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Kirsten McCarthy / Cats.com
Whether wet, dry, raw, or freshly cooked, the best cat food honors your cat’s needs as an obligate carnivore. It’s rich in animal-sourced protein, has the right amount of fatty acids, and doesn’t spike your cat’s blood sugar with excessive carbohydrates.
After researching feline nutrition and reviewing all kinds of cat foods, we learned which brands and products are worthy of your cat’s bowl—and which ones aren’t.
With taste, nutrition, and quality ingredients always top of mind, here are 10 of the best cat foods you can feel good about feeding your cat.
At a Glance: Best Cat Food to Buy in 2024
2760
hours of
research
230
brands
vetted
10
features
reviewed
10
top
picks
Overall Best
10.0
Picked by 2 people today!
Smalls Ground Bird Fresh Cat Food
- Fresh food made with human-grade ingredients
- Single source of high-quality animal protein
- Very low in carbohydrates
Get 35% OffENTER "CATS35" TO GET 35% OFF YOUR FIRST ORDER
Best Dry Food
9.8
Picked by 4 people today!
Open Farm RawMix Open Prairie Recipe
- Open Farm offers superior transparency compared to other brands
- Rich in animal-derived protein
- Seems to be made from high-quality ingredients
Get 20% OffENTER "CATS20" TO GET 20% OFF YOUR FIRST AUTO-SHIP ORDER
Budget Pick
9.8
Picked by 2 people today!
Dave’s Pet Food Naturally Healthy Grain-Free Turkey Formula Canned Food
- Affordably priced under $0.30/ounce in 12.5-ounce cans
- Rich in animal-sourced protein from chicken and turkey
- Flavorful source of hydrating moisture for cats
Premium Pick
9.6
Picked by 31 people today!
RAWZ 96% Turkey & Turkey Liver Paté
- Made with a single source of animal protein
- Negligible carbohydrate content
- Rich in moisture and animal-sourced fat
Best Raw
9.5
Picked by 31 people today!
Open Farm Freeze-Dried Raw Cat Food
- Gently freeze-dried
- Grain-free, legume-free
- 100% traceable ingredients
Get 20% OffENTER "CATS20" TO GET 20% OFF YOUR FIRST AUTO-SHIP ORDER
Best for Picky Eaters
9.5
Picked by 31 people today!
Caru Classic Turkey Stew Grain-Free Wet Cat Food
- Made with a single source of animal protein
- Rich in hydrating moisture
- Cats seem to like the flavor and texture
Best for Sensitive Stomachs
9.4
Picked by 31 people today!
Stella & Chewy’s Tummy Ticklin’ Turkey Dinner Morsels Freeze-Dried Raw Cat Food
- No grains, gluten, fillers, artificial preservatives, or colorings
- Very low carbohydrate content
- Easily digestible with a limited list of ingredients
Best for Weight Loss
9.4
Picked by 1 people today!
Tiki Cat Succulent Chicken Recipe in Chicken Consommé
- Rich in nourishing animal protein
- High moisture content helps to flush the urinary tract
- Low ash shouldn’t contribute to crystal formation
Check Price
Best for Seniors
9.4
Picked by 1 people today!
Weruva Truluxe Steak Frites
- Offers a blend of vitamins, minerals, and taurine: essential for your older kitty’s vision and heart health
- Made with grass-fed beef
- 100% grain-free
Best For Kittens
9.4
Picked by 1 people today!
Wellness CORE Kitten Classic Paté
- Ultra-soft pâté texture is easy for kittens to eat
- Rich in protein and calories
- Hydrating canned food
Check Price
Top Picks Explained
Why Trust Cats.com
Over the past four years, I’ve tested hundreds of cat products including dozens of cat food brands. Informed by my personal experience and countless hours of research on feline nutrition, I selected the best cat foods on the market to test at home with my two cats, Wessie and Forest.
In choosing products to test, I prioritized meat-centric formulas for cats in various life stages with different needs and preferences. All products were purchased at full retail price and evaluated in-depth. My cats provided input on the foods’ flavor and general appeal while I analyzed the product information to determine its nutritional adequacy. I also researched the brands to assess their trustworthiness and rate of customer satisfaction.
Our team of veterinary experts provides additional informative support as well as their professional opinion on what makes a great cat food product. Here’s the full methodology behind our cat food ratings.
