What Are The Best Cat Foods? Discovering the ideal diet for your feline friend is easy with foods.edu.vn, where we provide expert advice and reviews on top-quality cat food options. Find nutritious and delicious meals that cater to your cat’s specific needs, ensuring a happy and healthy life. For the best feline nutrition, explore our comprehensive resources on pet health and animal protein sources.
1. At a Glance: Top Cat Food Choices for Optimal Health
Choosing the right cat food can be overwhelming. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of the best options to help you make an informed decision. These top picks are based on extensive research, nutritional value, and customer reviews, ensuring your cat gets the best possible diet.
Kirsten McCarthy / Cats.com
2. Overall Best Cat Food: Smalls Ground Bird Fresh Cat Food
Smalls Ground Bird Fresh Cat Food stands out as the top choice due to its human-grade ingredients and single-source, high-quality animal protein. It’s incredibly low in carbohydrates, making it an excellent option for cats of all life stages.
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- Made In: United States
- Guaranteed Protein: 13% Min
- Age Range: All Life Stages
- Calories Per Ounce: 40
- Typical Cost Per Day: $4.00 per day
Smalls is a fresh cat food delivery service using human-grade ingredients, including premium proteins like chicken, turkey, beef, and fish. Select from minced-style recipes or classic pâté to provide your cat with protein-rich, low-carb cat food formulated for cats of all life stages.
2.1 Key Ingredients and Nutritional Analysis of Smalls Ground Bird
The Fresh Ground Bird recipe features chicken and chicken liver as its primary ingredients, ensuring a high-protein, low-carbohydrate meal.
Kirsten McCarthy / Cats.com
Kirsten McCarthy / Cats.com
Kirsten McCarthy / Cats.com
2.2 Detailed Ingredient List
- Chicken
- Chicken Liver
- Green Beans
- Water Sufficient for Processing
- Dried Yeast
- Tricalcium Phosphate
- Kale
- Magnesium Proteinate
- Potassium Chloride
- Choline Chloride
- Dandelion Greens
- Dried Kelp
- Taurine
- Zinc Proteinate
- Iron Proteinate
- Cod Liver Oil
- Salt
- Niacin Supplement
- Vitamin E Supplement
- Vitamin A Supplement
- Copper Proteinate
- Manganese Proteinate
- Thiamine Mononitrate
- D-Calcium Pantothenate
- Pyridoxine Hydrochloride
- Vitamin D3 Supplement
- Riboflavin Supplement
- Vitamin B12 Supplement
- Folic Acid
- Sodium Selenite
- Biotin
2.3 Guaranteed Analysis
| Component | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Crude Protein | 13% |
| Crude Fat | 8.5% |
| Crude Fiber | 1.5% |
| Moisture | 73% |
2.4 Dry Matter Basis
| Component | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Protein | 48.15% |
| Fat | 31.48% |
| Fiber | 5.56% |
| Carbs | 14.81% |
2.5 Caloric Weight Basis
| Component | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Protein | 34.54% |
| Fat | 54.84% |
| Carbs | 10.63% |
2.6 Pros and Cons of Smalls Ground Bird
Pros:
- Fresh food made with human-grade ingredients
- Single source of high-quality animal protein
- Very low in carbohydrates
- Rich source of hydrating moisture
Cons:
- Only available as a subscription plan
- No phone support (text and email only)
3. Best Dry Cat Food: Open Farm RawMix Open Prairie Recipe
Open Farm RawMix Open Prairie Recipe offers superior transparency and high-quality ingredients, making it an excellent choice for dry cat food. It’s rich in animal-derived protein and is made with carefully sourced components.
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- Made In: United States
- Guaranteed Protein: 38% min
- Age Range: All Life Stages
- Calories Per Ounce: 106
- Typical Cost Per Day: $0.90 per day
Open Farm is a newer pet food brand recognized for its transparency and quality, including detailed information on ingredient sourcing, ethical supplier partnerships, and typical analyses for each recipe.
3.1 Key Features of Open Farm RawMix
What distinguishes Open Farm’s RawMix from other dry foods is its inclusion of freeze-dried raw ingredients.
