When it comes to feeding our feline friends, pet owners want the best—nutrition that supports health, vitality, and those playful zoomies we all love. Northwest Naturals Cat Food has emerged as a top contender in the raw and freeze-dried pet food market, promising high-quality, human-grade ingredients and a diet that aligns with a cat’s natural carnivorous needs. But does it live up to the hype?
In this comprehensive review, we’ll dive into the world of Northwest Naturals Cat Food, exploring its top-rated products on Amazon, breaking down the pros and cons, answering frequently asked questions, and comparing it to other leading brands. Whether you’re a raw-feeding veteran or a curious newbie, this guide will help you decide if Northwest Naturals Cat Food is the purr-fect choice for your cat.
Why Choose Northwest Naturals Cat Food?
Northwest Naturals Cat Food stands out for its commitment to raw and freeze-dried diets, designed to mimic what cats would eat in the wild. Founded in 1956, this family-owned company, based in Portland, Oregon, has over two decades of experience in crafting raw pet food. Their facility was the first USDA-certified to produce raw frozen pet food, ensuring high safety and quality standards. The brand emphasizes eco-friendly manufacturing, using human-grade ingredients and high-pressure processing (HPP) to preserve nutrients while eliminating pathogens.
The Northwest Naturals Cat Food lineup is small but mighty, offering five protein options—chicken, turkey, rabbit, beef, and whitefish—in both frozen and freeze-dried formats. Each recipe is crafted with muscle meat, organ meats, and finely ground bone from a single species, avoiding fillers, grains, or hard-to-digest vegetables. This makes Northwest Naturals Cat Food a go-to for cats with sensitive stomachs or allergies, as it prioritizes species-appropriate nutrition.
Top-Rated Northwest Naturals Cat Food Products on Amazon
To give you a clear picture, we’ve scoured Amazon for the top-rated Northwest Naturals Cat Food products based on customer reviews and ratings. Below are three standout options, all boasting 4+ star ratings, that pet owners rave about:
Northwest Naturals Freeze-Dried Chicken Cat & Kitten Food
- Rating: 4.3/5 (130+ reviews)
- Key Features: Made with human-grade chicken, organs, and ground bone, this freeze-dried formula is easy to store and rehydrates with warm water for a nutrient-rich meal. It’s grain-free, gluten-free, and ideal for cats with food sensitivities.
- Customer Feedback: “My cat Cuppy-Cake loves this! She’s 16 and has more energy than ever,” says reviewer Kaszy Carlson. However, some note the nibbles can arrive crushed, creating excess powder.
Northwest Naturals Freeze-Dried Turkey Cat & Kitten Food
Rating: 4.2/5
- Key Features: This turkey-based formula uses human-grade ingredients and is complete and balanced for all life stages. Its bite-sized nibbles are perfect for travel or as a treat.
- Customer Feedback: Customers praise the health benefits, like shinier coats and better digestion, but some report issues with stale batches or a strong odor.
Northwest Naturals Freeze-Dried Rabbit Cat & Kitten Food
- Rating: 4.5/5
- Key Features: A novel protein option, this rabbit formula is ideal for cats with poultry allergies. It’s made with human-grade rabbit and supports digestion, skin, and coat health.
- Customer Feedback: “My cat’s sensitive stomach loves this food! Her coat is shinier, and she’s more energetic,” says a reviewer. Some mention the high cost and occasional packaging issues.
These products are available on Amazon, as well as other retailers like Only Natural Pet and PetGuys, and can also be found in select pet specialty stores using the Northwest Naturals store locator.
Pros and Cons of Northwest Naturals Cat Food
Pros
- High-Quality Ingredients: Northwest Naturals Cat Food uses human-grade muscle meat, organs, and ground bone, ensuring a nutrient-dense, species-appropriate diet. The absence of grains, fillers, or artificial additives makes it ideal for cats with dietary sensitivities.
- Nutrient Preservation: The use of HPP and low-temperature processing (freeze-drying or freezing) retains essential nutrients like amino acids and enzymes, unlike high-heat kibble production.
- Health Benefits: Many Amazon reviewers report shinier coats, increased energy, and improved digestion in their cats, especially those with sensitive stomachs or early-stage kidney issues.
- Eco-Friendly Practices: The brand emphasizes sustainable manufacturing, recycling materials, and energy-efficient processes, appealing to environmentally conscious pet owners.
- Variety of Proteins: With five protein options, Northwest Naturals Cat Food caters to diverse feline palates and dietary needs, including novel proteins like rabbit for allergy-prone cats.
- Convenient Formats: Freeze-dried options are shelf-stable and easy to store, while frozen formulas offer a moisture-rich alternative closer to wet food.
