What is Fresh Cat Food, Exactly?

Fresh cat food refers to minimally processed meals made from real meat and whole ingredients. Unlike traditional kibble or canned food, fresh food is usually gently cooked and frozen to preserve nutrients — without artificial preservatives.

Fresh vs. Supermarket Cat Food

Most supermarket cat foods are heavily processed and use low-grade meat meals or by-products. They often contain additives, fillers, and artificial palatants. Fresh food, on the other hand, is made from human-grade ingredients and offers transparency in sourcing and preparation.

What Australian Experts Are Saying

Veterinarians and animal nutritionists across Australia have increasingly supported fresh food diets for cats. While commercial foods meet basic nutritional standards, fresh options can provide a noticeable improvement in coat health, digestion, and overall vitality.

The Reported Benefits for Cats

• Improved digestion and less vomiting
  Fresh meals with high moisture and better quality protein are easier for cats to digest.

• Shinier coats and reduced shedding
  Nutrient-dense meats and natural fats support skin health and coat shine.

• Higher energy levels
  Cats get more bioavailable nutrients from fresh food.

• Less smelly litter boxes
  Better digestion leads to firmer stools and less odour.

• Better hydration
  Fresh food naturally contains more moisture than kibble.

The Verdict?

If your cat is fussy, overweight, or dealing with digestive or coat issues, a fresh food diet may be worth a try. With no fillers or additives, brands like Pikko focus on high-protein, gently cooked meals made from 100% real meat — giving your cat real food, not artificial flavouring.