Fish provides a lean and easily digestible protein source, essential for muscle maintenance and overall health in cats.
Packed with omega-3 fatty acids, fish flavored cat foods support healthy skin, a shiny coat, brain function, and joint health.
Fish also contains taurine, which is vital for heart health, vision, and digestion.
Cats find the soft, flaky texture of fish cat foods easy to eat. However, while fish-based cat food can be nutritious, too much fish can be problematic due to mercury content, potential allergens, and imbalanced nutrients. It’s, therefore, best to offer fish-flavored cat food as part of a balanced diet rather than feeding only fish-based meals.
To help you make an informed choice, see our list of the best fish cat food all formulated to meet feline dietary needs.
Our top picks
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Smalls (Fresh)
Smalls Fresh Smooth Fish recipe received the Cat Food Advisor’s highest rating: 5 stars.
It is one of nine recipes in this product range made by Smalls which was founded in 2017 by friends Matt Michaelson and Calvin Bohn.
Dry matter label analysis reveals a wet recipe containing 55.8% protein, 26.9% fat and 9.3% carbohydrates . . . with a fat-to-protein ratio of 48%.
This food provides cats with an excellent source of ultra-high protein. It has no fillers and supports the development and maintenance of strong bones and toned muscles. An excellent diet choice.
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 Texture Wet Type Fresh Protein Percentage 55.8% AAFCO Standards All life stages Best For Cats and kittens 35% off your first order
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Sample buyer review...
"I had a picky, old cat who was not eating. She even had hyperthyroidism & was just done with her prescription kibble. After taking the intake survey with Smalls, we tried a few of their suggestions. I am 100% convinced that this food was transformative! She gained weight and energy for over a year on this food! "
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The Honest Kitchen (Wet)
The Honest Kitchen Minced Salmon & Cod in Bone Broth Gravy received the Cat Food Advisor’s second highest rating: 4.5 stars.
It is one of eight recipes in this product range made by The Honest Kitchen, a premium pet food brand that focuses on high-quality nutrition to support the health and wellbeing of cats.
Dry matter label analysis reveals a wet recipe containing 55.6% protein, 19.4% fat and 17% carbohydrates . . . with a fat-to-protein ratio of 35%.
This food provides cats with an excellent source of quality protein and is well balanced to support strong muscles and bones. It is also high in moisture and made from natural ingredients which are easier for cats to digest.
Read our review of the full The Honest Kitchen (Wet) range hereThings we like
- Human grade
- High in protein
- No artificial preservatives, feed grade by-products, fillers, GMO
Main Ingredients Salmon, fish broth, cod, pumpkin, carrots Texture Wet Type Minced Protein Percentage 55.6% AAFCO Standards Growth and Maintenance Best For Adults and kittens EXCLUSIVE: New customer offer
30% off orders $30+ with code CFA30
Sample buyer review...
"Finally, I don't have to separate my Cat from my Kitten at mealtime! This is very healthy, human-grade food. (My last cat lived to 22 and my dog lived until 18...I think good food and no garbage kibble is the reason). "
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ACANA (Dry)
Acana Highest Protein Wild Atlantic recipe received the Cat Food Advisor’s highest rating: 5 stars.
It is one of 10 recipes in this product range made by Champion Petfoods, a company created by Canadian entrepreneur Reinhard Mühlenfeld in 1985.
Dry matter label analysis reveals a dry recipe containing 40% protein, 20% fat and 32% carbohydrates . . . with a fat-to-protein ratio of 50%.
This food’s first three ingredients are fresh or raw animal products alongside a fiber and probiotic blend to help support your cat’s digestive health. It also contains both Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids which also help develop and maintain healthy skin and a shiny coat.
Read our review of the full ACANA (Dry) range hereThings we like
- Responsibly farm-raised fish
- Human-grade foods
- Protein rich ingredients
Main Ingredients Chicken, turkey, chicken liver, chicken meal, catfish meal Texture Dry Type Kibble Protein Percentage 40% AAFCO Standards All life stages Best For Cats and kittens Sample buyer review...
"Hello! I buy this kitty food for my beautiful Bengal kitten, Frankie. Bengals and kittens in general need more protein in their diet because they're high-energy, more active, and they're growing constantly. Acana uses real and healthy protein and fiber such as pumpkin and lentils in their food. I am very conscientious about what I feed my little guy. He only gets the best and this stuff is the BEST. "
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Canidae PURE (Wet)
Canidae PURE High-Protein Sardine and Mackerel in Broth recipe received the Cat Food Advisor’s highest rating: 5 stars.
It is one of four recipes in this product range made by Canidae, a pet food brand founded in 1996 by Scott Whipple and John Gordon. It is an independently-owned company that’s still under the control of its original owners.
Dry matter label analysis reveals a wet recipe containing 72.7% protein, 18.2% fat and 1.1% carbohydrates . . . with a fat-to-protein ratio of 25%.
This food provides cats with a high protein diet packed with essential amino acids alongside added vitamins and minerals to support your cat’s overall wellness. This broth also delivers a smooth texture, is made without grains, carrageenan and is specifically formulated to be digestible and ideal for cats with allergies or food sensitivities.
