There is a lot to think about when choosing the best food for your cat.
It needs to include all the essential vitamins, minerals and amino acids necessary to keep them healthy, as well as being high in protein to sustain their energy throughout the day.
And there is so much choice. . .
Long gone are the days when there was just canned wet food and bags of dry kibble. Now we have a choice of raw, fresh, organic, freeze-dried, dehydrated and frozen, to name just a few.
The Cat Food Advisor wants to be able to help cat parents make informed decisions when choosing a food. All our reviews are independent and unbiased and validated by our team of veterinarians and pet nutritionists. See our list of recommendations below.
Our top picks
- Smalls (Fresh) Jump to review
- Open Farm (RawMix) Jump to review
- Nulo Freestyle (Freeze-Dried Raw) Jump to review
- The Honest Kitchen (Dehydrated) Jump to review
- Dr. Marty Nature's Feast (Freeze-Dried Raw) Jump to review
- Darwin’s Natural Selections (Raw) Jump to review
- Birdie & Louie (Wet) Jump to review
- Fussie Cat Gravy Formulas (Wet) Jump to review
- Blue Wilderness (Dry) Jump to review
- Rachael Ray Nutrish (Wet) Jump to review
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Smalls (Fresh)
Smalls cat food includes nine fresh recipes which all receive the Cat Food Advisor’s highest rating: 5 stars.
Manufactured near Chicago, all the recipes are made from human-grade ingredients, cooked to lock in nutrients and then frozen to maximize freshness. They are high in protein and designed to promote strong bones and toned muscles in cats.
Smalls Smooth Fish was selected to represent the other products in the line for a detailed recipe and nutrient analysis. This recipe derives the bulk of its protein from cod, a marine species of fish native to both the Atlantic and Pacific coasts of North America. Cod is a quality item with raw fish containing up to 73% water.
Dry matter label analysis reveals this recipe contains 55.8% protein, 26.9% fat and 9.3% carbohydrates . . . with a fat-to-protein ratio of 48%.
Read our review of the full Smalls (Fresh) range hereThings we like
- High protein
- Preservative free
- Ideal for picky eaters
Main Ingredients Cod, salmon, pumpkin, nutritional yeast, peas & green beans Texture Wet Type Fresh Protein Percentage 55.8% AAFCO Standards All Life Stages Best For Kittens/cats/senior cats 35% off your first order
Use code CATFOODADVISOR
Sample buyer review...
"After feeding, my cat gets this burst of energy and starts running around the house! And his fur is softer and more vibrant, with higher contrast. Honestly, I wouldn’t recommend anything else."
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Open Farm (RawMix)
Open Farm RawMix range includes two grain-free recipes which each receive the Cat Food Advisor’s second highest rating: 4.5 stars.
This is a quality kibble, coated in a bone broth and freeze-dried raw. It contains added chunks of raw meat, so is protein-rich too.
Open Farm Pet Food was founded in 2014 by Jacqueline Prehogan. The cat food arm of the operation has its headquarters in Canada and this is where the products are developed and formulated. However, production takes place over the U.S. border in the state of Minnesota.
Open Farm Open Prairie RawMix recipe was selected to represent the other products in the line for a detailed recipe and nutrient analysis. This particular recipe gets the bulk of its protein from chicken, which is naturally rich in the 11 essential amino acids required by a cat to sustain life.
The dry matter label analysis reveals a wet recipe containing 42.2% protein, 15.6% fat and 34.2% carbohydrates, with a fat-to-protein ratio of 37%.
Read our review of the full Open Farm RawMix (Raw) range hereThings we like
- 100% animal welfare certified
- High protein kibble, with nutrient dense organ meats
- No added antibiotics or hormones
Main Ingredients Chicken, turkey, menhaden fish meal, peas, chickpeas Texture Raw mix, wet Type Fresh Protein Percentage 42.2% AAFCO Standards All Life Stages Best For Kittens, cats and senior cats EXCLUSIVE: New customer offer
20% off first auto-ship order with code CFA20
Sample buyer review...
"I’m very happy with the ingredients in this cat food. My cat really enjoys it."
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Nulo Freestyle (Freeze-Dried Raw)
Nulo Freestyle freeze-dried raw cat food consists of just two recipes which both receive the Cat Food Advisor’s highest rating: 5 stars.
This food provides cats with an excellent source of quality protein derived from animal meat. It contains probiotics which support both digestive and immune health.
