Decoding the Pros and Cons of Kibble, Canned, Raw, Frozen and Freeze-Dried Cat Food

Cat food comes in so many different formats which adds some confusion to the market. Every brand claims it’s the best, so how do you choose? Here are a few pros and cons of each format.

Kibble Cat Food 

• PRO: Convenient and easy to feed, you can buy it virtually anywhere, including your local grocery store.

• CON: Packed with unhealthy ingredients, carbohydrates, and artificial preservatives. Undergoes an extrusion process that removes much of the nutritional value.

Canned Cat Food

• PRO: Higher moisture content which helps keep cats hydrated. Texture and flavor often entice cats to eat.

• CON: The rich ingredients can cause diarrhea and other stomach problems. It also contains higher sodium content and preservatives.

Home Prepared Raw Cat Food

• PRO: By far the healthiest and most natural way to feed your cat. Cats only consume the ingredients they need rather than fillers.

• CON: It can be difficult to make at home and requires careful planning to ensure your cat gets all the nutrients, vitamins, and minerals they need to be healthy.

Frozen Raw Cat Food

• PRO: Frozen cat food is closest to its natural state. Cats are drawn to the aroma and texture, which has numerous health benefits. It also contains moisture to keep your cat hydrated.

• CON: Requires  space in your freezer, and you must remember to take it out of the freezer and move it to your refrigerator to thaw it the day before feeding. 

Freeze-Dried Raw Cat Food

• PRO: Super convenient and easy to feed. Certain varieties can be rehydrated with water or goat’s milk, making it a great choice for cats who like wet cat food. Can also be mixed with other cat foods to add the benefits of raw feeding into their regular diet. 

• CON: A little more costly than kibble. Smaller package sizes compared to kibble options. 

For more information on Vital Essentials and our full product line, follow us on TikTok and Instagram. And if you have any questions, be sure to check out our FAQ page for answers. Together, we can ensure your pet gets the proper nutrition they deserve.