Published Feb 6, 2022
Charlotte Fisher / Cats.com
We’ve taken a close look at three of the top fresh cat food delivery services in the UK so your cats can live their healthiest life possible. To help you make an informed decision, we conducted a taste test on my two cats and Bella & Duke emerged the winner.
My cats tried Bella & Duke, which is a premium raw cat food brand made from meat, bone and natural oils. Although their recipes contain slightly less protein than their competitors, there’s still no denying the quality and nutritional value that comes from raw meat, organs, bone and natural oils.
Their customer service is also fantastic. On receiving your box Bella & Duke will text you to confirm how well your cat is getting on with their new diet, and are more than happy to help with any eating issues that naturally come with a transition to raw food. Great for first-time raw feeders.
Lovebug made an interesting addition to the taste test as it’s an all-natural dry food made from insects. While this may sound odd, Lovebug is an eco-friendly brand that provides cats with complete nutrients and includes no artificial ingredients or preservatives. A great choice for cats who aren’t keen on wet food or with sensitive tummies.
Katkin is made from human-grade steamed meat and organs, this brand looks and smells exactly as meat should. Meals are rich with animal protein and packed with moisture, and they were even a hit with my fussy eater!
From left to right: Bella & Duke (Lamb & Duck), KatKin (Splash!) and Lovebug Complete Dry Food. Charlotte Fisher / Cats.com
Of course, there is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to choosing the best diet for your cat. Breed, weight and diet are all vital factors to take into account. Read on to find the best meal delivery service for your feline.
At A Glance: The Best Raw and Fresh Cat Food To Buy in the UK
Want a quick look at the best cat foods reviewed in this article? In the comparison table below, we’ve highlighted some of the most important features of each product. You’ll find more detailed information about each product later in the article.
Bella & Duke Raw Cat Food Delivery
- Recipes are species-appropriate and nutritious
- High-quality, human-grade meat
- Plenty of support for raw food newbies
Lovebug Insect-Based Cat Food
- Environmentally friendly
- High in protein
- Nutritionally balanced
KatKin Fresh Cat Food Delivery
- Offers highly customisable meals made with your cat’s weight and goals in mind
- Made from premium-quality ingredients
- Attentive customer service
Why Should You Trust Us?
Having reviewed over 230 of the world’s most popular cat food brands and hundreds of recipes, we’ve spent countless hours researching both feline nutrition and the pet industry. We’ve consulted with veterinarians and animal nutrition experts, talked to industry insiders, and tried out dozens of recipes with our own cats.
All brands featured in this review have been taste-tested by my own cats and I am not being paid to promote any products. All products were bought with our own money.
If you want to learn all about the best UK cat food meal delivery services available on the market today, read on. Before we jump into the reviews, let’s discuss what qualities a good cat food meal service has.
Here’s what we look for when evaluating cat food meal delivery services.
When it comes to buying cat food in the UK, you will find that not only are there very few options for fresh or natural food; it can be difficult finding one with a subscription box. It is important to critically evaluate these companies and see what they offer.
Here Are the Qualities We Look for When Evaluating Our Top Recommendations.
The subscription and ordering process should be smooth, simple, and easy.
Whenever you sign up for a recurring delivery service, you put yourself at risk of hassle or frustration. Between surprise charges to your credit card or difficulties cancelling the subscription – there are many struggles that may come with this type of service.
The best fresh cat food delivery services make the process painless – they have easy navigation options along with plenty of ways to customise your order while providing good customer service in general.
The best fresh cat food meal delivery service gives your cat gold-standard nutrition.
As a baseline, the food should be complete in nutrients and balanced according to FEDIAF (European Pet Food Industry Federation) standards. And beyond meeting those basic nutritional requirements, a great cat food is rich in animal protein with just the right amount of fat. It should be sourced from reputable suppliers and manufactured according to the highest standards.
They offer a good variety of meal options to satisfy cats with different preferences and needs.
If you’re going to be relying on a cat food delivery service as your cat’s only source of food, that service should be able to provide the types of protein sources, textures, and flavours your cat likes and needs.
Cats that eat the same food over an extended period of time are liable to develop sensitivities towards some of the ingredients. A good variety will also prevent your cat from growing bored of their food – would you want to eat the exact same thing every day?
It fits your budget.
When it comes to fresh cat food, you’ll find that the better quality your pet eats, the more money you will spend. That doesn’t mean these prices should be unaffordable or unreasonable – we evaluated each brand’s pricing structure and ensured that they were affordable and worth every penny!