Our Veterinary Advisors:
- Dr. Sarah Wooten, DVM, CVJ
- Dr. Chris Vanderhoof, DVM, MPH
- Dr. Sarah Reidenbach, DVM
- Dr. Chyrle Bonk, DVM
- Dr. Jamie Whittenburg, DVM
- Dr. Albert Ahn, DVM
- Dr. Elizabeth Youens, DVM
The Best Cat Food on the Market: Our Top 10 Picks
At the top of the list is Smalls Cat Food. It’s hard to beat this wet food’s combination of outstanding protein content, emphasis on animal-sourced ingredients, and the exclusion of additives that might harm your cat over time.
Our rankings are determined by a variety of factors, including quality of ingredients, price, and popularity, among others. Each cat will have different needs and preferences, so while Smalls is our top choice, it may not be ideal for your unique cat.
#1 Overall Best: Smalls Ground Bird Fresh Cat Food
ENTER “CATS35” TO GET 35% OFF YOUR FIRST ORDER
Read Our Full Brand Review
- Made In: United States
- Guaranteed Protein: 13% Min
- Age Range: All Life Stages
- Calories Per Ounce: 40
- Typical Cost Per Day:$4.00 per day
Smalls is a fresh cat food delivery service that uses human-grade ingredients, including premium proteins like chicken, turkey, beef, and fish. Choose from minced-style recipes or classic pâté to provide your cat with protein-rich, low-carb cat food that’s formulated for cats of all life stages.
The brand’s Fresh Ground Bird recipe features chicken and chicken liver as its top two ingredients. With green beans, kale, and dandelion greens as the only plant ingredients, this formula is very low in carbohydrates. It offers plenty of animal-sourced omega-3 fatty acids and is rich in hydrating moisture.
Though Smalls doesn’t portion out your cat’s meals for you, they do provide detailed feeding recommendations according to your cat’s calorie requirements. Each package contains about five ounces of food. Smalls cat food is delivered frozen, so you’ll need to thaw the package overnight in the fridge first before feeding.
When you place your first order, you’ll receive a sampler pack catered to your cat’s protein preferences and dietary requirements. You can adjust your meal plan, pause deliveries, or cancel your subscription through the customer portal, via email, or by text. Every Smalls subscription includes free treats for life.
Ingredients
Chicken, Chicken Liver, Green Beans, Water Sufficient for Processing, Dried Yeast, Tricalcium Phosphate, Kale, Magnesium Proteinate, Potassium Chloride, Choline Chloride, Dandelion Greens, Dried Kelp, Taurine, Zinc Proteinate, Iron Proteinate, Cod Liver Oil, Salt, Niacin Supplement, Vitamin E Supplement, Vitamin A Supplement, Copper Proteinate, Manganese Proteinate, Thiamine Mononitrate, D-Calcium Pantothenate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Riboflavin Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Folic Acid, Sodium Selenite, Biotin.
Ingredients We Liked: Chicken, Chicken Liver, Cod Liver Oil
Ingredients We Didn’t Like: None
Guaranteed Analysis
Crude Protein: 13%
Crude Fat: 8.5%
Crude Fiber: 1.5%
Moisture: 73%
Dry Matter Basis
Protein: 48.15%
Fat: 31.48%
Fiber: 5.56%
Carbs: 14.81%
Caloric Weight Basis
Protein: 34.54%
Fat: 54.84%
Carbs: 10.63%
What We Liked:
- Fresh food made with human-grade ingredients
- Single source of high-quality animal protein
- Very low in carbohydrates
- Rich source of hydrating moisture
What We Didn’t Like:
- Only available as a subscription plan
- No phone support (text and email only)
#2 Best Dry Food: Open Farm RawMix Open Prairie Recipe
ENTER “CATS20” TO GET 20% OFF YOUR FIRST AUTO-SHIP ORDERRead Our Full Brand Review
- Made In: United States
- Guaranteed Protein: 38% min
- Age Range: All Life Stages
- Calories Per Ounce: 106
- Typical Cost Per Day:$0.90 per day
Open Farm is a newer pet food brand that’s earned our respect with excellent transparency and end-to-end quality, including detailed information on ingredient sourcing, partnerships with ethical suppliers, and typical analyses available for each recipe.
What distinguishes Open Farm’s RawMix from other dry foods is its inclusion of freeze-dried raw ingredients. The line’s Grain-Free Open Prairie recipe features nutrient-packed kibble coated in a blend of bone broth and freeze-dried raw meat.
While this formula is carbohydrate-heavy, we like that it contains more animal-derived protein than other Open Farm formulas. This recipe derives its animal protein from chicken, turkey, and menhaden fish meal. Additional protein comes from chicken liver, chicken neck, and whitefish meal. This recipe is fairly low in fat, so it isn’t as calorie-dense as others on this list.
