This review will dissect Stella & Chewy’s product lines, ingredient quality, manufacturing processes, recall history, and customer experiences. We will evaluate whether this brand delivers on its promise of species-appropriate, high-quality nutrition, comparing its various formulas to what a cat naturally thrives on.
The Cats.com Standard: Rating Stella & Chewy’s
At Dog Care Story, we uphold a rigorous standard for evaluating pet food, ensuring our readers receive accurate and trustworthy insights. Our assessment of Stella & Chewy’s cat food is based on six critical criteria: species-appropriateness, ingredient quality, product variety, price, customer experience, and recall history. This comprehensive approach allows us to offer a balanced perspective on the brand’s overall performance.
We assigned Stella & Chewy’s cat food an overall score of 6.5 out of 10, translating to a B- grade.
- Species-Appropriateness: 9/10
- Ingredient Quality: 8/10
- Product Variety: 8/10
- Price: 5/10
- Customer Experience: 5/10
- Recall History: 4/10
A cat intently watching a bowl of Stella & Chewy's freeze-dried cat food morsels
Why Trust Our Stella & Chewy’s Cat Food Reviews?
Our dedication to providing reliable cat food reviews is rooted in extensive research and real-world testing. Before we even select products for evaluation, we spend countless hours exploring the brand’s origins, scrutinizing customer feedback, and thoroughly examining the company’s official website. This preparatory phase helps us gain a deep understanding of each brand’s philosophy and reputation within the pet parent community. For those also researching dry dog food reviews canada, our methodology remains equally stringent, ensuring comparable reliability across all our content.
Over the years, we have rigorously tested more than a dozen products from Stella & Chewy’s diverse cat food lines and continuously update our review to reflect any new developments or changes. During our testing phase, we meticulously assess objective factors such as ingredient lists, nutritional profiles, and manufacturing processes. Simultaneously, our own feline companions provide invaluable input on subjective aspects like taste, texture, and overall palatability. Our goal is to present a well-rounded summary of Stella & Chewy’s, considering both its strengths and weaknesses, to help you determine its suitability for your cat’s dietary needs.
Stella & Chewy’s Brand Overview
The inspiring journey of Stella & Chewy’s began in 2003, initiated by founder Marie Moody. Her motivation stemmed from a personal experience after adopting Chewy, an Airedale-Shar-Pei mix, who was diagnosed with distemper. Marie took matters into her own hands, preparing a raw diet for both Chewy and her other dog, Stella. Witnessing the remarkable improvement in her dogs’ health and vitality on a fresh, raw diet ignited a passion within Marie.
Between jobs, and driven by the success she saw, Marie started a local delivery service for homemade raw pet food to guardians across New York City. The concept quickly resonated with New York pet owners, and Stella & Chewy’s rapidly grew into one of the most recognized raw pet food companies in the industry. The brand has since expanded its presence significantly, with products now available in pet stores, grocery outlets, and major supercenters nationwide. While raw pet foods remain a cornerstone of the brand’s identity, Stella & Chewy’s has also diversified its offerings to meet customer demand for cooked formulas, including kibble and canned food, all crafted with the same commitment to premium ingredients.
Sourcing and Manufacturing Excellence
Stella & Chewy’s prides itself on the quality and safety of its products, with all foods produced in the company’s FDA-inspected facility located in the Milwaukee, Wisconsin area. The company meticulously sources its ingredients from various countries, including North America, New Zealand, and Australia, ensuring a global standard of quality. Notably, all fruits and vegetables utilized in their recipes are certified organic and procured exclusively from either North or South America, depending on seasonal availability, with a strict policy against sourcing any ingredients from China.
A hallmark of their production process is the patented SecureByNature® food safety system. This innovative process employs high-pressure processing (HPP), a low-temperature method designed to preserve the food’s natural color, texture, flavor, and crucial nutrient value, all while effectively eliminating pathogenic organisms. Following production, every Stella & Chewy’s product undergoes rigorous testing by an independent laboratory. For complete transparency, customers can easily enter their product lot code on the company’s website to access the specific safety results for their purchase, reinforcing their commitment to quality and trustworthiness.
