The Best Dry Cat Food
We all know that a healthy diet is the cornerstone of our wellbeing, and the same is true for our feline companions. No matter what stage of life your pet is at, introducing dry food into their diet can have many benefits for their development. Dry foods promote better dental health and provide adequate protein to keep your cats healthy and strong. It's also easier to store and serve, reducing mess and spoiling. In our search to find the best dry cat food money can buy, we had three questions in mind: Is this food made from high-quality, natural ingredients that our cats love? Does the recipe include supplements to support a healthy feline diet? How many meals will each bag yield for the price? Purina's recipe offers a delicious blend of real meat or fish for a gourmet treat, which keeps cats healthy and hungry for more. Cats also relish the meaty flavor of Blue Buffalo Wilderness kibble, which is packed with nutritional supplements to keep them at their best. Read on below to see the rest of our top choices.
Hill’s Prescription Diet Urinary Care
Just like us, our feline companions occasionally need to supplement their diets. If your cat has been diagnosed with urinary issues, you may be advised to support your pet’s recovery through a tailored diet. Feline nutritionists and veterinarians have carefully formulated this prescription dry cat food to support your cat’s recovery. Plus, we think your cat will find this food delicious.
Pros:
- We love that it’s clinically proven to lower the recurrence rate of urinary issues by up to 89%.
- The flavor and presentation of this food make it easy to rouse your cat’s appetite.
- Though this specialist dry food is pricier than most, we found it more affordable here than directly purchasing from a vet.
Cons:
- This prescription cat food is specifically tailored to treat urinary issues, so it may not be suitable for all cats.
Iams Proactive Health Weight & Hairball Control
If you’re keeping an eye on your cat’s weight, this dry food from Iams could be the one for you. The recipe includes vitamin l-carnitine, which helps break down excess body fat, ensuring your cat maintains a healthy physique. Also, we like that this protein-rich recipe is free from artificial preservatives and synthetic colors. In addition, a proprietary fiber blend, including beet pulp, works as a remedy for hairballs. All in all, this dry food offers comprehensive nourishment.
Pros:
- Cats love the flavor of this dry food. With a choice between chicken or salmon, we found there was an option to suit any appetite.
- This nutrient-rich food is packed full of goodies like calcium, potassium, omega 3, and omega 6. You’ll likely notice increased energy and health in your cat after regular consumption.
- We found this recipe was particularly loved by older cats, especially those who might otherwise be fussy eaters.
Cons:
- Cats seem to really love it, so appropriately portion their food to avoid overeating.
Purina ONE Tender Selects Blend
Many dry foods use artificial fillers or low-quality ingredients to bulk out their mix. If you’re looking for a recipe that prides itself on the quality of its ingredients, look no further. A grain-free recipe uses real meat or fish as its primary ingredient, resulting in a delicious meal abundant in natural protein. Packed full of vitamins and rich in minerals like calcium, magnesium, zinc, and more, Purina’s careful blend provides a balanced diet to cats of all shapes and sizes.
Pros:
- We found that this food helps promote healthy digestion in cats and can help reduce foul smelling stool.
- With a rich range of nutrients to suit any diet, we think this food is well suited for cats of all ages.
- This kibble is an easy shape for our cats to munch on, especially for Persian cats who might otherwise have a hard time eating dry food.
Cons:
- If you’re short on storage space at home, you might be put off by the large size of this bag.
Blue Buffalo Wilderness High Protein Dry Cat Food, Grain Free
Explore your cat’s wild side with this all-natural kibble from Blue Buffalo. With a recipe inspired by the lynx diet, this feed comes rich in real meat to support healthy muscle development and provide all the energy your pet needs. A tailored blend of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants fosters a strong immune system to keep your cat strong. For heart and eye health, a taurine supplement is also added to the mix.
Pros:
- With omega supplements to promote healthy hair, we were pleased to see that this food helps make a cat’s coat luscious and shiny.
- The softer pieces in this food were well suited to cats with dental issues.
- This is a generously sized bag of food. It should last a single adult cat for up to three months.
Cons:
- Some cat owners may feel that the recommended portioning of this food provides a calorie intake that’s too high for indoor cats.
9Lives Dry Cat Food
This dry food from 9Lives brings a nourishing meal to your cat for a fraction of the price. Its nutrient-rich recipe supports the development of a healthy heart, muscles, and coat. And despite its bargain friendly price, 9Lives doesn’t compromise on quality. A 30% protein blend packs this food with hearty energy for even the most active cats. With a generous 20lbs of kibble per bag, it should keep your cat well-fed for months.
Pros:
- With so much food at such a great price, this option is a great choice for owners of multiple cats.
- The kibble in this feed is firm and keeps its shape. We found there wasn’t an excess of wasted dust left at the bottom of the bag.
- Despite the price and ingredients, some cats preferred the taste of this food to more expensive options.
Cons:
- This harder kibble might be difficult for cats with sensitive teeth.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much protein does my cat need?
Protein is an essential component of any cat’s diet. It’s responsible for developing and maintaining healthy muscles and helps cats grow healthy coats and recover hair from loss. To keep your feline at their prime, try to include some form of protein as part of each meal. For adult cats of 10-12 years, each meal should provide roughly 6-8 grams of protein.
What are common symptoms that my cat needs to change their diet?
In the absence of a running dialogue with our pets, we have to use our best instincts to judge when their diet might need shifting. Hair loss and skin conditions are classic indicators of malnourishment. Watch out for pungent breath, which can indicate poor oral hygiene resulting from an insufficient diet. To offer your kitty the best health advice, you should always consult a professional veterinary service when presented with symptoms of pain or distress.
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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.