Being a cat parent can be expensive but you can still find many 4 and 5 star rated cat foods on the Cat Food Advisor which are significantly cheaper than premium recipes.
Below is our list of the best budget-friendly wet cat foods, offering inexpensive products, designed to meet the needs of cat parents who want great quality food for their pet that won’t break the bank.
Since our researchers are always discovering new budget-friendly brands, make sure you visit this page regularly to find out about any future savings.
Our top picks
- IAMS Perfect Portions (Wet) Jump to review
- Wellness Complete Health Paté (Wet) Jump to review
- B.F.F OMG! Gravy (Wet) Jump to review
- Purina ONE (Wet) Jump to review
- Dave's Naturally Healthy (Wet) Jump to review
- Fancy Feast Gems Jump to review
- Rachael Ray Nutrish (Wet) Jump to review
- Blue Buffalo Wilderness (Wet) Jump to review
- Catit (Wet) Jump to review
- Blue Buffalo Tastefuls (Wet) Jump to review
- Solid Gold Flavorful Feast (Wet) Jump to review
- Reveal Broth Can (Wet) Jump to review
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IAMS Perfect Portions (Wet)
IAMS Perfect Portions, Healthy Adult Chicken 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 IAMS, which was set up by animal nutritionist Paul F Iams in 1946, and is now manufactured by Spectrum Brands.
This recipe derives the bulk of its protein from chicken, which is naturally rich in the 11 essential amino acids required by a cat to sustain life. Dry matter label analysis reveals a wet recipe containing 40.9% protein, 22.7% fat and 28.4% carbohydrates . . . with a fat-to-protein ratio of 56%.
IAMS Perfect Portions, Healthy Adult Chicken Pate provides cats with an excellent source of quality protein and essential fatty acids. It comes in two different textures — a pate as well as meat and fish cuts.
Highly recommended.
Read our review of the full IAMS Perfect Portions (Wet) range hereThings we like
- Chicken is the number one ingredient
- Contains antioxidant vitamin E
- Grain free
Main Ingredients Chicken, water, poultry liver, chicken broth, dried egg product, guar gum Texture Paté Type Grain free Protein Percentage 40.9% AAFCO Standards Maintenance Best For Adult and senior cats Sample buyer review...
"After trying a million foods, we finally found this one and our senior boy loves it. We have two cats and one likes pate and the other one likes chunks. But this one hit the jackpot!"
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Wellness Complete Health Paté (Wet)
Wellness Complete Health Chicken Pate recipe received the Cat Food Advisor’s second highest rating: 4 stars.
It is one of 11 recipes in a range made by Wellness Pet Company from its Farm Fresh Kitchen manufacturing facility in Minnesota and manufacturing plant in Indiana.
Wellness Complete Health Chicken Pate derives the bulk of its protein from chicken, which is naturally rich in the 11 essential amino acids required by a cat to sustain life.
Dry matter label analysis reveals a wet recipe containing 47.7% protein, 31.8% fat and 12.5% carbohydrates . . . with a fat-to-protein ratio of 67%.
Wellness Complete Health Pate wet cat food features real, high-quality proteins as the primary ingredient. The protein sources include chicken, turkey, beef, fish, or combinations of these meats. The ingredients are blended into a smooth pate texture, making it easy for cats to consume and digest.
Highly recommended.
Read our review of the full Wellness Complete Health Paté (Wet) range hereThings we like
- Rich in species-appropriate animal ingredients
- Moisture-rich food promotes healthy hydration
- Free from artificial ingredients
Main Ingredients Chicken, chicken liver, turkey, chicken broth, carrots Texture Paté Type Wet Protein Percentage 47.7% AAFCO Standards Maintenance Best For Adult & senior cats Sample buyer review...
"I had my now 17 year old cat on this food. He was diagnosed as diabetic nearly two years ago. His last two labs showed his blood sugar in the normal range. No more insulin."
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B.F.F OMG! Gravy (Wet)
B.F.F OMG! Gravy Tuna & Salmon Sweet Cheeks recipe received the Cat Food Advisor’s highest rating: 5 stars.
