Last updated Mar 3, 2026
Amy Brown-Towry / Cats.com
We’ve rated Smallbatch Pets on ingredient quality, species-appropriateness, recalls, and more. Read our Smallbatch Pets cat food review to learn how this brand stacks up.
The Cats.com Standard—Rating Smallbatch Pets on What Matters
We’ve rated the brand on six key criteria for quality. Here’s how it rates in each of these six crucial areas.
Ratings
- 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
In total, we give Smallbatch Pets cat food a 44 out of 60 rating or a B grade.
About Smallbatch Pets
Smallbatch Pets is a small, family-owned company based in San Francisco, California. The seeds that eventually grew into Smallbatch were planted in 2003 and they started making fresh pet food in San Francisco kitchens using humanely raised meat and organic veggies in 2004. By 2005, their home delivery operations had begun, and they opened their first brick-and-mortar store in 2007.
Today, Smallbatch Pets has expanded throughout California and out into the world. Though they’ve outgrown the size of their original San Francisco kitchen, Smallbatch hasn’t outgrown their principles. They remain devoted to providing pets with high-quality, nutritious pet foods made with fresh, local, and sustainable ingredients.
Sourcing and Manufacturing
When it comes to Smallbatch Pets pet foods, all ingredients are carefully selected and held to high company standards. This company uses hormone- and antibiotic-free meats, organic herbs and vegetables, and pure nutritional supplements. Their beef is pasture-raised and their poultry free-range.
Their ingredients are gathered from local, sustainable sources as much as possible to ensure unbeatable safety and premium quality. Smallbatch Pets believes “in raw nutrition the way nature intended,” so they never use synthetic vitamin packs – supplemental nutrition comes from whole food sources.
Though originally produced in San Francisco, Smallbatch has opened a second production facility in Oregon. This facility sources ingredients from Oregon, Colorado, and Washington.
Recall History
Despite their commitment to quality and safety, Smallbatch Pets has two recalls in their history. Because their products are raw, there is an inherently higher risk of contamination with foodborne pathogens, but there have been no reports of pet or consumer illness.
Smallbatch issued a voluntary recall in 2016 after FDA testing of a single lot of Frozen Duckbatch Sliders indicated potential salmonella contamination. Independent lab test results for the sample were negative. In 2017, Smallbatch recalled one of their frozen chicken products over concerns of potential salmonella contamination.
What Kinds of Cat Food Does Smallbatch Pets Offer?
Smallbatch offers an assortment of nutritional complete raw diets for dogs and cats. They offer raw frozen patties, lightly cooked recipes, and freeze-dried formulas for dogs.
Smallbatch also offers raw frozen sliders for cats and a line of Smallbatch Blends chubs for dogs and cats. These are available in meat-only varieties featuring proteins like chicken, beef, turkey, rabbit, duck, and lamb. There are also a few meat-and-veggie blends available.
What Did Our Test Cats Think?
Kirsten McCarthy / Cats.com
To write this review, I purchased as many different recipes of Smallbatch Pets raw frozen cat food as I could find. Unfortunately, because this brand is only sold in small, independent, and specialty pet food stores, my options were very limited. I was able to find one store in my area that carried Smallbatch, and they had four cat food formulas: Turkeybatch Sliders, Rabbit Blend, Chicken Meal Bites Freeze-Dried, and Super Booster Duck Bites Freeze-Dried.
On the whole, my test cats really loved Smallbatch Pets. They normally eat a rabbit-based diet because my one cat has allergies to chicken and beef, so I loved the fact that Smallbatch offers rabbit formulas. I didn’t mind that the Rabbit Blend wasn’t nutritionally complete because I feed a mixture of nutritionally complete dry food and wet, fresh, or raw food.
The Turkeybatch Sliders come in a resealable bag filled with about 48 one-ounce sliders. Because the sliders themselves are only one ounce, they are easy to thaw for daily feeding. The Rabbit Blend, on the other hand, just comes in the 2-pound roll so I had to thaw the entire thing.