Stella & Chewy’s Recall History
Understanding a brand’s recall history is paramount for any pet owner concerned about their animal’s safety. Stella & Chewy’s has experienced two recalls, both occurring in 2015. These recalls were attributed to potential Listeria monocytogenes contamination and impacted both dog and cat food products.
More recently, in 2025, Stella & Chewy’s issued a statement to address consumer concerns regarding avian influenza risks, particularly in relation to their raw pet food products. The company transparently detailed its robust safety protocols and confirmed that none of their products had been affected by a recent recall of frozen raw pet food at that time. This proactive communication demonstrates their commitment to customer confidence and product integrity.
What Kind of Cat Food Does Stella & Chewy’s Offer?
Stella & Chewy’s boasts a diverse selection of cat food, catering to various preferences and dietary needs. Their offerings include popular freeze-dried morsels, innovative raw-coated kibble, and a range of wet cat food options. While the brand previously offered raw frozen cat food, these products have been discontinued, with a new quick-thaw replacement product anticipated for release in 2025.
Perhaps the most recognized and sought-after product in their lineup are the freeze-dried dinner morsels. These convenient, kibble-style chunks of freeze-dried meat are designed to be rehydrated before serving. A defining characteristic of all Stella & Chewy’s freeze-dried foods is their composition: at least 98% muscle meat, organs, and bones, reflecting a species-appropriate, high-protein approach. These morsels are available in a variety of tempting flavors, including Duck Duck Goose, Bountiful Beef, Absolutely Rabbit, Plate Lickin’ Pork, Chick Chick Chicken, Tummy Ticklin’ Turkey, and Yummy Lickin’ Salmon & Chicken. This variety allows pet owners to easily rotate flavors and provide different protein sources.
A small cat sitting in front of various Stella & Chewy's cat food products and measuring tools
For cat parents who may not prefer raw feeding, Stella & Chewy’s also provides an extensive selection of wet cat food products and several raw-coated kibble recipes. The brand’s wet cat food is thoughtfully organized into three distinct product lines based on texture: Purrfect Paté, Morsels ‘N’ Gravy, and Savory Shreds, offering options to suit even the pickiest eaters. The brand’s dry cat food is uniquely formulated with a freeze-dried raw coating, enhancing flavor and palatability, with some recipes even incorporating pieces of freeze-dried raw meat for an added boost of nutrition and texture. This broad range ensures that whether you’re looking for purina beyond organic dog food reviews or exploring options for your feline, Stella & Chewy’s provides diverse and appealing choices.
Top 3 Stella & Chewy’s Cat Food Recipes Reviewed
To provide a detailed look into the brand’s offerings, we’ve selected three popular Stella & Chewy’s cat food recipes for an in-depth review.
| Product Name | Food Type | Price Per Ounce | Calories Per Ounce | Our Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stella & Chewy’s Chick Chick Chicken Dinner Morsels | Freeze-Dried | $2.69 | 125 | B+ |
| Stella & Chewy’s Raw Coated Kibble Cage-Free Duck Recipe | Dry | $0.34 | 109 | B- |
| Stella & Chewy’s Carnivore Cravings Purrfect Paté Chicken & Salmon in Broth Kitten Recipe | Wet | $0.58 | 36 | A |
1. Stella & Chewy’s Chick Chick Chicken Dinner Morsels
Stella & Chewy's Chick Chick Chicken Dinner Morsels in a measuring scoop
The Stella & Chewy’s Chick Chick Chicken Dinner Morsels exemplifies the brand’s commitment to raw, species-appropriate nutrition. Like all of Stella & Chewy’s freeze-dried offerings, this product is composed of an impressive 98% muscle meat, organs, and bones. The formula specifically incorporates a blend of ground chicken with bones, chicken liver, and chicken gizzard. The inclusion of chicken gizzard is notable, as this organ acts as a natural “second stomach” for poultry, aiding in the mechanical breakdown of food before it enters the main digestive tract. This mimics a cat’s ancestral diet and provides a rich source of nutrients.
