For many cat owners, Dry Cat Food offers a convenient and cost-effective way to feed their feline companions. While a diet consisting solely of dry food isn’t always biologically ideal due to its lower moisture content, higher calorie density, and carbohydrate levels, it does present practical advantages. Dry food is easy to serve and store, generally more affordable, and boasts a longer shelf life compared to wet food options.
However, not all dry cat foods are created equal. To ensure your cat receives optimal nutrition, it’s crucial to discern quality. The best dry cat foods prioritize high-quality protein sources, limit vegetable content, and are free from potentially harmful additives.
Drawing upon extensive research and rigorous testing, we present an updated list of the top dry cat foods currently available. These selections stand out due to their exceptional ingredient quality, nutritional value, and proven safety records.
At a Glance: Top Healthy Dry Cat Food Choices
2928 hours of research
244 brands vetted
10 features reviewed
10 top picks
Overall Best: Open Farm RawMix Open Prairie Recipe
Runner Up: FirstMate Chicken Meal with Blueberries Formula
Best for Sensitive Stomach: Open Farm Harvest Chicken Freeze-Dried Cat Food
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
Best for Seniors: Young Again Mature Health Formula
Best Chicken-Free: Orijen Six Fish Grain-Free Dry Cat Food
Why Trust Cats.com for Dry Cat Food Recommendations?
At Cats.com, our commitment to cat health and well-being drives our rigorous review process. Over the past four years, Kirsten McCarthy, our lead product tester, has personally evaluated numerous cat food brands and hundreds of products with her feline companions, Wessie and Forest. This hands-on testing is complemented by extensive research into brand histories, customer feedback analysis to ensure we recommend brands with a proven track record of quality, safe manufacturing, and excellent customer support.
Our selection process combines personal experience with data from laboratory analysis. Samples of cat foods are sent to an ISO 17025-certified food testing facility for in-depth nutritional analysis. This comprehensive approach allows us to confidently identify and recommend the best dry cat food options available. For a detailed understanding of our evaluation process, please refer to our cat food rating methodology.
Furthermore, to ensure our recommendations are veterinarian-backed, we consult with a panel of 7 veterinary professionals. Their expert insights on feline nutrition and dietary needs are integral to our selection of top-rated cat foods.
Meet Our Veterinary Advisory Board
[Link to Veterinary Advisors Page – hypothetical link, as none provided in original text]
Understanding Our Top Dry Cat Food Picks
While our top recommendations have been updated for 2024, the fundamental principles of selecting high-quality dry cat food remain consistent. The following section details why each of our top picks earned its place, providing insights to help you choose the best option for your cat.
It’s important to remember that the “best” dry cat food is subjective and depends on your individual cat’s needs, preferences, and health considerations. Our top overall pick might not be the perfect match for every cat, so we encourage you to consider your cat’s unique requirements when making your decision.
#1 Overall Best Dry Cat Food: Open Farm RawMix Open Prairie Recipe
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Key Features:
- Made In: USA
- Guaranteed Protein: 38% Min
- Age Range: All Life Stages
- Calories Per Ounce: 106
- Typical Cost Per Day: $0.90
Open Farm RawMix Open Prairie Recipe stands out as our top overall choice for several compelling reasons, primarily centered around the brand’s commitment to transparency and ingredient quality. Open Farm distinguishes itself by providing exceptional transparency regarding ingredient sourcing, rigorous product testing, and comprehensive nutritional information. They are among the few pet food brands that offer a typical nutrient analysis and allow consumers to trace the origin of every ingredient used in their formulas. This level of openness builds significant trust.
Beyond transparency, the ingredient quality and palatability of Open Farm RawMix are exceptional. Our feline testers enthusiastically approved of this food, further solidifying its top ranking. Open Farm’s product range includes wet and dry foods, as well as freeze-dried options and a limited selection of kibble. These dry foods are enhanced with a coating of nutrient-rich bone broth powder and freeze-dried raw organ meats like turkey gizzards, boosting both flavor and nutritional value.
The RawMix Open Prairie Recipe emphasizes animal-derived protein from chicken, turkey, and menhaden fish meal. Additional protein sources include ocean whitefish meal, chicken liver, and chicken neck. The inclusion of chicken neck, containing bone, provides a species-appropriate source of essential minerals.
While this recipe is lower in fat compared to some others on our list and thus less calorie-dense, the fat sources are primarily plant-based: coconut oil and sunflower oil, alongside the likely fat content from fish meal. It also includes peas, chickpeas, and lentils, which contribute to a higher carbohydrate content.
