Finding the perfect food for your feline friend can feel like an endless quest. We all want the best for our cats – food that’s not only delicious but also packed with nutrients to keep them healthy and thriving. If you are anything like me you’ve probably been endlessly searching the internet for the right information and have seen Stella & Chewy’s cat food popping up everywhere. But with so many options out there, how do you know if Stella & Chewy’s is truly worth the hype, and more importantly, the price? My finicky feline, Mittens, certainly put me through the ringer until we found a food that satisfied her delicate palate and sensitive stomach. This article dives deep into Stella & Chewy’s cat food, providing an unbiased, in-depth review covering everything from ingredients to customer feedback, so you can make an informed decision about whether it’s the right choice for your beloved cat. Whether you are considering raw, freeze-dried, or even kibble options, we are breaking it all down.
Understanding Stella & Chewy’s Philosophy
The Basics of Raw Food Diets for Cats
The idea behind raw food diets for cats is to mimic their natural ancestral diet. In the wild, cats would primarily consume raw meat, bones, and organs. Proponents of raw feeding believe that this type of diet offers several potential benefits, including improved digestion, a healthier coat, increased energy levels, and even better dental health. The argument is that processed cat food, with its fillers and additives, can be harder for cats to digest and may not provide the optimal nutrition they need.
Stella & Chewy’s Approach
Stella & Chewy’s has built its reputation on providing high-quality, raw, and natural cat food options. They emphasize using responsibly sourced ingredients, including meat, organs, and bones, all from USDA-inspected facilities. They offer various formats to suit different needs and preferences, primarily frozen raw and freeze-dried raw. They also have a kibble option for those not quite ready for a fully raw diet.
Stella & Chewy’s utilizes a process called High Pressure Processing (HPP) for many of their products. HPP is a cold pasteurization technique that uses high pressure to eliminate harmful bacteria while preserving the nutritional integrity of the food. This is a crucial step in ensuring the safety of raw food diets.
A Deep Dive Into Stella & Chewy’s Product Lines
Stella’s Super Beef Frozen Raw Dinner Morsels
Let’s take a closer look at one of their popular lines: the Frozen Raw Dinner Morsels, specifically the Stella’s Super Beef flavor. This will give us a good foundation for evaluation.
Ingredient Analysis:
The ingredient list starts with beef, ground beef bone, beef liver, beef kidney, beef heart, pumpkin seed, organic cranberries, organic spinach, organic broccoli, organic beets, organic carrots, organic squash, organic blueberries, salmon oil, dried kelp, potassium chloride, sodium phosphate, choline chloride, dried Pediococcus acidilactici fermentation product, dried Lactobacillus acidophilus fermentation product, dried Bifidobacterium longum fermentation product, dried Bacillus coagulans fermentation product, taurine, tocopherols (preservative), zinc proteinate, vitamin A supplement, vitamin D3 supplement, vitamin E supplement, thiamine mononitrate, riboflavin supplement, pyridoxine hydrochloride, folic acid, copper proteinate.
The first few ingredients are all high-quality animal protein sources, which is excellent for cats. The inclusion of organs like liver, kidney, and heart provides essential vitamins and minerals. Pumpkin seeds, organic fruits, and vegetables offer additional nutrients and fiber. The addition of salmon oil is great for healthy skin and coat due to the Omega-3 fatty acids. The inclusion of probiotics supports gut health. All good signs.
Some cat owners may have questions about the inclusion of fruits and vegetables as cats are obligate carnivores. While a cat’s diet should primarily consist of meat, small amounts of fruits and vegetables can provide beneficial vitamins, minerals, and fiber. The fruits and vegetables in Stella & Chewy’s formulas are present in smaller amounts and are generally considered safe and beneficial.
Nutritional Analysis:
A typical analysis of Stella’s Super Beef Frozen Raw Dinner Morsels shows crude protein at a minimum of 48%, crude fat at a minimum of 25%, crude fiber at a maximum of 5%, and moisture at a maximum of 12%. These values are high in protein and fat and comparatively low in fiber which is great for cats.
Comparing to AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials) guidelines, this food meets and exceeds the recommended levels for protein and fat for adult cats. The low carbohydrate content is also ideal, as cats do not require high levels of carbohydrates in their diet.
Texture and Palatability:
The morsels have a slightly soft, almost meaty texture when thawed. The food smells strongly of meat, which is generally appealing to cats. Many users say that even picky cats are drawn to it. The food does have to be defrosted and some cats may prefer it at different temperatures.