It is one of 32 products in the B.F.F range made by Weruva.
This particular recipe derives the bulk of its protein from tuna, an oily marine fish not only high in protein but also omega-3 fatty acids, essential oils needed by every cat to sustain life. Dry matter label analysis reveals a wet food containing 64.3% protein, 10% fat and 17.7% carbohydrates . . . with a fat-to-protein ratio of 16%.
This food is formulated to provide balanced nutrition for cats. It typically contains a mix of proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals to meet a cat’s dietary needs.
Highly recommended.
Read our review of the full B.F.F. OMG! Gravy (Wet) range hereThings we like
- Animal proteins
- Grain & gluten-free
- Hydration focused foods
Main Ingredients Tuna broth, tuna, salmon, tapioca starch, sunflower oil, guar gum Texture Shreds Type Wet Protein Percentage 64.3% AAFCO Standards Unspecified Best For Adult & senior cats Sample buyer review...
"The Weruva BFF OMG! Gravy is some of my cat's favorite wet foods. It also helps that these foods are great nutritionally. I cannot recommend this product enough as it is a perfect cat food for a cat to get the moisture that they need along with a tasty meal."
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Purina ONE (Wet)
Purina ONE Grain-Free Chicken Recipe Premium Pate recipe received the Cat Food Advisor’s high rating: 4 stars.
It is one of 16 products in a range made by Nestlé Purina PetCare, an American subsidiary of the Swiss corporation Nestlé, based in St. Louis, Missouri. It produces and markets pet food, treats, cat and dog litter.
This recipe derives the bulk of its protein from chicken, which is naturally rich in the 11 essential amino acids required by a cat to sustain life. Dry matter label analysis reveals a wet recipe containing 50% protein, 22.7% fat and 19.3% carbohydrates . . . with a fat-to-protein ratio of 45%.
The food is made from natural ingredients and added vitamins, minerals and nutrients at an affordable price.
Read our review of the full Purina ONE (Wet) range hereThings we like
- Grain free, no corn, wheat or soy
- Real, recognizable, high-quality ingredients
- No artificial colors, flavors or preservatives
Main Ingredients Chicken, liver, chicken broth, pork lungs, fish Texture Wet Type Grain-Free Protein Percentage 50% AAFCO Standards All Life Stages Best For Kittens/cats/senior cats Sample buyer review...
"All 3 of my cats love it. One cat had fur issues a few years ago and once I started him on this food all his fur grew back and it’s helped with all 3s digestive systems"
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Dave's Naturally Healthy (Wet)
Dave’s Pet Food Naturally Healthy Grain Free Tuna Entrée in Gravy recipe received the Cat Food Advisor’s second highest rating: 4.5 stars.
It is one of 21 products in this range, founded by Dave Ratner, an independent retailer and the man behind a chain of pet stores in New England.
This particular recipe derives the bulk of its protein from tuna, an oily marine fish not only high in protein but also omega 3 fatty acids, essential oils needed by every cat to sustain life. Dry matter label analysis reveals a wet recipe containing 72.7% protein, 6.8% fat and 12.5% carbohydrates . . . with a fat-to-protein ratio of 9%.
This food has good levels of protein and low carbohydrate content. It offers a well balanced diet at an affordable price.
Read our review of the full Dave’s Naturally Healthy Grain-Free (Wet) range hereThings we like
- Low in carbohydrates
- High in animal-based proteins
- Affordable
Main Ingredients Tuna, tuna broth, ground tapioca, sunflower oil, natural flavors Texture Wet Type Grain-free Protein Percentage 72.7 AAFCO Standards All Life Stages Best For Kittens, cats & senior cats Sample buyer review...
"I have a four-year-old cat who has NEVER EVER liked ANY other wet cat food! One of my other cats was sick and not eating and my vet gave me a few of these to try. As soon as I popped open the can, picky eater one started chirping, meowing and rubbing my leg. I couldn’t believe it! She loves it and eats it every day"
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Fancy Feast Gems
Fancy Feast Gems Mousse Paté With Chicken and a Halo of Savory Gravy Wet Cat Food recipe received the Cat Food Advisor’s high rating: 4 stars.
