๐Ÿ† Complete Buyer's Guide ยท Cat Food

Raw Cat Food for Cats That Track Litter We Recommend

Raw diets with minimal carbs and added probiotics can firm up stools, cutting litter tracking. Compare our top pick, Instinct Raw Boost Mixers, and 4 other options.

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Instinct Raw Boost Mixers Freeze Dried Raw Food Grain Free Recipe โ˜… Top Pick: Instinct Raw Boost Mixers Freeze Dried Raw Food Graโ€ฆ Check Price on Amazon →
70-80%
Moisture content in raw food
95%
Animal ingredients in many raw recipes
7-10 days
Recommended transition period
0.5-1 oz
Typical serving per meal for a 10 lb cat
โšก Key takeaways
  • Best Overall: Instinct Raw Boost Mixers Freeze Dried Raw Food Grain Free Recipe. This freeze dried raw topper or mixer is high in animal protein and low in carbs, which he.
  • Best Complete Raw Diet: Stella & Chewy's Frozen Raw Dinner Morsels Chicken Recipe. A complete and balanced frozen raw diet with 95 percent chicken, organs, and bone.
  • Best Freeze Dried: Primal Pet Foods Freeze Dried Nuggets Chicken & Salmon Formula. Freeze dried nuggets are easy to portion and rehydrate, offering a convenient raw option.
  • Best for Picky Eaters: Tiki Cat Raw Ulu Salmon & Chicken Recipe. This freeze dried raw food features a novel protein blend that appeals to finicky cats.
  • Best Budget Raw Mix: Wellness CORE RawRev Freeze Dried Raw Mix Grain Free Chicken & Turkey Recipe. A kibble and freeze dried raw mix that offers the benefits of raw at a lower price point.
At a Glance

Quick Comparison

Quick answer

The best raw cat food for cats that track litter is Instinct Raw Boost Mixers Freeze Dried Raw Food. Its high meat content and low carbohydrate load help produce firm stools that are less likely to crumble and stick to litter. For a complete raw diet, consider Stella & Chewy’s Frozen Raw Dinner Morsels; for a budget-friendly option, try Primal Pet Foods Freeze Dried Nuggets.

What to consider for Raw Cat Food For Cats That Track Litter

Litter tracking often results from loose stools or crumbly waste that breaks apart when buried. Raw diets, being high in moisture and animal protein, can promote firmer stools if they contain minimal carbohydrates and no artificial fillers. However, not all raw foods are equal: some include vegetables or grains that may increase stool volume. Look for recipes with a single protein source and added probiotics to support digestive health. Also consider the form: freeze dried or frozen raw can be easier to portion and store than fresh raw. Transition slowly over 7 to 10 days to avoid digestive upset that could worsen tracking.

What to look for in a cat food

When selecting any cat food, ensure it carries an AAFCO statement confirming it is complete and balanced for your cat’s life stage. The first ingredient should be a named meat (e.g., chicken, turkey, rabbit) rather than a by product or grain. Animal protein should be high, as cats are obligate carnivores; taurine must be added or naturally present in sufficient amounts. Moisture content matters: wet or raw foods (70 to 80 percent moisture) support urinary health and hydration. Finally, choose a formula appropriate for your cat’s age and health status; kittens, seniors, and cats with medical conditions have different nutritional needs.

How we chose these picks

  • Reviewed ingredient lists for named meat as the first ingredient and minimal carbohydrate sources.
  • Verified AAFCO complete and balanced statements for adult maintenance or all life stages.
  • Checked for added taurine and probiotics to support digestion and stool quality.
  • Considered product form (freeze dried, frozen, or fresh) and ease of portioning.
  • Evaluated customer feedback on stool firmness and litter box cleanliness.
  • Prioritized brands with transparent sourcing and manufacturing practices.
  • Ensured products are widely available from major retailers like Amazon.
  • Never ranked a product higher just because it pays a commission.

What to avoid

  • Avoid foods that list a generic meat meal or by product as the first ingredient; they may lack sufficient animal protein.
  • Steer clear of recipes that do not guarantee taurine levels; taurine deficiency can cause serious health issues.
  • Do not default to an all life stages formula for a kitten or senior without checking if it meets their specific needs.
  • Never switch your cat’s diet abruptly; always transition over 7 to 10 days to prevent diarrhea and litter tracking.

For more guidance, visit our cat guides, cat food, and cat health sections.

Why this matters

Raw diets with minimal carbohydrates and added probiotics often produce firmer stools, which can significantly reduce litter tracking by preventing crumbly waste that sticks to paws.

