Smallbatch Pets has garnered attention in the pet food industry, particularly among cat owners seeking high-quality, minimally processed diets. But with so many options available, how does Smallbatch Pets truly measure up? This review dives deep into Smallbatch Pets cat food, examining everything from ingredient quality and species-appropriateness to customer experiences and recall history, helping you determine if this Small Batch Cat Food brand is the ideal choice for your beloved cat.
Cats.com Rating for Smallbatch Pets:
- Species-Appropriateness – 9/10
- Ingredient Quality – 9/10
- Product Variety – 8/10
- Price – 7/10
- Customer Experience – 7/10
- Recall History – 4/10
Overall Score: 7.3/10
Our Verdict: B Grade
Smallbatch Pets cat food achieves an overall score of 44 out of 60, earning a B grade from Cats.com. This signifies a strong performance, particularly in ingredient quality and species-appropriateness, making it a noteworthy contender in the small batch cat food market.
Delving into Smallbatch Pets: Brand Overview
Rooted in the philosophy of providing pets with nutrition mirroring their natural diets, Smallbatch Pets emerged from humble beginnings in San Francisco, California. Established as a family-owned venture, the company’s journey began in 2003, with actual production of fresh pet food commencing in 2004. Driven by a commitment to using humanely raised meats and organic vegetables, Smallbatch initially operated from San Francisco kitchens, delivering directly to local customers starting in 2005. Their dedication to quality and customer service led to the opening of their first physical store in 2007.
Smallbatch Pets Founders
Smallbatch Pets started as a small, family-owned business in San Francisco, focused on providing fresh, high-quality pet food.
Today, while Smallbatch Pets has experienced significant growth, expanding its reach beyond California, the core principles remain unchanged. They continue to prioritize high-quality, nutritious pet foods crafted with fresh, local, and sustainable ingredients. This dedication to their original values is a key aspect that resonates with owners seeking small batch cat food options. Despite expanding production beyond their original San Francisco kitchen, their commitment to quality over mass production remains at the heart of their brand.
Ingredient Sourcing and Manufacturing Transparency
Smallbatch Pets distinguishes itself through rigorous ingredient selection and adherence to stringent company standards. They are committed to using hormone- and antibiotic-free meats, alongside organic herbs and vegetables, and pure, whole-food sourced nutritional supplements. Their sourcing practices emphasize ethical and sustainable options, with pasture-raised beef and free-range poultry forming the foundation of their recipes.
Prioritizing local and sustainable sourcing whenever possible, Smallbatch Pets aims for both unparalleled safety and premium quality in their small batch cat food. The brand champions a philosophy of “raw nutrition the way nature intended,” firmly rejecting synthetic vitamin packs and instead relying on whole food ingredients to supply supplemental nutrition.
Initially produced exclusively in San Francisco, Smallbatch has expanded its operations with a second production facility in Oregon. This facility upholds the brand’s sourcing ethos, drawing ingredients from Oregon, Colorado, and Washington, ensuring regional freshness and supporting local economies. This transparent approach to sourcing and manufacturing is crucial for pet owners concerned about the origin and quality of their small batch cat food.
Recall History: A Closer Look
While committed to quality and safety, Smallbatch Pets has experienced two voluntary recalls. It’s important to note that raw pet food inherently carries a higher risk of contamination with foodborne pathogens compared to cooked kibble. However, it is also crucial to highlight that there have been no reported cases of pet or human illness linked to these recalls.
In 2016, Smallbatch initiated a voluntary recall after FDA testing of a single lot of Frozen Duckbatch Sliders indicated potential salmonella contamination. Notably, independent lab tests conducted on the same sample yielded negative results. The following year, in 2017, the company issued another recall for a frozen chicken product due to potential salmonella concerns.
While any recall is a serious matter, Smallbatch’s proactive approach and the absence of reported illnesses demonstrate their commitment to consumer safety and transparency within the small batch cat food sector. Understanding a brand’s recall history is an essential part of making informed decisions about pet food.
Exploring Smallbatch Pets Cat Food Product Range
Smallbatch Pets offers a focused range of nutritionally complete raw diets tailored for both cats and dogs. For cats, their primary offerings center around raw frozen sliders, designed for easy portioning and serving. In addition to cat-specific lines, Smallbatch also produces Smallbatch Blends chubs, suitable for both dogs and cats, featuring meat-only varieties with proteins like chicken, beef, turkey, rabbit, duck, and lamb, alongside select meat-and-veggie blends.
