Stella & Chewy's Freeze-Dried Raw Coated Kibble Cage-Free Chicken Recipe for Cats
Stella & Chewy's Freeze-Dried Raw Coated Kibble Cage-Free Chicken Recipe for Cats scores 4.5/5 on Moesonson's label-based analysis. Its strongest factor is protein clarity (high — 100% of the recipe's protein panel is clearly named); its weakest is animal-protein content (strong — 81% of the weighted protein comes from animal sources).
Rating
Updated Jul 2026
How this score is made
This score isn’t a hand-wavy impression: it reads what the label actually prints — the ingredient list, guaranteed analysis and AAFCO adequacy statement — and runs it through the same algorithmic rubric as every other product. No brand pays for placement, and there are no affiliate links on reviewed products.
Is Stella & Chewy's Freeze-Dried Raw Coated Kibble Cage-Free Chicken Recipe for Cats dry cat food good?
Stella & Chewy's Freeze-Dried Raw Coated Kibble Cage-Free Chicken Recipe for Cats is a dry cat food rated 4.5 stars, with high ingredient transparency and strong animal protein content. The recipe lists most animal ingredients by name and features real muscle meat as a primary protein source. This recipe is free from Gluten grains, Grains (gluten-free), Dairy, Egg, Nuts, Red meat, Shellfish, Unknown Meal but contains Legumes, Poultry, Fish.
Allergy Highlights
Contains:
Free From:
Pros
- Uses clearly named animal protein sources for better transparency.
- Contains organ meats that provide natural vitamins and minerals.
- Includes plant ingredients that can provide fiber and natural antioxidants.
- Uses mainly organic mineral sources, which are typically better absorbed.
Nutrition Breakdown
| Protein | 44% |
|---|---|
| Fat | 18% |
| Est. Carbs | 24% |
| Fiber | 6% |
| Ash | 8% |
Moisture (12%) removed so you can compare foods fairly.
Dry matter basis = label value ÷ (100% − moisture%). Carbs estimated from remaining.
| Protein | 39% |
|---|---|
| Fat | 16% |
| Est. Carbs | 21% |
| Fiber | 5% |
| Moisture | 12% |
| Ash | 7% |
Ash value not listed on label; 7% used as a standard estimate.
As-fed values are the raw percentages printed on the product label.
Tips
- Protein is High (44% dry matter) on our label-based comparison range. This is generally more aligned with cats' higher protein needs than lower-protein recipes, assuming the food is complete for the cat's life stage.
- Fat is High (18% dry matter) on our label-based comparison range. It can raise calorie density, so watch body condition and seek vet input for cats with pancreatitis or digestive disease.
Ingredients Analysis
43 of 43 matched
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1 Chicken
Animal ProteinDescription
The dominant animal protein source in pet foods. Other than protein, it is also high in iron, zinc, selenium, and B vitamins.
Why Prefer?
A high-quality animal protein with high digestibility and biological value.
-
2 Chicken Meal
Animal ProteinDescription
A dehydrated form of chicken, it is a meat concentrate that contains up to 4 times more protein than fresh chicken on dry matter basis.
Why Prefer?
A high-quality animal protein with high digestibility and biological value.
-
3 Lentils
Carbs Plant ProteinDescription
A type of legume that is added to boost up the protein content and acts as an alternative carb. It contains around 27% protein.
Digestion Concern
Legume contains oligosaccharides, which is a 3 - 5 carbon short-chain sugar that are indigestible by dogs / cats.
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4 Peas
Carbs Plant ProteinDescription
A type of legume that is added to boost up the protein content and acts as an alternative carb. It contains around 22% protein.
Digestion Concern
Legume contains oligosaccharides, which is a 3 - 5 carbon short-chain sugar that are indigestible by dogs / cats.
-
5 Chicken Fat
FatDescription
The fatty layer separated during the cooking process, with a high level of omega 6, It is more preferable by dogs and cats over other types of fats.
Why Prefer?
A high-quality animal fat with high digestibility and biological value.
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6 Chicken Liver
Animal ProteinDescription
An excellent source of vitamin A, chromium, and copper.
Why Prefer?
Organ meats are highly nutritious, with quality protein and many important vitamins / minerals.
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7 Natural Chicken Flavor
Food AdditiveDescription
The flavor made of chicken parts, it is used to make pet food more tasty and palatable.
