Untamed Cat Food Review: Is This Premium Cat Food Worth the Hype?

Key Takeaways

• Human-grade meat: Untamed uses 60%+ real meat in every tin, gently steam-cooked to lock in nutrients
• Two texture options: Gravy recipes are complete meals, but jelly recipes are supplemental only (important!)
• Premium pricing: Expect to pay around £50-55 monthly for one cat eating two tins daily
• Subscription flexibility: Easy to pause, skip, or adjust deliveries with responsive customer service
• Not for every cat: Some fussy eaters reject it, and the high protein may not suit senior cats with kidney issues

Why I’m Reviewing Untamed Cat Food

Right, let’s get one thing straight from the start. I’m not a vet, I’m not a pet nutritionist, and I definitely don’t have any fancy qualifications after my name. What I am is a mom of four kids (yes, four!), originally from Boston but now living in the UK, and the slightly overwhelmed owner of more pets than I probably should admit to.

So when it comes to feeding my cats, I care about three things: Is it actually good for them? Will they eat it? And can I afford it without remortgaging the house?

I’d been seeing Untamed cat food adverts everywhere. You know the ones – all sleek packaging and promises of “human-grade” this and “twice the protein” that. My cats were happily munching their way through supermarket brands, but I kept wondering if I was essentially feeding them the feline equivalent of chicken nuggets every day.

After one particularly guilt-inducing scroll through Instagram (why does everyone else’s cats look so glossy?), I decided to bite the bullet and try Untamed’s trial box. Spoiler alert: it’s been three months, and we’re still using it. But is it worth your money? Let’s dig in.

What Actually Is Untamed Cat Food?

Untamed is a UK-based premium wet cat food brand that launched in 2019. The story behind it is actually quite sweet. The founder, Ben, had a cat called Sian (great cat name) who became seriously ill. After trying various vet-recommended foods with limited success, Ben switched Sian to a human-grade, whole-meat diet based on advice from a pet nutritionist friend. The transformation was dramatic – better coat, more energy, even his poop looked healthier (because yes, we cat parents absolutely notice these things).

Ben teamed up with friends Lenny and Marco to create Untamed, and they started cooking recipes in their own kitchen. They’ve since scaled up considerably, but the core philosophy remains: feed cats what they’re biologically designed to eat – meat, and lots of it.

The Untamed Philosophy

Untamed is built around the idea that cats are obligate carnivores. Unlike dogs (or humans), cats need meat to survive. Their bodies are designed to get nutrients from animal protein, not grains or vegetables. So Untamed recipes contain:

• 60-63% real meat (chicken, tuna, duck, salmon, shrimp)
• No grains, fillers, or plant proteins
• No added sugars (which apparently some cat foods include to make them more “addictive” – yikes)
• Gently steam-cooked to preserve nutrients
• Human-grade ingredients sourced from Europe and Southeast Asia

The food is manufactured in Thailand by a partner that produces both pet and human food, and holds a grade A certification from the British Retail Food Consortium. All packaging is 100% recyclable, which is a nice bonus.

Untamed’s Range: What’s Available?

Untamed offers wet cat food in two distinct textures, and this is crucial to understand because I made a mistake here initially.

Gravy Recipes (Complete & Balanced)

These are your go-to for complete meals:

• Chocka Chicken in Gravy
• Chocka Chicken with Ham in Gravy
• Full-On Fishy in Gravy (mix of tuna, sardine, and mackerel)
• Tuck-In Tuna in Gravy
• Tuck-In Tuna with Shrimp in Gravy

Jelly Recipes (Supplemental Only)

Here’s where it gets important – these are NOT complete meals on their own:

• Chocka Chicken in Jelly
• Chocka Chicken with Duck in Jelly
• Tuck-In Tuna in Jelly
• Tuck-In Tuna with Salmon in Jelly
• Tuck-In Tuna with Shrimp in Jelly

I learned this the hard way. My youngest cat, Miso, loved the jelly tuna. Absolutely went mad for it. So I stupidly ordered a month’s supply of mainly jelly recipes, thinking I’d cracked the code. Then I read the fine print: jelly recipes lack the full vitamin and mineral supplementation needed for a complete diet. They’re designed to be mixed with dry food or rotated with the gravy recipes. Rookie error!

