Published Oct 22, 2021
Kate Barrington / Cats.com
We’ve rated Raw Paws on ingredient quality, species-appropriateness, recalls, and more. Read our Raw Paws cat food review to learn how this brand stacks up.
The Cats.com Standard—Rating Raw Paws on What Matters
Ratings
- Species-Appropriateness – 8/10
- Ingredient Quality – 8/10
- Product Variety – 8/10
- Price – 7/10
- Customer Experience – 8/10
- Recall History – 8/10
Overall Score: 7.8/10
In total, we give Raw Paws cat food a 48 out of 60 rating or an A- grade.
About Raw Paws
Raw Paws was founded in 2014 as a small, family- and woman-owned business. It’s located in Indianapolis, IN and it’s their goal to provide pet parents with practical and affordable access to healthy, high-quality pet food, treats, chews, and supplements.
This company offers a wide variety of raw pet food products including rolls and patties as well as freeze-dried food and kibble. Many of their raw pet foods are formulated for both dogs and cats, and they’re one of the only pet food companies we’ve come across that offers a wide selection of supplemental raw foods like beef hearts, chicken feet, turkey necks, and more.
In this review, we’ll address the important questions about Raw Paws cat food. You’ll learn about its recall history, safety standards, nutritional adequacy, and customer experience.
Sourcing And Manufacturing
Raw Paws is a family-owned business that offers proprietary pet food formulas designed with a combination of 20+ years of raw feeding experience and advice from holistic vets and animal dietary nutritionists. All of their recipes are simple and healthy, made with just meat, bone, and organ.
Not only are Raw Paws’ formulas made with a short list of high-quality, species-appropriate ingredients, but they source those ingredients from local, responsible, small family farms. Their products are made weekly in small batches and stored at 0 degrees for optimal freshness.
Raw Paws offers fast, free shipping from their Indianapolis facility in eco-friendly foam coolers packed with dry ice to ensure your delivery arrives safely frozen.
Recall History
Raw pet food comes with a risk of contamination with food-borne pathogens like salmonella which can affect not only the pets who eat it but the people who serve it or otherwise come into contact with it. Pet food companies regularly test their products for these pathogens and, if they’re discovered above a certain level, a recall might be issued.
If you do an online search for Raw Paws product recalls, you’ll come across an FDA recall for a similar-sounding company, Raws for Paws from 2018. Fortunately, this company does not appear to be affiliated with Raw Paws and we didn’t find any evidence of recalls affecting the Raw Paws brand.
UPDATE: In early December, a Raw Paws customer found a foreign body that appeared to be a .22-caliber bullet fragment in a roll of raw cat food. The customer has been in communication with the company’s owner and has made reports to the USDA and the FDA. As of December 22nd, 2022, Raw Paws had not yet issued a consumer announcement or initiated a voluntary recall.
What Kinds Of Cat Food Does Raw Paws Offer?
Raw Paws offers a variety of frozen, freeze-dried, and dry pet foods along with pet food toppers, meaty bones, chews, and treats. Many of their frozen foods are formulated for both dogs and cats.
When it comes to their raw frozen pet foods, Raw Paws offers 1-pound and 3-pound rolls as well as 1-ounce patties. These products belong to the Signature Blend Complete line which features a variety of proteins like lamb, salmon, turkey, and goat in nutritionally complete formulas.
Aside from their raw frozen pet foods, Raw Paws offers a limited selection of freeze-dried food and grain-free, organic kibble.
What Do Customers Think Of Raw Paws Cat Food?
While we personally believe raw and fresh food is one of the most species-appropriate options for cats, not all pet owners agree. Before making the switch to raw food, it’s important to do your research to be sure you’re up for the challenge (and the cost). You’ll also want to check out real customer experiences.
Let’s take a look at a few customer reviews from some of the most popular recipes from Raw Paws.
