The Best Grain Free Canned Cat Foods
One of the best ways we can show love to our pets is by feeding them well. A good meal keeps them happy and healthy and ensures they're in the best form to play and explore. The last thing we want at feeding time is to discover signs of irritation, itchiness, or indigestion. If your cat frequently experiences these symptoms after a meal, you might want to check if your food contains grain fillers, as some cats, just like humans, have allergies to these ingredients. Even for cats free from allergies, grain-free cat food provides a low-carb alternative. In our search to find the best grain-free canned cat foods on the market today, we asked ourselves three questions: Is there a range of flavor options making it easy to introduce this food to even the most finicky cats? Are these meals packed with nutrients and minerals to fulfill our cat's dietary needs? Do they have a reasonable price so we won't break the bank if we feed our pets exclusively on these meals? For an all-around treat, we love the quality flavor selection of patés from Purina. These tick all of our boxes for quality, but as a result, they come in at a slightly higher price point than some options. For great recipes and ingredients on a budget, take a look at the option from Rachael Ray. Read on below to learn more about our top picks of grain-free canned cat food.
Purina Fancy Feast Seafood Classic Paté
Fit for royalty
Feast your eyes on a luxury collection of seafood flavors that your cat is sure to relish. This great value pack of 24 comes with three delicious options to offer variety and satisfy even the fussiest eaters. Choose between cod, salmon, and tuna recipes. Each is crafted with real seafood ingredients, providing your cat a high-protein and nutrient-rich banquet. A tender and delicate paté texture ensure this meal is easy to digest for cats of all ages.
Pros:
- With its velvety texture, we found that this soft food was a great choice for cats with dental issues that led them to reject firmer foods.
- These cans contain a generous portion size of over 80 kcal per can. We found that one serving could be enough to satisfy two medium-sized cats at mealtime.
- Purina brand cat foods are crafted in the US, making this the perfect choice for those favoring domestic produce.
Cons:
- This luxury feast comes with a slightly higher price tag per can than some other options.
Rachael Ray Nutrish
Gourmet menu
For a rich palette of savory delights, look no further than this wide selection of grain-free wet foods by Rachael Ray. With a range of options made from real poultry, beef, and seafood, you’re sure to find a match for your cat’s appetite. These protein-rich meals are fortified with a range of essential vitamins and minerals. What’s more, a portion of the proceeds from each pack of Nutrish food is donated to the Rachael Ray Foundation, supporting the purchase of food and medical supplies for cats in need.
Pros:
- The natural ingredients in this recipe made it a perfect transition for cats used to eating whole canned meats or fish.
- With a simple recipe consisting of just a few quality ingredients, we think this food is a great option for cats susceptible to allergies from other products.
- We love the price per serving of this food. It’s a better choice over the lower quality options at dollar stores, which didn’t save us much.
Cons:
- Some bones might appear in the fish varieties, but cats seem to have no problem eating around them.
Blue Buffalo Wilderness High Protein Grain Free
If your kitten has a huge appetite, you might be searching for an option that packs a higher protein content than the average cat food. This sumptuous offering from Blue Buffalo Wilderness boasts a rich and nourishing real meat recipe. Blended into a smooth texture of either chicken or salmon, these patés are sure to tempt the appetite of any growing feline.
Pros:
- Sometimes the smell of cheap cat foods can leave a bad whiff in our homes, but we found the natural ingredients of these patés had a subtle real-meat odor.
- The nutrients in this feed had a noticeable effect on our cats’ coats. They helped to reduce grease and promote a natural healthy shine.
- We felt that the texture of this paté was a great option for messy eaters, helping to avoid spills and reduce clean-up.
Cons:
- For smaller or housebound pets, this high-calorie meal might be a bit too heavy.
Iams Perfect Portions Indoor
Stay at home dining
For cats that spend most of their time at home, it might be wise to consider a lean but nourishing meal. This indoor food from Iams is tailored explicitly for housebound cats. It offers the best nourishment while combatting indigestion and weight gain. Three succulent flavor options come enriched with vitamin E to support your cat’s immune system, and a blend of dietary fiber and prebiotic supports healthy digestion. With a handy dual-sachet design, these patés are easier than ever to serve.
Pros:
- We found that this paté was particularly moist, making it a great option for cats in warmer climates or to ensure they stay well hydrated.
- The peel-away foil cover helps to keep the contents fresh if you’re only planning on serving half portions.
- With a smaller portion size than most options, this is an excellent choice for smaller cats.
Cons:
- If you’re mindful of eco-friendly packaging, you might be put off by the plastic tub design.
I And Love And You Grain-Freee
Meat and gravy please
If your pride and joy prefers to nibble on the chunkier variety, look no further than this premium grain-free selection from I And Love And You. With three gourmet flavors, they’ll be spoilt for choice. This natural recipe uses a base of nutrient-rich cranberries and spinach instead of grain fillers. Fortified with flax and salmon oil, these delicious cans are packed full of omegas 3 and 6 to keep your cat’s skin and coat looking radiant.
Pros:
- If you’re a stickler for sustainability, you’ll be glad to know that this canned food comes in 100% recyclable packaging.
- We think that the real meat ingredients in this food do a great job at satiating even the most ravenous appetites.
- With soft chunks and a great flavor, we found that this was a great option for concealing medicines or supplements.
Cons:
- If your cat is finicky over specific meat ingredients, be sure to check the label on these. We found some recipes contained more meats than the title of the dish suggested.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the recommended daily calorie intake for an adult cat?
Cats come in all shapes and sizes, with a range of diets to match. Because of the variety of needs across cats, there isn’t a determined fixed calorie intake for every breed. Adult cats tend to regulate their food intake, so you should get a clear indication of overfeeding if there is always food left in their tray after eating. In general, keep an eye out for uncharacteristic weight gain, and if in doubt, speak to your vet for more specific advice.
If real animal products are so good for my cat’s diet, shouldn’t I just feed them fresh meat or fish?
While wildcats thrive off a carnivorous diet, our indoor domesticated pets aren’t so suited to consuming food designed for humans. The occasional morsel of unseasoned meat might not do too much harm. However, feeding your cat exclusively on this diet will neglect many important nutrients they need. Steer clear from giving your cats scraps of cooked meat and fish from the dinner table. Many common culinary ingredients like onion and garlic can cause irritation and digestive issues.
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