The Best Budget-friendly Cat Foods In 2025

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When it comes to cat food, most people mistakenly believe that price equals quality. But the most important thing for cats is a complete and balanced diet, says Dr. Lisa Weeth, a board-certified veterinary nutritionist at Metropolitan Animal Specialty Hospital and founder of Weeth Nutrition Services. The best cat foods are rich in animal-based proteins, with a good balance of healthy fats, fiber, and some carbohydrates. While expensive cat foods often include premium ingredients like probiotics, extra vitamins, or whole chunks of meat, they can cost nearly twice as much as the best budget-friendly cat foods. Cheaper cat foods, however, still meet the necessary nutritional guidelines without the added extras that drive up the price.

Our top wet food pick, Natural Balance Original Ultra Chicken and Liver, costs just $0.36 per ounce, compared to the average price of $0.59 per ounce for premium options. Budget brands such as Natural Balance cut costs by using processed pates, large-scale production, and simple packaging. Purchasing kibble can save you even more money. We recommend Nutro Wholesome Essentials Adult Cat Salmon and Brown Rice because the nutrients from salmon and liver support healthy joints and lean muscle mass.

The bottom line, your cat's food should always meet the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) recommendations for complete and balanced nutrition regardless of price. For more advice on how to shop for budget-friendly cat food, scroll to the end of this article.

Read more about how Business Insider Reviews tests and evaluates pet products.

Our top picks for the best budget-friendly cat foods

Best dry: Nutro Wholesome Essentials Adult Cat Salmon and Brown Rice - See at Chewy

Best wet: Natural Balance Original Ultra Chicken and Liver - See at Chewy

Best dry for kittens: Purina Kitten Chow Naturals Original - See at Chewy

Best wet for kittens: Iams Perfect Portions Healthy Kitten Chicken - See at Chewy

Best for indoor cats: Natural Balance Original Ultra Indoor Chicken - See at Chewy

Best for seniors: Natural Balance Original Ultra Salmon - See at Chewy

Best for sensitive stomachs: Iams Perfect Portions Sensitive Digestion and Skin Turkey - See at Chewy

Best for weight loss: Purina One Ideal Weight White Meat Chicken in Gravy - See at Chewy

Best dry

Cats are obligate carnivores, meaning they need animal-based proteins to get essential nutrients like taurine, which supports heart health, vision, and immune function. So long as the food meets the AAFCO's nutritional recommendations, it doesn't matter whether taurine comes from whole meats like deboned chicken or concentrated protein like the chicken meal in Nutro Wholesome Essentials Adult Cat Salmon and Brown Rice.

Marketing often influences our perceptions of pet food ingredients, such as meat meals and byproducts. These ingredients, which come from animal parts such as liver, heart, and spleen, aren't inherently bad for your cat. In fact, they're more nutrient-dense than whole cuts of meat. This allows brands like Nutro to use smaller amounts of ingredients while still providing complete and balanced nutrition, helping to keep costs lower for some of the best dry cat foods.

Nutro has been making pet food since 1926, giving them nearly a century of experience. Weeth says choosing a manufacturer with at least 20 years in the industry is important because it means they've had time to refine their formulas, maintain quality control, and establish a proven track record.

Best wet

Premium canned cat food brands often contain minimally processed ingredients, such as shredded chicken and chunks of liver. These whole-muscle meats and carefully selected organ meats closely resemble the nutritional profile of a cat's natural diet and have an appearance that appeals to people. However, the extra attention required for ingredient sourcing, processing, and presentation drives up the cost without necessarily making the food more nutritious than more processed options. "What matters is the quality control behind the sourcing and processing of these ingredients, not whether they resemble human food," says Dr. Nita Vasudevan, a veterinarian and veterinary consultant for Embrace Pet Insurance.

Natural Balance Original Ultra Chicken and Liver Recipe stands out as one of the best wet cat foods with a lower price tag. The pate-style formula is cheaper to produce than more complex shredded or steamed recipes. Vasudevan says liver, whether it's in a smooth pate or chunky form, is an especially nutritious ingredient for cats, as it's rich in vitamins and amino acids. Weeth says liver also has a taste and smell that's especially appealing to cats, Weeth says.

Natural Balance has been producing pet foods for over 30 years and is available at major retailers both online and across the United States. Weeth says brands like Natural Balance that distribute nationwide often have to meet stricter regulations than smaller, local companies because they ship products across state lines.

