The Best Cat Foods
When caring for your cat, few things are more daunting than trying to set good feeding habits for them. Choosing cat food is just one of the variables involved, and there are so many kinds. We researched an array of options to find a handful of stand-out cat foods. We've shared our results here so you and your cat can benefit from the right products for you.
What to Look For
We looked for top cat foods by considering ingredients, scent and flavor, and value, among other useful qualities. You may take interest in Iams Proactive Health food if your indoor cat needs a new solution for hairballs or digestion. If you have a kitten, check out the growth-supporting features of the wet kitten food by Wellness Complete Health. Or, for an environmentally conscious choice, consider the kibble by Open Farm, which is rich in humanely raised poultry. Continue scrolling for more food recommendations for your fur babies.
Iams Proactive Health Indoor Cat Food
The ideal weight
This cat food is a healthy choice catering to indoor cats with real chicken as the main ingredient. It helps promote weight loss and management and contains L-carnitine, which helps burn fat and regulate your cat’s metabolism. This recipe is also specially created for cats who are prone to hairballs. The fiber aids by both breaking down hairball build-up and encouraging digestion. And while it appeals to cats, it doesn’t have a very strong scent to humans.
Pros:
- We found that many picky cats love the taste of this food.
- This product is inexpensive compared to similar types.
- The blend of omega acids brings out a shine in your cat’s coat.
Cons:
- This food contains corn, which is better avoided in some cats’ diets.
Purina One Tender Selects Blend Adult Cat Food
Salivating for salmon
Real salmon is the first ingredient in this flavor blend by Purina One, giving your cat the healthy protein it needs to keep its muscles and heart in good shape. This food also contains prebiotic fiber for gut health and immune system support. In addition, this blend is designed to help cats’ skin and coat. You may notice a positive difference in your cat’s appearance and behavior within 28 days.
Pros:
- In addition to protein, this food contains Omega-6 fatty acids, which further encourage a healthy skin and coat.
- We appreciate that there are no filler ingredients.
- It scores higher on affordability than similar cat foods on the market.
Cons:
- If you try to avoid either grain or corn in your cat’s food, note that they’re included in this recipe.
Sheba Perfect Portions Paté Cat Food
Soft and succulent
These Sheba packs have real protein as the first ingredient, which helps promote good energy and a healthy coat. And there are no grains or corn in the food, no vegetables, and no artificial flavors or preservatives. The handy portioned packages make for easy cleanup. You don’t need a can opener, and better yet, you don’t have to store an open container of smelly cat food in the fridge. While the price can be higher for wet food, these packs are considered a good value for what they offer. You may choose to alternate this food with dry or even mix some of it into dry food for additional variety and cost-effectiveness.
Pros:
- This food is also made with sustainably sourced fish.
- Owners with multi-generational cats will appreciate that this food is suitable for kittens, adults, and seniors.
- Since these packs come with two different flavors, they’ll help keep your cat from getting bored with their food.
Cons:
- The single-serve packaging creates more trash, and as the food has a pungent smell and some liquid, it can cause some stink and mess.
Open Farm Humanely Raised Meat Cat Food
A sustainable favorite
If you’re looking for a product that’s not only good for your cat but is also created humanely, Open Farm’s products fit the bill. The company is committed to fully transparent sourcing. This recipe is made with antibiotic-free meat from chickens and turkeys raised on US farms. And this food includes no grain, corn, wheat, soy, or artificial ingredients.
Pros:
- This food contains non-GMO produce and superfoods to support your cat’s digestion and overall health.
- Because it’s made with high-quality meat, even cats who typically dislike kibble or have sensitive stomachs tend to like it.
Cons:
- This premium product comes at a higher price point.
Wellness Complete Health Kitten Paté
All about kittens
This wet cat food by Wellness Complete Health provides the nutrients and energy kittens need so they stay bright-eyed and bushy-tailed as they grow. The top ingredient is chicken, giving your kitten protein for their growing muscles. This formula also features minerals for strong teeth and bones and an added prebiotic to help digestion. The recipe promotes healthy brain development, and there’s added taurine for eyes and ears. In addition, this food has no added meat by-products, fillers, artificial preservatives, or colors and is free of wheat, corn, or soy.
Pros:
- This food is appropriate for all breeds of cats, and it can even help older cats with sensitive bowels or who need more energy.
- Many kittens prefer the taste of this recipe over any other food.
Cons:
- This food can be pricey, but since it’s specially tailored for kittens, you won’t be using it for long. You can also stretch your supply by mixing it with dry food.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it better to feed my cat wet or dry food?
Alternating between wet and dry food cat food is recommended. Since cats do sometimes bore of eating the same food, alternating will help keep your cat interested in eating, so they stay healthy. Also, since cats don’t often have the urge to drink, they need help to stay hydrated. Occasional wet food gives them a boost of hydration. Dry food is often cheaper and easier to keep fresh, so this is also a reliable nutritional source for your cats. And you can add water to dry food to help your cat’s liquids intake.
What should I look for in the ingredients list before buying a new type of cat food?
Animal-based protein is important in a cat’s diet. They are natural carnivores, so one of the top three ingredients in quality cat food should always be a natural protein. You can also look for fatty acids like omega-3s to improve your cat’s skin and fur and an amino acid called taurine, which is important to your cat’s digestion, muscles, and immune system. Fiber and other minerals and vitamins should be present in your cat’s food as well. Of course, the best ingredients depend partially on your pet’s age, tendencies, and any allergies, medical conditions, or digestive reactions to certain ingredients.
About the Author
Why Trust Us
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.