The Best Fresh Cat Food Meal Delivery in the UK: Our Top Recommendations
#1 Overall Best: Bella & Duke Raw Cat Food Delivery
Charlotte Fisher / Cats.com
Bella & Duke began as a raw meal delivery service exclusively for dogs. After they noticed some customers had been feeding their cats from the dog food range, they created recipes specifically for cats!
This cat food is made from human-grade raw meat, bone broth and natural oils. Each ingredient included in their meals is there to add nutritional value so you won’t find any fillers or preservatives.
What Did Our Test-Cats Think?
The first thing I noticed upon opening a pouch of their Lamb & Duck recipe was that it smelled just like real meat should – the quality is immediately apparent.
One thing that I appreciated about this food is its texture, which is soft and easy to eat, even for those with bad teeth, like my older cat. As a former stray, my cat’s teeth were rotting when we took him in, and he had to have most of them removed. This sometimes gives him trouble chewing his food, but he had no problem eating Bella & Duke’s moist, minced formula.
Charlotte Fisher / Cats.com
Unfortunately my fussier cat wouldn’t touch the food on its own, but I did have some success when I mixed it with some of his regular food. With perseverance, I think it would eventually be possible to fully convert him! I was also impressed by the portions. One pouch made up three meals for one cat.
What Kind Of Cat Food Does Bella & Duke Offer?
Those hoping for a large variety may be underwhelmed by Bella & Duke’s selection. There are only three varieties to choose from, so this service may not be the best for cats that get bored of their food easily.
However, they do offer a range exclusively for kittens, which many competitors don’t include. Albeit, in the same three flavours.
The recipes include:
- Raw Lamb & Duck
- Raw Turkey & Chicken
- Raw Chicken & Salmon
Bella & Duke’s recipes are made from fresh, raw meat blended with natural oils and broth before being frozen keep ingredients fresh. Instead of being fortified with extra vitamins and minerals artificially, Bella & Duke use only natural ingredients to deliver the same nutrients, so you know exactly what your pet is eating.
Meals are developed with nutritionists and checked by vets to ensure meals comply to Bella & Duke’s high nutrition standards.
To get a better understanding of what Bella & Duke’s raw food looks like, let’s take a closer look at their popular Lamb & Duck cat food recipe.
Charlotte Fisher / Cats.com
This recipe’s main source of protein comes from cuts of lamb hearts and organs, alongside duck meat and bone. Herring oil provides a natural source of omega-3 while virgin olive oil is an excellent source of monounsaturated fats, antioxidants, and omega-6.
While its protein content isn’t quite as high as KatKin at 13%, it’s rich in animal-based fats which will be sure to satisfy your kitty’s carnivorous cravings! It’s also high in moisture to aid hydration and overall body function.
Bella & Duke are very transparent when it comes to exactly what’s in their meals, and I appreciate that they tell you exactly how much of each animal product is included. In this case, 94% of the recipe is animal-based, which is fantastic in terms of nutrition.
Ingredients
Lamb Hearts (35%), Duck With Bone (30%), Lamb Tripe (20%), Lamb Offal (9%), Lamb Broth, Herring Oil, Virgin Olive Oil
Guaranteed Analysis
Dry Matter Basis
Caloric Weight Basis
Where And How Is It Made?
Bella & Duke cat food is made in the their company-owned kitchen in the UK, where all their ingredients are also sourced.
How Does The Subscription Work?
To sign up for Bella & Duke’s cat food delivery service, you’ll be asked the usual questions about your cat such as their age, weight, breed and body type. I appreciate that they ask if it’s your first time feeding raw, as they offer a free phonecall the day after delivery to give additional support for first-time raw feeders.
From there, Bella & Duke will recommend a meal plan that best fits your cat’s needs. Here you can customise the flavours to your liking.
However, customisation is limited as there is only one portion size. There website remedies this by including a feeding calculator – simply enter your cat’s weight and it will tell you how much you should be feeding him or her. While this is certainly useful, I would prefer the option to have pre-portioned meals.
You also have the flexibility of choosing your delivery date, so you won’t have to worry about missing a box!
If you want to cancel your subscription, it’s easy to do so via the customer portal. Simply click on ‘Subscriptions’ and hit the black ‘Cancel’ button.
How Much Does It Cost?
The price depends on which meal plan you choose. The cheapest box (4kg) comes in at £42.99 for 26 days’ worth of meals, making Bella & Duke a relatively expensive option. This works out at £1.65 per day.
