Investing in your indoor cat’s well-being begins with providing them with nutritious and delicious food. As obligate carnivores, cats thrive on meat-based diets that are rich in moisture, rather than plant-heavy formulas filled with unnecessary ingredients. Determining What Is The Best Food For Indoor Cats involves considering several factors, including their age, health, and individual preferences.
The ideal cat food is one that your feline companion enjoys while promoting their overall health and vitality.
While many cat owners default to dry kibble, experts recommend prioritizing wet or fresh food options. Dr. Laurie Coger, DVM, emphasizes the importance of respecting a cat’s natural biology, stating that they are designed to consume meaty, moist food. Since cats often have a low thirst drive, wet food can be crucial for ensuring adequate hydration, which is essential for their overall health. However, high-protein kibble can also be a suitable option, providing variety and a satisfying crunch for cats who prefer it.
Beyond choosing between wet and dry food, it’s essential to consider your cat’s specific needs based on their age, health status, and individual preferences. The best cat food options encompass a wide range of formulas designed to meet these varying needs.
Top Cat Food Recommendations
Best Overall: Smalls Fresh Ground Bird Sampler
Smalls prioritizes high-quality animal protein and natural hydration, closely mimicking a cat’s natural diet. Their fresh recipes are gently cooked to preserve nutrients and avoid unnecessary carbohydrates. The turkey formula, for example, contains over 80% animal protein and hydrating ingredients like green beans and dandelion greens, which support digestion and urinary health.
To get started, pet owners complete an online quiz detailing their cat’s age, weight, activity level, and dietary preferences. Smalls then ships a sampler box with ten packets of fresh food to test different recipes before committing to a recurring delivery schedule. The food arrives frozen and stays fresh in the freezer until thawing, lasting about a week in the fridge once thawed. Smalls also meets AAFCO standards, ensuring it meets all of a cat’s dietary needs.
Pros:
- Made with at least 80% animal protein
- High moisture content
- Gently cooked and frozen, free from preservatives and artificial fillers
Cons:
- Requires freezer and fridge space for storage
- More expensive than traditional cat food
Best Wet Cat Food: Caru Classics Wild Salmon And Turkey Stew
Caru Classic Wild Salmon And Turkey Stew is a high-quality wet food option that utilizes limited, human-grade ingredients and slow-cooks its recipes to retain nutrients. The result is a stew-like texture that more closely resembles homemade food.
Wild salmon is the primary ingredient, providing lean protein and omega-3s for skin, coat, and brain health. The formula also includes turkey for extra protein, dandelion greens, and marine microalgae oil, which offer antioxidants and fatty acids for immune function, kidney health, and joint mobility. The moisture-rich formula aids in hydration and supports urinary health.
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 compared to many traditional wet cat foods
- Packaged in a carton
Best Dry Cat Food: Open Farm Wild-Caught Salmon
Open Farm Wild-Caught Salmon is a limited-ingredient kibble made with wild-caught Pacific salmon, providing omega-3s and DHA to support healthy coat, skin, and brain function.
The formula also includes ocean whitefish, herring meal, pumpkin, cranberries, and dandelion greens, which aid digestion and immune health. Open Farm maintains recognizable ingredients compared to many traditional brands.
Pros:
- Made with wild-caught salmon
- Limited-ingredient formula
- Includes pumpkin, dandelion greens and cranberries
- Sourced with transparency
Cons:
- Veterinarians recommend adding water or broth to kibble
- Some holistic vets argue that kibble does not actually help clean teeth
Best Cat Food For Kittens: Weruva Kitten Chicken Formula Au Jus
Weruva’s Kitten Chicken Formula Au Jus provides the nutrition kittens need for healthy growth. This protein-rich recipe delivers essential amino acids for muscle building and energy.
In addition to protein and hydration, the recipe includes taurine, fish oil, and vitamin D3 to support brain development, vision, and immune function. The high moisture content aids digestion and kidney health, and the soft, shredded texture is easy for tiny teeth to manage.
Pros:
- Real chicken as the first ingredient
- High moisture content
- Soft, shredded texture
- Free from grains, artificial additives and carrageenan
Cons:
- Kittens may need multiple cans per day to meet calorie needs
Best Cat Food For Seniors: Tiki Cat Silver Chicken, Salmon And Chicken Liver Mousse And Shreds
Tiki Cat Silver Chicken, Salmon And Chicken Liver Mousse And Shreds is designed for senior cats, with a high-protein formula to maintain muscle mass and a soft texture that’s easy to eat.
The low-phosphorus formula is gentle on their system, and ingredients like salmon oil, coconut oil, turmeric, and green tea extract may ease inflammation and support joint health. It’s also highly palatable, with chicken liver to entice cats with reduced appetites.
Pros:
- Soft mousse and shredded texture
- High in protein
- Low phosphorus
- Includes salmon oil, turmeric and green tea extract
Cons:
- Lower in calories than many wet foods
- Some cats may prefer a different texture
Best Cat Food For Sensitive Stomachs: Tiki Cat Luau Wild Salmon Recipe
Tiki Cat Luau Wild Salmon Recipe is a single-protein formula with wild-caught Alaskan salmon and a short list of recognizable ingredients, making it easy to digest for cats with sensitive stomachs.
There are no grains, potatoes, or gums—just flaked fish in a light consommé that’s easy to eat and digest. Salmon is high in omega-3s, which may help with inflammation and gut health, and the extra moisture supports digestion and hydration.
Pros:
- Single-protein formula
- No grains, potatoes or gums
- Hand-packed
Cons:
- Low in fat
- Transitioning slowly is key
Best Cat Food For Weight Loss: Bixbi Liberty Tuna & Pumpkin Recipe
Bixbi Liberty Tuna & Pumpkin Recipe is a high-protein, fiber-rich wet food that helps cats stay satisfied while losing weight.
Made with wild-caught tuna as the first ingredient, it provides high-quality protein for maintaining muscle while losing excess fat. The addition of pumpkin provides fiber, which aids digestion and keeps cats feeling full longer. As a wet food, it also supports hydration and overall health, making it a better choice than dry food for weight management.
Pros:
- High-protein tuna
- Pumpkin adds fiber
- 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
Key Considerations When Choosing Cat Food
When selecting the best cat food for your indoor cat, keep the following factors in mind:
- AAFCO Statement: Look for an AAFCO statement on the label to ensure the food meets basic nutritional standards for a specific life stage.
- Food Type: Prioritize moisture-rich diets like wet and fresh foods to support kidney and urinary health. If feeding kibble, choose one with high-quality animal protein and consider rehydrating it.
- Ingredients: Opt for foods that list named animal proteins as the first few ingredients and avoid unnecessary fillers like grains, potatoes, and legumes.
- Calories: Be mindful of calorie content, especially for indoor cats, and consider switching to a high-protein, low-carb wet food for weight management.
How to Know If Your Cat’s Food Is Working
A healthy cat should have a shiny coat, steady weight, plenty of energy, and normal digestion. Changes in these areas may indicate a need to re-evaluate their diet. By carefully considering these factors and selecting a food that meets your cat’s individual needs, you can ensure they thrive and enjoy a long, healthy life.
