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Stella & Chewy's Freeze-Dried Raw Coated Kibble Cage-Free Chicken Recipe

Stella & Chewy's

Freeze-Dried Raw Coated Kibble Cage-Free Chicken Recipe

CatFreeze-Dried

Rating

★︎★︎★︎★︎☆︎ 4.0 / 5
Protein Clarity

Protein Clarity

This measures how clearly the protein sources are identified on the label. "High" means ingredients like "chicken" or "salmon" are listed by name, so you know exactly what your pet is eating. "Low" means vague terms like "meat meal" or "animal by-products" are used, making it harder to know what's really inside.

Why does clarity matter?

According to AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials), pet food labels must follow specific naming standards. When a product uses a named protein like "chicken" it must contain at least 25% of that ingredient. Vague terms like "meat by-products" have no such minimum and can include lower-quality parts from any animal source — making it impossible to know what your pet is actually eating or to identify allergens.

High
Animal Protein

Animal Protein

This estimates how meat-forward the protein sources are from the ingredient label. Named animal proteins count strongly, plant protein concentrates count strongly against the score, and whole plant ingredients with some protein count more lightly. A "High" score means the recipe appears mainly animal-protein led. A "Low" score means the label shows a stronger reliance on plant protein signals.

This is an ingredient-label heuristic, not an exact lab measurement of protein grams.

Why does animal protein matter?

1. Contains irreplaceable essential nutrients Taurine and Arginine — which cats need to stay healthy — are only found in meat. Plants contain none at all.

2. Plant proteins are poorly utilized by the body Even though plant proteins (like corn gluten meal) may show 92.9–96% apparent digestibility, that does not mean high bioavailability. They lack adequate Lysine (only 1.7% vs. the ideal 6–7%) and contain phytic acid that blocks mineral absorption.

High

Is Stella & Chewy's Freeze-Dried Raw Coated Kibble Cage-Free Chicken Recipe freeze-dried cat food good?

Stella & Chewy's Freeze-Dried Raw Coated Kibble Cage-Free Chicken Recipe is a freeze-dried cat food rated 4 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:

LegumesPoultryFish

Free From:

Gluten grainsGrains (gluten-free)DairyEggNutsRed meatShellfishUnknown Meal

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 43%
  • Fat 18%
  • Est. Carbs 25%
  • 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 38%
  • Fat 16%
  • Est. Carbs 22%
  • 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 (43% 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.

    Understanding High Protein (40% - 50% Dry Matter)

    Protein-Forward Profile This bucket suggests the food is protein-forward for the selected species. The cat threshold is intentionally higher than the dog threshold because cats generally need more protein than dogs.

    Check Species and Life Stage Growing, pregnant, nursing, senior, or medically managed pets can have different targets. The adequacy statement and your vet's advice matter more than this bucket alone.

  • 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.

    Understanding High Fat (16% – 22% Dry Matter)

    Higher Calorie Density This range can support pets with higher energy needs, but it can also make overfeeding easier. Portion size, total calories, and body condition matter.

    Pancreatitis and Digestive History For dogs with pancreatitis history, fat level is often reviewed carefully. For cats, fat is only one part of the decision. Use this as a flag for vet-guided review, not as an automatic rejection.

Ingredients Analysis

38 of 38 matched

  • 1 Chicken
    Animal Protein

    Description

    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 Protein

    Description

    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 Protein

    Description

    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.

  • 4 Peas
    Carbs Plant Protein

    Description

    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
    Fat

    Description

    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.

  • 6 Chicken Liver
    Animal Protein

    Description

    An excellent source of vitamin A, chromium, and copper.

    Why Prefer?

    Organ meats are highly nutritious, with quality protein and many important vitamins / minerals.

  • 7 Chicken Gizzard
    Animal Protein

    Description

    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.

  • 8 Fenugreek Seed
    Carbs

    Description

    Seeds of the fenugreek herb, used in traditional medicine for various health benefits.

  • 9 Salmon Oil
    Fat

    Description

    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.

  • 10 Suncured Alfalfa Meal

    (Detected): sun-cured alfalfa meal

    Carbs Plant Protein

    Description

    Typically used in horse feed, high in fiber, and contains around 20% plant protein.

  • 11 Dandelion Greens
    Carbs

    Description

    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.

  • 12 Pumpkin
    Carbs

    Description

    An alternative high carbs filler with an excellent source of potassium, vitamin C, and beta carotene.

  • 13 Choline Chloride
    Supplement

    Description

    Vital molecule for various functions in the body, lack of choline can result in weight loss, vomiting, and fatty liver.

  • 14 Tocopherols
    Food Additive

    Description

    A form of vitamin E, a powerful antioxidant used as a natural preservative.

  • 15 Salt
    Others

    Description

    Mainly added to enhance the flavor, might cause kidney and blood pressure issues in a larger dose. High-quality pet foods should get a sufficient amount from raw meat, additional salt is not necessary.

    Why Concerned?

    A controversial ingredient that might cause health issues, unnecessary for the risk.

  • 16 Yucca Schidigera Extract
    Carbs

    Description

    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.

  • 17 Zinc Proteinate
    Supplement

    Description

    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.

  • 18 Iron Proteinate
    Supplement

    Description

    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.

  • 19 Copper Proteinate
    Supplement

    Description

    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.

  • 20 Manganese Proteinate
    Supplement

    Description

    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.

