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Finding nutritious, high-quality cat food that satisfies your cat and fits your budget is an unenviable challenge. To help you choose the best cat food, we researched pet food standards, labels, and ingredients and consulted with veterinarians and animal nutrition experts.
Your cat can live a long, healthy life whether they’re fed the best dry cat food, the best wet cat food, or a combination of both, as long as the food is AAFCO complete and balanced. We evaluated the food in this guide according to the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) standards, which encompass nutritional adequacy, calorie content, and ingredients. While the experts we spoke with declined to recommend specific cat foods, they helped us narrow down our selection criteria.
The picks in this guide are only some of the excellent options available. If you’re interested in exploring other cat foods, we explain how to evaluate any food’s quality and nutritional value. Just be careful not to overfeed your pet. The average 8- to 10-pound adult cat should consume between 230 and 270 kilocalories (kcal) per day to maintain a healthy weight, according to the Global Nutrition Guidelines from the World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA). An extremely active or sedentary feline may have different needs. Before changing your cat’s diet, be sure consult your vet.
Learn more about how Insider Reviews tests and recommends pet products.
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Dry food is the most cost-effective way to keep a cat satiated. Like all cat food, a kibble must have an AAFCO complete and balanced statement on its label. This ensures the food has the appropriate balance of protein (at least 26%), fat (at least 9%), and essential vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin A and magnesium.
Cats are obligate carnivores and cannot survive on plant-based nutrients alone. Some form of whole meat or meat meal should be listed among the first ingredients, but don’t worry too much about the order in which they appear or what is listed after.
Many cat foods are prominently marketed as grain-free, but these diets have no proven benefit. “Grains are a source of carbohydrates [and] while cats are obligate carnivores, some carbohydrates in their diets can be helpful if included at moderate levels,” says Kelly Swanson, professor of animal and nutritional sciences at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Fiber, for example, can help minimize hairballs, maintain a healthy body weight, and aid in bowel movements.
It is easy to overfeed your cat with dry food since it is more calorie dense than wet food. Keep a close eye on your cat’s daily kibble intake to ensure they don’t gain weight, which can lead to other health problems.
Our picks for the best cat food include whole meats and fishes and exceed the AAFCO minimums for protein and fat.
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Don’t write off budget cat foods even if you have the money to spend. Several affordable AAFCO complete and balanced dry foods are as nutritious as more expensive kibble.
Not only do the budget dry foods we selected contain whole meats and protein-rich meat meals, but they also have ingredients like kelp and alfalfa that support gut health and antioxidant-rich blueberries and cranberries. The percentages of protein, fat, and fiber they contain are also on par with pricier brands.
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Wet cat food tends to be costlier than dry food. In terms of nutrition, wet food stands out from kibble in a few ways. It contains significantly more moisture, typically 75% to 78%, versus 10% to 12% in dry food. Because of that moisture content, wet food is more filling and may be a good choice for cats who love to eat too zealously.
However, feeding a typical adult cat wet food instead of, or in addition to, dry food offers no specific health benefits, says Dr. Valerie Parker, a veterinary nutritionist and professor of clinical small animal internal medicine and nutrition at The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine. It’s a decision that should be based on a cat’s preferences and a guardian’s budget.
Wet food has a long shelf life but spoils quickly once opened. To prevent spoilage, unused it must be refrigerated and consumed within a few days.
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Wet cat food doesn’t have to cost a premium to be nutritionally complete and balanced. Our budget picks for the best cat food are significantly higher in protein than the 26% AAFCO minimum recommendation for healthy adult cats without kidney problems.
Both the percentage of protein a cat food contains and the sources of that protein are important, says Swanson. Animal-based proteins typically provide the 11 essential amino acids and levels of taurine a cat’s diet requires. Other animal- or plant-based proteins are sometimes added to meet nutritional needs.
Like pricier wet foods, these budget options also contain 78% to 82% moisture which helps to keep a cat feeling full for longer while providing them with an additional source of hydration. Whether your cat prefers to eat only wet food or you feed it as part of a diet mixed with kibble, these recipes are a reliable option.
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Indoor-only cats don’t necessarily have different nutritional requirements from cats that go outdoors, says Dr. Korinn Saker, associate professor of clinical nutrition at the College of Veterinary Medicine at North Carolina State University. But indoor cats may not get as much exercise as cats with outside access. This means they may face a greater risk of becoming overweight, an increasing concern that can cause a number of health issues.
