Best Cat Food – 13 Healthy, Hand-Picked Recipes Our Nutritionists Highly Recommend [2023]

In 2023, cat owners are continuously seeking the best cat food brands to ensure the optimal health and well-being of their feline companions.

With the vast array of options available on the market, it can be overwhelming to find the perfect cat food for your beloved pet.

This article will discuss what makes a cat food brand stand out from the rest, and provide insight into some of the criteria you should be considering when making your ultimate decision.

Here’s what you’ll need to know

Purina ONE Tender Selects

Purina ONE Tender Selects Blend with Real Chicken Dry Cat Food is a premium cat food that combines nature and research for optimal results. The first ingredient is real chicken, providing a high-quality source of protein to support strong muscles, including a healthy heart. This cat food is designed to nurture your cat’s digestive microbiome along with her overall health, thanks to a SmartBlend of high-quality ingredients, including natural prebiotic fiber. The combination of tasty, crunchy bites and tender, meaty morsels will keep your cat coming back meal after meal. All Purina ONE dry food and wet food options are veterinarian recommended, and you could see a difference in your cat in 28 days when you feed Purina ONE.

This cat food is also formulated to help maintain microbiome balance and contains prebiotic fiber for gut health and immune support. It has four antioxidant sources to promote a strong immune system, added calcium to maintain strong teeth, and omega-6 fatty acids to nourish a soft coat and healthy skin. Made with added vitamins, minerals, and nutrients, this natural dry cat food kibble provides 100% complete and balanced nutrition for adult cats to support a lifetime of fun and adventure.

The first five ingredients are: Chicken, Rice Flour, Corn Gluten Meal, Chicken By-Product Meal, Beef Fat

The nutritional content is as follows:

• Protein: 34%
• Fat: 13%
• Fiber: 2%

PROs:

• Rich in species-appropriate animal protein
• Affordable
• Contains prebiotic fiber for gut health and immune support
• Contains omega-6 fatty acids for a soft coat and healthy skin
• Made with added vitamins, minerals, and nutrients for balanced nutrition

CONs:

• Low protein content compared to some other brands
• High in carbohydrates
• Contains a small amount of plant-based proteins
• Contains artificial food dyes
• Contains chicken by-products
• The brand has had multiple recalls over recent years

Open Farm Homestead

Open Farm Homestead Turkey & Chicken Cat Food is a premium product that stands out for its commitment to ethical sourcing and high-quality ingredients. The primary ingredients are humanely raised turkey and chicken, which are free-range and raised on American family farms that comply with the strictest standards. This includes a healthy vegetarian diet without antibiotics or growth hormones, and a stress-free environment that allows the poultry to exhibit natural behavior. The formula is grain-free and does not contain potatoes, making it an excellent choice for cats with specific dietary needs.

The product also boasts a high protein content, sourced from fresh turkey and chicken, making it suitable for both indoor and outdoor cats. It includes non-GMO cranberries, which provide antioxidants, vitamin C, and fiber, and along with locally grown dandelion greens, promote urinary tract health. Non-GMO pumpkin and carrot add fiber, aiding digestive health, while coconut oil provides lauric acid, a type of Omega-9 fatty acid that is an excellent source of energy and aids fat metabolism function. Turmeric, a natural anti-inflammatory, helps the cat’s digestive system.

The first five ingredients are: Humanely raised turkey, Humanely raised chicken, Ocean whitefish meal, Herring meal, Garbanzo beans (chickpeas)

The nutritional content is as follows:

• Protein: 37% (min)
• Fat: 18% (min)
• Fiber: 3% (max)

PROs:

• All 11 essential amino acids that cats need are listed.
• Grain-free, which could prevent health problems such as diabetes.
• High-quality meats from poultry raised in a natural environment with a healthy diet and reduced stress.
• Herring and whitefish are good sources of proteins, add some fatty acids, and are low in mercury.
• No potato, avoiding high sugar peaks in the cat’s blood.
• Reliable formula with traceable ingredients.

CONs:

• Contains Dicalcium Phosphate, which may create small deposits of calcium on soft tissues over time and potentially form kidney stones.
• Pumpkin ingredient only contributes to fiber since cats can’t convert beta-carotene into vitamin A.

The Honest Kitchen Dehydrated Chicken Grain-Free Cat Food

The Honest Kitchen Dehydrated Chicken Grain-Free Cat Food is a top pick for the best cat food options on the market. This cat food is a standout choice for those seeking the best food for their cats, whether they are kittens or adults. The Honest Kitchen’s recipe is grain-free, which aligns with the dietary needs of cats as obligate carnivores. The food is high in protein, with chicken as the first ingredient, and it also contains a healthy fat content, ensuring your cat gets the nutrients it needs.

