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The Best Cat Food In 2024, With Advice From Vets
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Veterinarians and animal nutrition experts shared their advice for choosing the best cat food for various life stages and needs.Purina; Nutro; Wellness; Royal Canin; Farmina; Hill's/Business Insider
Finding the best cat food to keep your finicky feline happy and fit your budget is no easy feat. There are a handful of key factors to consider, from your cat's age to whether you prefer the convenience of dry food over the beneficial moisture in wet food. If your cat has specific health concerns, there are also formulas designed to address everything from hairballs to weight management.
Over the last four years, we've researched hundreds of cat foods and interviewed more than a dozen veterinarians and animal nutritionists. While there's no one-size-fits-all cat food, our recommendations that follow highlight excellent recipes from top brands. One of the overall best cat foods is Wellness Gravies Salmon Entree for adult cats. In addition to salmon and turkey, it contains fish oil, a source of healthy omega fatty acids. Beyond our recommendations below, you can also read about more healthy cat foods in the buying guides linked through this article.
All of our picks meet the standards set by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) and the Global Nutrition Guidelines published by the World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA). If you're interested in exploring other options and learning more about quality cat food, scroll down to the section on "what to look for in a cat food." Before changing your cat's diet, make sure to talk to your vet.
You can read more about how Business Insider Reviews tests and recommends pet products.
Our top picks for the best cat food
Best wet overall: Wellness Gravies Salmon Entree - See at Chewy
Best dry overall: Farmina N&D Ancestral Grain Lamb and Blueberry Recipe - See at Chewy
Best budget wet: Natural Balance Original Ultra Chicken and Liver Recipe -See at Chewy
Best budget dry: Nutro Wholesome Essentials Adult Salmon and Brown Rice Recipe - See at Chewy
Best for indoor cats: Royal Canin Indoor Morsels in Gravy- See at Chewy
Best for kittens: Purina Pro Plan Kitten Salmon and Ocean Fish Entree - See at Chewy
Best for seniors: Wellness Complete Health 7+ Age Advantage Tuna and Salmon Entree - See at Chewy
Best for sensitive stomachs: Royal Canin Digestive Care Thin Slices in Gravy - See at Chewy
Best for weight loss: Hill's Science Diet Perfect Weight Adult Liver and Chicken Entree - See at Chewy
Best for hairball control: Hill's Science Diet Urinary Hairball Control Adult Savory Chicken Entree - See at Chewy
Best fresh: Just Food For Cats Fish and Chicken Recipe - See at Chewy
Best wet overall
Cat food should include animal protein as a top ingredient because cats are obligate carnivores who cannot produce essential amino acids on their own. These amino acids, such as taurine, are required for healthy growth and physical well-being. They must be sourced from a meat-based diet, says Dr. Jonathan Stockman, a veterinary nutritionist and associate professor of clinical veterinary sciences at Long Island University College of Veterinary Medicine. Wellness Gravies Salmon Entree delivers with a whopping 51% protein from salmon and turkey in a savory broth.
While high-protein foods such as this one can benefit many cats, consult your veterinarian before offering a high-protein diet if your cat is senior or has underlying health issues. High-protein cat food can be harmful to cats with kidney disease, says Dr. Carly Fox, a senior veterinarian at the Schwarzman Animal Medical Center.
Wellness Gravies Salmon Entree is low in calories and can help manage your cat's weight when served in appropriate proportions. It's also more filling than dry food, thanks to its high moisture content. Wellness Gravies Salmon Entree includes healthy extras, such as antioxidants from cranberries, which may help lower a cat's risk of degenerative diseases of the liver, kidneys, and brain. It also includes inulin from chicory root, a fiber source that aids regularity and may help cats feel fuller for longer.
Read our guide to the best wet cat foods for more excellent formulas.
Best dry overall
Dry cat food is a practical way to keep your cat fed. It's generally more affordable and lasts longer once opened than wet cat food. Plus, many cats enjoy its crunchy texture and flavorful coating. One of our top picks, Farmina N&D Prime Lamb and Blueberry Recipe, provides 36% protein with healthy servings of fat and fiber.
Like all our picks for the best cat food, this one is formulated by a veterinary nutritionist. It includes dried beet pulp, a good source of fermentable fiber that can support digestive health by feeding beneficial gut bacteria, says Ellen Dierenfeld, a comparative animal nutritionist and founder of Zootrition. Other sources of fiber in this recipe include oats, inulin, and psyllium. Blueberries and pomegranates also provide beneficial antioxidants.
Omega-3 fatty acids are nutrients your cat can only get from their diet. Small, cold-water fish like herring are excellent sources of omega-3 fatty acids, and this recipe includes herring in both meat and oil form. Omega-3 fatty acids may help maintain a healthy coat, prevent dry skin, and reduce joint inflammation.
Our guide to best dry cat foods includes more recommendations for cats of all ages.
Best budget wet
Wet cat food often costs more than kibble, but high-quality affordable options exist. Natural Balance Original Ultra Chicken and Liver Pate is a good example. It's packed with protein-rich organ meat, essential nutrients, and healthy extras, like antioxidants from cranberries.
Organ meats are often labeled as byproduct meals and meat. They're nutrient-rich components of a cat's natural diet. In particular, liver has many good vitamins and minerals that can be very beneficial, Stockman says. These ingredients help keep cat food affordable without compromising quality or a cat's health.
This food is formulated for all life stages, meaning it's suitable for cats of all ages, from kittens to seniors. It's a convenient solution for households with cats of all ages or those who prefer not to transition their kitten to adult food. However, Stockman says all life stages formulas are higher in nutrients and calories than adult maintenance formulas, which may lead to weight gain in some adult cats. For cats with weight management issues, a food tailored to their age might be better.
Best budget dry
Don't write off budget cat foods even if you have the money to spend. Nutro Wholesome Essentials Adult Salmon and Brown Rice is an affordable AAFCO complete and balanced dry food that is just as nutritious as pricier kibble.
