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As a pet parent, you want your feline to have the best cat food there is. The perfect recipe is tasty, nutritious, and fuels your pet’s overall health. Some pets prefer dry cat food, but soft food is also a great supplement to daily crunchies. There are a few things to consider as you buy new cat food.
What to look for in cat food
Quality nutrition can help your cat live a long and healthy life. Here are some things to consider when choosing food for your cat.
Life Stage
The right food for your cat may vary depending on their stage of life. Your young cat will transition from kitten food to an adult formula, and then to a senior food. Bear in mind that young cats have higher protein needs and senior cats may require weight management and increased fiber.
Lifestyle
Your cat’s lifestyle can also play a factor. The best cat food for indoor cats may not have enough protein for an active outdoor pet.
Ingredients
The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) stamp means the food is complete and balanced.
Health Status
Your pet’s unique health issues will inform the best food for their wellness. Some cats will need weight maintenance or grain-free options, while others will benefit from hairball control or low-carbohydrate formulas.
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Best Dry Cat Food
Best Raw Alternative Dry Cat Food
Best Dry Cat Food for Indoor Cats
Best Grain-Free Cat Food
Best Dry Cat Food for Hairball Control and Maintenance
Best Dry Cat Food for Kittens, Adults and All Life Stages
Best Fresh Cat Food
Best Canned Wet Cat Food
Best Dry Cat Food for Senior Cats
| Cat Food | Life Stage | Grain-Free | First Ingredient | Sizes Available | Specialty | Average Review* |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| WholeHearted Grain Free Chicken Formula Dry Cat Food | All Life Stages | Yes | Chicken | 2.5, 5 and 12 lb. bagsr | Best Budget-Friendly Dry Cat Food | 4.7/5 |
| Instinct Ultimate Protein Grain-Free Cage-Free Chicken Recipe Freeze-Dried Raw Coated Dry Cat Food | Adult | Yes | Chicken | 1.8, 4 and 10 lb. bags | Best Raw Alternative Dry Cat Food | 4.8/5 |
| Hill's Science Diet Adult Chicken Recipe Dry Cat Food | Adult | No | Chicken | 4, 7 and 16 lb. bags | Best Dry Cat Food for Indoor Cats | 4.8/5 |
| Wellness CORE Natural Grain Free Original Turkey, Turkey Meal, and Chicken Meal Dry Cat Food | Adult | Yes | Deboned Turkey | Best Grain-Free Dry Cat Food | 4.6/5 | |
| Royal Canin Indoor Adult Dry Cat Food | Adult | No | Chicken Meal | 3, 7 and 15 lb. bags | Best Dry Cat Food for Hairball Control and Maintenance | 4.8/5 |
| Taste of the Wild Rocky Mountain Grain-Free Roasted Venison & Smoked Salmon Dry Cat Food | All Life Stages | Yes | Chicken Meal | 5, 14 and 30 lb. bags | Best Dry Cat Food for Kittens, Adults and All Life Stages | 4.8/5 |
| Freshpet Vital Grain-Free Chicken & Beef Fresh Cat Food | Adult | Yes | Chicken | 1 lb. loaf | Best Fresh Cat Food | 4.7/5 |
| Royal Canin Adult Instinctive Thin Slices in Gravy Wet Cat Food | Adult | No | Pork By-Products | 3 oz. cans and 24-packs | Best Canned Wet Cat Food/td> | 4.7/5 |
| Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Indoor Chicken Recipe Dry Cat Food | Senior | No | Chicken | 3.5, 7 and 15.5 lb. bags | Best Dry Cat Food for Senior Cats | 4.8/5 |
*Ratings as of April 6, 2022
Best Dry Cat Food
WholeHearted Grain-free Chicken Formula Dry Cat Food
If you’re on the hunt for healthy benefits cat food, this may be the right option. With real chicken as the first ingredient and a high level of protein, this dry food is good for cats who need to maintain weight and love a flavorful bowl of crunchy food.
