If you’re hunting for a fresh cat food that reads like a real recipe, Smalls is probably already on your radar. In this hands-on Smalls cat food review, I dig into what the brand actually offers (fresh frozen recipes, freeze-dried “Puffs,” savory broths, and thoughtfully designed feeding gear), how it’s made, what it costs when prices are clearly posted, and which cats it’s best for. You’ll also find five on-site products spotlighted with quick “Buy Now” actions, plus practical feeding, storage, and transition tips grounded in veterinary guidance. Smalls positions itself as a human-grade, minimally processed alternative with high animal-protein content—and the site states its fresh recipes are crafted in USDA-certified facilities and consistently lean into meat-first formulations. smalls.com

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Brand Snapshot

Smalls is a direct-to-consumer cat nutrition company focused on fresh frozen recipes with simple ingredient decks and high animal-protein ratios, backed by in-house nutrition expertise. The brand emphasizes gentle cooking (then freezing) to preserve moisture and nutrients and says its food is made in human-grade, USDA-certified kitchens in New Jersey and Ohio. It also repeatedly highlights that its recipes are “80%+ animal protein,” a positioning that will appeal to guardians seeking meat-forward, low-additive formulas. smalls.com

Smalls ships across the continental U.S. on a routine schedule once you build a plan. The posted shipping policy notes free shipping within the lower 48, with set dispatch days and the use of dry ice to protect perishables in transit. Returns are limited: Smalls Mart items are final sale once processed, but the brand points to a money-back guarantee on sampler subscriptions if your cat won’t eat. Customer support (“Cat Concierge”) is available via text and email seven days a week. smalls.com

On product design, Smalls’ fresh line is available in multiple textures (e.g., Smooth vs. Ground), which is useful for picky cats or those with dental issues. You can preview textures and ingredient styles on the brand’s sampler landers—for example, Fresh Ground Bird (turkey) and Fresh Smooth Fish (salmon/cod). hello.smalls.com+1

Finally, the site claims that a strong majority of customers report health improvements after switching to Smalls—a marketing claim that aligns with the general nutrition logic behind high-moisture, meat-forward diets (though outcomes vary by cat). smalls.com

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THE TOP FIVE (Smalls On-Site Products Worth Your Shortlist)

☁️ Freeze-Dried Puffy Bird 8oz

Smalls’ “Puffs” are their answer to crunchy cravings without the filler baggage common to kibble. Puffy Bird leans on chicken as the protein driver and is positioned as a higher-protein, low-junk bite for cats who like a crisp texture. In daily use, these work as a complete meal in a pinch or as a topper to add aroma and interest to fresh bowls—handy during transitions or appetite dips. The 8oz bag format is large enough for multi-cat households or for rotating with wet/fresh meals across the week. At a posted $24.00, value will depend on whether you feed as a topper or meal; either way, the clean ingredient philosophy and crunch factor stand out for enrichment-minded guardians.
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☁️ Freeze-Dried Puffy Other Bird 8oz

If your cat does better on turkey or you’re just rotating proteins, Puffy Other Bird mirrors the appeal of Puffy Bird with turkey as the star. In practice, I like turkey for sensitive GI cats or those that seem less enthused by chicken; toggling between proteins can keep novelty high without veering into additives. As with all freeze-dried meals, be sure your cat has access to fresh water and consider rehydrating portions for cats that prefer softer textures. At a posted $24.00 per 8oz bag, this runs in line with better freeze-dried formulas while preserving Smalls’ no-filler ethos.
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Bird Broth Pack (3-Count)

Broths can be stealth super-tools: they boost hydration, entice picky eaters, and help re-moisten meals for cats who lick rather than chew. Smalls’ Bird Broth Pack comes as a three-count set you can splash over fresh food, rehydrate Puffs, or drizzle atop legacy diets during a slow transition. The flavor is poultry-forward without “off” notes, and the pour-and-store pouch format keeps your fridge tidy. At $15.00 for the pack, it’s a low-risk upsell that can meaningfully increase water intake through food—especially useful in hot climates or for cats with a history of urinary issues (always loop in your vet).
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Fish Broth Pack (3-Count)

Prefer a marine lean? The Fish Broth Pack adds a savory tuna/cod dimension that many cats find irresistible. This variant is particularly helpful if your cat is poultry-indifferent or you want a flavor pivot that wakes up the bowl. Like other Smalls broths, it’s designed as a topper—think hydration and palatability first—so incorporate it as an adjunct, not a sole diet. The listed $15.00 price for three pouches makes it a modest experiment with potentially outsized wins for hydration and enthusiasm.
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Smallserve (Mossball)

