Smalls vs. Open Farm: Which Cat Food Is Better?
Choosing the perfect food for your furry overlord (yes, we know who really runs your house) can feel like a tall order. With so many options out there, how do you pick the one that makes your cat purr with delight AND keeps them healthy? Smalls and Open Farm are two big names in the game, so I put both to the test. One cat food truly stole the show, and here’s why:
If you’re looking for fresh, human-grade meals…Smalls
Smalls offers preservative-free, high-protein recipes that are cooked (not raw) and delivered frozen to maintain freshness. Their minimally processed ingredients are as close to natural as possible, giving cats a diet that’s both nutritious and safe.
Open Farm offers responsibly sourced dry and wet food options. While their commitment to sustainability is admirable, the inclusion of preservatives like mixed tocopherols (Vitamin E) in their recipes is slightly concerning. Though these are generally safe for cats, there is no defined safe upper limit for vitamin E in cats. Too much vitamin E could interfere with your cat’s vitamin K activity, making me prefer the Smalls’ preservative-free options.
If your cat has a sensitive stomach…Smalls
After switching to Smalls, 88% of cat owners report noticeable improvements in digestion, increased energy levels, and fewer tummy troubles—not to mention a significant reduction in litter box odor. My own cat’s litter box smells are so much less offensive since making the switch. While Open Farm’s food can help improve digestion for cats transitioning from lower-quality kibble, the benefits aren’t as pronounced as with a fresh diet like Smalls.
If shelf stability is a priority for you…Open Farm
Open Farm’s dry food offers shelf stability and ease of storage, making it a good choice for busy households or those with limited freezer space. Smalls, while offering a tailored subscription service and quiz-based customization to reduce waste, does require freezer storage for its fresh food. Personally, making space in the freezer to keep my cat happy and healthy was a no-brainer, but you can decide for yourself.
If you’re looking for the best value…Smalls
Smalls brings extra perks that make it worth the premium price of about $4 per 5-ounce portion. With a 20% discount on your first box and free treats for life for subscribers, Smalls goes beyond just providing great food—it adds a touch of delight for both cats and their humans.
Open Farm is competitively priced and their emphasis on sustainability is commendable, but they lack the unique benefits that Smalls offers. Their prices range from about $0.40 per ounce to nearly $3 per ounce, depending on the product.
Smalls is hands-down the best food for my cat
Open Farm is a solid choice for cat owners who prefer shelf-stable options sprinkled with sustainability, but Smalls is ahead overall. With fresh, human-grade food, significant health benefits, and convenient, customized delivery, Smalls is the ultimate choice for cat parents looking to give their pets the best.
Ready to see the difference fresh food can make? Try Smalls today and get 20% off your first box, plus free treats for life. No Grumpy Cat here because your cat will be at their most angelic with Smalls.