Investing in your cat’s health and happiness begins with providing them with delicious, nutrient-rich food. As obligate carnivores, cats thrive on meat-based diets abundant in moisture, not plant-heavy formulas loaded with fillers. The best cat food options prioritize high-quality animal proteins and minimize unnecessary carbohydrates, aligning with a cat’s natural dietary requirements. But What Is The Best Brand Of Cat Food? Let’s explore the top contenders.
While many cat owners default to kibble, experts generally recommend prioritizing wet or fresh foods. Dr. Laurie Coger, DVM, emphasizes respecting a cat’s biology, as they are designed to consume meaty, moist food. Given cats’ low thirst drive, they rely on their food for hydration, making wet cat food a crucial component of a balanced diet. However, high-protein kibble options can also provide species-appropriate nutrition for cats who enjoy crunchier textures.
Choosing the right cat food involves considering your cat’s age, health, and individual needs. From protein-packed formulas to high-quality dry food, a variety of options can help you find the perfect fit for your feline companion.
Top Cat Food Brands and Types
Fresh Cat Food: Smalls
Smalls stands out for prioritizing high-quality animal protein and natural hydration, closely mimicking a cat’s natural diet.
- Type: Fresh
- Life Stage: All Life Stages
- Calories: 200 kcal/package
- AAFCO Compliant: Yes
Pros:
- Consists of at least 80% animal protein, promoting muscle and bone health.
- High moisture content aids in hydration.
- Gently cooked and frozen, free from preservatives and artificial fillers.
Cons:
- Requires freezer and fridge space for storage.
- More expensive than traditional cat food.
Smalls emphasizes high-quality animal protein and natural hydration, gently cooking its fresh recipes to retain nutrients. For example, the turkey formula contains over 80% animal protein, along with hydrating ingredients like green beans and dandelion greens, which support digestion and urinary health.
To begin, pet owners complete an online quiz detailing their cat’s age, weight, activity level, and dietary preferences. Smalls then sends a sampler box with ten packets of fresh food to test different recipes. The frozen meals remain fresh in the freezer until thawing, lasting about a week in the fridge. Smalls also adheres to the standards set by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO).
Wet Cat Food: Caru Classics Wild Salmon And Turkey Stew
For those seeking high-quality wet food without opting for a fresh option like Smalls, Caru Classic Wild Salmon and Turkey Stew is an excellent choice.
- Type: Wet (stew)
- Life Stage: All Life Stages
- Calories: 152 kcal/carton
- AAFCO Compliant: Yes
Pros:
- Made with human-grade ingredients.
- Slow-cooked for better nutrient retention.
- Free from grains, artificial preservatives, and animal by-products.
Cons:
- Higher price point than many traditional wet cat foods.
- Packaged in a carton rather than a can.
Unlike many canned foods with meat by-products, artificial preservatives, or gums, Caru uses limited, human-grade ingredients and slow-cooks its recipes to retain nutrients, resulting in a stew-like texture similar to homemade food.
Wild salmon, the first ingredient, provides lean protein and omega-3s for skin, coat, and brain health. The formula also includes turkey for extra protein, plus dandelion greens and marine microalgae oil for antioxidants and fatty acids, supporting immune function, kidney health, and joint mobility. The moisture-rich formula helps keep cats hydrated and supports urinary health.
Caru produces its food in a USDA-licensed human food facility in Wisconsin, using USDA-inspected meats and sourcing all other ingredients from human-edible sources.
Dry Cat Food: Open Farm Wild-Caught Salmon
Moisture is crucial for cats, so veterinarians recommend adding water or broth to kibble for better hydration. If kibble is part of your cat’s diet, choosing a high-quality, limited-ingredient option like Open Farm Wild-Caught Salmon is essential.
- Type: Dry
- Life Stage: All Life Stages
- Calories: 470 kcal/cup
- AAFCO Compliant: Yes
Pros:
- Made with wild-caught salmon, a natural source of omega-3s and DHA.
- Limited-ingredient formula without unnecessary fillers.
- Includes pumpkin, dandelion greens, and cranberries for digestion and immune support.
- Sourced with transparency—track ingredients down to the origin.
Cons:
- Veterinarians recommend adding water or broth to kibble for better hydration.
- Some holistic vets argue that kibble does not actually help clean teeth.
Open Farm starts with wild-caught Pacific salmon, rich in omega-3s and DHA to support a healthy coat, skin, and brain function. The formula also includes ocean whitefish and herring meal for additional protein, plus pumpkin, cranberries, and dandelion greens for digestion and immune health.
