Dr. Sarah of Smalls Talks Cat Health & Nutrition

nutrition, health

This post was originally published on DeliveryRank and is syndicated here with permission.

Dr. Sarah Mitten is the trusted veterinary advisor behind Smalls, a revolutionary cat food company challenging the pet food industry’s status quo. With a deep understanding of feline biology and a fierce dedication to animal health, Dr. Mitten advocates for real, fresh, and protein-packed nutrition—free from fillers, preservatives, and artificial additives. Guided by science and compassion, she helps ensure every Smalls recipe supports optimal hydration, digestion, and overall vitality. At Smalls, Dr. Mitten is redefining what it means to feed our feline companions—because cats deserve food that’s as biologically appropriate as it is delicious. DeliveryRank offers an exclusive feature.

Delivery Rank: Smalls emphasizes a high-protein, minimally processed approach to feline nutrition. Could you elaborate on how your formulation process ensures optimal nutrient retention and bioavailability for cats?

Dr. Sarah Mitten: Our formulations, developed by a PhD in animal nutrition, prioritize high-quality, minimally processed meats to deliver protein and fat levels that mirror a cat’s natural prey. By minimizing less digestible plant-based proteins, we ensure high bioavailability, allowing cats to efficiently utilize the nutrients. Throughout production, we conduct regular quality checks to maintain consistent protein and fat ratios, ensuring each batch meets our rigorous nutritional standards.

A box of Smalls is opened on the counter by two people

Delivery Rank: The recent palatability study highlighted Smalls' appeal to even the pickiest eaters. What methodologies were employed in this study to assess palatability, and what were the key findings that set Smalls apart from other brands?

Dr. Sarah Mitten: Smalls conducts comprehensive palatability testing using three methodologies:

• One-Bowl Acceptability Testing: Cats are offered a single recipe, with a benchmark of consuming at least 80% of the food, indicating strong acceptance.

• Two-Bowl Preference Testing: Cats choose between Smalls and a competing or reference formula, with results consistently showing a preference for Smalls.

• In-Home Validation: Feedback from cats in real-world home environments ensures our recipes perform well under diverse real-world conditions.

These studies demonstrate that Smalls’ recipes outperform competitors in palatability, appealing even to selective eaters, due to our focus on high-quality ingredients and sensory appeal.

Delivery Rank: Hydration is crucial for feline health, and Smalls' fresh recipes are noted for their moisture content. How does the moisture level in your products compare to traditional dry kibble, and what benefits have you observed in cats consuming your food?

Dr. Sarah Mitten: Smalls’ fresh-frozen diets contain approximately 70% moisture, significantly higher than the 10–12% found in traditional dry kibble. This increased moisture supports feline hydration, contributing to benefits such as healthier skin and coat, increased energy and consistent stools, all of which enhance overall feline health.

A hand pours Fish Broth on a bowl of Smalls fresh food and freeze-dried puffs.

Delivery Rank: Smalls avoids artificial preservatives by utilizing a cook-and-freeze method. Can you discuss how this technique maintains food safety and freshness without compromising nutritional integrity?

Dr. Sarah Mitten: Our cook-and-freeze method involves gently cooking recipes to a precise temperature to eliminate harmful bacteria while preserving nutritional integrity. Unlike kibble or canned foods, which require prolonged high-temperature processing that can degrade vitamins, enzymes, and protein bioavailability, our minimal cooking process retains essential nutrients. Immediate freezing locks in freshness, ensuring safety and quality without artificial preservatives.

Flatlay of chicken, water, kale, and more.

Delivery Rank: Ingredient transparency is a cornerstone of Smalls' philosophy. With components like chicken liver, green beans, and kale featured in your recipes, how do these ingredients contribute to the overall health and wellness of cats?

Dr. Sarah Mitten: Liver used in our recipes enhance palatability while providing a natural source of vitamins and minerals essential for feline health. Vegetables like green beans and kale contribute fiber, vitamins, and minerals that support a healthy gut microbiome and digestive function. A balanced gut is increasingly recognized as vital for overall wellness, helping to mitigate chronic health issues and promote long-term vitality in cats.

This image features a small black and white cat sitting on a wooden kitchen counter next to a large cardboard box. The box has the word "SMALLS" printed in large black letters, with a playful yellow cat graphic integrated into the letters. In front of the cat, there is an empty tan-colored bowl. Behind the cat, there are two wooden cutting boards, one standing upright, leaning against a white brick wall. On the right side of the image, a bowl of oranges and a microwave are partially visible, adding a homey feel to the scene. The lighting is warm, giving the image a cozy, natural atmosphere.

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