Who Should Try Bella & Duke Cat Food?
Bella & Duke is a great choice for those who want to feed their cat premium-quality meat made from all-natural ingredients. Although their recipes are limited, I like that you can still customise your box size and meal plan to suit your cat’s needs.
Their website also provides a wealth of information for first-time feeders and their customer service makes this a great time for raw food newbies that may need extra support.
Because recipes are made primarily from raw meat, you will be safe in the knowledge that your cat is getting nutrition from animal-based sources, as opposed to plant matter which is often used as a substitute.
What We Liked:
- Recipes are species-appropriate and nutritious
- High-quality, human-grade meat
- Plenty of support for raw food newbies
- Range for kittens
What We Didn’t Like:
- No customisable portions
- Not a huge variety of flavours
#2 Best Sustainable: Lovebug Insect-Based Cat Food
Charlotte Fisher / Cats.com
Formulated by leading pet nutrition experts, Lovebug is a dry, nutritionally complete cat food. I found Lovebug the most interesting out of the line-up because it’s made using insects – something I hadn’t seen in a cat food before.
What Did Our Test-Cats Think?
This one caused a mixed reaction on the taste test – one cleared his bowl while the other just stared at me accusingly, so Lovebug could make a great choice for some cats who aren’t so keen on wet food.
Charlotte Fisher / Cats.com
The food is made primarily from natural ingredients, although has been artificially fortified with additional vitamins and minerals. Lovebug are transparent about this, and a full list of ingredients including additives can be found on their website.
It’s also the most environmentally friendly of the bunch. Producing Lovebug takes up only 20% of the land per kilo of protein compared to beef, and emits zero harmful methane!
What Kind Of Cat Food Does Lovebug Offer?
Unfortunately, flavour choices are non-existent when it comes to buying from Lovebug. There is only one variety available, their Insect-Based Dry Cat Food. You do, however, get the choice between small, medium or large-sized bags.
Lovebug is made primarily from natural sources, which include dried insect meal, cereal protein and rice. The kibble is fortified with extra vitamins and minerals for nutritionally complete meals that comply with FADIAF standards.
To get a better understanding of what Lovebug cat food looks like, let’s take a closer look at their insect-based dry food.
Charlotte Fisher / Cats.com
Lovebug’s dry food features a mix of insect meal, grains, and soy protein as its primary ingredients. In addition to these nutrient-rich plant-based ingredients, the food contains an array of minerals, natural oils and flavourings from vegetable sources.
Additives such as taurine and zinc complete the recipe to make it nutritionally balanced, resulting in a dry food that’s rich in protein, fat and vitamins.
The formula contains everything a cat needs, aids dental health and is kind to sensitive tummies.
Ingredients
Dried Insect Meal (30%), Maize, Wheat, Dried Cereal Protein, Vegetable Oil, Minerals, Soy Protein, Flavour From Vegetable Sources, Cellulose, Rice, Dried Beet Pulp, Yeast.
Guaranteed Analysis
Dry Matter Basis
Caloric Weight Basis
Where And How Is It Made?
Although a UK brand, Lovebug is produced by Mars Petcare in collaboration with sustainability brand Futerra, with the goal of creating an environmentally friendly, nutritious cat food.
The bugs used in the kibble are fed on surplus vegetables, and sourced from a farm powered solely by solar energy.
How Does The Subscription Work?
Lovebug is a flexible service because it doesn’t force you to subscribe. You can either make a one-time purchase, or save 5% by subscribing. You can also choose your preferred bag weight and frequency of deliveries.
There are no customisation options so I wouldn’t recommend Lovebug for those who want a variety of flavours. I often rotate Lovebug with wet food when feeding my cats so that they don’t get bored of eating the same thing.
The website offers a cat food calculator so you know exactly how much to feed your cat by simply selecting their size.
Unlike other brands, there is no questionairre or additional information to fill out about your cat – just add to cart and checkout.
How Much Does It Cost?
The cheapest one-time purchase is fairly well-priced at £12.99 for 1kg, making Lovebug a budget-friendly option.
For subscribers, you’ll need to order at least 2kg to benefit from the 5% subscription discount, which comes to £21.59
Who Should Try Lovebug?
Lovebug is a great choice for those wishing to reduce their carbon foot (or paw) print or for cats with sensitive tummies. It provides sustainable, complete nutrition, but unfortunately doesn’t come in any other varieties, so you may want to consider rotating Lovebug with other foods.