Foods formulated for indoor cats are often lower in calories and fat to help them maintain a healthy weight, says Saker. Although not every house cat is overweight, it’s important to pay attention to the total calories per cup when feeding your cat and follow the feeding guidelines on the packaging for your kitty’s ideal weight. When in doubt, consult your veterinarian.
It’s also good to know your cat’s body condition score (BCS), something your veterinarian can help you determine. The BCS is a visual tool that assesses your cat’s body fat on a scale of 1 to 9. This can help you understand if they need to lose or gain weight.
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Just like humans, some cats have more sensitive stomachs than others. If your kitty has a food allergy or intolerance, they may experience unpleasant gastrointestinal symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, or gas. While you should always consult your vet before switching up your cat’s diet, a “sensitive stomach” food may benefit some cats.
Foods formulated for sensitive stomachs usually contain moderate to low fat and a more processed protein source, like chicken meal or chicken byproduct, says Saker. These proteins, which are more broken down than whole meats, may help your cat absorb the nutrients more efficiently. Additionally, Saker recommends looking for foods with a lower fiber content and easily digestible carbohydrates, like whole wheat, corn, or white potatoes.
In addition, sensitive stomach formulas may contain omega fatty acids to reduce inflammation and pre- and probiotics to support digestion.
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Fresh pet food is a relatively new trend in which whole meats, vegetables, essential vitamins, and minerals are combined, then frozen to maintain freshness. Some fresh pet foods are available via fuss-free subscription and delivery services, and others are available in the freezer section of pet stores.
While fresh cat food is pricier than dry or canned foods, the difference between them is clear. In fresh foods, the whole ingredients are visible to the naked eye and have a consistency that rivals a home-cooked meal.
Several fresh cat food companies meet AAFCO standards, but only two have a full-time veterinary nutritionist on staff: Freshpet and JustFoodForDogs. According to our experts, this is an essential quality to look for when choosing food for your pet. While Freshpet was one of our best cat food picks previously, we are not recommending it at this time due to two recalls in 12 months for potential salmonella contamination.
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Kittens under a year old need a different combination of nutrients to support their revving metabolism and growing bones. An AAFCO complete and balanced kitten food contains a minimum of 30% protein, 9% fat, and extra vitamin A, calcium, and phosphorus. You’ll also find docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) in these formulas. DHA is an omega-3 fatty acid that supports brain development and can be found in fish, fish oil, and fish meal. Kitten formulas also meet AAFCO’s standards for pregnant and lactating adult cats who require additional calories and nutrients.
Although it doesn’t matter whether a kitten is fed dry food, wet food, or a combination of the two, introducing young kittens to different types of food may prevent them from being picky eaters in adulthood. Regardless of the type of food you select, cats benefit from being fed out of a puzzle feeder instead of a regular bowl. The problem-solving and play required to extract the food provide a kitten with important mental stimulation. The more energy they burn on puzzle toys, the less likely they’ll be to become bored and make trouble.
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Kittens can do equally when fed dry or canned food as long as the food meets AAFCO requirements for growth. However, wet food can be especially beneficial for kittens just starting their solid-food journey after being weaned from their mothers.
Wet food’s high moisture content creates a soft texture that is easy for kittens to chew and swallow. This is particularly important for very young kittens whose teeth are too small to crunch on dry kibble. The high moisture content also provides a great way for kittens to stay well hydrated and be at lower risk for urinary tract diseases.
As with wet food for adult cats, wet food for kittens is pricier than dry kitten food and spoils more quickly.
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Once a cat hits 7 years of age, they start to show signs of aging. At around 12 years old, they enter their senior years. Senior cats have the same minimum AAFCO nutritional requirements as younger adult cats, but decreased activity can cause them to pack on the pounds. And the more overweight a cat becomes, the more likely they are to develop conditions such as diabetes, liver disease, arthritis, and pancreatitis.
You can help your senior cat maintain a healthy body weight by closely controlling their portion sizes or switching them to a senior diet lower in calories than typical adult formulas. Just be sure to check the calorie content because some senior foods actually have more calories and may still require portion control.
Senior formulas also have omega-3 fatty acids and other nutrients that aren’t required in regular adult cat foods. These ingredients help reduce inflammation, improve cognitive function, and support the immune system. As long as the senior food is labeled AAFCO complete and balanced, it will contain the vitamins and minerals an older cat requires without needing additional supplements.
Different cats have different needs as they age, so consult your veterinarian before switching them to a senior diet or determining whether additional supplements are required.
