Investing in your cat’s well-being begins with providing them with delicious and nutritious food. As obligate carnivores, cats require a diet based on meat, rich in moisture, and devoid of excessive plant-based fillers. Among the premium cat food options, Smalls stands out as our top choice. It prioritizes superior animal proteins while avoiding unnecessary carbohydrates that contradict a cat’s natural dietary requirements.
Ultimately, the best cat food is the one your cat enjoys while simultaneously promoting their health and vitality.
While many cat owners default to kibble, every expert we consulted recommended prioritizing wet or fresh food options. “Respect the cat’s biology,” advises Dr. Laurie Coger, DVM. “They are designed to eat a meaty, moist food.” Cats naturally have a low thirst drive and rely on their food for hydration, making wet cat food a vital component of a balanced diet. However, dry food can still play a role. Some high-protein kibble options, such as Open Farm Wild-Caught Salmon, provide species-appropriate nutrition and offer variety for cats who prefer a crunchy texture.
Beyond the choice between wet and dry food, consider your cat’s age, health, and unique requirements. From protein-rich formulas to high-quality dry food, our recommendations for the best cat food encompass a wide array of options to assist you in finding the ideal fit for your feline companion.
Best Cat Food Overall
Fresh, High-Protein Meals To Meet Your Cat’s Nutritional Needs
Smalls
Smalls Fresh Ground Bird Sampler
Type: Fresh | Life stage: All life stages | Calories: 200 kcal/package | AAFCO-compliant: Yes
What you’ll love:
- Made with at least 80% animal protein to support muscle and bone health
- High moisture content helps keep cats hydrated
- Gently cooked and frozen with no preservatives or artificial fillers
Keep in mind:
- Requires freezer and fridge space for storage
- More expensive than most traditional cat food
Many commercial cat foods contain fillers and preservatives. Smalls adopts a unique approach, closely resembling a cat’s natural diet. The brand prioritizes high-quality animal protein and natural hydration, gently cooking its fresh recipes to preserve nutrients. The turkey formula, for example, contains over 80% animal protein, along with hydrating ingredients like green beans and dandelion greens, which support digestion and urinary health.
To begin, pet parents complete a brief online questionnaire regarding their cat’s age, weight, activity level, and dietary preferences. Smalls then delivers a sampler box containing ten packets of fresh food, allowing you to test different recipes before committing to a recurring delivery schedule. Meals arrive frozen, ensuring freshness in the freezer until you are ready to thaw them. Once thawed, they remain fresh for approximately one week in the refrigerator, simplifying meal preparation with minimal waste. Smalls also meets the standards established by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO), a non-profit organization that regulates the nutritional requirements for pet food. In essence, this food satisfies all of a cat’s dietary requirements, providing a straightforward method for introducing fresh food into their diet without concerns about intricate meal preparation.
Best Wet Cat Food
A Simple, Slow-Cooked Stew That Looks Like Real Food
Chewy
Caru Classics Wild Salmon And Turkey Stew
Type: Wet (stew) | Life stage: All life stages | Calories: 152 kcal/carton | AAFCO-compliant: Yes
What you’ll love:
- Made with human-grade ingredients
- Slow-cooked for better nutrient retention
- Free from grains, artificial preservatives and animal by-products
Keep in mind:
- Higher price point compared to many traditional wet cat foods
- Packaged in a carton rather than a can, which some pet owners may prefer or dislike
If you desire high-quality wet food, but prefer not opting for a fresh option like Smalls, Caru Classic Wild Salmon And Turkey Stew makes a great choice. Unlike many canned foods containing meat by-products, artificial preservatives or gums, Caru utilizes limited, human-grade ingredients and slow-cooks its recipes to retain nutrients. The result is a stew-like texture resembling homemade food more closely than typical processed cat food.
Wild salmon is the primary ingredient, providing lean protein and omega-3s that promote healthy skin, coat, and brain function. The formula includes turkey for additional protein, along with dandelion greens and marine microalgae oil, providing your cat with antioxidants and fatty acids that support immune function, kidney health, and joint mobility. Given that many cats do not drink enough water, the moisture-rich formula helps maintain hydration 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. While it is more expensive than standard wet food, the simple ingredient list, high-quality sourcing, and gentle cooking process can support long-term health and potentially prevent issues like dehydration and inflammation.