Although Open Farm RawMix isn’t nutritionally flawless, and drier cat foods with higher protein, fat, and lower carb content exist, it remains an excellent choice if you prioritize ingredient quality and brand trustworthiness, even with a moderately higher carbohydrate level. Priced at approximately $0.56 per ounce, it is slightly more expensive than many dry foods, costing around $1.15 daily to feed an average 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%
What We Liked:
- Top three ingredients are high-quality animal proteins.
- Kibble is coated with bone broth and freeze-dried turkey gizzard for enhanced flavor and nutrition.
- Made with humanely raised and sustainably sourced ingredients.
- Free from artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives.
What We Didn’t Like:
- Price is above the average for dry cat food, exceeding $8 per pound.
#2 Runner Up Dry Cat Food: FirstMate Chicken Meal with Blueberries Formula
Check Price on Chewy | Check Price on Amazon | Read Our Comprehensive Brand Review of FirstMate
Key Features:
- Brand Name: FirstMate
- Made In: Canada
- Guaranteed Protein: 36% min.
- Age Range: All Life Stages
- Calories Per Ounce: 100
- Typical Cost Per Day: $0.76
FirstMate earns our runner-up position due to its commitment to quality and simplicity. All FirstMate cat foods are produced in their company-owned facility in British Columbia, utilizing ingredients primarily sourced from North America, with lamb sourced from Australia. FirstMate prioritizes ethically raised meats and sustainably sourced fish. Their recipes are formulated without artificial additives, ambiguous ingredients, or animal by-products, and the brand boasts a recall-free history.
FirstMate’s limited-ingredient diets are formulated with a focus on digestibility and minimizing potential allergens. The Chicken Meal with Blueberries formula exemplifies this approach, featuring chicken meal as the primary and sole animal protein source. Chicken meal, a concentrated protein source created by removing moisture from whole chicken, offers a stable and high-quality protein base for the food.
This formula provides 40% crude protein on a dry matter basis. The fat content, while slightly lower at around 18% dry matter, is derived from chicken fat, which may be preferable for cats with sensitivities to fish-based fats. Potato serves as a binding agent and, together with whole blueberries, contributes to a dry matter carbohydrate content of approximately 29%. While we generally prefer lower carbohydrate levels, this is typical for many dry cat foods. As with 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%
What We Liked:
- Formulated with a single source of animal protein and fat, ideal for sensitive cats.
- Limited ingredient list enhances digestibility and reduces potential reactivity.
- Completely free from artificial preservatives, colors, and flavors.
What We Didn’t Like:
- Dry food inherently lacks the moisture cats need in their diet.
- Dry matter carbohydrate content is moderately high, around 30%.
#3 Best Dry Cat Food for Sensitive Stomachs: Open Farm Harvest Chicken Freeze-Dried Cat Food
Get 20% Off with Code “CATS20” on Your First Auto-Ship Order | Explore Our Detailed Brand Review of Open Farm
Key Features:
- Made In: USA
- Guaranteed Protein: 47% Min
- Age Range: All Life Stages
- Calories Per Ounce: 149
- Typical Cost Per Day: $3.75
For cats with sensitive digestive systems, Open Farm Harvest Chicken Freeze-Dried Cat Food is an excellent choice. This recipe boasts nearly 50% dry matter crude protein, derived entirely from a single animal source: chicken. Single-protein diets are often recommended for cats with sensitivities to help identify and avoid potential allergens.
The formula incorporates fresh muscle meat, organ meat, chicken necks, and ground bone, creating a biologically appropriate foundation for complete and balanced nutrition. Salmon oil is included as an animal-derived source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for skin and coat health and possess anti-inflammatory properties.
With its high protein and fat content combined with minimal carbohydrates, this recipe aligns perfectly with a carnivore-appropriate nutritional profile. The primary drawback is the low moisture content inherent in freeze-dried foods. To maximize hydration and digestibility, it is recommended to rehydrate Open Farm freeze-dried foods with water or bone broth before serving.
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%
What We Liked:
- Nutritional composition is highly carnivore-appropriate.
- Made with a single, easily digestible animal protein source.
- Omega-3 fatty acids are derived from salmon oil.
- Free from artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives.
What We Didn’t Like:
- Requires rehydration before feeding to ensure adequate moisture intake.
- More expensive than typical dry cat food options.