Kitten Food: Weruva Kitten Chicken Formula Au Jus
A kitten’s early diet establishes the foundation for lifelong health, and Weruva’s Kitten Chicken Formula Au Jus provides the necessary nutrition for healthy growth.
- Type: Wet
- Life Stage: Kitten
- Calories: 100 kcal/3 oz can
- AAFCO Compliant: Yes
Pros:
- Real chicken as the first ingredient for lean protein.
- High moisture content supports hydration and digestion.
- Soft, shredded texture is easy for kittens to eat.
- Free from grains, artificial additives, and carrageenan.
Cons:
- Kittens may need multiple cans per day to meet calorie needs.
This protein-rich recipe delivers essential amino acids that help kittens build muscle and maintain their energy levels. Because kittens require higher amounts of protein, fat, and key nutrients than adult cats, a well-balanced formula is critical during this stage.
Senior Cat Food: Tiki Cat Silver Chicken, Salmon And Chicken Liver Mousse And Shreds
As cats age, their nutritional needs change, but protein remains essential. Tiki Cat Silver Chicken, Salmon, and Chicken Liver Mousse and Shreds is designed specifically for seniors, with a high-protein formula and a soft texture that’s easy to eat.
- Type: Wet (mousse and shreds)
- Life Stage: Senior
- Calories: 80 kcal/can
- AAFCO Compliant: Yes
Pros:
- Soft mousse and shredded texture is easy for older cats to eat.
- High in protein to help maintain muscle mass and a healthy weight.
- Low phosphorus to support kidney function.
- Includes salmon oil, turmeric, and green tea extract to help fight inflammation.
Cons:
- Lower in calories than many wet foods.
- Some cats may prefer a different texture.
Since kidney issues are common in older cats, this low-phosphorus formula is designed to be easier on their system. It’s also highly palatable, with chicken liver to entice cats with reduced appetites.
Sensitive Stomach Cat Food: Tiki Cat Luau Wild Salmon Recipe
If your cat has a sensitive stomach, Tiki Cat Luau Wild Salmon Recipe keeps things simple with just one protein source—wild-caught Alaskan salmon—plus a short list of recognizable ingredients.
- Type: Wet (flaked in consommé)
- Life Stage: All Life Stages
- Calories: 71 kcal/2.8-ounce can, 151 kcal/6-ounce can
- AAFCO Compliant: Yes
Pros:
- Single-protein formula with wild-caught Alaskan salmon.
- No grains, potatoes, or gums.
- Hand-packed to preserve quality and texture.
Cons:
- Low in fat, which may not be ideal for cats needing extra calories.
- Transitioning slowly is key for cats with sensitive stomachs.
Salmon is naturally high in omega-3s, which may help with inflammation and gut health, and the extra moisture supports digestion and hydration.
Cat Food for Weight Loss: Bixbi Liberty Tuna & Pumpkin Recipe
For cats needing to lose weight, Bixbi Liberty Tuna & Pumpkin Recipe is a great option. It’s made with wild-caught tuna and includes pumpkin for added fiber.
- Type: Wet (minced in broth)
- Life Stage: All Life Stages
- Calories: 56 kcal/can
- AAFCO Compliant: Yes
Pros:
- High-protein tuna helps maintain muscle while reducing excess weight.
- Pumpkin adds fiber to promote digestion and help cats feel full.
- No fillers, byproduct meals, or artificial preservatives.
- Sustainably sourced wild-caught tuna.
Cons:
- Lower in calories than many wet foods, so portioning is important.
- Some cats may prefer a different texture—this is minced in broth.
The addition of pumpkin provides fiber, which can help with digestion and keep cats feeling full longer. Because this recipe is wet food with plenty of moisture, it also supports hydration and overall health, so it’s a better choice than dry food for weight management.
What to Look For In The Best Cat Food
- AAFCO Statement: Check for an AAFCO statement to ensure the food meets basic nutritional standards.
- Food Type: Moisture-rich diets are best for cats, with wet and fresh foods being ideal.
- Ingredients: Protein and fat should make up the bulk of a cat’s diet, with named animal proteins as the first few ingredients. Avoid grains, potatoes, and legumes.
- Calories: Portion control matters. Seniors need less food than younger, more active cats.
How to Tell If Your Cat’s Food Is Working
A healthy cat should have a shiny coat, steady weight, plenty of energy, and normal digestion. Watch for changes in their coat, litter box habits, and energy levels to assess if their diet is working. Switching to a high-protein, low-carb wet food and feeding measured meals can help maintain a healthy weight. The best diet is the one that keeps your cat healthy and happy.