Nulo Freestyle Freeze-Dried Raw Chicken & Salmon was selected to represent the other products in the line for a detailed recipe and nutrient analysis. This recipe derives the bulk of its protein from chicken and salmon. Dry matter label analysis reveals a wet recipe containing 48.4% protein, 24.2% fat and 19.4% carbohydrates, with a fat-to-protein ratio of 50%.
Read our review of the full Nulo Freestyle (Freeze-Dried Raw) range hereThings we like
- Contains probiotics
- Grain-free
- Protein-rich derived from animal meat
Main Ingredients Chicken, salmon, chicken necks, chicken liver, chicken hearts Texture Dry Type Freeze-dried Protein Percentage 48.8 AAFCO Standards All Life Stage Best For Senior cats, cats and kittens Sample buyer review...
"My cats love this SO much, they start mewing in excitement the minute I reach for it. It's fairly pricey compared to what I typically serve, so I've been using it as a topper for their regular food. Now they just eat it off the top leaving all the other food then beg me for more of this. They're seriously already addicted."
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The Honest Kitchen (Dehydrated)
The Honest Kitchen dehydrated cat food range is made up of three grain-free recipes which all receive the Cat Food Advisor highest rating: 5 stars.
Created by a vet nutritionist, these whole food clusters are prepared using human-grade muscle meat and liver, low-glycemic carbs, beneficial fats and live probiotics. This is a premium product offering high quality ingredients.
The Honest Kitchen Grain-Free Chicken & Whitefish Clusters was selected to represent the other products in the line for a detailed recipe and nutrient analysis. This recipe gets the majority of its protein from chicken, which is naturally rich in the 11 essential amino acids required by a cat to sustain life.
The dry matter label analysis reveals a dry recipe containing 44.2% protein, 29.5% fat and 18.3% carbohydrates, with a fat-to-protein ratio of 67%.
Read our review of the full The Honest Kitchen Dehydrated (Dry) range hereThings we like
- Human-grade
- High in protein
- No artificial preservatives
- Vet recommended
Main Ingredients Dehydrated chicken, dehydrated sweet potatoes, dehydrated potatoes, flaxseed, dehydrated eggs Texture Dry Type Dehydrated Protein Percentage 44.2 AAFCO Standards All Life Stages Best For Senior cats, cats and kittens EXCLUSIVE: New customer offer
30% off orders $30+ with code CFA30
Sample buyer review...
"My cat has eaten this food happily and consistently for over two years without complaint. That's his lifetime record!"
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Dr. Marty Nature's Feast (Freeze-Dried Raw)
Dr. Marty Nature’s Feast cat food is made up of three freeze-dried raw recipes which all receive the Cat Food Advisor’s highest rating: 5 stars.
Founded by Dr Marty Goldstein, a leader in the field of veterinary medicine for more than 45 years, this food is an above-average freeze-dried range. The first six listed ingredients are all quality animal protein and the recipes are all free from grains, carrageenan, artificial colors, flavors or preservatives.
Dr. Marty’s Nature’s Feast Essential Wellness Fish & Poultry was selected to represent the other products in the line for a detailed recipe and nutrient analysis. This recipe derives the bulk of its protein from salmon and turkey, both are rich in the 11 essential amino acids and omega oil required by a cat to sustain life.
Dry matter label analysis reveals a wet recipe containing 38.9% protein, 24.2% fat and 28.8% carbohydrates, with a fat-to-protein ratio of 62%.
Read our review of the full Dr Marty Nature’s Feast (Freeze-Dried Raw) range hereThings we like
- High protein content
- Freeze-dried to preserve the nutritional value
- Low in carbohydrate
Main Ingredients Salmon, turkey, whitefish, chicken liver, chicken heart Texture Dry Type Freeze-Dried Protein Percentage 38.9 AAFCO Standards Maintenance Best For Adult cats Exclusive new customer offer
up to 54% off Dr Marty Nature's Feast
Sample buyer review...
"My feline Lilly has an immune disorder & respiratory problems. Lilly will stop eating when issues flare. I have tried to get her to eat so many wet cats foods at these times, but with no success until I picked up a bag of Dr Marty Natural Feast just to try one more thing, Lilly loved it, her hair got thicker, her energy was amazing, poop low smell, eyes totally cleared up. I'm so happy she is eating truly good food."
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Darwin’s Natural Selections (Raw)
Darwin’s Natural Selections is made up of three raw food recipes which all receive the Cat Food Advisor’s highest rating: 5 stars.
