While a dry food diet isn’t always the most ideal choice for cats due to its lower moisture content and higher carbohydrate levels, it does offer convenience and affordability for many cat owners. Dry cat food is easy to serve, store, and generally more budget-friendly than wet food options, with a longer shelf life.
Choosing the right dry cat food is crucial for your feline’s health. The best dry cat foods prioritize high-quality protein sources, minimize vegetable content, and are free from potentially harmful additives.
After extensive research and testing, we’ve updated our list of the best dry cat foods available. These top picks stand out due to their exceptional ingredient quality, nutritional value, and safety standards.
Top 10 Best Healthy Dry Cat Foods: Quick Picks
2928 hours of research
244 brands vetted
10 features reviewed
10 top picks
Overall Best: Open Farm RawMix Open Prairie Recipe
9.9
Runner Up: FirstMate Chicken Meal with Blueberries Formula
9.8
Best for Sensitive Stomach: Open Farm Harvest Chicken Freeze-Dried Cat Food
9.6
Best for Picky Eaters: Farmina Natural & Delicious Chicken & Ancestral Low-Grain Formula Dry Cat Food
Best Air-Dried: ZIWI Peak Air-Dried Mackerel & Lamb Recipe Cat Food
Best Budget: Kirkland Signature Chicken and Rice Cat Food
Best for Kittens: Tiki Cat Born Carnivore Deboned Chicken & Egg Recipe
Best Low Carb: Dr. Elsey’s cleanprotein Chicken Formula Grain-Free Dry Cat Food
9.2
Best For Seniors: Young Again Mature Health Formula
Best Chicken-Free: Orijen Six Fish Grain-Free Dry Cat Food
Why You Can Trust Cats.com for Cat Food Reviews
At Cats.com, our commitment is to provide cat owners with reliable and thoroughly researched information to make the best choices for their feline companions. For the past four years, I, along with my cats Wessie and Forest, have personally tested numerous cat food brands and hundreds of products. This hands-on experience is combined with extensive research into brand reputations, manufacturing practices, and customer feedback.
Our rigorous selection process involves not only personal testing and observation but also qualitative analysis of cat food formulas and consultation with veterinary experts. Samples are sent to an ISO 17025-certified food testing and analysis lab for in-depth nutritional assessment. This comprehensive approach ensures that our recommendations for the best dry cat food are based on a blend of practical testing and scientific analysis.
We also value expert veterinary perspectives. To further strengthen our evaluations, we consult with a panel of 7 veterinarians, ensuring our recommendations align with the highest standards of feline nutritional health.
Meet Our Veterinary Advisory Board
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Exploring Our Top Dry Cat Food Picks
While our product recommendations have been updated, the insights shared in this video by Mallory offer valuable context on what to look for in quality dry cat food.
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Detailed Reviews of the Top 10 Dry Cat Foods for Cats
Our top choice for the best overall dry cat food is Open Farm RawMix Open Prairie Recipe. This formula stands out due to its commitment to humanely and sustainably sourced ingredients. Its high protein content, boosted with freeze-dried raw organ meats, makes it a highly palatable and nutritious option for cats.
However, recognizing that every cat has unique needs, we consider various factors when ranking our recommendations. The best dry cat food for your cat might depend on their specific dietary requirements, taste preferences, and health considerations.
#1 Overall Best Dry Cat Food: Open Farm RawMix Open Prairie Recipe
Get 20% Off – Use Code “CATS20” | Read Our In-depth Brand Review
Key Features:
- Made In: USA
- Protein (Guaranteed): 38% minimum
- Life Stage: All Life Stages
- Calories per Ounce: 106
- Estimated Daily Cost: $0.90
Open Farm earns our top recommendation for several compelling reasons. Their commitment to transparency is exceptional, providing detailed information on ingredient sourcing, nutritional analysis, and testing procedures. They are among the few brands that offer a typical nutrient analysis, allowing consumers to trace the origin of each ingredient. The superior ingredient quality and high palatability were also confirmed by our feline testers, who enthusiastically enjoyed this food.
Open Farm’s product line includes wet food, dry food, freeze-dried options, and kibble varieties. Their dry foods are enhanced with a coating of bone broth powder and freeze-dried raw organ meats like turkey gizzards for added nutritional benefits and flavor.
