Selecting the appropriate cat food is crucial for maintaining your cat’s well-being and contentment. Fortunately, there is not a single correct choice when it comes to cat food options, which can be reassuring if you are feeling, overwhelmed. Dr. Brennen McKenzie, a veterinarian who specializes in science-based pet care and shares insights on SkeptVet, highlights that domestic cats benefit from the nutritious content found in conventional commercial cat foods, unlike feral cats who rely on a random diet of prey and scavenged items.
In our quest to find the perfect nourishment for your feline companion, we collaborated with McKenzie and a panel of 17 experts. Together, we delved into a variety of options such as grain-free, raw, human-grade, and freeze-dried foods. Our aim was to shed light on the reasons behind choosing one brand or type over another. In the upcoming sections, we will explore this further by considering factors like your cat’s specific requirements based on age and their individual preferences which can sometimes be mysterious to us as owners. Additionally, we enlisted feedback from our own team members who are proud cat parents to share their experiences of feeding these options to their beloved pets.
According to two veterinarians we spoke with, the Purina Pro Plan formula for adult cats without special dietary needs meets all nutritional requirements. It is rich in protein, has moderate fat content, and contains ample fiber. Purina employs veterinary nutritionists full-time and invests significantly in research and development. They continuously test and conduct studies to enhance their products based on evolving knowledge about cats, ensuring optimal nutrition. Dr. Cori Blair from Feline Health attests to this commitment. Even picky cats seem to enjoy this food. Our deals editor, Sam Daly, observed that her two cats devoured it despite usually only nibbling on wet food. Although the texture is chunkier than shredded varieties, Daly found the light sauce appealing to her gravy-loving felines and preventing quick drying out of the formula. Additionally, the chicken flavor is less pungent compared to other options Daly has tried with her cats – a significant advantage for her preferences.
For cat owners whose feline companions enjoy meat-in-gravy recipes, Berg suggests trying Weruva’s chicken-in-gravy flavor as it offers a high protein and low carbohydrate content. Susan Lauten, a respected pet nutrition consultant, also recommends this brand. Additionally, it is grain-free for those seeking such options; however, it’s important to note that grain-free is often more of a marketing ploy rather than a definitive measure of nutritional quality.
It’s perfectly fine to save money on cat food as long as you choose a nutritionally balanced option. The Fancy Feast variety on sale for $24 for 30 tins is a more affordable choice compared to the Weruva brand, although the cans are smaller in size. Despite some people likening Fancy Feast to the McDonald’s of cat food, Berg clarifies that many of their options are actually high in protein and low in carbohydrates. This protein-rich variety pack with meat-in-gravy flavors meets all the necessary criteria and is a great choice for cats who enjoy meal variety.
Jen Trolio, a seasoned editor at Strategist, has been nourishing her two indoor tabbies with Whole Paws, the in-house pet food line of Whole Foods Market, for over a decade. Despite experimenting with other brands occasionally, Trolio consistently reverts to this particular formula due to its moderate price point, lack of strong odors, and use of grain-free ingredients. She notes that her cats experience fewer digestive issues when consuming this food, which boasts a smooth texture rather than being chunky or firm—this is especially beneficial for her more sensitive cat. While acknowledging that wet cat food may not have the most pleasant aroma overall, Trolio finds Whole Paws to be less offensive compared to other options. She divides a 5.5-ounce can between her feline companions each morning and evening as they reach their sixteenth year. Reflecting on their longevity and health, Trolio credits various factors but believes that the food certainly plays a positive role. She is pleased with the availability of flavors such as turkey and salmon that her cats relish.
When perusing Pierson’s chart, you will find that Tiki Cat offers a wide range of protein-rich and low-carb options that are highly recommended by Lauten for both wet and dry foods. Although many Tiki Cat products are fish-flavored, which is particularly appealing to cats due to its salty taste, it is worth noting that some veterinarians, such as Berg, advise against feeding fish to cats as it has been associated with hyperthyroidism. It is advisable to consult your vet to determine whether limiting fish in your cat’s diet is necessary. One alternative worth considering is the shredded chicken variety, which may be more appealing to cats who prefer chunkier food textures.
Daly used to give her two cats Tiki Cat food, but found it too expensive as her cats weren’t finishing their meals. She decided to try Reveal’s cans, which were $7 cheaper than Tiki Cat but slightly smaller in size. Despite the similarity in appearance to Tiki Cat, Daly noticed that Reveal’s food was less smelly and had more broth. She was surprised by how much the chicken and fish options resembled human food. Now, her cats quickly devour their meals.
Veterinarian Jamie Freyer suggests Royal Canin’s specialized cat food for felines with digestive problems or sensitive stomachs. This formula contains easily digestible proteins, prebiotics, and fiber-rich psyllium-seed husks to support gut health and bowel regularity. Many veterinarians endorse this brand for its scientifically formulated food and thorough testing procedures.