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8 Chicken Gizzard
Animal ProteinDescription
The gizzard is a muscle found in the digestive tract of the chicken, low in fat and high in vitamins such as vitamin B12.
Why Prefer?
Organ meats are highly nutritious, with quality protein and many important vitamins / minerals.
-
9 Fenugreek Seed
CarbsDescription
Seeds of the fenugreek herb, used in traditional medicine for various health benefits.
-
10 Salmon Oil
FatDescription
The oil extracted from salmon, an excellent source of fat and omega 3s, which is important to reduce inflammation in the body.
Why Prefer?
A high-quality animal fat with high digestibility and biological value.
-
11 Suncured Alfalfa Meal
(Detected): Sun-Cured Alfalfa Meal
Carbs Plant ProteinDescription
Typically used in horse feed, high in fiber, and contains around 20% plant protein.
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12 Dandelion Greens
CarbsDescription
A plant with yellow flowers that is high in vitamins A, C, and K. It also contains inulin, which serves as a prebiotic in pet foods.
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13 Taurine
SupplementDescription
An essential amino acid (building blocks of protein) to maintain a healthy brain and heart functions.
Why Prefer?
A safe supplement to improve the completeness of essential amino acids profile (the building block of protein).
-
14 Choline Chloride
SupplementDescription
Vital molecule for various functions in the body, lack of choline can result in weight loss, vomiting, and fatty liver.
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15 Tocopherols
Food AdditiveDescription
A form of vitamin E, a powerful antioxidant used as a natural preservative.
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16 Calcium Carbonate
SupplementDescription
An inorganic form of calcium, it is essential in the formation of bones / teeth and different cellular functions. Compare to organic form, it has 5 - 15% less absorption rate to the body.
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17 Yucca Schidigera Extract
CarbsDescription
Yucca schidigera is a desert plant found in the arid southwestern US and Mexico. It has been shown to reduce fecal aroma (poop's smell) without any harmful effect.
-
18 Thyme
CarbsDescription
A herb often used for cooking, a great source of vitamin C, A, copper, iron, and manganese.
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19 Rosemary
CarbsDescription
A common herb used for cooking, it is rich in antioxidants to fight off radical damages in the body.
-
20 Sage
CarbsDescription
A herb from the mint family, a good source of vitamin K and antioxidants - it contains over 160 plant-based polyphenols.
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21 Cranberries
CarbsDescription
High in vitamin C and antioxidants, it is also best known for fighting Urinary Tract Infections. While it could be true for humans, the effect on pets is yet to be confirmed by further research.
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22 Zinc Proteinate
SupplementDescription
An organic form of zinc, which is vital in skin function and wound healing, cell replication, the structure and function of biological membranes. Compare to inorganic form, it has 5 - 15% more absorption rate to the body.
-
23 Iron Proteinate
SupplementDescription
An organic form of iron. It is essential for the transport and movement of oxygen around the body. Compare to inorganic form, it has 5 - 15% more absorption rate to the body.
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24 Copper Proteinate
SupplementDescription
An organic form of copper, which is important for the production of blood cells, hair coat color pigmentation, and maintaining the nervous system. Compare to inorganic form, it has 5 - 15% more absorption rate to the body.
-
25 Magnesium Proteinate
SupplementDescription
An organic form of manganese that has 5 - 15% higher absorption rate than the inorganic form. It is essential for normal metabolic function with the body.
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26 Manganese Proteinate
SupplementDescription
An organic form of manganese that has 5 - 15% higher absorption rate than the inorganic form. It is essential for normal metabolic function with the body.
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27 Sodium Selenite
Food AdditiveDescription
An inorganic selenium supplement. It remains controversial as the long term effect of consuming it is not known, and there is a much safer organic alternative available.
Why Concerned?
A food additive that is likely to be safe but unnecessary.
-
28 Vitamin E Supplement
SupplementDescription
Supplement for vitamin E, which is an important antioxidant that protects oxidative damages on cellular membranes by free radicals. A deficiency will result in symptoms like anorexia, depression, and dermatitis.
-
29 Calcium Iodate
SupplementDescription
An inorganic form of calcium, it is essential in the formation of bones / teeth and different cellular functions. Compare to organic form, it has 5 - 15% less absorption rate to the body.