The remaining 2% of the recipe consists of carefully selected nutraceuticals and supplements. Pumpkin seed is included, presumably to provide a natural source of fiber, supporting healthy digestion. The food also features fenugreek seed, dandelion, and dried kelp, which serve as natural sources of essential vitamins and minerals, contributing to overall feline well-being. While this recipe is undeniably rich in animal-sourced protein, its high bone content means it is a significant source of minerals such as magnesium, calcium, and phosphorus. Consequently, this specific formula might not be the most suitable choice for cats diagnosed with kidney disease or those requiring strict phosphorus management in their diet.
Ingredients We Liked: Chicken with Ground Bone, Chicken Liver, Chicken Gizzard.
Ingredients We Didn’t Like: None.
Guaranteed Analysis:
- Crude Protein: 45%
- Crude Fat: 25%
- Crude Fiber: 5%
- Moisture: 5%
Dry Matter Basis:
- Protein: 47.37%
- Fat: 26.32%
- Fiber: 5.26%
- Carbs: 21.05%
Caloric Weight Basis:
- Protein: 35.8%
- Fat: 48.3%
- Carbs: 15.91%
Pros:
- Made of 98% meat, organs, and bone, reflecting a highly species-appropriate diet.
- Rich in essential animal-sourced protein, crucial for feline health.
- Supplemented with beneficial probiotics to support healthy digestion.
Cons:
- May contain a high level of bone, which can be a concern for some cats, especially those with certain health conditions.
- Raw food is not an ideal dietary choice for all cats, requiring careful consideration and consultation with a veterinarian.
2. Stella & Chewy’s Raw Coated Kibble Cage-Free Duck Recipe
Stella & Chewy's Raw Coated Kibble Cage-Free Duck Recipe in a bowl
Stella & Chewy’s Raw Coated Kibble Cage-Free Duck Recipe offers a compelling option for those seeking the benefits of raw nutrition in a convenient dry format. This particular dry cat food recipe features abundant animal-sourced protein derived primarily from duck and turkey, aligning with a cat’s carnivorous dietary needs. A key differentiating factor is the freeze-dried raw coating generously applied to the kibble, which significantly enhances its flavor and appeal to cats. The majority of the added fats come from chicken fat and salmon oil, both of which are highly species-appropriate sources of essential fatty acids for felines. On a dry matter basis, this formula delivers approximately 38.7% protein and 17.6% fat, providing a robust nutritional profile.
While no dry food can fully replicate the moisture content critical for a cat’s hydration, this recipe incorporates several advantageous elements beyond its high-quality protein. It is fortified with probiotics, specifically included to support a healthy digestive system, and omega-3 fatty acids, which are vital for maintaining healthy skin and a lustrous coat. According to feedback from numerous customers, cats generally appear to tolerate this formula very well, often showing enthusiasm for mealtime.
The primary drawback of this recipe, common to many dry foods, is its carbohydrate content. In this particular formula, the carbohydrates are sourced from lentils and peas. Compared to more digestible options like whole grains or low-starch vegetables, these ingredients can be more challenging for a cat’s digestive system to process, potentially limiting their overall nutritional contribution. For cat owners looking for best dry dog food reviews for their canine companions, understanding similar ingredient considerations is also important.
Ingredients We Liked: Duck, Turkey Meal, Chicken Fat, Turkey Liver, Turkey, Salmon Oil.
Ingredients We Didn’t Like: Lentils, Peas (due to potential digestibility issues for some cats).
Guaranteed Analysis:
- Crude Protein: 34%
- Crude Fat: 15.5%
- Crude Fiber: 5%
- Moisture: 12%
Dry Matter Basis:
- Protein: 38.64%
- Fat: 17.61%
- Fiber: 5.68%
- Carbs: 38.07%
Caloric Weight Basis:
- Protein: 32.34%
- Fat: 35.8%
- Carbs: 31.86%
Pros:
- Relies primarily on animal-sourced protein, aligning with a cat’s carnivorous diet.
- Supplemented with probiotics to promote a healthy digestive system.
- Raw-coated for extra flavor, enhancing palatability and appeal.
Cons:
- As a dry food, it does not provide the essential hydration cats naturally need.
- Contains peas and legumes, which can be less digestible for some felines and contribute to higher carbohydrate levels.