Cons
- High Cost: At $2.15–$2.60/oz for freeze-dried and ~$11/lb for frozen, Northwest Naturals Cat Food is pricier than many commercial brands. For comparison, budget-friendly wet foods like Dave’s Pet Food cost ~$3.50/day for a 10-pound cat.
- Limited Availability: As a smaller brand, Northwest Naturals isn’t available at major retailers like Chewy or big-box stores, requiring online orders or specialty pet stores.
- Egg Inclusion: Every recipe contains egg, which may not suit cats with egg allergies. Some pet owners wish for egg-free options.
- Recall History: In December 2024, Northwest Naturals Cat Food issued a voluntary recall for its 2lb Feline Turkey Recipe raw frozen pet food due to HPAI (bird flu) contamination, though no illnesses were reported after an FDA audit closed the case. A 2018 recall for listeria in dog food also raises some concerns.
- Texture Issues: Some Amazon reviews mention excessive powder in freeze-dried packages or large nibble sizes that picky eaters struggle with.
- Storage Requirements: Frozen Northwest Naturals Cat Food requires strict temperature control and has a short shelf life (3 days once opened), which can be inconvenient.
Comparison Table: Northwest Naturals vs. Other Top Cat Food Brands
To help you decide if Northwest Naturals Cat Food is right for your cat, here’s a comparison with two other top-rated brands available on Amazon: Open Farm and Redford Naturals. These brands were chosen for their premium quality and comparable price points.
| Feature | Northwest Naturals | Open Farm | Redford Naturals |
| Type | Raw Frozen & Freeze-Dried | Dry, Wet, & Raw Mix | Dry & Wet |
| Protein Content (Dry Matter) | ~47–50% | ~40–50% | ~35–40% |
| Carb Content | <2% (frozen), ~5% (freeze-dried) | ~15–20% (dry), <10% (wet) | ~20–25% (dry), <10% (wet) |
| Price (per oz) | $2.15–$2.60 (freeze-dried), ~$0.69/lb (frozen) | $0.56–$0.80 (dry), ~$0.30 (wet) | $0.40–$0.50 (dry), ~$0.25 (wet) |
| Key Ingredients | Human-grade meat, organs, bone, no fillers | Chicken, turkey, fish meal, some plant ingredients | Chicken, turkey, fish, some grains |
| Recall History | 2018 (dog food, listeria), 2024 (cat food, HPAI) | None | None |
| Availability | Amazon, specialty stores | Amazon, Chewy, pet stores | Pet Supplies Plus, Amazon |
| Best For | Cats with sensitivities, raw diet enthusiasts | Balanced diets, eco-conscious owners | Budget-friendly premium nutrition |
Analysis: Northwest Naturals Cat Food excels in low-carb, high-protein content and is ideal for raw-feeding advocates or cats with grain sensitivities. However, its higher price and limited availability make it less accessible than Open Farm or Redford Naturals. Open Farm offers a broader range of formats but includes more plant-based ingredients, while Redford Naturals is a cost-effective middle ground with slightly lower protein content.
FAQs About Northwest Naturals Cat Food
Based on Google Trends and common queries about Northwest Naturals Cat Food, here are answers to the most frequently asked questions:
Is Northwest Naturals Cat Food safe after the 2024 recall?
The December 2024 recall was for the 2lb Feline Turkey Recipe raw frozen food due to HPAI contamination. The recall was voluntary, and an FDA audit found no evidence of contamination in the facility, closing the case with no reported illnesses. Northwest Naturals Cat Food uses HPP to minimize pathogen risks, making it generally safe, but always follow storage guidelines.
Can I feed Northwest Naturals to kittens?
Yes, Northwest Naturals Cat Food is formulated for all life stages, including kittens. Its high protein and balanced nutrients support growth, but consult your vet for portion sizes based on your kitten’s age and weight.
How do I transition my cat to Northwest Naturals Cat Food?
Gradually mix Northwest Naturals Cat Food with your cat’s current food over 7–10 days, starting with 25% new food and increasing incrementally. For picky eaters, try mixing with a familiar wet food or using freeze-dried nibbles as a topper.
Is Northwest Naturals Cat Food good for cats with allergies?
The single-protein recipes and lack of grains or fillers make Northwest Naturals Cat Food suitable for many cats with allergies. However, the inclusion of egg in all recipes may be problematic for some. The rabbit formula is a great novel protein option for poultry-allergic cats.
How do I store Northwest Naturals Cat Food?
Freeze-dried Northwest Naturals Cat Food is shelf-stable and requires no refrigeration, but store in a cool, dry place. Frozen formulas must be kept at or below 0°F and used within 3 days of thawing. Always refrigerate leftovers.