The RawMix Open Prairie Recipe prioritizes animal-based protein from chicken, turkey, and menhaden fish meal, supplemented by ocean whitefish meal, chicken liver, and chicken neck. Chicken neck provides a species-appropriate source of minerals due to its bone content.
While lower in fat compared to some other options, this recipe relies on plant-based fats like coconut oil and sunflower oil, alongside fish meal. It also contains peas, chickpeas, and lentils, contributing to a higher carbohydrate content.
Open Farm RawMix may not be the absolute lowest in carbohydrates or highest in protein and fat compared to all dry foods, but its exceptional ingredient quality and brand trustworthiness make it a top recommendation, especially if a slightly higher carbohydrate content is acceptable.
At an average cost of $0.56 per ounce, it is a premium-priced dry food, costing approximately $1.15 daily for a 10-pound cat.
Ingredients We Liked: Chicken, Turkey, Menhaden Fish Meal, Ocean Whitefish Meal, Chicken Liver, Chicken Neck, Turkey Gizzard
Ingredients We Didn’t Like: Peas, Chickpeas, Lentils
Guaranteed Analysis:
- Crude Protein: 38%
- Crude Fat: 14%
- Crude Fiber: 3%
- Moisture: 10%
Dry Matter Basis:
- Protein: 42.22%
- Fat: 15.56%
- Fiber: 3.33%
- Carbs: 38.89%
Caloric Weight Basis:
- Protein: 35.51%
- Fat: 31.78%
- Carbs: 32.71%
Pros:
- Top three ingredients are animal proteins.
- Kibble enhanced with bone broth and freeze-dried turkey gizzard.
- Humanely and sustainably sourced ingredients.
- Free from artificial additives.
Cons:
- Higher price point compared to average dry foods.
#2 Runner Up Best Dry Cat Food: FirstMate Chicken Meal with Blueberries Formula
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Key Features:
- Brand: FirstMate
- Made In: Canada
- Protein (Guaranteed): 36% minimum
- Life Stage: All Life Stages
- Calories per Ounce: 100
- Estimated Daily Cost: $0.76
FirstMate produces all its cat food in their company-owned facility in British Columbia, Canada, using primarily North American ingredients, with lamb sourced from Australia. They are committed to using humanely raised meats and sustainably sourced fish. Their recipes are formulated without artificial additives, vague ingredients, or animal by-products. Notably, FirstMate has a clean recall history.
FirstMate’s limited-ingredient diets start with a high-quality meat meal – a concentrated protein source made from whole proteins with moisture removed. This method ensures a stable and potent protein ingredient throughout the extrusion process. The Chicken Meal with Blueberries formula features chicken meal as the primary and sole animal protein source.
This formula offers 40% crude protein on a dry matter basis. The fat content is moderately low at around 18% dry matter, derived from chicken fat, which is beneficial for cats with fish sensitivities.
Potato serves as a binding agent, and alongside whole blueberries, contributes to a dry matter carbohydrate content of approximately 29%. While higher than ideal, this carb level is typical for many dry cat foods. Like all dry foods, moisture content is low.
Ingredients We Liked: Chicken Meal, Chicken Fat, Whole Blueberries
Ingredients We Didn’t Like: Potato
Guaranteed Analysis:
- Crude Protein: 36%
- Crude Fat: 16%
- Crude Fiber: 4%
- Moisture: 10%
- Ash: 8%
Dry Matter Basis:
- Protein: 40%
- Fat: 17.78%
- Fiber: 4.44%
- Carbs: 28.89%
Caloric Weight Basis:
- Protein: 35.69%
- Fat: 38.53%
- Carbs: 25.78%
Pros:
- Single animal protein and fat source.
- Limited ingredients for better digestion and reduced sensitivities.
- Free from artificial additives.
Cons:
- Low moisture content inherent to dry food.
- Moderately high carbohydrate content.
#3 Best Dry Cat Food for Sensitive Stomachs: Open Farm Harvest Chicken Freeze-Dried Cat Food
Get 20% Off – Use Code “CATS20” | Read Brand Review
Key Features:
- Made In: USA
- Protein (Guaranteed): 47% minimum
- Life Stage: All Life Stages
- Calories per Ounce: 149
- Estimated Daily Cost: $3.75
This freeze-dried recipe from Open Farm provides nearly 50% dry matter crude protein from a single animal source – chicken – making it an excellent choice for cats with sensitive stomachs.