New Addition: Dry Food

Untamed recently launched a dry food range, which I haven’t personally tried yet. From what I’ve read, it follows the same high-protein, meat-first philosophy but in kibble form. Worth exploring if you want to mix feeding types.

My Real-World Untamed Experience: The Good, The Bad, and The Messy

The Trial Box Arrival

The trial box costs £7 and includes 12 tins – a mix of flavours so you can test what your cats prefer. It arrived within three days, neatly packaged with a welcome guide and feeding recommendations.

Opening the first tin (Chicken Breast with Duck in Jelly), I was genuinely impressed. It looked like actual shredded chicken in a rich gravy, not that grey, gelatinous mystery meat you sometimes get. It smelled… well, it smelled like cooked chicken. My husband walked past and said, “Are we having chicken for dinner?” Not the worst endorsement.

The Taste Test (A Multi-Cat Household Reality Check)

We have three cats:

• Miso: 2-year-old Domestic Ginger Shorthair, eats literally anything, including the dog’s food if given half a chance
• Floof: 5-year-old British Grey Shorthair, moderately fussy
• Midnight: 9-year-old rescue, extremely picky, regularly turns her nose up at food that cost me actual money

Miso’s verdict: Inhaled it in approximately 4.2 seconds. Licked the bowl. Stared at me for more. Standard behaviour from our little dustbin.

Floof’s verdict: Cautiously interested. Took a few sniffs, ate about half, came back for the rest later, although she is on the smaller side. After a week of gradual transition (mixing with old food), she was clearing her bowl.

Midnight’s verdict: …utterly rejected it. Sniffed once, walked away with actual disdain, and went to sit by her usual food cupboard. Even mixing tiny amounts with her regular food was met with protest.

This is important: Untamed is premium quality, but it won’t magically convert every fussy cat. Midnight eventually came round after I tried the jelly tuna (her texture preference), but it took patience and a lot of small portions.

Practical Feeding: What You Need to Know

Portion Sizes

Untamed recommends:

• 1 tin (75g) daily as a topper with dry food
• 2 tins (150g) daily as a complete diet for an average 4kg (9lb) cat
• 3 tins (225g) daily for larger or more active cats

In reality, Miso (a chunky 6kg/13lb boy) does well on 2.5 tins per day. Floof, our perpetually hungry menace, would eat 10 tins if I let her, but 2 tins keep her satisfied.

Transitioning Your Cat

This isn’t one of those foods you can just switch cold turkey (pun intended). Cats have sensitive stomachs, and sudden food changes can cause digestive upset. Here’s what worked for us:

Days 1-3: 75% old food, 25% Untamed Days 4-6: 50/50 mix Days 7-9: 25% old food, 75% Untamed Day 10+: 100% Untamed

If your cat shows any signs of tummy trouble (vomiting, diarrhoea), pause at that ratio for a few extra days. Floof needed an extra week at 50/50.

Storage and Serving

The 75g tins are brilliant for portion control but less economical than larger tins. They have pull-ring tops (no tin opener needed – thank goodness), and leftovers can be covered and refrigerated.

Top tip: Cats prefer food at room temperature or slightly warm. I take the tins out of the fridge 30 minutes before feeding, or I run the tin under warm water for a minute. Game changer for fussy eaters.

Let’s Talk Ingredients: What’s Actually In This Stuff?

I’m not going to pretend I understand every chemical compound, but I’ve done my research. Let’s break down one of their most popular recipes.