-
30 Thiamine Mononitrate
SupplementDescription
An organic form of thiamine, has 5 - 15% more absorption rate than the inorganic form. It is important for energy production and glucose metabolism.
-
31 Niacin Supplement
SupplementDescription
Known as vitamin B3, essential to maintain healthy GI tracts, skin/coat, and nervous system.
-
32 D-calcium Pantothenate
SupplementDescription
An organic form of calcium, it is essential in the formation of bones / teeth and different cellular functions. Compare to inorganic form, it has 5 - 15% more absorption rate to the body.
-
33 Riboflavin Supplement
SupplementDescription
A synthetic supplement for vitamin B2. which is vital for the body's metabolism and health.
-
34 Vitamin A Supplement
SupplementDescription
Supplement of vitamin A, it is essential for healthy skin, normal vision, and immune function.
-
35 Vitamin D3 Supplement
SupplementDescription
Supplement for vitamin D3 (animal-derived), which is essential for calcium homeostasis - to maintain a constant concentration of calcium. A deficiency will result in osteopenia (lower bone mass).
-
36 Vitamin B12 Supplement
SupplementDescription
Supplement for vitamin B12, which is vital for carbon transfer and propionate metabolism. A deficiency will result in symptoms similar to gastrointestinal disorders, such as diarrhea and weight loss.
-
37 Pyridoxine Hydrochloride
SupplementDescription
A synthetical supplement of vitamin B6, which is an essential element for nearly every part of metabolism.
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38 Biotin
SupplementDescription
A water-soluble vitamin B that is important for maintaining healthy skin, coat, and nails.
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39 Folic Acid
SupplementDescription
A synthetic form of folate, which is also known as vitamin B9. It plays an important role to support the body's functions, such as cell growth.
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40 Dried Pediococcus Acidilactici Fermentation Product
ProbioticsDescription
A type of probiotics, good bacteria that promotes good digestion and overall health. Compared to other good bacteria, acidilactici can adapt and grow within a wider range of pH and temperature in the body.
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41 Dried Lactobaccillus Acidophilus Fermentation Product
(Detected): Dried Lactobacillus Acidophilus Fermentation Product
ProbioticsDescription
A type of probiotics, good bacteria that promotes good digestion and overall health. L. acidophilus produces lactic acid, which is believed to help prevent bad bacterias from growing in the intestines.
-
42 Dried Bifidobacterium Longum Fermentation Product
ProbioticsDescription
A type of probiotics, good bacteria that promotes good digestion and overall health. Bifidobacterium longum binds to the intestine and prevents bad bacteria from attaching, which protects the digestive system from illness and boosts immunity.
-
43 Dried Bacillus Coagulans Fermentation Product
ProbioticsDescription
A type of probiotics, good bacteria that promotes good digestion and overall health. Bacillus coagulans is often taken by humans to treat bowel syndrome (IBS) and diarrhea.
Tips
- Named animal proteins near the top: Chicken, Chicken Meal are listed early in the ingredient panel.
- Plant protein is worth closer review for cats: Lentils, Peas may raise the listed protein percentage without meaning there is more meat.
- Ingredients worth checking: Sodium Selenite.
- Possible digestion triggers: Lentils, Peas have digestion notes; watch tolerance if your pet has a sensitive stomach.
Protein Analysis
How this recipe earned its protein scores.
Protein Clarity
High- Named 100%
Strong clarity: 100% of Stella & Chewy's Freeze-Dried Raw Coated Kibble Cage-Free Chicken Recipe for Cats's animal-protein ingredients are clearly named (like chicken or salmon). Only 0% use vague terms such as "meat meal" and 0% are by-products. Named protein ingredients let you verify the source and check for allergens.
Contributing ingredients
Named
Animal Protein
High- Animal 81%
- Plant 19%
Meat-forward: 81% of the weighted protein in Stella & Chewy's Freeze-Dried Raw Coated Kibble Cage-Free Chicken Recipe for Cats comes from animal sources. Plant signals are modest (19% whole plants, 0% plant concentrates), so the protein profile leans on real meat.
Contributing ingredients
Animal
Plant
Stella & Chewy's Freeze-Dried Raw Coated Kibble Cage-Free Chicken Recipe for Cats dry cat food Review
Stella & Chewy's Freeze-Dried Raw Coated Kibble Cage-Free Chicken Recipe for Cats is a strong choice — rated 4.5 stars with high ingredient transparency and strong animal protein content. A confident pick when the ingredient panel matches your pet's needs.
