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Finding the best cat food to please your finicky feline and fit your budget is no easy feat. Whether you choose to feed wet or dry food, or a combination of the two, your cat will thrive as long as the food is nutritionally balanced. Natural Pet Food
To select the top cat foods for this guide, we asked veterinarians and animal nutrition experts for their advice. Although they declined to recommend specific foods, they helped us establish our selection criteria. Our top picks for wet food include Wellness Gravies Salmon Entree and Purina Pro Plan Complete Essentials White Meat Chicken and Vegetables Entree. Our favorite dry cat foods include Wellness Complete Health Adult Dry Salmon Recipe and Nutro Wholesome Essentials Salmon and Brown Rice Recipe.
Our recommendations meet the pet food standards from the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) and the Global Nutrition Guidelines published by the World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA). Keep in mind that our picks are only some of the excellent options available. If you're interested in exploring other options, we explain how to evaluate any recipe's quality and nutritional value. However, there are exceptions, so always consult your vet before changing your cat's diet.
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Dry food is the most affordable way to keep a cat satiated. Like all cat food, a kibble must have an AAFCO complete and balanced statement on its label. This ensures the food has the appropriate balance of protein (at least 26%), fat (at least 9%), and essential vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin A and magnesium.
Because cats are obligate carnivores, they cannot survive on plant-based nutrients alone. Some form of whole meat or meat meal should be listed among the first ingredients, but don't worry too much about what is listed after.
And while many cat foods are marketed as grain-free, these diets have no proven benefit. "Grains are a source of carbohydrates [and] while cats are obligate carnivores, some carbohydrates in their diets can be helpful if included at moderate levels," says Kelly Swanson, professor of animal and nutritional sciences at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Fiber, for example, can help minimize hairballs, maintain a healthy body weight, and aid in bowel movements.
It is easy to overfeed your cat with dry food since it is more calorie-dense than wet food. Keep a close eye on your cat's daily kibble intake to ensure they don't gain weight. The average 8- to 10-pound adult cat should consume between 230 and 270 kilocalories (kcal) per day to maintain a healthy weight, according to the Global Nutrition Guidelines from WSAVA.
Our picks for the best dry cat food include whole meats and fish and exceed the AAFCO minimums for protein and fat.
Fish protein sources: Salmon, salmon meal, herring meal, menhaden fish meal Other standout ingredients: Rice, barley, oatmeal, ground flaxseed, tomato pomace, cranberries Feeding trials: No Nutrition breakdown: 36% protein, 18% fat, 3% fiber Calorie count: 472 kcal/cup
Meat protein sources: Chicken, chicken meal, egg product, beef fat Other standout ingredients: Pea protein, pea starch, cassava root flour, dried yeast, canola meal, pea fiber, carrots Feeding trials: No Nutrition breakdown: 35% protein, 14% fat, 4% fiber Calorie count: 394 kcal/cup
Meat protein sources: Deboned chicken, chicken meal, turkey meal, dried egg Other standout ingredients: Brown rice, barley, oatmeal, potato protein, pea protein Feeding trials: No Nutrition breakdown: 36% protein, 17% fat, 3.5% fiber Calorie count: 397 kcal/cup
Don't write off budget cat foods even if you have the money to spend. Several affordable AAFCO complete and balanced dry foods are as nutritious as more expensive kibble.
Not only do the budget dry foods we selected contain whole meats and protein-rich meat meals, but they also have ingredients like kelp and alfalfa to support gut health and antioxidant-rich blueberries and cranberries. The percentages of protein, fat, and fiber they contain are also on par with pricier brands.
