Providing high-quality cat food is important for your pet’s health and happiness. It might be not easy to go through all the various cat food brands because there are many different best cat food options available on the market today. Don’t be stress out! Canvas Personalized has got you covered! For this guide, we gathered the guidance of experts experienced in cat health. It will help us find the best cat food and explain why pet owners prefer one.
Best Wet Cat Food
Cats have a low thirst drive and may not drink enough water to stay hydrated. This can lead to urinary tract infections, kidney stones, or kidney failure. To prevent these problems, feed your cat wet food that does not contain too much sodium or ash, as these can increase the risk of urinary issues. Wet food also provides moisture and helps keep your cat hydrated. Here are some of the best wet cat food options that you can refer to.
1. Purina Pro Plan Complete Essentials Chicken Entrée in Gravy
- Nutritional breakdown: High protein, moderate fat, low carb
- Best for: Adult cats
This Purina Pro Plan formula should be the best overall cat food if your feline has no unique dietary requirements. Veterinarians recommend Purina’s products since the company works with professional nutritionists full time and spends extensively on R&D. To produce the highest-quality cat food, Purina is always doing research and testing new products. This helps them adapt to the rapidly growing volume of information about felines.
It’s effortless on digestion and has a nice balance of both taste and quality. Chyrle Bonk, a veterinarian, and consultant for Excited Cats, recommends Purina Pro Plan as a high-protein cat food because it’s reliable, affordable, and well-known. She also notes that it is an ideal source of protein, has low fat, and is rich in fiber, thanks to its selection of meat as one of the main components.
2. Royal Canin Indoor Sterilised in Jelly
- Nutritional breakdown: High protein, moderate fat, low carb
- Best for: Adult cats with sluggish digestive systems
You should always consult your veterinarian before changing the diet for your cat, especially if your cat has any special dietary needs or medical conditions. Royal Canin food is trusted by veterinarians and is consumed by many sensitive cats.
There is a variant of Indoor Sterilised that is created for cats at least seven years old and an alternative that comes in jelly and gravy forms. As an added bonus, it supports indoor cats in maintaining a healthy weight and boosts their slow digestive systems.
This high quality wet cat food has everything your cat needs, including nutrients that help keep his urinary system healthy. Moreover, protein levels are high for building muscles, while fat levels are adjusted to meet the needs of an indoor cat. Because they don’t get as much exercise as outside cats, indoor cats might have slow digestion if they don’t get the right type of food.
3. Whole Paws Grain Free Chicken Pâté
- Nutritional breakdown: Moderate protein, fat, and carbs
- Best for: Older cats
This Whole Paws Grain Free Chicken Pâté is reasonably priced, produces very little odor, and does not include grains. A cat with a more sensitive stomach has less digestive trouble when consuming this food because of its smooth consistency. You can also check the food labels to see the ingredients and nutritional information of this cat food.
These cat foods of the year are made from various animal protein sources, including turkey and salmon, your pet favorites. Wet cat food tends to have higher moisture content than dry food, which can help your cat stay hydrated and prevent urinary tract infections. Although wet food will never have a pleasant odor, the 5.5-ounce can of Whole Paws is less undesirable than other pâté choices.
4. Smalls Fresh Ground Bird Chicken Recipe
- Nutritional breakdown: Very high protein, moderate fat, low carb
- Best for: Adult cats
Some veterinarians believe the term “human-grade” is an advertising scam, as much as “grain-free.” That’s because, as McKenzie explains, “All the ingredients in potato chips and corn dogs are, by definition, ‘human grade.'” Nonetheless, human-grade food from Smalls is rich in moisture. It complies with AAFCO formulation standards, which veterinary consultant and Hepper and Pet Keen employee Dr. Paola Cuevas appreciates.
Unlike high-quality canned cat foods, claimed to have been linked to human cancer, Smalls delivers homemade, human-grade food for cats that is fresh and wholesome. And the minced and pate variants utilize only USDA-certified ingredients and are gently prepared.
It comes in four varieties (chicken, turkey, beef, and fish), and pet owners may complete a quick form to find out which is ideal for their cat. The suggested feeding amount for your cat will vary with his or her age and weight, so keep that in mind while shopping.
5. Royal Canin Mother & Babycat Ultrasoft Mousse in Sauce
- Nutritional breakdown: High protein, moderate fat, low carb
- Best for: Kittens
When purchasing high quality kitten formula food, you should be sure to check for the AAFCO nutritional-adequacy declaration for growth. Kittens need more calories per pound than adult cats need since they continue to grow and change. The additional energy needs of kittens are supplied by feeding them meals that are richer in fat than those made for adults.