For dog owners, Smallbatch expands its product line to include lightly cooked recipes and freeze-dried formulas, providing a broader spectrum of textures and preparation methods. However, for cats, the emphasis remains firmly on raw frozen options, aligning with the species-appropriate focus characteristic of many small batch cat food brands.
Customer Sentiment: What Pet Owners Are Saying
Unlike many pet food manufacturers, Smallbatch Pets does not feature customer reviews directly on their website. Finding comprehensive customer reviews proved challenging, with the majority of available feedback concentrated on Smallbatch Pets’ freeze-dried sliders for dogs sold through online retailers like Amazon.
The limited availability of cat-specific reviews makes it harder to gauge direct customer experiences with their small batch cat food lines. However, examining reviews for their dog products can offer some general insights into customer perceptions of the brand’s quality and service. Let’s consider a sample of reviews for their freeze-dried dog patties to understand broader customer sentiment.
Positive Feedback Highlights
“My parents were recommended small batch dog food for their dogs, who were eating regular kibble and having some health problems. Seeing the way their health, coat texture, and even demeanor improved after regularly eating small batch, I decided to feed my dog the same way. He absolutely loves it, particularly the beef flavor. Even though it’s pretty expensive for dog food (especially if you have a bigger dog), I find it’s well worth it to see my dog so happy and healthy.” – Amazon Customer reviewing Smallbatch Pets Freeze-Dried Beefbatch. This review underscores the perceived health benefits and palatability of Smallbatch food, key factors for owners seeking small batch cat food.
“I love this product – it’s my number one pick for raw. My dog loves it, and the patties are easy to crumble and rehydrate. I like the ethos of the company, and the sourcing of the ingredients.” – Eloisebig reviewing Smallbatch Pets Freeze-Dried Chickenbatch Sliders. This highlights appreciation for the brand’s values, ingredient sourcing, and the convenience of the product format, important considerations within the small batch cat food niche.
Negative Feedback Concerns
“Our black lab mix dog is not normally a picky eater, but he won’t touch this food. I even tried mixing it with other food. It does smell pretty bad when I am mixing in the water. I am thinking that freeze dried food is not for him.” – Sarah Johnson reviewing Smallbatch Pets Freeze-Dried Turkeybatch Sliders. This points to potential palatability issues for some dogs, which could also translate to finicky cats, a common concern when transitioning to small batch cat food.
“When I ordered this product it seemed fine at first. My dog loves this raw dog food and this flavor is her favorite but just after a few weeks she wouldn’t eat it anymore. It started smelling off, almost like a bad chemical smell or something. She’s only 4 years old and is in fantastic health, so for here to turn down her favorite food told me it was bad. Very disappointing and I’m afraid to try another batch at this point in time.” – Cheryl reviewing Smallbatch Pets Freeze-Dried Lambbatch Sliders. This review raises concerns about product consistency and potential quality control issues, factors that are particularly important in raw small batch cat food where freshness is paramount.
Real-World Testing: Cat Acceptance
Cat eating raw rabbit food
Biscuit, one of our test cats, enthusiastically enjoyed Small Batch Pets’ raw rabbit recipe, demonstrating the palatability of their small batch cat food.
To provide firsthand insights for this review, we tested Smallbatch Pets raw frozen cat food with our feline testers, purchasing various available recipes. The limited distribution of Smallbatch Pets to smaller, independent pet stores restricted our options, but we managed to source Turkeybatch Sliders and Rabbit Blend from a local specialty store.
The overall reception from our test cats was overwhelmingly positive. Our cats, accustomed to a rabbit-based diet due to allergies, particularly favored Smallbatch’s rabbit formulas. The fact that Smallbatch offers rabbit-based options is a significant advantage for cats with sensitivities, a key benefit of some small batch cat food brands. We also noted the flexibility in their product line, with the Rabbit Blend being a supplemental food, allowing for customized feeding approaches.
The Turkeybatch Sliders, packaged in resealable bags with convenient one-ounce portions, proved easy to thaw and serve daily. The Rabbit Blend, sold in a 2-pound roll, required thawing the entire package, a minor inconvenience but standard for this type of product.