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Senior cats can have their nutritional needs met with either wet or dry food as long as the food meets AAFCO nutrient requirements for maintenance. Like senior dry foods, wet foods for senior cats contain added ingredients, such as fish oil, to help maintain good overall health and cognitive function.
Wet food provides a few other benefits for senior cats. Its soft, moist texture is ideal for senior cats with periodontal disease, a painful and uncomfortable disease of the teeth, and teeth-supporting structures like the gums that can make eating difficult. The high moisture content in wet food benefits senior cats with chronic kidney disease; the water in the food helps to support kidney health and manage symptoms of chronic kidney disease. Wet food’s high moisture content also promotes good digestion, helping senior cats whose digestive systems may not work too well.
If your senior cat is a long-time fan of dry food, transitioning them to wet food may take some time. Rather than transitioning to all wet food, consider adding wet food as a tasty topping to your cat’s dry food to provide additional moisture and taste.
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To be certified organic, cat food must meet USDA guidelines for organic human-grade foods, which include at least 95% organic ingredients. These organic foods tend to be more expensive than regular pet food because the ingredients are sourced from the competitive human food market.
While the idea of organic cat food may be appealing, Tufts University’s Cummings Veterinary Medical Center says there is no good evidence that an organic diet has more health benefits than one made with conventionally produced ingredients.
It is true that organic cat foods may contain fewer pesticides, antibiotics, growth hormones, and genetically modified organisms (GMOs), but often the difference is negligible. Ultimately, feeding a cat an organic diet is a personal choice, not a nutritional one.
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Limited ingredient diets (LID) may be recommended for cats with gastrointestinal or dermatological issues likely caused by an adverse reaction or allergy to ingredients commonly found in cat food. Veterinarians often use LID foods to perform food elimination trials to pinpoint the source of a cat’s food sensitivity.
When it comes to healthy adult cats, there is no advantage to feeding a LID formula, according to Dr. Yuki Okada, a veterinarian at Veterinary Nutrition Specialty Service. These recipes were historically formulated with uncommon ingredients and novel proteins like wild game. However, including these ingredients in regular cat food has made it more challenging to identify appropriate foods for a cat in need of a LID. To make it more likely that a LID will work for a cat who develops allergies or food reactions later in life, Okada says that healthy adult cats should stick to regular cat food formulas that are complete and balanced.
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When cats groom themselves, they usually end up swallowing loose hairs. Sometimes, these hairs can pass through their digestive tract without issue. Other times, they clump into hairballs. Coughing up a hairball once every week or two is normal for most cats. But some hairballs may grow too large and get trapped in a cat’s digestive tract, where it could cause a dangerous blockage.
For cats who have a hard time managing the fallout of their luscious fur, a food formulated for hairball control may be able to help. Although these foods won’t stop your cat from licking thesmelves or swallowing hair, Saker says they often contain more insoluble fiber, which might help prevent loose hairs from getting stuck in the digestive tract. Insoluble fiber doesn’t dissolve in the digestive tract, meaning that it might “pull along” hairs on its way out. Common sources of insoluble fiber include wheat bran, psyllium husks, cellulose, rice hull, and pea fiber.
Beyond hairball control foods, brushing your cat regularly and talking to your veterinarian about hairball control remedies may help reduce hairballs.
AAFCO nutritional adequacy statement: The most basic measure of a nutritionally complete cat food is an AAFCO statement on the label. AAFCO is a nonprofit organization that defines the standard nutritional requirements for pet food and animal feed. A cat food with an AAFCO statement is guaranteed to be complete and balanced for a cat at various life stages. Read more about AAFCO standards in the next slide.
Guaranteed analysis and nutrient profiles: The guaranteed analysis consists of the percentages of protein, fat, and other important nutrients in a food. Food for adult cats who are not pregnant should have a minimum of 26% protein, 9% fat, and the presence of essential nutrients, including amino acids like taurine, fatty acids, minerals, and vitamins. There is no minimum fiber or carbohydrate requirement for adult cats who are not pregnant, and a complete and balanced food does not require added essential nutrients, says Okada.
Swanson told us that cats without adequately functioning kidneys require lower protein diets. The less protein a cat with kidney problems has, the less likely it will be to build up waste products in the blood that make them sick.
If you’re looking to compare wet food to kibble, you’ll find the guaranteed analysis of wet food doesn’t give you the complete picture of how much of these vital nutrients are present. Read more about deciphering the guaranteed analysis for wet food in the section on How to read a cat food label.
Expert formulations: We prioritized brands with a dedicated nutrition expert on staff, which aligns with WSAVA guidelines. Both of the veterinary nutritionists we spoke to agree.
