Best Cat Food (Kittens, Adults, Seniors)
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key point
- The #1 Best Overall Cat Food is CRAVE Grain Free High Protein Indoor Adult Cat Food.
- When shopping for the perfect cat food, consider your cat's life stage (kitten, adult or senior), taste preferences and essential nutrients.
- In this review, we considered two types of cat food: wet and dry. For your convenience, we provide a chart listing the pros and cons of each method.
As a cat parent, you probably know that your cat's nutritional needs change as your cat moves from one life stage to the next: kitten, adult, and senior. Therefore, finding the best food for your cat can be a little challenging.
One important thing to remember is that cats are obligate carnivores. This means they cannot survive without protein. Protein must be included in your cat's diet. That's why some of the best cat foods are high in protein.
There are also some important nutrients that cats need but cannot produce in their bodies. These nutrients must also be part of their food. Some of these include certain amino acids, such as taurine and arginine, and vitamins, including A, B, and D3.
In order to help you find the best cat food, we've done extensive research and reviewed the best foods for cats at every stage of their life. So, without further ado, let us help you find the right food for your feline friend!
- Purina Cat Food Complete Dry Cat Food
- This Premium Cat Food Is Affordable
- Rich in protein from chicken and fish
- It contains 25 vitamins and minerals, as well as essential nutrients, including fatty acids and taurine
- it helps build strong muscles
- Featuring Healthy Carbs
- American Trip Turkey and Chicken Grain Free
- This food is more expensive than others but is rich in the protein cats need
- 40% protein content
- The first three ingredients are turkey, turkey meal, and chicken meal
- Rich in essential fatty acids, calcium, taurine and phosphorus.
- Also includes wholesome fruits and vegetables
- Sheba Perfect Portions Grain Free Multipack
- This wet formula comes in convenient single serving sizes
- Contains chicken and poultry livers
- Contains fewer carbohydrates, ideal for adult cats
- High moisture content helps keep your kitty hydrated
- No Grain, Corn, Wheat, Soy, Artificial Flavors or Preservatives
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AZ-Animals Picks of the Best Cat Food (Kittens, Adults, Seniors)
#1 Best Overall: CRAVE Grain Free High Protein Indoor Adult Cat Food
CRAVE Grain Free High Protein Cat Food was our best overall cat food in this review. Specially formulated for indoor cats, this high-protein (40%) formula contains protein from chicken and salmon. The first ingredient is real chicken, providing the flavor your cat will love along with the protein they need to develop and maintain muscle.
This grain-free formula includes high-quality carbohydrate sources from non-grain energy sources. It also includes essential nutrients to aid digestion and support the health of your cat's immune system.
CRAVE dry cat food contains no grain, corn, wheat or soy protein.
Some pet parents report that their cats do not like this food. Others say the kibble is too big.
Pros and Cons of CRAVE Grain Free High Protein Indoor Adult Cat Food
| advantage | shortcoming |
|---|---|
| This grain-free dry formula is specially formulated for indoor cats. | Several reviewers have reported that their cats do not like this food. |
| It contains 40% protein, including protein from chicken (the first ingredient) and salmon, to build and maintain healthy muscle. | Others say the kibble is too big. |
| It includes carbohydrate energy without grains. | |
| Essential nutrients aid digestion and support a healthy immune system. | |
| This recipe is free of grain, corn, wheat and soy protein. |
best overall
2. Best Budget: Purina Whole Dry Cat Food
We love how Purina Complete Cat Food keeps prices low while providing your cat with the best ingredients. This high-protein cat food provides 100% complete, balanced nutrition, starting with chicken by-product meal to support strong muscles. This recipe also includes the healthy carbohydrates and omega-6 fatty acids your cat needs for energy to keep your cat looking its best.
This recipe is fortified with 25 essential vitamins and minerals to support the overall health of your feline friend.
This recipe contains a variety of grains, including corn, whole grain wheat, and rice, so if your cat needs a grain-free option, choose another grain from our list.
Reviews for this product are overwhelmingly positive, but some reviewers said their cats got sick after eating it.
