Are you always looking for the perfect food for your furry companion? Well, you’re not alone! It can be daunting to navigate the sea of cat foods available, especially when balancing your cat’s nutritional needs with its taste preferences. And let’s face it; a picky cat is a force to be reckoned with!
The market is flooded with several cat food options, but beware, not all are created equally. Some have peas or eggs as key ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions if your cat is sensitive, and some are filled with preservatives that lead to the gradual degradation of the cat’s liver and cause digestive issues.
But fear not, dear cat parents, for we have scoured the internet and consulted with the experts to bring you the top 7 best cat foods to keep your feline happy and healthy in 2023. So, sit back, relax, and prepare to give your cat the meal it desires!
How Do We Choose the Best Cat Food?
According to Aimee Simpson, medical director of the VCA Cat Hospital of Philadelphia, “Not all cat foods are created alike, so it’s important to find food that suits their needs and preferences.” When it comes to choosing the best cat items, there are a few things we considered.
First and foremost, we listen to a team of expert veterinarians for recommendations- After all, they have years of experience and intimate knowledge of cats’ health. They know exactly what food is best for them.
But that’s not enough. After that, we look at the recommendations of AAFCO and the guidelines of WSAVA. These organizations are responsible for reviewing pet foods and their ingredients for quality and safety. We select all products that AAFCO recommends.
Additionally, we looked at other factors, such as the cat’s age, activity level, and common digestive issues, when making this guide. Young cats may need more protein than older cats, while pregnant or nursing moms will require extra vitamins and minerals. We added unique products to the list to cater to such requirements.
Read on to find the best possible nutritiously balanced diet for your cat!
1. Feast Cat Food- Overall Best Cat Food
Key ingredients: fish broth, tuna, and gluten.
Other standout ingredients: Wheat Gluten, Water
Life stage: Senior
Food form: Minced
Food flavor: Tuna, Seafood & Fish
Calorie count: 884 kcal/kg
Let’s talk about hydration. We all know how finicky cats can be about drinking water, but with Fancy Feast’s wet food, you won’t have to worry about dehydrating your furry friend. This stuff is practically like soup, containing biotin, but for cats.
And did you know that Fancy Feast’s wet food is packed with supplements like biotin (vitamin B-7) and folic acid? These are responsible for blood production, so your cat can stay strong and healthy.
And there’s more! Fancy Feast also includes a minimum of 40 IU/kg of vitamin E in their wet food, which is responsible for increased eyesight. So not only will your cat be well-fed and hydrated, but they’ll have the eyes of a superhero.
Pros
- It is made in the USA, which guarantees high-quality ingredients.
- The high moisture content in this cat food keeps cats hydrated and promotes urinary tract health.
Cons
- Some cats may experience digestive issues or skin problems due to gluten.
2. Royal Canin Cat Food - Best Option For Cats With Oral Issues
Key ingredients: Water Sufficient for Processing, Pork By-Products, Chicken Liver
Other standout ingredients: Grain
Life stage: Senior
Food form: Pate (wet food)
Food flavor: Chicken, Poultry
Calorie count: 844 kcal/kg, 122 kcal/5.1-oz can
Are you struggling to get your furry friend to eat her food? It can be challenging when their teeth are sensitive or their gums are sore. Royal Canin has the perfect solution—their Loaf in Sauce food! This isn’t your ordinary kibble; it’s specially designed not to stick to your cat’s teeth or sore tissues, and it comes with chicken liver for added protein and vitamins.
Plus, it satisfies their hunger without providing them with too many calories. You can finally see why your pet loves eating food—now she can enjoy her meal easily!
Pros
- Low phosphorus content makes it a suitable option for cats with kidney-related issues.
- This is suitable for an adult to senior cats.
- It provides a complete balance of nutrients in each meal, ensuring that cats receive all the nutrients for their overall health.
- It is tasty, which can encourage your little one to eat a healthy and balanced diet.