Royal Canin is a trusted brand of Blair and Parker’s, and for a good reason: their food designed just for kittens is high in protein and enriched with all the vitamins and minerals that the tiniest felines need. The high-quality energy in the pate is perfect for weaning kittens because of its delicate texture.
6. Wellness Complete Health Gravies Grain Free Chicken Dinner Wet Cat Food
Wellness Complete Health Gravies Grain Free Chicken Dinner Wet Cat Food is a delicious and nutritious meal for your feline friend. This high quality wet cat food is made with real chicken as the first ingredient, providing high-quality protein for strong muscles and a healthy coat. It also contains essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to support your cat’s immune system and overall wellness.
The gravy texture is irresistible to cats, and the grain-free formula is ideal for cats with sensitive stomachs or allergies. According to veterinarians, wet food will be one of the best cat food of 2023.
>>> Further reading: Can Cats Eat Apples? A Vet-Approved Guide To Feed Your Cat
Best High-quality Dry Cat Food
Cats have a high metabolism and need a lot of energy to support their activity and health. This can lead to weight loss, muscle wasting, or poor coat quality if they don’t get enough calories and nutrients. To prevent these problems, you should feed your cat dry food that does not contain too much fillers, grains, or by-products, as these can lower the nutritional value and digestibility of the food for your pet. Dry food also provides crunch and helps your cat’s teeth clean. Here are some best dry cat food options to keep your cat satisfied and healthy.
7. CRAVE Grain Free High Protein Indoor Adult Cat Food
- Nutritional breakdown: High protein, carbohydrates for healthy muscles, energy, and immunity support
- Best for: Adult cats
Crave Indoor Adult Cat Food is your best choice when looking for a high-quality dry food product. Chicken, salmon with salmon, ocean fish, turkey, chicken, and duck combinations are popular tastes. Because cats need such high protein levels in their meals, meat is always included as the first ingredient.
Pea protein, potato protein, flaxseed, and a slew of vitamins and minerals, including Vitamin E, which has been shown to boost cats’ immune systems, complete the recipe. The recipes have been produced using high-quality protein and carbs ingredients like pea protein and potato protein to maintain your pet’s healthy muscles, energy levels, and immunity, much like your pet’s distinctive hunting diet did.
8. IAMS for Vitality
- Nutritional breakdown: High protein, carbohydrates for healthy muscles, energy, and immunity support
- Best for: Adult and senior indoor cats
Certain types of cat food may contain ingredients that can cause allergies in your cat. IAMS has been producing high-quality cat food since 1946, and all its products are put through strict nutritional research to guarantee that they include only pet-friendly ingredients. This makes IAMS a trusted brand for any cat owner who wants to provide their feline with the best nutrition possible. A cat of average size, reaching around 4 kilograms, is supposed to be able to consume a month’s supply of food from a 2-kilogram bag.
In order to prevent an indoor cat from gaining weight and developing health concerns, the Iams meal includes 14% less fat than standard and a high protein content, which helps maintain strong muscles. Additionally, the cat’s teeth benefit from biscuits since they strengthen the teeth and prevent tartar buildup. Cats of all ages, from kittens to seniors, may benefit from this meal.
9. Royal Canin Feline Digestive Care
- Nutritional breakdown: Moderate protein, fat, and carbs
- Best for: Adult cats with sensitive stomachs
This Royal Canin cat’s food is at a high level of scientific research, and strict testing goes into producing it. It is created especially for cats with digestive issues or sensitive stomachs, and veterinarian Jamie Freyer highly recommends it.
Proteins that don’t need much digestion, probiotics, and fiber-rich psyllium-seed husks are all substances that help maintain a healthy digestive tract and regular bowel movements. A high level of scientific research and strict testing goes into producing it.
10. Vital Essentials Rabbit Dinner Patties
- Nutritional breakdown: Moderate protein, free of any additional flavorings
- Best for: All cats
We recommend “Vital Essentials Rabbit Dinner Patties Grain-Free Limited Ingredient Freeze-Dried Cat Food” as the top dehydrated and freeze-dried raw cat food overall. These patties are an excellent option for food that your cat will love, as they contain high-quality rabbit protein and organ meats such as liver, heart, and kidney. It is freeze-dried to keep the recipe’s raw meat as fresh as possible and retain its nutrients.
