What are the top 5 healthiest cat foods

The best cat foods in 2024

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Choosing one of the best cat foods to please your finicky feline and fit your budget is no easy feat. The good news is your cat can thrive with dry or wet food, or a combination of the two, as long as the food is nutritionally balanced.

We asked veterinarians and animal nutritionists for advice on how to choose a nutritious cat food with the right balance of protein and fat. Then, after researching hundreds of foods, we rounded up our recommendations for cat food from top brands. One of our best overall picks is Merrick Purrfect Bistro Chicken Recipe Pate. In addition to chicken and chicken liver, this wet food contains menhaden fish oil, a source of healthy omega fatty acids. Our favorite dry cat food picks include Purina One +Plus Indoor Advantage With Turkey, which is formulated to prevent weight gain and contains special fiber so cats feel full longer.

All of our recommendations for the best cat foods meet the standards from theAssociation of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) and theGlobal Nutrition Guidelines published by the World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA). Keep in mind that these are only some of the excellent cat foods available. If you're interested in exploring other options, we explain how to evaluate any recipe's quality and nutritional value. However, there are exceptions, so always consult your vet before changing your cat's diet.

Read more about how Business Insider Reviews tests and recommends pet products.

Best wet food for adult cats

Any cat food should have an AAFCO nutritional adequacy statement on its label. This statement tells you that the food has the appropriate balance of protein (at least 26%), fat (at least 9%), and essential vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin A and magnesium.

You'll find that the best wet cat foods are costlier than most dry food. In terms of nutrition, they stand out from kibble in a few ways. Wet foods contain significantly more moisture, typically 75% to 78%, versus 10% to 12% in dry food. Because of that moisture content, the food is more filling and may be a good choice for cats who love to eat too zealously.

However, feeding a typical adult cat wet food instead of, or in addition to, dry food offers no specific health benefits, says Dr. Valerie Parker, a veterinary nutritionist and professor of clinical small animal internal medicine and nutrition at The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine. It's a decision that should be based on a cat's preferences and a guardian's budget.

Keep in mind that wet food has a long shelf life but spoils quickly once opened. It must be refrigerated and consumed within a few days to prevent spoilage.

Meat and fish protein sources:Salmon broth, turkey, salmon, turkey liver, egg whitesOther standout ingredients: Peas, carrots, flaxseed, cranberriesFeeding trials: NoNutrition breakdown:51% protein, 22% fat, 14% fiberCalorie count: 68 kcal/3-ounce can

Meat protein sources: Deboned chicken, chicken liver, chicken broth, dried egg productOther standout ingredients: Menhaden fish oilFeeding trials: NoNutrition breakdown: 50.1% protein, 36.2% fat, 0.3% fiberCalorie count: 101 kcal/3-ounce can

Meat and fish protein sources: Salmon, pork liver, egg productOther standout ingredients: Ground flaxseed, carrots, cranberries, pumpkin, tomato, blueberries, broccoli, cabbage, kaleFeeding trials: NoNutrition breakdown:48% protein, 18% fat, 9% fiberCalorie count:90 kcal/3-ounce can

Best budget wet food

Wet cat food doesn't have to cost a premium to be nutritionally complete and balanced. Our budget picks for the best cat foods are significantly higher in protein than the 26% AAFCO minimum recommendation for healthy adult cats without kidney problems.

Both the percentage of protein a cat food contains and the sources of that protein are important, says Kelly Swanson, professor of animal and nutritional sciences at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Animal-based proteins typically provide the 11 essential amino acids and levels of taurine a cat's diet requires. Other animal- or plant-based proteins are sometimes added to meet nutritional needs.

Like pricier wet foods, these budget options also contain 78% to 82% moisture, which helps a cat feel full for longer while providing additional hydration. Whether your cat prefers to eat only wet food or you feed it as part of a diet mixed with dry food, these recipes are a reliable option.