Not only does this budget-friendly dry food contain whole meats and protein-rich meat meals, but it also has ingredients like whole brown rice and whole grain oatmeal. Whole grains are preferred over processed flours and meals, says Dr. Korinn Saker, associate professor of clinical nutrition at the College of Veterinary Medicine at North Carolina State University. Whole, complex carbohydrates keep cats feeling full because they take more energy to break down. Plus, they're a good source of fiber, which can aid digestion and help reduce hairballs.
The salmon in this recipe is a good source of omega-3 fatty acids, which may improve skin and fur health and reduce shedding. It also contains the fermentable fiber beet pulp for digestive health.
Best for indoor cats
Even with the best cat trees, exercise wheels, and toys, indoor cats tend to be less active than their outdoor counterparts, increasing their risk of weight gain. In addition to portion control, low-calorie food can help keep your cat satisfied and at a healthy weight.
We recommend Royal Canin Indoor Adult Cats Morsels in Gravy. It's a low-calorie wet cat food with added fiber from powdered cellulose to keep your cat feeling fuller for longer. It also contains L-carnitine, an amino acid that may help the body burn fat for energy to support a healthy weight.
If you're unsure how much your cat should eat, ask your veterinarian about the Body Condition Score (BCS), a 9-point scale used to assess your cat's body fat and help determine their ideal weight and calorie needs.
You can find more dry and wet food picks in our guide to the best indoor cat foods.
Best for kittens
Kitten foods are for cats under a year old. They contain 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, such as the salmon and ocean fish in Purina Pro Plan's Kitten Salmon and Ocean Fish Entree.
Whether a kitten is fed dry food, wet food, or a combination, all can provide adequate nutrition if formulated for growth at all life stages. This smooth pate, however, offers a gentle transition from mother's milk. While its high moisture content promotes proper hydration, cats of all ages should always have access to fresh water.
In addition to formulation under the guidance of a veterinary nutritionist, this food stands out because it has been proven to be nutritionally adequate through feeding trials. This means it was fed to a group of kittens to ensure its nutritional value and safety.
In our guide to the best kitten foods, we highlight both wet and dry foods with various proteins and textures.
Best for seniors
Once a cat hits 7 years of age, they start to show signs of aging. At around 12 years old, they enter their senior years. While older cats have the same minimum AAFCO nutritional requirements as younger adult cats, they may experience age-related conditions like arthritis, weight gain, or muscle loss, which a senior diet can help manage.
Wellness Complete Health Age Advantage Plus Tuna and Salmon Entree is one of our top picks for the best cat food for seniors. The formula includes omega-3 fatty acids, glucosamine, and chondroitin sulfate, found in tuna and salmon. These joint-supporting ingredients may help reduce inflammation and stiffness.
Weight management can become challenging for senior cats due to decreased exercise and a slowing metabolism, yet it should remain a priority. This high-moisture food includes L-carnitine and beet pulp to support weight control. Along with portion control, age-appropriate play can help your cat maintain a healthy weight.
Check out our guide to the best food for senior cats for more nutritionally complete and balanced recommendations.
Best for sensitive stomachs
Like humans, some cats have more sensitive stomachs than others, leading to unpleasant gastrointestinal symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, or gas. If your cat experiences these issues, Royal Canin Digestive Care Thin Slices in Gravy may provide relief. However, you should consult your vet before changing your cat's diet.
Royal Canin Digestive Care Thin Slices in Gravy contains minimal fat (1.6%) and low fiber (2.5%), making it gentle on sensitive stomachs. The limited fiber in this recipe comes from powdered cellulose, an insoluble fiber that may help relieve constipation by increasing stool volume and bowel movement frequency. Instead of whole meats, the recipe includes processed proteins like pork byproducts, chicken liver, and pork plasma. Foods with more processed proteins may help your cat absorb the nutrients more efficiently, Saker says.
This food is formulated for adult cats only. Kittens have specific nutritional needs for growth. If your kitten has gastrointestinal issues, consult your vet before considering our picks. Then, you should only consider foods formulated for growth or all life stages, such as Royal Canin Kitten Loaf in Sauce.
Our guide to the best sensitive stomach cat food highlights more formulas for various budgets.
Best for weight loss
The more overweight a cat becomes, the more likely they are to develop conditions such as diabetes, liver disease, arthritis, and pancreatitis. You can help your cat lose weight and maintain a healthy body weight by closely controlling their portion sizes and switching them to a weight management diet, such as Hill's Science Diet Perfect Weight Adult Liver and Chicken Entree.
Fiber-rich weight management foods like this one can help your cat feel fuller longer. This means less meowing between meals and less temptation to sneak your cat a treat or overfeed them. This diet's fiber sources include powdered cellulose, an insoluble fiber, and carrots, a soluble fiber source. This adult cat food also contains the amino acid L-carnitine to help the body burn fat for energy.
While both wet and dry weight management diets can be effective, wet food's moisture content aids in satiety, reducing begging and overeating. Plus, it's generally easier to overfeed your cat with dry food than wet since dry is more calorie-dense.
You can find more dry and wet food options in our guide to the best weight loss foods for cats.
Best for hairball control
When cats groom, they often swallow loose hairs. These hairs may pass through their digestive tract without issue or clump into hairballs. Coughing up a hairball once every week or two is normal for most cats. But some hairballs may grow too large and get trapped in the stomach, where they can cause a dangerous blockage. Hill's Science Diet Urinary Hairball Control Savory Chicken Entree may help cats who struggle with hairballs.
Although this food won't stop your cat from licking themselves or swallowing hair, insoluble fiber sources such as powdered cellulose and dried beet pulp might help prevent loose hairs from getting stuck in the digestive tract. Insoluble fibers don't dissolve during digestion, so they work by pulling along hairs on their way out.
In addition, this recipe contains fish oil, a good source of omega fatty acids. Omega fatty acids may improve skin and coat health and reduce shedding.
Our guide to the best hairball cat food highlights nine more excellent formulas.
Best fresh
Fresh pet food is a relatively new trend in which whole meats, vegetables, essential vitamins, and minerals are combined and then frozen to maintain freshness. Some fresh pet foods are available via fuss-free subscription, and others are available in the freezer section of pet stores.
