In the past year or two, “premium complete cat food” has become a buzzword across the pet food industry. Scroll through any social media platform, and you’ll find endless posts from brands promoting new formulas, scientific nutrient ratios, and packaging that leans heavily into the minimalist, high-end aesthetic. I’ve been closely following the rise of these so-called “next-gen” cat foods, curious whether they’re truly game-changing or just pricey repackaging of the same old stuff.
For this deep dive, I picked three of the most talked-about dry foods on the market:
- Tiki Cat Born Carnivore Chicken Recipe (Grain-Free)
- Untamed FreshCatch Cold-Pressed Chicken & Fish Blend
- Open Farm Wild-Caught Salmon Recipe (Grain-Free)
All three are marketed as high-protein, low-carb, grain-free diets, wrapped in sleek packaging and sold under the banner of “mimicking feline ancestral diets.” I’ve broken down this comparison across several practical categories: ingredient composition, palatability, stool quality, coat condition, transition reactions, aroma and storage, and cost vs. value—hoping this analysis will help fellow cat guardians make a more informed choice.
1. Product Overview & Ingredient Profiles
Here’s a quick look at what each brand promises and how their ingredient lists stack up.
Tiki Cat Born Carnivore (Chicken Recipe)
- Highlights: 44% crude protein; grain- and potato-free; features chicken meal and fresh chicken as primary proteins; includes egg and probiotics
- Protein Sources: Chicken meal, dehydrated chicken, chicken liver, dried egg product
- Carbohydrate Sources: Tapioca, pea fiber, chicory root
- Crude Protein: 44%
- Crude Fat: 15%
- Available on: amazon.com
Untamed FreshCatch (Cold-Pressed Chicken & Fish)
- Highlights: Cold-press technology to preserve raw flavor; uses whole chicken and fish; no artificial flavors or attractants
- Protein Sources: Whole chicken, salmon, chicken liver, chicken heart
- Carbohydrate Sources: Chickpeas, red lentils, beet pulp
- Crude Protein: 40%
- Crude Fat: 18%
- Available on: amazon.com
Open Farm Wild-Caught Salmon Recipe
- Highlights: Sustainably sourced salmon; full ingredient transparency; supports traceable farming systems
- Protein Sources: Salmon, whitefish, herring meal
- Carbohydrate Sources: Peas, sweet potatoes, coconut oil
- Crude Protein: 37%
- Crude Fat: 16%
- Available on: amazon.com
2. Palatability: Which One Wins the Taste Test?
Taste is crucial—no matter how nutritionally sound a food is, it’s a failure if your cat refuses to eat it.
Tiki Cat Born Carnivore
The smell is rich and meaty but not overly artificial. The kibble is small and flat, making it suitable for cats of all ages and sizes. In general, palatability is consistent—cats willingly sample it from the first bowl and continue eating it regularly, though without intense enthusiasm.
Untamed FreshCatch
As a cold-pressed food, it has a dense, chunky texture and a strong raw meat aroma, almost like freeze-dried crumbles. Palatability varies wildly by preference—some cats devour it, while others sniff and walk away. It performs best when softened slightly with warm water.
Open Farm
This one has a pronounced salmon smell, with a faint fish oil note noticeable to human noses. The kibble is moderately sized and pleasantly crunchy. Most cats accept it readily but aren’t obsessed with it. It offers stable, drama-free feeding over time.
- Initial Interest: Untamed > Tiki Cat > Open Farm
- Long-Term Consistency: Tiki Cat ≈ Open Farm > Untamed (high individual variability)
3. Digestion & Stool Quality
True digestibility is reflected in a cat’s stool—how fast they adjust, and how “clean” things look and smell.
Tiki Cat
Very quick transition—within 24 hours, the digestive system adjusted. Stool is firm, slightly dry, well-formed, and low in odor. With regular meals, bowel movements occur once daily.
Untamed
Due to the dense texture and high protein content, some cats initially experience loose stools or minor bloating. After adjusting portion sizes and water intake, the situation normalizes over two weeks. Stools tend to be darker and slightly moist.
Open Farm
Excellent from the get-go. Firm stools, low odor, and no signs of constipation or diarrhea—quite rare in high-protein foods. Especially suitable for cats with sensitive stomachs.
- Ease of Adjustment: Open Farm < Tiki Cat < Untamed
- Stool Appearance & Odor: Tiki Cat ≈ Open Farm > Untamed
4. Coat & Energy Levels
After three weeks of feeding, I compared coat condition and general vitality among the three.
Tiki Cat
Fur looks noticeably shinier, shedding is slightly reduced, and the texture is smooth and fluffy. Energy levels are good, and water intake stays within a healthy range. Nutrient absorption appears stable.
Untamed
This food produces the most visibly dense coat, especially around the head and chest. Skin condition is healthy with no redness or greasiness. Water intake slightly decreases—likely due to the higher moisture in cold-pressed kibble—so it’s important to monitor hydration closely.
Open Farm
Shine and vibrancy of the coat are more subtle, but the skin remains free from sensitivity or dandruff. Energy levels are balanced—not hyper, not sluggish. This is more of a “nourishing quietly” kind of food.
- Coat Density & Shine: Untamed > Tiki Cat > Open Farm
- Long-Term Skin Stability: Open Farm ≈ Tiki Cat > Untamed
5. Aroma, Storage & User Experience
How the food smells and stores impacts both the cat’s and the owner’s experience.
Tiki Cat
Mild meat scent that’s not overpowering. Kibble stays fresh without oiliness or clumping when stored properly. The resealable bag is user-friendly and convenient, even in summer humidity.
Untamed
Highly absorbent texture requires airtight storage, and it’s best used within a month of opening. The smell is strong but not foul—more like minced raw meat. The softer bag can be a bit messy when pouring.
Open Farm
Very subtle aroma, which is pleasant in multi-cat homes. Excellent shelf stability with no visible oiliness or clumping. The thick, foil-lined packaging feels premium, though it’s a bit stiff to handle.
6. Price & Value (Estimated per kg)
- Tiki Cat Born Carnivore: approx. £18/kg
- Untamed FreshCatch: approx. £21/kg
- Open Farm Salmon: approx. £19.5/kg
All three fall into the mid-to-premium price range. Untamed is the priciest but offers the most meat content; Open Farm provides well-rounded value at a balanced cost; Tiki Cat often runs discounts on Amazon, making it the best in terms of cost-efficiency.
7. Final Recommendation
If your cat loves rich meaty flavors, can handle dense cold-pressed textures, and you’re looking to enhance coat density, Untamed FreshCatch is a strong contender—but give it time to adjust.
If you prioritize digestive stability, consistent eating habits, and convenient feeding, Tiki Cat Born Carnivore is an all-around solid performer, especially for multi-cat homes or those with sensitive digestion.
Open Farm is more of a gentle, balanced option—ideal for owners looking for sustainable ingredients and cats that benefit from a milder, allergen-free diet.
Every cat has unique preferences and physical responses. While these three complete foods all wear the “premium” badge, their individual strengths vary widely. The best food for your cat isn’t defined by a label—it’s discovered over time through careful observation, ingredient awareness, and honest trial and error.
You can find all three products on amazon.com by searching for their full names. Be sure to check ingredient listings and expiry dates to avoid outdated or regional inventory.
I hope this in-depth test helps you make a better, more confident choice in the ever-expanding world of premium cat food.