Smallbatch Pets Cat Food – Top 5 Recipes Reviewed
| Product Name | Food Type | Main Protein Source | Calories | Price | Our Grade |
| Smallbatchpets Super Booster Freeze Dried Duck Bites | Freeze-Dried | Duck | 134 kcal/oz. | $4 per oz | A- |
| Smallbatch Cat Freeze‑Dried Chicken Meal Bites | Freeze-Dried | Chicken | 120 kcal/oz. | $2.8 per oz | A- |
| 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 Smallbatchpets Super Booster Freeze Dried Duck Bites
Like the rest of Smallbatch’s Super Booster line, this duck formula is designed as a nutrient‑dense topper or treat that increases the overall quality of your cat’s diet. Each scoop provides raw, freeze‑dried duck with ground bone and duck liver as the primary ingredients. The recipe also incorporates organic vegetables, chia seeds, and coconut oil to supply fiber, antioxidants, and a balanced blend of omega‑3 and omega‑6 fatty acids for skin and coat support.
Amy Brown-Towry / Cats.com
This formula includes functional ingredients such as organic fenugreek seeds, lion’s mane mushroom, and a live probiotic strain (Bacillus subtilis), offering digestive, immune, and metabolic benefits beyond basic nutrition. Because the product is freeze‑dried, it retains the nutrient density of raw food while remaining shelf‑stable and easy to use as a topper, supplement, or high‑value treat.
The carbohydrate content remains moderate, and all added ingredients serve a clear nutritional purpose rather than acting as fillers. Overall, this Super Booster provides a species‑appropriate source of animal protein with elevated functional benefits, making it an excellent choice for pets needing digestive support, immune reinforcement, or a clean, whole‑food nutritional boost.
Ingredients
Duck (with ground bone), Duck Liver, Organic Squash, Organic Fenugreek Seeds, Organic Spinach, Organic Chia Seeds, Organic Coconut Oil, Mixed Tocopherols, Pollock Oil, Organic Lion’s Mane Mushroom, Dried Bacillus subtilis Fermentation Product.
Ingredients We Liked: Duck (with ground bone), Duck Liver, Organic Squash, Organic Fenugreek Seeds, Organic Spinach, Organic Chia Seeds, Organic Coconut Oil, Mixed Tocopherols, Pollock Oil, Organic Lion’s Mane Mushroom, Dried Bacillus subtilis Fermentation Product
Guaranteed Analysis
Dry Matter Basis
Caloric Weight Basis
Pros
- High‑quality duck with ground bone and duck liver as the primary ingredients
- Includes functional superfoods for added health benefits
- Contains a live probiotic (Bacillus subtilis) to support digestion and immunity
- Freeze‑dried raw topper that preserves nutrients and adds palatability
Cons
- High fat content may not suit pets needing a lower‑fat diet
- More plant ingredients than Smallbatch’s meat‑only treats
- Premium price point compared to basic toppers
- Functional ingredients may not appeal to all pets
#2 Smallbatch Cat Freeze‑Dried Chicken Meal Bites
Like most of Smallbatch’s freeze‑dried cat foods, this chicken recipe comes in lightweight bite size nuggets that are easy to portion and rehydrate with warm water. The formula is made from 98% chicken, organs, and bone, providing a species‑appropriate foundation of animal protein, naturally occurring minerals, and the moisture cats need once rehydrated. The remaining ingredients consist of non‑GMO produce grown without pesticides, offering whole‑food sources of fiber, antioxidants, and micronutrients without relying on synthetic fillers.
Amy Brown-Towry / Cats.com
Amy Brown-Towry / Cats.com
This recipe is complete and balanced for cats and uses humanely raised, thoughtfully sourced chicken. Because the food is freeze‑dried raw, it retains more of the natural nutrients found in fresh meat while remaining shelf‑stable and convenient. The texture rehydrates quickly, making it appealing even for fussy eaters, and the formula avoids mechanically separated meat or artificial additives.
Overall, this is a protein‑rich, biologically appropriate diet with clean ingredients, minimal processing, and a strong emphasis on whole‑food nutrition.
Ingredients
Chicken (with ground bone), Chicken, Chicken Hearts, Chicken Gizzards, Chicken Livers, Organic Collard Greens, Organic Carrots, Organic Squash, Organic Apple Cider Vinegar, Organic Kelp, Organic Chia Seeds, Organic Cranberry, Organic Barley Grass, Mixed Tocopherols.