Top 3 Smallbatch Pets Cat Food Recipes: An In-Depth Look
To give you a clearer understanding of Smallbatch Pets’ offerings, we’ve broken down three of their key cat food recipes, analyzing their ingredients, nutritional profiles, and pros and cons.
| Product Name | Food Type | Main Protein Source | Calories | Price | Our Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Smallbatch Pets Turkeybatch Sliders Raw Frozen Food | Raw | Turkey | 34 kcal/slider | $0.42 per oz | A- |
| Smallbatch Pets Beefbatch Sliders Raw Frozen Food | Raw | Beef | 59 kcal/slider | $0.42 per oz | A- |
| Smallbatch Pets Rabbit Blend Raw Frozen Food | Raw | Rabbit | 52 kcal/oz. | $0.62 per oz | B |
#1 Smallbatch Pets Turkeybatch Sliders Raw Frozen Food
Smallbatch Pets Turkeybatch Sliders
As a flagship product in their raw frozen line, Turkeybatch Sliders come in convenient, pre-portioned one-ounce sliders, each containing approximately 34 calories. This recipe is formulated to be nutritionally complete and balanced, suitable for daily feeding as a primary diet.
The recipe boasts an impressive 97% humanely raised and harvested turkey, complemented by 2% natural supplements and 1% organic produce. Beyond muscle meat, it incorporates nutrient-rich turkey organs and raw bone, mirroring a cat’s natural prey diet. This focus on whole animal ingredients is a hallmark of quality small batch cat food.
While containing a small amount of plant-based ingredients, these additions are carefully selected whole food sources that contribute key nutrients, minimizing the need for extensive synthetic supplementation and keeping carbohydrate content naturally low.
Ingredients:
Turkey, Turkey Necks, Turkey Livers, Turkey Hearts, Turkey Gizzards, Salmon Oil, Organic Dandelion Greens, Organic Apple Cider Vinegar, Organic Kelp, Organic Bee Pollen, Organic Barley Grass, Organic Cranberries, Vitamin E Supplement.
| Ingredients We Liked | Ingredients We Didn’t Like | Common Allergens |
|---|---|---|
| Turkey Turkey Necks Turkey Livers Turkey Hearts Turkey Gizzards Salmon Oil | None | None |
Guaranteed Analysis:
Crude Protein: 17.9%
Crude Fat: 6.9%
Crude Fiber: 0.2%
Moisture: 73%
Ash: 3.1%
Dry Matter Basis:
Protein: 66.3%
Fat: 25.56%
Fiber: 0.74%
Caloric Weight Basis:
Protein: 51.65%
Fat: 48.35%
Pros:
- High in humanely raised turkey (97%)
- Rich in animal protein, organs, and bone
- No artificial additives, by-products, or fillers
- High moisture content and highly digestible
Cons:
- Relatively expensive compared to conventional cat food
- Includes some plant ingredients, though minimal and beneficial
#2 Smallbatch Pets Beefbatch Sliders Raw Frozen Food
Smallbatch Pets Beefbatch Sliders Raw Frozen Food
Mirroring the Turkeybatch recipe in its slider format and commitment to high-quality ingredients, Beefbatch Sliders feature 97% humanely raised, grass-fed beef. It also incorporates organ meats and raw bone, along with salmon oil for omega-3 fatty acids and organic produce for balanced nutrition.
A key consideration with this formula is its higher calorie density compared to the Turkeybatch, with nearly 75% more calories per slider. Despite this, the feeding guidelines remain the same, necessitating careful monitoring of your cat’s weight and body condition to adjust portions accordingly.
It’s also worth noting the relatively high phosphorus content in both raw frozen slider formulas, exceeding 1% on a dry matter basis. While phosphorus is essential for bone and teeth health, cats with chronic kidney disease (CKD) may require lower phosphorus diets. VCA recommendations suggest phosphorus levels between 0.3% and 0.6% dry matter for CKD cats. Owners of cats with kidney issues should consult their veterinarian regarding the suitability of this and other raw small batch cat food options.
Ingredients:
Beef, Beef Hearts, Beef Livers, Beef Kidneys, Beef Bone, Salmon Oil, Organic Dandelion Greens, Organic Apple Cider Vinegar, Organic Kelp, Organic Bee Pollen, Organic Barley Grass, Organic Cranberries, Vitamin E Supplement.
| Ingredients We Liked | Ingredients We Didn’t Like | Common Allergens |
|---|---|---|
| Beef Beef Hearts Beef Livers Beef Kidneys Beef Bone Salmon Oil | None | Beef |
Guaranteed Analysis:
Crude Protein: 14.7%
Crude Fat: 13.2%
Crude Fiber: 0.2%
Moisture: 67.9%
Ash: 3.4%
Dry Matter Basis:
Protein: 45.79%
Fat: 41.12%
Fiber: 0.62%
Carbs: 1.87%
Caloric Weight Basis:
Protein: 31.04%
Fat: 67.69%
Carbs: 1.27%
Pros:
- Made with 97% humanely raised grass-fed beef
- High moisture content, highly digestible
- Salmon oil provides beneficial omega-3 fatty acids
- Free from artificial additives and synthetic supplements
Cons:
- Higher price point
- Contains some plant ingredients
#3 Smallbatch Pets Rabbit Blend Raw Frozen Food
Distinct from the slider recipes, Smallbatch Pets Rabbit Blend Raw Frozen Food is categorized as a raw blend, designed for supplemental or rotational feeding rather than as a complete and balanced primary diet. These blends are offered in 2-pound tubes and feature either meat-only or meat-and-vegetable compositions, catering to varied feeding philosophies.
