Choosing the right food for your feline companion is a crucial decision for their health and happiness. As pet owners, we constantly seek options that provide optimal nutrition, and Stella & Chewy’s often emerges as a top contender, particularly their raw coated kibble line. This detailed Stella And Chewy Raw Coated Kibble Cat Review will explore why this brand stands out, examining its ingredients, nutritional value, and overall suitability for your beloved cat.
Stella & Chewy’s is known for its commitment to providing high-quality, biologically appropriate pet food, blending the convenience of kibble with the nutritional benefits of raw food. Their innovative raw-coated kibble products are designed to meet the dietary needs of cats at all life stages, promising a diet rich in animal protein and essential nutrients. This review will delve into the specifics, offering insights to help you make an informed choice for your cat’s diet. For a broader perspective on the brand, you can explore our comprehensive stella and chewy cat food reviews that cover various product lines.
Our Verdict: Exceptional Quality for All Life Stages
Stella & Chewy’s dry product range, specifically their raw coated kibble, consistently earns high marks, with all six recipes in the line receiving an impressive 4.5-star rating from pet nutrition experts. This range is meticulously formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials) cat food nutrient profiles for all life stages, ensuring a balanced diet from kittenhood through adulthood.
Each recipe in the Stella & Chewy’s raw coated kibble line is tailored to provide comprehensive nutrition, and the consistent high rating across the range speaks volumes about the brand’s dedication to quality.
Pros:
- Rich in Animal Protein: Features high-quality animal proteins as primary ingredients.
- Freeze-Dried Raw Goodness: Each piece of kibble is coated with freeze-dried raw meat, enhancing palatability and nutritional value.
- Grain and Potato-Free: Formulated without common allergens and fillers, ideal for sensitive cats.
- No Corn, Wheat, or Soy Protein: Avoids ingredients often associated with feline sensitivities.
- No By-Products: Uses only whole, recognizable ingredients, shunning ambiguous by-products.
- Contains Probiotics: Supports digestive health and nutrient absorption.
- Contains Taurine: An essential amino acid crucial for feline heart muscle function and eyesight.
Cons:
- Higher Cost: The premium ingredients and manufacturing process result in a higher price point compared to many other dry cat foods.
The table below highlights some key recipes and their AAFCO nutrient profiles:
| Product line | Rating | AAFCO |
|---|---|---|
| Stella & Chewy’s Raw Coated Kibble Cage-Free Chicken Recipe | 4.5 | A |
| Stella & Chewy’s Raw Coated Kibble Wild-Caught Salmon Recipe | 4.5 | A |
| Stella & Chewy’s Raw Blend Cage Free Recipe | 4.5 | A |
| Stella & Chewy’s Raw Coated Kibble Cage-Free Duck Recipe | 4.5 | A |
| Stella & Chewy’s Raw Blend Kibble Wild Caught Recipe | 4.5 | A |
| Stella & Chewy’s Raw Coated Kibble Kitten Cage-Free Chicken Recipe | 4.5 | G |
You can delve deeper into the specific advantages of their raw coated options by reading our dedicated stella and chewy raw coated kibble review.
Detailed Recipe and Label Analysis: Cage-Free Chicken Recipe
To provide a thorough stella and chewy raw coated kibble cat review, we selected the Stella & Chewy’s Raw Coated Kibble Cage-Free Chicken Recipe for a detailed examination of its ingredients and nutrient profile. This recipe is representative of the high standards found across the brand’s dry food offerings. The data presented here is calculated on a dry matter basis to give an accurate nutritional picture.
Estimated Dry Matter Nutrient Content:
- Protein: 43.2%
- Fat: 18.2%
- Carbohydrates: 30.6%
These figures demonstrate a robust protein content, which is vital for a cat’s carnivorous diet, alongside balanced fat and carbohydrate levels.
Ingredients Analysis:
The ingredient list of Stella & Chewy’s Raw Coated Kibble Cage-Free Chicken Recipe reveals a focus on whole, high-quality components.
- Cage-Free Chicken: As the first ingredient, chicken is a premium source of animal protein. It’s defined as “the clean combination of flesh and skin… derived from the parts or whole carcasses of chicken,” providing the 11 essential amino acids cats require for sustained health.