Best for
- Owners who want clearly named protein sources
- Pets avoiding gluten grains
- Pets that thrive on muscle-meat protein
Avoid if
- You're avoiding legumes
Key takeaways
- Named animal proteins make up 100% of the recipe's protein panel — a clear sourcing win.
- Contains common allergens: Legumes, Poultry, Fish.
- On a dry-matter basis: 44% protein, 18% fat, 24% estimated carbohydrates.
- 81% of the weighted protein comes from animal sources.
- Free from Gluten grains, Grains (gluten-free), Dairy, Egg, Nuts, Red meat, Shellfish, Unknown Meal.
Frequently asked questions
Is Stella & Chewy's Freeze-Dried Raw Coated Kibble Cage-Free Chicken Recipe for Cats good for cats?
Yes — Stella & Chewy's Freeze-Dried Raw Coated Kibble Cage-Free Chicken Recipe for Cats earns 4.5 out of 5 stars on Moesonson’s label-based analysis, combining high ingredient transparency with strong animal protein content. The score is computed from the printed ingredient list and guaranteed analysis rather than marketing claims — a confident pick when the label matches your cat’s needs.
Does Stella & Chewy's Freeze-Dried Raw Coated Kibble Cage-Free Chicken Recipe for Cats contain Dairy?
No — based on the printed ingredient list, Stella & Chewy's Freeze-Dried Raw Coated Kibble Cage-Free Chicken Recipe for Cats does not include Dairy or closely related ingredients, so pets sensitive to Dairy can typically avoid that trigger here. Recipes do get reformulated, though, so re-check the packaging before feeding — Moesonson’s reading reflects the label at analysis time.
Does Stella & Chewy's Freeze-Dried Raw Coated Kibble Cage-Free Chicken Recipe for Cats contain Egg?
No — based on the printed ingredient list, Stella & Chewy's Freeze-Dried Raw Coated Kibble Cage-Free Chicken Recipe for Cats does not include Egg or closely related ingredients, so pets sensitive to Egg can typically avoid that trigger here. Recipes do get reformulated, though, so re-check the packaging before feeding — Moesonson’s reading reflects the label at analysis time.
Does Stella & Chewy's Freeze-Dried Raw Coated Kibble Cage-Free Chicken Recipe for Cats contain Legumes?
Yes — according to the printed ingredient list, Stella & Chewy's Freeze-Dried Raw Coated Kibble Cage-Free Chicken Recipe for Cats contains Legumes. Pets with a known Legumes sensitivity should generally avoid this recipe, or check with a veterinarian first. Moesonson flags allergens directly from the label’s ingredient panel, so this reflects what the manufacturer actually declares.
Does Stella & Chewy's Freeze-Dried Raw Coated Kibble Cage-Free Chicken Recipe for Cats contain Nuts?
No — based on the printed ingredient list, Stella & Chewy's Freeze-Dried Raw Coated Kibble Cage-Free Chicken Recipe for Cats does not include Nuts or closely related ingredients, so pets sensitive to Nuts can typically avoid that trigger here. Recipes do get reformulated, though, so re-check the packaging before feeding — Moesonson’s reading reflects the label at analysis time.
Is Stella & Chewy's Freeze-Dried Raw Coated Kibble Cage-Free Chicken Recipe for Cats grain-free?
Yes — Stella & Chewy's Freeze-Dried Raw Coated Kibble Cage-Free Chicken Recipe for Cats is grain-free according to its printed ingredient list: no gluten grains (like wheat) and no gluten-free grains (like rice or corn) appear in the recipe. That makes it a candidate for pets with diagnosed grain sensitivities, though grain-free offers no automatic benefit for pets without one.
What are the main protein sources in Stella & Chewy's Freeze-Dried Raw Coated Kibble Cage-Free Chicken Recipe for Cats?
The main animal proteins in Stella & Chewy's Freeze-Dried Raw Coated Kibble Cage-Free Chicken Recipe for Cats are Chicken, Chicken Meal, Chicken Liver. Each is named by species on the printed ingredient list — a protein-clarity strength in Moesonson’s scoring, because named sources let you verify what your cat is eating and avoid specific proteins when managing food allergies.
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