It includes fresh muscle meat, organ meat, chicken necks, and ground bone to create a nutritionally balanced and species-appropriate food. Salmon oil is included as an animal source of omega-3 fatty acids, promoting healthy skin and coat and reducing inflammation.
With high protein and fat and very low carbohydrate content, this formula aligns perfectly with a carnivore’s nutritional needs. The primary drawback is the low moisture content, typical of freeze-dried foods. Rehydrating with water or bone broth is recommended to maximize the benefits of Open Farm freeze-dried foods.
Ingredients We Liked: Chicken with Ground Bone, Chicken Liver, Chicken Neck, Salmon Oil
Ingredients We Didn’t Like: None
Guaranteed Analysis:
- Crude Protein: 47%
- Crude Fat: 40%
- Crude Fiber: 5%
- Moisture: 5%
Dry Matter Basis:
- Protein: 49.47%
- Fat: 42.11%
- Fiber: 5.26%
- Carbs: 3.16%
Caloric Weight Basis:
- Protein: 31.94%
- Fat: 66.02%
- Carbs: 2.04%
Pros:
- Carnivore-appropriate nutrition profile.
- Single animal protein source, beneficial for sensitive cats.
- Omega-3s from salmon oil.
- No artificial additives.
Cons:
- Requires rehydration before serving.
- More expensive than typical cat food.
#4 Best Dry Cat Food for Picky Cats: Farmina Natural & Delicious Chicken & Ancestral Low-Grain Formula
View on Chewy | Read Brand Review
Key Features:
- Made In: Serbia
- Protein (Guaranteed): 36% minimum
- Life Stage: Adult
- Calories per Pound: 1174
- Estimated Daily Cost: $1.16
While whole grains can be part of a balanced cat diet, excessive amounts are not ideal. Farmina’s low-grain dry food uses ancestral grains like spelt and oats in moderation, alongside multiple animal protein sources.
Chicken and dehydrated chicken are the main protein sources, enhanced by protein from eggs and herring, and essential fatty acids from chicken fat and herring oil.
Seven of the top ten ingredients are animal-based, with the remaining three being nutrient-rich grains or fiber sources. While free of beans and lentils, it contains pea fiber and alfalfa. Alfalfa, a legume, provides protein and phytonutrients.
As a dry food, it doesn’t meet hydration needs, requiring supplemental moisture intake. It is a moderate-protein, moderate-fat recipe with moderate carbohydrate content and no artificial additives.
Ingredients We Liked: Boneless Chicken, Dehydrated Chicken, Whole Spelt, Whole Oats, Chicken Fat, Dried Whole Eggs, Herring, Dehydrated Herring, Herring Oil
Ingredients We Didn’t Like: Pea Fiber, Sun-cured Alfalfa Meal
Guaranteed Analysis:
- Crude Protein: 36%
- Crude Fat: 20%
- Crude Fiber: 1.9%
- Moisture: 8%
- Ash: 8.1%
Dry Matter Basis:
- Protein: 39.13%
- Fat: 21.74%
- Fiber: 2.07%
- Carbs: 28.26%
Caloric Weight Basis:
- Protein: 32.56%
- Fat: 43.93%
- Carbs: 23.51%
Pros:
- High percentage of animal-based ingredients in the top ten.
- Includes nutritious whole grains.
- Animal-sourced fats from herring and chicken.
- Low glycemic formula.
Cons:
- Contains legumes.
- Dry food format lacks moisture.
#5 Best Air-Dried Dry Cat Food: ZIWI Peak Air-Dried Mackerel & Lamb Recipe
Buy on Chewy | Buy on Amazon | Read Brand Review
Key Features:
- Made In: New Zealand
- Protein (Guaranteed): 44% minimum
- Life Stage: All Life Stages
- Calories per Ounce: 128
- Estimated Daily Cost: $3.31
ZIWI Peak’s cat food has a jerky-like appearance and unique air-drying process.
Instead of extrusion, their twin-stage dehydration air-drying process removes pathogens while preserving nutrients. This results in a highly nutrient-dense and species-appropriate dry cat food. ZIWI Peak recipes contain 96% or more fresh meat, organs, bones, and New Zealand green-lipped mussels.
ZIWI Peak utilizes the nutritional power of organs and bones rather than relying heavily on synthetic vitamins and minerals. The Mackerel and Lamb Recipe is virtually carbohydrate-free, with only around 4% carbs, lower than many canned foods.