The Options

Types Explained

Freeze Dried Raw

Raw food that has been freeze dried to remove moisture while preserving nutrients. Lightweight and shelf stable. Rehydrate before feeding.

Best for: Convenience and storage; ideal for travel or small households.

Frozen Raw

Raw meat, organs, and bone frozen to maintain freshness. Must be thawed before serving. Typically higher moisture content.

Best for: Cats that prefer a texture closer to fresh raw; owners with freezer space.

Raw Mix (Kibble + Freeze Dried)

A combination of high quality kibble and freeze dried raw pieces. Offers a middle ground between convenience and raw nutrition.

Best for: Budget conscious owners or cats transitioning from kibble to raw.

Fresh Raw (Refrigerated)

Prepared raw food sold refrigerated, often in tubes or patties. Short shelf life but no rehydration needed.

Best for: Owners who want minimal prep and have refrigerator space.
The Rankings

Top 5 Picks

#1
Instinct Raw Boost Mixers Freeze Dried Raw Food Grain Free Recipe
Best Overall

Instinct Raw Boost Mixers Freeze Dried Raw Food Grain Free Recipe

View on Amazon

This freeze dried raw topper or mixer is high in animal protein and low in carbs, which helps produce firm stools that reduce litter tracking. It contains probiotics for digestive health. However, as a mixer, it is not a complete meal on its own; you must pair it with a balanced base diet.

#2
Stella & Chewy's Frozen Raw Dinner Morsels Chicken Recipe
Best Complete Raw Diet

Stella & Chewy's Frozen Raw Dinner Morsels Chicken Recipe

View on Amazon

A complete and balanced frozen raw diet with 95 percent chicken, organs, and bone. The high moisture and protein content support firm stools. The main trade off is the need for freezer storage and thawing, which can be less convenient than freeze dried options.

#3
Primal Pet Foods Freeze Dried Nuggets Chicken & Salmon Formula
Best Freeze Dried

Primal Pet Foods Freeze Dried Nuggets Chicken & Salmon Formula

View on Amazon

Freeze dried nuggets are easy to portion and rehydrate, offering a convenient raw option. They are grain free and include organic vegetables for fiber. One limitation is that some cats may not like the texture after rehydration; also, the vegetable content may increase stool volume slightly.

#4
Tiki Cat Raw Ulu Salmon & Chicken Recipe
Best for Picky Eaters

Tiki Cat Raw Ulu Salmon & Chicken Recipe

View on Amazon

This freeze dried raw food features a novel protein blend that appeals to finicky cats. It is high in moisture when rehydrated and contains no grains or fillers. The downside is that it is more expensive per serving than many other raw options.

#5
Wellness CORE RawRev Freeze Dried Raw Mix Grain Free Chicken & Turkey Recipe
Best Budget Raw Mix

Wellness CORE RawRev Freeze Dried Raw Mix Grain Free Chicken & Turkey Recipe

View on Amazon

A kibble and freeze dried raw mix that offers the benefits of raw at a lower price point. The raw pieces are coated with probiotics. However, the kibble component contains some carbohydrates, which may not suit all cats with sensitive digestion or severe tracking issues.

Before You Buy

Key Buying Factors

01

Protein Source

Choose a single or limited protein source to reduce the risk of food sensitivities that can cause loose stools.

02

Form of Raw

Freeze dried is shelf stable and easy to store; frozen retains more moisture but requires freezer space. Consider your lifestyle.

03

Carbohydrate Content

Lower carbs (under 10 percent dry matter) generally lead to firmer stools. Check the guaranteed analysis.

04

Probiotics and Enzymes

Added probiotics can improve digestion and stool consistency, reducing litter tracking.

05

AAFCO Statement

Ensure the product is labeled as complete and balanced for your cat's life stage to avoid nutritional deficiencies.

Living With It

Care, Cost and Maintenance

Transitioning to Raw

Gradually introduce raw food over 7 to 10 days by mixing increasing amounts with your cat's current diet. This helps prevent digestive upset and loose stools that could worsen litter tracking.

Handling and Storage

Keep raw food frozen or refrigerated. Thaw frozen raw in the refrigerator, not at room temperature. Wash hands and surfaces after handling to avoid bacterial contamination.

Monitoring Stool Quality

Observe your cat's stool for firmness and odor. Firm, well formed stools indicate a good diet. If stools become too hard or dry, increase moisture; if too soft, reduce carbohydrates or consult your veterinarian.

Pro tip

To further minimize tracking, place a textured mat outside the litter box to catch loose particles before they spread around the house.

