Stella & Chewy’s has made a name for itself in the frozen and freeze-dried raw cat food industry. But is it the best option for your beloved cat? In this unbiased review, we will evaluate Stella & Chewy’s based on several important factors, including species-appropriateness, ingredient quality, product variety, price, customer experience, and recall history. By the end, you’ll have a clearer understanding of whether Stella & Chewy’s is the right choice for your feline companion.
About Stella & Chewy’s
The story of Stella & Chewy’s begins in 2003 when the company’s founder, Marie Moody, adopted Chewy, an Airedale-Shar-Pei mix. Inspired by Chewy’s health improvements on a homemade raw diet, Marie started delivering raw food to pet owners in New York City. The brand quickly gained popularity and became one of the most well-known raw pet food companies in the industry.
Sourcing and Manufacturing
Stella & Chewy’s prides itself on sourcing high-quality ingredients from countries like North America, New Zealand, and Australia. All fruits and vegetables used in their products are certified organic and sourced from North or South America. Notably, Stella & Chewy’s does not use any ingredients from China.
The company employs a patented food safety process called SecureByNature®, which involves high-pressure processing to maintain the food’s color, texture, flavor, and nutrient value while eliminating pathogenic organisms. Additionally, all Stella & Chewy’s products undergo testing by an independent lab, and customers can access the specific product’s safety results using the lot code.
Recall History
Stella & Chewy’s cat food has experienced two recalls in 2015 due to listeria contamination. Both recalls affected food for both dogs and cats. It’s important to note that the company took prompt action to address the issues and improve their products’ safety.
Stella & Chewy’s Cat Food Selection
Stella & Chewy’s offers a wide selection of cat food options, including frozen raw morsels and medallions, freeze-dried morsels, and wet food morsels and patés. One of their most popular offerings is the freeze-dried dinner morsels, which are rehydratable kibble-style chunks of freeze-dried meat. Their frozen raw morsels are chunks of frozen raw meat, while the mini medallions are patties of shredded raw meat.
For those interested in wet food options, Stella & Chewy’s offers Marvelous Morsels, featuring meat morsels in bone broth, and Purrfect Paté, a smooth food soaked in bone broth. These wet food options come in various flavorful combinations.
Customer Feedback
Stella & Chewy’s cat food receives mostly positive reviews from customers. Many reports indicate that cats love the food, and some even mention improvements in their cats’ overall health. However, some customers express concerns regarding the excessive bone content in Stella & Chewy’s cat food, as it can increase mineral content and may not be suitable for cats with specific dietary needs.
Pricing
Stella & Chewy’s freeze-dried cat food ranges from $2 to $3 per ounce. However, it’s important to note that the food’s lightness can be deceptive when considering the price per ounce. Instead, evaluating the daily cost per feeding can provide a more accurate comparison to other products. According to the company’s feeding instructions for a 10-lb cat, feeding Stella & Chewy’s freeze-dried cat food would cost approximately $2.53 per day.
Is Stella & Chewy’s the Right Choice?
Stella & Chewy’s offers a convenient and nutritious option for cat owners interested in feeding a raw or freeze-dried diet. Their meat-first recipes without unnecessary additives or carbohydrates make them a popular choice. However, it’s crucial to consider their excessive bone content, as it can lead to higher phosphorus levels, which might not be ideal for cats with kidney disease or specific dietary restrictions.
It’s worth mentioning that Stella & Chewy’s has faced criticism for a lack of transparency regarding important nutritional information, refusing to share typical nutrient analysis data with customers and experts. This lack of openness can be a concern for pet owners who value knowing exactly what they’re feeding their cats.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Where can I buy Stella & Chewy’s cat food?
A: While most of their selection is available for purchase online, Stella & Chewy’s frozen and wet foods can only be found at local pet stores and are not available through online retailers. The rest of the Stella & Chewy’s lineup is available on Amazon, Chewy, PetFlow, and Only Natural Pet.
Q: Are there any recalls on Stella & Chewy’s cat food?
A: Stella & Chewy’s has experienced two recalls in 2015 due to listeria contamination. However, the company responded swiftly and took the necessary steps to improve product safety.
Q: Is Stella & Chewy’s cat food suitable for cats with dietary restrictions?
A: Stella & Chewy’s excessive bone content might not be suitable for cats with kidney disease or those needing to limit their phosphorus intake. It’s important to consult with your veterinarian to determine if Stella & Chewy’s is the right choice for your cat’s specific dietary needs.
Conclusion
Stella & Chewy’s offers a range of raw and freeze-dried cat food options that appeal to many pet owners interested in a meat-first diet for their cats. Their commitment to sourcing high-quality ingredients and implementing rigorous safety measures is commendable. However, the brand’s excessive bone content and lack of transparency regarding nutritional information are important factors to consider when deciding on the best food for your feline friend.
For more information about Stella & Chewy’s and their products, visit Pawsoha – your trusted source for reliable and up-to-date information in the pet industry.