#4 Best Dry Cat Food for Picky Eaters: Farmina Natural & Delicious Chicken & Ancestral Low-Grain Formula
View on Chewy | Read Our In-Depth Brand Review of Farmina
Key Features:
- Made In: Serbia
- Guaranteed Protein: 36% Min
- Age Range: Adult
- Calories Per Pound: 1174
- Typical Cost Per Day: $1.16
Farmina Natural & Delicious Chicken & Ancestral Low-Grain Formula is our top pick for finicky felines due to its palatable blend of animal proteins and carefully selected grains. While we advocate for limiting grains in cat food, Farmina’s low-grain approach utilizes nutritious ancestral grains like spelt and oats, alongside multiple animal protein sources, creating a balanced and appealing diet.
The foundation of this recipe is boneless chicken and dehydrated chicken, supplemented by protein from eggs and herring. Essential fatty acids are provided by chicken fat and herring oil, enhancing flavor and nutritional value.
Seven of the top ten ingredients are animal-based, demonstrating a strong emphasis on animal protein. The remaining ingredients include nutrient-rich whole grains and fiber sources. Although this recipe contains pea fiber and alfalfa, it avoids beans and lentils. Sun-cured alfalfa, a legume, provides additional protein and phytonutrients.
As a dry food, it’s crucial to ensure your cat receives adequate hydration through other sources. This formula offers a moderate protein and fat content, with a fairly typical carbohydrate level for dry food, and is formulated without 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%
What We Liked:
- Seven of the top ten ingredients are animal-derived, ensuring high protein content.
- Includes two nutritious whole grains, spelt and oats.
- Relies on animal-based fats from herring oil and chicken fat for palatability and omega fatty acids.
- Formulated as a low-glycemic option.
What We Didn’t Like:
- Contains some legumes, although in limited quantities.
- Like all dry kibble, it does not provide sufficient moisture for optimal hydration.
#5 Best Air-Dried Dry Cat Food: ZIWI Peak Air-Dried Mackerel & Lamb Recipe
Buy on Chewy | Buy on Amazon | Read Our Detailed Brand Review of ZIWI Peak
Key Features:
- Made In: New Zealand
- Guaranteed Protein: 44% min.
- Age Range: All Life Stages
- Calories Per Ounce: 128
- Typical Cost Per Day: $3.31
ZIWI Peak Air-Dried Mackerel & Lamb Recipe represents a unique approach to dry cat food. Unlike traditional kibble, it resembles jerky and is produced using an air-drying process rather than extrusion. This twin-stage dehydration technique eliminates harmful bacteria while preserving essential nutrients, resulting in a highly species-appropriate and nutrient-dense dry food.
ZIWI Peak recipes are composed of 96% or more fresh meat, organs, bones, and New Zealand green-lipped mussels. Instead of relying on synthetic vitamins and minerals to replace nutrients lost during cooking, ZIWI Peak harnesses the natural nutritional power of organs like heart, tripe, liver, lung, kidney, and bone. With minimal plant content, this recipe is exceptionally low in carbohydrates, at around 4% – lower than most canned wet foods.
While ZIWI Peak is more expensive than many other dry cat foods, its nutrient density means you can feed your cat less at each meal. For an average 10-pound cat, the daily cost is approximately $3.00, making it a potentially economical alternative to freeze-dried options.
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%
What We Liked:
- Minimally processed to retain the nutritional value of fresh meat.
- Made with exceptionally high-quality ingredients.
- Virtually carbohydrate-free, aligning with a cat’s natural diet.
- 95% of the protein is highly bioavailable.
What We Didn’t Like:
- While higher than typical kibble, the 14% moisture content is still insufficient as a primary hydration source.
- Significantly more expensive than most dry cat foods.
- The jerky texture may 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 Our Comprehensive Brand Review of Kirkland
Key Features:
- Made In: USA
- Guaranteed Protein: 30% min.
- Age Range: All Life Stages
- Calories Per Ounce: 115
- Typical Cost Per Day: $0.17
Kirkland Signature Chicken and Rice Cat Food is our top budget-friendly recommendation, offering surprising quality for its price point. Compared to many other budget kibbles, Kirkland Signature provides a better grade of primary ingredients and includes nutraceuticals rarely found in this price range.
Chicken and chicken meal are the primary protein sources in Kirkland’s Chicken and Rice Dry Cat Food. Brown and white rice provide carbohydrates and help with kibble consistency. While not exceptionally high in protein or low in carbohydrates, this food offers notable advantages. Notably, unlike most budget options, Kirkland includes supplemental probiotics and prebiotics to support digestive health and overall well-being.