While pricier, its nutrient density means smaller serving sizes. It’s a cost-effective alternative to freeze-dried food, costing about $3.00 daily for a 10-pound cat.
Ingredients We Liked: Whole Mackerel, Lamb, Lamb Tripe, Lamb Lung, Lamb Heart, Lamb Liver, New Zealand Green Mussel, Lamb Kidney, Lamb Spleen, Lamb Bone
Ingredients We Didn’t Like: None
Guaranteed Analysis:
- Crude Protein: 44%
- Crude Fat: 24%
- Crude Fiber: 3%
- Moisture: 14%
- Ash: 12%
Dry Matter Basis:
- Protein: 51.16%
- Fat: 27.91%
- Fiber: 3.49%
- Carbs: 3.49%
Caloric Weight Basis:
- Protein: 41.79%
- Fat: 55.36%
- Carbs: 2.85%
Pros:
- Minimally processed, maximizing fresh meat nutrients.
- High-quality ingredients.
- Almost zero carbohydrates.
- High bioavailability of protein.
Cons:
- Low moisture content, like all dry food.
- High cost.
- Jerky texture might not appeal to all cats.
#6 Best Budget Dry Cat Food: Kirkland Signature Chicken and Rice Cat Food
View on Costco | View on Amazon | Read Brand Review
Key Features:
- Made In: USA
- Protein (Guaranteed): 30% minimum
- Life Stage: All Life Stages
- Calories per Ounce: 115
- Estimated Daily Cost: $0.17
Kirkland Signature offers a budget-friendly dry cat food option with surprisingly good quality.
Kirkland Signature Chicken and Rice Dry Cat Food includes chicken and chicken meal as primary ingredients, with brown and white rice for carbohydrates. It also contains supplemental probiotics and prebiotics, uncommon in budget cat foods, to support digestive health.
At 115 calories per ounce, it’s calorie-dense and economical, costing about $0.25 daily for a 10-pound cat. Best deals are found at Costco, but it’s also available on Amazon and at Walmart.
Ingredients We Liked: Chicken, Chicken Meal, Chicken Fat
Ingredients We Didn’t Like: None
Guaranteed Analysis:
- Crude Protein: 30%
- Crude Fat: 20%
- Crude Fiber: 3%
- Moisture: 10%
Dry Matter Basis:
- Protein: 33.33%
- Fat: 22.22%
- Fiber: 3.33%
- Carbs: 41.11%
Caloric Weight Basis:
- Protein: 25.96%
- Fat: 42.03%
- Carbs: 32.01%
Pros:
- Clear protein sources.
- Free from artificial colors and harmful preservatives found in many budget brands.
- Highly affordable.
Cons:
- Not a low-carbohydrate food.
#7 Best Dry Cat Food for Kittens: Tiki Cat Born Carnivore Deboned Chicken & Egg Recipe
Buy on Chewy | Buy on Amazon | Read Brand Review
Key Features:
- Made In: Thailand
- Protein (Guaranteed): 42% minimum
- Life Stage: Kitten
- Calories per Ounce: 111
- Estimated Daily Cost: $0.88
Tiki Cat, primarily known for wet food, offers the Born Carnivore dry food line, including kitten-specific formulas.
Their kitten food features deboned chicken, chicken meal, and dried egg as top ingredients, providing about 47% dry matter crude protein. It also includes DHA from salmon oil for brain and eye development.
While meat-based, it contains peas, chickpeas, and tapioca, contributing to a moderate carbohydrate content. At 112 calories per ounce, it’s calorie-dense for growing kittens. It costs about $0.90 daily for a 10-pound cat, but kittens may need more.
Ingredients We Liked: Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Dried Egg Product, Chicken Fat, Dehydrated Chicken Liver, Salmon Oil
Ingredients We Didn’t Like: Peas, Chickpeas, Tapioca
Guaranteed Analysis:
- Crude Protein: 42%
- Crude Fat: 22%
- Crude Fiber: 3.5%
- Moisture: 10%
Dry Matter Basis:
- Protein: 46.67%
- Fat: 24.44%
- Fiber: 3.89%
- Carbs: 25%
Caloric Weight Basis:
- Protein: 35.61%
- Fat: 45.31%
- Carbs: 19.08%
Pros:
- Primarily meat-based with multiple animal proteins.
- Animal-sourced fat.
- DHA for kitten development.
- Free from artificial additives.
Cons:
- Moderately high in carbohydrates.
- Contains peas and legumes.