- Available in 2.5, 5 and 12 lb. bags
- Real chicken is the primary ingredient
- Full of Omega-3 fatty acids that can help a cat’s skin and coat
- Totally grain and corn free
- Has probiotics that help pets maintain digestive health
- Crude protein of 32% per serving
- Includes peas, carrots, flaxseed, and spinach
“Great food high end food low price. My cats are doing great on this food. They are more playful. Their coats are beautiful and they seem happier in general. I've tried Royal canine, Natural Ballance and other high end foods and my cats do best on this food.” - Vampticon
Pros
- Made in the US
- Grain-free
- No animal by-products or artificial dyes or colors
- Budget friendly
- High-quality protein sources
Cons
- Contains non-grain fillers
Best Raw Alternative Dry Cat Food
Instinct Ultimate Protein Grain-Free Cage-Free Chicken Recipe Natural Cat Food
If your vet suggests you up your cat’s protein, you may want to consider this chicken formula. The high protein percentage is good for very active cats. Plus, it’s grain free and doesn’t use any by-products, just real animal protein that encourages strong muscles.
- Available in 1.8, 4 and 10 lb. bags
- Real chicken as the first ingredient
- 95% of the animal protein included is from real meat
- Minimum 47% crude protein in every serving
- Formula includes fatty acids and antioxidants to aid in better digestion
- No grains, corn, soy, or by-product used in the recipe
- Made in the USA
“My cat loves it! Our male cat is diabetic and loves dry food, but we’ve had to cut down drastically because of the carbs. This is the only dry we feel safe giving him because of the higher protein, no by products and low carb content. Not to mention, he loves it!”- JPeeps
Pros
- Made in the US
- Grain-free
- Freeze-dried formula delivers the nutritional benefits of raw diets
- Delivers the highest level of protein from real meat
- Easy to digest for optimal nutrient absorption
- Contains probiotics, Omegas and antioxidants for digestive health, healthy skin and coat and immune health
Cons
- Relatively high in carbohydrates
- Contains some plant-based proteins
Best Dry Cat Food for Indoor Cats
Hill's Science Diet Adult Chicken Recipe Cat Food
Cats have shinier coats and better skin with ample fat in their diet, and this formula has tons of fatty acids. The formula is specifically made for energetic adult cats. Your pet may also benefit from the added minerals which can enrich kidney health.
- Available in 4, 7 and 16 lb. bags
- Includes Vitamin E, Omega-3 fatty acids, and Omega-6 fatty acids
- Chicken is the top ingredient
- At least 30% protein in every serving
- Recipe includes taurine, which can help heart health
- Carefully selected minerals may aid with kidney and bladder health
- Recipe features carrots, apples, broccoli, and cranberries
“Optimal Care for cats. All of my 5 cats LOVE this food. They prefer it over anything else I give them. They have beautiful coats, bright eyes, stay active & involved with each other.”- FelineFun
Pros
- Made in the US
- Contains taurine for heart health and balanced minerals for kidney and bladder health
- Contains vitamin E, omega 3s and 6s for healthy skin and fur
- High-quality protein sources
Cons
- More expensive than other best-selling cat food options
Best Grain Free Cat Food
Wellness CORE Natural Grain-Free Original Turkey, Turkey Meal & Chicken Meal Cat Food
A premium cat food with multiple sources of real animal protein? Your cat may be in love with this American made formula. The dry food also has plenty of fatty acids and a variety of fruits and vegetables for a well-rounded recipe.
- Available in 2, 5 and 11 lb. bags
- The primary ingredient is deboned turkey
- Recipe includes deboned chicken, peas, flaxseed, cranberries, and dried kelp
- At least 45% crude protein in every serving
- Omega-6 fatty acids not less than 4.75%
- Formula was created in consultation with veterinarians, nutritionists, and scientists
- Made in the USA with ingredients sourced from non-GMO sources around the world
"Everything You Want for a Decent Price. My two indoor cats were on a not-so-healthy commercial cat food with lots of grains and corn-based ingredients for the first year of their lives because my veterinarian recommended that brand. I successfully transitioned them to Wellness CORE Indoor after I realized how unhealthy grains and corn-based ingredients are for cats.”-catmom1993
Pros
- Made in the US
- Contains taurine for heart health and balanced minerals for kidney and bladder health
- Contains vitamin E, omega 3s and 6s for healthy skin and fur
- High-quality protein sources
Cons
- More expensive than other best-selling cat food options
Best Dry Cat Food for Hairball Control and Maintenance
Royal Canin Indoor Adult Dry Cat Food
This formula is just for adult cats who are not yet in their senior years. If your pet has hairball problems or needs more reliable digestion, talk to your vet about this dry food. The food will also help maintain weight and has a Vitamin B12 supplement, which can be good for regulating metabolism.