Darwin’s was one of the first pet food companies to bring raw pet food direct to pet parents. These Natural Selections’ recipes are minimally processed to preserve the vital nutrients your cat needs. All meat is pasture-raised and grass-fed so your pet is receiving protein from a quality source.
Darwin’s Natural Selections Chicken was selected to represent the other products in the line for a detailed recipe and nutrient analysis. 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 53.3% protein, 30% fat and 8.7% carbohydrates . . . with a fat-to-protein ratio of 56%.
Read our review of the full Darwin’s Natural Selections (Raw) range hereThings we like
- Top quality ingredients
- Grain-free
- Specific formulas for health issues
Main Ingredients Chicken meat, chicken necks (including bone), chicken gizzards, chicken livers, chicken hearts Texture Raw Type Grain-free Protein Percentage 53.3% AAFCO Standards Unspecified Best For Adult cats Get 10lbs of Darwin’s Raw Food for $14.95
Sample buyer review...
"We switched our two cats to Darwin’s when our oldest was about 6 months old — and our younger kitten was about 4 months. They absolutely love their meals, and Darwin’s is significantly cheaper than buying wet food on a monthly basis, or feeding them homemade raw beef-based meals. I wish everyone knew the benefits of raw feeding and just how convenient it can really be!"
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Birdie & Louie (Wet)
Birdie & Louie wet cat food is made up of five recipes which each receive the Cat Food Advisor’s highest rating: 5 stars.
Made by Worthy Promotional Products, this limited ingredient food provides cats with an excellent source of quality protein. The brand uses no fillers and there is no need to supplement this food as it has added vitamins and minerals.
Birdie & Louie Tuna Tuesday was selected to represent the other products in the line for a detailed recipe and nutrient analysis. It 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 77.8% protein, 11.1% fat and 3.1% carbohydrates, with a fat-to-protein ratio of 14%.
Read our review of the full Birdie & Louie (Wet) range hereThings we like
- High in fish-based protein
- Low in carbohydrates and fat
- Has added vitamins and minerals
Main Ingredients Tuna, vegetable broth, shrimp, potato starch, sunflower oil. Texture Wet Type Flakes in broth Protein Percentage 77.8 AAFCO Standards All Life Stages Best For All cats Sample buyer review...
"My cats are so picky and stopped eating about every food I bought until I discovered Birdie and Louie. Now I have happy cats and I am not throwing food away. My cats love it"
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Fussie Cat Gravy Formulas (Wet)
Fussie Cat Gravy Formulas are made up of five recipes which all receive the Cat Food Advisor’s highest rating: 5 stars.
This range is made by Pets Global, Inc., an independently owned, holistic pet wellness company. The food has been formulated to help support healthy vision and brain development and is fortified with vitamins and minerals. It is an excellent source of protein as the meat used is human grade.
Fussie Cat Tuna with Chicken Formula in Gravy was selected to represent the other products in the line for a detailed recipe and nutrient analysis. It derives the bulk of its protein from tuna and chicken.
Dry matter label analysis reveals a wet recipe containing 74.3% protein, 9.1% fat and 8.6% carbohydrates, with a fat-to-protein ratio of 12%.
Read our review of the full Fussie Cat Gravy Formulas (Wet) range hereThings we like
- Good quality, human-grade animal protein
- Low carbohydrate and fat content
- Added vitamins and minerals
Main Ingredients Tuna, water, chicken, tapioca starch, sunflower seed oil Texture Wet Type Gravy Protein Percentage 74.3 AAFCO Standards All Life Stages Best For Senior cats, cats & kittens Sample buyer review...
"My cats love this wet food! They come running when they see the can. It's a little pricey but well worth it for the quality of ingredients."
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Blue Wilderness (Dry)
Blue Wilderness dry product range is made of 11 recipes which all receive the Cat Food Advisor’s highest rating: 5 stars.
This range made by Blue Buffalo offers cats an excellent source of quality protein and essential fatty acids. It is made with natural, wholesome ingredients, free from grains, artificial colors, flavors or preservatives.
Blue Wilderness Adult Cat Chicken was selected to represent the other products in the line for a detailed recipe and nutrient analysis. It 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 44% protein, 19.8% fat and 28.3% carbohydrates . . . with a fat-to-protein ratio of 45%.