Positive Reviews
“I was looking for pure, clean food due to IBS issues. I I was thrilled to find this product on a website that felt honest to me. My cats absolutely love this duck which will be a staple now… Difficult to trust manufacturers these days, but this food presents as authentic with no fillers, which makes mama happy. Shipping was prompt too. Highly recommend this product.”- Kerri Gibbs from Brooklyn, NY reviewing Raw PawsFreeze-Dried Complete Duck Recipe
“Finally an affordable salmon option! Will be ordering this on a regular basis. Great quality.”- Teri Loera from Sierra Madre, CA reviewing Raw Paws Ground Atlantic Salmon and Bone
Negative Reviews
“No surprise that a can’t won’t eat what is probably perfectly good cat food, but, the cooked stuff in cans that’s made in a human-grade-food facility looks and smells way more appetizing to me, so I can’t blame her (although I have been feeding her raw food for almost a year). Maybe dogs like it better.”– Kirstin Rogers from Chicago, IL reviewing Raw Paws Ground Atlantic Salmon and Bone
“One of my cats cannot digest these. He vomits after eating them. But the other cat really likes them.”- Julie Rybinski from San Diego, CA reviewing Raw Paws Freeze-Dried Complete Duck Recipe
What Did Our Test Cats Think?
Kate Barrington / Cats.com
To test Raw Paws, I ordered five different recipes of their 1-pound raw frozen rolls featuring chicken, beef, and salmon. I also purchased a 10-pack of raw frozen beef marrow bones.
My order arrived quickly, packaged in a foam cooler with dry ice to keep it frozen. I found the 1-pound rolls were easy to fit in my freezer and they defrosted relatively quickly. Serving was easy because I could simply cut the rolls into slices, approximating the serving size by the package recommendations.
Being used to a mixed diet of wet food and dry food, my cats were immediately interested in Raw Paws. I first sampled the Ground Atlantic Salmon with Bone which they gobbled up eagerly. All in all, Raw Paws was incredibly popular with both my cats and my dog.
Raw Paws Cat Food – Top 3 Recipes Reviewed
| Product Name | Food Type | Main Protein Source | Calories | Price | Our Grade |
| Raw Paws Signature Blend Complete Beef & Tripe for Dogs & Cats | Raw | Beef | 58 kcal/oz. | $0.78 per oz | A |
| Raw Paws Freeze-Dried Complete Duck Pet Food | Freeze-Dried | Duck | 122 kcal/oz. | $5.62 per oz | A- |
| Raw Paws Grain-Free Organic Chicken Kibble Infused with Freeze-Dried Complete Chicken | Dry | Chicken | 128 kcal/oz. | $2.49 per oz | C+ |
#1 Raw Paws Signature Blend Complete Beef & Tripe For Dogs & Cats
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Part of Raw Paws’ Signature Blend Complete line of frozen raw pet foods, this recipe contains 80% muscle meat, 10% bone, and 10% organ. Not only does this make it nutritionally complete according to AAFCO standards, but it makes it incredibly species-appropriate for cats as well.
This beef and tripe raw cat food is as simple as it gets. Aside from the beef muscle meat, organ, and bone, there are no other ingredients – no fillers, no by-products, no artificial additives, and no added carbohydrates.
While Raw Paws doesn’t provide a complete nutritional analysis for this recipe, they do comment that it is low in phosphorus. High phosphorus levels are a common concern in raw foods and can be an issue for cats with kidney problems, but if Raw Paws is to be believed, this recipe won’t be an issue.
Overall, this food is highly species appropriate with plenty of protein, moderate fat content, and no added carbohydrate.
Ingredients
Beef Round, Beef Meat, Green Beef Tripe, Beef Bone, Beef Heart, Beef Tongue, Beef Liver, Beef Kidney, Beef Spleen, Beef Suet.
| Ingredients We Liked | Ingredients We Didn’t Like | Common Allergens |
| Beef Round Beef Meat Green Beef Tripe Beef Bone Beef Heart Beef Tongue Beef Liver Beef Kidney Beef Spleen Beef Suet |
None | Beef |
Guaranteed Analysis
Dry Matter Basis
Caloric Weight Basis
Pros
- Contains 80% meat, 10% bone, and 10% organs
- Rich in species-appropriate nutrition
- Packed with protein and moisture
- Completely free from fillers and added carbohydrates
Cons
- Raw food is more expensive than market average
- Beef is a common cat food allergen
#2 Raw Paws Freeze-Dried Complete Duck Pet Food
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If you’re concerned about handling raw pet food, this freeze-dried formula might be a better option. Formulated with 45% muscle meat, 45% organ, and 10% bone, it still delivers plenty of species-appropriate nutrition from a single source of novel protein: duck.
