Is Smalls Cat Food Worth It? Here’s What We Found Out
If you’re a cat owner, you’re likely familiar with their distinct personalities: they thrive on routine, are selective about affection, and can be incredibly fussy eaters. I have firsthand experience managing these quirks, as I currently have two cats—a three-year-old and a four-month-old kitten. Meal planning in my home often turns into a game of trial and error, with my younger cat frequently devouring both meals because my older one finds something objectionable about hers.
Finding a food brand that satisfies both of my cats has been challenging but rewarding when I discover options with high-quality ingredients and variety. Like humans, I believe cats appreciate a mix of flavors. With this in mind, I decided to try Smalls, a subscription-based cat food service, to see if it could provide nutritious meals my cats would enjoy while expanding their usual menu of pâté.
What is Smalls?
Smalls is a cat food brand designed with feline health in mind, standing out in a market often dominated by products for humans and dogs. The company offers high-quality, human-grade wet and dry food for cats, aiming to deliver meals that are protein-rich, hydrating, and nutritionally balanced. Smalls is available exclusively through an online subscription, which adds convenience but means you won’t find it on store shelves.
Types of Food Smalls Offers
Smalls specializes in two main types of food: wet food and freeze-dried food (the latter was temporarily unavailable during my trial). Their wet food options are categorized into four distinct recipes:
- Smooth Bird (chicken)
- Other Bird (turkey)
- Ground Cow (beef)
- Smooth Fish (fish)
These recipes also incorporate vegetables for added nutrition.
For freeze-dried food, Smalls previously offered three protein choices: Bird (chicken), Other Bird (turkey), and Water Bird (duck). These crunchy alternatives are described as high in protein, antioxidants, and phytonutrients.
The company prides itself on its simple preparation process: “Chop, steam, freeze, ship.” Their wet food is gently cooked to preserve nutrients and protein, supporting healthy fur, reduced shedding, and better energy levels. Wet food can last up to a week in the fridge or a year in the freezer, while unopened dry food stays fresh for 18 months (or about a month after opening).
The Ordering Process
Ordering from Smalls was straightforward. The website prompted me to complete a short quiz about my cats, asking details like their age, weight, body type, spay/neuter status, and texture preferences for food. In just a few minutes, I was presented with a sampler pack tailored to my cats, which included a free bag of “Catnip n’ Chill” treats.
First Impressions: Fresh and Nutritious
From the moment I opened the packaging, I was struck by the freshness and quality of Smalls’ food. The turkey recipe, in particular, smelled like something my family would prepare for Thanksgiving dinner, giving me confidence that I was feeding my cats something wholesome. However, I found the food names slightly confusing—did “Smooth Bird” refer to the protein source or the texture? Likely both.
How My Cats Reacted
Initially, my four-month-old kitten, Soba, was hesitant about Smalls. To ease the transition, I mixed it with his usual food. That seemed to do the trick, as he quickly devoured the mixture and soon began eating Smalls on its own for both breakfast and dinner.
My three-year-old cat, Rayla, was another story. True to her reputation as a picky eater, she refused to touch Smalls, even when it was blended with her regular canned food. She would sniff it and walk away, leaving Soba to clean her bowl.
Final Thoughts
Smalls offers high-quality cat food with impressive nutritional value, making it a great option for owners who prioritize their pets’ health. The subscription model is convenient, and the variety of recipes can help cater to different feline tastes. However, as my experience showed, not every cat will take to it immediately—or at all.
If your cat is open to trying new foods or if you’re willing to experiment with blending it into their current diet, Smalls could be a fantastic choice. But for particularly finicky eaters, it might take some patience—or a backup plan—to make the switch.