Meat and fish protein sources: Deboned salmon, chicken meal, menhaden fish meal Other standout ingredients: Brown rice, oatmeal, barley, flaxseed, pea protein, alfalfa meal, cranberries, blueberries, barley grass, turmeric, dried kelp, yucca extract Feeding trials: No Nutrition breakdown: 35% protein, 16.5% fat, 6.5% fiber Calorie count: 415 kcal/cup
Meat and fish protein sources: Salmon, chicken meal Other standout ingredients: Brewers rice, brown rice, oatmeal, dehydrated alfalfa meal, beet pulp, yucca extract, pea protein, potato protein Feeding trials: No Nutrition breakdown: 35% protein, 16.5% fat, 6.5% fiber Calorie count: 414 kcal/cup
Meat protein sources: Chicken, chicken meal, salmon Other standout ingredients: Brewers rice, dried peas, lentils, flaxseed, cranberries, pumpkin Feeding trials: No Nutrition breakdown: 34% protein, 12% fat, 8% fiber Calorie count: 371 kcal/cup
The best wet cat foods are costlier than most dry food. In terms of nutrition, wet food stands out from kibble in a few ways. It contains significantly more moisture, typically 75% to 78%, versus 10% to 12% in dry food. Because of that moisture content, wet food is more filling and may be a good choice for cats who love to eat too zealously.
However, feeding a typical adult cat wet food instead of, or in addition to, dry food offers no specific health benefits, says Dr. Valerie Parker, a veterinary nutritionist and professor of clinical small animal internal medicine and nutrition at The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine. It's a decision that should be based on a cat's preferences and a guardian's budget.
Wet food has a long shelf life but spoils quickly once opened. It must be refrigerated and consumed within a few days to prevent spoilage.
Meat and fish protein sources: Salmon broth, turkey, salmon, turkey liver, egg whites Other standout ingredients: Peas, carrots, flaxseed, cranberries Feeding trials: No Nutrition breakdown: 51% protein, 22% fat, 14% fiber Calorie count: 68 kcal/3-ounce can
Meat protein sources: Deboned chicken, chicken liver, dried egg product Other standout ingredients: Alfalfa meal, salmon oil, ground flaxseed Feeding trials: No Nutrition breakdown: 45.5% protein, 23% fat, 4.5% fiber Calorie count: 96 kcal/3-ounce can
Meat and fish protein sources: Salmon, pork liver, egg product Other standout ingredients: Ground flaxseed, carrots, cranberries, pumpkin, tomato, blueberries, broccoli, cabbage, kale Feeding trials: No Nutrition breakdown: 48% protein, 18% fat, 9% fiber Calorie count: 90 kcal/3-ounce can
Wet cat food doesn't have to cost a premium to be nutritionally complete and balanced. Our budget picks for the best cat food are significantly higher in protein than the 26% AAFCO minimum recommendation for healthy adult cats without kidney problems.
Both the percentage of protein a cat food contains and the sources of that protein are important, says Swanson. Animal-based proteins typically provide the 11 essential amino acids and levels of taurine a cat's diet requires. Other animal- or plant-based proteins are sometimes added to meet nutritional needs.
Like pricier wet foods, these budget options also contain 78% to 82% moisture which helps to keep a cat feeling full for longer while providing them with an additional source of hydration. Whether your cat prefers to eat only wet food or you feed it as part of a diet mixed with kibble, these recipes are a reliable option.
Meat protein sources: Chicken, chicken broth, chicken liver, egg product Other standout ingredients: Brown rice, carrots Feeding trials: No Nutrition breakdown: 40.9% protein, 27.3% fat, 6.8% fiber Calorie count: 100 kcal/3-ounce can
Meat protein sources: Chicken, liver, meat byproducts, turkey Other standout ingredients: Wheat gluten, tomatoes, carrots, modified corn starch, soy protein concentrate Feeding trials: No Nutrition breakdown: 50% protein, 9% fat, 7.5% fiber Calorie count: 73 kcal/3-ounce can
Meat protein sources: Chicken, chicken broth, chicken liver, egg product Other standout ingredients: Potato starch, brown rice, carrots, sweet potatoes Feeding trials: No Nutrition breakdown: 50% protein, 22.2% fat, 8.3% fiber Calorie count: 80 kcal/3-ounce can
Indoor-only cats don't necessarily have different nutritional requirements from cats that go outdoors, says Dr. Korinn Saker, associate professor of clinical nutrition at the College of Veterinary Medicine at North Carolina State University. However, indoor cats may not get as much exercise as cats with outside access. This means they may face a greater risk of becoming overweight, an increasing concern that can cause several health issues.