Ingredients
Chicken, Turkey, Menhaden Fish Meal, Peas, Chickpeas, Ocean Whitefish Meal, Lentils, Coconut Oil, Pumpkin, Natural Flavor, Cranberries, Apples, Sunflower Oil, Dandelion Greens, Chicken Liver, Chicken Neck, Vitamins (Niacin Supplement, Vitamin E Supplement, Vitamin A Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate, Pantothenic Acid, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Riboflavin Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Folic Acid, Biotin), Potatoes, Tapioca, Dried Chicory Root, Choline Chloride, Minerals (Zinc Proteinate, Iron Proteinate, Copper Proteinate, Manganese Proteinate, Sodium Selenite, Calcium Iodate), Organic Butternut Squash, Organic Carrots, Organic Blueberries, Turkey Gizzard, Montmorillonite Clay, Miscanthus Grass, Chicken Bone Broth, Flaxseed, Turmeric, Dried Yucca Schidigera Extract, Taurine, Organic Spinach, Organic Kale, Organic Apple Cider Vinegar, Organic Pumpkin Seeds, Organic Sunflower Seeds, Rosemary Extract
Ingredients We Liked: Chicken, Turkey, Menhaden Fish Meal, Ocean Whitefish Meal, Chicken Liver, Chicken Neck, Turkey Gizzard
Ingredients We Didn’t Like: Peas, Chickpeas, Lentils, Coconut Oil, Sunflower Oil
Guaranteed Analysis
Crude Protein: 38%
Crude Fat: 14%
Crude Fiber: 3%
Moisture: 10%
Dry Matter Basis
Protein: 42.22%
Fat: 15.56%
Fiber: 3.33%
Carbs: 38.89%
Caloric Weight Basis
Protein: 35.51%
Fat: 31.78%
Carbs: 32.71%
What We Liked:
- Open Farm offers superior transparency compared to other brands
- Rich in animal-derived protein
- Seems to be made from high-quality ingredients
What We Didn’t Like:
- Fairly pricey option
- Main sources of added fat are plant-based: coconut oil and sunflower oil
- High in carbohydrates
#3 Budget Pick: Dave’s Pet Food Naturally Healthy Grain-Free Turkey Formula Canned Food
Read Our Full Brand Review
- Made In: United States
- Guaranteed Protein: 10% Min
- Age Range: Adult
- Calories Per Ounce: 33
- Typical Cost Per Day:$1.64 per day
For an affordable option that doesn’t compromise on quality, consider moisture-rich Dave’s Pet Food. Dave’s Naturally Healthy turkey recipe is meat-based and features fresh turkey, chicken, and chicken liver. Chicken broth makes up most of the moisture in this canned food, offering a flavorful alternative to water.
While this recipe contains a few added plant ingredients, the overall carbohydrate content is still fairly low—especially compared to many budget-friendly options. It doesn’t contain any refined grains or hard-to-digest beans and legumes. Most of the food’s carbohydrate content comes from nutrient-rich sweet potatoes and carrots.
Though this recipe doesn’t contain a concentrated source of added fat, it’s still fairly energy-dense. At 33 calories per ounce, you won’t have to feed your cat uncomfortably large portions to meet their needs. This also helps keep your daily feeding costs down.
Ingredients
Turkey, Chicken Broth, Chicken Liver, Chicken, Guar Gum, Sweet Potatoes, Carrots, Agar-Agar, Potassium Chloride, Salt, Minerals (Iron Proteinate, Zinc Proteinate, Copper Proteinate, Manganese Proteinate, Sodium Selenite, Potassium Iodide), Choline Chloride, Vitamins (Vitamin E Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate, Niacin Supplement, D-Calcium Pantothenate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Riboflavin Supplement, Vitamin A Supplement, Biotin, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Folic Acid), Cranberries, Blueberries, Taurine, Dried Squash, Zucchini, Sodium Carbonate.
Ingredients We Liked: Turkey, Chicken Liver, Chicken
Ingredients We Didn’t Like: Guar Gum
Guaranteed Analysis
Crude Protein: 10%
Crude Fat: 5%
Crude Fiber: 1%
Moisture: 78%
Dry Matter Basis
Protein: 45.45%
Fat: 22.73%
Fiber: 4.55%
Carbs: 27.27%
Caloric Weight Basis
Protein: 35.53%
Fat: 43.15%
Carbs: 21.32%
What We Liked:
- Affordably priced under $0.30/ounce in 12.5-ounce cans
- Rich in animal-sourced protein from chicken and turkey
- Flavorful source of hydrating moisture for cats
- Doesn’t contain refined grains, peas, or legumes
What We Didn’t Like:
- Guar gum may contribute to loose stools in sensitive cats
#4 Premium Pick: RAWZ 96% Turkey & Turkey Liver Paté
Buy on AmazonRead Our Full Brand Review
- Made In: Thailand
- Guaranteed Protein: 11% Min
- Age Range: All Life Stages
- Calories Per Ounce: 37
- Typical Cost Per Day:$2.90 per day
RAWZ Wet Cat Food is made in a human-grade food facility, with zero meat by-products, artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives. Another factor that sets this line apart from other wet food brands is that it isn’t thickened with carrageenan (linked to intestinal inflammation) or gum thickeners like guar gum and xanthan gum (known to cause loose stools).