Always look for pet food manufacturers that employ at least one full-time board-certified veterinary nutritionist or an animal nutrition expert with a master’s or doctorate degree.
Brands that formulate their products with the guidance of a veterinary nutritionist who is not on staff may be unable to ensure the highest quality standards.
“Pet food production requires a thorough knowledge of pet nutrition, pet food ingredients, processing methods and their effect on nutrients, plus a good understanding of physiology, chemistry, mathematics, microbiology and biochemistry,” says Okada. “My greatest concerns are for very small companies that may have the best of intentions but very limited experience and technical knowledge.”
Ingredients list: The ingredients on a pet food label are listed in order of weight. Proteins in the form of whole meat or meat meal should come first on the ingredients list. Don’t get too hung up on the order of the ingredients that come next.
Manufacturing standards: When selecting a cat food brand, it’s important to consider a manufacturer’s quality control measures and the types of facilities where they produce food. Parker says this information should be easily accessible on a pet food company’s website. If not, you should be able to call the company and get quick answers.
Some smaller pet food companies produce their food in facilities used by larger, more established manufacturers. Okada says this is a reliable way to ensure food quality and safety. When in doubt, select a larger manufacturer with a long history of making pet food. “If a problem arises, it will likely be discovered sooner if the product is widely distributed,” says Okada.
Calorie content: The calorie content of cat food is listed in kilocalories (kcals). According to WSAVA, the average cat weighing 8 and 10 pounds should consume between 230 and 270 kcals/day. A cat food’s calorie content should be clearly listed on its packaging.
We consulted two veterinary nutritionists and an animal and nutritional sciences professor to select the best cat food for this guide. None of our experts recommended specific brands or endorsed any of the products in this, but they helped us understand what makes a high-quality cat food and what to avoid.
Our experts include Dr. Valerie J. Parker, associate professor in the Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, The Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio; Dr. Yuki Okada, a veterinarian at Veterinary Nutrition Specialty Service in San Rafael, California; and Kelly Swanson, professor of animal and nutritional sciences at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign College.
How much food does a cat need per day?
Feeding a cat just the right amount depends on many factors, including age, size, overall health, activity level, and reproductive status. Highly active cats need to eat more to sustain their energy, while sedentary cats may need to eat less to avoid weight gain. Pregnant female cats require more food to meet the demands of pregnancy, while their spayed counterparts do not need to eat as much. The WSAVA has a helpful chart for determining how many calories a cat should eat according to weight. This chart provides only general recommendations, so you should consult your veterinarian to discuss your cat’s needs.
Do cats need to eat wet food?
Cats can have their nutritional needs met with either wet or dry food. Most important is that the food meets the minimum AAFCO nutrient requirements for a cat’s life stage (growth and reproduction, adult maintenance). That being said, wet food can be beneficial for cats. Its high moisture content makes it easy for cats to stay well hydrated. Wet food also has a soft texture, ideal for recently weaned kittens and older cats with dental disease. Wet foods are often packed with flavor, which can entice even the pickiest of eaters.
How often should I feed my cat?
The feeding frequency depends on factors such as age, lifestyle, and overall health. For example, kittens do best with eating small meals throughout the day, while adult cats are usually okay with eating just twice a day. Free-choice feeding, in which food is left out all day, is convenient if you are not home for most of the day. However, this feeding method puts cats at risk of overeating and gaining excess weight. Providing meals at specific times of day and in specific amounts will help control your cat’s food intake and prevent overeating. Your veterinarian can help you develop an ideal feeding plan for your cat.
Do cats need grain-free food?
No. Despite marketing claims, grain-free food has not been proven nutritionally superior to foods containing grains. A cat’s digestive system is not designed to digest a large amount of carbohydrates, but cats do well eating foods that contain carbohydrate sources of grains, such as corn, oats, and wheat. These can be sources of essential nutrients like fiber and various vitamins and minerals. A grain-free food would be recommended for cats with grain and gluten allergies, but these allergies are exceedingly rare in cats. In recent years, the FDA has been investigating a potential link between grain-free dog foods and the development of a heart condition called non-hereditary dilated cardiomyopathy. However, this link has not been identified in cats eating grain-free foods.
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To really understand what is in your cat’s food and compare one brand to another, you’ll need to navigate its nutritional content.
Calorie content statement
The calorie content of cat food is listed in kilocalories (kcals). A cat food’s calorie content should be listed on its packaging.