#8 Best Low-Carb Dry Cat Food: Dr. Elsey’s cleanprotein Chicken Formula Grain-Free Dry Cat Food
Buy on Chewy | Buy on Amazon | Read Brand Review
Key Features:
- Made In: USA
- Protein (Guaranteed): 59% minimum
- Life Stage: All Life Stages
- Calories per Ounce: 113
- Estimated Daily Cost: $0.85
Dr. Elsey’s cleanprotein formula has undergone recent changes, with some cat owners reporting palatability and digestibility issues. However, it remains a high-quality, low-carb dry food option.
Despite the changes, it remains a superior dry food due to its low starch, legume-free, and high protein formulation. The Grain-Free Chicken Formula features chicken and hydrolyzed pork as primary ingredients, ensuring digestibility and high protein content.
At 113 calories per ounce, it’s calorie-dense and costs about $0.85 daily for a 10-pound cat.
Ingredients We Liked: Chicken, Hydrolyzed Pork, Pork Plasma, Gelatin, Chicken Fat, Salmon Oil
Ingredients We Didn’t Like: None
Guaranteed Analysis:
- Crude Protein: 59%
- Crude Fat: 17%
- Crude Fiber: 4%
- Moisture: 12%
Dry Matter Basis:
- Protein: 67.05%
- Fat: 19.32%
- Fiber: 4.55%
- Carbs: 9.09%
Caloric Weight Basis:
- Protein: 54.49%
- Fat: 38.13%
- Carbs: 7.39%
Pros:
- Very low in carbohydrates.
- Primarily animal-based ingredients.
- Highly nutrient-dense.
- Free from common inflammatory ingredients.
Cons:
- Relatively expensive.
#9 Best Dry Cat Food for Seniors: Young Again Mature Health Formula
Buy on YoungAgainPetFood | Read Brand Review
Key Features:
- Made In: USA
- Protein (Guaranteed): 54% minimum
- Life Stage: Adult & Senior Cats
- Calories per Ounce: 132
- Estimated Daily Cost: $0.58
Young Again focuses on low-carbohydrate, high-meat dry cat foods, with ingredients sourced internationally from USDA/FDA-approved human-grade facilities.
Their Mature Health formula is designed for senior cats, with balanced mineral levels for kidney health. It features hydrolyzed pork and chicken meal as main ingredients, and fish oil as the primary fat source rich in omega-3s.
It has a high dry matter protein content of 57.6% to support senior cat muscle mass and is nutrient-dense. Carbohydrate content is very low, under 6% dry matter, with potato starch as the main plant ingredient, likely for binding.
Ingredients We Liked: Hydrolyzed Pork, Chicken Meal, Chicken Fat, Fish Oil
Ingredients We Didn’t Like: Potato Starch, Brewer’s Yeast
Guaranteed Analysis:
- Crude Protein: 54%
- Crude Fat: 22%
- Crude Fiber: 3%
- Moisture: 10%
Dry Matter Basis:
- Protein: 60%
- Fat: 24.44%
- Fiber: 3.33%
- Carbs: 12.22%
Caloric Weight Basis:
- Protein: 45.6%
- Fat: 45.11%
- Carbs: 9.29%
Pros:
- Meat-focused for senior muscle maintenance.
- Animal-sourced fat.
- Low carbohydrate content, suitable for diabetic cats.
- Free from beans, peas, and legumes.
Cons:
- Contains potato starch.
#10 Best Chicken-Free Dry Cat Food: Orijen Six Fish Grain-Free Dry Cat Food
Buy on Chewy | Buy on Amazon | Read Brand Review
Key Features:
- Made In: USA
- Protein (Guaranteed): 40% minimum
- Life Stage: All Life Stages
- Calories per Ounce: 118
- Estimated Daily Cost: $0.75
Orijen Six Fish is ideal for cats with chicken sensitivities, using only fish-based protein and fat.
This formula contains 90% animal ingredients from six fish types, with herring oil as the main fat source and omega-3 provider. It offers 44% dry matter protein.
Carbohydrate content is moderate, typical for dry food, with beans and legumes as a significant source, which may be hard for some cats to digest. Probiotics and prebiotics are added to aid digestion.