The RAWZ Chicken and Chicken Liver Pâté is made with 96% chicken and chicken liver. The recipe’s single protein makes RAWZ a good choice for cats with food allergies or sensitivities. And the high moisture content and short ingredient list make it easily digestible as well.
This recipe also contains fenugreek seeds and dandelion greens, but given the low carbohydrate content of the food overall, they don’t appear to contribute significantly in terms of the product’s composition.
Some cat owners may also appreciate that RAWZ donates 100% of their profits to benefit individuals who have experienced spinal cord or traumatic brain injuries. A portion of the proceeds goes toward providing these individuals with service dogs.
Ingredients
Turkey, Turkey Liver, Turkey Broth, Fenugreek Seeds, Dandelion Greens, Taurine, Natural Flavor, Potassium Chloride, Choline Chloride, Magnesium Proteinate, Zinc Proteinate, Iron Proteinate, Niacin Supplement, Vitamin E Supplement, Copper Proteinate, Sodium Selenite, Calcium Iodate, Thiamine Mononitrate, Manganese Proteinate, Vitamin A Supplement, Calcium Pantothenate, Riboflavin Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Salt, Biotin, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Folic Acid.
Ingredients We Liked: Turkey, Turkey Liver
Ingredients We Didn’t Like: None
Guaranteed Analysis
Crude Protein: 9%
Crude Fat: 8%
Crude Fiber: 1%
Moisture: 78%
Dry Matter Basis
Protein: 40.91%
Fat: 36.36%
Fiber: 4.55%
Carbs: 18.18%
Caloric Weight Basis
Protein: 27.75%
Fat: 59.91%
Carbs: 12.33%
What We Liked:
- Made with a single source of animal protein
- Negligible carbohydrate content
- Rich in moisture and animal-sourced fat
- Contains 96% turkey and turkey liver
What We Didn’t Like:
- Fairly expensive, over$3.25 per day
- Some reviewers don’t like the food’s consistency
#5 Best Raw: Open Farm Freeze-Dried Raw Cat Food
ENTER “CATS20” TO GET 20% OFF YOUR FIRST AUTO-SHIP ORDERRead Our Full Brand Review
- Made In: United States
- Guaranteed Protein: 47%
- Age Range: All Life Stages
- Calories Per Ounce: 144
- Typical Cost Per Day:$4.00 per day
Open Farm has an outstanding reputation for transparency and safety. If you want to give your cat the benefits of raw, they offer a freeze-dried line that’s prepared from high-quality ingredients and delivers on nutrition. Their Chicken and Salmon Freeze-Dried Recipe is made with free-range chicken and sustainably sourced wild salmon.
What’s more, Open Farm is refreshingly transparent with its sourcing. To get a true picture of what you’re putting in your cat’s bowl, customers can trace where each ingredient comes from on the company’s website.
During the freeze-drying process, moisture is removed, so we always recommend rehydrating with warm water.
Ingredients
Chicken with Ground Bone, Salmon, Chicken Neck, Chicken Liver, Montmorillonite Clay, Organic Dandelion Greens, Potassium Chloride, Choline Chloride, Vitamins (Niacin Supplement, Vitamin E Supplement, Vitamin A Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate, Pantothenic Acid, Riboflavin Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Folic Acid, Biotin), Salt, Taurine, Organic Cranberries, Magnesium Sulfate, Minerals, (Zinc Proteinate, Iron Proteinate, Copper Proteinate, Manganese Proteinate, Calcium Iodate, Sodium Selenite), Mixed Tocopherols (a preservative), Rosemary Extract
Ingredients We Liked: Chicken with Ground Bone, Salmon, Chicken Neck, Chicken Liver, Taurine
Ingredients We Didn’t Like: Salt
Guaranteed Analysis
Crude Protein: 47%
Crude Fat: 37%
Crude Fiber: 5%
Moisture: 5%
Dry Matter Basis
Protein: 49.47%
Fat: 38.95%
Fiber: 5.26%
Carbs: 6.32%
Caloric Weight Basis
Protein: 32.9%
Fat: 62.9%
Carbs: 4.2%
What We Liked:
- Gently freeze-dried
- Grain-free, legume-free
- 100% traceable ingredients
- Rich in animal-derived protein
- Organic fruits & vegetables are always 100% non-GMO
What We Didn’t Like:
- Low moisture content before rehydration
- Expensive
#6 Best for Picky Eaters: Caru Classic Turkey Stew Grain-Free Wet Cat Food
Read Our Full Brand Review
- Made In: United States
- Guaranteed Protein: 9% Min
- Age Range: All Life Stages
- Calories Per Ounce: 28
- Typical Cost Per Day:$3.60 per day
Cats can be finicky in their food preferences; some prefer certain types, flavors, and textures. If you’re having trouble getting your cat to eat traditional canned or dry cat foods, this stew-style recipe from Caru might pique their interest. It also doesn’t hurt that the dry matter carbohydrate content of this recipe is very low.