Pros and Cons of Purina Whole Dry Cat Food
| advantage | shortcoming |
|---|---|
| This cat food is affordable but contains high-quality ingredients. | It includes grains, so it is not suitable for grain-free diets. |
| The first ingredient is chicken by-product powder to support strong muscles. | Some reviewers said their cats got sick after eating it. |
| It includes healthy carbohydrates for energy and omega-6 fatty acids to keep your cat looking its best. | |
| It's packed with 25 essential vitamins and minerals that are essential for your cat's overall health. | |
| Recipe includes grains. |
best budget
Purina Cat Food Complete Dry Cat Food
- This Premium Cat Food Is Affordable
- Rich in protein from chicken and fish
- It contains 25 vitamins and minerals, as well as essential nutrients, including fatty acids and taurine
- it helps build strong muscles
- Featuring Healthy Carbs
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3. Best Premium: American Journey Grain Free Cat Food
While it's a little more expensive than the other recipes in our review, American Journey Grain-Free Cat Food (Chewy brand) is packed with the protein your cat needs. The first three ingredients of this meal are boneless turkey, ground turkey, and ground chicken, and the protein content is about 40 percent. This premium cat food also contains omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids to support healthy skin and a smooth coat. Other nutrients include calcium, which supports strong bones, and taurine, which supports eye and heart health.
This recipe is a precise blend of antioxidants and nutrient-dense vegetables and fruits, such as carrots and squash. What it doesn't contain is just as important as what it does; it's completely free of wheat, corn, soy, poultry by-product meal, artificial colors, artificial flavors, and artificial preservatives. However, it is processed in a facility that processes grain, so trace amounts may be present. If your cat is sensitive or allergic to grains, you may want to choose another recipe from our list.
According to reviews, while most cats love this food, some don't. Some felines have experienced health problems after consuming it, most commonly vomiting.
Pros and Cons of American Tour Grain Free Cat Food
| advantage | shortcoming |
|---|---|
| This premium cat food is the Chewy brand and contains 40% protein. | While it's grain-free, it's produced in a plant that processes grain, so it may not be a good choice for felines with grain allergies or sensitivities. |
| The first three ingredients are boneless turkey, ground turkey, and ground chicken. | Some cats don't like it. |
| This formula also includes omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids for skin and coat health | Some cats have developed health problems after consuming it, most commonly vomiting. |
| Calcium includes bone health and taurine for eye and heart health. | |
| It includes antioxidants and nutrient-dense fruits and vegetables like squash and carrots. | |
| It is free from wheat, corn, soy, poultry by-product meal, artificial colours, artificial flavors and artificial preservatives. |
best premium
American Trip Turkey and Chicken Grain Free
- This food is more expensive than others but is rich in the protein cats need
- 40% protein content
- The first three ingredients are turkey, turkey meal, and chicken meal
- Rich in essential fatty acids, calcium, taurine and phosphorus.
- Also includes wholesome fruits and vegetables
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4. Best for Seniors: Sheba Perfect Portions Cat Food
Sheba Perfect Portions Cat Food comes in pie-style wet food in a twin pack tray. This variety pack includes three flavors cats love: chicken, turkey, and beef. The food tray is easy to use: just snap, peel and serve. You don't even need a food bowl!
These delicious recipes contain no grains, corn, wheat, soy, artificial flavors or preservatives. They are suitable for cats of all life stages: kittens, adults and senior cats. The first ingredient is chicken, which provides the protein cats need at all ages. Water is the second ingredient that provides essential hydration, which senior cats typically cannot obtain from drinking water.
Some reviewers say the tray is hard to open and messy.
Pros and Cons of Sheba Perfect Portions Cat Food
| advantage | shortcoming |
|---|---|
| This pie-style wet treat comes in a two-pack tray for easy opening and serving. | Some reviewers say the tray is hard to open and messy. |
| The variety pack includes three flavors: chicken, turkey and beef. | |
| They contain no grain, corn, wheat, soy, artificial flavors or preservatives. | |
| You can feed them to kittens, adult cats and geriatric cats. | |
| The first ingredient is the protein chicken. |
best for seniors
Sheba Perfect Portions Grain Free Multipack
- This wet formula comes in convenient single serving sizes
- Contains chicken and poultry livers
- Contains fewer carbohydrates, ideal for adult cats
- High moisture content helps keep your kitty hydrated
- No Grain, Corn, Wheat, Soy, Artificial Flavors or Preservatives
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5. Best food for kittens: Royal Canin Kitten Chips in Gravy
This veterinarian-recommended food is specially formulated for kittens up to 12 months of age. It provides complete and balanced nutrition for kittens, and the gravy food has small, thin slices that are specially tailored for kittens' mouths.