Best dry kitten food

Kittens need multiple meals a day, and while each portion may be small, the cost can add up quickly — especially if you've adopted a pair. Purina Kitten Chow Naturals Original is a budget-friendly alternative to premium formulas like Purina Pro Plan, Royal Canin, and Hill's, with its cost-effective ingredients that still meet the essential nutritional requirements for healthy growth.

Premium kitten food brands often go beyond the basics, incorporating higher levels of animal-based protein, added probiotics, or extra functional nutrients like docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), an omega fatty acid essential for cognitive growth and development in kittens, and vitamin E, an antioxidant that provides immune support. Purina Kitten Chow Naturals Original keeps costs lower by meeting, rather than exceeding, recommended nutrient levels. It contains a blend of chicken byproduct meal and corn gluten meal for cost-effective, concentrated protein and fats, while fish oil provides DHA to support healthy development.

This recipe has undergone feeding trials, meaning real cats have tested it to ensure its palatability, digestibility, and long-term nutritional benefits. Additionally, Purina recipes are backed by the Purina Institute, a global organization owned and operated by Nestlé that collaborates with leading veterinary associations and academic institutions to advance pet nutrition research.

Best wet kitten food

Wet food is typically more expensive than kibble, which is one reason our sources recommend feeding kittens a mix of wet and dry foods. This approach helps manage costs and exposes kittens to different textures, making them less likely to become picky eaters as they grow. "Cats fixate on textures and flavors at a relatively young age, so the first one to two years of life is your opportunity to add variety," Weeth says.

Iams Perfect Portions Healthy Kitten Chicken Recipe is a standout choice because its small servings prevent food — and money — from going to waste. Kittens will lap up the chicken and savory chicken broth in this food, which also includes nutrient-rich poultry liver and dried egg product as additional protein sources. Like our other picks for the best kitten foods, it's fortified with essential vitamins and minerals to support growth, while fish oil provides DHA.

Iams is a budget-friendly brand owned by Mars Inc., which distributes pet food in more than 40 countries.

Best for indoor cats

With so much time spent lounging in sunbeams, our experts say indoor cats benefit from food that supports weight management. Natural Balance Original Ultra Indoor Chicken Recipe wet food is one of the best indoor cat foods because it contains lean proteins and hearty fiber. Plus, its high moisture content means fewer calories per serving, says Dr. Liza Cahn, a veterinarian and veterinary consultant for Embrace Pet Insurance.

Chicken and whitefish provide lean protein, while fiber from dried plain beet pulp and carrots help regulate bowel movements and prevent hairballs. "Fiber content in your cat's diet can help move hair through the digestive system," says Dr. Jamie Richardson, head of veterinary medicine at Small Door Vet. Plus, omega fatty acids — found in the salmon oil in this recipe — support joint health, to keep your cat comfortably prowling around the house.

Best for seniors

The AAFCO doesn't publish nutritional recommendations for senior cats like they do for kittens and adults, so a product marketed for seniors isn't necessarily formulated to meet their unique needs. That means a brand can charge more by simply labeling a food as "senior," even if it doesn't contain meaningful differences in nutrition. According to Dr. Carly Fox, a senior veterinarian at the Schwarzman Animal Medical Center, the best senior cat foods support weight management and include fatty acids, both of which can be highly effective in improving mobility.

Ultra Original Ultra Salmon Recipe isn't formulated — or marketed — specifically for senior cats, which may contribute to its lower price than other budget-friendly senior options. However, it's packed with omega fatty acids from sources like salmon, ocean fish, egg, and salmon oil. It's also the lowest in calories at 30 kcal per ounce, yet it helps keep cats feel satiated with brown rice, a complex carbohydrate that takes longer for the body to break down.

It's always a good idea to consult your vet before selecting a senior diet for your cat to ensure it meets their individual needs. In fact, prescription diets are often recommended for cats with age-related diseases such as kidney or liver disease. Weeth says a therapeutic diet formulated to address specific health concerns is a better choice because it can have a significant impact on their health.

Best for sensitive stomachs

Healthy cats on an ideal diet typically poop once or twice a day, Weeth says. If your cat's digestion seems off, you might not need to jump to expensive, premium foods. "There are budget-friendly non-prescription diets tailored to common health concerns," Vasudevan says.

For cats with sensitive stomachs, Vasudevan recommends looking for recipes with limited ingredients, easily digestible proteins (such as chicken, turkey, or whitefish), fiber, and omega fatty acids. She also says the soft texture of wet foods can be gentler on sensitive stomachs compared to some dry foods.