The Honest Kitchen’s cat food is dehydrated rather than baked at high temperatures, a process that helps to retain the food’s nutritional value. This is a significant advantage over many other cat foods on the market, especially those that are dry or kibble-based. The food also contains no artificial preservatives, with rosemary extract used instead. This is a clear indication of the brand’s commitment to quality and natural ingredients.

Moreover, the cat food contains a range of beneficial ingredients such as sweet potato, potato, flaxseed, eggs, and white fish, all of which contribute to the overall health and wellbeing of your cat. The minerals in the food are chelated, meaning they are more readily absorbed by your cat, and the food also includes ingredients like chicken bone broth, spinach, pumpkin, cranberries, blueberries, barley grass, kelp, and turmeric. These ingredients mimic the gut content of prey, providing your cat with a diet that is as close to their natural diet as possible.

Merrick Purrfect Bistro Grain Free Real Chicken + Sweet Potato Recipe

The Purrfect Bistro Grain-Free Real Chicken + Sweet Potato Recipe by Merrick is a top-tier choice for cat owners who are looking for the best food for their cats. This recipe is grain-free, making it an excellent choice for cats with specific dietary needs. The first ingredient is deboned chicken, a high-quality source of protein that supports strong muscles and overall health. The recipe also includes chicken meal and turkey meal, further enhancing its protein content. Sweet potatoes and peas provide easily digestible, grain-free carbohydrates, while also contributing essential vitamins and minerals to the diet.

The Purrfect Bistro Grain-Free Real Chicken + Sweet Potato Recipe is a well-balanced diet for your cat, whether it’s an adult or a kitten. It’s rich in species-appropriate animal protein and contains a moderate amount of carbohydrates. It’s also supplemented with chelated minerals for optimal nutrient absorption and contains ground flaxseed, a good source of fiber. This cat food is a great choice whether you’re looking to feed your cat wet or dry food, and it’s one of the best cat food options on the market.

Iams ProActive Health Dry Cat Food

Iams ProActive Health Dry Cat Food is a standout choice in our list of top cat foods, and for good reason. This product is a testament to the fact that finding the best food for your cat is not a daunting task. It is a high-quality poultry-based cat kibble, with chicken as the primary ingredient, making it an excellent source of protein for your cat. This food is designed to support healthy bodies and provide the energy your cat needs for play, whether they are an indoor or outdoor cat.

The unique fiber blend, inclusive of prebiotics and beet pulp, aids in maintaining digestive health by supporting your cat’s ability to absorb nutrients. The crunchy kibble texture is beneficial in reducing plaque buildup, contributing to your cat’s dental health. This cat food is not just about feeding your cat, but also about ensuring they are receiving the nutrients they need for a healthy life. It is a complete and balanced food, so you do not need to add any vitamin or mineral supplements.

The product has received positive reviews, with an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars, indicating that many cat owners have found it beneficial for their pets. This cat food is also made in the USA, ensuring quality and safety standards.

CRAVE Grain Free High Protein Indoor Adult Cat Food

CRAVE’s recipes are inspired by a cat’s ancestral diet, which is almost exclusively meat. The brand uses real meat as the primary ingredient in their products, ensuring that your cat gets the nutrients it needs. This particular formula features chicken and chicken meal as the primary sources of protein, providing cats with essential nutrients for developing muscle, aiding in digestion, and supporting healthy immune systems.

CRAVE’s cat food is grain-free, which is beneficial for cats with sensitivities or allergies to grains. The brand also refrains from using by-product meals and soy proteins, further enhancing the quality of their cat food.

Despite being a high-quality product, CRAVE’s cat food is reasonably priced, making it an accessible choice for many pet owners. This aligns with the brand’s mission to provide “specialty-quality nutrition at a price designed for the masses,” as stated by Mars Petcare marketing director, Eric Huston.

American Journey Turkey & Chicken Grain-Free

American Journey Turkey & Chicken Grain-Free Cat Food has been included in our list for several compelling reasons. This cat food is a top-tier choice for both wet and dry food categories, making it an excellent choice for those seeking the best overall cat food for their feline companions.

American Journey, a brand exclusively produced for Chewy.com, is crafted in the USA and is free from corn, wheat, or soy, ensuring a high-quality cat food label. The brand offers a broad line of cat foods, including canned cat food and raw food options, catering to a variety of dietary needs. The American Journey Turkey & Chicken Grain-Free Cat Food, in particular, is praised for its high-quality protein content, which is essential for your cat’s health. It is also low in carbohydrates, making it an excellent food for adult cats and kittens alike.

