Indoor cats often have different dietary needs compared to outdoor cats. This is because indoor cats tend to be less active than those that go outdoors, so require fewer calories to avoid weight gain. Many indoor cat foods have lower fat and calorie content.
Indoor cats also tend to groom themselves more, leading to hair ingestion, so formulas which contain fiber blends to help with hairball control are advisable.
Outdoor cats are generally more active so may require higher protein and fat to support their energy levels. They also might need more immune-boosting nutrients due to their exposure to the elements.
Indoor cat food sometimes includes ingredients that promote better digestion and reduce stool odor, which is useful for litter box maintenance.
If you have an indoor cat, look for a high-protein, lower-calorie food with added fiber. Our advisory team has put together this list of the foods they recommend to help you too.
Our top picks
-
Raised Right (Fresh)
Raised Right Original Turkey recipe received the Cat Food Advisor’s highest rating: 5 stars.
It is one of four recipes in this product range made by Raised Right, based in Rye, New York. The brand was co-founded by Braeden Ruud and his family, and is still family owned today.
This particular recipe derives the bulk of its protein from turkey, a lean, novel protein source suitable for cats with allergies or food sensitivities. Our dry matter label analysis reveals it contains 63.6% protein, 24.2% fat and 4.1% carbohydrates . . . with a fat-to-protein ratio of 38%.
Raised Right Original Turkey recipe provides cats with an excellent source of quality protein and essential fatty acids. It is made with natural, wholesome ingredients, free from grains, carrageenan, artificial colors, flavors or preservatives.
Read our review of the full Raised Right (Fresh) range hereThings we like
- Human-grade ingredients
- Excellent source of protein
- Low in fat and carbohydrates
Main Ingredients Turkey thigh, turkey heart, turkey liver, carrots, blueberries Texture Wet Type Fresh Protein Percentage 63.6% AAFCO Standards Maintenance Best For Adult cats 20% off your first 16-bag box plus free shipping
w/code PETS20 at checkout
Sample buyer review...
"It’s got a nice array of turkey and organs as well. It seems on the dry side, so I add a little warm water, mix it up and they’ve been devouring it. We’ll be including this one in the rotation for sure."
-
Just Food for Cats (Fresh)
Just Food For Cats Just Cats Fish & Chicken recipe received the Cat Food Advisor’s second highest rating: 4.5 stars.
The brand was founded by entrepreneur Shawn Buckley – the man behind Just Food For Dogs – this recipe is the only one the company makes for cats.
This recipe derives the bulk of its protein from cod and chicken. Dry matter label analysis reveals a wet recipe containing 46.2% protein, 17.3% fat and 28.5% carbohydrates . . . with a fat-to-protein ratio of 38%.
Just Food For Cats Just Cats Fish & Chicken recipe provides cats with an excellent source of quality protein and is made with natural ingredients, free from grains, carrageenan, artificial colors, flavors or preservatives.
Read our review of the full Just Food for Cats (Fresh) range hereThings we like
- High levels of animal protein
- Moisture rich
- Gluten free
Main Ingredients Wild-caught Alaska Pacific cod, chicken thighs, chicken hearts, chicken liver, tapioca Starch Texture Wet Type Fresh Protein Percentage 46.2% AAFCO Standards Maintenance Best For Adult cats Get 50% off Just Food For Cats
first autoship orders only
Sample buyer review...
"Such a wonderful fresh food option and works perfectly in my food rotation. Wonderful human grade ingredients. The size of packages works great as I have three cats so each can have six ounces in one day and finish the package. "
-
IAMS Perfect Portions (Wet)
IAMS Perfect Portions, Indoor Salmon Pate recipe received the Cat Food Advisor’s second highest rating: 4 stars.
It is one of 13 recipes in this product range made by Spectrum brands. Animal nutritionist Paul F Iams, established the company in 1946.
This recipe derives the bulk of its protein from chicken and salmon. Dry matter label analysis reveals a wet recipe containing 43.2% protein, 22.7% fat and 26.1% carbohydrates . . . with a fat-to-protein ratio of 53%.
IAMS Perfect Portions, Indoor Salmon Pate provides cats with an excellent source of quality protein at an affordable price. It is tailored to meet the nutritional needs of indoor cats and is free from grains, carrageenan, artificial colors, flavors or preservatives.
Read our review of the full IAMS Perfect Portions (Wet) range hereThings we like
- Chicken is the number one ingredient
- Added prebiotic and dietary fiber
- Grain free
Main Ingredients Chicken, water, salmon, poultry liver, chicken broth, dried egg product Texture Wet Type Pate Protein Percentage 43.2% AAFCO Standards Maintenance Best For Adult cats Sample buyer review...