Other Key Product Lines
While the above analysis focused on the Frozen Raw, Stella & Chewy’s offers a variety of Freeze-Dried Raw options, which are a convenient alternative for those who don’t want to handle frozen food. The kibble options also offer a less drastic dietary shift for some cat owners.
Pros and Cons
The Upsides
Stella & Chewy’s offers several compelling benefits. The high-quality ingredients are a major draw, as is the focus on nutrient-dense recipes. Owners often report seeing improvements in their cat’s digestion, coat health, and energy levels. The brand’s commitment to responsible sourcing and manufacturing is also a plus. Plus, many find the variety of options (frozen, freeze-dried, kibble) beneficial.
The Downsides
The primary drawback is the high price point. Stella & Chewy’s is significantly more expensive than many conventional cat food brands. Raw food, especially frozen raw, requires careful handling and storage to prevent bacterial contamination. Some cats may not initially take to the taste or texture of raw food, requiring a gradual transition. There’s also a small risk of bacterial contamination if proper handling procedures are not followed. Always wash hands and bowls thoroughly after handling raw food.
What Customers Say
Customer reviews provide valuable insights into real-world experiences with Stella & Chewy’s cat food. Generally, the reviews are positive, with many owners reporting that their cats love the taste and have experienced improvements in their health. However, there are also some common concerns and criticisms to be aware of.
Many users praise the brand for its ability to entice even the pickiest eaters. “My cat used to turn his nose up at everything, but he devours Stella & Chewy’s!” is a sentiment echoed in many reviews. Improvements in coat and skin health are also frequently mentioned. Some report a reduction in allergies or digestive sensitivities.
The most common complaint is the price. “It’s expensive, but worth it for my cat’s health,” is a typical justification. Others mention the need for careful handling and storage as a minor inconvenience. A small percentage of cats may experience digestive upset during the transition period, emphasizing the importance of a gradual introduction.
Exploring Alternatives
If Stella & Chewy’s doesn’t seem like the right fit, several other brands offer similar benefits and high-quality ingredients.
Primal Pet Foods: Primal offers frozen and freeze-dried raw food options with a focus on whole food ingredients. Like Stella & Chewy’s, they prioritize responsibly sourced ingredients and nutrient-dense formulas. This makes them a great alternative due to comparable ingredients.
Instinct Raw: Instinct Raw is another popular brand known for its raw and grain-free cat food options. They offer a range of formulas and formats, including frozen raw, freeze-dried raw, and kibble. Instinct can be found at a lower price point in comparison.
Orijen Cat & Kitten: For those not fully convinced of raw, Orijen provides a biologically appropriate dry food with a high meat content and limited carbohydrates. The high meat percentage will appeal to raw-diet minded people and it is considered to be one of the best kibble brands on the market.
Feeding Guidelines and Transitioning
When transitioning your cat to Stella & Chewy’s, it’s crucial to do so gradually to avoid digestive upset. Start by mixing a small amount of Stella & Chewy’s with your cat’s current food, gradually increasing the proportion over a week or two. Observe your cat’s stool and appetite, and adjust the transition speed as needed.
Feeding amounts will vary depending on your cat’s weight, age, activity level, and overall health. Consult the feeding guidelines on the Stella & Chewy’s packaging as a starting point, and monitor your cat’s weight and body condition to make adjustments as needed.
Remember that safe handling is essential when dealing with raw food. Always wash your hands and your cat’s food bowl thoroughly after handling raw food. Thaw frozen food in the refrigerator and discard any uneaten food after a short period (typically a few hours) to prevent bacterial growth.
Final Thoughts
Stella & Chewy’s cat food offers a compelling option for cat owners seeking a high-quality, nutrient-dense diet for their feline companions. The brand’s commitment to raw, natural ingredients and responsible sourcing is commendable. While the high price point and the need for careful handling are drawbacks, many owners find the benefits to be well worth the effort. If you’re looking for a food that aligns with a more natural, species-appropriate diet and are willing to invest the time and money, Stella & Chewy’s is definitely worth considering.
Ultimately, the best cat food is the one that meets your cat’s individual needs and preferences. Before making any drastic changes to your cat’s diet, consult with your veterinarian to ensure it’s the right choice for their health and well-being. Now, we want to hear from you! Have you tried Stella & Chewy’s for your cat? Share your experiences and thoughts in the comments below. What other cat food brands would you like us to review?
