Smalls Fresh Smooth Other Bird is the brand’s turkey pâté. It is the smooth counterpart to Ground Other Bird, and it gives cat owners a poultry option that isn’t chicken. For cats that like smooth food but have grown tired of chicken, or for owners who want to rotate proteins, it is one of the most practical recipes in the range.
This review covers what goes into the recipe, how its nutrition looks, what the quality signals are, how cats tend to respond, and whether the price and storage routine make sense. It also explains who should choose it and who should look elsewhere. Where sources disagree, we say so.
What Is Smalls Fresh Smooth Other Bird?
Smalls is a subscription service selling human-grade fresh cat food, delivered frozen. The company was founded in 2017, and its fresh recipes come in smooth, ground and pulled textures. Smooth Other Bird is the turkey pâté, described on the brand’s own site as a fresh turkey pâté recipe.
Packaging is 5 oz frozen packets. One retailer sells the recipe in shippers of six packets, and it describes the product as a turkey recipe made with over 80% turkey in a pâté-like texture.
For a broader overview of how the service works, read our guide on how Smalls cat food works.
Ingredients: What Is in the Bowl
The recipe is built around turkey. Product listings describe it as over 80% turkey, and the turkey liver is part of the formula.
Key points:
- Turkey-first: Turkey is the main animal protein, which makes it a useful alternative to chicken.
- Organ content: Turkey liver is included, which adds nutrients alongside the muscle meat.
- Human-grade positioning: Smalls presents its ingredients as human-grade and frequently emphasizes that it avoids fillers.
- Few plant ingredients: The recipes use very few plants, so the food stays meat-focused.
There is one point to verify. One review describes the Other Bird recipe as a blend of turkey thigh and chicken liver, which doesn’t match the turkey and turkey liver described on product listings. Recipes get reformulated over time, so check the ingredient panel on the packet you receive.
For a full breakdown across the range, see our Smalls cat food ingredients guide.
Nutrition Facts
Published figures for Smalls’ 40 calorie-per-ounce fresh recipes help set expectations for the turkey pâté:
| Nutrient | What Sources Report | What It Means |
| Calories | About 40 kcal per ounce | Useful for portion planning |
| Protein | Reported as about 48% on a dry matter basis for a comparable Smalls pâté | High protein, consistent with a meat-first diet |
| Fat | Reported as about 31.5% on a dry matter basis for a comparable Smalls pâté | Fairly high fat, which needs monitoring |
| Moisture | High | Supports hydration |
These figures come from a Smalls chicken pâté review rather than a turkey-specific analysis, so check the current guaranteed analysis on the packet before you rely on them. One review also reports much higher protein and fat figures for Smooth Bird, which doesn’t match the others. That’s a good reminder to check the label yourself.
Two things to keep in mind:
- Dry matter and as-fed figures are different. Fresh food is very wet, so compare brands on the same basis.
- Calorie needs vary. Age, weight, activity and health all affect portions. Ask your vet for a daily target, especially for kittens, seniors and cats with weight, kidney or digestive concerns.
Quality: What the Signals Suggest
Quality is more than a list of ingredients. Here are the signals that matter for this recipe:
- Frozen production: Smalls freezes its food right after cooking, so it doesn’t rely on preservatives. This is a real benefit, but it only works if the food stays frozen throughout shipping and storage.
- Protein source: Turkey plus turkey liver is a sensible, meat-first combination for a fresh food.
- Sourcing claims: Some reviews describe US-sourced turkey meat and organs. Verify sourcing on Smalls’ current site, since claims change.
- Consistency: Reviewers generally describe the recipe as smooth and easy to eat, with good moisture.
- Recall history: The June 2021 recall included the Smooth Other Bird turkey recipe, with the cause listed as potentially spoiled food. Quality control depends on the cold chain, so it matters how you store the food.
Overall, the recipe’s quality rests on the same two things as the rest of the range: good ingredients and an unbroken cold chain.
Taste and Texture: Will Your Cat Eat It?
Smooth Other Bird is a pâté, so it has a uniform, soft texture. That makes it a common choice for cats that prefer smooth food and for cats that are not ready for chunkier textures.
Why many cats like it:
- The texture is easy to eat and consistent
- Turkey gives a flavor change from chicken
- High moisture supports hydration
- It can work well for cats that reject chunky food
Why some cats hesitate:
- Cats used to dry food may need time to adjust to any wet food
- Some cats are cautious about new flavors, even familiar proteins
- Reviewers report that not every cat is excited by the taste
A reviewer who tested the range said their cat enjoyed the turkey option and that a second cat in the house was less keen on whole fish. Another reviewer noted that their cats loved the chicken and turkey options but didn’t care for the whole fish. Turkey was clearly a popular choice in several households.
One long-term reviewer, feeding older cats, said Smooth Other Bird became a regular recipe for one cat and that they noticed positive changes. That is an individual experience, not evidence, but it shows why older cats are sometimes recommended a smooth turkey option.
What Real Cat Owners Are Saying
Patterns across published reviews include:
- Turkey pâté is a dependable choice. It is often recommended as a smooth alternative to chicken, particularly for cats that need variety.
- Older and smooth-preferring cats do well with it. Several reviewers link it to older cats or cats that prefer smooth food.
- Preferences differ between cats. In multi-cat homes, one cat may love turkey while another prefers fish or chicken.
- Delivery and packaging get positive comments. Some customers report that the food arrives frozen and is easy to order.