Caru’s grain-free Turkey Stew is made with a single source of animal protein: turkey muscle meat. The food is gently cooked in turkey bone broth for flavor and moisture, so it supports your cat’s hydration as well. That said, some reviewers comment that the food contains too much liquid and verges on soupy. When it comes to the texture of cat food, your cat has the final say.
This wet cat food is fairly expensive, costing over $3.50 a day to feed the average 10-pound cat. It does, however, come in resealable cardboard cartons rather than cans, so it’s easy to store the leftovers if you prefer to mix it with another food.
Ingredients
Turkey, Turkey Bone Broth, Tapioca Starch, Natural Flavor, Sweet Potato, Apples, Carrots, Tricalcium Phosphate, Celery Root, Marine Microalgae Oil (Source of Omega-3 Fatty Acids), Calcium Carbonate, Minerals (Zinc Amino Acid Chelate, Iron Amino Acid Chelate, Copper Amino Acid Chelate, Manganese Amino Acid Chelate, Iodine Amino Acid Chelate, Sodium Selenite), Choline Chloride, Potassium Chloride, Vitamins (Vitamin A Supplement, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Vitamin E Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate, Niacin Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, d-Calcium Pantothenate, Riboflavin Supplement, Folic Acid, Biotin, Vitamin B12 Supplement), Taurine, Dandelion Greens, Magnesium Proteinate.
Ingredients We Liked: Turkey, Turkey Bone Broth, Marine Microalgae Oil
Ingredients We Didn’t Like: Tapioca Starch
Guaranteed Analysis
Crude Protein: 9%
Crude Fat: 2%
Crude Fiber: 1%
Moisture: 82%
Ash: 3.6%
Dry Matter Basis
Protein: 50%
Fat: 11.11%
Fiber: 5.56%
Carbs: 13.33%
Caloric Weight Basis
Protein: 55.36%
Fat: 29.88%
Carbs: 14.76%
What We Liked:
- Made with a single source of animal protein
- Rich in hydrating moisture
- Cats seem to like the flavor and texture
- Very low carbohydrate content
What We Didn’t Like:
- Fairly expensive
- Cardboard cartons can be tricky to open
#7 Best for Sensitive Stomachs: Stella & Chewy’s Tummy Ticklin’ Turkey Dinner Morsels Freeze-Dried Raw Cat Food
Read Our Full Brand Review
- Made In: United States
- Guaranteed Protein: 40% Min
- Age Range: All Life Stages
- Calories Per Ounce: 140
- Typical Cost Per Day:$4.09 per day
With just one protein, Stella & Chewy’s freeze-dried cat foods are a good match for cats with digestive problems or food sensitivities. They boast a high moisture content and up to 98% real meat for your little carnivore.
Stella & Chewy’s Tummy Ticklin’ Turkey Dinner Morsels Freeze-Dried Raw Cat Food is made with a single meat source, making it easier to digest. The recipe also includes turkey liver for muscle development and maintenance, dried kelp to support normal thyroid function, and pumpkin seeds for digestive health. It has a decadent, creamy texture and taste that should appeal to most cats, even those who need encouragement to eat.
Ingredients
Turkey With Ground Bone, Turkey Liver, Turkey Gizzard, Pumpkin Seed, Potassium Chloride, Sodium Phosphate, Choline Chloride, Dried Pediococcus Acidilactici Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus Acidophilus Fermentation Product, Dried Bifidobacterium Longum Fermentation Product, Dried Bacillus Coagulans Fermentation Product, Taurine, Tocopherols (Preservative), Dandelion, Dried Kelp, Zinc Proteinate, Iron Proteinate, Vitamin A Supplement, Vitamin E Supplement, Niacin Supplement, Copper Proteinate, Riboflavin Supplement, Sodium Selenite, D-Calcium Pantothenate, Biotin, Manganese Proteinate, Thiamine Mononitrate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Folic Acid, Vitamin B12 Supplement.
