Freeze-Dried Raw Nuggets Chicken & Salmon Recipe Cat Food
Verified Aug 21, 2026
This is a high-protein, freeze-dried raw cat food that uses chicken (with ground bone), chicken liver, and salmon as its main animal ingredients. It’s designed as a complete and balanced diet for kittens and adult cats, with added taurine and a variety of organic fruits, vegetables, and oils. The nuggets are meant to be crumbled and rehydrated before feeding, and can be used as a full meal or as a topper.
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Strong Choice
Nutritionally, this is a very rich, meat-heavy formula that suits healthy, active cats and kittens whose owners prefer a raw-style diet. The protein and fat levels are quite high, which works well for many cats but can be too calorie-dense for those who are less active or prone to weight gain. Overall, it’s a thoughtfully formulated, complete option with a strong focus on animal protein and whole-food ingredients.
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At a Glance
KibbleLab Review
Strengths
- Very high protein and fat content from chicken, chicken liver, and salmon, which suits the carnivorous needs of most cats.
- Formulated to meet AAFCO nutrient profiles for all life stages, including kittens, so it can be used long term.
- Includes taurine plus fish and cod liver oils to support essential fatty acid intake for skin, coat, and overall health.
- Uses a variety of organic fruits, vegetables, and seeds, providing natural sources of fiber and micronutrients.
Considerations
- The calorie density is high at 176 kcal per cup, so portions need to be measured carefully to avoid weight gain.
- Contains chicken and fish, which are common allergens, so it is not ideal for cats with known sensitivities to these proteins.
- The high fat level may not be the best fit for cats with a history of pancreatitis or those requiring lower-fat diets.
- As a freeze-dried raw product, it must be handled and hydrated as directed, which may not suit every household’s routine.
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.
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02
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.
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.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 Chicken & Salmon Recipe Cat Food.
Source: FDA animal food recall listings back to January 2019 · Checked daily, last on Aug 31, 2026
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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.