Recall History
Smalls has had recalls, and this recipe was named in one. The June 2021 recall included the Smooth Other Bird turkey recipe, with the cause listed as potentially spoiled food. A separate review notes that Smalls recalled affected lots and attributed the issue to refrigeration problems, and that no illnesses were reported.
Before you subscribe:
- Check Smalls’ recall page for the latest information
- Review FDA recall listings
- Follow storage and thawing instructions closely
How Much Does Smooth Other Bird Cost?
A retailer lists a 5 oz packet of Smooth Other Bird at $4.99, which works out to about $1.00 per ounce. One review lists Smalls’ fresh recipes at roughly $1.00 per ounce, with some recipes priced higher.
There is a conflict about surcharges. One review says “Other Bird” recipes cost an extra $0.50 per packet, but another review lists pulled and beef-based recipes as the premium options. Check Smalls’ current pricing before you order.
To estimate your monthly cost:
- Get your cat’s daily calorie target from your vet
- Divide the target by the calories per ounce (about 40 for this recipe)
- Multiply by 30 for a monthly ounce figure
- Multiply by the price per ounce
You can also use our Smalls cat food cost calculator. For more detail, read how much Smalls cat food costs and the monthly cost per cat.
Is it worth the price? Fresh food costs more than most dry or canned options. The value depends on whether your cat eats the food well, whether you can manage frozen storage, and whether the recipe suits your cat’s needs.
Suitability: Who Should Choose Smooth Other Bird?
Smooth Other Bird is a good fit if:
- Your cat prefers smooth pâté textures
- You want a turkey alternative to chicken, either for variety or for a cat that has grown tired of chicken
- You want to rotate proteins within a fresh food routine
- You are comfortable with frozen storage and daily thawing
- You are looking for a single-protein recipe that is simple to understand
It may not be the best choice if:
- Your cat has a known sensitivity or allergy to turkey
- Your cat strongly prefers chunky or shredded food
- You have limited freezer space
- You want to keep costs as low as possible
- Your vet has recommended a specific diet for a health condition
Kittens, senior cats and cats with health conditions need professional guidance. Always check with your vet before a major diet change.
How to Switch Your Cat to Smooth Other Bird
A gradual switch reduces the risk of rejection and digestive upset:
- Days 1–3: Mix about 25% Smooth Other Bird with 75% of the current food
- Days 4–6: Move to about 50% Smooth Other Bird
- Days 7–9: Move to about 75% Smooth Other Bird
- Day 10 onward: Feed Smooth Other Bird as the full diet
Watch for changes in appetite, stool and energy. If your cat refuses food, skips meals or has digestive problems, pause the switch and talk to your vet.
Smooth Other Bird vs Other Smalls Recipes
| Feature | Smooth Other Bird | Smooth Bird | Ground Other Bird |
| Texture | Smooth pâté | Smooth pâté | Minced |
| Protein | Turkey | Chicken | Turkey |
| Best for | Smooth-preferring cats wanting turkey | Smooth-preferring cats wanting chicken | Cats that enjoy chewing |
| Picky eaters | Often easier to start | Often easier to start | Mixed |
If your cat likes smooth food but is tired of chicken, Smooth Other Bird is a natural next step. If your cat is still learning to like Smalls, Smooth Bird may be the easiest starting point.
Final Verdict
Smalls Fresh Smooth Other Bird is a turkey pâté with a meat-first recipe, a smooth texture that suits many cats, and a sensible alternative to the chicken recipes. Quality depends on the same factors as the rest of the range: good ingredients and an unbroken cold chain.
The drawbacks are the storage routine, the price, the recall history (this recipe was named in the June 2021 recall) and the fact that not every cat will be excited by turkey.
Buy it if your cat prefers smooth food, you want a turkey option, and you can manage frozen storage. Skip it if your cat has a turkey sensitivity, you have limited freezer space, or the monthly cost doesn’t fit your budget.
FAQs
1. Is Smalls Fresh Smooth Other Bird good for cats?
Many owners find it a solid option, especially for cats that prefer smooth food and want a turkey protein. Suitability depends on age, health and preferences, so check with your vet first.
2. What is the main protein in Smooth Other Bird?
Turkey. Product listings describe it as over 80% turkey, with turkey liver in the formula. One review describes the recipe differently, so check the current packet.
3. How is Smooth Other Bird different from Smooth Bird?
Smooth Other Bird is turkey-based, while Smooth Bird is chicken-based. Both are smooth pâté recipes.
4. How many calories are in Smooth Other Bird?
Reviews report about 40 kcal per ounce for Smalls’ fresh recipes, which is a useful starting point. Ask your vet for your cat’s daily target.
5. Has Smooth Other Bird been recalled?
Yes. The June 2021 recall included the Smooth Other Bird turkey recipe, with the cause listed as potentially spoiled food. Check Smalls’ recall page and FDA listings for current information.
6. How much does Smooth Other Bird cost?
A retailer lists a 5 oz packet at $4.99, about $1.00 per ounce. Prices vary, so check Smalls’ current pricing.
7. How should I store Smooth Other Bird?
Keep packets frozen until needed, thaw them in the fridge, and use them within the timeframe on the packaging. See our storage guide.
8. Can my cat switch to Smooth Other Bird gradually?
Yes. A transition over about 10 days is the safer approach. Watch for digestive changes and consult your vet if problems appear.