A great food to consider is Iams Perfect Portions Sensitive Digestion and Skin Turkey Recipe. It features turkey as a primary, easily digestible protein. Whitefish and added fish oil are rich in omega fatty acids while dried beet pulp provides fiber.

Best for weight loss

Cutting back on the amount you feed your cat isn't the safest way to help them lose weight because it can lead to nutritional deficiencies, says Dr. Julie Churchill, a veterinary nutritionist and professor of nutrition at the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine. Instead, a nutrient-dense, low-calorie food formulated for weight loss can help cats lose extra weight gradually and safely.

Wet food, like Purina One Ideal Weight White Meat Chicken Recipe, is a great option because it contains extra water that can help fill a cat up even though they're consuming fewer calories. While dry food is cheaper, it's also more calorie-dense, even in weight management formulas. Wet food lets your cat enjoy a bigger portion size, which can make them feel more satisfied.

Our budget pick for the best weight loss food for cats includes lean protein from chicken and whitefish. It also contains fiber from powdered cellulose to help your cat stay full, reducing the chances of them begging for snacks between meals. However, if your cat tends to eat too quickly or still begs between meals, a puzzle feeder can help. "Replicating hunting behaviors with puzzles can prevent boredom, reduce stress, and promote a healthier, more active lifestyle," Richardson says. The addition of the amino acid L-carnitine may also help them burn fat and build muscle.

What to look for in budget-friendly cat food

When choosing a cheaper cat food, it's important to make sure it meets the same standards as all of the best pet foods. Below are the key qualities to consider when selecting a healthy recipe for your cat.

AAFCO nutritional adequacy: The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) is a nonprofit organization of animal feed regulators from the US and Canada. In collaboration with the US Food and Drug Administration, the AAFCO recommends nutritional standards for pet food. We only highlight foods that meet these standards. You can tell if a food meets these standards by looking for a statement on the label that says it was tested by feeding it to animals or formulated (tested in an outside lab) to be complete and balanced. "This is a quick way to make sure the food you are feeding your pet is balanced and not lacking in certain key nutrients," says Dr. Caitlin Johnson, a veterinarian at Lovet Pet Health Care.

WSAVA nutrition guidelines: The World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA) is a worldwide network of veterinarians who work together to publish guidelines for pet nutrition and disease management. You can think of the WSAVA nutritional guidelines as the gold standard for evaluating pet food and making good purchasing decisions. For instance, brands should employ a board-certified veterinary nutritionist, conduct feeding trials or formulate their food to be complete and balanced, and follow strict quality control and safety testing to ensure the highest quality food for pets, Johnson says.

Guaranteed analysis and calories: The guaranteed analysis on a pet food label shows the minimum and maximum percentages of essential nutrients, such as protein, fat, and fiber. Since wet food has a higher moisture content than dry food, you'll need to adjust the guaranteed analysis to a dry matter basis, which is the amount of nutrients with the water removed. You can do this by following guidelines from Tufts University, reaching out to the manufacturer, or asking your vet for help. For this guide, we've contacted the manufacturers to provide an accurate guaranteed analysis. The label should also provide the number of calories, listed in kilocalories (kcals), per cup, ounce, or serving. If the calories aren't directly listed, you may need to contact the manufacturer or check the brand's website for more details.

Brand reputation: Choosing pet food brands with at least 20 years of experience provides reassurance about their long-term track record and the reliability of their formulas over time. And while supporting small, local businesses is great, she says to think twice when it comes to pet food from small, regionally distributed brands. Companies that sell across multiple states must meet stricter regulations, adding an extra layer of quality assurance to their products.

Iams, Natural Balance, and Purina are known for being some of the best budget-friendly cat food brands, offering the cheapest recipes that are often backed by more robust science than boutique brands. Because these companies are large, they have the resources to hire full-time, board-certified veterinary nutritionists and conduct extensive research to advance our understanding of pet nutrition.

Ingredients: Animal-based protein is the most important ingredient in any cat food and should be listed first or second only to water in wet food diets. "Cats are obligate carnivores, meaning, they eat strictly animal products," Johnson says. However, this doesn't mean cats can't or shouldn't eat grains and carbohydrates. These ingredients provide fiber and are required for energy. "In the wild, cats naturally consume grains from the stomach contents of their prey," she says.