Cat dental problems, like missing teeth, can hinder a cat’s ability to chew dense foods. Tazz Latifi, a certified pet nutritionist and retail consultant, suggests Tiki Cat mousse pouches as they have a smooth texture that is easy for cats to consume. The pouches allow cats to simply lick the food, reducing the need for chewing and minimizing stress. The appealing scent of the food also catches their attention, making it highly palatable. Latifi warns that dental issues can expose nerves in a cat’s mouth, causing significant pain. It is advisable to promptly seek advice from your veterinarian for an appropriate care plan if you haven’t done so already.
Dr. Gabrielle Fadl, a medical director at Bond Vet, suggests opting for a lower-calorie cat food brand like Royal Canin for overweight or obese cats to help them maintain their ideal weight without feeling deprived. Joanna Douglas, Vox Media’s executive director of branded content, shares that her cats Goji and Guava have been enjoying Royal Canin since they were kittens. As adult cats, they now consume a combination of Royal Canin’s weight-care option and Adult Instinctive canned food to manage their calorie intake, approved by a veterinarian. Douglas notes that even the pickier eater, Guava, enjoys both options and attributes their luxurious coats to the quality of Royal Canin cat food.
For owners of purebred cats, Freyer suggests exploring Royal Canin’s specialized foods tailored to the distinct requirements of breeds such as Persians, Maine Coons, and Bengals. One notable feature is the almond-shaped kibble in the brand’s dry food for Persian cats, designed for easier nibbling by these felines with shorter jaws.
Some veterinarians suggest that the term human-grade is more of a trendy phrase than an indicator of quality, similar to the concept of grain-free. However, this direct-to-consumer brand offers minced and pâté varieties made with USDA-certified ingredients, cooked gently instead of being canned to avoid potential toxic by-products associated with cancer in humans. With four flavors to choose from (chicken, turkey, beef, and fish), cat owners can use a brief quiz to determine the ideal formula for their feline friend based on age and weight. Keep in mind that pricing may vary slightly depending on your cat’s specific portion requirements.
Latifi chooses to provide her two feline companions with this particular cat food due to its use of human-grade ingredients and absence of artificial additives, ensuring each meal is easily digestible. According to Latifi, this raw food meets a cat’s protein requirements, allowing for smaller servings that are nutrient-dense and keep hunger at bay longer than other processed options she has tested.
While some veterinarians highlighted the advantages of raw or freeze-dried cat food, the majority advised against homemade preparation due to contamination risks. According to Chyrle Bonk, a veterinary consultant at Excited Cats, less processed foods are more nutritious, but many people are unwilling to face the potential bacterial hazards associated with raw feeding. Instead of preparing raw meat at home, Bonk suggests using Instinct’s freeze-dried raw food, which replicates the nutrient-rich diet of wild cats in a safe form for domestic consumption. This alternative offers a highly nutritious and minimally processed option that cats thrive on.
Pierson’s chart provides a detailed breakdown of the phosphorus content in various foods. While phosphorus may not be your top priority when selecting cat food, it plays a crucial role in feline health. While essential for young cats’ bone development, excess phosphorus can contribute to kidney issues in older cats. Therefore, it’s important to adhere to AAFCO standards, especially for kitten food which requires higher phosphorus levels than adult formulas. Berg suggests aiming for less than 200 milligrams per 100 calories for cats aged 10 and above to mitigate kidney risks. Despite this, senior cats still need ample protein in their diet. It’s crucial not to compromise protein content when opting for lower-phosphorus options, as protein and phosphorus levels often correlate. This balanced Weruva cat food contains only 163 milligrams of phosphorus per 100 calories, making it a suitable choice for your feline companion’s dietary needs.
When selecting food for a kitten, be sure to check for the AAFCO nutritional-adequacy statement specifically for growth. Kittens have higher calorie needs compared to adult cats on a per-pound basis due to their growth and development, as noted by Coates. Kitten diets are typically richer in fat than adult formulas to meet these additional energy requirements. Royal Canin is highly recommended by Blair and Parker for its specialized kitten formula, which is rich in protein and fortified with essential vitamins and minerals crucial for young cats’ well-being. This particular food, favored by Hannah Shaw (also known as the Kitten Lady on Instagram) for her rescue kittens, boasts a soft texture ideal for weaning kittens and offers top-notch nutrition to support their healthy development.
Fancy Feast, our recommended budget-friendly meat-in-gravy cat food for adult cats, also offers a kitten formula that complies with AAFCO standards for young felines. The assortment contains four distinct flavors, ensuring there’s something to please each new litter member.