Chocka Chicken in Gravy – Ingredient Analysis

The ingredient list: Chicken Breast (58%), Chicken Broth (33%), Chicken Liver (5%), Sunflower Oil, Tapioca (1%), Vitamin A, Vitamin D3, Vitamin E, Taurine, Zinc Sulphate, Iron Sulphate, Copper Sulphate, Manganese Sulphate, Potassium Iodide, Tricalcium Phosphate, Calcium Carbonate.

The good:

• Chicken breast is the #1 ingredient – actual named muscle meat, not “meat meal” or mysterious by-products
• Chicken liver adds nutrients and flavour cats naturally crave
• Taurine is added (essential amino acid for heart and eye health)
• Minimal carbohydrates – only 1% tapioca as a thickener

The questionable:

• Sunflower oil provides fat, but animal-based fats (like chicken fat) would be more species-appropriate. That said, sunflower oil is stable when cooked and not inherently harmful
• Tapioca is a starchy binder. Some people don’t like any carbs in cat food, but 1% is negligible. My cats haven’t turned into giant carb monsters yet

Nutritional breakdown (dry matter basis):

• Protein: 75%
• Fat: 11.4%
• Carbohydrates: 5.6%
• Fibre: 2.3%

Compare this to many supermarket cat foods with 30-40% protein and 30-40% carbs, and you can see why Untamed positions itself as premium.

Full-On Fishy in Gravy – For the Fish Lovers

This one’s interesting because it contains multiple fish sources:

• Tuna Whole Meat (45%)
• Fish Broth (33%)
• Sardine (13%)
• Mackerel (5%)
• Plus tapioca, sunflower oil, and vitamins

Midnight, our finicky madam, actually tolerates this one. The variety of fish types seems to create a flavour profile that appeals to fussy cats. Just be aware that a 100% fish diet can lead to thiamine deficiency in some cats, so rotation with chicken recipes is smart.

Nutritional Benefits: What Changes Did I Actually Notice?

I’m not going to lie and say my cats suddenly grew wings and started doing yoga. But over three months, I did notice some genuine improvements:

Floof’s Coat Transformation

Floof has always had a lovely coat, but after about six weeks on Untamed, it became noticeably glossier and softer. I don’t know if it’s the higher protein, the omega fatty acids, or just the overall quality, but I’ve had two separate people comment on how healthy she looks.

Miso’s Energy Levels

Miso has always been energetic (read: chaotic), but I swear he’s even more so now. He races around the house at 3am with renewed vigour. This might not be a positive, actually.

Reduced Litter Box Horrors

Right, let’s talk about poo. Because cat parents absolutely care about this. With their previous food, the litter tray was… fragrant. Since switching to Untamed, the smell is significantly less offensive, and the poos are smaller and firmer. This suggests the cats are actually digesting and using more of the food rather than producing waste.

What About Weight?

We haven’t seen dramatic weight changes, which is good. Floof needed to lose a bit of pudge (British Shorthairs love their food), and he’s down about 0.3kg (just under 1lb) over three months without any portion restrictions. I credit the high protein keeping her fuller for longer.

Miso has maintained his slim figure despite eating enthusiastically. No complaints there.

The Downsides: Let’s Be Real

1. The Price Tag

Let’s address the elephant in the room. Untamed is expensive.

For one cat eating 2 tins daily, you’re looking at:

• £53.75 per month for 56 tins (4-week delivery)

That works out to roughly £1.25 per tin, or about £2.50 daily per cat.

For context, a decent supermarket wet food costs maybe 50-70p per pouch. So you’re paying 3-4 times more for Untamed.

Is it worth it? Honestly, that depends on your budget and priorities. For us, with three cats, I’ve compromised: they get Untamed for their evening meal and good-quality dry food (Applaws) for breakfast. This cuts costs by about 40% while still giving them premium nutrition.

2. Not All Cats Like It

I’ve mentioned Midnight’s initial rejection, but I’ve also spoken to other cat parents whose cats flat-out refuse Untamed. One friend’s cat sniffed it and literally covered it with imaginary litter (the ultimate cat insult).

