Last updated Jul 20, 2026
Amy Brown-Towry / Cats.com
Primal is one of the leading brands in the raw pet food space, but is it a safe, healthy choice for your cat? In this review, we take a closer look at their ingredients, nutritional philosophy, and product quality.
The Cats.com Standard—Rating Primal on What Matters
We’ve analyzed Primal and graded it according to the Cats.com standard, evaluating the brand on species-appropriateness, ingredient quality, product variety, price, customer experience, and recall history. Here’s how it rates in each of these six key areas.
Ratings
- Species-Appropriateness – 8/10
- Ingredient Quality – 10/10
- Product Variety – 9/10
- Price – 5/10
- Customer Experience – 7/10
- Recall History – 4/10
Overall Score: 7.2/10
We give Primal cat food a 43 out of 60 rating or a B grade.
About Primal
Matt Koss founded Primal Pet Foods in 2001. After his dog, Luna, was diagnosed with early‑stage renal failure, Matt explored several treatment options before visiting a holistic veterinarian who recommended a raw diet of meat and bones. Luna’s improvement inspired Matt to create a company dedicated to providing fresh, biologically appropriate raw food for pets.
Today, Primal formulates their foods to resemble a natural feline or canine diet. Their recipes are made from fresh meat, bones, and organs, along with whole‑food ingredients intended to mimic the nutrient profile of a whole prey diet.
Sourcing and Manufacturing
Primal uses USDA edible‑grade meat rather than feed‑grade ingredients, including wild‑caught fish and cage‑ or crate‑free poultry and pork. Their proteins are sourced from the United States, New Zealand, Australia, and Europe. Other ingredients, such as produce, oils, and minerals, come from the United States, Iceland, New Zealand, and Northern European countries. Primal does not source any ingredients from China.
Has Primal Cat Food Been Recalled?
Primal cat food has been recalled at least three times.
In December 2017, Primal recalled several varieties of freeze‑dried cat and dog food after discovering that the bone grind size had “deviated from the ideal.” This was a quality control issue rather than a contamination concern.
Two years earlier, in 2015, the company recalled a limited quantity of raw frozen cat food due to potentially low thiamine levels.
In 2011, Primal issued a recall for a small amount of their Feline Chicken & Salmon Formula because of potential salmonella contamination.
What Kinds of Cat Food Does Primal Offer?
Amy Brown-Towry / Cats.com
Primal’s cat food lineup includes raw frozen nuggets, raw frozen nibbles, and freeze‑dried nuggets. All of their recipes are meat‑centric, featuring minimally processed meat, bones, and organs alongside small amounts of fruits, vegetables, and whole‑food supplements.
Their current cat formulas are all single‑protein and include chicken, turkey, pork, and rabbit. These recipes are designed to mimic a natural prey model diet and may be suitable for cats with food sensitivities.
In addition to their complete diets, Primal offers a variety of supplements and treats, including bone broth, raw goat milk, and slow‑roasted or freeze‑dried treats.
Primal Cat Food – Top 3 Recipes Reviewed
| Product Name | Food Type | Price | Our Grade |
| Primal Chicken & Salmon Formula Freeze-Dried Nuggets | Freeze-Dried | $2.66 per oz | A- |
| Primal Turkey Formula Freeze-Dried Nuggets | Freeze-Dried | $2.66 per oz | A- |
| Primal Pork Formula Freeze-Dried Nuggets | Freeze-Dried | $2.66 per oz | B |
#1 Primal Chicken & Salmon Formula Freeze‑Dried Cat Food
Chicken appears to be the primary protein source in this freeze‑dried cat food.
This updated formula features chicken with ground bone as the first ingredient, followed by chicken livers and salmon. Chicken clearly makes up the majority of the recipe, with salmon included as a secondary protein source. The use of ground bone provides natural calcium and phosphorus, helping the food mimic the nutrient profile of whole prey.
Amy Brown-Towry / Cats.com
Amy Brown-Towry / Cats.com
Amy Brown-Towry / Cats.com
Amy Brown-Towry / Cats.com
In addition to meat, bone, and organs, the food contains a variety of USDA‑certified organic fruits, vegetables, and seeds. Ingredients like pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, cranberries, blueberries, kale, squash, carrots, apples, broccoli, parsley, and alfalfa make up a small portion of the recipe. These ingredients contribute fiber, antioxidants, and phytonutrients. While cats don’t require plant matter in their diet, Primal uses these ingredients sparingly to support digestion and whole‑food nutrition.
The recipe includes several fat sources, including fish oil, cod liver oil, sunflower oil, and coconut oil. Fish oil and cod liver oil are carnivore‑appropriate sources of omega‑3 fatty acids, and cod liver oil provides natural vitamin A and D. Coconut oil is less species‑appropriate for cats, but it appears in small amounts and does not dominate the formula.