Ingredients We Liked: Chicken (with ground bone), Chicken, Chicken Hearts, Chicken Gizzards, Chicken Livers, Organic Collard Greens, Organic Carrots, Organic Squash, Organic Apple Cider Vinegar, Organic Kelp, Organic Chia Seeds, Organic Cranberry, Organic Barley Grass, Mixed Tocopherols
[/cliverse_accordion]Guaranteed Analysis
Dry Matter Basis
Caloric Weight Basis
Pros
- Extremely high protein with 98% chicken, organs, and bone
- Very low carbohydrate content
- Made with whole food, non‑GMO produce and no mechanically separated meat
- Freeze‑dried raw formula that rehydrates well and appeals to picky eaters
Cons
- Premium price point compared to conventional dry or canned foods
- High protein and fat may be too rich for cats with pancreatitis or sensitive digestion
- Requires rehydration for proper moisture intake
- Single‑protein chicken formula may not suit cats with poultry allergies
#3 Smallbatch Pets Turkeybatch Sliders Raw Frozen Food
Like most of Smallbatch Pets’ raw frozen pet foods, this recipe comes in the form of small sliders. Each 1-ounce slider contains about 34 calories and provides complete and balanced nutrition.
Kirsten McCarthy / Cats.com
Kirsten McCarthy / Cats.com
Kirsten McCarthy / Cats.com
This particular recipe features 97% humanely raised and harvested turkey with 2% natural supplements and 1% organic produce. Not only does this recipe contain raw turkey, but it includes nutritious turkey organs and raw bone as well.
Aside from plenty of species-appropriate protein and moisture, this recipe contains a few added plant ingredients but nothing harmful. These ingredients don’t significantly increase the carbohydrate content of the formula and they provide whole food sources of key nutrients to negate the need for too many synthetic supplements.
Overall, this is a species-appropriate source of animal protein with moderate healthy fat and low carbohydrate content.
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: Turkey, Turkey Necks, Turkey Livers, Turkey Hearts, Turkey Gizzards, Salmon Oil
Ingredients We Didn’t Like: None
Guaranteed Analysis
Dry Matter Basis
Caloric Weight Basis
Pros
- Made with 97% humanely raised turkey
- Packed with animal protein, organs, and bone
- Free from artificial additives, by-products, and fillers
- Rich in moisture and highly digestible
Cons
- Fairly expensive
- Contains a few unnecessary plant ingredients
#4 Smallbatch Pets Beefbatch Sliders Raw Frozen Food
Similar to the previous recipe, this raw frozen formula features 97% humanely raised animal protein (from beef) along with organ meats and raw bone. Salmon oil provides a nutritious source of omega-3 fatty acids while organic produce helps ensure balanced nutrition.
One thing to keep in mind with this formula is that the calorie content per slider is nearly 75% higher than the previous recipe but the feeding guidelines are the same. Keep an eye on your cat’s body weight and condition, making adjustments as needed.
It’s worth mentioning that both of these raw frozen formulas have fairly high phosphorus content — both are measured over 1% on a dry matter basis. While phosphorus plays a role in maintaining healthy bones and teeth, excess phosphorus can be problematic for cats with chronic kidney disease (CKD). VCA recommendations for phosphorus intake for cats with CKD are between 0.3% and 0.6% dry matter.
Just keep an eye on some of the raw blends which contain only meat, organs, and raw bones as these may be higher in phosphorus.
Cats with kidney disease may require lower phosphorus levels which means you may want to avoid Smallbatch Pets’ raw pet foods if your cat has CKD.
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: Beef, Beef Hearts, Beef Livers, Beef Kidneys, Beef Bone, Salmon Oil
Ingredients We Didn’t Like: None
Guaranteed Analysis
Dry Matter Basis
Caloric Weight Basis
Pros
- Made with 97% humanely raised grass-fed beef
- Rich in moisture, highly digestible
- Salmon oil provides omega-3 fatty acids
- Free from artificial additives and synthetic supplements
Cons
- Fairly expensive
- Contains a few unnecessary plant ingredients
#5 Smallbatch Pets Rabbit Blend Raw Frozen Food
While Smallbatch Pets’ frozen sliders are considered complete and balanced, their raw blends are not. Available in a variety of different protein options, these blends come in 2-pound tubes made with meat-only or meat and veggies.
