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Identifying Freeze-Dried Cat Food For Picky Eaters

Does mealtime with your feline friend resemble a staring contest more than a culinary adventure? If your cat turns up its nose at every pet food you offer, you're not alone. Many cats are notoriously picky eaters, and finding food that is interesting enough to keep them coming back to the bowl be a frustrating quest for even the most seasoned of pet parents.

However, if you are browsing your local Treats Unleashed or your favorite feline corners of the internet, you'll find that freeze-dried food might be the key to unlocking your kitty's appetite. There is a whole world of freeze-dried food options out there for your kitty. In this blog posts, we'll break down the basics to help you get started on your journey.

Freeze-Dried Food at Treats Unleashed

Not only does Treats Unleashed sell freeze-dried and air-dried cat food/treat options for dogs, but we also carry freeze-dried cat food options specifically for the feline friends in your life! Even better, multiple brands all under one roof, so you're not locked into one sigular option if you're looking for different flavors or formulas, or forced to order from an unfamiliar website or provider.

Here is a list of brand avaliable on TU shelves, and our freezer section, to help you start your journey:

• Cat Food Options: Steve's Real Food, Smallbatch (including hydrators like bone broth), Primal (including multiple varieties of goat's milk), Stella & Chewy's
• Cat Treat Options: Stella & Chewy's, PureBites (whole shimp and minnows, freeze-ddried for freshness and nutrition)

Freeze-dried pet food offers several advantages for finicky felines:

• Preserve the Good Stuff: This innovative process gently removes moisture from fresh, whole ingredients, locking in the natural flavors and aromas that attract cats. Unlike kibble, which relies on artificial flavors and preservatives, freeze-dried food delivers a taste sensation closer to the real meat, igniting your cat's natural predatory instincts.
• High-Quality Protein: Most freeze-dried options prioritize real meat as the first ingredient, providing essential protein for your cat's health and vitality. This focus on quality protein can appeal to picky eaters who crave a more natural diet.
• Variety is the Spice of Life: Freeze-dried food comes in a wider variety of protein sources than traditional kibble. From salmon and turkey to rabbit and duck, you can offer your cat a culinary adventure, potentially sparking their interest in mealtime.

Navigating the Freeze-Dried Food Aisle: Picking the Purrfect Option

Not all freeze-dried pet food is created equal. Here's what to consider when selecting the best option for your picky eater:

• Ingredient Quality: Look for freeze-dried food prioritizing whole meat sources as the first ingredient. Avoid options with fillers, artificial flavors, or by-products. Ask a Treats Unleashed staff member to help you look over the ingridient lists for all your potential food candidates. Treats Unleashed team members can help you indetify any ingridients you're unsure of, or want to avoid, when choosing your companion's food.
• Protein Variety: To keep your cat's taste buds engaged, consider offering a variety of protein sources. You can start with a single-protein option and gradually introduce new flavors to see what your cat prefers. Even amongst freeze-dried options, there are different textures! Softer, more meaty options can be found in the Treats Unleashed frozen section, whereas the crunchier treats can be found on store shelves.
• Complete and Balanced Nutrition: Ensure the freeze-dried food you choose is formulated to meet your cat's complete and balanced nutritional needs. Look for a label statement confirming it meets AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials) standards.

Beyond the Label: Tips for Success with Picky Eaters

Even with the best freeze-dried food available in one of your nearest pet stores, some cats might require additional convincing. Here are some tips to tempt your picky feline:

• Start Slow: Introduce freeze-dried food gradually, mixing it with your cat's current food and slowly increasing the freeze-dried portion over time.
• Warm it Up: Some cats are drawn to the aroma of food. Try warming the freeze-dried food slightly with warm water to release the enticing scents.
• Portion Control: Don't free-feed your cat. Measure the appropriate amount of freeze-dried food based on your cat's age, weight, and activity level.
• Feeding Time Fun: Engage your cat's playful side by scattering freeze-dried pieces on the floor or using a puzzle feeder to make mealtime mentally stimulating and more rewarding.
• Consult Your Vet: If your cat's pickiness persists, consult your veterinarian. There might be underlying health reasons impacting their appetite.

Where to Begin Your Freeze-Dried Food Journey?

If you are ready to embark on a freeze-dried food adventure with your cat. Here's how to get started:

• Research Online: Read reviews of different freeze-dried cat food brands and explore online options.
• Visit Pet Supply Stores Near You: Your local Treats Unleashed carries various freeze-dried food brands, and you can browse options and request a personalized feeding plan to help narrow down your options and find a perfect fit. This service is completely FREE, and only required the completion of a simple online form to get started.

The transition to freeze-dried food might not be as simple for all picky eaters. Be patient, experiment with different options, browse pet supply stores, and prioritize mealtime engagement.  

We’re not veterinarians. Treats Unleashed staff are well educated, and our writing is well-researched, but neither the advice of a Treats Unleashed staff member nor reading Treats Unleashed's written materials can substitute for visiting a veterinarian. We offer carefully chosen, natural solutions, but we believe that veterinary conditions should be diagnosed and treated by professionals.