It is one of four products in the Fancy Feast range, which is owned by Purina. Fancy Feast was created in 1982 and was one of the first cat food brands to capitalize on the gourmet concept. It is now one of the cheaper brands on the market.
Dry matter label analysis reveals a wet recipe containing 47.1% protein, 17.6% fat and 27.3% carbohydrates . . . with a fat-to-protein ratio of 38%.
This food is high in protein, rich in fat and moisture, and has added vitamins and minerals to make a good diet option for cats.
Read our review of the full Fancy Feast Gems range hereThings we like
- High in animal protein
- Rich in fat and moisture
- Affordable
Main Ingredients Chicken broth, chicken, liver, meat by-product, tapioca starch-modified Texture Wet Type Gravy Protein Percentage 47.1% AAFCO Standards Maintenance Best For Cats/Senior cats Sample buyer review...
"My cat Camo devoured this food. She loves the gravy and starts licking up the juices before I get it out of the container."
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Rachael Ray Nutrish (Wet)
Rachael Ray Nutrish Tuna Purrfection Wet Cat Food receives the Cat Food Advisor’s high rating: 4 stars.
It is one of nine products in a range founded by Food Network favorite Rachael Ray. Rachael joined up with Ainsworth Pet Nutrition in 2008 to develop dog food and the cat food arm of the business began in 2014.
Dry matter label analysis reveals a wet recipe containing 42.9% protein, 23.8% fat and 25.3% carbohydrates . . . with a fat-to-protein ratio of 56%.
Made from high quality natural ingredients and named meat and fish sources, this product range is highly recommended.
Read our review of the full Rachael Ray Nutrish (Wet) range hereThings we like
- High in protein
- Number one ingredient is fish
- Affordable
Main Ingredients Tuna, water, vegetable oil, powdered cellulose, tricalcium phosphate Texture Wet Type Flaked Protein Percentage 42.9 AAFCO Standards Maintenance Best For Cats & senior cats Sample buyer review...
"My Siamese cat Flurry absolutely LOVES this food. We switched him from dry food due to his dislocated hip which happened prior to us adopting him. It creates pressure on his intestines which blocks his stool excretion. With this wet food he is more content, happy & has more energy! More importantly his stool function has improved dramatically! We tried over 45 brands of cat food before we found this & it's the only one he would eat!! "
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Blue Buffalo Wilderness (Wet)
Blue Buffalo Wilderness Adult Cat Chicken recipe received the Cat Food Advisor’s highest rating: 5 stars.
It is one of 19 recipes in this product range made by Blue Buffalo and derives the bulk of its protein from chicken. Dry matter label analysis reveals a wet recipe containing 45.5% protein, 36.4% fat and 10.2% carbohydrates . . . with a fat-to-protein ratio of 80%.
Made from high-quality natural ingredients and with no corn, wheat or soy, this range is formulated to support your cat’s nutritional needs.
Read our review of the full Blue Buffalo Wilderness (Wet) range hereThings we like
- Low carbohydrate content
- No meat or poultry by-products
- Free from artificial ingredients
Main Ingredients Chicken, chicken broth, chicken liver, potatoes, natural flavor. Texture Wet Type Pate Protein Percentage 45.5% AAFCO Standards Maintenance Best For Adult Cats Sample buyer review...
"My cat seems to love this chicken. He'll eat some of the salmon but he's not quite as crazy about it but he has no problem with having the chicken all the time."
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Catit (Wet)
Catit Fish Dinner Salmon & Green Beans recipe received the Cat Food Advisor’s second highest rating: 4 stars.
It is one of 12 recipes in this we tproduct range made by Catit. Catit was founded in 1999 by the Hagan Group, a family-owned company, largely known for its interactive cat toys, pet fountains, and cat furniture. Its headquarters are in Baie-d’urfe, Quebec and its food is manufactured in Canada.
This recipe derives the bulk of its protein from tuna and salmon, which contain the 11 essential amino acids a cat needs to sustain life. Dry matter label analysis reveals it contains 85% protein, 5% fat and 2% carbohydrates . . . with a fat-to-protein ratio of 6%.