Read our review of the full Canidae PURE (Wet) range hereThings we like
- High protein and low in carbohydrate
- Uses high-quality fish
- High in moisture
Main Ingredients Water sufficient for processing, mackerel, fish broth, shrimp, sunflower oil Texture Wet Type Morsels in broth Protein Percentage 72.7% AAFCO Standards Maintenance Best For Adult and senior cats Sample buyer review...
"My cat has been a very picky eater her whole life - this is the first time she is positively excited to get her breakfast and she eats every bit and seems to have extra energy and gusto that she hasn't had for years - I'm very happy I tried it. "
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Evanger’s Super Premium (Wet)
Evanger’s Super Premium Seafood & Caviar Dinner For Cats received the Cat Food Advisor’s highest rating: 5 stars.
It is one of four recipes in this product range made by Evanger’s, a family-owned and operated pet food company.
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 food provides cats with good protein derived from both fish and animal meat and organs, both of which promote strong bones and muscle development. It contains natural omegas which promote both skin and coat.
Read our review of the full Evanger’s Super Premium (Wet) range hereThings we like
- High in protein
- First ingredient listed as fish
- Free from artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives
Main Ingredients Salmon, chicken, water sufficient for processing, chicken liver, caviar Texture Wet Type Loaf style Protein Percentage 45.5% AAFCO Standards All life stages Best For Cats and kittens Sample buyer review...
"I've been trying out different brands of single animal protein food. I just gave my cats their first can and they gobbled it! Smells good, moist with a good amount of "gravy". "
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Halo Holistic (Dry)
Halo Holistic Wild-Caught Salmon and Whitefish Cat Food received the Cat Food Advisor’s highest rating: 5 stars.
It is one of seven recipes in this product range made by Halo, a company founded by Andi Brown in 1980. It is now owned by Best Choice Company Inc which sources meat and poultry from the United States, Canada, and New Zealand.
Dry matter label analysis reveals a dry recipe containing 36.3% protein, 18.7% fat and 37.1% carbohydrates . . . with a fat-to-protein ratio of 52%.
This formula provides an excellent source of quality protein which supports muscle maintenance. It has probiotics to support digestion, immunity and overall well-being.
Read our review of the full Halo Holistic (Dry) range hereThings we like
- High fish protein
- Contains probiotics
- No GMO ingredients
Main Ingredients Salmon, whitefish, oats, pork, peas Texture Dry Type Kibble Protein Percentage 36.3% AAFCO Standards Maintenance Best For Adult and senior cats Sample buyer review...
"This was a good buy. My cats love it which surprised me because often weight management food in my experience is less appetizing. However this one seems to be a hit in my household. Will purchase again for sure."
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Instinct (Raw Frozen) Bites
Instinct Raw Freeze-Dried Meals, Wild-Caught Alaskan Pollock Recipe received the Cat Food Advisor’s highest rating: 5 stars.
It is one of eight recipes in this product range made by Instinct Pet Food, which was founded in 2002 and produces frozen and freeze-dried raw pet food from its facilities in Lincoln, Nebraska.
Dry matter label analysis reveals a freeze-dried raw recipe containing 46.8% protein, 34% fat and 11.1% carbohydrates . . . with a fat-to-protein ratio of 73%.
The freeze drying process helps preserve the integrity of the ingredients and their nutrients. This formula helps support healthy digestion, lean muscles, strong bones, vibrant skin and coat and overall energy and vitality.
Read our review of the full Instinct (Raw Frozen) Bites range hereThings we like
- Contains good quality animal and fish protein
- Many natural ingredients included
- Freeze-dried means no high temperature processing
Main Ingredients Pollock, beef, beef spleen, beef liver, beef kidney Texture Dry Type Freeze-dried raw Protein Percentage 46.8% AAFCO Standards Maintenance Best For Adult and senior cats Sample buyer review...
"This was definitely a win in my household. My cats are obsessed with it, maybe too obsessed! I have four cats and all of them love it and it never seemed to upset their stomachs like most dry cat foods do. "
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Nulo Freestyle (Wet)
Nulo Freestyle Silky Mousse Yellowfin Tuna & Shrimp Recipe received the Cat Food Advisor’s highest rating: 5 stars.
It is one of 23 recipes in this product range made by Nulo, a pet food company founded in 2009 by Michael Landa and Brett Montana, after they saw high rates of diabetes and other medical issues in dogs and cats while running their pet-sitting business.
Dry matter label analysis reveals a wet recipe containing 61.1% protein, 16.7% fat and 14.2% carbohydrates . . . with a fat-to-protein ratio of 27%.
This food is high in proteinto support lean muscles and a healthy body condition. It is 100% natural, with no gums, tapioca or potato starch, grains, or other additives included.
Read our review of the full Nulo Freestyle (Wet) range hereThings we like
- Grain-free
- Quality protein ingredients
- No by-products
Main Ingredients Tuna broth, tuna, shrimp, coconut oil, dried egg Texture Wet Type Broth Protein Percentage 61.1% AAFCO Standards All life stages Best For Adult and senior cats Sample buyer review...
"I used to get Fancy Feast and my cat would just lick the gravy and leave the meat chunks. Both my cats love this stuff they purr every time they see me put it in their bowl. They eat it all up. It’s on the expensive side, but it’s worth it."
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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.