Feeding gear matters more than many people think: shallow, wide bowls reduce whisker stress; elevated stands can promote a more natural neck posture; and non-porous materials help minimize chin acne. Smalls’ Smallserve checks those boxes while looking like intentional decor instead of “pet gear.” It’s dishwasher-safe, microwave-safe, and made from FDA-approved ceramic, with color options including Mossball and Butterblue. At $52.00, it’s a premium bowl—yet still a practical upgrade if you’re already investing in better food and want a fuss-free, hygienic serveware setup.
Buy Now

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Hands-On Impressions & Everyday Use

Recipe design & cooking method. Smalls leans into gently cooked, then frozen fresh recipes made in human-grade facilities. The practical upside is moisture retention (cats are notorious low water drinkers) and a short, recognizable ingredient list. The site repeatedly states that recipes are anchored by 80%+ animal protein, aligning with what many guardians expect from a meat-first feline diet.

Textures and palatability. Texture is a big deal with cats. Smalls offers variants like Ground (finely minced) and Smooth (pâté-like), which can be the difference between “meh” and “mind-blown” for picky eaters. If you’re not sure where to start, the brand’s sampler experience lets you test both protein and texture—useful before you commit to recurring shipments.

Hydration and litter-box realities. High-moisture diets often translate into better hydration and, anecdotally, less odorous stools. Cornell’s Feline Health Center notes that canned/wet foods can contain ~75–80% water and can help cats meet daily intake needs, which is one reason broths and fresh foods punch above their weight for urinary support. Pair that with clean serving gear and safe storage habits (refrigerate opened portions) to keep the experience hygienic. Cornell on hydration. FDA storage tips.

Storage & handling. Smalls’ help center guidance says fresh food keeps up to 5 days in the fridge (sealed) and up to 12 months frozen—plenty of runway for batch prep. Always refrigerate thawed portions promptly and wash bowls/utensils after each use per FDA guidelines. Small’s HelpU.S. Food and Drug Administration

Nutrition assurances. The company states its diets exceed minimum AAFCO taurine standards, an essential amino acid for cats. As you evaluate any cat food, look for “complete and balanced” statements appropriate to your cat’s life stage and verify the company’s nutritional expertise—WSAVA’s guidance is a good checklist. FDA on “complete & balanced”. WSAVA nutrition guidelines. Small’s Help

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Features & Specs (Skimmable)

• Food style: Fresh frozen, gently cooked; freeze-dried “Puffs”; liquid broths/topper.
• Protein emphasis: Site positions fresh recipes as 80%+ animal protein; Puffs positioned around 95% animal protein per product descriptions. smalls.com
• Textures: Smooth (pâté-like), Ground (finely minced)—texture choice helps with pickiness and dental comfort.
• Facilities: Human-grade, USDA-certified kitchens in NJ and OH; minimally processed, then frozen for freshness.
• Shipping: Free within the continental U.S.; scheduled dispatch windows; dry ice for perishables. smalls.com
• Support: 7-day-a-week Cat Concierge via text/email; money-back guarantee applies to sampler subscriptions; Smalls Mart items are final sale once processed. smalls.com

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Quality, Reliability & Support

Smalls’ quality narrative centers on human-grade kitchens, gentle cooking, and frozen distribution (with dry ice), which collectively mitigate spoilage risk when shipments move on predictable schedules. If something arrives damaged or warm despite carrier timelines, the returns page asks you to contact the Cat Concierge—photographs help speed resolution. That said, Smalls Mart purchases are final sale once processed, so plan carefully before you check out. Subscription samplers carry a money-back guarantee if your cat won’t eat; use that runway to test proteins and textures before scaling up.

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Pricing & Value for Money

Smalls’ core fresh subscriptions price out dynamically based on cat count and portioning—exact figures aren’t universally posted on static pages. However, several on-site items carry clear list prices:

• Freeze-Dried Puffs (Bird/Other Bird) $24.00 per 8oz (meal-size or topper rotation).
• Broth Packs (Bird/Fish) $15.00 per three-count (hydration and palatability booster).
• Smallserve bowl $52.00 (ergonomic, dishwasher/microwave-safe ceramic).

