Did you know your cat might be a picky eater? Some cats turn their noses up at dry food. They might prefer something fresher and tastier. Many cat owners are now choosing refrigerated cat food. But is it really better? And is it the right choice for your furry friend?
Choosing the best food for your cat can be confusing. There are so many brands and types of food! Refrigerated cat food is a growing trend. It promises fresh ingredients and more nutrients. But it can also be more expensive and needs special storage. You might wonder if it’s worth the extra effort and cost. What are the benefits? Are there any downsides? And how do you pick the best one?
In this post, we’ll answer all your questions about refrigerated cat food. We’ll explore the pros and cons. We’ll help you understand what to look for on the label. We will also provide helpful tips for making the best choice for your cat. You’ll be able to make a smart decision and keep your cat happy and healthy. Let’s dive in and learn all about refrigerated cat food!
Our Top 5 Refrigerated Cat Food Recommendations at a Glance
| Image | Product | Rating | Links |
|---|---|---|---|
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Freshpet Healthy & Natural Cat Food | 9.0/10 | Check Price |
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Freshpet Select Chicken & Beef Cat Food | 9.4/10 | Check Price |
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Rachael Ray Nutrish Purrfect Entrees Wet Cat Food | 9.3/10 | Check Price |
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Vital Essentials Minnows Cat Treats | 8.7/10 | Check Price |
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Applaws Natural Wet Canned Cat Food | 9.2/10 | Check Price |
Top 5 Refrigerated Cat Food Detailed Reviews
1. Freshpet Healthy & Natural Cat Food
Rating: 9.0/10
Looking for a healthy and tasty meal for your cat? Freshpet Healthy & Natural Cat Food, Fresh Chicken Recipe, 1lb might be the answer! This cat food uses real, fresh ingredients. It’s made in the USA and is packed with yummy chicken. It’s a good choice if you want to give your cat a natural and healthy meal. It is made with fresh ingredients and stored in the refrigerator.
What We Like:
- Made in the USA with real chicken!
- It uses 100% natural chicken from US farms.
- No grains, gluten, soy, or fillers are in this food.
- The food has no meat meals or by-products.
- It doesn’t contain any preservatives or fillers.
- This food is complete and balanced for cats of all ages.
What Could Be Improved:
- You must keep this food in the refrigerator.
- You have to use it within 7 days after opening.
Freshpet Healthy & Natural Cat Food seems like a great option for cats. It is a healthy choice with fresh ingredients. Make sure you store it correctly to keep it fresh.
2. Freshpet Select Chicken & Beef Cat Food
Rating: 8.6/10
Freshpet Select Chicken & Beef Cat Food, 1 Pound, offers a fresh and healthy meal option for your feline friend. This cat food uses real chicken and beef raised in the USA. It avoids common allergens like grains, gluten, and soy. The recipe also skips artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives. It’s designed to provide a complete and balanced diet for your cat. Remember, this fresh food needs to stay cold and should be used quickly after opening.
What We Like:
- Made in the USA with natural chicken and beef.
- Free from grains, gluten, soy, and fillers.
- No artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives.
- Provides a complete and balanced diet.
What Could Be Improved:
- Requires refrigeration, which may take up space.
- Must be used within 7 days of opening.
Freshpet Select Chicken & Beef Cat Food is a good choice for cat owners who want a fresh and natural food. The need for refrigeration and short shelf life are things to consider.
3. Rachael Ray Nutrish Purrfect Entrees Wet Cat Food
Rating: 8.9/10
Spoil your feline friend with the Rachael Ray Nutrish Purrfect Entrees Wet Cat Food Variety Pack! This pack gives your cat three delicious flavors in convenient 2-ounce cups. Each cup features real chicken, tuna, or salmon as the main ingredient. These recipes are made with natural ingredients and added vitamins and minerals. You get a total of 24 cups, with eight of each flavor: Sea-Sational Florentine, Cravin’ Chicken Dinner, and Fin-Tastic Primavera. It’s a tasty and healthy meal option for your cat.
What We Like:
- The food is made with real meat (chicken, tuna, or salmon).
- It contains added vitamins, minerals, and taurine, which are good for cats.
- There are no grains, gluten, or fillers.
- It doesn’t have any artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives.
- The variety pack offers different flavor options.
- The individual cups make portion control simple.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some cats might not like all the flavors.
- The price per cup could be a bit higher than some other brands.
Overall, the Rachael Ray Nutrish Purrfect Entrees Wet Cat Food Variety Pack is a great choice for cat owners. It provides a healthy and tasty meal option for your cat.
4. Vital Essentials Minnows Cat Treats
Rating: 9.3/10
Treat your cat to the healthy goodness of Vital Essentials Minnows Cat Treats! These treats are freeze-dried raw minnows. They pack in lots of protein to keep your cat happy and healthy. They are made with just one ingredient: minnows! These treats are grain-free, gluten-free, and don’t have any fillers. They’re perfect for picky eaters and cats with allergies.
What We Like:
- Made with freeze-dried raw minnows.