Kate Barrington / Cats.com
Kate Barrington / Cats.com
This Smallbatch Pets Rabbit Blend recipe is packed with species-appropriate animal protein from whole rabbits, including the bones and organ meats. The ingredients are ground to 3/16th inch which gives them a fine, palatable texture my cats found easy to eat.
Overall, this is a protein-packed raw frozen cat food intended for rotational or supplemental feeding only. It is high in protein and moisture with moderate fat and no added carbohydrate content.
Ingredients
Whole Rabbits Including Bones, Rabbit Livers, Rabbit Hearts, Rabbit Kidneys, Rabbit Lungs
Ingredients We Liked: Rabbit Liver, Rabbit Heart, Rabbit Kidney, Rabbit Lungs
Ingredients We Didn’t Like: None
Guaranteed Analysis
Dry Matter Basis
Caloric Weight Basis
Pros
- Contains only rabbit muscle meat, organs, and bone
- Raw frozen formula rich in moisture
- Ideal for supplemental or rotational feeding
Cons
- Fairly expensive
- Not a complete and balanced recipe
What Do Customers Think of Smallbatch Pets Cat Food?
Unlike many pet food companies, Smallbatch doesn’t post customer reviews on their website. In fact, we had a hard time finding many customer reviews at all. The only reviews we were able to consistently find were for Smallbatch Pets’ freeze-dried sliders for dogs sold on Amazon.
Let’s take a look at a few reviews from some of the most popular recipes from Smallbatch Pets.
Positive Reviews
“Freeze-dried, non-gmo and grain free healthy cat food! Rehydrates for a meal our cats really love.”- Holly reviewing Smallbatch Cat Freeze‑Dried Chicken Meal Bites on Feb 10, 2026
“Great for young kittens, with mixed with a bit of hot water and smashed into its pate.”- Estevan reviewing Smallbatch Cat Freeze‑Dried Chicken Meal Bites on Jan 24, 2026
Negative Reviews
“My cat vomited after I gave him this food. After waiting a few days, I tried giving it to him again, and he vomited once more. I was looking after a friend’s cat, so I tried giving it to that cat too. That one vomited as well. By the way, when I add warm water, he absolutely refuses to eat it, so I gave it to them dry/as is (without adding water).”- June reviewing Smallbatch Cat Freeze‑Dried Chicken Meal Bites on Feb 25, 2026
“My fussy Cavachons will not eat it, I’ll try again next month.”- joe criscuolo reviewing Smallbatchpets Super Booster Freeze Dried Duck Bites on Feb 14, 2026
How Much Does Smallbatch Pets Cat Food Cost?
As a raw cat food, Smallbatch Pets is significantly more expensive than the average kibble. A 2-pound chub or a 3-pound bag of sliders costs around $19.99, though there may be some variation depending on the recipe. I was only able to find the Turkeybatch Sliders, Rabbit Blend roll, Chicken Meal Bites Freeze-Dried, and Super Booster Duck Bites Freeze-Dried in my area.
It’s difficult to say how much it would cost to feed your cat Smallbatch since we have limited pricing information to go on. For a 10-pound cat, however, Smallbatch recommends feeding 4 sliders per day which amounts to about $1.67 per day. The raw chubs are primarily designed for supplemental feeding.
Where Is Smallbatch Pets Cat Food Sold?
Smallbatch Pets is a San Francisco-based company that primarily sells on the West Coast. Over the past few years, however, they have expanded throughout the country and can be found in some independent retailers and specialty pet food shops. Online, your best bet is the freeze-dried formulas which are sold on Amazon and Chewy
Overall, Is Smallbatch Pets Cat Food a Good Choice?
Smallbatch Pets is a great option for anyone looking to feed their cat a high-quality raw food diet. Their sliders offer complete and balanced nutrition with a wide array of protein choices, most of which are single-source proteins. If you’re just looking to switch up your cat’s diet, Smallbatch Pets raw blends are a great option, though they are only recommended for rotational or supplemental feeding.
As is true for any pet food product, it’s important to know what you’re buying. Smallbatch uses high-quality ingredients and seems to source those ingredients responsibly, but it’s still your job to make the right choice for your cat. Cats with kidney disease may require lower phosphorus levels which means you may want to avoid Smallbatch Pets’ raw blends. Many of their sliders, on the other hand, fall within the 0.3% to 0.6% recommended range.
