If you’ve been exploring “fresh” cat food, Smalls is one of the best-known options because they offer two very different formats:

  • Frozen fresh (gently cooked, high-moisture meals)

  • Freeze-dried “puffs” (shelf-stable, crunchy pieces you can feed dry or rehydrate)

They can both be good tools—what matters is picking the format that fits your cat’s needs, your routine, and safe handling.

Why format matters for cats

Cats naturally have a low thirst drive, so moisture in food can be a big deal—especially for cats prone to urinary issues, constipation, or just “never drinks water” behavior. Wet/fresh foods can help increase total water intake simply because they contain more moisture than dry foods.

Freeze-dried options can be convenient and high-protein, but they’re very low moisture unless you add water, so they’re often best used as a rehydrated meal or a topper for cats that need extra fluids.

Smalls Frozen Fresh: what it is (and why people choose it)

Smalls’ frozen fresh meals are made with human-grade ingredients and are gently cooked, including cooking to an internal temperature of 165°F (per Smalls’ own help documentation).

What “frozen fresh” is best for

Consider frozen fresh if your cat:

  • Does better on high-moisture meals (urinary support, constipation-prone, picky about wet food)

  • Needs a more aromatic, “real food” smell/texture than kibble

  • Is older and benefits from softer textures

How to thaw and store (the safety basics)

Smalls recommends thawing in the refrigerator and keeping the food cold—specifically defrosting where temps stay at or below 40°F, and avoiding warm spots like the refrigerator door.
They also note fresh food can be kept refrigerated for several days once thawed (Smalls references up to 5 days in the fridge for their fresh food).

Practical best practice at home:

  • Thaw one packet at a time in the fridge

  • Portion into a clean container

  • Don’t leave it at room temperature for long stretches

Smalls Freeze-Dried “Puffs”: what it is (and why it’s different)

Smalls’ freeze-dried line is commonly referred to as Freeze-Dried Puffs (like “Puffy Bird”), marketed as a crunchy option for cats that love the “bite” of dry food.

Smalls describes Puffy Bird as 95% chicken protein, and their help pages list formulas built around animal ingredients like chicken (with ground bone) and chicken liver, plus a vitamin/mineral blend (including taurine).

Dry vs. rehydrated: what’s best?

Freeze-dried can be served dry, but rehydrating is often smarter for cats, because it boosts moisture intake. Some retailers’ feeding directions for Smalls puffs recommend rehydrating by adding ½ cup liquid per 1 cup of food, letting it sit briefly, then serving.

Storage and leftovers

Smalls notes freeze-dried puffs can be stored in a cool, dry place and also gives guidance that if you rehydrate with broth or water, you should discard leftovers after 2 hours.

“Complete & balanced” and the label detail you should look for

When you’re deciding whether something can be fed as the main diet or only as a topper/treat, the key is the nutritional adequacy statement.

AAFCO explains “complete and balanced” claims and life stages (kitten/growth, adult maintenance, all life stages).
A helpful veterinary reference (NC State Veterinary Hospital) also emphasizes that the AAFCO statement is what tells you whether a food is nutritionally adequate for a given life stage.

What to do:

  • If you want Smalls to be your cat’s primary food, confirm the nutritional adequacy statement for the specific recipe you’re feeding (and the life stage of your cat).

Feeding guidance: a simple starting point (then adjust)

Smalls provides a general rule of thumb for their fresh food: about one 200-kcal packet daily per 10 lbs for cats at goal weight (then adjust based on age, activity, and body condition).

For freeze-dried, calories can be more concentrated per volume, so follow the product’s feeding chart and watch body condition closely—especially during the first 2–3 weeks.

Best “real life” approach:

  1. Start with the suggested portion

  2. Track weight/shape (rib feel, waistline, belly tuck)

  3. Adjust slowly (10% at a time)

Transitioning without tummy drama

Cats can be sensitive to sudden diet changes. A common transition method is 7–14 days, gradually increasing the new food (for example: 75/25 → 50/50 → 25/75 → 100). Retailer guidance for Smalls freeze-dried puffs also recommends a gradual transition over one to two weeks.

Extra transition tips:

  • Warm fresh food slightly (sealed bag in warm water) to increase aroma

  • Rehydrate freeze-dried with warm water for better smell + texture

  • If stools get soft, slow the transition down

Which format should you pick?

Choose Frozen Fresh if you want…

  • Maximum moisture in the bowl

  • A “real meal” experience for picky eaters

  • A strong option for cats that do best on wet textures

Choose Freeze-Dried Puffs if you want…

  • Shelf-stable convenience (great for travel, backup pantry option)

  • Crunchy texture without traditional kibble

  • A flexible topper/treat that can become a meal when rehydrated

A “best of both” strategy many owners use

  • Frozen fresh as the main meals

  • Freeze-dried puffs rehydrated as a lunch/snack, topper, or emergency meal

Safety notes (especially if your cat has health conditions)

Even gently cooked foods require clean handling (wash hands, bowls, utensils).
If your cat is immunocompromised or has a complex medical condition (kidney disease, diabetes, severe IBD), it’s worth checking with your veterinarian before making major dietary changes.

Quick FAQ

Can I feed the freeze-dried puffs as the only diet?
Sometimes yes, but it depends on the specific product’s nutritional adequacy statement and your cat’s life stage. Verify the label/recipe details.

Do I have to rehydrate freeze-dried?
Not strictly—but it’s often a good idea for hydration. If you do rehydrate, toss leftovers after a couple hours.

How do I thaw frozen fresh safely?
Thaw in the fridge (keep it cold; avoid warmer door areas) and use clean food-handling habits.