Why We Made the Switch to Dr. Marty
We’ll be honest - our cat wasn’t exactly thriving on her usual kibble. Her appetite was inconsistent, her coat looked dull no matter how often we brushed her, and she seemed… well, bored with her food. We’d heard the hype around Dr. Marty’s cat food, especially the freeze-dried raw formula known as Nature’s Feast, and figured it was time to see if it could live up to the claims.
This wasn’t just a whim. We wanted a more biologically appropriate diet, something closer to what cats are built to eat - meat, organs, a little fiber - not grains, fillers, or overly processed kibble. Dr. Marty’s was developed by a holistic veterinarian with 40+ years of experience, so we felt confident giving it a try.
What followed was a 30-day transition from kibble to freeze-dried cat food that honestly surprised us in the best way. We tracked our cat’s energy levels, digestion, appetite, skin and coat condition, and overall behaviour throughout the process. Here's what happened.
Week 1: The Transition Begins
If you’ve ever switched your cat’s food, you know it can be… dramatic. Cats are notoriously sensitive to dietary changes, so we started by mixing a small amount of Dr. Marty Nature’s Feast in with her regular kibble. At first, she sniffed it suspiciously, poked it with her paw, and walked away.
But here’s the twist: later that night, she went back and picked out all the freeze-dried bits - leaving the kibble behind. That’s when we knew we were onto something.
What stood out immediately:
- The food smells and looks like real meat (because it is)
- It’s easy to rehydrate with a bit of warm water
- No mess or strong odours like canned food
- Our cat was visibly curious and more excited at mealtime
We noticed firmer stools, no vomiting, and a smoother digestion process even within the first few days. While it was too early to make bold claims, the transition was already smoother than we expected.
Week 2: Appetite, Energy and Early Signs of Change
By the second week, we were feeding about a 50/50 mix of her old food and Dr. Marty’s Nature’s Feast, and the difference in her energy was night and day. She went from spending most of her day loafed in a sunbeam to zooming through the hallway after her favourite toy mouse. Her playfulness came back - and so did her appetite.
We didn’t expect such noticeable changes so quickly, but here’s what stood out:
- Increased appetite – she actually ran to her food bowl when she heard the bag open
- More consistent energy – active in the morning and evenings, less sluggish
- Softer, shinier coat – we started noticing a silkier feel when petting her
- Better hydration – the rehydrated food naturally encouraged more water intake
We also began seeing signs that her digestion had improved. There were fewer hairballs, and her litter box habits were more regular (and way less smelly). That’s a huge win for any cat parent.
If you’re wondering what makes this food different, it’s all in the freeze-dried process. Dr. Marty’s uses real cuts of raw meat and organs, gently freeze-dried to retain nutrients and flavour - without needing preservatives or high-heat processing like traditional kibble.
And yes, it’s a premium product. But when we broke it down by daily cost, it wasn’t wildly more expensive than the grain-free kibble we’d been using. Especially considering how much better our cat was doing.
Week 3: Real Results You Can See and Feel
At this point, our cat was fully transitioned to Dr. Marty’s Nature’s Feast - and the difference was undeniable. Her coat was now shiny and plush, her eyes looked brighter, and we hadn’t seen a hairball in over a week (which was a minor miracle in our house).
Some key changes we noticed this week:
- Less shedding – her fur was smoother and not coming off in handfuls
- No food refusal – she never once turned up her nose at mealtime
- More affectionate behaviour – she was more social and playful
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Reduced bloating – her tummy wasn’t gurgling or puffed up after meals
It felt like the combination of high-protein freeze-dried food, no fillers or grains, and naturally occurring nutrients from ingredients like salmon, flaxseed, pumpkin, and blueberries were finally supporting her system the way it was meant to.
Week 4: Long-Term Confidence in the Switch
By week four, we knew we weren’t going back. Dr. Marty’s cat food had become the new normal - and the stress we used to feel around picky eating, digestive flare-ups, and midday crashes? Gone.
A few things that helped us stick with the routine:
- Rehydrating the food with warm water before serving made it extra palatable
- Portioning ahead for the week in reusable containers saved time
- Storing the bag properly kept it super fresh (tip: seal it tight or transfer to an airtight container)
We now feed it as a full meal or occasionally as a topper when we want to stretch the bag. Either way, our cat thrives on it.
Product Spotlight: What Makes Dr. Marty’s Nature’s Feast Stand Out
Let’s be real - there are a lot of freeze-dried pet foods on the market. But here’s why Dr. Marty’s Nature’s Feast has become a standout:
- Formulated by Dr. Marty Goldstein, a leading holistic vet with 40+ years of experience
- Uses real meat, organ meats, fruits, and vegetables - nothing artificial
- Freeze-dried to lock in nutrients and flavour without sacrificing safety
- Free from common irritants like grains, soy, and artificial preservatives
- Made with picky eaters in mind - our cat literally licks the bowl
And best of all? It’s available in Canada with fast shipping from Brindle Pet Supplies.
Is Dr. Marty Right for Your Cat?
We’d say yes - especially if:
- Your cat is a picky eater or seems bored with kibble
- You’re dealing with digestive issues or food sensitivities
- You want a biologically appropriate diet with no junk fillers
- You’re looking for a food that actually supports coat, energy, and overall vitality
It’s also a great fit for senior cats or those transitioning off prescription foods that haven’t solved underlying issues. Nature’s Feast offers real food, real results.
Final Thoughts: Our Honest Verdict After 30 Days
Dr. Marty’s cat food delivered on nearly every promise. Our cat was healthier, happier, and genuinely more vibrant by the end of the trial. While it may not be the cheapest option on the market, the benefits far outweighed the cost for us - and we know we’re giving her the best possible nutrition.
If you're considering a switch from traditional kibble to freeze-dried cat food, we highly recommend giving Dr. Marty Nature’s Feast a shot.
Where to Buy Dr. Marty Cat Food in Canada
Brindle Pet Supplies offers Dr. Marty’s full cat food collection, including:
- Dr. Marty Nature’s Feast – Essential Wellness
- Dr. Marty Toppers Tasties – Chicken Breast Cat Treats
- Convenient subscription options
- Fast, Canada-wide shipping