While several fresh cat food companies meet the AAFCO standards, Just Food For Cats stands out because they have a veterinary nutritionist on staff. According to our experts, this is an essential quality to look for when choosing any cat food. Additionally, the company has a research advisory board of 14 veterinarians who provide nutrition research and feeding guidance.
Just Food for Cats offers one recipe for cats: Chicken and Fish. While the selection is limited, we like that the most nutritious parts of the chicken are used, including the thighs, hearts, and livers. Pacific cod and sardines add to the palatability and are also a good source of omega fatty acids for skin and joint health.
What to look for in cat food
When shopping for the best cat food, there are some key criteria to keep in mind.
An AAFCO nutritional adequacy statement: The most basic measure of nutritionally complete and balanced cat food is an AAFCO statement on the label. The AAFCO is a nonprofit organization that defines the standard nutritional requirements for pet food and animal feed. A cat food with an AAFCO statement is guaranteed to be complete and balanced for cats at specific life stages. The AAFCO designates the stages according to the following criteria.
- Growth and reproduction: Foods that carry this designation are for kittens under 1 year old and pregnant or nursing cats. These formulas are high in protein (30% minimum) and fat (9% minimum) to support rapid growth. They also contain more vitamin A, calcium, and phosphorus than adult maintenance foods.
- Maintenance: Maintenance foods are formulated for adult cats. They are lower in protein (26% minimum) and fat (9% minimum) than kitten foods.
- All-life stages: You can feed these foods to kittens and adult cats because the formulas meet the higher nutritional demands of kittens.
While many senior cats benefit from specialized nutrition, the AAFCO does not recognize "senior" as a distinct life stage. Senior cat foods typically meet the nutritional recommendations for maintenance. For senior cats without weight management or those experiencing muscle loss, an all-life-stages formula, which meets the higher nutritional requirements of kittens, may be beneficial.
Look for one of three AAFCO statements on the label of cat food to ensure that it is nutritionally complete and balanced.
- "[Product] is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Cat Food Nutrient Profiles." This statement confirms that the food's minimum nutrient profile has been verified via a third-party laboratory analysis.
- "Animal feeding tests using AAFCO procedures substantiate that [product] provides complete and balanced nutrition." Instead of submitting a food for laboratory analysis, a company may test food through controlled feeding trials. Keep in mind that these trials are imperfect; the AAFCO requires eight healthy cats to consume the food for six months. At the end of the trial, at least 75% of the participating cats must meet four blood test parameters and must not have lost more than 15% of their original body weight.
- "[Product] provides complete and balanced nutrition and is comparable in nutritional adequacy to a product which has been substantiated using AAFCO feeding tests." A cat food manufacturer whose family of products has already met the AAFCO's feeding trials criteria may carry this statement for recipes that were not directly tested.
Almost all commercially made cat foods exceed the minimum standards set by the AAFCO, 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. The manufacturer must conduct a third-party laboratory analysis or feeding trials using AAFCO protocols to determine whether a product meets the minimum standards. A cat food without an AAFCO complete and balanced statement for an individual cat's life stage should never be fed as the cat's primary food.
Guaranteed analysis: The guaranteed analysis on a pet food label shows the percentages of protein, fat, and other important nutrients in a food. If you're looking to compare wet food to kibble, you'll find the guaranteed analysis of wet food doesn't give you the complete picture of how much of these vital nutrients are present. That's because the two types of food have vastly different moisture contents (around 75% to 78% in wet food and 10% to 12% in dry food).
The percentages of fat, protein, and fiber in wet food must be converted to "dry matter basis." To find the dry matter basis, use these directions from the Cummings Veterinary Medical Center at Tufts University, call the food manufacturer, or ask your veterinarian for help.
Calories: A cat food's calorie content should be clearly listed on its packaging. The calorie content of cat food is listed in kilocalories (kcal). According to WSAVA, the average cat weighing between 8 and 10 pounds should consume between 230 and 270 kcal daily.
"The most common mistake that pet parents make, leading to overweight or obese cats, is feeding too many calories," says Dr. Nell Ostermeier, a veterinarian and veterinary spokesperson at Figo Pet Insurance. You can calculate your cat's daily calorie needs based on your cat's weight, or consult your vet for a personalized plan. "Leave a little extra room for about 5% to 10% of their calorie intake to come from treats," Ostermeier adds. Our guide to the best cat treats is a great starting point for finding low-calorie options to please your cat.
Brand reputation: By carefully reviewing the WSAVA Global Nutritional Guidelines, you can distinguish trustworthy brands from those that may fall short. We prioritize brands that align with these standards, considering their expert formulation, research initiatives, quality control measures, and recall history.
Selecting pet food manufacturers that employ at least one full-time board-certified veterinary nutritionist or an animal nutrition expert with a master's or doctorate degree can help ensure the highest quality standards. "Pet food production requires a thorough knowledge of pet nutrition, pet food ingredients, processing methods and their effect on nutrients, plus a good understanding of physiology, chemistry, mathematics, microbiology, and biochemistry," Okada says.
It's also important to consider a manufacturer's quality control measures and the types of facilities where they produce food. Parker says this information should be easily accessible on a pet food company's website. If not, you should be able to call the company and get quick answers.
Some smaller pet food companies produce their food in facilities used by larger, more established manufacturers. This is a reliable way to ensure food quality and safety, says Dr. Yuki Okada, a veterinary nutritionist at Seven Hills Veterinary Hospital. When in doubt, select a larger manufacturer with a long history of making pet food. "If a problem arises, it will likely be discovered sooner if the product is widely distributed," Okada says.
Ingredients: The ingredients on a pet food label are listed in order of weight. Proteins in the form of whole meat or meat meal should come first on the ingredients list. Beyond that, you can look for healthy extras that may benefit your cat's specific needs, such as L-carnitine for weight loss, fish oil for joint health, or high-fiber foods that will keep your cat feeling full.
Special formulations: Cats with specific needs, like sensitive stomachs, age-related issues, weight management, or hairballs, might benefit from specialized diets. However, you should always check with your veterinarian before changing your cat's food.