3. Stella & Chewy’s Carnivore Cravings Purrfect Paté Chicken & Salmon in Broth Kitten Recipe
Stella & Chewy's Carnivore Cravings Purrfect Paté Chicken & Salmon in Broth Kitten Recipe for kittens
The Stella & Chewy’s Carnivore Cravings Purrfect Paté Chicken & Salmon in Broth Kitten Recipe is one of several formulations specifically designed for the unique nutritional needs of growing kittens. This canned food features a smooth paté texture, which is often ideal for young cats transitioning to solid food. It is densely packed with high-quality, animal-sourced protein from both chicken and salmon, contributing to a substantial dry matter protein content of 50%. While we generally prefer animal-based sources for all fats, this formula incorporates sunflower oil, which is plant-based, but also includes beneficial tuna oil, providing a rich source of animal-sourced omega-3 fatty acids crucial for development.
As a wet cat food, this recipe excels in providing the vital hydration that dry foods lack, significantly supporting a kitten’s overall health and kidney function. Furthermore, it stands out by being free from the peas and legumes often found in Stella & Chewy’s dry food formulas. Overall, this recipe appears to be predominantly animal-based, making it highly digestible and appropriate for kittens. It contains a small amount of tapioca, primarily as a binding agent, which keeps the overall carbohydrate content low. Our test kittens thoroughly enjoyed this flavor, indicating excellent palatability.
Ingredients We Liked: Cage-Free Chicken, Wild-Caught Salmon, Dried Egg, Tuna Oil.
Ingredients We Didn’t Like: Tapioca (though used in minimal amounts as a binder, we generally prefer to minimize plant-based ingredients).
Guaranteed Analysis:
- Crude Protein: 11%
- Crude Fat: 6%
- Crude Fiber: 1.5%
- Moisture: 78%
Dry Matter Basis:
- Protein: 50%
- Fat: 27.27%
- Fiber: 6.82%
- Carbs: 15.91%
Caloric Weight Basis:
- Protein: 37.84%
- Fat: 50.12%
- Carbs: 12.04%
Pros:
- Rich in animal-sourced protein, essential for kitten growth and development.
- Excellent source of hydrating moisture, crucial for feline health.
- Smooth paté texture is easy for kittens to consume and digest.
Cons:
- The primary source of added fat, sunflower oil, is plant-based, though balanced by tuna oil.
What Do Customers Think of Stella & Chewy’s Cat Food?
Customer feedback is a crucial component of our Stella and Chewy cat food reviews, offering real-world insights into product satisfaction. Across various platforms, Stella & Chewy’s cat food product listings predominantly receive positive reviews, with many customers reporting that their cats absolutely adore the food. Some even attribute improved health outcomes in their felines to the diet. Despite frequent comments about the premium price point of the products, a significant number of customers feel the quality justifies the cost, or they opt to use the freeze-dried morsels as highly valued treats rather than a complete staple diet.
One satisfied customer, Donna, reviewing Stella & Chewy’s Chick Chick Chicken Dinner Morsels on Chewy.com, stated in June 2025, “I purchased the Stella & Chewy kibble with morsels and noted that both cats ate the morsels before even touching the kibble. Since I need to take some weight off one of our cats, I ordered a bag of only morsels so I could cut down further on the kibble and increase their morsel intake. It is working, and the fact that they leave some food behind is a good sign they are not pigging out…..except on the morsels. I break them up a little and have not added any water to them….they like them dry. We found a sweet spot.” Another positive review by Lisa for Stella & Chewy’s Chicken & Salmon Kitten Recipe Wet Cat Food on Chewy.com in June 2025 enthusiastically shared, “My 2 Kitty Babies love it & I appreciate that is has very good ingredients with no fillers! All paws up!”
Negative Reviews and Common Concerns
While overwhelmingly positive, Stella & Chewy’s cat food does attract some negative feedback, with excessive bone content being a top complaint. Similar to other manufacturers of raw and freeze-dried pet foods, Stella & Chewy’s incorporates ground bone into its recipes. However, some customers express concerns that the quantity of bone used might be too high. Other criticisms frequently revolve around cats’ refusal to eat the product or general dissatisfaction with the high cost.