One of the best protein sources for cats is organ meat, often listed as byproducts or meat meals in the best cheap cat foods included in this guide. While these ingredients often get a bad rap, Weeth says strict regulations define what qualifies as a byproduct, so your cat receives only highly nutritious and appropriate ingredients.

Price per pound and feeding guidelines: The feeding guidelines on the back of a cat food bag or can provide a rough estimate of how much to feed your cat. However, they often overestimate portion sizes, which can lead to overfeeding and higher costs. While these guidelines can be helpful for comparing per-serving costs between foods, the most accurate way to determine appropriate portion sizes is by consulting your veterinarian who can recommend your cat's ideal daily calorie intake. If you can't get to the vet right now, Pet Nutrition Alliance provides an online calorie estimator for cats and dogs.

Auto-shipping discounts: Once you've found a food that works, buy it in bulk or set up automatic shipments to save more money. Retailers such as Chewy and Amazon offer modest discounts for signing up for subscriptions, and they can really add up over time. Plus, with automatic deliveries, your cat's meals show up right when you need them.

How we selected the best budget-friendly cat foods

As a pets reporter for Business Insider, I've written over a dozen articles on pet food and spoken to even more experts in the field. I wouldn't recommend any food I wouldn't feed my own cats. Every brand selected in this guide has been making pet food for over 20 years and employs a full-time board-certified veterinary nutritionist to ensure quality and safety.

To make informed recommendations about the best cheap cat food, I consulted two veterinary nutritionists and five small animal veterinarians. While they didn't recommend specific foods, they helped me identify what makes a high-quality cat food and how to feed a cat safely on a budget. I also reviewed guidelines from the AAFCO, WSAVA, and other authoritative sources cited in this guide. Finally, I evaluated each food's cost per pound or ounce, as well as ingredient quality, nutritional value, and feeding guidelines, to compile my list of the best budget-friendly cat foods.

Budget-friendly cat food FAQs

What is the cheapest way to feed a cat?

It might be tempting to feed your cat scraps from your own meals, but even meat scraps aren't complete and balanced. "The least expensive dry kibble at the store is still better than an unbalanced home-prepared diet," Weeth says. The best cheap cat food is a complete and balanced kibble that meets the AAFCO nutritional guidelines. To keep costs down without compromising nutrition, choose a well-established brand that produces food in large batches. Large-quantity food production reduces the cost per unit. Well-established brands often have a strong track record of quality control and safety, ensuring that large batch production doesn't compromise the consistency or nutritional value of the food. To make your bag of kibble last longer, feed only the recommended portion and store leftovers in an airtight container.

What is the most nutritious cheap cat food?

The most nutritious cat food contains animal-based proteins, fiber, fat, and some carbohydrates. Some of the best ingredients that make cat food cheap yet nutritious are byproducts and meat meals. "Organs like liver and heart are naturally rich in vitamins and amino acids," Vasudevan says. Our pick for the best affordable dry cat food is Nutro Wholesome Essentials Adult Cat Salmon and Brown Rice, which costs about $3 per pound when purchased in bulk.

How can I feed a lot of cats cheaply?

Animal rescues and caretakers feeding feral or community cats often choose kibble over wet food because it's the most cost-effective option and won't spoil when left out for a day or two, says Kara Burns, a licensed veterinary technician and nutrition specialist at EveryCat Health Foundation. Kibble is cheaper to produce than canned food, and it's more calorie-dense, so a smaller portion will provide cats with adequate nutrition. Buying in bulk from trusted brands like Iams, Natural Balance, or Purina helps stretch your budget even further.

What can I do if I can't afford cat food?

If you're struggling to afford cat food, there are many resources available to help keep your pet fed. Start by contacting your county animal shelter or animal services, as many offer pet food and supplies at no cost. You can also search for community pet food banks in your area, such as this list of pet food banks in the Pacific Northwest. Websites like FindHelp.org help you to find local animal welfare organizations and other assistance programs by zip code. Additionally, there are financial assistance and grant programs, such as RedRover, which offers support to households meeting specific income requirements.

If you're open to crowdfunding, platforms like GoFundMe or Facebook Fundraisers can help raise money for pet food or medical costs and supplies. You can also create and share an Amazon wishlist with family and friends. If veterinary bills are preventing you from affording pet food, consider Waggle. It's a pet-specific crowdfunding site that works with your vet to estimate care costs and create a fundraiser on your behalf.

Lastly, don't beat yourself up if premium pet food isn't in your budget — what matters most is providing a complete and balanced diet. "Your love and care matter more than a fancy food label," Vasudevan says.