Ingredients We Liked: Turkey with Ground Bone, Turkey Liver, Turkey Gizzard
Ingredients We Didn’t Like: None
Guaranteed Analysis
Crude Protein: 40%
Crude Fat: 37%
Crude Fiber: 5%
Moisture: 5%
Dry Matter Basis
Protein: 42.11%
Fat: 38.95%
Fiber: 5.26%
Carbs: 13.68%
Caloric Weight Basis
Protein: 28%
Fat: 62.9%
Carbs: 9.1%
What We Liked:
- No grains, gluten, fillers, artificial preservatives, or colorings
- Very low carbohydrate content
- Easily digestible with a limited list of ingredients
What We Didn’t Like:
- Primary source of added fat is plant-based
- Low moisture, should be rehydrated before feeding
#8 Best for Weight Loss: Tiki Cat Succulent Chicken Recipe in Chicken Consommé
Read Our Full Brand Review
- Made In: Thailand
- Guaranteed Protein: 16% Min
- Age Range: Adult
- Calories Per Ounce: 25
- Typical Cost Per Day:$5 per day
If you’re looking for a healthy way for your cat to lose weight, the right food can help. Consider Tiki Cat’s Puka Puka Luau Wet Food. The protein content of the brand’s Succulent Chicken Recipe is incredibly high at about 80% measured as dry matter, and there is no significant carbohydrate content. It’s definitely worth noting the very low calorie and fat content of this food.
This recipe from Tiki Cat is low in ash, which will help lower the risk of urinary crystal formation. This recipe also has enough moisture to flush the urinary tract and has a species-appropriate pH that won’t cause crystal formation.
We’ll admit, this food is very expensive to feed as a staple diet. However, the cost may be less than a prescription diet formulated to support urinary tract health.
Ingredients
Chicken, Chicken Broth, Sunflower Seed Oil, Calcium Lactate, Dicalcium Phosphate, Potassium Chloride, Taurine, Choline Chloride, Salt, Magnesium Sulfate, Ferrous Sulfate, Thiamine Mononitrate (Vitamin B1), Vitamin E Supplement, Niacin (Vitamin B3), Zinc Oxide, Vitamin A Supplement, Biotin, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Manganous Oxide, Calcium Pantothenate, Copper Amino Acid Chelate, Riboflavin Supplement (Vitamin B2), Sodium Selenite, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B6), Folic Acid, Potassium Iodide, Vitamin D3 Supplement.
Ingredients We Liked: Chicken
Ingredients We Didn’t Like: Sunflower Seed Oil
Guaranteed Analysis
Crude Protein: 16%
Crude Fat: 2.6%
Moisture: 80%
Ash: 1.6%
Dry Matter Basis
Protein: 80%
Fat: 13%
Caloric Weight Basis
Protein: 71.7%
Fat: 28.3%
What We Liked:
- Rich in nourishing animal protein
- High moisture content helps to flush the urinary tract
- Low ash shouldn’t contribute to crystal formation
- Species-appropriate pH helps keep things in balance
What We Didn’t Like:
- Contains sunflower oil instead of species-appropriate animal fat
- Low fat content isn’t right for every cat
- Very low in fiber
#9 Best for Seniors: Weruva Truluxe Steak Frites
Read Our Full Brand Review
- Made In: Thailand
- Guaranteed Protein: 10% Min
- Age Range: Adult
- Calories Per Ounce: 21
- Typical Cost Per Day:$6.00 per day
Weruva wet foods are known for high moisture levels and animal-based proteins. Their Truluxe line is regarded as the brand’s highest-quality foods, made with unique meats and an emphasis on hydration.
Weruva’s Truluxe Steak Frites Dinner with Beef & Pumpkin is served in a sumptuous gravy—which not only entices reluctant eaters to finish their dinner, but also adds moisture to your senior cat’s diet.
What sets this food apart from the rest is its low phosphorus content. While still above AAFCO’s minimums for adult cats, the food has lower phosphorus content than most. This may help to support kidney health. The soft food is also easier for cats with dental problems to eat.