Underlying health conditions like kidney disease, allergies, or cancer often require close veterinary coordination. For instance, Swanson says cats with low-functioning kidneys require lower protein diets. The less protein a cat with kidney problems has, the less likely it will be to build up waste products in the blood that make them sick.
Beware of marketing and pet food myths: Focus on a cat food's complete and balanced nutritional profile rather than individual ingredients or marketing claims. Terms like "flavor," "premium," "gourmet," and even "natural" can be misleading.
For example, a "tuna-flavored" cat food does not have to contain tuna. The flavor may come from a broth, byproduct, or meal. While "no artificial flavors" suggests a more natural cat food, these additives are rarely found in cat food. "Premium," "gourmet," and "grain-free" foods do not necessarily contain higher-quality ingredients and are not required to meet higher nutritional standards. Ultimately, the nutritional content is the most important factor.
How we selected the best cat food
Our recommendations for the best cat food are based on over four years of research and testing. We've consulted with more than a dozen veterinary experts, including board-certified nutritionists and doctorates in animal nutrition who teach at accredited veterinary colleges. Our recommendations align with the key factors highlighted in this guide.
Cat food FAQs
Is dry or wet food better for cats?
Whether to feed your cat wet or dry food, or a combination of both, should be based on a cat's preferences and a guardian's budget. Neither dry nor wet food offers specific health benefits, Parker says. While both options provide complete nutrition for healthy cats, wet food requires refrigeration after opening and has a shorter shelf life than dry food. On the other hand, dry food tends to be more calorically dense and can easily lead to overfeeding and weight gain if not proportioned appropriately.
Which dry cat food is best for cats?
Determining the best dry food is highly individual. Factors like age, health conditions, and personal preferences should be considered when choosing a food for your cat.
What wet cat food do vets recommend?
Veterinarians recommend wet cat foods that meet the AAFCO nutritional standards for your cat's life stage. If your cat enjoys a particular food and shows signs of good health, such as good energy, a healthy coat, and no signs of illness, it's likely meeting their nutritional needs.
How much should I feed my cat?
Feeding a cat just the right amount depends on many factors, including age, size, overall health, activity level, and reproductive status. Highly active cats need to eat more to sustain their energy, while sedentary cats may need to eat less to avoid weight gain. Pregnant female cats require more food to meet the demands of pregnancy, while their spayed counterparts do not need to eat as much. The WSAVA has a helpful chart for determining how many calories a cat should eat according to weight. This chart provides only general recommendations, so consult your veterinarian to discuss your cat's needs.
How often should I feed my cat?
The feeding frequency depends on factors such as age, lifestyle, and overall health. For example, kittens do best with eating small meals throughout the day, while adult cats are usually OK with eating just twice a day. Free-choice feeding, in which food is left out all day, is convenient if you are not home for most of the day. However, this feeding method puts cats at risk of overeating and gaining excess weight. Providing meals at specific times of day and in specific amounts will help control your cat's food intake and prevent overeating. Your veterinarian can help you develop an ideal feeding plan for your cat.
Do cats need grain-free food?
No. Despite marketing claims, grain-free food has not been proven nutritionally superior to foods containing grains. A cat's digestive system is not designed to digest a large amount of carbohydrates, but cats do well eating foods that contain carbohydrate sources of grains, such as corn, oats, and wheat. These can be sources of essential nutrients like fiber and various vitamins and minerals. A grain-free food would be recommended for cats with grain and gluten allergies, but these allergies are exceedingly rare in cats. In recent years, the FDA has been investigating a potential link between grain-free dog foods and the development of a heart condition called non-hereditary dilated cardiomyopathy. However, this link has not been identified in cats eating grain-free foods.
Is raw food good for cats?
Raw meat diets have gained popularity in the pet food world. However, the risks of diets that contain raw meats outweigh any potential health benefits. Raw meat can contain disease-causing bacteria, such as E. coli, Listeria, and Salmonella, which can sicken cats and their owners if the meat is not handled correctly or prepared. Also, there is no nutritional benefit to feeding raw meat to cats. Any cat food with raw meat should be avoided.
Best wet food for adult catsWe recommend AAFCO complete and balanced wet cat food from Instinct, Merrick, and Wellness.
Chewy/Business Insider
Any cat food should have an AAFCO nutritional adequacy statement on its label. This statement tells you that 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.
You'll find that the best wet cat foods are costlier than most dry food. In terms of nutrition, they stand out from kibble in a few ways. Wet foods contain significantly more moisture, typically 75% to 78%, versus 10% to 12% in dry food. Because of that moisture content, the 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.
Keep in mind that 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.
Wellness Gravies Salmon Entree
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
Merrick Purrfect Bistro Chicken Recipe Pate
Meat protein sources: Deboned chicken, chicken liver, chicken broth, dried egg product
Other standout ingredients: Menhaden fish oil
Feeding trials: No
Nutrition breakdown: 50.1% protein, 36.2% fat, 0.3% fiber
Calorie count: 101 kcal/3-ounce can
Instinct Original Grain-Free Pate Real Salmon Recipe
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
Best budget wet foodFor budget-friendly wet cat food, we recommend Purina, Natural Balance, and Blue Buffalo.
Purina; Natural Balance Pet Foods; Blue Buffalo Company; Robyn Phelps/Business Insider
Wet cat food doesn't have to cost a premium to be nutritionally complete and balanced. Our budget picks for the best cat foods 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 Kelly Swanson, professor of animal and nutritional sciences at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. 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 a cat feel full for longer while providing additional hydration. Whether your cat prefers to eat only wet food or you feed it as part of a diet mixed with dry food, these recipes are a reliable option.
Natural Balance Original Ultra Chicken and Liver Pate Formula
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
Purina Pro Plan Complete Essentials White Meat Chicken and Vegetables Entree
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
Blue Buffalo Tastefuls Chicken Entree in Savory Sauce
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
Best dry food for adult catsWellness, Purina, and Merrick make premium dry food with nutritious ingredients.