- Chicken Meal: This ingredient is a concentrated form of chicken protein, offering nearly 300% more protein than fresh chicken. It significantly contributes to the food’s high protein content.
- Lentils and Peas: These legumes serve as quality carbohydrate sources and are rich in natural fiber, aiding digestion. While beneficial, it’s worth noting they also contribute about 25% protein, which is factored into the overall protein content.
- Chicken Fat (preserved with mixed tocopherols): A high-quality fat source, chicken fat provides linoleic acid, an omega-6 fatty acid essential for feline health. Its preservation with mixed tocopherols (a natural antioxidant) is a positive aspect.
- Chicken Liver: An organ meat from a named animal source, chicken liver is a nutrient-dense component, offering vitamins and minerals beneficial to cats.
- Natural Chicken Flavor: While specific details are not provided, the use of “natural” flavorings is a plus, designed to enhance palatability without artificial additives.
- Chicken Gizzard: These edible by-products, including internal organs, are a natural part of a feline diet, providing additional nutrients often found in prey animals.
Further down the ingredient list, we find other beneficial additions. Notably, Taurine is included. This essential amino acid is critical for maintaining healthy heart muscle function and eyesight in cats. Its presence is a significant positive, reinforcing the food’s comprehensive nutritional design. The inclusion of ingredients like salmon oil (an omega-3 source), dandelion greens, cranberries, and a range of chelated minerals and vitamins further supports a holistic nutritional profile. Probiotics are also present, aiding in gut health and digestion.
Nutritional Profile: Exceeding Expectations
Based on its ingredient composition, Stella & Chewy’s Raw Coated Kibble Cage-Free Chicken Recipe stands out as an above-average dry cat food product. The dry matter analysis indicates 43.2% protein, 18.2% fat, and an estimated 30.6% carbohydrates.
Across the entire Stella & Chewy’s dry product line, the average protein content is 41.8%, with a mean fat level of 17.3%. These figures translate to an average carbohydrate content of 32.9% and a fat-to-protein ratio of 42%. Compared to typical dry cat foods, Stella & Chewy’s offers above-average protein, near-average carbohydrates, and above-average fat, aligning well with the dietary needs of a carnivorous cat. For those interested in alternative grain-inclusive options, you might also find our stella and chewy wholesome grains review insightful.
Stella & Chewy's Dry Raw Coated Kibble Cage-Free Chicken Recipe*A bag of Stella & Chewy’s Dry Raw Coated Kibble Cage-Free Chicken Recipe for cats, highlighting the premium packaging.*
Brand Background and Recall History
Stella & Chewy’s was founded by Marie Moody, driven by her passion for pet nutrition after adopting her two dogs, Stella and Chewy. This personal commitment led to the creation of a brand dedicated to high-quality pet food. The privately held company manufactures its foods at a plant in Oak Creek, Wisconsin, maintaining control over its production processes.
While Stella & Chewy’s is lauded for its quality, it’s also important for pet owners to be aware of the brand’s history, including any past recalls. Stella & Chewy’s has had two recalls in 2015, both related to potential Listeria contamination. The first recall occurred in July, and the second in December of that year. These recalls affected various frozen and freeze-dried dog and cat food products. A comprehensive list of the affected products was released during these events. While this information is crucial for informed pet ownership, the brand has since reinforced its safety protocols, aiming to prevent future occurrences. Pet owners are always encouraged to stay informed about product recalls to ensure the safety of their pets. Even for puppies, understanding brand safety is key, as seen in our stella and chewy puppy kibble review.
Final Word: A Premium Choice for Your Feline Friend
Stella & Chewy’s dry raw coated kibble range consistently delivers responsibly-sourced, high-quality animal proteins. Each recipe provides complete and balanced nutrition with appropriate levels of vitamins and minerals, crucially enhanced with added Taurine. While the cost may be a consideration for some, the investment reflects the premium ingredients and careful formulation designed to support your cat’s overall health and vitality. This brand represents a strong choice for pet parents seeking to provide a diet that closely mimics a cat’s natural carnivorous needs, blending convenience with the benefits of raw nutrition.
