Proper nutrition is just as essential for your cat as it is for you. A poor diet can lead to obesity, diseases, malnutrition, and even premature death. But with so many options on the market, it can be overwhelming to choose the best cat food for your furry friend. That's why we've put together this article to help make the decision easier for you.
A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites in 2024
The 12 Best Cat Foods
1. Smalls Human-Grade Fresh Cat Food Subscription - Best Overall
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Smalls is a cat food delivery service that provides protein-rich formulas in textures cats love. Their Fresh Smooth Bird recipe is our pick for the best cat food overall. It's made with real chicken parts as its first three ingredients and a unique blend of vitamins and minerals. This recipe has a low carbohydrate content and is high in moisture to ensure cats get the hydration they need to thrive. Each 5 oz bag meets the nutritional needs of a 10 lb cat for a day. Smalls' conveniently portioned recipes are suitable for cats of all life stages.
2. Hound & Gatos Lamb, Chicken, and Salmon - Best Wet Cat Food
The Hound & Gatos 98% Lamb, Chicken & Salmon Grain-Free Canned Cat Food is a plant protein-free wet food perfect for your cat’s carnivorous diet. Made with high-quality lamb, chicken, and salmon, this recipe provides 98% animal protein. It has a pate-like texture that most cats love. This food is ideal for cats that find other wet food options too thick. It's a great choice for cats with sensitive stomachs or allergies.
3. Vital Essentials Rabbit Dinner Patties - Best Freeze-Dried Raw Cat Food
Vital Essentials Rabbit Dinner Patties Grain-Free Limited Ingredient Freeze-Dried Cat Food is our top pick for freeze-dried raw cat food. It provides a limited-ingredient, dehydrated and freeze-dried option that is perfect for pet owners looking to reduce their pet’s exposure to overly processed food. Made with rabbit and organ meat, this formula is free of any additional flavorings and fillers. It's a great choice for cats with dietary sensitivities or allergies.
4. Darwin’s Natural Fresh Cat Food Chicken Recipe
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Darwin’s Natural Pet Products produces fresh and natural food for cats. Their chicken recipe provides a great source of protein and B vitamins, which cats need for proper metabolism. This raw formula is made primarily of muscle meat, organs, and bones and is minimally processed to preserve nutrients. It's a great option for pet owners looking to feed their cats a raw diet.
5. The Honest Kitchen Dehydrated Grain-Free Chicken Cat Food
The Honest Kitchen Dehydrated Grain-Free Chicken Cat Food is a USA-made food packed with whole food ingredients such as free-range chicken and sweet potatoes. When warm water is added, this meal rehydrates to four times its weight. It features no by-products, fillers, or GMO ingredients. This formula is great for kittens and is suitable for cats of all life stages.
6. Dr. Elsey’s cleanprotein Turkey Formula Grain-Free Canned Cat Food
Dr. Elsey’s cleanprotein Turkey Formula Grain-Free Canned Cat Food is a low glycemic formula that provides just 4% of energy from carbohydrates. It features real turkey as the first ingredient and is supplemented with vitamins and minerals. This formula is free of added fillers or gluten and has a smooth pate texture cats love.
7. Nature’s Logic Feline Rabbit Feast Grain-Free Canned Cat Food
Nature’s Logic Feline Rabbit Feast Grain-Free Canned Cat Food is a grain and gluten-free formula low in carbohydrates. It has real rabbit as its first ingredient and boasts over 90% animal protein. This recipe includes whole foods like apples and blueberries for added nutritional benefits. It's a great choice for cats with allergies to other protein sources.
8. Ziwi Peak Venison Recipe Canned Cat Food
The Ziwi Peak Venison Recipe Canned Cat Food is a venison-based recipe containing muscle meat, broth, and organs. It includes the company’s standard green-lipped mussels, providing a source of glucosamine and chondroitin for joint health. This single-protein recipe is made without cheap fillers and is ethically and sustainably sourced.
9. Tiki Cat Succulent Chicken in Chicken Consommé Canned Cat Food
The Tiki Cat Puka Puka Luau Succulent Chicken in Chicken Consommé Grain-Free Canned Cat Food is made with real chicken and a hydrating chicken broth. It is made without any artificial coloring or flavors. This formula has a shredded texture that some cats may love, but others may not.
10. Weruva Press Your Dinner! Chicken Paté Cat Food
The Weruva Classic Cat Paté, Press Your Dinner with Chicken Wet Cat Food is made with wholesome ingredients and gently pureed into a texture that cats will either love or hate. This formula is made with real chicken and chicken broth for a high-protein, hydrating meal.
11. Stella & Chewy’s Tummy Ticklin’ Turkey Dinner Morsels Freeze-Dried Raw Cat Food
Stella & Chewy’s Tummy Ticklin’ Turkey Dinner Morsels Freeze-Dried Raw Cat Food combines the benefits of a raw diet and the convenience of freeze-dried meals. It can be served as-is or rehydrated with water for cats that need extra hydration. This formula is made with responsibly sourced, cage-free turkey and organic fruits and vegetables. It's a great option for pet owners looking for a raw diet alternative.
12. Primal Chicken & Salmon Formula Raw Freeze-Dried Nuggets
Primal Chicken & Salmon Formula Nuggets Grain-Free Raw Freeze-Dried Cat Food is made with antibiotic and hormone-free chicken meat and organs. It also contains wild-caught salmon for a good source of omega fatty acids. This recipe focuses on whole-food nutrition and is free of artificial ingredients.
Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose the Best Cat Food
Are you still feeling overwhelmed by all your cat food options? Read on to learn more about choosing the best cat food for your feline family members.
Raw Food Diets
A raw food diet for cats is a highly controversial topic. While it may provide high-quality nutrition, it can also pose risks of bacterial contamination and nutritional imbalances.
Wet Food Diets
A wet (or canned) food diet is one of the most recommended cat diets. Wet food is highly palatable and helps increase your cat's water intake, preventing dehydration.
Dehydrated & Freeze-Dried Food Diets
Dehydrated and freeze-dried cat foods provide the benefits of raw food diets with the convenience of processed food. However, there may be risks of bacterial contamination and nutritional deficiencies.
What About Dry Food?
Dry food is low in moisture, high in carbohydrates, and often relies on plant-based proteins. It can promote overeating and may not provide the optimal nutrition for your cat.
Conclusion
Choosing the best cat food can be a challenging task, but with our reviews, you can make an informed decision. Smalls Human-Grade Fresh Cat Food, Hound & Gatos Lamb, Chicken & Salmon Grain-Free Canned Cat Food, and Vital Essentials Rabbit Dinner Patties are some of the top options to consider. Remember to choose a food that meets your cat's specific needs and preferences. Happy feeding!
Featured Image Credit: Pixel-Shot, Shutterstock