Chewy; Insider
Dry food is the most affordable way to keep a cat satiated. 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 comes 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 Swanson. 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 foods include whole meats and fish and exceed the AAFCO minimums for protein and fat.
Wellness Complete Health Salmon and Salmon Meal Recipe
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
Purina Beyond Simply Grain-Free White Meat Chicken and Egg Recipe
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
Merrick Purrfect Bistro Real Chicken and Brown Rice Recipe
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
Best budget dry foodAffordable dry food from brands like Nutro, Blue Buffalo, and Rachael Ray Nutrish are some of the best cat food options.
Chewy; Insider
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 pricier kibble.
Not only do the budget-friendly 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 protein, fat, and fiber percentages in our picks are also on par with more expensive brands.
Blue Buffalo Tastefuls Adult Indoor Cat Salmon and Brown Rice Recipe
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
Nutro Wholesome Essentials Adult Salmon and Brown Rice Recipe
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
Rachael Ray Nutrish Indoor Complete Chicken, Lentils, and Salmon Recipe
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
Best for indoor catsNatural Balance, Purina, and Royal Canin make dry and wet food for indoor cats.
Chewy; Purina; Insider
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. As a result, they may have a greater risk of becoming overweight or obese, 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. These foods often contain specific fiber to aid digestion and help cats feel full longer, including cellulose and beet pulp.
Even if your cat has a healthy weight, paying attention to the total calories per cup you feed them is important. Always follow the feeding guidelines on the packaging for your kitty's ideal weight, and 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.
Our picks for the best cat food for indoor cats are lower in calories and contain beneficial fiber.
Natural Balance Original Ultra Platefulls Turkey, Salmon, and Chicken Recipe
Meat and fish protein sources: Turkey broth, turkey, salmon, chicken, chicken liver, dried egg whites
Other standout ingredients: Salmon oil, dried plain beet pulp
Feeding trials: No
Nutrition breakdown: 42.3% protein, 26.1% fat, 1.8% fiber
Calorie count: 80 kcal/3-ounce pouch
Purina One +Plus Indoor Advantage With Turkey
Meat protein sources: Turkey, chicken byproduct meal
Other standout ingredients: Powdered cellulose
Feeding trials: No
Nutrition breakdown: 37% protein, 9% fat, 5.2% fiber
Calorie count: 372 kcal/cup
Royal Canin Indoor Adult Cats Morsels in Gravy
Meat protein sources: Chicken byproducts, pork byproducts, chicken liver, pork liver, salmon, pork plasma, pork digest
Other standout ingredients: Powdered cellulose, fish oil, L-carnitine
Feeding trials: No
Nutrition breakdown: 52.47% protein, 20.24% fat, 3.28% fiber
Calorie count: 65 kcal/3-ounce can
Best dry food for kittensThese kitten foods from Wellness, Hill's, and Iams contain extra nutrients such as vitamin A, calcium, and phosphorus.
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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, introducing young cats to different types of the best kitten foods may prevent them from being picky eaters in adulthood. Cats can also benefit from being fed from 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.
Hill's Science Diet Kitten Chicken Recipe
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
Iams ProActive Health Healthy Kitten
Meat protein sources: Chicken, chicken byproduct meal, chicken fat, dried egg product
Other standout ingredients: Ground whole grain corn, ground sorghum, fish oil
Feeding trials: No
Nutrition breakdown: 33% protein, 21% fat, 3% fiber
Calorie count: 484 kcal/cup
Wellness Complete Health Kitten Chicken and Chicken Meal Recipe
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
Best wet food for kittensPurina, Wellness, and Natural Balance make some of the best wet kitten food formulas.
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Kittens can do equally well eating dry or canned food as long as the food meets the AAFCO requirements for growth. However, wet food can be especially beneficial for kittens just starting their solid foods 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 kibble. The moisture also helps kittens stay well hydrated and can lower their risk for urinary tract diseases.
As with wet food for adult cats, wet kitten food is pricier than dry food and spoils more quickly.
Wellness Complete Health Kitten Pate Chicken Entree
Meat protein sources: Chicken, chicken liver, chicken broth
Other standout ingredients: Carrots, cranberries, ground flaxseed, menhaden fish oil
Feeding trials: No
Nutrition breakdown: 46.7% protein, 37.2% fat, 1% fiber
Calorie count: 105 kcal/3-ounce can
Purina Pro Plan Kitten Salmon and Ocean Fish Entree
Meat protein sources: Salmon, ocean fish, liver, chicken
Other standout ingredients: Rice
Feeding trials: Yes
Nutrition breakdown: 54.5% protein, 31.7% protein, 0.5% fiber
Calorie count: 101 kcal/3-ounce can
Natural Balance Original Ultra for Kittens Chicken Formula
Meat protein sources: Chicken, chicken broth, chicken liver, dried egg product
Other standout ingredients: Salmon oil, flaxseed, cranberries
Feeding trials: Yes
Nutrition breakdown: 40% protein, 38.6% fat, 2.3% fiber
Calorie count: 110 kcal/3-ounce can
Best dry food for seniorsThese senior cat foods from Hill's, Nutro, and Purina include healthy extras like omega fatty acids.
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Once a cat hits 7 years of age, they start to show signs of aging. At around 12 years old, they enter their senior years. Senior cats have the same minimum AAFCO nutritional requirements as younger adult cats, but decreased activity can cause them to pack on the pounds. And the more overweight a cat becomes, the more likely they are to develop conditions such as diabetes, liver disease, arthritis, and pancreatitis.
You can help your senior cat maintain a healthy body weight by closely controlling their portion sizes or switching them to a senior diet lower in calories than typical adult foods. Just be sure to check the calorie content because some senior foods actually have more calories and may still require portion control.
Our picks for the best senior cat foods have omega-3 fatty acids and other nutrients that aren't required in regular adult cat foods. These ingredients help reduce inflammation, improve cognitive function, and support the immune system. As long as the senior food is labeled AAFCO complete and balanced, it will contain the vitamins and minerals an older cat requires without needing additional supplements.
Different cats have different needs as they age, so consult your veterinarian before switching them to a senior diet or determining whether additional supplements are required.