This food provides cats with an excellent source of quality protein and essential fatty acids, made with natural, wholesome ingredients, free from grains, carrageenan, artificial colors, flavors or preservatives.
Read our review of the full Catit (Wet) range hereThings we like
- High protein content
- Good quality meat
- Meat and fish options
Main Ingredients Fish broth, water sufficient for processing, tuna, salmon, green beans Texture Wet Type Jelly Protein Percentage 85% AAFCO Standards Unspecified Best For Cats Sample buyer review...
"We have an older inside/outside three-legged cat that will only eat Catit wet cat food. He is not a fan of the treats, but loves his cat food"
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Blue Buffalo Tastefuls (Wet)
Blue Buffalo Tastefuls Adult Cat Chicken Entrée in Savory Sauce – Tender Morsels receives the Cat Food Advisor’s second highest rating: 4 stars.
It is one of 25 recipes in a product range made by Blue Buffalo, which is owned by General Mills.
This wet recipe derives the bulk of its protein from chicken. Dry matter label analysis reveals it contains 50% protein, 22% fat and 19.8% carbohydrates . . . with a fat-to-protein ratio of 44%.
Made from high-quality natural ingredients like real chicken and no corn, wheat or soy, this range is formulated to support your cat’s lifestyle.
Read our review of the full Blue Buffalo Tastefuls (Wet) range hereThings we like
- No meat or poultry by-products
- Free from artificial ingredients
- Above average moisture content
Main Ingredients Chicken, chicken broth, water, chicken liver, dried egg product Texture Wet Type Tender Morsels Protein Percentage 50% AAFCO Standards Maintenance Best For Adult Cats Sample buyer review...
"This cat food smells great to cats. It adds moisture to my older cats' diet. It also perks up their appetite. There is a variety and the size can allow for three servings as an addition to a kibble/dry cat food diet. Nutritious and the cats all love it"
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Solid Gold Flavorful Feast (Wet)
Solid Gold Flavorful Feast Classic Paté Salmon and Beef Recipe in Gravy received the Cat Food Advisor’s second highest rating: 4.5 stars.
It is one of four recipes in a product range made by Solid Gold, which was one of the first pet food brands to use the holistic label, incorporating a variety of what the company describes as “carefully curated superfoods”.
This recipe derives the bulk of its protein from salmon and beef. Dry matter label analysis reveals a wet recipe containing 45.5% protein, 22.7% fat and 23.8% carbohydrates . . . with a fat-to-protein ratio of 50%.
This food contains high-quality ingredients such as real meat shreds. It is grain and gluten-free and has no artificial colorings or preservatives.
Read our review of the full Solid Gold Flavorful Feast (Wet) range hereThings we like
- Contains good-quality ingredients
- A good variety of flavors
- Grain-free
Main Ingredients Fish broth, salmon, beef, dried egg product, tapioca starch, sunflower oil Texture Wet Type Shreds Protein Percentage 45.5% AAFCO Standards All Life Stages Best For All cats/senior cats/kittens Sample buyer review...
"This might be the very best cat food I've ever given my cats. I wish I could give it more stars. This stuff is high-quality food with an emphasis on the protein and hydration cats really need. You can see actual meat or chunks of fish in this food, rather than the vaguely meaty mystery stuff you find in most canned cat foods. This food looks and smells good, even to me, and judging by my cats' reaction to it, it must taste great, too"
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Reveal Broth Can (Wet)
Reveal in Broth Chicken Breast recipe received the Cat Food Advisor’s highest rating: 5 stars.
It is one of 19 formulas in this product range made by Reveal. Reveal cat food is produced in Thailand by one of the largest suppliers of prepared chicken and canned tuna in the world and has received an A grade from the British Retail Food Consortium in Food Safety.
This wet recipe derives the bulk of its protein from chicken. Dry matter label analysis reveals a wet recipe containing 83.3% protein, 2.8% fat and 5.9% carbohydrates . . . with a fat-to-protein ratio of 3%.
This food is free from grains, fillers, and additives and every recipe includes a premium source of animal protein as the first ingredient.
