Artisan Chicken and Fish Freeze-Dried Cat Food
Verified May 23, 2026
This is a high-protein, grain-free freeze-dried cat food that can be fed as a complete meal, topper, or snack. It features chicken, pollock, and chicken liver as the main animal ingredients, with potatoes, flax, fruits, and added vitamins and taurine to round out the recipe. The formula is energy-dense and designed for cats of all life stages who do well on a rich, meat-focused diet with some added plant ingredients.
Nutritionally, this is a high-quality, meat-forward freeze-dried option for cats that delivers very good protein and moderate fat with low moisture and grain-free carbohydrates. The use of chicken, pollock, and organ meat provides a strong amino acid profile, and taurine and key vitamins and minerals are supplemented appropriately. It’s best suited to healthy, normally active cats whose guardians are comfortable rehydrating food and monitoring portions due to the high calorie density.
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At a Glance
KibbleLab Review
Strengths
- Very high protein level (40% as-fed in a low-moisture food) from named animal sources: chicken, pollock, and nutrient-dense chicken liver.
- Grain-free but without heavy use of legumes; carbohydrates come mainly from potatoes and small amounts of fruits and vegetables.
- Includes flax and fish, which can contribute omega fatty acids that support skin, coat, and overall health.
- Versatile format that can be used as a complete meal, topper, or high-value snack, with clear rehydration instructions.
Considerations
- Contains chicken and fish, which are common protein allergens for some cats; not ideal if your cat has known sensitivities to these ingredients.
- Calorie density is quite high (438 kcal per cup dry), so portions need to be carefully measured to avoid unwanted weight gain, especially in indoor or less active cats.
- Freeze-dried foods rely on proper rehydration; cats that don’t drink much water may do better if this is always served fully reconstituted rather than dry.
Full Ingredient List
Ingredients and analysis reflect manufacturer data at the time of our last update and can change without notice. Always check the actual product packaging before feeding.
Ingredient filtering helps identify compatible options but is not a substitute for a veterinary elimination diet.
Top 5 Ingredients Explained
01
Chicken
Chicken is a common animal-based protein in dog and cat foods, supplying essential amino acids, B vitamins, and energy-dense fats that support muscle maintenance, growth, and overall health; for cats it also contributes toward dietary taurine but must be present in sufficient amounts or provided via supplementation. It is prized for its digestibility and palatability, though some pets develop sensitivities or allergies to chicken, and nutritional value and safety depend on ingredient quality and processing—raw chicken carries pathogen risks and whole bones can pose choking or GI hazards.
02
Pollock
Pollock is a lean white fish commonly used in pet foods as an easily digestible animal protein that boosts palatability and supplies essential amino acids. It provides some omega‑3 fatty acids and is generally low in contaminants compared with larger predatory fish, but can be an allergen for sensitive animals and must be properly processed and balanced (e.g., for taurine in cat diets) and preserved to prevent rancidity.
03
Chicken Liver
Chicken liver is a nutrient-dense organ meat commonly used in pet foods and treats as a highly palatable protein source and flavor enhancer, providing concentrated vitamins (especially vitamin A and B-complex), iron, and copper that support energy metabolism, red blood cell formation, and skin/coat health in both dogs and cats. Because it is so rich, liver should be fed in moderation—excessive intake can cause vitamin A toxicity, and its high fat content and risk of bacterial contamination mean it should be properly sourced or cooked and limited for pets with pancreatitis or specific dietary restrictions.
04
Potato
Potato is commonly used in pet foods as a digestible carbohydrate source and functional binder, supplying starch, fiber, and modest amounts of vitamins (B6, C) and potassium—often included as cooked or dehydrated flakes, starch, or protein concentrates. While it provides energy and helps formulate grain‑free recipes, potatoes are not a primary protein for dogs or cats (and are not nutritionally required for obligate‑carnivore cats), can contribute to excess calories or affect blood glucose in diabetic animals, and must be cooked and free of green skins or sprouts to avoid solanine toxicity; allergies are uncommon but possible.
05
Flax
Flax (usually offered as ground seed or oil) is used in pet foods as a plant-based source of fiber, alpha‑linolenic acid (ALA, an omega‑3), and lignans, contributing to skin and coat support, digestive health, and antioxidant activity. It should be ground or processed for best nutrient absorption, stored carefully to avoid rancidity, and used with awareness that dogs and especially cats convert ALA to long‑chain omega‑3s (EPA/DHA) poorly, so it may be less effective than marine sources for anti‑inflammatory needs; introduce gradually to limit gastrointestinal upset and consult your veterinarian for animals with specific health concerns.
Nutritional Breakdown
How to read As Fed versus Dry Matter
As fed shows the numbers straight off the label, water included. Dry matter removes the water so you can compare a wet food and a dry food fairly.What is calorie density
How many calories the food packs per unit. Denser foods mean smaller portions for the same calories.Product Details & Brand
Product Specs
Brand
Grandma Lucy's is a family-owned brand offering freeze-dried and dehydrated pet foods and treats made with human-grade ingredients. It caters to pet owners seeking minimally processed, natural nutrition and transparency about ingredient sourcing.
Visit Grandma Lucy'sManufacturer
Grandma Lucy's maintains control of all manufacturing at its own facility in Rancho Santa Margarita, ensuring all products are made from USDA-inspected, human-grade ingredients. The company follows USDA and FDA safety protocols, maintaining high standards for quality and cleanliness.
Manufacturing details are compiled from public sources and not independently verified; they may not reflect contract manufacturing or co-packing.
Recall History
Grandma Lucy's Artisan Chicken and Fish Freeze-Dried Cat Food has no recalls since 2014.
Source: FDA Pet Food Recall Database · Monitored daily
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Frequently Asked Questions
Has Grandma Lucy's ever been recalled?
We have no recalls on record for Grandma Lucy's. We monitor the FDA Pet Food Recall Database daily.
How does KibbleLab rate foods?
Our scores are based on ingredient composition, nutritional profile, AAFCO compliance, and health considerations. We don't penalize by-products, grains, or synthetic preservatives. Brands cannot pay for higher scores.
Is KibbleLab a substitute for veterinary advice?
No. KibbleLab provides data-driven food analysis, not medical advice. Always consult your veterinarian before making dietary changes, especially for pets with health conditions.
KibbleLab provides informational content only. This is not veterinary advice. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before changing your pet's diet.
KibbleLab may earn affiliate commissions through product links. No one can pay for a higher score, or to change what we recommend for your pet.
Product data sourced from manufacturer websites, AAFCO statements, and FDA recall database. Last verified dates reflect our most recent data check.