  • 21 Magnesium Sulfate
    Supplement

    Description

    An inorganic form of manganese that has 5 - 15% less absorption rate than the organic form. It is essential for the transport and movement of oxygen around the body.

  • 22 Calcium Iodate
    Supplement

    Description

    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.

  • 23 Thiamine Mononitrate
    Supplement

    Description

    An organic form of thiamine, has 5 - 15% more absorption rate than the inorganic form. It is important for energy production and glucose metabolism.

  • 24 Sodium Selenite
    Food Additive

    Description

    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.

  • 25 Vitamin E Supplement
    Supplement

    Description

    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.

  • 26 Calcium Pantothenate
    Supplement

    Description

    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.

  • 27 Riboflavin Supplement
    Supplement

    Description

    A synthetic supplement for vitamin B2. which is vital for the body's metabolism and health.

  • 28 Vitamin A Supplement
    Supplement

    Description

    Supplement of vitamin A, it is essential for healthy skin, normal vision, and immune function.

  • 29 Vitamin D3 Supplement
    Supplement

    Description

    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).

  • 30 Vitamin B12 Supplement
    Supplement

    Description

    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.

  • 31 Pyridoxine Hydrochloride
    Supplement

    Description

    A synthetical supplement of vitamin B6, which is an essential element for nearly every part of metabolism.

  • 32 Biotin
    Supplement

    Description

    A water-soluble vitamin B that is important for maintaining healthy skin, coat, and nails.

  • 33 Folic Acid
    Supplement

    Description

    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.

  • 34 Dried Pediococcus Acidilactici Fermentation Product
    Probiotics

    Description

    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.

  • 35 Dried Lactobaccillus Acidophilus Fermentation Product

    (Detected): dried Lactobacillus acidophilus fermentation product

    Probiotics

    Description

    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.

  • 36 Dried Bifidobacterium Longum Fermentation Product
    Probiotics

    Description

    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.

  • 37 Dried Bacillus Coagulans Fermentation Product
    Probiotics

    Description

    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.

  • 38 Rosemary
    Carbs

    Description

    A common herb used for cooking, it is rich in antioxidants to fight off radical damages in the body.

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, Suncured Alfalfa Meal may raise the listed protein percentage without meaning there is more meat.
  • Ingredients worth checking: Salt, 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
High
  • Named 100%

Strong clarity: 100% of Stella & Chewy's Freeze-Dried Raw Coated Kibble Cage-Free Chicken Recipe'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

Chicken Chicken Meal Chicken Liver Chicken Gizzard

Animal Protein

High
High
  • Animal 80%
  • Plant 20%

Meat-forward: 80% of the weighted protein in Stella & Chewy's Freeze-Dried Raw Coated Kibble Cage-Free Chicken Recipe comes from animal sources. Plant signals are modest (20% whole plants, 0% plant concentrates), so the protein profile leans on real meat.

Contributing ingredients

Animal

Chicken Chicken Meal Chicken Liver Chicken Gizzard

Plant

Lentils Peas Suncured Alfalfa Meal

Stella & Chewy's Freeze-Dried Raw Coated Kibble Cage-Free Chicken Recipe freeze-dried cat food Review

Stella & Chewy's Freeze-Dried Raw Coated Kibble Cage-Free Chicken Recipe is a strong choice — rated 4 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: 43% protein, 18% fat, 25% estimated carbohydrates.
  • 80% 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 good for cats?

Yes — rated 4 stars, with high ingredient transparency and strong animal protein content.

Does Stella & Chewy's Freeze-Dried Raw Coated Kibble Cage-Free Chicken Recipe contain Dairy?

No — based on the ingredient list, Stella & Chewy's Freeze-Dried Raw Coated Kibble Cage-Free Chicken Recipe doesn't include Dairy or related ingredients, so pets sensitive to Dairy can typically avoid this allergen here.

Does Stella & Chewy's Freeze-Dried Raw Coated Kibble Cage-Free Chicken Recipe contain Egg?

No — based on the ingredient list, Stella & Chewy's Freeze-Dried Raw Coated Kibble Cage-Free Chicken Recipe doesn't include Egg or related ingredients, so pets sensitive to Egg can typically avoid this allergen here.

Does Stella & Chewy's Freeze-Dried Raw Coated Kibble Cage-Free Chicken Recipe contain Legumes?

Yes — based on the ingredient list, Stella & Chewy's Freeze-Dried Raw Coated Kibble Cage-Free Chicken Recipe contains Legumes, so pets sensitive to Legumes should generally avoid this product or consult a vet first.

Does Stella & Chewy's Freeze-Dried Raw Coated Kibble Cage-Free Chicken Recipe contain Nuts?

No — based on the ingredient list, Stella & Chewy's Freeze-Dried Raw Coated Kibble Cage-Free Chicken Recipe doesn't include Nuts or related ingredients, so pets sensitive to Nuts can typically avoid this allergen here.

Is Stella & Chewy's Freeze-Dried Raw Coated Kibble Cage-Free Chicken Recipe grain-free?

Yes — there are no grains in this recipe.

What are the main protein sources in Stella & Chewy's Freeze-Dried Raw Coated Kibble Cage-Free Chicken Recipe?

The top animal proteins are Chicken, Chicken Meal, Chicken Liver — clearly named, so you can verify the source.

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