Best Dry Cat Food
A Limited-Ingredient Kibble That’s More Thoughtfully Made
MOST POPULAR
Amazon
Open Farm Wild-Caught Salmon
Type: Dry | Life stage: All life stages | Calories: 470 kcal/cup | AAFCO-compliant: Yes
What you’ll love:
- Made with wild-caught salmon, a natural source of omega-3s and DHA
- Limited-ingredient formula with no unnecessary fillers
- Includes pumpkin, dandelion greens and cranberries for digestion and immune support
- Sourced with transparency—track ingredients down to the origin
Keep in mind:
- Veterinarians recommend adding water or broth to kibble for better hydration
- Some holistic vets argue that kibble does not actually help clean teeth
Every veterinarian we spoke with emphasized the importance of moisture for cats, since they do not naturally drink much water and obtain hydration from their food. However, cats can be extremely picky, and some simply prefer dry food. If kibble is part of your cat’s diet, selecting a high-quality, limited-ingredient option is important—and we believe Open Farm Wild-Caught Salmon is among the best.
Open Farm begins 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, as well as pumpkin, cranberries, and dandelion greens, ingredients that aid digestion and immune health. While kibble is more processed than fresh or wet food, Open Farm maintains recognizable ingredients compared to many traditional brands.
The veterinarians we consulted held differing opinions on dry food—one holistic vet stated that it is “a myth” that kibble cleans teeth, while others claim that dry food still plays a role in a balanced diet. However, they all agreed that hydration is key. Many recommend rehydrating kibble with water or broth to improve moisture intake. (Also, if you are concerned about your cat’s water intake, you can always invest in a cat water fountain.) Ultimately, the best diet is whatever suits your cat. If that includes kibble, this is a reliable option with responsibly caught fish and fully traceable ingredients.
Best Cat Food For Kittens
A High-Protein And Hydrating Wet Food For Healthy Growth
Amazon
Weruva Kitten Chicken Formula Au Jus
Type: Wet | Life stage: Kitten | Calories: 100 kcal/3 oz can | AAFCO-compliant: Yes
What you’ll love:
- 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
Keep in mind:
- Kittens may need multiple cans per day to meet calorie needs
A kitten’s early diet establishes the foundation for lifelong health, and Weruva’s Kitten Chicken Formula Au Jus provides the nutrition necessary for strong growth. This protein-rich recipe is designed to deliver essential amino acids that assist kittens in building muscle and maintaining energy levels. Given that kittens require higher amounts of protein, fat, and key nutrients than adult cats, a well-balanced formula is critical during this stage.
Beyond protein and hydration, this Weruva recipe includes taurine, fish oil, and vitamin D3 to support your kitten’s brain development, vision, and immune function. The high moisture content can also aid digestion and kidney health, particularly important for young kittens transitioning to solid food. The soft, shredded texture of the food is designed to be easily manageable for tiny teeth, enabling them to obtain the necessary nutrients without difficulty in eating. The recipe excludes grains, artificial additives, and carrageenan, which benefits kittens with sensitive stomachs.
Weruva prepares its food in human-grade facilities, adhering to strict global safety standards to ensure high-quality ingredients and processing. Since kittens burn calories quickly, the brand recommends feeding one to two cans per 1.5 to 2 pounds of body weight daily, divided into three or more meals.
Best Cat Food For Seniors
A Soft, High-Protein Meal That Supports Muscle And Kidney Health
Chewy
Tiki Cat Silver Chicken, Salmon And Chicken Liver Mousse And Shreds
Type: Wet (mousse and shreds) | Life stage: Senior | Calories: 80 kcal/can | AAFCO-compliant: Yes
What you’ll love:
- 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
Keep in mind:
- Lower in calories than many wet foods
- Some cats may prefer a different texture; Tiki Cat Silver offers other varieties
As cats age, their nutritional needs evolve, but protein remains an essential macronutrient. “The amount of calories they need may lessen, but protein needs can actually increase,” says Coger. “It’s vital that older cats get enough protein and the key amino acids for heart health, taurine and carnitine.” Tiki Cat Silver Chicken, Salmon And Chicken Liver Mousse And Shreds is specifically formulated for seniors, with a high-protein formula to aid in maintaining muscle mass and a soft texture that is easy to consume.