Meat protein sources:Chicken, chicken broth, chicken liver, egg productOther standout ingredients:Brown rice, carrotsFeeding trials: NoNutrition breakdown:40.9% protein, 27.3% fat, 6.8% fiberCalorie count: 100 kcal/3-ounce can

Meat protein sources:Chicken, liver, meat byproducts, turkeyOther standout ingredients: Wheat gluten, tomatoes, carrots, modified corn starch, soy protein concentrateFeeding trials: NoNutrition breakdown:50% protein, 9% fat, 7.5% fiberCalorie count:73 kcal/3-ounce can

Meat protein sources:Chicken, chicken broth, chicken liver, egg productOther standout ingredients: Potato starch, brown rice, carrots, sweet potatoesFeeding trials: NoNutrition breakdown:50% protein, 22.2% fat, 8.3% fiberCalorie count: 80 kcal/3-ounce can

Best dry food for adult cats

Dry food is the most affordable way to keep a cat satiated. Because cats are obligate carnivores, they cannot survive on plant-based nutrients alone. Some form of whole meat or meat meal should be listed among the first ingredients, but don't worry too much about what comes after.

And while many cat foods are marketed as grain-free, these diets have no proven benefit. "Grains are a source of carbohydrates [and] while cats are obligate carnivores, some carbohydrates in their diets can be helpful if included at moderate levels," says Swanson. Fiber, for example, can help minimize hairballs, maintain a healthy body weight, and aid in bowel movements.

It is easy to overfeed your cat with dry food since it is more calorie-dense than wet food. Keep a close eye on your cat's daily kibble intake to ensure they don't gain weight. The average 8- to 10-pound adult cat should consume between 230 and 270 kilocalories (kcal) per day to maintain a healthy weight, according to the Global Nutrition Guidelines from WSAVA.

Our picks for the best dry cat foodsinclude whole meats and fish and exceed the AAFCO minimums for protein and fat.

Fish protein sources:Salmon, salmon meal, herring meal, menhaden fish mealOther standout ingredients: Rice, barley, oatmeal, ground flaxseed, tomato pomace, cranberriesFeeding trials: NoNutrition breakdown:36% protein, 18% fat, 3% fiberCalorie count: 472 kcal/cup

Meat protein sources:Chicken, chicken meal, egg product, beef fatOther standout ingredients: Pea protein, pea starch, cassava root flour, dried yeast, canola meal, pea fiber, carrotsFeeding trials: NoNutrition breakdown:35% protein, 14% fat, 4% fiberCalorie count: 394 kcal/cup

Meat protein sources: Deboned chicken, chicken meal, turkey meal, dried eggOther standout ingredients: Brown rice, barley, oatmeal, potato protein, pea proteinFeeding trials: NoNutrition breakdown: 36% protein, 17% fat, 3.5% fiberCalorie count: 397 kcal/cup

Best budget dry food

Don't write off budget cat foods even if you have the money to spend. Several affordable AAFCO complete and balanced dry foods are as nutritious as pricier kibble.

Not only do the budget-friendly dry foods we selected contain whole meats and protein-rich meat meals, but they also have ingredients like kelp and alfalfa to support gut health and antioxidant-rich blueberries and cranberries. The protein, fat, and fiber percentages in our picks are also on par with more expensive brands.

Meat and fish protein sources:Deboned salmon, chicken meal, menhaden fish mealOther standout ingredients: Brown rice, oatmeal, barley, flaxseed, pea protein, alfalfa meal, cranberries, blueberries, barley grass, turmeric, dried kelp, yucca extractFeeding trials: NoNutrition breakdown:35% protein, 16.5% fat, 6.5% fiberCalorie count:415 kcal/cup

Meat and fish protein sources:Salmon, chicken mealOther standout ingredients: Brewers rice, brown rice, oatmeal, dehydrated alfalfa meal, beet pulp, yucca extract, pea protein, potato proteinFeeding trials: NoNutrition breakdown:35% protein, 16.5% fat, 6.5% fiberCalorie count: 414 kcal/cup

Meat protein sources: Chicken, chicken meal, salmonOther standout ingredients: Brewers rice, dried peas, lentils, flaxseed, cranberries, pumpkinFeeding trials: NoNutrition breakdown: 34% protein, 12% fat, 8% fiberCalorie count: 371 kcal/cup

Best for indoor cats

Indoor-only cats don't necessarily have different nutritional requirements from cats that go outdoors, says Dr. Korinn Saker, associate professor of clinical nutrition at the College of Veterinary Medicine at North Carolina State University. However, indoor cats may not get as much exercise as cats with outside access. As a result, they may have a greater risk of becoming overweight or obese, an increasing concern that can cause several health issues.

Foods formulated for indoor cats are often lower in calories and fat to help them maintain a healthy weight, says Saker. These foods often contain specific fiber to aid digestion and help cats feel full longer, including cellulose and beet pulp.