Frequently asked questions

How much raw cat food should I feed my cat?
Feeding amounts vary by brand, but a general guideline is 2 to 3 percent of your cat's ideal body weight per day, divided into two meals. For a 10 pound cat, that is about 3 to 5 ounces of raw food daily. Always check the manufacturer's feeding guide on the package, as calorie density differs. Adjust based on your cat's activity level and body condition. Consult your veterinarian for personalized recommendations, especially if your cat has health issues.
Is wet or dry food better for cats that track litter?
Wet food (canned or raw) has higher moisture content, which can help produce softer, more formed stools compared to dry kibble. However, raw food specifically may lead to firmer stools due to lower carbohydrate content. Dry food often contains more fillers that increase stool volume and crumbly texture, potentially worsening litter tracking. A high moisture, low carb diet like raw is generally better for reducing litter mess, but individual results vary.
Is grain free cat food safe and does it provide enough taurine?
Grain free cat food can be safe if it is formulated to meet AAFCO standards. Taurine is an essential amino acid for cats; it must be added or naturally present in sufficient amounts. Most reputable grain free brands add taurine. However, some grain free diets may use legumes or potatoes as carbohydrate sources, which can be higher in carbs. Always check the guaranteed analysis for taurine content (typically at least 0.1 percent on a dry matter basis for adult maintenance).
Can kittens eat raw cat food?
Yes, kittens can eat raw food if it is formulated for growth or all life stages and meets AAFCO kitten requirements. Kittens need higher protein, fat, calcium, and phosphorus for development. Choose a raw diet specifically labeled for kittens or all life stages. Consult your veterinarian before starting a raw diet for a kitten, as their immune systems are still developing and proper handling is critical to avoid bacterial risks.
What raw food is best for senior cats?
Senior cats often benefit from raw diets with easily digestible proteins and added joint supplements like glucosamine. Look for formulas with moderate fat to prevent obesity and lower phosphorus for kidney health. Brands like Instinct and Stella & Chewy offer recipes suitable for seniors. Always check with your vet, as older cats may have specific health conditions that require dietary adjustments.
Can raw cat food help with urinary health?
Raw cat food's high moisture content (70 to 80 percent) can support urinary health by diluting urine and reducing the concentration of minerals that form crystals. However, not all raw diets are formulated to manage specific urinary issues. If your cat has a history of urinary problems, choose a diet with controlled magnesium and pH levels. Always consult your veterinarian for a diet tailored to your cat's condition.
Is raw cat food good for weight management?
Raw cat food can aid weight management because it is high in protein and low in carbohydrates, which helps cats feel full and maintain muscle mass. However, raw diets can be calorie dense; portion control is essential. Measure servings based on your cat's ideal weight and adjust as needed. Combine with regular exercise. Consult your vet for a weight loss plan.
My cat is a picky eater; will they accept raw food?
Many picky cats accept raw food because of its meaty flavor and texture. Start with a novel protein like rabbit or duck. Mix a small amount of raw with their current food and gradually increase. Some cats prefer freeze dried raw rehydrated to a mushy consistency, while others like frozen raw chunks. Patience is key; it may take several attempts. Avoid forcing the change.
How do I prevent bacterial contamination when feeding raw?
To minimize bacterial risks, thaw frozen raw in the refrigerator, not on the counter. Use separate utensils and bowls for raw food, and wash them with hot soapy water after each use. Refrigerate any uneaten raw food promptly. Cats have strong stomach acids that kill many bacteria, but immunocompromised pets or households with young children or elderly people should take extra precautions. Consult your vet if concerned.
A note on advice: This guide is general information, not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. Talk to your vet before changing your pet's diet or care routine, especially if your pet has allergies, kidney disease, pancreatitis, obesity, heart disease or any other medical condition.
Transparency

How we made this guide

How we chose. We compared the options on the factors that matter most for Cat Food, using manufacturer specifications, aggregated verified owner reviews and editorial comparison. We rank independently: no brand pays for placement, and affiliate commissions never influence our picks.

How it was written. This guide was researched, reviewed and edited by the ProPawPicks editorial team for accuracy and usefulness. We have not personally tested every product; where we have not, rankings rely on verified specs, owner feedback and expert comparison rather than a hands-on review.

Affiliate disclosure. ProPawPicks is reader-supported. If you buy through links on our site, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. See our affiliate disclosure.

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Sources and further reading

Some links below are affiliate links. If you buy through them we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Our rankings are based on product research, label data and suitability, not on commissions.