The Batch Blog
Notes from our kitchen
Feeding guides, ingredient stories and answers to the questions pet parents ask us most, from the family that has been making real food since 2005.
Treats & toppers
Halloween Pet Safety: 6 Tips to Keep Your Dog or Cat Calm
Doorbells, costumes, and candy can make Halloween stressful for pets. Here are six simple ways to keep your dog or cat calm and safe all night.
All articles
-
For cats
Taurine for Cats: Why It Matters and Where Cats Get It
Cats can’t make enough taurine on their own, so it has to come from their food. Here’s why it matters, where it comes from, and how to make sure your...
-
Sensitive pets
Limited Ingredient Dog Food: What It Means and How to Choose One
“Limited ingredient” isn’t a regulated term, so labels vary a lot. Here’s what to look for, who it can help, and how to choose a food with a short, clear...
-
Gently cooked
Fresh Cat Food: What Gently Cooked Means for Your Cat
Fresh, gently cooked cat food sits between raw and canned: real meat, organ, and bone, lightly cooked and frozen. Here’s what it is and whether it’s right for your cat.
-
Treats & toppers
Liver Treats for Dogs: Benefits, How Many to Give, and How to Choose
Liver treats are one of the most nutrient-dense rewards you can give, and most dogs go wild for them. Here’s why, how many to give, and how to choose.
-
Raw feeding
Rabbit Dog Food: Why Rabbit Is a Go-To Novel Protein
Rabbit is a lean, novel protein that many dogs have never eaten, which makes it a favorite for sensitive dogs and elimination diets. Here’s why, and how to feed it.
-
Raw feeding
Senior Dog Food: What to Feed Your Dog as They Age
Older dogs don’t need a special label, but they do need the right nutrition. Here’s what changes as dogs age and what to look for in their food.
-
Raw feeding
Duck Dog Food: A Rich, Novel Protein Dogs Love
Duck is rich, flavorful, and new to many dogs. Here’s why it’s a favorite for rotation and sensitive dogs, and every way to feed it.
-
For cats
Is Bone Broth Good for Cats? Benefits and How to Serve It
Bone broth is an easy way to add moisture and flavor to your cat’s bowl, as long as it’s made for pets. Here’s what to know.
-
Treats & toppers
What to Feed a Picky Dog: Tips That Actually Work
Picky eating is frustrating, but it’s usually fixable. Here’s why dogs get picky, what to feed them, and how to make mealtime exciting again.
-
Treats & toppers
Chicken Hearts for Dogs: Benefits and How Many to Give
Chicken hearts are one of the most popular single-ingredient treats for dogs. Here’s why they’re so good and how many to give.
-
For cats
How to Transition Your Cat to a New Food (Even a Picky One)
Cats are particular, and switching foods can turn into a standoff. Here’s a simple schedule, a tip from our co-founder Diana, and tips for even the pickiest cat.
-
Treats & toppers
Dog Food Toppers: What They Are, the Best Types, and How Much to Add
A topper is the easiest way to add real food, flavor, and moisture to your pet’s bowl. Here’s what to use and how much to add.
-
Raw feeding
Lamb Dog Food: Why Lamb Is Great for Rotation and Picky Eaters
Lamb is rich, flavorful, and a great addition to any rotation. Here’s why dogs love it, who it’s best for, and every way to feed it.
-
For cats
Feline Essentials Webinar Recap: Why Fresh Food for Cats?
Highlights from our Feline Essentials webinar with co-founder Diana Vogel, Nicole Erickson, and longtime cat advocate Taz Latifi, including the layering trick for even the pickiest cat.
-
Seasonal feeding
Best Proteins for Fall for Dogs and Cats: Supporting the Shift into Cooler Weather
Discover the best proteins for fall for dogs and cats. Learn how warming and neutral proteins like lamb, turkey, and pork support seasonal transitions.
-
Ingredients & sourcing
Smallbatch FAQ: Where It’s Made, Where to Buy It, and What’s Inside
Straight answers about Smallbatch: who we are, where our food is made, where to buy it, and what goes into every recipe.
-
Raw feeding
How Much Raw Food Should I Feed My Dog or Cat? Feeding Charts by Weight
Smallbatch feeding amounts are based on calories and your pet’s metabolic body weight, not a flat percentage. Use our frozen raw feeding charts for dogs and cats to find a...
-
News
Smallbatch Wins Four 2026 PETS+ Retailer’s Choice Awards
Independent pet retailers voted Smallbatch a winner in four categories of the 2026 PETS+ Retailer’s Choice Awards, including frozen raw dog food, freeze-dried sliders, SuperBoosters, and heart treats.
-
Raw feeding
How to Feed Your Dog a Raw Diet: A Beginner's Guide
Thinking about feeding your dog raw food? Learn how to get started, choose a beginner-friendly protein, transition at your dog's pace, and know what to expect as they adjust.
-
Raw feeding
Best Frozen Raw Dog Food: How to Compare Brands
Not all frozen raw dog foods are made the same. Learn what to look for when comparing raw dog food brands, from ingredient quality and sourcing to meat content, formulation,...
