The Best Grain Free Cat Foods
Many cat owners prefer grain free cat foods to their carby alternatives, and it's easy to see why. Grain free options are typically rich in protein, and cats who may have a grain allergy will have no problem digesting them. But you should only be getting the best grain free cat foods for your feline friend, which is why we've compiled this list of our favorites. Keep reading and get ready to go responsibly gluten-free.
What to Look For
In our research for the best grain-free cat foods, we asked ourselves the following questions: Does the food replace the nutrients that those grains would otherwise provide? Will your cat enjoy the taste? Are there any health benefits that traditional cat food can’t offer? We found a few grain free cat foods that excelled at most or all of these fundamentals. Purina came out on top with their tasty, all-natural pellets made from genuine chicken. We also had to give high marks to Crave, with their salmon-and-chicken blend that corners the market on protein. Keep reading to see why these and other grain free cat foods deserve a place in your kitty’s bowl.
Purina Natural Grain Free Cat Food
Pure and easy
The ever-reliable Purina wins the day with one of the best grain free cat foods you can find. These pellets are made with real chicken and include no artificial flavors or preservatives, ensuring your cat gets their nutrients with no unwanted side effects. Nutrients such as Omega-3 fatty and amino acids work wonders for giving your kitty healthy skin and fur. This should be your first stop on your journey to find grain free cat foods your pet will love.
Pros
- The lack of chemical additives makes it great for cats with sensitive stomachs.
- It lacks an odor, which means your cat’s litter won’t smell nearly as pungent the next time you have to clean it.
- These pellets are crunchy without being tough, making them easy for cats with sensitive teeth to chew.
Cons
- The bag it comes in isn’t resealable, which can cause the food to go stale faster than is desirable.
Purina ONE Grain Free Cat Food
Healthy and lean
Purina rears its furry head yet again with another great bag of grain free cat foods, this time from their ONE line. This kibble is composed of real chicken, and 35% of its total nutritional value comes in the form of protein. It also has added vitamins and minerals to ensure your cat stays happy and energetic throughout the day. Lastly, it’s a great standby for those who need grain free cat foods with no extra complications.
Pros
- The kibble comes in large pellets, making it easier for cats to eat without having it spill from their mouths.
- Its genuine meat ingredients are great for your kitty’s coat and are known to decrease shedding.
Cons
- This kibble is on the crunchy side, making it hard for older or disabled cats to eat without help.
Crave High Protein Grain Free Cat Food
Breakfast of champions
Protein is one of the most important elements of grain free cat foods, and in that regard, Crave delivers. Made from genuine chicken and salmon meal, a whopping 40% of its nutritional makeup comes in the form of protein. It contains no artificial dyes or flavors, and the added nutrients have been chosen to reflect a natural cat diet while still appealing to indoor kitties. It’s one of the top grain free cat foods for felines who want a hunter’s diet.
Pros
- The high protein content makes this great for beefing up rescue cats or strays who have been malnourished.
- Its natural ingredients help reduce the smell of your cat’s litter.
- The pellets are large enough to be easy to grasp in the jaw but not crunchy enough to be challenging to chew.
Cons
- The high protein can be bad for your cat’s organs if it’s all they’re eating, so make sure they also get plenty of water.
Nulo Freestyle Grain Free Cat Food
Grain free cat foods tend to be gentler on the tummy, and this one might be gentlest of all. Composed of 98% chicken and salmon, this food is loaded with probiotics and healthy fats to balance your cat’s nutritional intake and keep their stomach in good working order. It’s also a rare grain-free cat food that doubles as both a treat and a meal. Nulo hits the mark for being tasty and healthy, making this one of the essential grain free cat foods.
Pros
- These pellets are easy to crush and mix with water, letting your cat get their daily hydration.
- It can work as an incentive for your cat to switch to wet food if you sprinkle some on top of a serving.
Cons
- It is more expensive than other grain free cat foods on this list.
Instinct Original Grain Free Cat Food
Nature's gift
Many grain free cat foods will claim to be organic, but few can match the purity of Instinct’s natural kibble. Composed of 81% meat and 91% fruits and veggies, you can rest assured your cat is eating a nutritious meal. Instinct also promotes ethical farming by using cage-free duck as their primary source of meat. If you’re environmentally conscious or want your cat healthy, this is one of the best grain free cat foods.
Pros
- This is the perfect food for Bengal cats, as it replicates the raw diet they prefer without any of the dangers of raw meat.
- The purity of ingredients works wonders for facilitating healthy digestion.
- It can be used to orient rescue cats into getting used to domestic cat food.
Cons
- The quality of ingredients make this one of the priciest grain free cat foods.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why should I consider grain free cat foods over traditional types?
Many cats have trouble digesting the additives and unnecessary vegetable parts that bind their food together. Grain-free cat foods are easier to digest and reflect your cat’s natural diet more accurately.
Why do some grain free cat foods say they contain a certain type of meat’s “meal?”
“Meal” refers to the leftover parts of animals that aren’t typically consumed on their own (think sausage, as opposed to a pork chop). While meal on its own isn’t ideal, it’s fine for some to be in your cat’s food as long as it’s not the primary meat source.
About the Author
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Since 2008, CatTime has provided millions of cat owners with all the information they need to keep their pets happy and healthy. Our experts know exactly what it takes to raise our furry friends and our goal is to help all owners, new or experienced, care for their cats with all the right food, toys, equipment, and accessories.