What We Liked:
- Environmentally friendly
- High in protein
- Nutritionally balanced
- Fast ordering process
- Great for sensitive stomachs
What We Didn’t Like:
- No flavour variety
- No customisation
- No custom-portions
#3 Best Ethically Source: KatKin Fresh Cat Food Delivery
Charlotte Fisher / Cats.com
The service that scored the highest marks in all aforementioned areas is KatKin. This meal delivery service offers food made from 100% premium quality meat, gently steam cooked to eliminate bad bacteria while preserving nutrition.
The meals are then frozen to lock in the goodness. Katkin offers a personalised plan for your feline based on age, size, weight and health conditions. According to the website, KatKin will aid healthy digestion, boost energy, make your cat’s coat shine, and more.
What Did Our Test-Cats Think?
This one was a hit with both of my taste-testers and I was delighted to see them both clearing their bowls, meaning zero waste! One of my boys has a sensitive tummy and is prone to diarrhea, but had no problem digesting KatKin which made for a considerably less stinky litter tray!
Charlotte Fisher / Cats.com
As for the winner in terms of recipes, Bubble & Quack! and Splash! both proved to be firm favourites. One did turn his nose up at the Bubble and Quack! variety, but he was never a big fan of fish so I won’t dock points for that.
Each pouch will provide roughly two meals for average-sized cats or could stretch to three meals for smaller felines.
Charlotte Fisher / Cats.com
What Kind Of Food Does Katkin Offer?
KatKin offers an impressive variety of recipes, which makes for easy flavour rotation and something to satisfy even the fussiest of eaters.
The range includes:
- Splash! – Premium whitefish, salmon and turkey liver
- Cluck! – Chicken thigh, liver and heart
- Gobble! – Turkey thigh, gizzards and liver
- Bubble & Quack! – Whitefish, salmon, duck feet and duck liver
- Baaa! – Lamb trim, liver and heart
- Mooo! – Beef heart, trim and liver
- Quack! – Duck breast, liver and chicken heart
- Oink! – Pork trim and shoulder
Katkin’s recipes are formulated by Dr. Justin Shmalberg, a leading Board-Certified veterinary nutritionist. Each meal is made using only premium-quality, whole ingredients to ensure the nutritional value exceeds standards set by FEDIAF guidelines.
To get a better idea of what KatKin has to offer, let’s take a closer look at their popular Splash! recipe.
Charlotte Fisher / Cats.com
KatKin’s Splash! recipe is made from whole cuts of whitefish, salmon and turkey liver, with a small addition of minerals and sunflower oil.
Each meal is made up of 17.8% protein, which is almost double the amount a standard pouch of store-bought cat food typically offers. The food also contains plenty of moisture which will aid your cat’s digestion and help them absorb more nutrients.
Overall, the meat is succulent, high-quality and packed with animal protein to help your cat live their best life.
Ingredients
Fresh Fish & Turkey (100% Whitefish, Salmon, Turkey Liver), Minerals, Sunflower Oil
Guaranteed Analysis
Dry Matter Basis
Caloric Weight Basis
Where And How Is It Made?
KatKin’s meals are made in the company’s human-grade kitchen in Park Royal, London. What sets their meals apart from other fresh cat food brands? They are gently steamed to eliminate bad bacteria while preserving nutrients.
All ingredients are sourced in the UK and conform to the UK Welfare of Farmed Animal Regulations. A full ingredients list and nutritional information is available for each recipe on the website.
How Does The Subscription Work?
To order your first box, first you will need to fill out some information about your feline. This includes your cat’s weight, sex, age and breed. The process is quick and easy whilst also being thorough – I appreciated the finer details such as how fussy your cat is and their body condition for a truly personalised plan.
The sign-up process also allows you to select goals for your cat, such as weight loss, more energy or less stinky poop! They also take allergy information, so all cats can enjoy their meals.
I appreciate that the website allows you to go even further with customisation by including optional extras such as sprinkles and nibbles. First-time subscribers are eligible for a free 14-day trial box, so there really is nothing to lose by trying out their meals!
Cancellation is also painless and can easily be found via the customer dashboard when you log-in.
How Much Does It Cost?
The cost of KatKin cat food will vary depending on a few factors, including number of cats, weight and lifestyle. For one average size cat with no health conditions, you can expect one 28-day box to come to around £1.75 per day, or £49 a month. This makes KatKin one of the more expensive options, but considering the quality, I would say the price is justified.
Who Should Try Katkin?
KatKin is great for those who want full control over their cats nutrition or have specific health goals for their kitty.