Even if your cat has a healthy weight, paying attention to the total calories per cup you feed them is important. Always follow the feeding guidelines on the packaging for your kitty's ideal weight, and when in doubt, consult your veterinarian. It's also good to know your cat's body condition score (BCS), something your veterinarian can help you determine. The BCS is a visual tool that assesses your cat's body fat on a scale of 1 to 9. This can help you understand if they need to lose or gain weight.

Our picks for the best cat food for indoor cats are lower in calories and contain beneficial fiber.

Meat and fish protein sources: Turkey broth, turkey, salmon, chicken, chicken liver, dried egg whitesOther standout ingredients: Salmon oil, dried plain beet pulpFeeding trials: NoNutrition breakdown: 42.3% protein, 26.1% fat, 1.8% fiberCalorie count: 80 kcal/3-ounce pouch

Meat protein sources: Turkey, chicken byproduct mealOther standout ingredients: Powdered celluloseFeeding trials: NoNutrition breakdown: 37% protein, 9% fat, 5.2% fiber Calorie count: 372 kcal/cup

Meat protein sources: Chicken byproducts, pork byproducts, chicken liver, pork liver, salmon, pork plasma, pork digestOther standout ingredients: Powdered cellulose, fish oil, L-carnitineFeeding trials: NoNutrition breakdown: 52.47% protein, 20.24% fat, 3.28% fiberCalorie count: 65 kcal/3-ounce can

Best dry food for kittens

Kittens under a year old need a different combination of nutrients to support their revving metabolism and growing bones. An AAFCO complete and balanced kitten food contains a minimum of 30% protein, 9% fat, and extra vitamin A, calcium, and phosphorus. You'll also find docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) in these formulas. DHA is an omega-3 fatty acid that supports brain development and can be found in fish, fish oil, and fish meal. Kitten formulas also meet AAFCO's standards for pregnant and lactating adult cats who require additional calories and nutrients.

Although it doesn't matter whether a kitten is fed dry food, wet food, or a combination, introducing young cats to different types of the best kitten foods may prevent them from being picky eaters in adulthood. Cats can also benefit from being fed from a puzzle feeder instead of a regular bowl. The problem-solving and play required to extract the food provide a kitten with important mental stimulation. The more energy they burn on puzzle toys, the less likely they'll be to become bored and make trouble.

Meat protein sources:Chicken, chicken fat, egg productOther standout ingredients: Brown rice, wheat gluten, oats, wheat, barley, flaxseed, apples, broccoli, carrots, cranberries, peasFeeding trials: YesNutrition breakdown:33% protein, 19% fat, 3.5% fiberCalorie count:568 kcal/cup

Meat protein sources: Chicken, chicken byproduct meal, chicken fat, dried egg productOther standout ingredients: Ground whole grain corn, ground sorghum, fish oilFeeding trials: NoNutrition breakdown: 33% protein, 21% fat, 3% fiberCalorie count: 484 kcal/cup

Meat protein sources: Deboned chicken, chicken mealOther standout ingredients: Oats, barley, rice, flaxseed, salmon oil, cranberriesFeeding trials: NoNutrition breakdown: 40% protein, 17% fat, 4% fiberCalorie count: 383 kcal/cup

Best wet food for kittens

Kittens can do equally well eating dry or canned food as long as the food meets the AAFCO requirements for growth. However, wet food can be especially beneficial for kittens just starting their solid foods after being weaned from their mothers.

Wet food's high moisture content creates a soft texture that is easy for kittens to chew and swallow. This is particularly important for very young kittens whose teeth are too small to crunch on kibble. The moisture also helps kittens stay well hydrated and can lower their risk for urinary tract diseases.

As with wet food for adult cats, wet kitten food is pricier than dry food and spoils more quickly.

Meat protein sources: Chicken, chicken liver, chicken brothOther standout ingredients: Carrots, cranberries, ground flaxseed, menhaden fish oilFeeding trials: NoNutrition breakdown: 46.7% protein, 37.2% fat, 1% fiberCalorie count: 105 kcal/3-ounce can

Meat protein sources: Salmon, ocean fish, liver, chickenOther standout ingredients: RiceFeeding trials: YesNutrition breakdown: 54.5% protein, 31.7% protein, 0.5% fiberCalorie count: 101 kcal/3-ounce can

Meat protein sources: Chicken, chicken broth, chicken liver, dried egg productOther standout ingredients: Salmon oil, flaxseed, cranberriesFeeding trials: YesNutrition breakdown: 40% protein, 38.6% fat, 2.3% fiberCalorie count: 110 kcal/3-ounce can

Best dry food for seniors

Once a cat hits7 years of age, they start to show signs of aging. At around 12 years old, they enter theirsenior years. Senior cats have the same minimum AAFCO nutritional requirements as younger adult cats, but decreased activity can cause them to pack on the pounds. And the more overweight a cat becomes, the more likely they are to develop conditions such as diabetes, liver disease, arthritis, and pancreatitis.