Cons
- Cat food can be relatively pricey compared to other types of pet food.
3. Blue Buffalo Freedom Indoor - Best Gluten-Free Cat Food
Key ingredients: Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Tapioca Starch
Other standout ingredients: Grain-Free, Gluten Free
Life stage: Senior
Food form: Dry food
Food flavor: Chicken, Poultry
Calorie count: 3,482 kcal/kg
Do you have a feline friend who can’t handle even a single grain in their diet? Fear not, because Blue Buffalo Freedom has your back (and your cat’s tummy).
Cats with indigestion issues, such as pancreatitis or vomiting, need extra care regarding their food. Blue Buffalo is the best dry cat food because it has the right amount of proteins, fats, and minerals to meet the cat’s carbohydrate needs and make tasty, healthy meals.
And let’s not forget about the protein content. Cat food by Blue Buffalo contains 30.0% protein, meeting the vet’s recommended requirement. Your cat’s muscles will thank you!
Did we mention that Blue Buffalo Freedom is made in the good ol’ USA? That’s right; you can have peace of mind knowing that your cat’s food is made with the highest quality ingredients and care.
Pros
- The USDA-certified recipe is made with high-quality ingredients that meet human food safety standards, which can benefit the cat’s health.
- The absence of artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives means cat food is free from potentially harmful chemicals.
- Being carb-free and gluten-free can be helpful for cats that have specific dietary needs or allergies.
Cons
- The product may not be suitable for kittens, as they require specific nutrients for their growth and development that may not be present in this cat food.
- Outdoor cats may have different dietary needs due to increased physical activity and exposure to the elements, so they are better fits than this cat food.
4. Wholesome Essentials Chicken - Best Food For Senior Cats
Key ingredients: Chicken, Chicken Meal, Pea Protein
Other standout ingredients: No Corn, No Wheat, No Soy, Non-GMO
Life stage: Senior
Food form: Dry food
Food flavor: Chicken, Poultry
Calorie count: 3762 kcal ME/kg
If you’re looking for a wholesome and nutritious diet for your feline friend, then Nutro Wholesome cat food is worth considering.
First, this food contains non-GMO ingredients, meaning your body isn’t chomping down on genetically modified organisms. This is what makes this food so wholesome that even the elements are natural.
And let’s talk about the star of the show, the real chicken. It’s the first ingredient, meaning your cat is getting a healthy dose of protein. 32% of the total food content is protein. That’s some severe muscle-building fuel right there. But wait, there’s more. Pea proteins are also added, enhancing the taste and providing essential amino acids like taurine. Taurine strengthens your kitty’s heart and maintains its skin and coat. It’s like a spa day in a bag!
But that’s not all. This food also contains antioxidants, which improve immunity and neutralize harmful reactions in your cat’s body. So not only will your feline friend look good, but they’ll also feel good.
Pros
- It contains real chicken, which is a good source of protein for cats.
- It is specifically designed for senior cats, addressing their unique nutritional needs.
- Green tea extract and spearmint extract are added, which can improve digestion and support overall stomach health.
Cons
- It contains peas, which may trigger allergies in some cats allergic to peas.
- Uneaten food needs to be refrigerated to prevent spoilage and maintain freshness.
5. ProActive Cat Food - Best Food Item For Kittens
Key ingredients: Real poultry or fish
Other standout ingredients: Real milk with probiotics
Life stage: Kitten
Food Form: Dry Food, Wet Food
Food flavor: Pate
Let’s be honest; our kittens can be picky eaters sometimes, but who can blame them? They’re just starting, and their stomachs need extra care. That’s why Iams ProActive Health is a game-changer. It’s specially designed for kittens and is free of harsh chemicals and preservatives.
What makes it so unique is that it contains milk. You read that right; REAL milk is packed with calcium and essential minerals to strengthen your kitten’s bones and enhance their immunity.
And let’s talk about the texture. Iams ProActive Health has a smooth pate texture, perfect for those tiny teeth and developing jaws. Your kitten can chew and swallow easily, maximizing enjoyment and nutrition.