Primal avoids synthetic vitamin packs by relying on whole‑food ingredients and montmorillonite clay, which supplies trace minerals. The formula also contains multiple probiotic fermentation products, including Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus casei, Lactobacillus reuteri, and Bifidobacterium animalis, to support digestive and immune health.
Overall, this food is high in protein with moderate fat and extremely low carbohydrate content. Its macronutrient distribution closely resembles that of a cat’s natural prey diet, and the inclusion of ground bone and organ meat supports prey‑inspired ratios. The bone content appears appropriate and not excessive, which is a common concern with some commercial raw foods.
Ingredients
Chicken (with ground bone), Chicken Livers, Salmon, Organic Kale, Organic Squash, Organic Carrots, Organic Apples, Organic Pumpkin Seeds, Organic Sunflower Seeds, Organic Sunflower Oil, Organic Parsley, Organic Broccoli, Organic Blueberries, Organic Cranberries, Organic Apple Cider Vinegar, Dried Yeast, Montmorillonite Clay, Salt, Taurine, Fish Oil, Cod Liver Oil, Organic Coconut Oil, Organic Rosemary Extract, Vitamin E Supplement, Dried Organic Kelp, Liquid Lactobacillus acidophilus fermentation product, Liquid Lactobacillus casei fermentation product, Liquid Lactobacillus reuteri fermentation product, Liquid Bifidobacterium animalis fermentation product, organic ground alfalfa.
Guaranteed Analysis
Dry Matter Basis
Caloric Weight Basis
What We Liked:
- Unlike some other commercial raw foods, it doesn’t have excessive bone content
- Free of artificial ingredients
- Species‑appropriate macronutrient distribution
- Very low carbohydrate content
- Includes probiotics for digestive support
- Uses USDA organic produce
What We Didn’t Like:
- Contains fruits and vegetables
- Includes coconut oil, which is not a species‑appropriate fat source
#2 Primal Turkey Formula Nuggets Grain‑Free Raw Freeze‑Dried Cat Food
Turkey appears to be the primary protein source in this cat food.
This updated recipe features turkey with ground bone as the first ingredient, followed by turkey liver. Turkey clearly makes up the majority of the formula, supplying high‑quality animal protein, organ meat, and naturally occurring nutrients. The inclusion of ground bone provides essential minerals like calcium and phosphorus, helping the food mimic the nutrient profile of whole prey.
Amy Brown-Towry / Cats.com
Amy Brown-Towry / Cats.com
Amy Brown-Towry / Cats.com
Amy Brown-Towry / Cats.com
In addition to turkey meat, bone, and organs, the food contains a variety of USDA‑certified organic fruits, vegetables, and seeds. Ingredients like squash, carrots, kale, apples, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, broccoli, blueberries, cranberries, parsley, and alfalfa contribute fiber, antioxidants, and phytonutrients. While cats don’t require plant matter in their diet, Primal uses these ingredients sparingly to support digestion and whole‑food micronutrient diversity.
The recipe includes several fat sources, including fish oil, cod liver oil, sunflower oil, and coconut oil. Fish oil and cod liver oil are carnivore‑appropriate sources of omega‑3 fatty acids, and cod liver oil provides natural vitamin A and D. Coconut oil is less species‑appropriate for cats, but it appears in small amounts and does not dominate the formula.
Primal avoids synthetic vitamin packs by relying on whole‑food ingredients and montmorillonite clay, which supplies trace minerals. The formula also contains multiple probiotic fermentation products, including Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus casei, Lactobacillus reuteri, and Bifidobacterium animalis, to support digestive and immune health.
Overall, this food is high in protein with moderate fat and low carbohydrate content. Its macronutrient distribution closely resembles that of a cat’s natural prey diet, and the inclusion of ground bone and organ meat supports prey‑inspired ratios. Because turkey is the only significant protein source, this food may be appropriate for cats with food sensitivities or allergies.
Ingredients
Turkey (with ground bone), turkey liver, organic squash, organic carrots, Organic Kale, Organic Apples, organic pumpkin seeds, organic sunflower seeds, Organic Parsley, Organic Sunflower Oil, Organic Broccoli, Organic Blueberries, Organic Cranberries, organic apple cider vinegar, Dried Yeast, Montmorillonite Clay, Fish Oil, Coconut Oil, cod liver oil, Salt, taurine, organic rosemary extract, Vitamin E Supplement, dried organic kelp, Liquid Lactobacillus acidophilus fermentation product, Liquid Lactobacillus casei fermentation product, Liquid Lactobacillus reuteri fermentation product, liquid Bifidobacterium animalis fermentation product, and organic ground alfalfa.