Given that kidney issues are prevalent in older cats, this low-phosphorus formula is designed to be gentle on their system. With salmon oil, coconut oil, turmeric, and green tea extract, this food contains ingredients that may alleviate inflammation and support joint health as cats age. It is also highly palatable, featuring chicken liver to entice cats with diminished appetites.
Tiki Cat’s Silver line offers various textures beyond mousse and shreds, including all-mousse, shredded-only, and broth options, allowing you to select what best suits your cat’s preferences. Smalls is another excellent choice for senior cats, particularly if hydration is a concern or they require an even softer texture. However, if your cat prefers a specific texture or you seek a more budget-friendly option, Tiki Cat Silver is a great pick.
Best Cat Food For Sensitive Stomachs
A Gentle, Single-Protein Recipe That’s Easy To Digest
Editor’s Pick
Amazon
Tiki Cat Luau Wild Salmon Recipe
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
What you’ll love:
- Single-protein formula with wild-caught Alaskan salmon
- No grains, potatoes or gums
- Hand-packed to preserve quality and texture
Keep in mind:
- Low in fat, which may not be ideal for cats needing extra calories
- Transitioning slowly is key for cats with sensitive stomachs
If your cat has a sensitive stomach, you understand the frustration of finding food that does not disrupt their digestion. Tiki Cat Luau Wild Salmon Recipe maintains simplicity with a single protein source—wild-caught Alaskan salmon—and a concise list of recognizable ingredients. It is free of grains, potatoes, and gums—consisting solely of flaked fish in a light consommé designed for easy consumption and digestion.
Certain cats struggle with rich or highly processed foods, making a single-protein, low-fat formula like this a suitable choice. Salmon is naturally rich in omega-3s, which can help with inflammation and gut health, while the added moisture supports digestion and hydration. “A low-carb, moisture-rich diet with real protein is much easier on digestion than one packed with unnecessary fillers,” according to feline nutrition experts Jae Kennedy and Adrienne Lefebvre.
When switching foods, proceed slowly—especially with cats who already have stomach issues. Dr. Liza Cahn, DVM, recommends mixing small amounts of the new food with their existing diet and gradually increasing the portion over a week. This allows their system to adapt, making the transition smoother and less stressful for both parties.
What the editors say: “My cat has always had a sensitive tum, and there’s nothing more frustrating than watching him throw up an entire can of nice wet food,” says senior home and kitchen editor Amanda Arnold. “With this Tiki Cat formula, he gets sick much less often and seems to be more energetic, which I could not appreciate more—I spend much less time cleaning my floors and worrying about his diet.”
Best Cat Food For Weight Loss
A High-Protein, Fiber-Rich Meal To Help Cats Stay Satisfied
Chewy
Bixbi Liberty Tuna & Pumpkin Recipe
Type: Wet (minced in broth) | Life stage: All life stages | Calories: 56 kcal/can | AAFCO-compliant: Yes
What you’ll love:
- 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
Keep in mind:
- Lower in calories than many wet foods, so portioning is important
- Some cats may prefer a different texture—this is minced in broth
If your cat needs to shed a few pounds, switching to a high-protein, moisture-rich diet can make a substantial difference. Veterinarians often observe kibble contributing to weight gain due to its higher carbohydrate content than cats require. “Dry kibble almost always leads to gradual weight gain in cats,” notes Coger, emphasizing that numerous dry foods rely on starches that are inconsistent with a cat’s natural diet.
Bixbi Liberty Tuna & Pumpkin Recipe is a great option for cats who need to slim down without feeling deprived. It contains wild-caught tuna as the primary ingredient, providing cats with the high-quality protein necessary to maintain muscle while shedding excess fat. The addition of pumpkin offers fiber, which aids digestion and promotes satiety. (Resulting in less begging between meals.)
Because this recipe is wet food with significant moisture content, it also supports hydration and overall health, making it a better choice than dry food for weight management. Although every cat’s metabolism is unique, providing a high-protein, low-carb diet like this simplifies managing your cat’s weight without causing hunger.
Why Trust Forbes Vetted
At Forbes Vetted, we’re committed to helping pet parents make informed choices about how they care for their animals. From covering the best raw dog food to automatic litter boxes, we’ve spent years researching and testing products to bring you the best recommendations.
