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Carnivore Chicken Freeze-Dried Raw Cat Food
Purpose

Carnivore Chicken Freeze-Dried Raw Cat Food

Verified Jun 11, 2026

Cat · Dry All Life Stages All Breed Sizes

A very high-protein, freeze-dried raw chicken diet for cats of all life stages, made primarily from whole chicken meat, organs, and bone. It includes added herring oil for healthy fats and a full vitamin and mineral mix, including taurine, to keep the recipe nutritionally complete. This food can work as a complete diet or as a high-protein topper for cats who do well on rich, meat-based meals.

Over-the-counter AAFCO No recalls
Official product page
KibbleLab Score
9.0 out of 10

This is a nutrient-dense, meat-heavy freeze-dried raw formula that provides a carnivore-appropriate profile for cats, with chicken as the sole animal protein source. It is complete and balanced for all life stages by AAFCO formulation and has very high protein and fat, which suits active, healthy cats that tolerate rich diets. It may be especially appealing for owners seeking a simple-ingredient, grain-free raw-style option without added plant fillers.

The KibbleLab Score (1–10) is assessed from publicly available product data. Our evaluation is science-based, not marketing-based.

Ingredient composition Quality, beneficial additions, absence of artificial colors/flavors
Nutritional profile Protein, fat, fiber evaluated for stated life stage and food type
AAFCO compliance Complete and balanced certification; feeding trials valued higher
Health considerations Sensitivity profile, DCM risk, processing method
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 Not Recommended

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

Health Benefits
Heart Care Immune Support Skin Coat Health Dental Care Digestive Health High Energy
Suitable For
All Life Stages All Breed Sizes
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Nutritional Perspective

KibbleLab Review

Strengths

  • Very high protein (54% as-fed) and fat (23% as-fed) from chicken meat, organs, and bone, closely matching a cat’s natural carnivorous diet.
  • Single main protein source (chicken) with no grains or starchy fillers, which can help some cats that do better on low-carbohydrate diets.
  • Includes herring oil and organic coconut oil to supply essential fatty acids that support skin, coat, and overall health.
  • Formulated to meet AAFCO Cat Food Nutrient Profiles for All Life Stages, so it can be used for kittens and adults when the richness is appropriate.

Considerations

  • Chicken is a common food allergen in cats, so this formula would not be suitable for cats with known chicken sensitivities.
  • The very high fat and calorie density (about 117 kcal per ounce) may be too rich for some cats, especially those prone to weight gain or with a history of pancreatitis; careful portion control is important.
  • As a raw-style, freeze-dried product, it is more minimally processed than kibble but still requires safe handling and may not be the best fit for households or cats where raw-type diets are a concern.
Scored using the rubric of an NAVC Certified Pet Nutrition Coach (PNCC). This is informational, not veterinary advice.

Full Ingredient List

Ground chicken, chicken heart, chicken gizzard, chicken bone, chicken liver, herring oil, organic apple cider vinegar, organic coconut oil, potassium chloride, dried kelp, sodium chloride, zinc proteinate, iron proteinate, vitamin e supplement, niacin supplement, copper proteinate, manganese proteinate, thiamine mononitrate, d-calcium pantothenate, sodium selenite, riboflavin supplement, biotin, pyridoxine hydrochloride, vitamin b12 supplement, folic acid, vitamin d3 supplement

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
Ground Chicken
Ground chicken is commonly used in dog and cat foods as a palatable, high-quality animal protein source that supplies essential amino acids and is readily digestible, with nutritional content varying by lean-to-fat ratio. It can enhance flavor and protein intake but may trigger food allergies in some pets, contribute excess fat and calories (increasing pancreatitis risk in susceptible animals), and must be properly handled/cooked and balanced with vitamins/minerals (including taurine for cats) to form a complete diet.
02
Chicken Heart
Chicken heart is a nutrient-dense organ meat commonly used in dog and cat foods and treats as a highly palatable animal protein source, providing taurine, B vitamins (notably B12), iron, zinc and coenzyme Q10. It supports lean muscle and, for cats, provides essential taurine, but should be included as part of a balanced formulation and properly sourced/processed to reduce bacterial risk, since excessive organ intake can unbalance nutrients or be a concern for pets with specific metabolic or urate-stone issues.
03
Chicken Gizzard
Chicken gizzard is a nutrient-dense organ meat commonly used in pet foods and treats as a high-quality animal protein, contributing lean protein, B vitamins (notably B12), iron, zinc and other trace minerals to canine and feline diets. It can improve palatability and nutrient density but should be properly cooked and handled to avoid bacterial contamination, and owners of pets with specific health concerns (e.g., certain renal conditions or urate stone risk) or those feeding whole pieces should consult a veterinarian before regular inclusion.
04
Chicken Bone
Chicken bone is used in pet food primarily as a source of calcium, phosphorus and other minerals—typically included as ground bone or bone meal to help meet mineral requirements in formulated diets. When properly processed and balanced to maintain the correct Ca:P ratio it supports skeletal health, but whole or cooked chicken bones can splinter and cause choking, obstruction or internal injury and raw bones carry bacterial risks, so bones should only be provided as part of commercially balanced diets or under veterinary guidance.
05
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.

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)
54.00%
Low High
Crude Fat (min)
23.00%
Low High
Crude Fiber (max)
2.00%
Low High
Moisture (max)
7.00%
Low High
117
kcal / Oz
Moderate
Calorie density category
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

Lifestage All Life Stages
Breed size All Breed Sizes
Texture Freeze Dried
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
*** Purpose Carnivore Chicken is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Cat Food Nutrient Profiles for All Life Stages**

Brand

Purpose

Purpose is a premium brand offering freeze-dried raw dog foods made from responsibly sourced, human-grade ingredients. The brand targets pet owners seeking ethically produced, all-natural nutrition with a focus on sustainability and animal welfare.

Visit Purpose
Price tier $$$$$

Manufacturer

Company name Purpose Pet Food LLC
Founded 2014
Headquarters St. Louis, Missouri, USA
Manufacturing type Co Packer
Manufacturing country United States
Manufacturing region South Dakota
Manufacturing oversight

Purpose Pet Food LLC works with USDA-inspected facilities to ensure high standards of food safety. Its production follows HACCP protocols and complies with FDA regulations for pet food manufacturing.

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

Purpose Carnivore Chicken Freeze-Dried Raw Cat Food has no recalls since 2014.

Source: FDA Pet Food Recall Database · Monitored daily

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KibbleLab food report
TOP TIER.
9.0 /10 Grade A+
Carnivore Chicken Freeze-Dried Raw Cat Food
Purpose · kibblelab.com

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Frequently Asked Questions

Has Purpose ever been recalled?

We have no recalls on record for Purpose. 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.

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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 database. Last verified dates reflect our most recent data check.