If you’re new to fresh food entirely, the brand markets discounted sampler experiences (e.g., Fresh Ground Bird and Fresh Smooth Fish samplers) as a low-commitment way to trial recipes and textures before locking a plan—a smart path for budget control and picky-cat risk management.

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Who It’s Best For / Who Should Skip It

Best for:

• Guardians prioritizing high-moisture, meat-forward feeding with simple ingredient panels.
• Picky eaters needing texture options (Smooth vs. Ground) and flavor toppers (broths).
• Multi-cat households able to batch-thaw and portion efficiently, with freezer space to spare.
• Owners who value design and hygiene (Smallserve’s whisker-friendly, non-porous ceramic).

Might skip (or reconsider) if:

• You require flexible returns on merch or pantry add-ons—Smalls Mart orders are final once processed.
• You lack freezer/fridge space or can’t reliably manage thaw windows (fresh food expects some prep).
• Your cat requires a veterinary therapeutic diet; use Smalls only with your vet’s explicit guidance. smalls.com

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Comparisons (On-Site Options)

• Fresh Smooth vs. Fresh Ground: Smooth is pâté-like and typically easier for “lickers” or post-dental cats; Ground offers more texture for food-motivated chewers. Start with a sampler that includes both to see which triggers repeat interest.
• Freeze-Dried Puffs vs. Kibble Tradition: Smalls positions Puffs as 95% animal protein with minimal processing, designed to deliver crunch without common kibble fillers. Use as a topper or rotating meal format; consider rehydrating for cats with hydration needs.
• Broths vs. Plain Water: Broths are not replacements for water, but they meaningfully raise in-bowl moisture and palatability, complementing fresh meals to meet intake targets noted by Cornell. Hydration guidance.

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Buying Guide: How to Choose the Right Smalls Plan

1. Start with texture. If your cat “licks” more than chews, lean Smooth; if they chomp, Ground can be more satisfying. Use samplers to test. hello.smalls.com+1
2. Pick your proteins. Rotate Bird/Other Bird/Fish to find a “house favorite” and reduce flavor fatigue.
3. Portion with a plan. Freeze most packets; thaw 24 hours ahead. Keep thawed portions sealed in the fridge and use within 5 days. Small’s Help
4. Boost hydration and interest. Broths or a splash of warm water can wake up aroma and support moisture intake. FDA storage/handling.
5. Look for “complete & balanced.” No matter the brand, verify life-stage claims and essential nutrients (e.g., taurine) consistent with AAFCO expectations; use WSAVA’s checklist to evaluate a company’s nutrition bona fides. FDA on “complete & balanced”. WSAVA guidelines.

FAQs

How is Smalls’ fresh food made?
Gently cooked, then frozen, with an emphasis on minimally processed, meat-forward recipes produced in human-grade, USDA-certified kitchens. smalls.com

Does Smalls meet AAFCO expectations for essential nutrients like taurine?
The brand states its fresh recipes exceed minimum AAFCO taurine standards. Always verify “complete & balanced” statements for your cat’s life stage, a principle the FDA and WSAVA also teach pet owners to check. FDA on “complete & balanced”. WSAVA guidelines. Small’s Help

How long can I store Smalls fresh food?
Up to 5 days in the fridge (sealed) and 12 months in the freezer, per Smalls’ help center. Small’s Help

Where does Smalls ship, and how is it packed?
Free shipping within the continental U.S.; boxes are packed with dry ice and ship on specific days to protect freshness. smalls.com

What’s the return policy?
Smalls Mart (non-subscription) orders are final sale once processed. For sampler subscriptions, a money-back guarantee is available if your cat won’t eat—check eligibility with the Cat Concierge. smalls.com

What if my cat doesn’t immediately take to fresh food?
Transition slowly over 7–10 days; use broths or a few crushed Puffs as toppers. Keep bowls scrupulously clean and refrigerate leftovers promptly. FDA storage/handling.

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Verdict

Smalls earns its place in the fresh cat-food conversation by pairing human-grade kitchens and high animal-protein recipes with the real-world things guardians need—texture options, hydration helpers, and solid shipping that respects perishability. If you’re willing to manage thaw windows and want a meat-forward, moisture-rich diet with ingredient lists you can parse at a glance, Smalls is easy to recommend. Start with a sampler to nail protein and texture, then round out your pantry with Puffs and broths for flexibility. Guardians who need liberal return windows on merch or who can’t reliably store fresh food might prefer a different route—but for most cats and households ready to upgrade nutrition and mealtime experience, Smalls is a strong, well-designed choice.