Guaranteed Analysis
Dry Matter Basis
Caloric Weight Basis
What We Liked:
- Free of animal by‑products
- Rich in animal protein
- Healthy distribution of muscle meat, organs, and bone
- No synthetic vitamin pack
- Includes probiotics for digestive support
What We Didn’t Like:
- Contains several plant ingredients
- Includes coconut oil, which is not a species‑appropriate fat source
#3 Primal Pork Formula Nuggets Grain‑Free Raw Freeze‑Dried Cat Food
Pork appears to be the primary protein source in this freeze‑dried cat food.
This updated recipe features pork hearts, ground pork bones, and pork liver as the main ingredients. Pork clearly makes up the majority of the formula, supplying high‑quality muscle meat, organ meat, and naturally occurring nutrients. The inclusion of ground bone provides essential minerals like calcium and phosphorus, helping the food mimic the nutrient profile of whole prey.
Amy Brown-Towry / Cats.com
Amy Brown-Towry / Cats.com
Amy Brown-Towry / Cats.com
Amy Brown-Towry / Cats.com
In addition to pork meat, bone, and organs, the food contains a variety of USDA‑certified organic fruits, vegetables, and seeds. Ingredients like celery, squash, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, cranberries, blueberries, kale, cilantro, ginger, quinoa, apples, and alfalfa contribute fiber, antioxidants, and phytonutrients. While cats don’t require plant matter in their diet, Primal uses these ingredients sparingly to support digestion and whole‑food micronutrient diversity.
The recipe includes several fat sources, including fish oil, cod liver oil, sunflower oil, and coconut oil. Fish oil and cod liver oil are carnivore‑appropriate sources of omega‑3 fatty acids, and cod liver oil provides natural vitamin A and D. Coconut oil is less species‑appropriate for cats, but it appears in small amounts and does not dominate the formula.
Primal avoids synthetic vitamin packs by relying on whole‑food ingredients and montmorillonite clay, which supplies trace minerals. The formula also contains multiple probiotic fermentation products, including Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus casei, Lactobacillus reuteri, and Bifidobacterium animalis, to support digestive and immune health.
Overall, this food is rich in protein with moderate fat and moderate carbohydrate content. Its macronutrient distribution is more plant‑inclusive than some other Primal recipes, but it still maintains a species‑appropriate balance of muscle meat, organs, and bone. Because pork is the only significant protein source, this food may be appropriate for cats with food sensitivities or allergies.
Ingredients
Pork Hearts, Ground Pork Bones, Pork Livers, Organic Celery, Organic Squash, Organic Pumpkin Seeds, Organic Sunflower Seeds, Organic Cranberries, Organic Blueberries, Organic Kale, Organic Cilantro, Organic Ginger, Organic Quinoa, Organic Apple Cider Vinegar, Fish Oil, Montmorillonite Clay, Organic Rosemary Extract, Taurine, Organic Coconut Oil, Cod Liver Oil, Vitamin E Supplement, Organic Ground Alfalfa, Dried Organic Kelp.
Guaranteed Analysis
Dry Matter Basis
Caloric Weight Basis
What We Liked:
- Uses a combination of muscle meat and organs
- Rich in animal‑sourced protein
- Free of artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives
- Free of synthetic ingredients
- Includes probiotics for digestive support
What We Didn’t Like:
- Higher carbohydrate content compared to other Primal recipes
- Some buyers report their cats didn’t like this recipe
What Do Customers Think of Primal Cat Food?
Primal is generally well‑received by cat owners. Customers appreciate that the food is made primarily from raw meat and closely resembles a whole prey‑inspired diet. Many reviewers say their cats thrive on Primal’s minimally processed, high‑protein recipes.
Negative feedback typically centers around inconsistency between batches. Some customers report that certain lots have a strong smell, an unusual texture, or appear more crumbly or powdery than expected. A number of reviewers also mention that their cats will eat one bag enthusiastically but refuse the next.
Positive Reviews
“If I could afford to, this would replace all my canned and a lot of the dry. Always a huge hit and everyone loves it. Once they hear me grab the bag, they come charging.” – by Rebecca, reviewing Primal Turkey Freeze-Dried Nuggets on Apr 18, 2026
“Great, alternative protein that I grind up and mix with my water to make a little gravy for cat food” by Yvonne, reviewing Primal Pork Freeze-Dried Nuggets on May 4 2026
Negative Reviews
“Not sure what’s going on with Primal, it used to be amazing but it’s super inconsistent and odd. It doesn’t feel, smell or look like meat – it’s just spongy and like water logged cardboard when reconstituted. All of my cats rejected it. Maybe I got a bad batch but probably won’t try it again.” -by Rebecca, reviewing Primal Turkey Formula Freeze-Dried Nuggets on Mar 17, 2026
“He did not touch them at all.” – by Vio, reviewing Primal Chicken & Salmon Formula Nuggets Grain-Free Raw Freeze-Dried Cat Food on Mar 24, 2026
How Much Does Primal Cat Food Cost?