In addition to ground duck with bone, duck liver, duck gizzard, and duck skin, this formula is supplemented with herring oil as an added source of animal-based fat. You’ll also find mixed tocopherols and d-alpha tocopherol added as natural preservatives to increase shelf-life.
Like the previous formula, this recipe is nutritionally complete but because it is freeze-dried it doesn’t contain the moisture your cat needs. Raw Paws says this formula is not intended to be rehydrated before feeding, but you can certainly do so to add some much-needed moisture to your cat’s diet.
Overall, this food is highly species appropriate with plenty of protein, moderate fat content, and no added carbohydrate matter.
Ingredients
Ground Duck with Bone, Duck Liver, Duck Gizzard, Duck Skin, Herring Oil, Mixed Tocopherols, D-alpha Tocopherol.
| Ingredients We Liked | Ingredients We Didn’t Like | Common Allergens |
| Ground Duck with Bone Duck Liver Duck Gizzard Duck Skin Herring Oil |
None | None |
Guaranteed Analysis
Dry Matter Basis
Caloric Weight Basis
Pros
- Very limited list of ingredients
- Rich in species-appropriate nutrition
- Packed with protein and animal-based fats
- No fillers, by-products, or added carbohydrate
Cons
- Doesn’t contain the moisture your cat needs
- Very expensive compared to market average
#3 Raw Paws Grain-Free Organic Chicken Kibble Infused With Freeze-Dried Complete Chicken
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Raw pet food is undoubtedly one of the most nutritious, species-appropriate options for your cat but it isn’t practical or affordable for everyone. One option is to offer your cat a mixed diet of raw and dry food to make things a little more cost-effective – this is one of Raw Paws’ kibble options.
This chicken-based kibble appears to be an extruded chicken kibble mixed with freeze-dried pieces of Raw Paws’ freeze-dried complete chicken formula. These freeze-dried pieces provide an added boost of protein and healthy fats to an otherwise mediocre dry food formula.
While this kibble recipe is made exclusively with organic ingredients and nutritional supplements, there is a significant number of unnecessary plant ingredients including starchy additions like potatoes as well as a number of legumes and pulses. You’ll also see a plant protein concentrate on the list.
Overall, this is a primarily plant-based dry food supplemented with freeze-dried pieces of high-protein raw food.
Ingredients
Grain-Free Organic Chicken Kibble
Organic Chicken, Organic Peas, Organic Lentils, Organic Garbanzo Beans, Organic Sweet Potatoes, Organic Potatoes, Organic Canola Oil (preserved with mixed tocopherols), Organic Sunflower Meal, Organic Canola Meal, Organic Flaxseed, Natural Flavor, Organic Pea Protein, Calcium Carbonate, Choline Chloride, Taurine, Organic Kelp, Vitamin E Supplement, Iron Proteinate, Zinc Proteinate, Copper Proteinate, Ferrous Sulfate, Zinc Sulfate, Copper Sulfate, Potassium Iodide, Thiamine Mononitrate (Vitamin B1), Manganese Proteinate, Manganous Oxide, Ascorbic Acid, Vitamin A Supplement, Biotin, Niacin, Calcium Pantothenate, Manganese Sulfate, Sodium Selenite, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B6), Vitamin B12 Supplement, Riboflavin (Vitamin B2), Vitamin D Supplement, Folic Acid.
Freeze-Dried Complete Chicken
Ground Chicken with Bone, Chicken Heart, Chicken Liver, Herring Oil, Mixed Tocopherols, D-Alpha Tocopherol.
| Ingredients We Liked | Ingredients We Didn’t Like | Common Allergens |
| Organic Chicken Ground Chicken with Bone Chicken Heart Chicken Liver Herring Oil |
Organic Peas Organic Lentils Organic Garbanzo Beans Organic Sweet Potatoes Organic Potatoes |
Chicken |
Guaranteed Analysis
Dry Matter Basis
Caloric Weight Basis
Pros
- Infused with freeze-dried pieces of raw food
- Made with organic ingredients
- No artificial additives or animal by-products
Cons
- Doesn’t contain the moisture your cat needs
- Above average cost compared to typical dry food
- Significant number of plant-based ingredients
How Much Does Raw Paws Cat Food Cost?
