Freeze-Dried Raw Nuggets Beef & Salmon Recipe Cat Food
Verified Aug 29, 2026
This is a high-protein, freeze-dried raw cat food featuring beef with ground bone, beef liver, and salmon as the main animal ingredients. It includes a variety of organic vegetables, fruits, and seeds, plus added taurine and fish oils for essential fatty acids. It’s formulated as a complete and balanced diet for kittens and adult cats, and can be fed as a full meal or used as a topper or mix-in.
Jump to ingredientsAffiliate link · may earn a commission at no extra cost to you
Strong Choice
This is a very high-protein, high-fat, freeze-dried raw formula designed for kittens and adult cats who do well on a raw-style diet. Beef, beef liver, and salmon provide rich animal protein, while bone contributes calcium and phosphorus. It suits healthy cats who tolerate richer foods and whose owners are comfortable properly rehydrating and handling raw-style products.
Computed from 4 of 4 applicable checks. Missing data is skipped, never counted against a food.
The KibbleLab Score (1–10) is assessed from publicly available product data. Our evaluation is science-based, not marketing-based.
KibbleLab may earn an affiliate commission when you buy through a link. No one can pay for a higher score, or to change what we recommend for your pet.
At a Glance
KibbleLab Review
Strengths
- Beef, beef liver, and salmon supply highly digestible animal protein and essential amino acids for cats.
- Formulated to meet AAFCO nutrient profiles for all life stages, including kittens, so it can be a sole diet.
- Freeze-drying helps preserve nutrients while making storage and handling easier than fresh raw diets.
- Includes fish oils and cod liver oil, which are good sources of omega-3 fatty acids for skin, coat, and overall health.
Considerations
- The fat level is quite high, which may not suit cats who need a lower-fat diet or gain weight easily.
- Beef and fish are both common feline allergens, so this may not be ideal for cats with known food sensitivities.
- Raw-style diets require careful handling and thorough rehydration to support digestive comfort and reduce foodborne risk.
- The inclusion of multiple plant ingredients adds variety but is not nutritionally essential for obligate carnivores like cats.
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
Beef
Beef is commonly used in dog and cat foods as a primary animal protein and palatability enhancer, supplying high-quality essential amino acids, B vitamins, iron, and zinc that support muscle maintenance and overall health. Owners should note beef can be calorie- and fat-dense and is a relatively common allergen, and raw or improperly handled beef carries microbial risks, so formulation, fat content, and sourcing/processing are important considerations.
View ingredient
02
Beef Liver
Beef liver is an organ meat commonly used in dog and cat foods and treats as a highly palatable, protein-rich, nutrient-dense ingredient that provides concentrated, bioavailable vitamins (especially vitamin A and B12), heme iron, copper, and essential amino acids. While it supports blood health and overall nutrition, beef liver should be fed in moderation because excess vitamin A can cause toxicity, its richness may upset sensitive stomachs or contribute to pancreatitis in predisposed pets, and proper sourcing/processing is important to minimize contaminant or bacterial risks.
03
Salmon
Salmon is commonly used as a high-quality animal protein and rich source of omega‑3 fatty acids (EPA/DHA) in dog and cat foods, supporting skin and coat condition, joint and cognitive health, and overall muscle maintenance. While very nutritious, salmon can be an allergen for some pets and raw salmon may pose risks from parasites, thiaminase-related thiamine loss, and region-specific pathogens (e.g., salmon poisoning); owners should avoid feeding uncooked bones and consider sourcing to minimize contaminant and sustainability concerns.
View ingredient
04
Kale
Kale is a cruciferous leafy green used in pet foods as a source of fiber, vitamins (A, C and K), minerals (such as calcium and potassium) and antioxidants, providing low‑calorie bulk and micronutrient support when added in small amounts. Because kale contains goitrogens, oxalates and other compounds that can cause gastrointestinal upset or, if fed excessively, interfere with thyroid function or contribute to urinary/kidney issues (and rarely hemolytic problems), it should be offered sparingly, prepared plain (cooked or finely chopped) and never seasoned with toxic ingredients like onion or garlic.
View ingredient
05
Squash
Squash is used in pet foods as a low‑calorie vegetable ingredient that provides digestible fiber, moisture and nutrients such as beta‑carotene (a vitamin A precursor), vitamin C and potassium, which can support digestive health, weight management and antioxidant protection. It is generally safe for dogs and cats when cooked or pureed but offers limited protein for obligate carnivores, so owners should avoid salted or seasoned preparations, remove seeds, and introduce it gradually to prevent gastrointestinal upset.
View ingredient
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.Not sure how much of this to feed?
The right daily portion depends on your cat's weight, age, and activity level. Create a free account, add your cat, and get their daily calories and portion sizes.
Product Details & Brand
Product Specs
AAFCO Nutritional Adequacy
What is AAFCO
Association of American Feed Control Officials. It sets the nutritional
adequacy standards US pet foods are measured against.
What is AAFCO
Association of American Feed Control Officials. It sets the nutritional adequacy standards US pet foods are measured against.Brand
One of the earliest and best-known raw pet food brands, offering frozen raw recipes, freeze-dried raw nuggets and Pronto, Kibble in the Raw, toppers, hydrators (goat milk, bone broth) and treats for dogs and cats. Positioned as super-premium, minimally processed, species-appropriate nutrition with no synthetic vitamins or minerals, responsibly raised proteins and certified organic produce.
Manufacturer
Manufactures in-house at company-owned plants — the SQF-certified Abilene, TX flagship facility and a Montrose, CO raw-bones facility — using high-pressure processing and test-and-hold protocols, plus peer-reviewed digestibility research with the University of Illinois. An FDA warning letter (Feb 2023) cited deficiencies at the since-closed Fairfield, CA plant.
PSC is a nonprofit that Accredits pet companies on their environmental and social impact, through third-party verification. Primal Pet Foods, Inc. is a PSC Accredited business. View profile
Manufacturing details are compiled from public sources and not independently verified; they may not reflect contract manufacturing or co-packing.
Recall History
No recall is listed for Primal Freeze-Dried Raw Nuggets Beef & Salmon Recipe Cat Food.
Source: FDA animal food recall listings back to January 2019 · Checked daily, last on Aug 31, 2026
Sign up for the full picture
Ingredient Check
We'll check every ingredient against your pet's profile.
Feeding Calculator
Personalized portion sizes based on your pet's weight, age, and activity level.
Side-by-Side Comparison
Compare this food with alternatives to find the best fit.
Similar Foods
Post your cat's report card and challenge friends to check their food.
Frequently Asked Questions
Has Primal ever been recalled?
We have no recalls on record for Primal. We track the FDA's animal food recall listings back to January 2019 and publish every pet food recall automatically. A filing that isn't pet food may not appear here.
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 listings. Last verified dates reflect our most recent data check. We track the FDA's animal food recall listings back to January 2019 and publish every pet food recall automatically. A filing that isn't pet food may not appear here.