The trial box is only £7 at the moment, so the financial risk is low, but be prepared for potential rejection.

3. The Jelly Confusion

I really think Untamed should make it clearer that jelly recipes aren’t nutritionally complete. It’s mentioned on their website, but it should be more prominent. I made the mistake, and I’ve seen forum posts from other confused cat parents.

Important note: If you’re feeding jelly recipes, you MUST supplement with complete dry food or rotate with gravy recipes.

4. Subscription Model Only

You can’t just buy a few tins when you fancy it. Untamed operates on a subscription model. While you can pause, skip, or cancel anytime, some people find the commitment off-putting.

Personally, I like not having to remember to buy cat food, but I understand the frustration if you prefer flexibility.

5. Potential Issues for Senior Cats with Kidney Disease

The high protein content (75%+) that makes Untamed excellent for healthy cats can be problematic for senior cats with kidney disease. One TrustPilot reviewer mentioned her vet advised against the high protein for her 18-year-old cat with kidney issues.

If your cat has any health conditions, especially kidney disease, check with your vet before switching to such a protein-rich diet.

How Does Untamed Compare to Other Premium Brands?

Untamed vs KatKin

KatKin is Untamed’s main UK competitor in the premium wet food space.

KatKin:

• Comes frozen in pouches (28 per box)
• Requires defrosting/warming before serving
• Similar price point
• More hassle with preparation

Untamed:

• Ambient storage (no freezer space needed)
• Ready to serve from the tin
• Wider flavour variety
• Easier for busy households

Both are high-quality, but for me, Untamed wins on convenience. I don’t have freezer space for a month’s worth of cat food, and I can barely remember to defrost something for our own dinner, let alone the cats’.

Untamed vs Applaws

Applaws is another quality brand but sits in a slightly different category.

Key differences:

• Applaws wet food is 75% meat/fish, similar to Untamed
• Applaws is slightly cheaper (around £1 per tin)
• Untamed has more flavour variety and the gravy/jelly distinction
• Applaws is more widely available (you can buy it in Pets at Home)

Applaws is excellent if you want quality at a slightly lower price point with more purchasing flexibility.

Untamed vs Supermarket Premium Lines

Brands like Sheba, Gourmet, or Fancy Feast often market themselves as premium.

Reality check:

• Most contain 30-40% meat vs Untamed’s 60%+
• Higher carb content from fillers
• More plant proteins and by-products
• Significantly cheaper

You get what you pay for. These aren’t terrible, but they’re not comparable to Untamed’s quality.

Customer Service and Subscription Management

I’ve contacted Untamed’s customer service twice – once to adjust delivery dates (we went on holiday) and once to change flavours (Midnight’s preferences shifted).

Both times, I got responses within 24 hours, and the changes were implemented immediately. You can manage everything through their website portal, which is straightforward to use.

The subscription is genuinely flexible:

• Pause deliveries for up to 8 weeks
• Change delivery frequency (every 2, 3, or 4 weeks)
• Adjust quantities and flavours
• Skip a delivery
• Cancel anytime (no fees or pressure)

This flexibility is crucial. Life happens, cats get fussy, and budgets tighten. Knowing I’m not locked into anything rigid reduces stress.

What Other Cat Parents Are Saying: TrustPilot Analysis

Untamed has over 1,000 reviews on TrustPilot with an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars. That’s genuinely impressive.

Common Positive Themes:

“My fussy cat actually eats it!” Multiple reviewers mention previously difficult cats devouring Untamed. One wrote their cat “licks the bowl clean for the first time ever.”

“Visible health improvements” Reviewers frequently cite shinier coats, better energy levels, and healthier poop (we all care about this, apparently).

“Excellent customer service” Nearly every review mentioning customer service praises the responsiveness and helpfulness.

“Quality you can see and smell” Many people comment that the food looks and smells like real meat, not processed pet food.