Generally speaking, Smallbatch seems to offer quality products at a decent price, though you’ll certainly pay more for raw in general. If your cat has allergies to common proteins, their single protein recipes could be a benefit and their raw blends are a great way to introduce your cat to raw food without changing his entire diet all at once.
My cats love Small Batch sliders, I’ve fed both pork and chicken for years. However, it doesn’t matter if they love it if it’s not available. I order 8 or more at a time from our local shop. Last time I ordered it took 2 months to get it from the distributor. I just ordered more last week. I thought I’d split the order between the 2 local shops in case one didn’t get it. Got calls from both – not one bag. Last time I emailed Small Batch they blamed it on the distributor, but the distributor has to get it from them, right? And I’m sure both shops didn’t make a mistake and not place my order. In fact they’re both great so I’m sure neither of them did that. No more Small Batch for me.
Kathy, I have the same problem.
I also want to add that I have four cats, two ten year olds and two three year olds; and they all want way more than what SB recommends. They haven’t put on weight, so I think the amount of food SB recommends is low, which is something to be considered in calculating cost.
I’ve been feeding my rescue kitty for the last six years Small Batch cat food. When I first learned about this company I talked to an owner of a local independent pet food store who was getting a delivery of this product. My cat was eating “Rad Cat” raw cat food but the price point seemed better w/ Small Batch. The store owner said that this company was sourcing a good bit of the ingredients here in Lane County, Oregon where I live.
My cat is 10 years old and the only time she’s needed vet care was for accidents or a cat fight (she lost). The amount of money we save by NOT taking her to the vet is WELL WORTH the price of her raw cat food. Small Batch is a very good company and we can count on their attention to quality!
I appreciate this detailed review. I’ve been feeding my cat Primal, but I just saw that the FDA found salmonella in their factory and from the tone of the article, Primal wasn’t doing much about it??
Yeah, there have been some troubling reports about Primal recently! More details: https://www.fda.gov/inspections-compliance-enforcement-and-criminal-investigations/warning-letters/primal-pet-foods-inc-645467-02212023
Thank you for this information. I was thinking about giving Primal to my cats but not now.
I have been feeding my 10 month old cat freeze dried cat food from SmallBatchCat, Quest, and Northwestern Naturals. I hydrate all of these with warm water or warm unsalted chicken broth. I have been pleased with all 3 of these brands. I found all Freeze dried cat foods are expensive compared to dry kibble but I have been listening to warnings about feeding dry kibble to cats – too many carbs and too dry.
We have two rescues that we fostered (and then adopted) who are about 4 months old. We live in Texas and can thankfully get this product at Tomlinson’s without difficulty. It’s definitely pricey at $25 a bag. The kittens have this as a supplemental feeding with their Nulo dry kibble and they love it. I’ve only ever used the chicken version. Karma has always preferred the SmallBatch raw but lately her sister KiKi has been hogging the raw bowl. They like it so much they will lick it clean within 20 minutes. For me, I defrost them slightly on a really low defrost setting of the microwave for 10 seconds and then add a little warm water to make it more soupy. I do this as another way to increase their water intake (I’ve had cats in the past with kidney issues) since they also get dry kibble. Plus it makes sure no dried-out pieces are sticking to the side of the food bowl. Once it dries out the kittens won’t eat it and at that cost, I don’t like to see it wasted.
Sounds like you’ve figured out a good system, Carolyn. Glad to hear your cats are liking the food!
I would love to see reviews about the Smallbatch Booster (Freeze Dried) and the Smallbatch Meal Bites (Freeze Dried)
Adding this to our list
I’ve been feeding my foster turned adopted senior cat Smallbatch turkey meal bites for about 9 months. He had some constipation issues when I adopted him so when I mixed a little organic pumpkin in his food it helped. He wasn’t eating all his servings so about a month ago I started adding 1/2 of 1/4 cup Smallbatch turkey booster to his morning and evening meals. He’s eating better and pooping better. I leave a little, just a little dry booster out for noontime snacking and 8PM snacking in case he gets hungry because the 3 AM wakeup started wearing me out! My kitty’s coat looks wonderful and he’s active for his 13 year old age. My only question is do I need to add taurine to his diet and/or more booster?