Nutro Wholesome Essentials Senior Chicken and Brown Rice Recipe
Meat protein sources: Chicken, chicken meal, chicken fat
Other standout ingredients: Dried beet pulp, fish oil, vitamin E supplement
Feeding trials: No
Nutrition breakdown: 36% protein, 17% fat, 6% fiber
Calorie count: 386 kcal/cup
Purina Pro Plan Prime Plus Salmon and Rice Formula
Meat protein sources: Salmon, poultry byproduct meal, beef fat, fish meal, dried egg product
Other standout ingredients: Rice, cassava root flour, soybean meal, fish oil
Feeding trials: Yes
Nutrition breakdown: 38% protein, 17% fat, 2.5% fiber
Calorie count: 603 kcal/cup
Hill's Science Diet Adult 11+ Chicken Recipe
Meat protein sources: Chicken, chicken fat, egg product
Other standout ingredients: Whole grain wheat, brewers rice, flaxseed, fish oil
Feeding trials: No
Nutrition breakdown: 32.7% protein, 22.5% fat, 3.7% fiber
Calorie count: 510 kcal/cup
Best wet food for seniorsThese wet foods from Royal Canin, Hill's, and Wellness are nutritionally balanced for senior cats.
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Senior cats can have their nutritional needs met with either wet or dry food as long as the food meets the AAFCO nutrient requirements for maintenance. Like senior dry foods, wet foods for senior cats contain added ingredients, such as fish oil, to help maintain good overall health and cognitive function.
Wet food provides a few other benefits for senior cats. Its soft, moist texture is ideal for cats with periodontal disease, a painful and uncomfortable disease of the teeth, and teeth-supporting structures like the gums that can make eating difficult. The high moisture content in wet food benefits senior cats with chronic kidney disease; the water in the food helps to support kidney health and manage symptoms of chronic kidney disease. Wet food's high moisture content also promotes good digestion, helping senior cats whose digestive systems may not work too well.
If your senior cat is a longtime fan of dry food, transitioning them to wet food may take some time. Rather than switching to all wet food, consider adding wet food as a tasty topping to your cat's dry food to provide additional moisture and taste.
Royal Canin Aging 12+ Loaf in Sauce
Meat protein sources: Pork byproducts, pork liver, chicken, chicken liver
Other standout ingredients: Fish oil, glucosamine, chondroitin
Feeding trials: Yes
Nutrition breakdown: 51% protein, 19% fat, 6% fiber
Calorie count: 71 kcal/3-ounce can
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Savory Chicken Entree
Meat protein sources: Chicken, turkey giblets, pork byproducts, pork liver
Other standout ingredients: Fish oil, rice, soybean meal
Feeding trials: No
Nutrition breakdown: 39% protein, 24% fat, 3% fiber
Calorie count: 90 kcal/2.9-ounce can
Wellness Complete Health 7+ Age Advantage Tuna and Salmon Entree
Meat protein sources: Tuna, salmon broth, chicken liver, chicken, salmon
Other standout ingredients: Peas, beet pulp, flaxseed
Feeding trials: No
Nutrition breakdown: 50.8% protein, 22.8% fat, 4.1% fiber
Calorie count: 98 kcal/3-ounce can
Best for sensitive stomachsIf your cat has a sensitive stomach, food from Purina, Royal Canin, and Hill's may help relieve gastrointestinal upset.
Royal Canin; Purina; Chewy; Insider
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, the best cat food for a sensitive stomach may provide relief.
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. Saker also recommends looking for foods with lower fiber content and easily digestible complex carbohydrates, like whole wheat, corn, or white potatoes.
In addition, sensitive stomach formulas may contain omega fatty acids to reduce inflammation and prebiotics and probiotics to support digestion.
Royal Canin Digest Sensitive Thin Slices in Gravy
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
Purina One +Plus Sensitive Skin and Stomach
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
Hill's Science Diet Sensitive Stomach and Skin Adult 1-6 Salmon and Yellow Peas Recipe
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
Best for hairball controlThe best hairball control foods include recipes from Iams, Hill's, and Purina.
Hill's; Iams; Chewy
When cats groom themselves, they usually end up swallowing loose hairs. Sometimes, these hairs can pass through their digestive tract without issue. Other times, they clump into hairballs. Coughing up a hairball once every week or two is normal for most cats. But some hairballs may grow too large and get trapped in a cat's digestive tract, where it could cause a dangerous blockage.
For cats with a hard time managing the fallout of their luscious fur, a food formulated for hairball control may help. Although these foods won't stop your cat from licking themselves or swallowing hair, Saker says they often contain more insoluble fiber, which might help prevent loose hairs from getting stuck in the digestive tract. Insoluble fiber doesn't dissolve in the digestive tract, meaning that it might "pull along" hairs on its way out. Common sources of insoluble fiber include wheat bran, psyllium husks, cellulose, rice hull, and pea fiber.
Beyond the best cat foods for hairballs, brushing your cat regularly and talking to your veterinarian about the best hairball remedies for cats.
Iams ProActive Health Indoor Weight and Hairball Care With Chicken and Turkey
Meat protein sources: Chicken, chicken byproduct meal, turkey
Other standout ingredients: Corn grits, ground whole grain corn, ground whole grain sorghum, dried egg product
Feeding trials: No
Nutrition breakdown: 30% protein, 13.5% fat, 8.3% fiber
Calorie count: 342 kcal/cup
Purina One Indoor and Hairball Ocean Whitefish and Rice Recipe
Meat and fish protein sources: Ocean whitefish, fish broth, chicken, liver, pork lungs
Other standout ingredients: Powdered cellulose
Feeding trials: Yes
Nutrition breakdown: 45.6% Protein, 22.2% fat, 9.7% fiber
Calories: 77 kcal/3-ounce can
Hill's Science Diet Urinary Hairball Control Savory Chicken Entree
Meat and fish protein sources: Chicken, turkey liver, pork byproducts, pork liver, turkey heart, fish meal
Other standout ingredients: Powdered cellulose, fish oil
Feeding trials: No
Nutrition breakdown: 36.3% protein, 21.1% fat, 9.2% fiber
Calorie count: 84 kcal/2.9-ounce can
Best limited ingredientWe recommend limited ingredient cat foods from Blue Buffalo, Merrick, and Go! Solutions.