- Available in 3, 7 and 15 lb. bags
- Specifically formulated for indoor cats between 1-7 years old
- Recipe is designed with fiber to aid in digestion and alleviate hairball problems
- Controlled calorie content to help cats maintain a healthy weight
- Essential minerals in the recipe can slow the tartar buildup on your cat’s teeth
- Recipe includes chicken meal, pea fiber, Vitamin B12 supplement, taurine, and rosemary extract
“Give your pets the Royal treatment. When I brought my younger cat Tommy home from the shelter, he had some digestive problems. His vet recommended Royal Canin. I started him on it, and his problems cleared up. But the best thing about it was, within a few weeks, I noticed my older cat was more active, happy, healthy with far less hairballs (she is a longhair) and both cats have never looked better. It has made a huge difference in my cats' health. I swear by this food and would recommend it to anyone who cares about their pet's well-being.”- CarrieParker
Pros
- Helps reduce the risk of hairballs
- Helps maintain your cat's healthy weight
- Highly digestible proteins increase the digestibility of nutrients while decreasing stool amounts and odors
- Specialized kibble and added minerals help slow the formation of tartar for oral health
Cons
- The main ingredient is chicken meal
Best Dry Cat Food for Kittens, Adults and All Life Stages
Taste of the Wild Rocky Mountain Grain-Free Roasted Venison & Smoked Salmon Cat Food
If your cat is tired of the same old chicken recipe, give this formula a whirl. The venison and salmon flavors are just as enticing and a good source of animal protein. This dry food also has a lot of fruit and a protein level that is appropriate for energetic adult cats.
- Available in 5, 14 and 30 lb. bags
- Roasted venison and smoked salmon provide rich animal protein and desirable flavors
- Other ingredients include pea protein, potato protein, tomatoes, blueberries, and raspberries
- Crude protein level of 42%
- Formula includes probiotics and prebiotics that may help with digestion and a strong immune system
- No grain, corn, or artificial colors included
- Made by a family-owned company in the USA
“Our cats love it! Our 2 year old cats have been eating Taste of the Wild Rocky Mountain recipe for about a year and a half. They love it and more healthy because of it.”- Bogie61
Pros
- Made in the US
- Helps support bones, joints and a lean healthy body condition
- provides vitamins and minerals from fruits and superfoods and omega fatty acids for healthy skin and coat
- includes probiotics and antioxidants and prebiotics for healthy digestion and immune function
- No grain, corn, wheat, artificial flavors or colors
Cons
- Relatively high in carbohydrates
- Contains vegetable proteins
Best Fresh Cat Food
Freshpet Vital Grain-Free Chicken & Beef Fresh Cat Food
This protein-dense wet cat food comes in a roll and is gently cooked with natural chicken and beef. Formulated with no preservatives or byproducts, it’s made in the U.S.A. and helps ensure a balanced diet for felines of all ages.