If you feed your 10‑lb cat about 1.5 ounces of Primal freeze‑dried food per day, roughly 200 calories, it costs about $3.18 per day. This makes Primal one of the more expensive feeding options on the market. It’s significantly more expensive than dry food, comparable to some high‑end canned diets and slightly pricier than Stella & Chewy’s, another popular freeze‑dried raw brand.
Overall, Is Primal a Good Choice?
Primal raw cat food is made from high‑quality ingredients and provides a species‑appropriate, whole‑prey‑inspired diet rich in the muscle meat, organs, and bone your cat needs. Although their formulas rely on plant ingredients rather than synthetic supplements, they remain relatively low in carbohydrates and offer a macronutrient distribution that aligns well with a natural feline diet.
However, Primal isn’t without drawbacks. Like many raw foods, Primal’s recipes tend to be high in phosphorus, with typical levels around 1.0% or roughly 2 grams per 1,000 calories. This is appropriate for growing kittens but too high for cats with kidney disease.
Customer feedback is generally positive, but some reviewers report inconsistency between batches, noting variations in smell, texture, or palatability. Primal has also issued several recalls over the years, which, combined with these customer complaints, raises some questions about quality control.
Overall, Primal remains one of the better raw cat food brands on the market. Its whole‑food ingredients, species‑appropriate formulation, and commitment to minimally processed nutrition make it a strong choice for many cats.
Hi, have you considered updating this review with information about the 2023 FDA warning letter to Primal? Guessing I can’t post links in comments but there’s a fair amount of info online.
I think it would be really good info to add. I fed my cat Primal for several years after reading your review (she LOVED it and thanks you very much!), but I stopped after I read about it. Seems like they’ve had some pretty serious issues since at least 2019.
Thanks for bringing this to our attention, Ali! I’ll see if we can get this one scheduled for an update.
How often will this get updated? I’ve recently had some negative experiences with Primal and feel like their quality has gone down.
Hi Gillian! This review is a couple years old, so I’ll see if we can get it on the list for an update!
I am also wondering about their quality, the most recent bag of frozen raw nuggets I bought was not as pink as it used to be inside, and isn’t leaking the same kind of reddish liquid into the container I thaw them in the fridge. Doesn’t seem as ‘raw meat’ like as my previous bags.
I had a similar experience with a bag of Venison nuggets… they were extremely hard and dry (more than usual). Several recipes were out of stock on Chewy for a while but are back now, so hopefully they’ve fixed the problem with this latest batch!
I imported my Maine Coon girl from Europe at nine months old (now 11 months). I switched her to wet food in preparation for converting her to raw, and the poor thing had diarrhea every day. We transitioned slowly, and I moved her to 100% raw (Primal Chicken & Salmon frozen nuggets) a week ago. The bowel issues were resolved immediately. She loves the taste. I haven’t noticed any off-odors. She weighs 12 pounds and gets 6 nuggets a day, split into 3 meals. I’m using the feeding guidelines on the ba, but I am a little concerned that she’s not getting enough, considering Maine Coons continue to grow well into their second and third year of life. I’m not supplementing with any additional foods (treats are kept to a minimum, freeze-dried proteins ONLY) until I’m sure her guts have stabilized. But… so far, so good. And with the recent speculation that there might be an issue in the synthetic vitamin, mineral and trace element supply chain, I’m OK with the inclusion of the fruits and veggies to provide a natural source for the missing nutrients, even though they might be less bioavailable than their synthetic counterparts.
Thanks for sharing, Elizabeth! I’m so glad to hear your lovely girl is doing well. Keep up the good work!
Thank you! In response to the concern I posted above, I increased her ration to three nuggets three times a day to account for the fact that Maine Coons and other slow-maturing breeds should be on a kitten ration (x 1.5 adult maintenance) for at least 18 months. She’s been much more content over the past 24 hours, and while she might not need the extra calories today or tomorrow, at least I know that I’m accounting for some of those oddball growth spurts people see in Maine Coon cats. I’ll just keep the scale handy and check her kangaroo pouch frequently.
My cat lives the Lrimal frozen Pork nuggets. I have often wondered what nutritional score that specific food item would receive. Please do an evaluation of this raw food type. He’s been on it for 4 1/2 years (his age). Plus supplement with combo Wild Buffalo and Purina One kibble. He likes to have both.
For your Dry Cat food check out the ingredients in “Fromm” cat food! My cat act like she was 15 when she was just 10 years old. Grain Free Game Bird recipe is the best in all cats love that flavor
Any way after eating “Fromm” Dry cat food my Cat is now 22 years old!