At 115 calories per ounce, it’s a calorie-dense dry food. Kirkland Signature is one of the most economical choices available, costing approximately $0.25 per day to feed an average 10-pound cat. While available on Amazon, the best prices are typically found in Costco stores. It is also available 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%
What We Liked:
- Primarily composed of clearly named protein sources, avoiding vague ingredient lists.
- Free from artificial colors and potentially harmful preservatives commonly found in budget cat foods.
- One of the most affordable dry cat food options on the market.
What We Didn’t Like:
- Not a low-carbohydrate food, with a higher carb content than ideal.
#7 Best Dry Cat Food for Kittens: Tiki Cat Born Carnivore Deboned Chicken & Egg Recipe
Buy on Chewy | Buy on Amazon | Read Our Detailed Brand Review of Tiki Cat
Key Features:
- Made In: Thailand
- Guaranteed Protein: 42% min.
- Age Range: Kitten
- Calories Per Ounce: 111
- Typical Cost Per Day: $0.88
Tiki Cat, primarily known for its wet food, offers a select range of dry foods under the Born Carnivore line, averaging 44% protein. The Born Carnivore Deboned Chicken & Egg Recipe is specifically formulated for kittens, providing higher protein levels and added DHA for crucial brain and eye development. This food is baked to preserve nutrients and is free from artificial additives.
Tiki Cat Born Carnivore Chicken & Egg Kitten Food features deboned chicken, chicken meal, and dried egg as its top three ingredients, contributing to a dry matter crude protein content of approximately 47%. The fat content, at over 24% on a dry matter basis, helps make this a calorie-dense diet essential for supporting rapid kitten growth and development.
While meat-based, this recipe does contain peas, chickpeas, and tapioca, listed after the top six animal-derived ingredients. These ingredients contribute to a moderately high carbohydrate content. At 112 calories per ounce, it’s a calorie-dense food, costing around $0.90 daily for an average 10-pound cat, though kittens may require more calories depending on age and growth rate.
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%
What We Liked:
- Primarily a meat-based recipe with four animal protein sources.
- Relies primarily on animal-sourced fat for optimal absorption.
- Salmon oil provides DHA, crucial for brain and eye development in kittens.
- Free from artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives.
What We Didn’t Like:
- Carbohydrate content is moderately high.
- Contains peas and legumes, which are not ideal for obligate carnivores in large quantities.
#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 Our Detailed Brand Review of Dr. Elsey’s
Key Features:
- Made In: USA
- Guaranteed Protein: 59% Min
- Age Range: All Life Stages
- Calories Per Ounce: 113
- Typical Cost Per Day: $0.85
Dr. Elsey’s cleanprotein Chicken Formula Grain-Free Dry Cat Food is our top recommendation for low-carbohydrate dry cat food. While there have been recent reports of formula changes and potential palatability shifts, Dr. Elsey’s remains a superior option compared to many dry foods, particularly for its low starch content, lack of legumes, and high species-appropriate protein levels.
With chicken and hydrolyzed pork as the primary ingredients, Dr. Elsey’s Grain-Free Chicken Formula is exceptionally high in protein and easily digestible. At approximately 113 calories per ounce, it’s a calorie-dense option. It is formulated to be low in carbohydrates and high in protein, making it a nutritionally dense choice.
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%
What We Liked:
- Very low in carbohydrates, ideal for cats needing carb restriction.
- Made primarily from species-appropriate animal ingredients.
- One of the most nutrient-dense dry foods available.
- Free from common inflammatory ingredients.
What We Didn’t Like:
- More expensive than average dry cat food.
#9 Best Dry Cat Food for Senior Cats: Young Again Mature Health Formula
Buy on YoungAgainPetFood | Read Our Detailed Brand Review of Young Again
Key Features:
- Made In: USA
- Guaranteed Protein: 54% min.
- Age Range: Adult & Senior Cats
- Calories Per Ounce: 132
- Typical Cost Per Day: $0.58
Young Again Mature Health Formula is specifically designed to meet the nutritional needs of senior cats. Young Again focuses on high meat inclusion and low carbohydrate content across its dry food line. The Mature Health formula is formulated with balanced levels of calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, and sodium, crucial for supporting kidney health in aging cats.