-
For cats
Chicken Hearts for Cats: Benefits of This Taurine-Rich Treat
Chicken hearts are more than a high-value treat for cats. They're naturally rich in taurine, protein, and other essential nutrients. Here's what makes them a nutrient-dense addition to your cat's...
-
Ingredients & sourcing
Organ Meats for Dogs: Why Liver, Heart, and Kidneys Belong in the Bowl
Liver, heart, and kidney may not be everyday ingredients on your plate, but they can play an important role in your dog's bowl. Learn what makes organ meats so nutrient-rich...
-
Freeze-dried
Freeze-Dried Cat Food vs. Wet Cat Food: Which Is Better?
Freeze-dried and wet cat food can both offer advantages, but they're very different formats. Learn how they compare in moisture, ingredients, processing, storage, and everyday feeding.
-
Sensitive pets
Food Allergies vs Food Sensitivities in Dogs: What's the Difference?
Learn the difference between food allergies and food sensitivities in dogs, including symptoms, causes, and how diet plays a role.
-
Gently cooked
Gently Cooked Dog Food: What It Is and Why It Matters
Curious about gently cooked dog food? Learn how it's made, why it preserves more of the goodness of real ingredients, and how to know if it's the right choice for...
-
Seasonal feeding
Does Your Pet Need a Cooling Protein? 4 Signs to Look For
Some pets naturally seem to run warmer than others. Learn how cooling proteins are viewed in Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine (TCVM), the signs to watch for, and which smallbatch proteins...
-
Treats & toppers
Is Bone Broth Good for Dogs? Benefits, How to Choose, and How to Use It
Bone broth is more than a flavorful topper. Learn why pet parents add it to their dog's bowl, what makes a quality bone broth, and how to choose the right...
-
Treats & toppers
Single-Ingredient Dog Treats: Why Less Is More
Single-ingredient dog treats make it easy to reward your dog with real food you can recognize. Learn why fewer ingredients often mean better nutrition, easier digestion, and greater transparency.
-
Freeze-dried
Best Freeze-Dried Dog Food for Puppies: What to Look For
Wondering if freeze-dried food is the right choice for your puppy? Learn what to look for, from complete and balanced nutrition to ingredient quality, so you can choose a recipe...
-
Raw feeding
Lightly Cooked vs. Raw vs. Freeze-Dried Dog Food: What's the Difference?
Trying to decide between frozen raw, lightly cooked, and freeze-dried dog food? Learn how each format is made, their unique benefits, and how to choose the best fit for your...
-
Ingredients & sourcing
Pork in Pet Food: Separating Fact from Fiction
Pork has long been one of the most misunderstood proteins in pet nutrition. Learn why many common concerns about pork are outdated, what makes high-quality pork different, and why it...
-
Raw feeding
How to Feed Your Cat a Raw Diet: A Beginner's Guide
Interested in feeding your cat a raw diet? Learn how to transition safely, what to expect, and why a species-appropriate diet built around meat, organs, and bone can help support...
-
Freeze-dried
Fish Skin Chews for Dogs | New Freeze-Dried Salmon & Dover Sole Chews
Our new freeze-dried Fish Skin Chews are made with just one simple ingredient, wild-caught fish skin, for a crunchy, protein-rich treat dogs love.
-
Freeze-dried
Bulk Freeze-Dried Chicken Heart Treats for Dogs & Cats
Bulk freeze-dried chicken heart treats made with one simple ingredient. A protein-rich, versatile option for dogs and cats, now in a larger format for everyday use.
-
Emergency Preparedness for Pets: What to Pack in a Pet Emergency Kit
A simple guide to emergency preparedness for pets. Learn what to include in a pet emergency kit, from food and water to documents, supplies, and shelf-stable feeding options.
-
Ingredients & sourcing
Where Your Pet’s Food Comes From: A Closer Look at Ingredient Sourcing
A closer look at the land, the animals, and the practices behind every ingredient. Learn how thoughtful sourcing shapes better pet food from farm to bowl.
-
Sensitive pets
Why Single-Protein Matters for Sensitive Dogs
Single-protein dog food helps reduce sensitivities and support digestion. Learn why simpler recipes work for sensitive dogs.
-
Freeze-dried
Freeze-Dried vs Dehydrated Dog Food: What’s the Difference?
Understand the difference between freeze-dried and dehydrated dog food and see which one keeps nutrients and flavor intact.
-
Raw feeding
How to Transition from Kibble to Fresh Food Safely
Transitioning from kibble to fresh food should be done gradually. Learn a simple 7-day plan to support digestion.
-
Ingredients & sourcing
Why Humanely Raised Meat Matters in Your Dog’s Bowl
Humanely raised meat supports both ethical farming and better nutrition for dogs. Learn how responsible sourcing improves ingredient quality and why smallbatch prioritizes humanely raised meats in every recipe.
No articles in this topic yet.