CAT FROZEN FOOD
Frozen food for cats is fresh meat delivered frozen, used as a supplement to regular cat food. Cats are obligate carnivores and have a high requirement for meat. At Het Vachtje, we carry several frozen food brands for cats, selected for their quality and composition. You can pick up frozen food at our shop on the Haarlemmerdijk; we cannot ship it for food safety reasons.
On this page, you will find what you need to know about frozen food for your cat: how to introduce it for the first time, how to prepare and store it, what to watch for in terms of hygiene, and which brands are particularly suitable for cats.
In-store pickup only, no shipping
Because of temperature and shelf life, we do not ship frozen food. You can always pick it up at our shop at Haarlemmerdijk 97-105 in Amsterdam.
Practical tips: feeding, preparing and storing
The first time
If your cat has never eaten frozen food before, its digestive system may need a few days to adjust, sometimes resulting in slightly softer stools. This usually resolves on its own.
Tip: for the first 2 to 3 days, briefly dip the meat in boiling water (using a sieve, for instance) to take the chill off. Stir well and serve at room temperature. Many cats are sensitive to temperature and smell; body-temperature meat is often better accepted.
Preparing & storing
- Divide into small cat-sized portions
- Store in the freezer at -18°C
- Defrost in a leak-proof container in the fridge
- Bring to room temperature 30 minutes before feeding
- Keep in the fridge for no more than 2 days
- Never refreeze thawed meat
Hygiene
Raw meat requires the same care as food for human consumption. Good hygiene is particularly important in households with young children or people with weakened immune systems.
- Use separate utensils and a cutting board (not wood)
- Disinfect the worktop after preparation Wash your hands thoroughly Discard leftovers after one hour Keep food and water bowls clean
Which brands do we carry for cats?
A short overview of each brand suitable for cats. Bear in mind that cats have different needs from dogs: they are obligate carnivores and require taurine. Drop by the shop for detailed advice on the best brand and variant for your cat.
Carnis
SupplementaryFrozen meat as a supplement to the daily meal, with a wide range of animal protein sources and no additives. We recommend replacing no more than 20% of the main meal with Carnis meat, with the remaining 80% consisting of regular cat food.
Available in 200 g, 500 g and 1 kg.
Bandit
OrganicBandit uses organic meat, organic organ meat and seasonal vegetables. For cats, the variants without tripe and brown rice are generally most suitable. Our team is happy to help you choose the right variant.
Available in 300 g, 465 g and 935 g.
Carnibest
ArtisanalCarnibest has followed the BARF method since 2001: raw, unprocessed food based on fresh meat and raw bones. The production process is artisanal; ingredients are selected and processed by hand.
Suitable for cat owners who consciously choose a raw meat diet.
Alroda Puur
Single-proteinEach Alroda Puur sausage contains just one animal species and no tripe, making it particularly suitable for cats. The variants range from rabbit and goat to poultry. Its single-protein composition also makes Alroda Puur suitable for an elimination diet in cases of food sensitivities.
Available in convenient sausages of approximately 245 g.
We also carry
Energique (GMP+ and IFS certified, formulated for balance and completeness) · KB Raw (transparent range with single-protein variants, suitable for cats with sensitivities) · Farm Food Fresh (complete raw food, can be combined with dry food).
Frequently asked questions
Why is frozen food suitable for cats?
Cats are obligate carnivores: they derive their energy and essential nutrients (such as taurine and arachidonic acid) almost exclusively from animal tissue. Fresh meat closely resembles what a cat would eat in the wild. For cats, it is particularly important that the food is either complete (containing all essential nutrients) or properly combined with regular cat food.
My cat only eats kibble. How do I switch?
Cats are often set in their preferences. Start with very small portions of fresh meat alongside the existing food and gradually increase the amount. Serving it at body temperature often helps. Sometimes it takes weeks for a cat to accept fresh meat. Drop by for tips if you are having trouble.
Why is tripe-free food important for cats?
Tripe (the stomach of cattle) is a good source of probiotics and digestive enzymes for dogs, but is less suitable for cats. That is why many cat owners choose brands or variants without tripe, such as Alroda Puur or specific cat variants from other brands.
How much frozen food should I feed my cat per day?
An adult cat eats an average of 3 to 5% of its body weight in fresh meat per day, depending on age, activity and metabolism. A 4 kg cat would therefore eat 120 to 200 g per day. We are happy to work out a suitable daily ration with you.
Can I combine frozen food with kibble?
Yes. With supplementary frozen food (such as Carnis), this is even necessary: feed no more than 20% fresh meat, with the remaining 80% consisting of regular cat food. With complete fresh meat, you can choose to feed it on a set day each week or combine it with regular food daily.
Which brand is right for my cat?
It depends on your cat's age and sensitivities, whether you prefer organic food, and how adventurous your cat is with flavours. Drop by our shop and we will advise you based on your cat's needs.
Drop by our shop at Haarlemmerdijk 97-105 for advice and to pick up frozen food for your cat.