Guaranteed analysis
The guaranteed analysis on a cat food label is not straightforward, especially if you’re attempting to compare the nutrients in wet food to those in dry food. Because the two types of food have vastly different moisture contents (around 75% to 78% in wet food and 10% to 12% in dry food), the percentages of fat, protein, and fiber in wet food must be converted to “dry matter basis.” To find the dry matter basis, use these directions from the Cummings Veterinary Medical Center at Tufts University, call the food manufacturer, or ask your veterinarian for help.
AAFCO complete and balanced statement
To ensure that cat food is nutritionally complete and balanced, it must contain one of three AAFCO statements on its label.
1. The first AAFCO statement confirms that the food’s minimum nutrient profile has been verified via a third-party laboratory analysis. It reads: [Product] is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Cat Food Nutrient Profiles.
2. A company may test food through controlled feeding trials instead of submitting it for laboratory analysis. These trials are imperfect — the AAFCO requires eight healthy cats to consume the food for six months. At the end of the trial, at least 75% of the participating cats must meet four blood test parameters and must not have lost more than 15% of their original body weight. This statement reads: Animal feeding tests using AAFCO procedures substantiate that [product] provides complete and balanced nutrition.
3. A cat food manufacturer whose family of products has already met AAFCO’s feeding trials criteria may carry an AAFCO statement for recipes that were not directly tested. That statement reads: [Product] provides complete and balanced nutrition and is comparable in nutritional adequacy to a product which has been substantiated using AAFCO feeding tests.
Other keywords to look for
The AAFCO has rules around how products can be marketed. If a single ingredient makes up 25% to 94% of a food’s dry matter, it must be called a “dinner,” “entree,” “formula,” or “recipe.” If a single ingredient makes up 95% or more of the dry matter, it can be labeled as “Tuna Cat Food,” “Chicken Cat Food,” or another meat-first name.
If the word “flavor” appears on a cat food label, do not assume that it contains the actual ingredient associated with the flavor. A “tuna-flavored cat food,” for example, does not have to contain tuna. The flavor may come from a broth, byproduct, or meal.
Some cat food labels include the phrase “No artificial flavors,” but don’t be concerned about labels that do not. According to the FDA, artificial flavors are rarely used in cat food.
“Premium” and “gourmet” are purely marketing terms. Foods labeled this way do not necessarily contain higher-quality ingredients and are not required to meet higher nutritional standards.
“Natural” refers to cat food that does not contain artificial flavors or preservatives unless they come from AAFCO-approved sources.
Cats can be very particular about what they eat, but they still need our help avoiding certain ingredients that may be harmful to them.
Raw meat
Raw meat diets have gained popularity in the pet food world. However, the risks of diets that contain raw meats outweigh any potential health benefits. Raw meat can contain disease-causing bacteria, such as E. coli, Listeria, and Salmonella, which can sicken cats and their owners if the meat is not handled correctly or prepared.
Also, there is no nutritional benefit to feeding raw meat to cats. Any cat food with raw meat should be avoided.
Specific allergens
Proteins such as chicken and beef are common sources of food allergies in cats. Food allergies are determined with a food elimination trial performed under veterinary supervision for about 8 to 12 weeks. Avoiding a specific allergen identified through a food elimination trial effectively prevents a food allergy flare-up.
Since its establishment in 1906, the nonprofit Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) has set nutritional guidelines for pet food in the United States. AAFCO is not a regulatory agency, but the regulatory FDA is an AAFCO member with a non-voting advisory role. AAFCO does not test, approve, or certify pet food brands. Instead, it defines the ingredient, labeling, and testing standards that establish whether a pet food is nutritionally complete for animals at different life stages.
A cat food that meets AAFCO’s minimum standards is considered complete and balanced at one of two life stages: growth and reproduction, which includes kittens and pregnant or lactating females, or adult maintenance, which is intended for cats over a year of age.
To meet the minimum AAFCO standard, adult cat food must contain at least 26% protein, 9% fat, and essential nutrients, vitamins, and minerals. Food for kittens up to a year of age and pregnant or lactating adults must have a minimum of 30% protein, 9% fat, and higher levels of vitamin A, calcium, and phosphorus than adult maintenance foods.
Parker says that almost all commercially made cat foods exceed the minimum standards set by the AAFCO. The manufacturer must conduct a third-party laboratory analysis or feeding trials using AAFCO protocols to determine whether a product meets the minimum standards. A cat food without an AAFCO complete and balanced statement for an individual cat’s life stage should never be fed as the cat’s primary food.
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