Kirsten McCarthy / Cats.com
Kirsten McCarthy / Cats.com
Kirsten McCarthy / Cats.com
3.2 Detailed Ingredient List
- Chicken
- Turkey
- Menhaden Fish Meal
- Peas
- Chickpeas
- Ocean Whitefish Meal
- Lentils
- Coconut Oil
- Pumpkin
- Natural Flavor
- Cranberries
- Apples
- Sunflower Oil
- Dandelion Greens
- Chicken Liver
- Chicken Neck
- Vitamins
- Potatoes
- Tapioca
- Dried Chicory Root
- Choline Chloride
- Minerals
- Organic Butternut Squash
- Organic Carrots
- Organic Blueberries
- Turkey Gizzard
- Montmorillonite Clay
- Miscanthus Grass
- Chicken Bone Broth
- Flaxseed
- Turmeric
- Dried Yucca Schidigera Extract
- Taurine
- Organic Spinach
- Organic Kale
- Organic Apple Cider Vinegar
- Organic Pumpkin Seeds
- Organic Sunflower Seeds
- Rosemary Extract
3.3 Guaranteed Analysis
| Component | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Crude Protein | 38% |
| Crude Fat | 14% |
| Crude Fiber | 3% |
| Moisture | 10% |
3.4 Dry Matter Basis
| Component | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Protein | 42.22% |
| Fat | 15.56% |
| Fiber | 3.33% |
| Carbs | 38.89% |
3.5 Caloric Weight Basis
| Component | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Protein | 35.51% |
| Fat | 31.78% |
| Carbs | 32.71% |
3.6 Pros and Cons of Open Farm RawMix
Pros:
- Open Farm offers superior transparency compared to other brands
- Rich in animal-derived protein
- Appears to be made from high-quality ingredients
Cons:
- Fairly pricey option
- Main sources of added fat are plant-based: coconut oil and sunflower oil
- High in carbohydrates
4. Premium Cat Food Pick: Feline Natural Chicken & Lamb Feast
Feline Natural’s Chicken & Lamb Feast is a premium choice with high animal protein content and a variety of muscle meat, organs, and blood. Enhanced with green-lipped mussel, this grain-free canned cat food supports overall health.
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- Made In: New Zealand
- Guaranteed Protein: 9.6% min.
- Age Range: Adult
- Calories Per Ounce: 25
- Typical Cost Per Day: $6.31 per day
Feline Natural offers more than just raw or freeze-dried cat food; their product range also includes various canned foods.
4.1 Key Benefits of Feline Natural Chicken & Lamb Feast
This species-appropriate recipe primarily comprises chicken meat, lamb heart, kidney, liver, and blood as its main ingredients.
Kirsten McCarthy / Cats.com
Kirsten McCarthy / Cats.com
Kirsten McCarthy / Cats.com
4.2 Detailed Ingredient List
- Chicken
- Lamb Heart
- Lamb Kidney
- Lamb Liver
- Lamb Blood
- Flaxseed Flakes
- New Zealand Green Mussel
- Dried Kelp
- Taurine
- Vitamin E Supplement
- Magnesium Oxide
- Zinc Proteinate
- Copper Proteinate
- Manganese Proteinate
- Thiamine Mononitrate
- Vitamin D3 Supplement
- Folic Acid
- Water added for processing
4.3 Guaranteed Analysis
| Component | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Crude Protein | 9.6% |
| Crude Fat | 5% |
| Crude Fiber | 0.3% |
| Moisture | 82.5% |
4.4 Dry Matter Basis
| Component | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Protein | 54.86% |
| Fat | 28.57% |
| Fiber | 1.71% |
| Carbs | 14.86% |
4.5 Caloric Weight Basis
| Component | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Protein | 39.44% |
| Fat | 49.88% |
| Carbs | 10.68% |
4.6 Pros and Cons of Feline Natural Chicken & Lamb Feast
Pros:
- High in animal protein
- Contains a variety of muscle meat, organs, and blood
- Enhanced with green-lipped mussel
- Produced under stringent safety standards in New Zealand
Cons:
- Costly
- Contains multiple protein sources, and it might not be suitable for cats with food sensitivities or allergies.
5. Budget-Friendly Cat Food: Dave’s Pet Food Turkey Formula
Dave’s Pet Food Naturally Healthy Grain-Free Turkey Formula is an affordable option that doesn’t compromise on quality. This moisture-rich canned food is meat-based and features fresh turkey, chicken, and chicken liver.
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- Made In: United States
- Guaranteed Protein: 10% Min
- Age Range: Adult
- Calories Per Ounce: 33
- Typical Cost Per Day: $1.64 per day
For an affordable option that doesn’t compromise on quality, consider moisture-rich Dave’s Pet Food.
5.1 Benefits of Dave’s Pet Food Turkey Formula
Chicken broth makes up most of the moisture in this canned food, offering a flavorful alternative to water.