Common Negative Themes:

“My cat won’t touch it” About 10-15% of reviews mention cats rejecting the food entirely.

“Too expensive” Price is the most frequent criticism, even from satisfied customers.

“Jelly recipes not complete” Several reviewers made the same mistake I did, not realising jelly recipes need supplementation.

“Consistency changes” A handful of recent reviews mention the gravy becoming waterier, though Untamed appears to be addressing this.

Feeding Tips from Using

1. Mix Textures and Flavours

Don’t just stick to one recipe. Cats can become “addicted” to specific flavours and refuse everything else. We rotate through 4-5 different recipes to keep things interesting.

2. Store Properly

We have a small drawer in our kitchen where we stack the tins. They’re small (75g), so storage is easy. Opened tins go in the fridge with a silicone lid.

3. Warm It Up

Room temperature is minimum, slightly warm is better. Those extra 30 seconds make a difference to fussy cats.

4. Use as a Training Tool

Because my cats love Untamed, I save a small amount for training treats or medication hiding. Works brilliantly.

5. Combine with Quality Dry Food

Unless you’re made of money, consider feeding Untamed once daily and quality dry food for the other meal. It’s more budget-friendly while still providing premium nutrition.

6. Mind the Transition Period

Seriously, don’t rush the transition. A week minimum, two weeks for sensitive cats. Trust me on this one.

Environmental Considerations: Is Untamed Sustainable?

Untamed markets itself as eco-friendly:

• 100% recyclable packaging (tins and cardboard boxes)
• Carbon Neutral Certified (they offset their carbon footprint)
• Ethically-reared meats and sustainably-caught fish (dolphin-safe)

Compared to pouches (which often aren’t recyclable due to the mixed materials), the aluminium tins are genuinely better for the environment. We rinse ours and pop them in the recycling bin.

Is it perfect? No. Shipping cat food internationally isn’t inherently eco-friendly. But within the pet food industry, they’re making an effort, which I appreciate.

The Science: Understanding Feline Nutrition (In Plain English)

Cats are obligate carnivores. This means:

• They need meat to survive (not just prefer it)
• Their bodies are designed to get nutrients from animal protein
• They can’t efficiently digest plant matter
• They need certain nutrients (like taurine and arachidonic acid) that only come from animal sources

Many commercial cat foods contain significant amounts of grains, vegetables, or plant proteins as fillers. These aren’t inherently toxic, but they’re not what cats evolved to eat.

Untamed’s philosophy aligns with feline biology: high protein, low carb, minimal plant matter. This isn’t just marketing – it’s actually how cats should eat.

The Protein Question

Some people worry that 75% protein is “too much.” Here’s the thing: wild cats eating prey animals consume a similar macronutrient ratio (the entire mouse, bird, or rabbit is mostly protein and fat, with minimal carbs).

For healthy adult cats, high protein diets are typically beneficial. The concerns arise with:

• Senior cats with kidney disease (consult your vet)
• Cats with specific medical conditions
• Growing kittens (who need different nutrient ratios – Untamed does have kitten-specific recommendations)

What Vets Say

I’m not a vet, but I asked mine about Untamed during Floof’s annual check-up. Her response: “For a healthy cat, it’s an excellent choice. The ingredient quality is high, and the macronutrient profile is species-appropriate.”

She did caution that for any cat with existing health issues, you should discuss dietary changes with your vet first. Fair enough.

Is Untamed Worth It? My Final Verdict

After three months of feeding Untamed (alongside quality dry food), here’s my honest assessment:

Who Untamed Is Perfect For:

– Cat parents wanting premium, biologically-appropriate nutrition

– Cats with sensitive stomachs (the gravy recipes are gentle)

– Fussy eaters who need variety and flavour

– Households wanting human-grade pet food standards

– People who value convenience (subscription delivery)

– Cats needing to gain or maintain healthy weight

Who Should Think Twice:

• Tight budgets (it’s genuinely expensive)
• Senior cats with kidney disease (check with your vet first)
• Cats who strongly prefer dry food exclusively
• People who dislike subscription services
• Extremely finicky cats (buy the trial first!)