Chewy
Limited ingredient diets (LID) may be recommended for cats with gastrointestinal or dermatological issues likely caused by an adverse reaction or allergy to ingredients commonly found in cat food. Veterinarians often use LID foods to perform food elimination trials to pinpoint the source of a cat's food sensitivity.
When it comes to healthy adult cats, there is no advantage to feeding an LID formula, according to Dr. Yuki Okada, a veterinarian at Veterinary Nutrition Specialty Service. These recipes were historically formulated with uncommon ingredients and novel proteins like wild game. However, including these ingredients in regular cat food has made it more challenging to identify appropriate foods for a cat in need of an LID. To make it more likely that an LID will work for a cat who develops allergies or food reactions later in life, Okada says that healthy adult cats should stick to regular cat food formulas that are complete and balanced.
Merrick Limited Ingredient Diet Grain-Free Chicken Recipe
Meat protein sources: Chicken, chicken liver
Other standout ingredients: Organic alfalfa meal, flaxseed oil, yucca extract, pea protein
Feeding trials: No
Nutrition breakdown: 36.4% protein, 27.7% fat, 6.4% fiber
Calorie count: 148 kcal/5-ounce can
Blue Buffalo Basics Limited Ingredient Grain-Free Whitefish and Potato Recipe
Fish protein sources: Deboned whitefish, Menhaden fish meal
Other standout ingredients: Pea protein, potatoes, flaxseed, blueberries, cranberries, fish oil
Feeding trials: No
Nutrition breakdown: 30% protein, 14% fat, 6% fiber
Calorie count: 402 kcal/cup
Go! Solutions Sensitivities Limited Ingredient Grain-Free Duck Recipe
Meat protein sources: Deboned duck, duck meal, whole dried egg
Other standout ingredients: Peas, lentils, chickpeas
Feeding trials: No
Nutrition breakdown: 27% protein, 13% fat, 3.8% fiber
Calorie count: 439 kcal/cup
What to look for in cat food
AAFCO nutritional adequacy statement: The most basic measure of a nutritionally complete cat food is an AAFCO statement on the label. The AAFCO is a nonprofit organization that defines the standard nutritional requirements for pet food and animal feed. A cat food with an AAFCO statement is guaranteed to be complete and balanced for a cat at various life stages. Read more about AAFCO standards in the next slide.
Guaranteed analysis and nutrient profiles: The guaranteed analysis consists of the percentages of protein, fat, and other important nutrients in a food. Food for adult cats who are not pregnant should have a minimum of 26% protein, 9% fat, and the presence of essential nutrients, including amino acids like taurine, fatty acids, minerals, and vitamins. There is no minimum fiber or carbohydrate requirement for adult cats who are not pregnant, and a complete and balanced food does not require added essential nutrients, says Okada.
Swanson told us that cats without adequately functioning kidneys require lower protein diets. The less protein a cat with kidney problems has, the less likely it will be to build up waste products in the blood that make them sick.
If you're looking to compare wet food to kibble, you'll find the guaranteed analysis of wet food doesn't give you the complete picture of how much of these vital nutrients are present. Read more about deciphering the guaranteed analysis for wet food in the section on How to read a cat food label.
Expert formulations: We prioritized brands with a dedicated nutrition expert on staff, which aligns with WSAVA guidelines. Both of the veterinary nutritionists we spoke to agree.
Always look for pet food manufacturers that employ at least one full-time board-certified veterinary nutritionist or an animal nutrition expert with a master's or doctorate degree.
Brands that formulate their products with the guidance of a veterinary nutritionist who is not on staff may be unable to ensure the highest quality standards.
"Pet food production requires a thorough knowledge of pet nutrition, pet food ingredients, processing methods and their effect on nutrients, plus a good understanding of physiology, chemistry, mathematics, microbiology and biochemistry," says Okada. "My greatest concerns are for very small companies that may have the best of intentions but very limited experience and technical knowledge."
Ingredients list: The ingredients on a pet food label are listed in order of weight. Proteins in the form of whole meat or meat meal should come first on the ingredients list. Don't get too hung up on the order of the ingredients that come next.
Manufacturing standards: When selecting a cat food brand, it's important to consider a manufacturer's quality control measures and the types of facilities where they produce food. Parker says this information should be easily accessible on a pet food company's website. If not, you should be able to call the company and get quick answers.
Some smaller pet food companies produce their food in facilities used by larger, more established manufacturers. Okada says this is a reliable way to ensure food quality and safety. When in doubt, select a larger manufacturer with a long history of making pet food. "If a problem arises, it will likely be discovered sooner if the product is widely distributed," says Okada.
Calorie content: The calorie content of cat food is listed in kilocalories (kcals). According to WSAVA, the average cat weighing 8 and 10 pounds should consume between 230 and 270 kcals/day. A cat food's calorie content should be clearly listed on its packaging.
How we selected the best cat foods
We consulted two veterinary nutritionists and an animal and nutritional sciences professor to select the best cat foods for this guide. None of our experts recommended specific brands or endorsed any of the products in this, but they helped us understand what makes a high-quality cat food and what to avoid.
Our experts include Dr. Valerie J. Parker, associate professor in the Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, The Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio; Dr. Yuki Okada, a veterinarian at Veterinary Nutrition Specialty Service in San Rafael, California; and Kelly Swanson, professor of animal and nutritional sciences at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign College.
Cat food FAQs
How much food does a cat need per day?
Feeding a cat just the right amount depends on many factors, including age, size, overall health, activity level, and reproductive status. Highly active cats need to eat more to sustain their energy, while sedentary cats may need to eat less to avoid weight gain. Pregnant female cats require more food to meet the demands of pregnancy, while their spayed counterparts do not need to eat as much. The WSAVA has a helpful chart for determining how many calories a cat should eat according to weight. This chart provides only general recommendations, so you should consult your veterinarian to discuss your cat's needs.