"My cats, Snowball and Angel, can't wait for me to open up the IAMS wet food. They love it. Snowball is 14 and needs grain free food. This food agrees with her. She doesn't throw up anymore. And Angel is 3 and can't get enough of this food. She literally climbs up my leg while I'm putting it into the dishes. I love it because they love it. And salmon, tuna and chicken are their favorites.Thanks IAMS for making this great wet grain free, pate cat food."
-
Blue Buffalo Tastefuls (Dry)
Blue Buffalo Tastefuls Adult Indoor Cat Salmon & Brown Rice received the Cat Food Advisor’s rating: 4 stars.
It is one of 11 recipes in a product range made by Blue Buffalo, which is based in Wilton, Connecticut. The company has two facilities, one in Missouri and a manufacturing plant in Indiana .
Blue Buffalo Tastefuls Adult Indoor Cat Salmon & Brown Rice recipe derives the bulk of its protein from salmon and chicken meal. Dry matter label analysis reveals a wet recipe containing 35.2% protein, 16.5% fat and 40.4% carbohydrates . . . with a fat-to-protein ratio of 47%.
This food provides cats with an excellent source of quality protein and caters for the specific needs of indoor cats. It is also enhanced with vitamins and minerals and meets AAFCO standards.
Read our review of the full Blue Buffalo Tastefuls (Dry) range hereThings we like
- No meat or poultry by-products
- Free from artificial ingredients
- Added Vitamins and Minerals
Main Ingredients Deboned salmon, chicken meal, brown rice, oatmeal, barley. Texture Dry Type Kibble Protein Percentage 35.2% AAFCO Standards Maintenance Best For Adult cats Sample buyer review...
"My cat is very fussy about her food. This is the only kibble she will eat. It keeps her coat shiny and soft. Even with the dry heat of winter she doesn't get flaky dry skin. It keeps her very healthy."
-
Diamond Naturals (Wet)
Diamond Naturals Indoor Cat Hairball Control Dinner for Adult Cats received the Cat Food Advisor’s second highest rating: 4 stars.
It is one of three recipes in a product range made by Diamond Pet Foods, founded by brothers-in-law Gary Schell and Richard Kampeter in Missouri in April 1970, under the name Meta Feed and Grain.
Diamond Naturals Indoor Cat Hairball Control Dinner for Adult Cats recipe derives the bulk of its protein from chicken. Dry matter label analysis reveals a wet recipe containing 45.5% protein, 27.3% fat and 19.3% carbohydrates, with a fat-to-protein ratio of 60%.
This recipe is formulated with more than 40% protein and contains enhanced superfoods and probiotics. It also has high fat content and added DHA to provide good quality nutrition, supporting a cat’s brain and vision.
Read our review of the full Diamond Naturals (Wet) range hereThings we like
- High in protein and fat
- Good nutritional ingredients
- Free from artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives
Main Ingredients Chicken broth, chicken, chicken liver, fish, brewers rice Texture Wet Type Pate Protein Percentage 45.5% AAFCO Standards Maintenance Best For Adult cats Sample buyer review...
"Diamond is a good-quality brand and this food had everything I was looking for. "
-
Solid Gold (Dry)
Solid Gold Let’s Stay In (Indoor Cat) Chicken, Lentil & Apple Recipe received the Cat Food Advisor’s rating: 4 stars.
It is one of nine recipes in a product range made by Solid Gold, which was founded by Missy Harrington-McGill in 1970.
This recipe derives the bulk of its protein from chicken, which contains the 11 essential amino acids a cat needs to sustain life.
Dry matter label analysis reveals this food contains 40% protein, 17.8% fat and 34.2% carbohydrates, with a fat-to-protein ratio of 44%.
Solid Gold Let’s Stay In (Indoor Cat) Chicken, Lentil & Apple Recipe provides cats with an excellent source of quality protein and nutrient-dense superfoods including ocean fish meal, egg protein and pumpkin.
Read our review of the full Solid Gold (Dry) range hereThings we like
- High quality ingredients
- Added probiotics
- Grain-free
Main Ingredients Chicken, chicken meal, lentils, peas, turkey meal Texture Dry Type Kibble Protein Percentage 40% AAFCO Standards Maintenance Best For Adult cats Sample buyer review...
"Its small pellet shape is easy to eat and the flavor is delicious. My cat often chooses the dry food over canned food. I think the quality is consistent and the price is fair for the quality and size of the bag."
Buy at 
Best cat foods
Sources
Cat Food Advisor is reader supported. If you buy using links on this page, we may earn a referral fee.
Article reviewed by
Pet Nutritionist
Laura studied BSc (Hons) Animal Science with an accreditation in Nutrition at the University of Nottingham, before working for eight years in the pet food and nutrition industry.