Sheba Perfect Portions Grain-Free Cat Food

Sheba Perfect Portions Grain-Free Cat Food is a top-tier product in the market, offering the best wet food for cats. It’s a grain-free option, making it an excellent choice for cats with specific dietary needs. The food is made without grain, wheat, corn, soy, artificial flavors, or artificial preservatives, ensuring your cat gets only the best.

The product comes in a variety of flavors, including gourmet salmon, sustainable tuna, and delicate whitefish, all served in a delectable gravy. This variety ensures that even the pickiest eaters will find a flavor they love. The food is served in individual trays that snap and peel open easily, providing a fresh, perfectly cat-sized portion for every meal. This feature makes it one of the best cat foods for kittens and adult cats alike.

Royal Canin Kitten Slices in Gravy

Royal Canin Kitten Thin Slices in Gravy Canned Cat Food is included in our list for several reasons. Firstly, Royal Canin is a well-established cat food manufacturer known for producing high-quality pet food and animal feed. Their products are formulated to provide the necessary nutrients your cat needs for optimal health and wellbeing. This particular variant, designed for kittens, offers a balanced diet that supports their growth and development.

Royal Canin’s Kitten Thin Slices in Gravy cat food is a combination of wet and canned food, making it a suitable choice for cats that prefer to eat only wet food. It provides a texture and flavor that kittens find appealing, encouraging them to eat and maintain a healthy appetite. Additionally, the inclusion of “thin slices in gravy” implies a taste and consistency that kittens typically enjoy.

Blue Buffalo Wilderness Indoor Chicken Recipe Grain-Free Dry Cat Food

Blue Buffalo is a renowned cat food manufacturer known for its commitment to producing high-quality pet food. They prioritize using natural ingredients and avoiding artificial additives, making it a favorable choice for cat owners seeking a wholesome diet for their feline companions.

This specific recipe, the Indoor Chicken Recipe, is designed to meet the unique nutritional needs of indoor cats. It is grain-free, which can be beneficial for cats with grain sensitivities or allergies. The recipe is rich in protein, with real chicken as the main ingredient, providing the essential amino acids that cats require to maintain lean muscles and support overall health.

Understanding the Role of Nutrition in Cat Food for Healthy Cats

Cats are obligate carnivores, meaning they require a diet primarily of meat due to their shorter and more acidic digestive tract than other animals. Providing proper nutrition for your cat is essential at every stage of their life, ensuring a long and healthy life.

Selecting the ideal cat food involves balancing factors such as nutritional content, ingredients, and cost. As pet owners prioritize high-quality and trustworthy cat food brands, it becomes crucial for manufacturers to focus on meeting specific nutritional requirements for kittens, adult cats, and senior cats alike. Recognizing the various dietary needs of different life stages is an essential aspect of choosing the best cat food for your furry friend.

This article will dive into some of the best cat food brands of 2023, taking into account expert recommendations and extensive research. By the end of the article, you will be better equipped to navigate the cat food market and make an informed choice when buying cat food for your feline companion. Whether you have a kitten venturing into the world of solid foods or a senior cat with special dietary needs, the choices presented here will cater to a wide range of requirements.

Nutritional needs of cats at different stages:

• Kitten: High in energy, proteins, and essential nutrients for rapid growth and development
• Adult: Balanced diet with essential nutrients, proteins, and fats for maintaining a healthy weight and overall health
• Senior: Lower calorie diet with focus on supporting joint and organ health, while still providing vital nutrients

One key component in cat nutrition is protein. Cats require a diet that contains around 50-60% protein, as it serves as an important energy source and provides essential amino acids. Taurine is one such essential amino acid for cats. It is crucial for heart health, vision, and reproduction, and they cannot produce it on their own.

Fats play a significant role in a cat’s diet as well, typically making up around 30-50% of it. Fatty acids are essential for optimal health; these include omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. If your cat isn’t very active, your vet might suggest different amounts.

Vitamins and minerals are equally important for a cat’s overall health. Thiamine, a B vitamin, is essential for brain function and must be obtained through their diet.

In summary, cat food that meets their various nutritional needs should include:

• High-quality proteins
• Essential amino acids, such as taurine
• Fatty acids
• Vitamins like thiamine
• Minerals for balanced nutrition

Variety in Cat Food: Exploring Different Types of Dry and Wet Food Options

In this section, we will discuss the different types of cat food available in the market, their pros, and cons, to help you make an informed decision on what might be the best fit for your cat.