Why is Northwest Naturals Cat Food so expensive?
The high cost reflects human-grade ingredients, USDA-certified facilities, and eco-friendly manufacturing. At ~$17/lb for freeze-dried and $11/lb for frozen, it’s pricier than kibble but comparable to other premium raw brands like Primal or Stella & Chewy’s.
Why Northwest Naturals Cat Food Stands Out
Northwest Naturals Cat Food appeals to pet owners who prioritize raw feeding and minimal processing. The brand’s transparency about sourcing—partnering with long-standing suppliers—and its use of HPP set it apart in the raw food market. Unlike kibble, which is often cooked at high temperatures that degrade nutrients, Northwest Naturals preserves the natural goodness of raw meat, organs, and bones. This results in a diet that’s closer to what cats would eat in the wild, supporting lean muscle mass, healthy digestion, and vibrant coats.
Amazon reviews highlight real-world benefits. One customer noted, “My holistic vet recommended Northwest Naturals Cat Food for its complete nutrition. My cat’s coat is shinier, and she’s more playful!” Another praised its ease of use: “The freeze-dried nibbles are so convenient—just add water, and it’s like fresh raw food.” These testimonials align with the brand’s mission to enhance feline health through biologically appropriate diets.
However, the premium price and limited protein variety (only five options) may deter some. The egg inclusion and occasional texture issues (like powdery freeze-dried batches) are also drawbacks. For cats with specific dietary needs, the lack of egg-free or low-phosphorus options can be limiting, especially for those with kidney concerns.
How to Choose the Right Northwest Naturals Cat Food for Your Cat
Selecting the right Northwest Naturals Cat Food formula depends on your cat’s needs:
- Picky Eaters: Start with the freeze-dried chicken or turkey nibbles, which can be crumbled as a topper to entice finicky felines.
- Allergy-Prone Cats: Opt for the rabbit formula to avoid common allergens like poultry or eggs.
- Budget-Conscious Owners: Frozen formulas are more cost-effective at ~$11/lb compared to freeze-dried at $17/lb, but require freezer space.
- Kittens or Active Cats: Any formula works due to high protein content, but monitor portions to meet higher caloric needs.
Always consult your veterinarian before switching to a raw diet, especially for cats with health conditions like kidney disease or diabetes.
Tips for Feeding Northwest Naturals Cat Food
- Rehydrating Freeze-Dried Food: Add warm water to freeze-dried nibbles (per package instructions) to create a broth-like texture that boosts hydration.
- Portion Control: Follow feeding guidelines based on your cat’s weight. For a 10-pound cat, expect to spend ~$1.15/day (freeze-dried) or less for frozen.
- Storage Safety: Keep frozen Northwest Naturals Cat Food in a dedicated freezer section to avoid cross-contamination, and use within 3 days of thawing.
- Transition Slowly: Use the mix-in method to prevent digestive upset, especially for cats new to raw diets.
Final Verdict: Is Northwest Naturals Cat Food Worth It?
Northwest Naturals Cat Food is a premium choice for pet owners committed to raw feeding. Its human-grade ingredients, low-carb profile, and nutrient-preserving processes make it a top-tier option for cats with sensitive stomachs or those needing a biologically appropriate diet. The brand’s high ratings on Amazon—4.2 to 4.5 stars across chicken, turkey, and rabbit formulas—reflect customer satisfaction with health benefits like shinier coats and increased energy.
However, the high cost, limited availability, and past recalls (though resolved) may give some owners pause. If budget or convenience is a priority, brands like Redford Naturals or Dave’s Pet Food offer quality at a lower price point, though they may not match Northwest Naturals’ raw purity. For raw-feeding enthusiasts, Northwest Naturals Cat Food is a worthy investment, but it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution.
Ready to try Northwest Naturals Cat Food? Check out the top-rated products on Amazon or use the brand’s store locator to find a local retailer. Your cat’s health is worth the exploration!
Sources
- WereAllAboutPets.com
- CatFoodDB
- Amazon.com: Northwest Naturals Cat Food Product Pages
- Reddit: r/rawpetfood Northwest Naturals Discussion
- CatCaretakersGuide.com
- TopRatedCatFoods.com
- Pet76.com
Disclaimer: This blog post contains affiliate links, and as an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This means I may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you if you purchase products through the links provided. All opinions and recommendations in this review are my own and product descriptions, customer feedback, and analysis of available information. Always check the latest reviews and product details before purchasing. Prices and product availability are subject to change, so please verify details on Amazon before purchasing. Always consult your veterinarian before making dietary changes for your cat. Thank you for supporting this blog!