Kirsten McCarthy / Cats.com
Kirsten McCarthy / Cats.com
Kirsten McCarthy / Cats.com
5.2 Detailed Ingredient List
- Turkey
- Chicken Broth
- Chicken Liver
- Chicken
- Guar Gum
- Sweet Potatoes
- Carrots
- Agar-Agar
- Potassium Chloride
- Salt
- Minerals
- Choline Chloride
- Vitamins
- Cranberries
- Blueberries
- Taurine
- Dried Squash
- Zucchini
- Sodium Carbonate
5.3 Guaranteed Analysis
| Component | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Crude Protein | 10% |
| Crude Fat | 5% |
| Crude Fiber | 1% |
| Moisture | 78% |
5.4 Dry Matter Basis
| Component | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Protein | 45.45% |
| Fat | 22.73% |
| Fiber | 4.55% |
| Carbs | 27.27% |
5.5 Caloric Weight Basis
| Component | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Protein | 35.53% |
| Fat | 43.15% |
| Carbs | 21.32% |
5.6 Pros and Cons of Dave’s Pet Food Turkey Formula
Pros:
- Affordably priced
- Rich in animal-sourced protein from chicken and turkey
- Flavorful source of hydrating moisture for cats
- Doesn’t contain refined grains, peas, or legumes
Cons:
- Guar gum may contribute to loose stools in sensitive cats
6. Best Raw Cat Food: Open Farm Freeze-Dried Raw
Open Farm Freeze-Dried Raw Cat Food has an outstanding reputation for transparency and safety. If you want to give your cat the benefits of raw, Open Farm offers a freeze-dried line that’s prepared from high-quality ingredients and delivers on nutrition.
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- Made In: United States
- Guaranteed Protein: 47%
- Age Range: All Life Stages
- Calories Per Ounce: 144
- Typical Cost Per Day: $4.00 per day
Open Farm has an outstanding reputation for transparency and safety.
6.1 Benefits of Open Farm Freeze-Dried Raw
Their Chicken and Salmon Freeze-Dried Recipe is made with free-range chicken and sustainably sourced wild salmon.
Kirsten McCarthy / Cats.com
Kirsten McCarthy / Cats.com
Kirsten McCarthy / Cats.com
6.2 Detailed Ingredient List
- Chicken with Ground Bone
- Salmon
- Chicken Neck
- Chicken Liver
- Montmorillonite Clay
- Organic Dandelion Greens
- Potassium Chloride
- Choline Chloride
- Vitamins
- Salt
- Taurine
- Organic Cranberries
- Magnesium Sulfate
- Minerals
- Mixed Tocopherols
- Rosemary Extract
6.3 Guaranteed Analysis
| Component | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Crude Protein | 47% |
| Crude Fat | 37% |
| Crude Fiber | 5% |
| Moisture | 5% |
6.4 Dry Matter Basis
| Component | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Protein | 49.47% |
| Fat | 38.95% |
| Fiber | 5.26% |
| Carbs | 6.32% |
6.5 Caloric Weight Basis
| Component | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Protein | 32.9% |
| Fat | 62.9% |
| Carbs | 4.2% |
6.6 Pros and Cons of Open Farm Freeze-Dried Raw
Pros:
- Gently freeze-dried
- Grain-free, legume-free
- 100% traceable ingredients
- Rich in animal-derived protein
- Organic fruits & vegetables are always 100% non-GMO
Cons:
- Low moisture content before rehydration
- Expensive
7. Best Cat Food for Picky Eaters: Caru Turkey Stew
Caru Classic Turkey Stew Grain-Free Wet Cat Food is perfect for picky eaters. Its stew-style recipe might pique their interest, and it has a very low carbohydrate content.
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- Made In: United States
- Guaranteed Protein: 9% Min
- Age Range: All Life Stages
- Calories Per Ounce: 28
- Typical Cost Per Day: $3.60 per day
Cats can be finicky in their food preferences; some prefer certain types, flavors, and textures.
7.1 Benefits of Caru Turkey Stew
Caru’s grain-free Turkey Stew is made with a single source of animal protein: turkey muscle meat.
Kirsten McCarthy / Cats.com
Kirsten McCarthy / Cats.com
Kirsten McCarthy / Cats.com
7.2 Detailed Ingredient List
- Turkey
- Turkey Bone Broth
- Tapioca Starch
- Natural Flavor
- Sweet Potato
- Apples
- Carrots
- Tricalcium Phosphate
- Celery Root
- Marine Microalgae Oil
- Calcium Carbonate
- Minerals
- Choline Chloride
- Potassium Chloride
- Vitamins
- Taurine
- Dandelion Greens
- Magnesium Proteinate
7.3 Guaranteed Analysis
| Component | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Crude Protein | 9% |
| Crude Fat | 2% |
| Crude Fiber | 1% |
| Moisture | 82% |
| Ash | 3.6% |
7.4 Dry Matter Basis
| Component | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Protein | 50% |
| Fat | 11.11% |
| Fiber | 5.56% |
| Carbs | 13.33% |
7.5 Caloric Weight Basis
| Component | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Protein | 55.36% |
| Fat | 29.88% |
| Carbs | 14.76% |
7.6 Pros and Cons of Caru Turkey Stew
Pros:
- Made with a single source of animal protein
- Rich in hydrating moisture
- Cats seem to like the flavor and texture
- Very low carbohydrate content
Cons:
- Fairly expensive
- Cardboard cartons can be tricky to open
8. Novel Protein Cat Food: Ziwi Peak Venison Recipe
Ziwi Peak Venison Recipe Canned Cat Food is an excellent choice for cats with digestive problems or food sensitivities. Venison is a novel protein for most cats, making it a good option for those with allergies to other common proteins.
