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Freeze-Dried Raw Nuggets Chicken & Salmon Recipe Cat Food
Primal

Freeze-Dried Raw Nuggets Chicken & Salmon Recipe Cat Food

Verified Aug 21, 2026

Cat · Dry All Life Stages All Breed Sizes

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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Over-the-counter AAFCO Pet Sustainability Coalition Accredited No recalls

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Official product page
KibbleLab Score
8.3 out of 10

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.

Nutritional profile 8.4
Ingredient composition 8.0
Adequacy substantiation 7.0
Health considerations 10.0

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.

Nutritional profile Protein, fat, fiber on a dry-matter basis, for the stated life stage and format
Adequacy substantiation Complete and balanced substantiation; feeding trials valued higher
Ingredient composition Screened for unnamed sources, artificial additives, and label protein inflation. Not a quality ranking.
Health considerations Pulse-heavy grain-free (DCM) pattern and recall history
Verified manufacturer evidence A small bonus when we can verify evidence addressing WSAVA selection criteria
9.0 - 10 Top Pick
8.0 - 8.9 Strong Choice
7.0 - 7.9 Solid Option
6.0 - 6.9 Worth a Conversation
Below 6.0 Review Carefully

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.


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Nutritional Perspective

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.
Scored using the rubric of an NAVC Certified Pet Nutrition Coach (PNCC). This is informational, not veterinary advice.

Full Ingredient List

Chicken (with ground bone), Chicken Livers, Salmon, Organic Kale, Organic Squash, Organic Carrots, Organic Apples, Organic Pumpkin Seeds, Organic Sunflower Seeds, Organic Sunflower Oil, Organic Parsley, Organic Broccoli, Organic Blueberries, Organic Cranberries, Organic Apple Cider Vinegar, Dried Yeast, Montmorillonite Clay, Salt, Taurine, Fish Oil, Cod Liver Oil, Organic Coconut Oil, Organic Rosemary Extract, Vitamin E Supplement, Dried Organic Kelp, Organic Ground Alfalfa

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.
View ingredient
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.
As Fed
Crude Protein (min)
47.00%
Low High
Crude Fat (min)
32.00%
Low High
Crude Fiber (max)
4.00%
Low High
Moisture (max)
8.00%
Low High
176
kcal / Cup
Low
Calorie density category
What is calorie density How many calories the food packs per unit. Denser foods mean smaller portions for the same calories.

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Product Details & Brand

Product Specs

Lifestage All Life Stages
Breed size All Breed Sizes
Texture Whole Pieces
Processing method Freeze Dried
Food type Dry

AAFCO Nutritional Adequacy
What is AAFCO Association of American Feed Control Officials. It sets the nutritional adequacy standards US pet foods are measured against.

Complete & balanced Yes
AAFCO life stages All Life Stages
Substantiation Formulation
Our Freeze-Dried Raw Nuggets [Chicken & Salmon Cat Food] and [Beef & Salmon Cat Food] recipes are formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Cat Food Nutrient Profiles for all life stages, including kittens.

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.

Price tier $$$$$

Manufacturer

Company name Primal Pet Foods, Inc.
Parent company Pure Treats, Inc.
Founded 2001
Headquarters Abilene, Texas, USA
Manufacturing type In House
Manufacturing country United States
Manufacturing region Texas
Manufacturing oversight

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.

Pet Sustainability Coalition Accredited business seal
Pet Sustainability Coalition Accredited

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 recalls on record

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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KibbleLab food report
GREAT BOWL.
8.3 /10 Grade A
Freeze-Dried Raw Nuggets Chicken & Salmon Recipe Cat Food
Primal · kibblelab.com

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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.

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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.