Foods formulated for indoor cats are often lower in calories and fat to help them maintain a healthy weight, says Saker. Although not every house cat is overweight, it's important to pay attention to the total calories per cup when feeding your cat and follow the feeding guidelines on the packaging for your kitty's ideal weight. When in doubt, consult your veterinarian.
It's also good to know your cat's body condition score (BCS), something your veterinarian can help you determine. The BCS is a visual tool that assesses your cat's body fat on a scale of 1 to 9. This can help you understand if they need to lose or gain weight.
Meat and fish protein sources: Turkey broth, turkey, salmon, chicken, chicken liver, dried egg whites Other standout ingredients: Potatoes, salmon oil, ground flaxseed, cranberries Feeding trials: No Nutrition breakdown: 42.3% protein, 26.1% fat, 1.8% fiber Calorie count: 80 kcal/3-ounce pouch
Meat and fish protein sources: Deboned salmon, chicken, chicken broth, salmon broth, chicken liver, dried egg whites Other standout ingredients: Cranberries, flaxseed Feeding trials: No Nutrition breakdown: 38% protein, 29% fat, 1.4% fiber Calorie count: 185 kcal/6.4-ounce carton
Meat protein sources: Deboned chicken, chicken meal, turkey meal, chicken fat, dried egg product Other standout ingredients: Sweet potatoes, potatoes, peas, probiotics Feeding trials: No Nutrition breakdown: 36% protein, 15% fat, 8% fiber Calorie count: 348 kcal/cup
Just like humans, some cats have more sensitive stomachs than others. If your kitty has a food allergy or intolerance, they may experience unpleasant gastrointestinal symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, or gas. While you should always consult your vet before switching up your cat's diet, a "sensitive stomach" food may benefit some cats.
Foods formulated for sensitive stomachs usually contain moderate to low fat and a more processed protein source, like chicken meal or chicken byproduct, says Saker. These proteins, which are more broken down than whole meats, may help your cat absorb the nutrients more efficiently. Additionally, Saker recommends looking for foods with a lower fiber content and easily digestible carbohydrates, like whole wheat, corn, or white potatoes.
In addition, sensitive stomach formulas may contain omega fatty acids to reduce inflammation and pre- and probiotics to support digestion.
Meat and fish protein sources: Pork byproducts, chicken byproducts, chicken liver, pork liver, salmon, pork plasma, hydrolyzed chicken liver Other standout ingredients: Powdered cellulose Feeding trials: No Nutrition breakdown: 44.4% protein, 17.4% fat, 5.5% fiber Calorie count: 66 kcal/3-ounce can
Meat protein sources: Turkey, chicken byproduct meal, beef fat, dried egg product Other standout ingredients: Rice flour, corn gluten meal, soybean meal, oatmeal, whole grain corn Feeding trials: Yes Nutrition breakdown: 34% protein, 14% fat, 4% fiber Calorie count: 429 kcal/cup
Meat protein sources: Salmon, chicken, chicken fat, chicken meal Other standout ingredients: Yellow peas, potatoes, pea protein, cranberries Feeding trials: Yes Nutrition breakdown: 35% protein, 21.9% fat, 1.1% fiber Calorie count: 507 kcal/cup
Fresh pet food is a relatively new trend in which whole meats, vegetables, essential vitamins, and minerals are combined, then frozen to maintain freshness. Some fresh pet foods are available via fuss-free subscription and delivery services, and others are available in the freezer section of pet stores.
While fresh cat food is pricier than dry or canned foods, the difference between them is clear. In fresh foods, the whole ingredients are visible to the naked eye and have a consistency that rivals a home-cooked meal.