Ingredients
Beef Broth, Beef, Pumpkin, Sweet Potato, Potato Starch, Carrot, Sunflower Seed Oil, Tricalcium Phosphate, Xanthan Gum, Potassium Chloride, Choline Chloride, Salt, Taurine, Zinc Sulfate, Vitamin E Supplement, Nicotinic Acid (Vitamin B3 Supplement), Ferrous Sulfate, Manganese Proteinate, Calcium Pantothenate, Thiamine Mononitrate, Vitamin A Supplement, Riboflavin Supplement (Vitamin B2), Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B6), Vitamin D3 Supplement, Folic Acid, Copper Sulfate, Potassium Iodide, Sodium Selenite, Biotin, Vitamin B12 Supplement
Ingredients We Liked: Beef Broth, Beef, Taurine
Ingredients We Didn’t Like: Potato Starch, Carrot
Guaranteed Analysis
Crude Protein: 10%
Crude Fat: 1.3%
Crude Fiber: 0.5%
Moisture: 86%
Dry Matter Basis
Protein: 71.43%
Fat: 9.29%
Fiber: 3.57%
Carbs: 15.71%
Caloric Weight Basis
Protein: 65.12%
Fat: 20.56%
Carbs: 14.33%
What We Liked:
- Offers a blend of vitamins, minerals, and taurine: essential for your older kitty’s vision and heart health
- Made with grass-fed beef
- 100% grain-free
- Carrageenan-free
- Free from artificial ingredients and meat by-products
What We Didn’t Like:
- Very expensive option
#10 Best for Kittens: Wellness CORE Kitten Classic Paté
Read Our Full Brand Review
- Made In: United States
- Guaranteed Protein: 12% Min
- Age Range: Kitten
- Calories Per Ounce: 36
- Typical Cost Per Day:$3.5 per day
Wellness CORE’s Chicken, Turkey, and Chicken Liver Recipe has everything we look for in kitten food. It’s loaded with nourishing animal protein from turkey, chicken liver, chicken muscle meat, and chicken meal. The dry matter carbohydrate content is below 10%, and it’s a hydrating source of moisture.
While fish oil is the primary added fat in this recipe, herring also supplies animal-sourced omega-3 fatty acids. Both are strong sources of DHA, which contributes to brain and eye development in kittens. Omega-3s also play an important role in supporting healthy skin and coats in cats.
This recipe doesn’t contain any grains or starchy beans, peas, or legumes.
At over 50% crude protein measured as dry matter, this recipe is formulated to support the development of lean mass. It’s also calorie-dense enough to fuel your kitten’s growth at about 36 calories per ounce.
Ingredients
Turkey, Chicken Liver, Turkey Broth, Chicken, Herring, Chicken Hearts, Natural Flavor, Fish Oil (Preserved With Mixed Tocopherols), Ground Flaxseed, Dried Chicory Root, Tricalcium Phosphate, Guar Gum, Potassium Chloride, Taurine, Cranberries, Sunflower Oil, Choline Chloride, Dried Kelp, Yucca Schidigera Extract, Cassia Gum, Xanthan Gum, Salt, Magnesium Sulfate, Vitamin E Supplement, Zinc Proteinate, Iron Proteinate, Thiamine Mononitrate, Copper Proteinate, Manganese Proteinate, Sodium Selenite, Niacin Supplement, d-Calcium Pantothenate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Riboflavin Supplement, Vitamin A Supplement, Biotin, Potassium Iodide, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Folic Acid.
Ingredients We Liked: Turkey, Chicken Liver, Chicken, Herring, Fish Oil
Ingredients We Didn’t Like: Guar Gum, Cassia Gum, Xanthan Gum
Guaranteed Analysis
Crude Protein: 12%
Crude Fat: 7.5%
Crude Fiber: 1%
Moisture: 78%
Dry Matter Basis
Protein: 54.55%
Fat: 34.09%
Fiber: 4.55%
Carbs: 6.82%
Caloric Weight Basis
Protein: 37.84%
Fat: 57.43%
Carbs: 4.73%
What We Liked:
- Ultra-soft pâté texture is easy for kittens to eat
- Rich in protein and calories
- Hydrating canned food
- Supplemented with fish oil as a species-appropriate source of DHA
What We Didn’t Like:
- Can be quite expensive when feeding a hungry kitten
What to Consider When Buying Cat Food
Choosing great cat food starts with an understanding of your cat’s unique nutritional needs as an obligate carnivore. Veterinarian Dr. Lizzie Youens, BVSc, MRCVS explains, “Our domestic pet cats have not altered their physiology much from their wildcat ancestor.” In other words, they crave meat.
According to Dr. Youens, cats gain most of their energy from protein, rather than carbohydrates; they use fats to process certain vitamins and nutrients.
“An extra point to consider for our feline friends is that they cannot make certain amino acids, such as taurine, and so they must be provided as part of their balanced diet.”
When weighing your options, Dr. Chris Vanderhoof, DVM, MPH, a veterinarian practicing at VCA Centreville Animal Hospital, recommends asking yourself the following:
- What life stage is my cat in (kitten, adult, or senior)?