Do cats need to eat wet food?
Cats can have their nutritional needs met with either wet or dry food. Most important is that the food meets the minimum AAFCO nutrient requirements for a cat's life stage (growth and reproduction, adult maintenance). That being said, wet food can be beneficial for cats. Its high moisture content makes it easy for cats to stay well hydrated. Wet food also has a soft texture, ideal for recently weaned kittens and older cats with dental disease. Wet foods are often packed with flavor, which can entice even the pickiest of eaters.
How often should I feed my cat?
The feeding frequency depends on factors such as age, lifestyle, and overall health. For example, kittens do best with eating small meals throughout the day, while adult cats are usually OK with eating just twice a day. Free-choice feeding, in which food is left out all day, is convenient if you are not home for most of the day. However, this feeding method puts cats at risk of overeating and gaining excess weight. Providing meals at specific times of day and in specific amounts will help control your cat's food intake and prevent overeating. Your veterinarian can help you develop an ideal feeding plan for your cat.
Do cats need grain-free food?
No. Despite marketing claims, grain-free food has not been proven nutritionally superior to foods containing grains. A cat's digestive system is not designed to digest a large amount of carbohydrates, but cats do well eating foods that contain carbohydrate sources of grains, such as corn, oats, and wheat. These can be sources of essential nutrients like fiber and various vitamins and minerals. A grain-free food would be recommended for cats with grain and gluten allergies, but these allergies are exceedingly rare in cats. In recent years, the FDA has been investigating a potential link between grain-free dog foods and the development of a heart condition called non-hereditary dilated cardiomyopathy. However, this link has not been identified in cats eating grain-free foods.
Is raw food good for cats?
Raw meat diets have gained popularity in the pet food world. However, the risks of diets that contain raw meats outweigh any potential health benefits. Raw meat can contain disease-causing bacteria, such as E. coli, Listeria, and Salmonella, which can sicken cats and their owners if the meat is not handled correctly or prepared. Also, there is no nutritional benefit to feeding raw meat to cats. Any cat food with raw meat should be avoided.
How to read a cat food label
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To really understand what is in your cat's food and compare one brand to another, you'll need to navigate its nutritional content.
Calorie content statement: The calorie content of cat food is listed in kilocalories (kcals). A cat food's calorie content should be listed on its packaging.
Guaranteed analysis: The guaranteed analysis on a cat food label is not straightforward, especially if you're attempting to compare the nutrients in wet food to those in dry food. Because the two types of food have vastly different moisture contents (around 75% to 78% in wet food and 10% to 12% in dry food), the percentages of fat, protein, and fiber in wet food must be converted to "dry matter basis." To find the dry matter basis, use these directions from the Cummings Veterinary Medical Center at Tufts University, call the food manufacturer, or ask your veterinarian for help.
AAFCO complete and balanced statement: To ensure that cat food is nutritionally complete and balanced, it must contain one of three AAFCO statements on its label.
1. The first AAFCO statement confirms that the food's minimum nutrient profile has been verified via a third-party laboratory analysis. It reads: [Product] is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Cat Food Nutrient Profiles.
2. A company may test food through controlled feeding trials instead of submitting it for laboratory analysis. These trials are imperfect — the AAFCO requires eight healthy cats to consume the food for six months. At the end of the trial, at least 75% of the participating cats must meet four blood test parameters and must not have lost more than 15% of their original body weight. This statement reads: Animal feeding tests using AAFCO procedures substantiate that [product] provides complete and balanced nutrition.
3. A cat food manufacturer whose family of products has already met AAFCO's feeding trials criteria may carry an AAFCO statement for recipes that were not directly tested. That statement reads: [Product] provides complete and balanced nutrition and is comparable in nutritional adequacy to a product which has been substantiated using AAFCO feeding tests.
Other keywords to look for: The AAFCO has rules around how products can be marketed. If a single ingredient makes up 25% to 94% of a food's dry matter, it must be called a "dinner," "entree," "formula," or "recipe." If a single ingredient makes up 95% or more of the dry matter, it can be labeled as "Tuna Cat Food," "Chicken Cat Food," or another meat-first name.
If the word "flavor" appears on a cat food label, do not assume that it contains the actual ingredient associated with the flavor. A "tuna-flavored cat food," for example, does not have to contain tuna. The flavor may come from a broth, byproduct, or meal.
Some cat food labels include the phrase "No artificial flavors," but don't be concerned about labels that do not. We rarely see artificial flavors in cat foods.
"Premium" and "gourmet" are purely marketing terms. Foods labeled this way do not necessarily contain higher-quality ingredients and are not required to meet higher nutritional standards.
"Natural" refers to cat food that does not contain artificial flavors or preservatives unless they come from AAFCO-approved sources.
What are AAFCO standards?
Since its establishment in 1906, the nonprofit Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) has set nutritional guidelines for pet food in the United States. AAFCO is not a regulatory agency, but the regulatory FDA is an AAFCO member with a non-voting advisory role. AAFCO does not test, approve, or certify pet food brands. Instead, it defines the ingredient, labeling, and testing standards that establish whether a pet food is nutritionally complete for animals at different life stages.
A cat food that meets AAFCO's minimum standards is considered complete and balanced at one of two life stages: growth and reproduction, which includes kittens and pregnant or lactating females, or adult maintenance, which is intended for cats over a year of age.
To meet the minimum AAFCO standard, adult cat food must contain at least 26% protein, 9% fat, and essential nutrients, vitamins, and minerals. Food for kittens up to a year of age and pregnant or lactating adults must have a minimum of 30% protein, 9% fat, and higher levels of vitamin A, calcium, and phosphorus than adult maintenance foods.
Parker says that almost all commercially made cat foods exceed the minimum standards set by the AAFCO. The manufacturer must conduct a third-party laboratory analysis or feeding trials using AAFCO protocols to determine whether a product meets the minimum standards. A cat food without an AAFCO complete and balanced statement for an individual cat's life stage should never be fed as the cat's primary food.
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