My Opinion

Is Untamed the absolute best cat food money can buy? Maybe. It’s certainly among the highest quality available in the UK. The ingredient list is transparent, the protein content is excellent, and the results I’ve seen in my own cats are positive.

Is it worth the price? That’s more subjective. For us, the compromise of one Untamed meal daily plus quality dry food strikes the right balance between nutrition and budget. If I could afford £150+ monthly for three cats eating Untamed exclusively, I probably would.

The £7 trial box is genuinely worth trying. You’ll know within a week whether your cats like it and whether you want to continue. The risk is minimal, and you might discover your cats thrive on it like mine do.

FAQs About Untamed Cat Food

Can I buy Untamed in pet shops or supermarkets?

No, Untamed is only available through their website subscription service. This keeps costs down by cutting out retail markups but means you can’t do a quick shop for a few tins.

What if my cat has a chicken or fish allergy?

Untamed offers both chicken-based and fish-based recipes, so you can stick to one protein source if needed. However, they don’t offer truly novel proteins like duck-only or venison, so cats with multiple allergies might struggle.

How long does the trial box take to arrive?

Mine arrived within three days of ordering. Standard deliveries come every 2-4 weeks depending on your chosen plan, and you get email notifications when your box is dispatched.

Is Untamed suitable for kittens?

The gravy recipes are suitable for kittens from 4 months old. The high protein and fat content support growth and development. However, very young kittens (under 4 months) should stay on kitten-specific formulations.

What’s the difference between the gravy and jelly recipes?

Gravy recipes contain full vitamin and mineral supplementation and are nutritionally complete. Jelly recipes are designed as toppers or supplements and shouldn’t be fed exclusively. Always check the product label.

Can I mix Untamed with dry food?

Absolutely! We feed one tin of Untamed for dinner and dry food for breakfast. This provides nutrition variety and makes the budget more manageable. Just ensure the dry food is also good quality.

What if my cat doesn’t like it?

The £7 trial box minimises financial risk. If your cat refuses it, you’re not out much money. Some cats genuinely won’t eat it, and that’s okay. Cat food preferences are mysterious and frustrating.

Where to Buy Untamed Cat Food

Untamed is only available through their official website (no buying off Amazon sadly!): untamed.com

Start with the trial box for £7 – it includes 12 tins (75g each) with a mix of flavours. This lets you test multiple recipes without committing to a full subscription.

If you proceed after the trial, your first full box arrives automatically, and you can adjust flavours, quantities, and delivery frequency through your online account.

Final Thoughts: Three Months Later

Would I recommend Untamed? Yes, with caveats.

It’s premium quality with premium pricing. If you can afford it or can work it into your budget (like we do, mixing with dry food), your cats will likely benefit from the high-quality nutrition. The ingredient transparency is refreshing, the subscription flexibility is excellent, and the visible improvements in coat quality and digestion are real.

But it’s not magic food, and it won’t suit every cat or every budget. Be realistic about what you can sustain long-term. A consistent diet of good-quality food (even if not ultra-premium) is better than sporadic splurges on expensive brands.

For our household of three cats, one dog, four children, and two increasingly frazzled adults, Untamed has become part of our routine, and I feel good about what I’m feeding our feline family members.

If you’ve been curious about Untamed, grab that trial box. At £7, you’ll know within a week whether it’s right for your cats. And if it works? Your cats might just reward you with slightly better behaviour. Or at least slightly less judgmental stares at meal times.

Have you tried Untamed cat food? I’d love to hear your experiences in the comments below! And if you’re wrestling with the eternal question of what to feed your cats, drop a comment – I’m always happy to chat about our furry overlords.

See more of my pet-related posts here!