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- Made In: New Zealand
- Guaranteed Protein: 10% Min
- Age Range: Adult
- Calories Per Ounce: 34
- Typical Cost Per Day: $6.96 per day
With just one protein, Ziwi Peak’s canned cat food is a good match for cats with digestive problems or food sensitivities.
8.1 Key Features of Ziwi Peak Venison Recipe
The recipe features venison muscle meat, venison broth, and a variety of nutrient-rich deer parts rarely included in cat food.
Kirsten McCarthy / Cats.com
Kirsten McCarthy / Cats.com
Kirsten McCarthy / Cats.com
8.2 Detailed Ingredient List
- Venison
- Water Sufficient for Processing
- Venison Tripe
- Venison Liver
- Chickpeas
- Venison Lung
- Venison Heart
- Venison Kidney
- New Zealand Green Mussel
- Venison Bone
- DL-Methionine
- Dried Kelp
- Minerals
- Taurine
- Vitamins
8.3 Guaranteed Analysis
| Component | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Crude Protein | 10% |
| Crude Fat | 4% |
| Crude Fiber | 2% |
| Moisture | 78% |
| Ash | 3% |
8.4 Dry Matter Basis
| Component | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Protein | 45.45% |
| Fat | 18.18% |
| Fiber | 9.09% |
| Carbs | 13.64% |
8.5 Caloric Weight Basis
| Component | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Protein | 44.03% |
| Fat | 42.77% |
| Carbs | 13.21% |
8.6 Pros and Cons of Ziwi Peak Venison Recipe
Pros:
- Includes muscle meat, organs, and bones
- Low in carbohydrates
- Contains green-lipped mussel for glucosamine and chondroitin
- High in animal protein
- Free from artificial ingredients
Cons:
- Contains chickpeas
- Nearly 20% carbohydrates on a dry matter basis
- Costly
9. Best Cat Food for Weight Loss: Tiki Cat Chicken Consommé
Tiki Cat Succulent Chicken Recipe in Chicken Consommé is a healthy way for your cat to lose weight. It has an incredibly high protein content and no significant carbohydrate content.
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- Made In: Thailand
- Guaranteed Protein: 16% Min
- Age Range: Adult
- Calories Per Ounce: 25
- Typical Cost Per Day: $5 per day
If you’re looking for a healthy way for your cat to lose weight, the right food can help.
9.1 Benefits of Tiki Cat Chicken Consommé
The protein content of the brand’s Succulent Chicken Recipe is incredibly high and there is no significant carbohydrate content.
Kirsten McCarthy / Cats.com
Kirsten McCarthy / Cats.com
Kirsten McCarthy / Cats.com
9.2 Detailed Ingredient List
- Chicken
- Chicken Broth
- Sunflower Seed Oil
- Calcium Lactate
- Dicalcium Phosphate
- Potassium Chloride
- Taurine
- Choline Chloride
- Salt
- Magnesium Sulfate
- Ferrous Sulfate
- Thiamine Mononitrate (Vitamin B1)
- Vitamin E Supplement
- Niacin (Vitamin B3)
- Zinc Oxide
- Vitamin A Supplement
- Biotin
- Vitamin B12 Supplement
- Manganous Oxide
- Calcium Pantothenate
- Copper Amino Acid Chelate
- Riboflavin Supplement (Vitamin B2)
- Sodium Selenite
- Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B6)
- Folic Acid
- Potassium Iodide
- Vitamin D3 Supplement
9.3 Guaranteed Analysis
| Component | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Crude Protein | 16% |
| Crude Fat | 2.6% |
| Moisture | 80% |
| Ash | 1.6% |
9.4 Dry Matter Basis
| Component | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Protein | 80% |
| Fat | 13% |
9.5 Caloric Weight Basis
| Component | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Protein | 71.7% |
| Fat | 28.3% |
9.6 Pros and Cons of Tiki Cat Chicken Consommé
Pros:
- Rich in nourishing animal protein
- High moisture content helps to flush the urinary tract
- Low ash shouldn’t contribute to crystal formation
- Species-appropriate pH helps keep things in balance
Cons:
- Contains sunflower oil instead of species-appropriate animal fat
- Low fat content isn’t right for every cat
- Very low in fiber
10. Best for Sensitive Stomachs: Open Farm Chicken Paté
Open Farm Harvest Chicken Paté for Cats is made with a single source of animal protein and a short list of easily digestible ingredients.