- Available in 1 lb. loaf
- Chicken, chicken broth, and beef are the top three ingredients
- Up to 78% moisture
- Totally grain-free formula
- Recipe includes Vitamin B12 and Vitamin D3 supplements
- No preservatives or by-product meals used in the formula
- Food is gently steam-cooked and easy to eat
- Made in the USA
“Great food choice for older cats. My 18 year old cat had stopped eating. The vet said that it was her time and to get prepared. I refused to believe that considering my cat was still very active. I switched her food over to this and she devoured it. She is still going strong a month later and I couldn’t be happier. She loves the taste and it’s soft so it doesn’t hurt her teeth. I thought she was active before but now she has a whole new spark to her.”- Sabri18
Pros
- Made in the US
- No preservatives, meat meals or by-products meals
- Grain-free
- High in moisture
- Protein packed with 100% natural chicken and beef
Cons
- More expensive than dry cat food
- Shorter shelf life
- Not always easily available
- Small packages need to be bought more often
- Contains Carrageenan
Best Canned Wet Cat Food
Royal Canin Adult Instinctive Thin Slices in Gravy Wet Cat Food
This yummy soft food features shredded meat and delicious gravy. It’s very moist and hydrating and has tons of animal flavor. This formula has a relatively low protein percentage, which may be recommended for inactive cats.
- Available in 3 oz. cans and 24-packs
- Specifically designed for cats between 1-7 years old
- High in moisture, with a maximum amount of 81.5% per serving
- Nutritionally balanced ingredients include chicken liver, pork liver, salmon, and Vitamin B12
- Vitamin and mineral supplements used promote healthy skin and coat
- Shredded style is easy for pets to eat
- Crude protein of almost 11%
“The favorite in my house. Of all the Royal Canin wet food types, this one is favored by both my cats.”- Cakester
Pros
- Satifies even the pickiest easters with a preferred ratio of proteins, fats and carbohydrates
- High in moisture
- Vitamins and minerals for immune health
- Promotes healthy digestion and ideal weight
Cons
- Relatively high in carbohydrates
- Contains Carrageenan
- Contains meat by-products
Best Dry Cat Food for Senior Cats
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Indoor Chicken Recipe Dry Cat Food
Your senior cat deserves some yummy food too. This formula is based in real chicken and has a lot of natural ingredients and flavors. The recipe’s increase in fiber and decrease in protein are ideal for many older cats.
- Available in 3.5, 7 and 15.5 lb. bags
- Real chicken is the primary ingredient
- Formulated for the energy needs of senior cats who are 7 years old and over
- Ingredients include dried beet pulp, apples, carrots, cranberries, and green peas
- Lots of natural fiber to promote healthy digestion and bathroom habits; at least 28% in every serving
- Made in the USA
“Our cat is picky but he loves this. Our vet recommended this brand for our cat six years ago and we've been getting it ever since.”- Benaniah
Pros
- Made in the US
- Fuels the energy needs of senior cats with an indoor lifestyle
- Made with natural fibers for healthy digestion
- High-quality protein to support hunger between meals
Cons
- Relatively low moisture
- Contains plant-based proteins
*Based on petco.com sales data.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Growing kittens have specific nutritional needs. After kittens wean off their mothers at about 8 weeks old, they are ready for dry and wet cat food. But adult formulas are not a good fit. The best kitten food is specially formulated for cats younger than one year old. Kitten food should be comprised of at least 35% protein, ideally closer to 50%. About 10% of that protein should be from an animal source.
Fatty acids are a great source of energy for playful kittens, so kitten food with Omega-3 and Omega-6 are good options. Kittens should also have a diet with adequate calcium. For most young cats, this means about 1-1.5% calcium in their dry food.
A senior cat is any feline over the age of 7. Between the ages of 7 and 10, many cats will gain some weight and require a lower calorie count. Your vet may recommend that you reduce their calories by about 20-30%. Once they get older than 10, your cat may require you to increase their calorie count again for them to sustain a healthy weight.
Cats over the age of 10 may also have a harder time digesting fats and proteins. Senior cat formulas account for these digestion changes. You may also find that softer food is more palatable to an older cat who is missing some teeth.
The primary difference between the needs of indoor cats and outdoor cats is caloric intake. While your indoor cat wakes up each morning to a full bowl of food, an outdoor cat must go on the hunt. Combine the lack of hunting with other lifestyle differences, and indoor cats tend to burn fewer calories throughout the day. You may find that the best wet cat food and dry food for your indoor cat is full of real animal protein but conscious of calories.
*Based on petco.com customer reviews.