Several fresh cat food companies meet AAFCO standards, but only two have a full-time veterinary nutritionist on staff: Freshpet and JustFoodForDogs. According to our experts, this is an essential quality to look for when choosing food for your pet. While Freshpet was one of our best cat food picks previously, we are not recommending it at this time due to two recalls in 12 months for potential salmonella contamination.
Meat and fish protein sources: Alaskan Pacific wild-caught cod, whole Atlantic sardines, chicken thighs, chicken hearts, chicken liver Other standout ingredients: Dried yucca root Feeding trials: Yes Nutrition breakdown: 52% protein, 19.5% fat, 2% fiber Calorie count: 288 kcal/cup Save 35% on your first purchase and 5% on recurring auto-ship orders.
Kittens under a year old need a different combination of nutrients to support their revving metabolism and growing bones. An AAFCO complete and balanced kitten food contains a minimum of 30% protein, 9% fat, and extra vitamin A, calcium, and phosphorus. You'll also find docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) in these formulas. DHA is an omega-3 fatty acid that supports brain development and can be found in fish, fish oil, and fish meal. Kitten formulas also meet AAFCO's standards for pregnant and lactating adult cats who require additional calories and nutrients.
Although it doesn't matter whether a kitten is fed dry food, wet food, or a combination of the two, introducing young cats to different types of the best kitten food may prevent them from being picky eaters in adulthood. Regardless of the type of food you select, cats benefit from being fed out of a puzzle feeder instead of a regular bowl. The problem-solving and play required to extract the food provide a kitten with important mental stimulation. The more energy they burn on puzzle toys, the less likely they'll be to become bored and make trouble.
Meat protein sources: Chicken, chicken fat, egg product Other standout ingredients: Brown rice, wheat gluten, oats, wheat, barley, flaxseed, apples, broccoli, carrots, cranberries, peas Feeding trials: Yes Nutrition breakdown: 33% protein, 19% fat, 3.5% fiber Calorie count: 568 kcal/cup
Meat protein sources: Deboned turkey, whole dried egg, deboned salmon, deboned duck Other standout ingredients: Peas, potatoes, flaxseed, alfalfa, tomato, apple, carrots Feeding trials: No Nutrition breakdown: 33% protein, 20% fat, 2.5% fiber Calorie count: 437 kcal/cup
Meat protein sources: Deboned chicken, chicken meal Other standout ingredients: Oats, barley, rice, flaxseed, salmon oil, cranberries Feeding trials: No Nutrition breakdown: 40% protein, 17% fat, 4% fiber Calorie count: 383 kcal/cup
Kittens can do equally when fed dry or canned food as long as the food meets AAFCO requirements for growth. However, wet food can be especially beneficial for kittens just starting their solid-food journey after being weaned from their mothers.
Wet food's high moisture content creates a soft texture that is easy for kittens to chew and swallow. This is particularly important for very young kittens whose teeth are too small to crunch on dry kibble. The high moisture content also provides a great way for kittens to stay well hydrated and be at lower risk for urinary tract diseases.
As with wet food for adult cats, wet food for kittens is pricier than dry kitten food and spoils more quickly.
Meat protein sources: Turkey, chicken liver, turkey broth, chicken, chicken meal, herring Other standout ingredients: Cranberries, flaxseed, DHA Feeding trials: No Nutrition breakdown: 52% protein, 31% fat, 1% fiber Calorie count: 108 kcal/3-ounce can
Meat protein sources: Salmon, ocean fish, liver, chicken Other standout ingredients: Rice; vitamins E, A, B-12 supplements Feeding trials: No Nutrition breakdown: 50% protein, 25.5% protein, 6.38% fiber Calorie count: 101 kcal/3-ounce can
Chicken Jerky Dog Snacks Meat protein sources: Chicken, chicken broth, salmon, beef liver, egg product Other standout ingredients: Pumpkin, tomato, kale, cabbage, broccoli, cranberries, blueberries, DHA Feeding trials: No Nutrition breakdown: 54.5% protein, 27.2% protein, 4.5% fiber Calorie count: 125 kcal/3-ounce can