It supports the immune system with a blend of antioxidants, including vitamin E. High-quality protein and prebiotics support digestive health and help balance gut flora for optimal stool quality. This formula meets the high energy needs of kittens throughout their growing season.
The main complaint from customers is that this kitten food is too expensive.
Pros and Cons of Royal Canin Gravy Kitten Flakes
| advantage | shortcoming |
|---|---|
| This veterinarian-recommended food is made for kittens under one year old. | The main complaint from customers is that this kitten food is too expensive. |
| It provides complete, balanced nutrition in gravy food, and the thin, small slice size is perfect for kittens' tiny mouths. | |
| High-quality protein and prebiotics support digestive health and help balance gut flora for optimal stool quality. | |
| It supports the high energy demands of kittens during their intense first year of growth. |
best for kittens
Choosing the Best Cat Food: What to Look For
There are many factors you need to consider when choosing the best food for your cat. Some of these include your cat's age, any taste preferences your cat may have, and the nutrients contained in the food.
stage of life
Your cat's nutritional needs will change throughout its life. For example, a kitten needs specific amounts of nutrients for its short but intensive growing season. As the body ages, older adults need less of certain nutrients and more of others. You should take this into consideration when choosing the best food for them. That's why our list includes great food options for kittens, cats, and senior cats.
taste preference
It's no surprise that some cats are picky eaters. This can make finding the best food for them a bit of a challenge. One way to combat this is to try different protein sources to see which your cat likes. Your cat may also prefer wet food to dry food.
essential nutrients
Important nutrients cats need to survive include protein, vitamins, amino acids and minerals. Some of these, like the amino acid taurine, your cat does not produce naturally. The perfect diet should contain these ingredients and more.
Different Types of Cat Food: Pros and Cons Compared
There are many different kinds of cat food on the market. We have two main variations on this list: wet cat food and dry cat food. Knowing the pros and cons of each type can help you better decide which is best for your cat.
wet cat food
| advantage | shortcoming |
|---|---|
| Great for cats with missing teeth. | A bit expensive. |
| Provide your cat with extra moisture. | Difficult to store after opening. |
| There are a variety of flavors to choose from. | Not good for your cat's oral health. |
| Great source of protein. Better than dry food. | It can be a bit confusing. |
dry cat food
| advantage | shortcoming |
|---|---|
| Great for nibbling. | May cause dehydration. |
| Easy to store after opening. | Tends to have a lower protein content and a higher starch content. |
| Great for your cat's oral health. | If cats are not good at portion control, leaving food outside to graze can cause them to become overweight. |
| You can buy in bulk to last long. | Due to the higher carbohydrate content, it may be more difficult for some cats to digest. |
| Grazing is available in your absence. |
next
- Best High-Fiber Cat Foods for Gut Health
- The Absolute Best Wet Cat Food of 2022
- Want the best allergy-free cat food? Here they come.
Best Cat Food (Kitten, Adult, Senior Cat) FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
What are the five healthiest cat foods?
Choosing a healthy food for your cat is a good decision. There are many brands you can rely on for this. Some of these include Purina, American Journey, Royal Canin, Sheba, and CRAVE.
Who makes the most nutritious cat food?
There are many brands of nutritious cat food available. For this review, our best overall is CRAVE Grain Free High Protein Indoor Adult Cat Food.
What brand of dry cat food is best?
When it comes to quality dry cat food, we go with Purina. They make so many wonderful recipes at incredibly affordable prices.
What is the healthiest cat food for indoor cats?
Royal Canin manufactures premium quality cat food specially formulated for indoor cats. If you're searching, we recommend trying this brand of indoor cat food.
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