Ingredients We Liked: Whole Herring, Salmon, Flounder, Acadian Redfish, Monkfish, Whole Hake, Sardine Meal, Herring Meal, Blue Whiting Meal, Herring Oil, Salmon Meal, Pollock Meal
Ingredients We Didn’t Like: Whole Red Lentils, Whole Pinto Beans, Sunflower Oil, Whole Green Lentils, Whole Navy Beans, Whole Peas
Guaranteed Analysis:
- Crude Protein: 40%
- Crude Fat: 20%
- Crude Fiber: 3%
- Moisture: 10%
Dry Matter Basis:
- Protein: 44.44%
- Fat: 22.22%
- Fiber: 3.33%
- Carbs: 30%
Caloric Weight Basis:
- Protein: 34.61%
- Fat: 42.03%
- Carbs: 23.36%
Pros:
- Completely chicken-free.
- 90% animal ingredients.
- Rich in animal-sourced omega-3s.
- Prebiotics and probiotics added.
Cons:
- Beans and legumes may cause digestive issues for some cats.
- Dry food lacks moisture.
Best Dry Cat Food Comparison Table
| Product Name | Open Farm RawMix Open Prairie Recipe | FirstMate Chicken Meal with Blueberries Formula | Open Farm Harvest Chicken Freeze-Dried Cat Food | Kirkland Signature Chicken and Rice Cat Food | Ziwi Peak Air-Dried Mackerel & Lamb Recipe Cat Food | Farmina Natural & Delicious Chicken & Ancestral Low-Grain Formula Dry Cat Food | Tiki Cat Born Carnivore Deboned Chicken & Egg Recipe | Dr. Elsey’s cleanprotein Chicken Formula Grain-Free Dry Cat Food | Young Again Mature Health Formula | Orijen Six Fish Grain-Free Dry Cat Food |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Primary Protein | Chicken | Chicken | Chicken | Chicken | Mackerel | Chicken | Chicken | Chicken | Chicken | Herring |
| Guaranteed Protein | 38% | 36% | 47% | 30% | 44% | 36% | 42% | 59% | 54% | 40% |
| Ash | 10.5 | 10 | 1.2 | 7 | 9.5 | 8.1 | N/A | 7.5 | 4.3 | 9 |
| Calcium | 10.5 | 2 | 3 | 2.2 | 1.8 | 1.1 | 0.48 | 1.24 | 0.74 | 1.5 |
| Phosphorus | 1.45 | 1.6 | 1.8 | 1.5 | 1.5 | 0.9 | 1.72 | 0.94 | 0.65 | 1.3 |
| Calories Per Ounce | 106 | 100 | 149 | 115 | 128 | 53 | 111 | 113 | 132 | 118 |
| Cost Per Day | $0.90 | $0.76 | $3.75 | $0.17 | $3.31 | $1.16 | $0.88 | $0.85 | $0.58 | $0.75 |
*Daily cost estimate based on average food cost per ounce and a healthy adult cat’s daily caloric needs (approx. 200 calories).
Key Considerations When Choosing Dry Cat Food
When selecting the best dry cat food, prioritize high-quality protein as the primary ingredient and ensure a balanced nutrient profile appropriate for your cat’s life stage. Given that cats naturally have low thirst drives, supplementing dry food with wet food is recommended to boost hydration. Adding water or broth to dry kibble can also aid in hydration. Closely monitor your cat’s water intake, especially on a dry food diet, to prevent potential urinary issues linked to chronic dehydration, as noted by pet nutritionist Emma Passman.
However, if dry food is your and your cat’s preference, several high-quality options are available. Here are important factors to consider:
Prioritize High-Protein, Low-Carbohydrate Formulas
Dry cat food often contains high carbohydrate levels. Since carbohydrate content isn’t listed on labels, you can calculate it using a carbohydrate calculator based on other listed nutrients. Opt for brands that are transparent about their carbohydrate content and aim for lower carb options.
Evaluate Protein Type and Quality
Cats are obligate carnivores requiring essential amino acids primarily found in meat protein. Choose foods that emphasize animal-sourced protein over plant-based proteins. While “animal by-products” aren’t inherently inferior, clearly named meat sources offer greater transparency regarding protein quality.
Avoid Artificial Additives
Artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives may cause inflammation and long-term health issues. Select natural dry cat foods that use animal-derived flavors and safe, natural preservatives.
Choose Brands with a Strong Reputation
Brand reputation is crucial. Research a brand’s recall history and customer service. Brands with a history of recalls, lack of transparency, or poor customer service should be avoided. Opt for brands known for transparency, reliability, and responsive customer support.