Hydrolyzed pork and chicken meal are the primary protein sources. Fish oil serves as the main fat source, providing beneficial omega-3 fatty acids for skin and coat health. On a dry matter basis, this food contains 57.6% crude protein, supporting lean muscle mass in senior cats. It’s a nutrient-dense diet, requiring smaller portions to meet caloric needs. Importantly, it avoids high-glycemic ingredients like beans, peas, and legumes, with potato starch as the only significant plant ingredient, likely used as a binder. The overall carbohydrate content remains very low, under 6% dry matter.
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%
What We Liked:
- Meat-focused recipe supports lean muscle mass maintenance in senior cats.
- Relies on animal-sourced fat for optimal nutrient absorption.
- Very low carbohydrate content, making it suitable for diabetic cats.
- Free from beans, peas, and legumes.
What We Didn’t Like:
- Contains potato starch as a binder.
#10 Best Chicken-Free Dry Cat Food: Orijen Six Fish Grain-Free Dry Cat Food
Buy on Chewy | Buy on Amazon | Read Our Detailed Brand Review of Orijen
Key Features:
- Made In: USA
- Guaranteed Protein: 40% Min
- Age Range: All Life Stages
- Calories Per Ounce: 118
- Typical Cost Per Day: $0.75
For cats with chicken sensitivities or allergies, Orijen Six Fish Grain-Free Dry Cat Food is an excellent chicken-free alternative. Chicken is a common protein in cat food, making chicken-free options essential for sensitive cats. Orijen Six Fish relies entirely on fish-based protein and fat sources.
This Orijen dry food is made with 90% animal ingredients, featuring six different types of fish. Herring oil provides the primary added fat and a biologically appropriate source of omega-3 fatty acids. Whole fish ingredients like herring and salmon also contribute omega-3s.
On a dry matter basis, this formula offers 44% protein. While carbohydrate content is higher than we ideally prefer, it’s typical for dry cat food. A significant portion of the carbohydrates come from beans and legumes, which can be less digestible for some cats. The inclusion of supplementary probiotics and prebiotic fibers may aid in improving digestibility.
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%
What We Liked:
- Completely free from chicken products, ideal for cats with chicken allergies.
- Made with 90% animal-derived ingredients.
- Rich in animal-sourced omega-3 fatty acids from various fish sources.
- Supplemented with prebiotics and probiotics for digestive support.
What We Didn’t Like:
- Contains beans and legumes, which may be harder for some cats to digest.
- Like all dry foods, it does not provide sufficient 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 | 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 | 12 | 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 |
*Cost per day is calculated using the food’s average cost per ounce and the daily caloric requirement for a healthy adult cat (about 200 calories).
Key Considerations When Choosing Dry Cat Food
When selecting dry cat food, prioritize options that are high in quality protein – ideally listed as the first ingredient – and contain balanced nutrients appropriate for your cat’s life stage. Given that cats have a naturally low thirst drive, it’s crucial to supplement dry food diets with wet food to ensure adequate hydration. Adding water or broth to dry food can also help increase moisture intake. Closely monitor your cat’s water consumption to maintain optimal health. Pet nutritionist Emma Passman, with extensive experience in pet food formulation, notes that cats on low-moisture, high-carbohydrate diets may be predisposed to urinary issues due to chronic dehydration.
However, if dry food aligns with your and your cat’s preferences, several high-quality options are available. Here are essential factors to consider when shopping for dry cat food:
Prioritize High-Protein, Low-Carbohydrate Formulas
A common challenge with dry cat food is its often high carbohydrate content. Unfortunately, carbohydrate percentages are not typically listed on pet food labels. You’ll need to calculate this value based on the guaranteed analysis using a carbohydrate calculator. Aim for lower carbohydrate options to better mimic a cat’s natural diet.
Evaluate Protein Type and Quality
Since cats are obligate carnivores, they require a diet rich in animal-sourced protein. Meat-based proteins contain all the essential amino acids cats need, unlike plant-based proteins. Look for dry foods that emphasize animal protein sources and avoid those heavily reliant on plant proteins. It’s also advisable to avoid “animal by-products” as ingredient lists. While not inherently inferior to named meat cuts, they introduce ambiguity regarding the protein quality and source.
Avoid Artificial Additives
Artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives should be avoided in cat food. These additives can potentially trigger inflammation and negatively impact long-term health. Opt for natural dry cat foods that use animal-sourced flavors and safe, natural preservatives like mixed tocopherols (vitamin E).
Choose Brands with a Strong Reputation
Brand reputation and transparency are crucial factors. Research a brand’s recall history and customer service record. Brands with a history of frequent recalls, deceptive practices, or lack of transparency should be avoided. Brands offering responsive and transparent customer service are generally more trustworthy choices.