- If a senior, does my cat have any specific nutritional needs that a diet can address, such as muscle loss or arthritis?
- Does my cat have any medical conditions that can be addressed with a particular diet?
- Is this cat food nutritionally balanced? (Does it carry an AAFCO statement, and is it meeting at least the minimum nutritional requirements for my cat’s life stage?)
- Does this cat food have a moderate caloric density (especially important for indoor cats)?
- Is this a food that my cat loves and will gladly eat?
Keeping these parameters in mind, here’s what to look for when choosing the best cat food for your cat.
Look for Low Carbohydrate Content
Cats primarily utilize protein and fat as energy sources. While they can metabolize carbohydrates, high carbohydrate content is not a part of the natural feline diet. There’s little evidence that high-carb foods are harmful, but they’re also not necessary. We prefer foods that model a cat’s ancestral diet.
Choose High-Quality Protein
It helps to understand the difference between crude protein and digestible protein. Digestibility values, not percentages in the guaranteed analysis, are key to measuring nutritional value. For example, an egg and a feather may share the same protein values on a label’s guaranteed analysis. But an egg (unsurprisingly) is far more digestible and nourishing than a feather. For that reason, we prefer foods that incorporate high-quality, clearly-named protein sources.
Avoid Animal By-Products
Animal by-products are one of the most misunderstood ingredients in cat food. While many common by-products are highly nourishing and delectable to cats, digestibility and quality control are major concerns.
Vaguely-specified ingredients may be produced from any number of animal parts. Besides not knowing what type of animals contributed to the by-product stew, you don’t know if it contains more wholesome liver or nutritionally weak chicken feet. To ensure maximum protein digestibility, avoid purchasing cat foods with meat by-products and other vaguely-named ingredients like “meat”, “poultry”, and “meat and bone meal”.
Choose Minimal Plant Protein
While it’s unclear exactly where each source of plant protein lies on the digestibility spectrum, we do know that protein from peas, potatoes, and other plants is less efficient than that from animal ingredients. While a single prey animal offers all the amino acids a cat needs, plant ingredients need to be combined with animal protein and synthetic additives to recreate that mix of amino acids. Furthermore, many cat guardians report that their cats have less waste when they’re eating a diet composed primarily of animal-sourced protein.
Prioritize Moisture-Rich Foods
Our cats’ ancestors were desert dwellers. Because fresh water was scarce, early wild cats evolved to have low thirst drives and a natural inclination to get their water from the moisture-rich bodies of their prey. This means that they typically don’t drink enough water to compensate for moisture-depleted dry food.
Favor Foods Free of Harmful Ingredients
Artificial flavors and colors are unnecessary and have been tied to health consequences for both humans and animals. Some preservatives may also be of questionable safety. For example, BHA is considered safe in animal feed for all species except for cats due to inadequate safety data. Most pet foods have replaced them with natural alternatives including Vitamin E (mixed tocopherols), rosemary extract, and other antioxidants.
Seek Brands With Trustworthy Reputations
While it doesn’t tell us everything about the brand, a company’s recall history provides key insights into its ethics, safety standards, and the quality of its products. If a company faces voluntary, or worse—mandatory—recalls every five years, purchasing from that company could subject your cat to three or more potentially harmful slip-ups during their lifetime. A communicative, transparent company isn’t afraid to share this information with its customers.
Additionally, it’s helpful to check out what other consumers are saying about the brand. Through social media, blogging, reviews on retail platforms, and sites like Consumer Reports, pet parents can easily share their complaints or praises with the world.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best dry cat food?
The best dry cat food is rich in animal-derived protein, low in carbohydrate content, and made from high-quality ingredients. One of the best brands for dried cat food is Open Farm RawMix.
What is the best wet cat food?
The best wet cat food honors your cat’s needs as a carnivore. It’s a meat-rich product that delivers all the protein, fat, and micronutrients your cat needs without a lot of plants and starch. A few of our favorite brands include Smalls, RAWZ, and Nulo.
What is the healthiest cat food?
The healthiest cat food is nutritionally complete and balanced, emphasizing meat over plants and protein over starch. Look for expert-formulated recipes that were made with carnivores in mind.
Is dry or wet food best for cats?
Because it’s more hydrating and typically lower in carbohydrates, wet food is best for cats. A dry diet is convenient, but it could increase your cat’s chances of health complications over time.
Is grain-free cat food best for cats?
Cats don’t need to avoid grains. What they need to avoid is excessive carbohydrates. Grain-free foods often replace grain with an unhealthy dose of biologically inappropriate ingredients like potatoes and peas.
