Redford Naturals Freeze-Dried Grain Free Duck Recipe Cat Food: An In-Depth Look

Redford Naturals Freeze-Dried Grain Free Duck Recipe Cat Food is a unique offering in the world of feline cuisine, attracting attention for its focus on high-quality protein and a grain-free formula. Made exclusively for and sold by Pet Supplies Plus, this recipe stands out with its freeze-drying process, preserving nutrients and enhancing flavor. If you’re seeking a convenient, nutritious, and flavorful option for your feline friend, this food might be just what you’re looking for.

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Understanding Freeze-Dried Cat Food

Freeze-drying is a specialized process where the food is rapidly frozen and then subjected to a vacuum, which removes moisture. This technique offers several advantages:

Retention of Nutrients: Freeze-drying helps preserve a greater amount of the natural vitamins, minerals, and enzymes found in the ingredients, as opposed to traditional heat processing.
Enhanced Flavor and Aroma: Cats are notoriously picky eaters, but they often find the taste and smell of freeze-dried food more appealing than standard kibble or canned food.
Convenience: Freeze-dried cat food is lightweight and easy to store. It also doesn’t require refrigeration before opening, unlike canned food.

A Closer Look at the Ingredients

Redford Naturals Freeze-Dried Grain Free Duck Recipe Cat Food boasts a straightforward and limited ingredient list, appealing to pet owners who prioritize natural, whole-food ingredients:

Duck: As the first ingredient, duck is the most prominent component by weight. Duck is an excellent source of protein, essential amino acids, and vital nutrients that cats need to thrive.
Duck Gizzard and Liver: Organ meats are nutritional powerhouses. Duck gizzard provides taurine, crucial for heart health, while duck liver is rich in Vitamin A and iron.
Herring Oil: This oil is a fantastic source of omega-3 fatty acids, known for promoting healthy skin and a glossy coat.

Nutritional Breakdown: Meeting Your Cat’s Needs

The guaranteed analysis provides further insight into the nutritional value of this recipe:

Crude Protein (Min): 45% This high protein content aligns perfectly with the dietary needs of cats, who are obligate carnivores.
Crude Fat (Min): 21% Fat is an important energy source for cats and supports various bodily functions.
Crude Fiber (Max): 5% Fiber aids in digestion.
Moisture (Max): 8% This low moisture level is typical of freeze-dried foods and contributes to their extended shelf life.
Taurine (Min): 0.10% Taurine is an essential amino acid that cats cannot produce on their own, making it a crucial nutrient for heart health and overall well-being.

Nutritional Breakdown Meeting Your Cat's Needs — Nutritional Breakdown Meeting Your Cat’s Needs

What Sets This Recipe Apart?

Several key features distinguish Redford Naturals Freeze-Dried Grain Free Duck Recipe Cat Food:

Grain-Free Formula: This recipe caters to cats with grain sensitivities or allergies, which can manifest as digestive issues or skin problems.
Single-Source Animal Protein: By using only duck as the protein source, this food minimizes the risk of triggering allergies in sensitive cats.
USA-Raised Duck: The duck used in this recipe is sourced from US farms, ensuring quality control and supporting local agriculture.
Made in the USA: All Redford Naturals pet foods are manufactured in the USA.

Is Redford Naturals a Reputable Brand?

Redford Naturals positions itself as a mid-priced option that rivals brands like Blue Buffalo and Taste of the Wild, offering a compelling alternative to more expensive premium brands like Orijen or Acana. While not as widely reviewed as some other brands, Redford Naturals has garnered generally positive feedback from pet owners. Many report seeing improvements in their cats’ skin and coat, and some have found it to be palatable even for picky eaters.

However, it is essential to note that some pet owners have reported issues like loose stools or a lack of interest from their cats. As with any food, individual cats may react differently.

There has been speculation online that Redford Naturals is manufactured by CJ Foods, a company that produces food for various brands. However, this information has not been officially confirmed by Pet Supplies Plus or CJ Foods.

Feeding Redford Naturals Freeze-Dried Cat Food

Redford Naturals Freeze-Dried Grain Free Duck Recipe Cat Food can be served as a complete and balanced meal. Simply add water to rehydrate the food according to the instructions on the package. It can also be used as a delicious and nutritious topper for kibble or canned food, adding a boost of flavor and protein.

Final Thoughts

Redford Naturals Freeze-Dried Grain Free Duck Recipe Cat Food offers a convenient, high-protein, grain-free option for discerning cat owners. The single-source protein, USA-raised duck, and made in the USA attributes add to its appeal. While not at the very top of the premium pet food hierarchy, it provides good value for the price and could be an excellent choice for cats who enjoy its flavor and digest it well.