When my brother and sister-in-law told me their cats were “too picky for their own good,” I knew exactly the kind of challenge we were up against. One of their cats is super food-motivated but suspicious of new textures, and the other is a little too bougie for his own good. So, when Smalls landed on our radar with its human-grade, gently cooked cat food, we figured it was time to put it to the test.
Fast forward a few weeks, and let’s just say their cats are obsessed. Like, circling the fridge and meowing at 6 a.m. obsessed. We tried just about everything from the Smalls lineup: their Smooth and Ground fresh foods, Licks treats, and even a couple of the toys. This review breaks down what worked, what didn’t, and why Smalls might be worth the switch if your cats are as picky (or spoiled) as theirs.
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Let’s set the stage. Our two taste testers are:
Before Smalls, they were eating a mix of dry kibble and the occasional wet food pouch, but neither seemed overly excited about mealtime. They were looking for something more nutritious, higher-quality, and ideally—something they'd actually finish without coaxing.
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Smooth Fish: A huge hit with both cats. Bo actually licked the bowl clean, which is rare. It’s very pâté-like in texture—easy to eat and not too watery.
Smooth Bird + Fish: This one had Bo pacing while it was being prepped. It smells fresh (not in a gross way), and they both devoured it.
Smooth Pig: We weren’t sure how they’d feel about pork, but this turned out to be one of their favorites. Surprisingly mild scent and super creamy texture.
Smooth Cow: A little too rich for Bo, but Blu liked it. If your cat has a sensitive tummy, maybe introduce this one slowly.
Smooth Bird: A safe, go-to option. Not the most exciting, but both cats ate it reliably.
Ground Bird: More chunky than the smooth options, which Blu liked because he enjoys chewing his food. Bo took a while to warm up to the texture.
Ground Other Bird: We’re guessing this is turkey or duck? Either way, it smelled nice and had good moisture. They didn’t go wild, but they ate it.
TL;DR: Smooth textures won this round, especially anything fish-based. But the Ground options are great if your cat likes to chew a bit more.
The Licks were a HUGE win.
They’re easy to squeeze out, not too messy, and store well in the fridge for a day or two if you don’t use the whole tube. Honestly, these alone are worth adding to your subscription.
“Fish Licks felt like cat crack. We literally had to hide the tubes.”
Ham Bone Trio: Cute and surprisingly durable. Blu tossed these around like a kitten again. They’re soft and small enough for batting, but they don’t fall apart easily.
Fish in Dish: It’s like a felt sushi platter. Mostly for chewing and light wrestling. Bo preferred this one—he cuddled up with it more than he played with it.
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Smalls has a super easy setup process:
The food comes in vacuum-sealed pouches, which they stored in the freezer and thawed one at a time in the fridge. They lasted a few days once thawed and didn’t smell up the fridge.
Skipping or pausing the subscription is simple from the dashboard—no tricky cancellation flows here. Both my bother and sister-in-law really loved the customization when ordering online.
“Honestly, the hardest part was making room in the freezer.”
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If your cat:
Then Smalls is 100% worth a try. Even if you start with just a few pouches and Licks to test the waters.
Absolutely. From better digestion to more excitement at mealtime, they noticed the shift in just a few days. Their coats got shinier, their litter box didn’t smell as intense, and they started showing up early for meals. The Licks treats especially were a new favorite, and the toys were a fun surprise. For being on the same food for almost two years - and being picky eaters - the Smalls cat food was a HUGE success and pleasant suprise.
If you’re ready to ditch mystery meat for something that actually benefits your cat’s health (and happiness), Smalls is a solid choice.
Is Smalls vet-approved?
Yes, they work with vet nutritionists to make sure everything is AAFCO-compliant and balanced.
How much freezer space does it take up?
Depends on how much you order, but the pouches are flat and stack easily.
Can you cancel the subscription?
Yep—skip, pause, or cancel anytime right from your dashboard.
What’s the difference between Smooth and Ground?
Smooth is like a soft pâté, while Ground has a chunkier, minced texture. Some cats have a strong preference!
How do I transition my cat to Smalls?
Slow and steady! Mix a little Smalls with their current food and increase gradually over 7-10 days.
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