Dry Cat Food

Dry cat food, also known as kibble, is a popular option for many cat owners. It is convenient, easy to store, and has a longer shelf life than other types of cat food. Some high-protein options like Orijen Original Recipe High-Protein Cat Food are available on the market. Grain-free dry cat food, such as Purina Beyond: Ocean Whitefish and Egg Recipe, is an alternative for cats with sensitivities to grains. However, dry food may lack the moisture content that cats require, making it essential to provide fresh water for your cat alongside kibble.

Wet Cat Food

Wet cat food comes in various forms like canned food, pouches, and trays. It is generally high in protein and moisture, which is beneficial for a cat’s hydration and urinary health. Canned pate cat food, like Purina Fancy Feast Grain-Free Classic Pâté Wet Kitten Food, is a common choice for kittens. Wet food is also a good option for picky eaters or cats with dental issues. However, it may have a shorter shelf life, and some owners may find it less convenient than dry cat food due to the need for refrigeration after opening.

Raw and Freeze-Dried Cat Food

Raw and freeze-dried cat food is made from uncooked or minimally processed ingredients, aiming to provide a more natural and biologically appropriate diet for cats. These diets may consist of raw meat, organ meats, bones, and some vegetables. Freeze-dried cat foods preserve nutrients in the ingredients without the need for artificial preservatives. However, there are concerns regarding the risk of bacterial contamination, and proper handling is crucial. Additionally, finding a balanced raw or freeze-dried diet can be challenging since cats require specific nutrients in their food to thrive.

Fresh and Customized Cat Food

Fresh and customized cat food is another option available for pet owners. Some companies provide fresh or gently-cooked, human-grade meals tailored to your cat’s nutritional needs, age, and preferences. This type of food is usually free from artificial ingredients and preservatives, providing high-quality nutrients for your cat. On the other hand, fresh and customized cat food can be more expensive and require refrigeration to maintain its freshness.

Veterinary Diets

Veterinary diets are specially-formulated cat foods designed to address specific health issues. These diets can be prescribed by a veterinarian and target various conditions like kidney disease, urinary issues, or allergies. It’s essential to discuss these diets with a veterinarian and follow their guidelines closely to ensure your cat receives the proper nutrition to manage their health condition.

How to Choose the Best Cat Food: Guiding Your Buying Decision

Choosing the right cat food is an important step in ensuring your cat’s overall health and well-being. Various factors need to be taken into consideration, such as the life stage of your cat, their specific nutritional needs, and any health issues they may have, such as kidney disease.

Cats of different ages have different nutritional requirements. Kitten food, for example, is formulated to support their growth and development, whereas a more mature cat would benefit from a maintenance diet. For older cats, it is essential to keep their unique needs in mind, as they may require a diet that is easy on their kidneys or that aids in digestion.

When evaluating cat food options, always check the label for the nutritional adequacy statement provided by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO). This statement will help ensure that the food meets the required standards for your cat’s life stage. Opt for products that have real, high-quality animal protein listed as one of the first ingredients, as this indicates that the food contains essential nutrients needed by your cat.

To help your cat maintain a healthy weight and prevent obesity, consider the carbohydrate content in their food. Cats, being obligate carnivores, need a high-protein, low-carb diet. Food made with human-grade ingredients is a great option, as they typically have a high protein and moisture content and are low in carbs.

Special attention should be given to any health issues that your cat may have. If your cat suffers from kidney disease, consult your veterinarian to find a specialized diet that would benefit their specific condition. This will help keep your cat healthier and improve their quality of life.

Conclusion: The Final Say on Choosing the Best Cat Food

In 2023, many cat owners are seeking the best cat food brands to provide optimal nutrition for their feline friends. With the abundance of cat food options on the market, finding the ideal choice for your pet can be challenging. Fortunately, the cat foods of 2023 offer a wide range of high-quality options that cater to different dietary needs and preferences.

Several top cat food brands have emerged as leaders in the industry, such as Smalls Cat Food, which is known for its fresh and human-grade ingredients. This brand, among others, focuses on real, high-quality animal protein with an appropriate balance of nutrients for your cat’s overall well-being.

As you navigate the process of buying cat food, it’s crucial to look for recipes that prioritize named animal proteins as the first ingredient. Additionally, taking into consideration your pet’s age, physical condition, and any specific dietary requirements will ensure that you make an informed decision.

In summary, when caring for your cat in 2023, it’s imperative to stay informed about the best cat food brands available and be mindful of their individual dietary needs. By doing so, you can provide a nourishing meal plan that caters to your beloved pet’s health and happiness.