Things we like
- High protein levels
- No artificial flavors
- Wholesome ingredients
Main Ingredients Deboned chicken, chicken meal, pea protein, tapioca starch, peas Texture Dry Type Grain-free Protein Percentage 44 AAFCO Standards Maintenance Best For Adult cats Sample buyer review...
"I put high priority on buying products that will keep my cat healthy. My big, buff-colored Maine Coon has had digestive issues in the past that gave him diarrhea with some of the dry foods we've tried out. This one never did and he goes for this like it is some wild meat out on the plains of Africa. This dry food has never disappointed my little lion."
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Rachael Ray Nutrish (Wet)
Rachael Ray Nutrish wet cat food is made up of nine recipes which all receive the Cat Food Advisor’s rating: 4 stars.
This range was founded by Food Network favorite Rachael Ray, who joined up with Ainsworth Pet Nutrition in 2008 to develop dog food and then in 2014 the cat food element of the business.
Made from high quality natural ingredients and named meat and fish sources, this product range is highly recommended.
Rachael Ray Nutrish Tuna Purrfection was selected to represent the other products in the line for a detailed recipe and nutrient analysis. It 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 42.9% protein, 23.8% fat and 25.3% carbohydrates . . . with a fat-to-protein ratio of 56%.
Things we like
- Affordable
- High protein levels
Main Ingredients Tuna, water, vegetable oil, powdered cellulose, tricalcium phosphate Texture Wet Type Flakes Protein Percentage 42.9 AAFCO Standards Maintenance Best For Cats & senior cats Sample buyer review...
"My cats all love this. We tried it after we could no longer get our usual food. This has been a real hit with all our cats. We are very happy with it."
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Best cat foods
How do we rate cat food?
In short, we analyze the labels which are government-regulated and standardized. We study the ingredient list and estimate the meat content.
We mark down cat foods made with plant-based fillers or generic animal by-products, as well as those that use artificial colors and preservatives.
Cats are carnivores, so we favor cat food which is rich in meat.
Do cats get bored of eating the same food every day?
Just like us, cats do need variety in their diet (even if it is just mixing up the flavors of the food you give them).
However, some cats definitely do better when they eat the same food every day, especially if they suffer from a sensitive stomach or are picky eaters.
If you are going to transition your cat onto a new food, you should do so slowly (over the course of a week or two) as this will help avoid an upset stomach.
Additionally, puzzle feeders or food-dispensing toys can provide mental stimulation and engage cats during mealtime, making the experience more enjoyable.
Please remember, cat nutrition is a serious business. Any time you change your cat’s food or add something new to their diet, it’s a good idea to run it by your vet first.
Do vets recommend dry or wet food for cats?
This is not a straight-forward yes or no answer. At the end of the day, vets recommend a complete, balanced diet for cats and this can be kibble or wet food.
Wet food requires greater attention to dental hygiene, as the risk of developing periodontal disease is higher. It is also preferable for cats suffering from health conditions where fluid intake needs to be increased.
There are certain conditions which warrant special diets (sometimes prescription-based) and these can be kibble or wet food.
Many vets are now recommending human-grade, fresh, wet foods and more species appropriate diets but, it is important to remember, there is no one-size that fits all.
There are pros and cons to both wet and dry. So, please discuss options with your vet if you are in any doubt, especially if your cat is suffering from a condition that requires dietary therapy.
Can you feed your cat a mix of dry and wet food?
Yes, you can, but you need to be careful as it can lead to overfeeding which could cause your cat to suffer from health problems further down the line.
It is, therefore, very important to regulate the amount of each food you give your cat to ensure they get the right amount of calories they need.
To determine the daily recommended amount of dry food your cat should have, depending on its size, age and weight, check out the measurement table on the side of each bag of kibble.
You can choose your own ratio of dry to wet food, but we recommend two thirds dry to one third wet. Each food type has a different number of calories per gram, so take the weight of dry food you’re not feeding your cat, and multiply this by 2.5 to get the right weight of wet food.
How many meals should your cat have a day?
Most adult cats are fed one to two times per day, however, free feeding of kibble or combining regular wet food meals with free access to kibble are common feeding methods.
Free feeding may be appropriate for many cats but can be problematic in households with multiple cats where more dominant cats consume more calories than they require and have a propensity to gain weight. Conversely, less dominant animals can be left with too little food to maintain an appropriate body weight.
It is important to establish a consistent feeding routine for your cat and ensure they have access to fresh water at all times. Additionally, the portion sizes and type of food should be appropriate for your cat’s age, weight, and dietary requirements.
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.