- This article was written by Forbes Vetted home and kitchen editor Kelly O’Sullivan, who has years of experience covering pet products. She’s interviewed dozens of veterinarians and pet nutrition experts over her career and is deeply knowledgeable about feline health and nutrition. The story was overseen by senior editor (and cat owner) Amanda Arnold, who also has extensive experience covering pet care and makes sure our recommendations are well-researched and reliable.
- To ensure we’re recommending only the highest-quality cat foods, we consulted with several experts and veterinarians: Dr. Laurie Coger, DVM, an integrative veterinarian specializing in pet nutrition; Jae Kennedy and Adrienne Lefebvre, feline nutritionists and co-founders of Two Crazy Cat Ladies; and Dr. Liza Cahn, DVM, a veterinarian at Embrace Pet Insurance.
- We update this article regularly to reflect new product offerings and the latest expert advice. Our most recent update was in March 2025, ensuring our recommendations remain current and well-researched.
How We Chose The Best Cat Food
We understand the importance of finding the correct food for your cat, one that supports their health, accommodates their dietary requirements, and most importantly, is palatable to them. To ensure our recommendations are top-tier, we undertook the following steps:
- We consulted with three veterinarians and feline nutrition experts. Our list reflects what they told us they look for in a great cat food: high-quality animal protein, moisture content to support hydration and a minimal ingredient list without unnecessary fillers.
- We made sure each recommendation meets guidelines for cat food set by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO), meaning it meets the necessary standards for complete and balanced nutrition.
- We focused on the highest quality cat food available; we prioritized recipes with real, recognizable ingredients and avoided options with fillers, meat by-products and artificial additives.
- We considered a variety of dietary needs. Not every cat has the same nutritional requirements, so we included a mix of fresh food, wet food and dry food options—as well as formulas for kittens, seniors, sensitive stomachs and weight management.
- We read through hundreds of customer reviews and only included cat foods that consistently earn positive feedback from both pet parents and experts. If a product had common complaints about palatability, quality or digestibility, we left it out.
What To Look For In The Best Cat Food
If you’re considering changing your cat’s food, here’s what to consider before making the switch.
AAFCO Statement
The easiest way to ensure a cat food meets basic nutritional standards is to check for an AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials) statement on the label. This confirms that the food is complete and balanced for a specific life stage—kitten, adult or senior. While AAFCO compliance is a good starting point, the experts we spoke with emphasize that it doesn’t tell you everything about ingredient quality. That’s why it’s important to look beyond the label and consider what’s actually in the food.
Food Type
Many veterinarians agree that moisture-rich diets are best for cats, since they naturally get most of their hydration from food rather than a water bowl. Wet and fresh foods provide the moisture cats need to support kidney and urinary health. Dry kibble tends to be lower in moisture and higher in carbohydrates; that doesn’t mean kibble has no place in a cat’s diet, but it should be chosen carefully. Dr. Coger warns that many dry foods rely on starches that can contribute to weight gain, so if you do feed kibble, it’s best to choose one with high-quality animal protein and consider rehydrating it with water or broth.
Ingredients
Since cats are obligate carnivores, protein and fat should make up the bulk of their diet. According to feline nutrition experts Kennedy and Lefebvre, the best cat foods start with named animal proteins like chicken, turkey or salmon as the first few ingredients. They also recommend avoiding grains, potatoes and legumes, since these don’t provide the nutrients cats need and may lead to digestive issues. While “grain-free” has become a popular marketing term, it’s more important to choose food with real, high-quality meat rather than unnecessary fillers.
Calories
Many indoor cats gain weight easily, especially if they eat dry food that’s high in carbohydrates. Portion control matters, and Dr. Cahn and Dr. Coger both stress that leaving kibble out all day often leads to weight gain. A cat’s calorie needs depend on age, activity level, and metabolism, but in general, seniors need less food than younger, more active cats. If weight gain is a concern, switching to a high-protein, low-carb wet food, and feeding measured meals instead of free-feeding can help maintain a healthy weight.
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. If your cat always seems hungry, gains weight easily, sheds more than usual or has digestive issues, it might be time to rethink their food. The experts we spoke with suggest watching for changes in their coat, litter box habits and energy levels to see if their diet is really working for them.
