Stella & Chewy’s cat food includes freeze-dried raw food, meal toppers, and raw frozen meals, catering to pet owners seeking high-quality nutrition for their cats. While the brand's products are well-received and made from quality ingredients, they come at a higher price point due to the raw food composition and have faced a couple of recalls in the past.
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The products offer a range from dry and wet foods to both grain-inclusive and grain-free options. They are deemed suitable for cats of all ages, including kittens and seniors, although some recipes contain higher phosphorus levels, which could be a concern for kittens or cats with certain health issues. Owners of cats with conditions such as hyperphosphatemia should consider alternatives with lower phosphorus.
The brand was founded by Marie Moody, who began creating raw meals after adopting her rescue dogs, Stella and Chewy. Starting her company in a small kitchen in Brooklyn in 2003, the business has since expanded and is now primarily based in Wisconsin, where its foods are manufactured.
Stella & Chewy’s emphasizes the use of responsibly and sustainably sourced ingredients, assembled in the USA, although some components are sourced internationally.
When evaluating the primary ingredients, meat proteins dominate many recipes, with at least 98% of the composition being meat, bone, and organ, which closely reflects a cat's natural diet. The company also incorporates probiotics to support digestive health and uses wild-caught fish and cage-free poultry to ensure high-quality protein sources.
Concerns about bone content have arisen, as the increased calcium from bones may lead to elevated phosphorus levels, posing potential health risks. Therefore, careful monitoring of phosphorus intake is advised for certain populations of cats.
Stella & Chewy’s has experienced two recalls: one in July 2015 and another later that year due to potential Listeria contamination. Since then, there have been no further recalls.
Key products from Stella & Chewy’s include:
1. Chick Chick Chicken Freeze-Dried Raw Food: This recipe features chicken-based ingredients and an impressive 45% protein level but is rich and should be introduced gradually.
2. Cage-Free Chicken Cat Food Topper: Composed of various poultry, this grain-free option offers a 35% protein ratio and enhances the nutrition of standard kibble when used as a topper.
3. Skin & Coat Boost Duck & Salmon: This product supports coat health, boasting a high protein content and is recommended for skin conditions.
Though Stella & Chewy's products are on the pricier side, they are often regarded as a valuable investment for cat owners aiming to provide their pets with higher-quality nutritional options.