The Rabbit Blend is densely packed with species-appropriate animal protein sourced from whole rabbits, including bones and organ meats. The ingredients are finely ground to a 3/16th-inch texture, enhancing palatability and ease of consumption, which is particularly beneficial for cats transitioning to small batch cat food.
This blend serves as a protein-rich, moisture-dense raw frozen option, ideal for incorporating variety into a cat’s diet or supplementing a primary diet, but it’s not intended as a sole source of nutrition due to its lack of complete and balanced formulation.
Ingredients:
Whole Rabbits Including Bones, Rabbit Livers, Rabbit Hearts, Rabbit Kidneys, Rabbit Lungs
| Ingredients We Liked | Ingredients We Didn’t Like | Common Allergens |
|---|---|---|
| Rabbit Rabbit Liver Rabbit Heart Rabbit Kidney Rabbit Lungs | None | None |
Guaranteed Analysis:
Crude Protein: 19.8%
Crude Fat: 6.7%
Crude Fiber: 1.5%
Moisture: 60%
Ash: 3.9%
Dry Matter Basis:
Protein: 49.5%
Fat: 16.75%
Fiber: 3.75%
Carbs: 20.25%
Caloric Weight Basis:
Protein: 44.83%
Fat: 36.84%
Carbs: 18.34%
Pros:
- Purely rabbit muscle meat, organs, and bone
- Raw frozen, naturally high in moisture
- Excellent for supplemental or rotational feeding strategies
Cons:
- More expensive per ounce than some other options
- Not formulated to be a complete and balanced diet
Cost Analysis: Smallbatch Pets Cat Food
As a raw cat food brand, Smallbatch Pets falls into a higher price bracket compared to conventional kibble. A typical 2-pound chub or 3-pound bag of sliders is priced around $19.99, with slight variations depending on the specific recipe and retailer. Pricing may also vary based on location and availability, as demonstrated by our limited local sourcing options.
Determining the exact daily cost of feeding Smallbatch is somewhat variable depending on the chosen product and the cat’s individual needs. However, based on Smallbatch’s recommendation of 4 sliders per day for a 10-pound cat, the estimated daily cost is approximately $1.67. The raw chubs, designed for supplemental feeding, will contribute differently to overall feeding costs depending on how they are incorporated into the diet. When considering small batch cat food, it’s important to factor in the higher cost relative to mass-produced options.
Final Verdict: Is Smallbatch Pets a Good Choice for Your Cat?
Smallbatch Pets stands out as a strong contender in the small batch cat food market, particularly for cat owners prioritizing high-quality raw food diets. Their slider recipes offer complete and balanced nutrition, featuring a diverse range of protein sources, many of which are single-source, beneficial for cats with sensitivities. For those seeking dietary variety or supplemental raw feeding, their raw blends provide excellent options, though it’s crucial to remember these are not formulated for complete nutrition.
As with any pet food choice, informed decision-making is paramount. Smallbatch Pets demonstrates a commitment to quality ingredients and responsible sourcing. However, it’s essential to consider your cat’s specific health needs. The higher phosphorus content in some raw blends might be a concern for cats with kidney disease, while the slider formulas generally fall within recommended phosphorus ranges for healthy cats.
Overall, Smallbatch Pets offers quality products at a reasonable price point within the raw food category. Their single-protein recipes can be advantageous for cats with protein sensitivities, and their raw blends offer a convenient way to introduce raw food elements without a complete dietary overhaul. If you are looking for a small batch cat food that emphasizes fresh, minimally processed ingredients, Smallbatch Pets is definitely worth considering.
Purchasing Smallbatch Pets Cat Food
Smallbatch Pets, while based in San Francisco, has expanded its distribution beyond the West Coast, reaching select independent retailers and specialty pet food stores nationwide. For online purchases, freeze-dried formulas are available through major platforms like Amazon. To find local retailers carrying their frozen and raw products, checking the Smallbatch Pets website for store locators is recommended, as availability of frozen small batch cat food often depends on regional distribution networks.