Raw Paws is more expensive than your typical cat food, but that isn’t surprising given the fact that it’s raw food made with premium-quality ingredients. The most affordable option is their kibble which contains freeze-dried pieces of their raw complete formulas for about $2.49 per ounce.
Raw Paws freeze-dried cat food is the most expensive option at over $5.60 per ounce and their raw frozen formulas come in around $0.65 to $0.85 per ounce. To save money, check out the clearance section and enjoy free nationwide shipping on every order.
Overall, Is Raw Paws Cat Food a Good Choice?
If you’re curious about giving raw cat food a try but you’re not ready to spend a fortune, Raw Paws could be a good choice. While they do offer some expensive novel proteins like goat and venison, many of their raw foods are competitively priced.
When it comes to species-appropriate nutrition, Raw Paws’ raw frozen pet food offers excellent quality. Made entirely with animal meat, bone, and organs, these formulas are packed with protein and moisture. Plus, they come in 1- or 3-pound rolls and 1-pound patties for your convenience.
Interestingly, Raw Paws’ raw frozen food is their most affordable product – their freeze-dried raw food and raw-infused kibble options are more expensive. If you’re looking for a shelf-stable option, their freeze-dried formulas are still very species-appropriate, though they should be rehydrated before feeding.
We’d recommend avoiding Raw Paws’ kibble because it is simply too high in added carbohydrates, despite being infused with pieces of freeze-dried raw food.
Where Is Raw Paws Cat Food Sold?
The best place to buy Raw Paws cat food is directly through the brand’s website. That’s where you’ll find the best deals (including many 50% off clearance items) and you’ll get free nationwide shipping.
You can also find Raw Paws on Amazon, though the selection is a little more limited. If you’re shopping for raw food, you’ll have to buy in larger quantities through Amazon – their 1-pound rolls and 1-ounce patties are only sold in 20-packs.
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This company falsely advertises their foods as COMPLETE. They are absolutely not complete and most buyers don’t understand this thus putting their pets in danger. Their packaging and order paperwork doesn’t have any lot info, batch info, date processed, etc. When a customer has issues with their food, there is literally no way to trace that food back. Much of what they advertise is false. And they don’t do voluntary recalls or inform pet owners when things like bullets are found in the food. This company isn’t very honest about anything. And for ppl feeding this thinking it is a complete diet as their website states, you are putting you pet’s health in jeopardy. Just because they say it is complete doesn’t mean it is. They can tell you whatever they want to sell their products.
Hey there. We just learned about all of this as well—we’re updating the article ASAP.
I’ve been wondering this myself as I have been feeding my cats the raw food (which they love) but have noticed changes in them and my one cats blood work came back for low taurine levels. They don’t specify anywhere on the site that you must supplement the food. I am very concerned.
Thanks for bringing this to our attention, Cj! Your concern is valid! I see that we updated the article to include a mention of the foreign object found in the food but I’ll recommend to our editorial team that we make additional updates regarding the nutritional completeness of the food.
Thank you. I was responding to what was posted about their food not being “complete”. Most products do not list the nutritional content.
My female cat has been eating RawPaw for 6 mos now. I add in the Alnutrin supplement that is recommended for RawPaws, but I get my info from a different web site. I did a bit of research before changing her diet. She was overweight. Weaned her slowly off of canned cat food. Results : hairball vomiting only 2x in 6 mos, her poops much smaller, dryer and don’t stink. There was a developing urinary problem that vanished. ( She was on a urinary diet from the vet ) She’s lost weight slowly and is more active, and playful. I have not had blood work done yet, she’s a handful at the vet, and needs to be sedated for visits. She’s very strong. I can say the cost is comparable to the premium canned food at PetCo or Pet Supermarket, or the specialty food she needed for the urinary issue. I give RP a thumbs up. She likes the Goat, Lamb, Duck, Salmon and to a lesser extent, Chicken. I’ve had no issues with the food. It arrives frozen hard as iron. What microorganism can survive that? I use surgical gloves to mix in the supplements and sterilize any surface it touches anyway.
Thanks for sharing, Tom! Glad you’ve found a product that works so well for your cat 🙂