
- High levels of animal protein
- Moisture rich
- Gluten free
Main Ingredients Wild-caught Alaska Pacific cod, chicken thighs, chicken hearts, chicken liver, tapioca starch. Texture Wet Type Fresh Protein Percentage 46.2 AAFCO Standards Maintenance Best For Adult Get 50% off Just Food For Cats
first autoship orders only
Sample buyer review...
"My cat is a big fan of the taste of this food and I’m a big fan of the ingredients."
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Now Fresh (Wet)
Now Fresh cat food receives the Cat Food Advisor’s second highest rating: 4 stars.
This range consists of five recipes that are high in protein and designed to promote strong bones and toned muscles in cats.
Now Fresh cat food was created by Petcurean, a Canadian pet food company founded in 1999. Most of the ingredients in the range are sourced from North America, with a focus on Canadian ingredients.
Now Fresh Chicken Pâté with Bone Broth was selected to represent the other products in the line for a detailed recipe and nutrient analysis. It derives the bulk of its protein from chicken.
Dry matter label analysis reveals a wet recipe containing 38.6% protein, 25% fat and 28.4% carbohydrates . . . with a fat-to-protein ratio of 65%.
Now Fresh cat food can be used as a topper or a complete and balanced meal. Each recipe also contains antioxidant-rich cranberries to help support urinary tract health.
Read our review of the Now Fresh (Fresh) range here.
Read our review of the full Now Fresh (Wet) range hereThings we like
- Relatively high in protein
- Multiple sources of named animal protein
- Free from artificial colors, flavors and preservatives
Main Ingredients Chicken, chicken bone broth, chicken liver, tapioca, cod liver. Texture Wet Type Fresh Protein Percentage 38.6 AAFCO Standards All Life Stages Best For All Cats Sample buyer review...
"This is a really great product. It's filled with good, healthy ingredients."
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Tom & Sawyer (Fresh)
Tom & Sawyer fresh cat food receives the Cat Food Advisor’s highest rating: 5 stars.
This range consists of three recipes that are high in protein and help promote strong bones and toned muscles in cats.
The Tom & Sawyer brand was founded in 2015 by Kristin Matthews and Peter Zakarow. The duo work with nutritionists and vets, along with chefs, to formulate their nutritionally-balanced recipes.
Tom & Sawyer Bento Box was selected to represent the other products in the line for a detailed recipe and nutrient analysis. It derives the bulk of its protein from ground turkey meat and salmon.
Dry matter label analysis reveals a wet recipe containing 37.6% protein, 45% fat and 9.4% carbohydrates . . . with a fat-to-protein ratio of 120%.
Tom & Sawyer fresh cat food provides a good source of animal protein and is free from hormones. One thing to note with this diet is that it is particularly high in fat and therefore unsuitable for any cats susceptible to weight gain or with a sedentary lifestyle.
Read our review of the Tom & Sawyer (Fresh) range here.
Read our review of the full Tom & Sawyer (Fresh) range hereThings we like
- Includes animal and Fish protein
- 100% non-GMO
- Added vitamins and minerals
Main Ingredients Ground turkey meat, Atlantic salmon, sweet potato, egg, spinach. Texture Wet Type Fresh Protein Percentage 37.6 AAFCO Standards Maintenance Best For Adult Cats Sample buyer review...
"I’m so grateful to find a great pet food company that I can rely on for quality, healthy, nutritious food. Thank you! "
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KatKin (Fresh)
Katkin fresh cat food receives the Cat Food Advisor’s highest rating: 5 stars.
It consists of eight recipes that are very high in protein to help promote strong bones and toned muscles in cats.
The Katkin brand was founded by siblings Brett and Nikki O’Farrell. All recipes are made in its company-owned kitchen in Park Royal, London, UK.
Katkin Cluck recipe was selected to represent the other products in the line for a detailed recipe and nutrient analysis. It derives the bulk of its protein from chicken meat and organs.
Dry matter label analysis reveals a wet recipe containing 63.9% protein, 26.7% fat and 1.4% carbohydrates . . . with a fat-to-protein ratio of 42%.
Katkin fresh cat food is formulated to be high in protein and moisture. It is made with 100% human-quality meat and is free of grain and artificial preservatives.
Read our review of the Katkin (Fresh) range here.
Read our review of the full KatKin (Fresh) range hereThings we like
- High in protein
- Human-grade recipes
- Moisture-rich food promotes healthy hydration
Main Ingredients Fresh chicken (thigh, liver, heart), vitamin A vitamin D3, zinc (zinc chelate of methionine) Texture Wet Type Fresh Protein Percentage 63.9 AAFCO Standards Unspecified Best For Adult Cats Sample buyer review...
"Sybil has gobbled her Katkin meals from day one. Nikki & Brett are really amazing as they understand cats and cat parents and ensure the best nutrition is provided for our furry babies. If you have a cat, feed them KatKin - you won't regret it!"
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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.