They offer customisable pouch sizes, an impressive recipe selection and will text you to follow-up on how your cat is getting on. Their customer service is also very attentive and accessible – if your cat isn’t taking to the food right away, simply reply to the text or give them a call for feeding advice.
KatKin also exceeds nutritionally as their meals are made from all-natural, premium ingredients with no fillers or hidden nasties. For those willing to pay a little extra, KatKin ticks all the boxes for a quality cat food subscription service.
What We Liked:
- Offers highly customisable meals made with your cat’s weight and goals in mind
- Made from premium-quality ingredients
- Attentive customer service
- Cats love the way KatKin food tastes
- Steamed to remove bad bacteria and lock in nutrients
- Options for cats with allergies and intolerances
- Plenty of flavours to choose from
What We Didn’t Like:
- More expensive than many premium competitors
- Low fibre content
| Brand Name | Recipes Available | Delivery Options | How Much it Costs | Key Differences |
| Bella & Duke | Monthly | Approximately 1.65 per day, per cat | Made from human-grade cuts of raw meat & organs | |
| Lovebug | Turkey, Chicken | One-time purchase or regular shipments ranging from every 2 weeks to every 28 weeks | Approximately £0.78p per day, per cat | Appears to be one of the most sustainable cat food brands in the UK |
| Katkin | Splash!
Bubble & Quack! Cluck! Gobble! Moo! Oink! Baaa! Quack! |
Monthly | Approximately £1.75 per day, per cat | Each meal is custom-portioned according to your cat’s weight and goals |
Other Raw Or Fresh Cat Food Options In The UK
Unfortunately, the availability of raw and fresh pet food in the UK is limited. It can be found in some pet shops, but there often isn’t a great variety which is why it’s best to look online.
For those who want raw cat food without the commitment of a subscription, Purrform is a UK raw pet food brand that allows customers to simply order products from the website.
Poppy’s Picnic is another UK retailer that sells its nutritious raw food in the form of tasty-looking meatballs. They come in three flavours and the option to choose extras including broth and sprinkles.
Although many cats may not take to it right away, raw or fresh cat food is worth trying for its nutrients-dense benefits. I would recommend starting out by mixing a little into their regular food, and gradually increasing the amounts over time.
If you want to avoid the risks that come with raw food, but still provide your kitty with a quality diet, consider home-cooked cat food. There are many resources online that provide nutritionally balanced recipes.
Or, choose high-protein wet cat food made of high-quality ingredients. Purina offers a range of grain-free wet food made from real turkey and chicken, a fantastic alternative for those who may be squeamish or have concerns over raw diets.
Also Read: The 7 Best Wet Cat Food In The UK
I am surprise Lovebug was given glowing review given the amount of fillers in the product and the fact that its a Mars product.
A much better alternative would be YORA, which is also made from bugs but has an higher amount of protein without the unnecessary fillers.
Hey John, thanks for the comment. This is a great point—we’ll look into YORA to see if it may be a good replacement for Lovebug in this article. Thanks!
Can you do a similar review on raw cat food available inthe U.S., please?
Sure, we have relevant articles here:
https://cats.com/best-raw-cat-food
https://cats.com/best-fresh-cat-food-meal-delivery-service
https://cats.com/best-freeze-dried-cat-food
Hi have you any wet dry catfood samples for two cats to try also raw and dry for cats samples my address 32 alverstone road wirral merseyside ch44 9aa thankyou Chang and mindy
Hi Robin, we don’t coordinate sample shipments, but you may be able to get a discount or free samples from the specific brands mentioned in this review. Try clicking the links in this review and contacting the brands directly! Wishing you all the best.
Luna and me raw cat food is more affordable and I can feed both my cats for about £48 a month they have one 100g patty a day each
Hi, thanks for these reviews. It’s interesting that a dry food made from insects has been produced. I’m definitely going to try it for my cats. I lived in Greece, on the island of Paros, for 2 years and have since adopted some of the kitties I used to feed when I was there. On these Cycladic Islands the stray cats’ main diet is insects. That’s what they live on. I never saw them catch a mouse or a bird , but they were excellent insect catchers., spending most of the day in this pursuit. They eat those cycladic singing beetles, as well as grasshoppers, spiders (!), moths….all kinds of insects as these islands are teeming with insect life during summer. Winters are very harsh and difficult for the island cats and many die during winter unless humans put down food for them, or they make friends with the fishermen who throw them the fish heads.
Fascinating observations. Thanks for sharing!