So, if you want to give your kitten the best start in life, look no further than Iams ProActive Health. It’s delicious, nutritious, and gentle on their stomachs.
Pros
- High-quality ingredients with real poultry or fish as the first ingredient.
- Produced in the USA with strict quality control standards.
- Available in both dry and wet food forms to suit different preferences and needs.
Cons
- It is designed only for kittens up to 12 months old, so it may not be suitable for adult cats.
- Some ingredients may be sourced from outside the USA, which could concern some consumers.
6. Purina Pro - Best Adult Wellness Cat Food
Key ingredients: Salmon, Tuna, Seafood & Fish
Other standout ingredients: Water, Meat by-products
Life stage: Adult
Food form: Pate
Food flavor: Salmon & Tuna
Calorie count: 905 kcal/kg
Purina Pro cat food is a perfect choice for all those active adult cats out there who require a high level of nutrition to keep up with their daily routine. Firstly, its key ingredient is salmon, which is delicious, helps decrease cats’ cognitive decline.
And if that wasn’t enough to convince you, this cat food contains 25 essential vitamins. We’re talking building blocks for our little feline bodies. It’s like a multivitamin, but way tastier. That means your furry friend will be solid and healthy, ready to take on the world.
And for all you health-conscious cat owners out there, you’ll be pleased to know that this wellness cat food is free of preservatives and colorants that can cause allergic reactions. That’s right; no more sneezing fits or itchy skin for your cat. It’s made in the USA, so you know it has to be good.
Pros
- It is made in the USA, ensuring quality control and safety standards.
- It is made with more than 20% ascorbic acid, which benefits a cat’s health and immune system.
- The food stimulates appetite, encouraging cats to eat and maintain a healthy diet.
Cons
- This is unsuitable for cats with salmon allergies, limiting its accessibility to particular cats with dietary restrictions.
7. Hill's Science Diet - Ideal Cat Food Option to Prevent Kidney Damage
Key ingredients: Chicken, Whole Grain Wheat, Corn Gluten Meal
Other standout ingredients: Grain
Life stage: Senior
Food Form: Dry Food
Food flavor: Chicken, Poultry
Calorie count: 500 kcal/cup
Introducing the Hill’s Science Cat Food, the perfect solution for your feline’s kidney health and hormone production needs!
A delicious recipe made with savory chicken that is lip-smackingly good and helps decrease stress on those pesky kidneys. Say goodbye to kidney failure – this cat food is the cat’s meow!
It is packed with 2.5% omega-6 fatty acids, which are essential for the production of hormones. Plus, it is made with beta-carotene, apples, broccoli, and carrots. These ingredients enhance the taste and provide crucial nutrients to keep your cat healthy and happy.
Pros
- It contains crude fat, proteins, and carbohydrates that support overall health and taste great.
- Free of harmful chemicals which protect the kidneys from damage.
Cons
- Not formulated in the USA, which may raise concerns about quality control and manufacturing practices.
- It may be more expensive compared to other cat food brands on the market.
FAQs
How many cans of cat food do you use per day?
The number of cans of cat food per day depends on various factors, such as age, weight, activity level, and type of food. As a general guideline, adult cats typically require 2–3 cans (5.5 oz each) of wet food per day, divided into two meals.
How much protein is in cat food?
Cats require a diet that is high in protein. The Association of American Feed Control Officials recommends a minimum of 26% protein for adult cats and 30% for growing kittens. However, cats with certain health conditions may require higher levels of protein.
Conclusion
Our feline friends’ health and happiness depend largely on their diet.
The seven best cat foods on this list have options for cats with different dietary needs and tastes. Whether your cat is a picky eater or will devour anything in sight, these top-rated brands will satisfy their cravings and keep their bellies full. So why settle for mediocre cat food when you can treat your feline royalty to the finest cuisine?
So go ahead and spoil your feline friend with the best cat food out there.