- High in protein for energy and health.
- Made with only one ingredient.
- Grain-free, gluten-free, and filler-free.
- Made in the USA with responsibly sourced minnows.
- No artificial additives or preservatives.
- Great for cats with allergies.
What Could Be Improved:
- Size of the bag could be larger for multiple cats.
These Vital Essentials Minnows Cat Treats are a fantastic way to give your cat a healthy and delicious snack. Your cat will love the taste, and you will love that they are getting a healthy treat!
5. Applaws Natural Wet Canned Cat Food
Rating: 8.7/10
Applaws Natural Wet Canned Cat Food offers a delicious and healthy meal option for your cat. This variety pack features a fish selection, packed with natural ingredients and real protein. Applaws uses limited ingredients and avoids artificial additives. This means your cat gets a tasty and nutritious meal. The broth adds extra flavor and moisture to keep your cat happy and hydrated.
What We Like:
- Made with limited, natural ingredients.
- Packed with real, high-quality protein.
- No artificial additives, colors, or flavors.
- Variety pack offers different flavors to keep cats interested.
- Can be added to dry food for a balanced diet.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some cats may prefer other flavors.
Applaws Natural Wet Canned Cat Food is a great choice for cat owners. It provides a healthy and tasty meal option. Your cat will enjoy the variety and natural ingredients.
The Ultimate Buying Guide: Cold Cuisine for Your Cat
Are you looking for the best food for your furry friend? Refrigerated cat food might be the answer! This guide will help you choose the right one.
Key Features to Look For
When picking refrigerated cat food, look for these important things:
- High-Quality Protein: Cats need protein. The food should list meat, poultry, or fish as the first ingredient. This means there is a lot of protein.
- Limited Ingredients: Fewer ingredients are better. It means the food has less stuff your cat might not need. Look for food without too many fillers, like corn or soy.
- Balanced Nutrition: The food should give your cat all the vitamins and minerals they need. Check the label for AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials) statement. This shows the food meets nutritional standards.
- Appropriate Texture: Some cats like pate. Others prefer chunks. The texture should be easy for your cat to eat.
- Freshness and Packaging: The food should be sealed well. This keeps it fresh. Look for a “use by” date.
Important Materials
Good refrigerated cat food uses good materials:
- High-Quality Meats: Chicken, turkey, salmon, or other meats should be the main ingredients. These give your cat important protein.
- Healthy Fats: Fats help your cat’s skin and coat. Look for fats like fish oil or flaxseed oil.
- Natural Ingredients: The food should use natural ingredients. These are better than artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Some things make refrigerated cat food better or worse:
- Quality of Ingredients: The better the ingredients, the better the food. Fresh, whole meats and veggies are a good sign.
- Processing Methods: Gentle processing keeps nutrients intact. Avoid foods that are heavily processed.
- Storage: Refrigerated food needs to be stored correctly. Bad storage can make the food spoil.
- Brand Reputation: Brands with a good reputation usually make better food. Read reviews from other cat owners.
- Added Supplements: Some foods add things like taurine. This helps your cat’s heart and eyes.
User Experience and Use Cases
Refrigerated cat food is good for many cats:
- Cats with Picky Eaters: The fresh taste and texture can be very appealing.
- Cats with Sensitive Stomachs: Some refrigerated foods are easier to digest.
- Cats Needing Hydration: Refrigerated food often has more moisture. This is good for cats who don’t drink enough water.
- Use Cases: You can use refrigerated food as the main meal. You can also use it as a treat or topper for dry food.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Is refrigerated cat food better than dry food?
A: It depends on your cat. Refrigerated food is often more appealing and has more moisture. Dry food is usually cheaper and lasts longer.
Q: How long can I keep refrigerated cat food?
A: Follow the “use by” date on the package. Usually, it’s good for 5-7 days after opening, if stored properly.
Q: How should I store refrigerated cat food?
A: Keep it in the refrigerator. Seal the container tightly.
Q: Can I freeze refrigerated cat food?
A: Yes, you can freeze it. It’s best to freeze it in small portions. This prevents food waste.
Q: What if my cat doesn’t like refrigerated food?
A: Try different flavors or brands. You can also mix a little refrigerated food with your cat’s regular food. Slowly increase the amount of refrigerated food.
Q: Does refrigerated cat food need to be warmed up?
A: It doesn’t need to be warmed. Some cats like it cold, while others prefer it at room temperature. You can try both.
Q: Is refrigerated cat food more expensive?
A: Yes, it usually costs more than dry food. The price depends on the brand and ingredients.
Q: What are the benefits of feeding refrigerated cat food?
A: It offers better hydration, often has higher quality ingredients, and can be more appealing to picky eaters.
Q: Can I leave refrigerated cat food out all day?
A: No, it’s best not to. It can spoil quickly. Only leave out what your cat will eat in about 30 minutes to an hour.
Q: How do I switch my cat to refrigerated food?
A: Start by mixing a small amount of refrigerated food with your cat’s current food. Gradually increase the amount of refrigerated food over a few days or a week.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.