Ben, reviewing Stella & Chewy’s Cage-Free Duck Recipe Raw-Coated Kibble on Chewy.com in July 2025, provided a succinct negative assessment: “Belle and Callie both give Stella & Chewy’s Duck Flavored cat food two thumbs down.” A more significant concern was raised by Shannon, reviewing Stella & Chewy’s Chick Chick Chicken Dinner Morsels on Amazon.com in July 2025, who cautioned: “Don’t feed raw food with this level of bone to older cats. Beware. Very hard on kidneys and I have lost multiple senior cats. Took me too long to realize it was the raw bone in this food. Raw mice bone is one thing – but raw chicken, turkey, salmon, etc- bone – cats wouldn’t eat this naturally. Very hard to digest and ok their kidneys.” This highlights a crucial consideration regarding the suitability of raw diets with high bone content, especially for elderly cats or those with pre-existing health conditions. For those exploring different raw food options, understanding concerns about ingredient balance is vital, similar to considerations for a stella and chewy raw blend review.
How Much Does Stella & Chewy’s Cat Food Cost?
As a brand marketed as premium, Stella & Chewy’s cat food occupies the higher end of the price spectrum when compared to similar products in the market. While most of the brand’s wet food and kibble options generally cost less than $0.60 per ounce, the freeze-dried products can be considerably more expensive, ranging up to $4 per ounce, depending on the specific flavor and formula. However, within the niche of freeze-dried cat food, Stella & Chewy’s pricing is largely comparable to other established brands such as Vital Essentials and Primal, positioning it as a competitive option in the premium raw segment.
To provide a practical cost estimate, for a 10-pound cat requiring approximately 200 calories daily, we calculate the daily cost to feed Stella & Chewy’s freeze-dried food to be around $4 to $6, varying by recipe. The brand’s kibble and canned food offer more affordable daily feeding options, with kibble costing under $1 per day and canned food ranging from $3 to $4 daily. These figures underscore the investment required for a premium raw or raw-coated diet. For more insights into specialized diets, you might also be interested in a stella and chewy wholesome grains review.
Overall: Is Stella & Chewy’s a Good Choice?
Based on our thorough Stella and Chewy cat food reviews, the brand stands out as a leading option for pet parents interested in feeding a raw or freeze-dried diet. The brand’s recipes are distinguished by their straightforward, meat-first nutrition, consciously formulated without unnecessary additives or excessive carbohydrate content, aligning well with a cat’s carnivorous dietary requirements.
However, a notable consideration, particularly for their frozen and freeze-dried raw foods, is the apparent high bone content. Due to this composition, Stella & Chewy’s freeze-dried and frozen raw foods tend to be rich in phosphorus. This makes them potentially unsuitable for cats with kidney disease or for those whose owners are actively seeking to minimize their cat’s phosphorus intake for other health-related reasons. It is always recommended to consult with a veterinarian to determine the most appropriate diet, especially for cats with specific health conditions.
If you are seeking a more conventional yet high-quality diet, Stella & Chewy’s wet cat food appears to be a robust and reliable choice. This line offers various textures and an enticing array of flavors, including convenient variety packs, which allow cat owners to sample different options without committing to a full case. The wet food formulas are generally well-regarded for their ingredient quality and moisture content, making them a solid alternative to the raw and freeze-dried selections.
Where Is Stella & Chewy’s Cat Food Sold?
Stella & Chewy’s cat food products are widely available through various channels, catering to both online shoppers and those who prefer in-store purchases. While a significant portion of the brand’s selection is sold online, their frozen food products traditionally have been exclusively available at local pet stores. With the upcoming release of new quick-thaw frozen cat food morsels in 2025, there is an anticipation that these might become available for direct purchase on the brand’s official website.
Beyond the official website, you can readily find Stella & Chewy’s products on major online retail platforms such as Amazon and Chewy, which offer extensive selections and convenient home delivery. Additionally, other specialized online pet retailers like Only Natural Pet, PetFlow, and PetSupermarket also stock their products. For those who prefer to shop in person, Stella & Chewy’s cat food is available at large pet retail chains like PetSmart and Pet Supplies Plus, as well as numerous smaller regional or independent pet stores across the country, ensuring accessibility for a wide range of consumers.