If you plan on feeding your cat this formula, you should know that the patties may include small pieces of bone. In addition, much like most other freeze-dried foods, it has to be rehydrated before being served, which may be time-consuming.
11. Stella & Chewy’s Tummy Ticklin’ Turkey Dinner Morsels
- Nutritional breakdown: Moderate protein, no artificial preservatives
- Best for: All cats
“Stella & Chewy’s Tummy Ticklin’ Turkey Dinner Morsels Freeze-Dried Raw Cat Food” brings together the health advantages of a raw diet with the ease of freeze-dried food. The recipe consists of 98 percent turkey, with organs and bone.
You may either serve these snacks dry or rehydrate them in water. If your cat is not drinking enough water from its water dish, rehydrating the high quality dry cat food is an excellent alternative. This recipe is prepared using organic fruits and veggies and cage-free turkey bought from ethical suppliers in the United States.
12. Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Diet
- Nutritional breakdown: High protein, carbohydrates for healthy muscles, moderate fat, low carb
- Best for: Adult cats with sensitive stomachs, food allergies, or intolerances
This is the best option for limited-ingredient cat food because it has been carefully crafted using only the highest quality protein and carbohydrate sources. Feeding your cat something other than conventional ingredients is a great option.
This grain-free dry cat food contains a premium ingredient blend created to assist healthy digestion and maintain skin and coat health. It also contains essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that help your cat stay healthy and happy. Additionally, this food is a comprehensive and balanced meal for adult cats.
How to choose the best cat food
Choosing the highest-quality cat food for your furry friend can be challenging. There are many factors to consider, such as your cat’s age (kitten, adult cat, or senior cat), activity level, health conditions, and preferences. You must also look at the ingredients, nutritional value, and quality of the cat food you buy. Here are some tips on how to find out the best cat food picks for your cat:
- Look for an AAFCO statement on the label. The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) is an organization that sets standards for pet food quality and safety. A cat food with an AAFCO statement meets the minimum nutritional requirements for your cat’s life stage (kitten, adult, or senior).
- Choose a reputable brand. Some veterinarians recommend three major brands of cat food: Royal Canin, Hill’s Science Diet, and Purina. These brands have a long history of producing high-quality wet or dry food backed by scientific research and testing. However, you can find other good brands that offer food that meets your cat’s needs and budget.
- Check the ingredients list. The ingredients are listed by weight, with the heaviest ones appearing first. You should look for cat food with a high-quality animal protein source as the first ingredient, such as chicken, turkey, fish, or beef.
- Consider the moisture content. Cat food comes in different forms: dry (kibble), wet (canned), semi-moist, or raw-infused. Each form has pros and cons, depending on your cat’s preferences and health conditions.
- Consult your veterinarian for special dietary needs. Some cats may have specific health issues that require a special diet, such as diabetes, kidney disease, allergies, obesity, or urinary tract problems. Your veterinarian can recommend the best cat food for your cat’s condition and monitor their progress
What Ingredients are the Healthiest for Kittens?
One of the most important factors to consider when choosing high-quality cat food for your feline is what kind of ingredients the food contains. You should prioritize feeding your cat a protein source like chicken, turkey, fish, rabbit, or beef. You should also avoid giving your cat human food, as it may contain harmful or toxic ingredients, such as garlic, onion, chocolate, grapes, or raisins.
As they grow into adult bodies, kittens need more daily calories than adult cats. Quality proteins, fats, vitamins, and DHA are all important for a kitten’s immunological and neurological systems and muscular growth. Avoid cat food containing artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives.
The AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials) specifies nutritional requirements for pet food. The minimum crude protein ingredients for growing kittens and nursing mothers should be 30 percent of the dry matter. (Dry weight may be determined by taking the wet weight and subtracting the given percentage. Next, multiply 100 by dividing the crude protein by the dry matter.)
Vitamins, omega-3 fatty acids, DHA, and taurine are crucial components that make up premium kitten food. In addition, foods high in grains should be avoided since they may be rich in carbs that the body has difficulty digesting.
>>> Read more:
- Can Cats Eat Mayo? Exploring the Best ‘Safety and Risks’ Answer
- Can Cats Eat Pasta? What is Dangerous for Feline Friends?
Investing in your cat’s long-term health and happiness by feeding it high-quality cat food is an excellent decision. Cats of different ages, sizes, and activity levels have different nutritional needs, so it’s important to talk to the vet before changing your cat’s diet. We hope our suggestions have helped you better understand the importance of feline nutrition.
