Our Verdict
Freely dry product range is made of one recipe which all receive the Cat Food Advisor rating, 3.5 stars
This range of food is limited to one variety. The first ingredient is rabbit meal. The recipe also has plant based proteins. Despite both being present, the protein level is still low compared to other cat foods.
Pros
- Relatively inexpensive
- Free from animal by-products and artificial additives
Cons
- High in carbohydrate
- Low in protein
- Contains plant based protein
The table below shows each recipe in the range including our rating and the AAFCO nutrient profile: Growth (kitten), Maintenance (adult), All Life Stages, Supplemental or Unspecified.
| Product line | Rating | AAFCO |
|---|---|---|
| Freely Grain-free recipe with rabbit for cats | 3.5 | M |
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Recipe and Label Analysis
Freely Grain-free Recipe with Rabbit for Cats was selected to represent the other products in the line for a detailed recipe and nutrient analysis.
Label and nutrient data below are calculated using dry matter basis.
Freely Grain-free Recipe with Rabbit for Cats
Estimated Dry Matter Nutrient Content
Protein
Fat
CarbsCarbohydrates
Rabbit meal, peas, rabbit, sweet potatoes, sunflower oil (preserved with mixed tocopherols), lentils, pea protein, natural rabbit flavor, salmon oil, choline chloride, vitamins (niacin supplement, vitamin e supplement, vitamin a supplement, thiamine mononitrate, pyridoxine hydrochloride, calcium pantothenate, riboflavin supplement, vitamin D3 supplement, biotin, vitamin B12 supplement, folic acid), taurine, dl-methionine, minerals (zinc proteinate, calcium carbonate, iron proteinate, copper proteinate, manganese proteinate, sodium selenite, calcium iodate), dried chicory root, rosemary extract
Fiber (estimated dry matter content) = 3.5%
Red denotes any controversial items
Ingredients Analysis
The first ingredient is rabbit meal. Rabbit meal is considered a meat concentrate and contains nearly 300% more protein than fresh rabbit.
The second ingredient is peas. Peas are a quality source of carbohydrates. And like all legumes, they’re rich in natural fiber.
However, peas contain about 25% protein, a factor that must be considered when judging the meat content of this cat food.
The third ingredient is rabbit. Rabbit is considered “the clean flesh derived from slaughtered rabbit” and associated with skeletal muscle or the muscle tissues of the tongue, diaphragm, heart, esophagus or other tissues accompanying the flesh. 1
Rabbit is naturally rich in all 11 essential amino acids required by a cat to sustain life.
The fourth ingredient is sweet potatoes. Sweet potatoes are a gluten-free source of complex carbohydrates in cat food. They are naturally rich in dietary fiber and beta carotene.
The fifth ingredient is sunflower oil. Sunflower oil is nutritionally similar to safflower oil. Since these oils are high in omega-6 fatty acids and contain no omega-3’s, they’re considered less nutritious than canola or flaxseed oils.
Sunflower oil is notable for its resistance to heat damage during cooking.
There are several different types of sunflower oil, some better than others. Without knowing more, it’s impossible to judge the quality of this ingredient.
The sixth ingredient is lentils. Lentils are a quality source of carbohydrates. Plus (like all legumes) they’re rich in natural fiber.
Lentils are a quality source of carbohydrates. Plus (like all legumes) they’re rich in natural fiber.
The seventh ingredient is pea protein, what remains of a pea after removing the starchy part of the vegetable.
Even though it contains over 80% protein, this ingredient would be expected to have a lower biological value than meat.
And less costly plant-based products like this can notably boost the total protein reported on the label – a factor that must be considered when judging the meat content of this cat food.
The eighth ingredient is natural rabbit flavor. Natural flavors doesn’t give us much information about the particular ingredients included in this cat food for flavoring purposes.
We’re pleased that the flavorings used are natural, but more details are required to give any further information about these natural flavoring ingredients. Flavorings are used to make the foods more appealing and tasty for our cats.
From here the list goes on to include a number of other items. But to be realistic, ingredients located this far down the list (other than nutritional supplements) are not likely to affect the overall rating of the product.
This food also contains chelated minerals that have been chemically attached to protein. This makes them easier to absorb. Chelated minerals are usually found in better cat foods.
Finally, this food contains taurine which is an essential amino acid for cats associated with the healthy function of heart muscle and eyesight, and is crucial for maintaining good health in cats.
We view the presence of taurine in this recipe as a positive addition.
Recipe star rating 3.5
Nutrient Analysis
Based on its ingredients alone, Freely Grain-free Recipe with Rabbit for Cats looks like an average dry product.
The dashboard displays a dry matter protein reading of 33.7%, a fat level of 19.6% and an estimated carbohydrate level of 38.7%.
As a group, the brand features a below average protein content of 33.7% and an above-average fat level of 19.6%. Together these figures suggest a carbohydrate content of 38.7% for the overall product line, alongside a fat to protein ratio of 58%.
This means this Freely range contains lower than average protein, higher than average carbohydrate and higher than average fat, when compared to typical dry cat food.
Final Word
This dry food is high in carbohydrates and has added vitamins and minerals to ensure a good diet option is provided.
Has Freely cat food been recalled in the past?
No. Freely has not had a product recall.
You can view a complete list of all cat food recalls since 2021 here.
To stay on top of any cat food product recalls, sign up for our free email alerts, here.
About
Freely was founded in 2019 by Reed Howlett and has its headquarters in Brentwood, Missouri.
All products are made in the United States.
Sources
Best cat foods
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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.
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