Read our review of the full Reveal Broth Can (Wet) range hereMain Ingredients Chicken breast and chicken broth. Texture Wet Type Broth Protein Percentage 83.3% AAFCO Standards Maintenance Best For Adult cats Sample buyer review...
"My two cats are a study in contrasts: One's a finicky diva with a refined palate, the other's a sweet senior battling small cell lymphoma. Finding food they BOTH love AND that meets my cancer kitty's dietary needs has been a challenge... until Reveal swooped in like a culinary superhero"
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What to consider when choosing a budget-friendly cat food
When choosing a budget-friendly cat food, it’s important to prioritize both affordability and the nutritional needs of your cat. Here are some factors to consider:
Ingredient quality: While you may be looking for a more affordable option, it’s still important to choose cat food with quality ingredients. Look for foods that list high-quality protein sources, such as chicken, turkey, or fish, as the primary ingredients. Avoid foods that contain excessive fillers, by-products, or artificial additives.
Complete and balanced nutrition: Ensure that the cat food you select provides the necessary nutrients for your cat’s life stage. Look for a statement on the packaging indicating that the food meets the nutritional requirements set by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO).
Avoid unnecessary extras: Some cat foods may include unnecessary extras such as artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives. These additives are not essential for your cat’s health.
Consider different formats: Wet cat food, such as cans or pouches, tend to be more expensive than dry kibble. However, it can offer higher moisture content and additional hydration for your cat. If your budget allows, consider incorporating some wet food into your cat’s diet too..
Look for sales and promotions: Keep an eye out for sales, discounts, or promotions offered by pet food manufacturers or retailers. These can help you save money while still providing your cat with a nutritionally adequate diet.
Consult with your veterinarian: Your veterinarian can provide guidance on selecting a budget-friendly cat food that meets your cat’s specific nutritional needs. They can recommend affordable options or suggest appropriate alternatives based on your cat’s health condition.
What can you do to save money on cat food?
In addition to choosing a budget-friendly cat food, there are other ways you can save money on cat food expenses. Here are some suggestions:
Buy in bulk: Purchasing cat food in larger quantities or in bulk can often result in cost savings. Look for larger bag sizes or multi-packs of canned food to get a better price per serving.
Subscribe and save programs: Some pet food manufacturers or online retailers offer subscription programs that provide discounts on regular deliveries of cat food. This can help you save money and ensure you never run out of food.
Compare prices: Take the time to compare prices at different stores, both physical and online, to find the best deals. Look for discounts, promotions, or loyalty programs that can help you save on your cat food purchases.
Store brand options: Consider trying store brand cat food options, which are often more affordable than premium brands. Look for store brands that still meet the nutritional requirements for your cat’s life stage.
Use coupons and discounts: Keep an eye out for coupons, online promo codes, or special discounts offered by pet food manufacturers or retailers. These can provide additional savings on your cat food purchases.
Minimize waste: Avoid overfeeding your cat to reduce food waste. Follow the feeding guidelines provided on the cat food packaging and monitor your cat’s weight to ensure they are receiving the appropriate amount of food.
What budget-friendly foods do veterinarians recommend?
While specific recommendations may vary depending on individual cat’s needs and health conditions, here are a few budget-friendly cat food brands that are often recommended by veterinarians in the United States:
Hill’s Science Diet: Hill’s Science Diet offers a variety of cat food options that are often recommended by veterinarians. Their formulas are designed to address specific health concerns while providing balanced nutrition. They have options for different life stages and special needs.
Royal Canin: Royal Canin offers a wide range of cat food formulas that cater to specific nutritional needs and health conditions. While some of their specialized formulas may be pricier, they also offer more affordable options, such as their regular adult maintenance diets.
IAMS: Iams is known for offering cat food options at a reasonable price point. They have formulas that provide complete and balanced nutrition for cats at different life stages.
Nutro: Nutro offers cat food options that focus on using natural ingredients and providing balanced nutrition. They have a variety of formulas to meet the needs of different cats, including those with sensitive stomachs or food sensitivities.
Sources
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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.