You can help your senior cat maintain ahealthy body weightby closely controlling their portion sizes or switching them to a senior diet lower in calories than typical adult foods. Just be sure to check the calorie content because some senior foods actually have more calories and may still require portion control.

Our picks for the best senior cat foodshave omega-3 fatty acids and other nutrients that aren't required in regular adult cat foods. These ingredients help reduce inflammation, improve cognitive function, and support the immune system. As long as the senior food is labeled AAFCO complete and balanced, it will contain the vitamins and minerals an older cat requires without needing additional supplements.

Different cats have different needs as they age, so consult your veterinarian before switching them to a senior diet or determining whether additional supplements are required.

Meat protein sources:Chicken, chicken meal, chicken fatOther standout ingredients: Dried beet pulp, fish oil, vitamin E supplementFeeding trials: NoNutrition breakdown:36% protein, 17% fat, 6% fiberCalorie count: 386 kcal/cup

Meat protein sources: Salmon, poultry byproduct meal, beef fat, fish meal, dried egg productOther standout ingredients: Rice, cassava root flour, soybean meal, fish oilFeeding trials: YesNutrition breakdown: 38% protein, 17% fat, 2.5% fiberCalorie count: 603 kcal/cup

Meat protein sources: Chicken, chicken fat, egg productOther standout ingredients: Whole grain wheat, brewers rice, flaxseed, fish oilFeeding trials: NoNutrition breakdown: 32.7% protein, 22.5% fat, 3.7% fiberCalorie count: 510 kcal/cup

Best wet food for seniors

Senior cats can have their nutritional needs met with either wet or dry food as long as the food meets the AAFCO nutrient requirements for maintenance. Like senior dry foods, wet foods for senior cats contain added ingredients, such as fish oil, to help maintain good overall health and cognitive function.

Wet food provides a few other benefits for senior cats. Its soft, moist texture is ideal for cats with periodontal disease, a painful and uncomfortable disease of the teeth, and teeth-supporting structures like the gums that can make eating difficult. The high moisture content in wet food benefits senior cats with chronic kidney disease; the water in the food helps to support kidney health and manage symptoms of chronic kidney disease. Wet food's high moisture content also promotes good digestion, helping senior cats whose digestive systems may not work too well.

If your senior cat is a longtime fan of dry food, transitioning them to wet food may take some time. Rather than switching to all wet food, consider adding wet food as a tasty topping to your cat's dry food to provide additional moisture and taste.

Meat protein sources: Pork byproducts, pork liver, chicken, chicken liverOther standout ingredients: Fish oil, glucosamine, chondroitinFeeding trials: YesNutrition breakdown: 51% protein, 19% fat, 6% fiberCalorie count: 71 kcal/3-ounce can

Meat protein sources:Chicken, turkey giblets, pork byproducts, pork liverOther standout ingredients: Fish oil, rice, soybean mealFeeding trials: NoNutrition breakdown: 39% protein, 24% fat, 3% fiberCalorie count: 90 kcal/2.9-ounce can

Meat protein sources: Tuna, salmon broth, chicken liver, chicken, salmonOther standout ingredients: Peas, beet pulp, flaxseedFeeding trials: NoNutrition breakdown: 50.8% protein, 22.8% fat, 4.1% fiberCalorie count: 98 kcal/3-ounce can

Best for sensitive stomachs

Just like humans, some cats have more sensitive stomachs than others. If your kitty has a food allergy or intolerance, they may experience unpleasant gastrointestinal symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, or gas. While you should always consult your vet before switching up your cat's diet, the best cat food for a sensitive stomach may provide relief.

Foods formulated for sensitive stomachs usually contain moderate to low fat and a more processed protein source, like chicken meal or chicken byproduct, says Saker. These proteins, which are more broken down than whole meats, may help your cat absorb the nutrients more efficiently. Saker also recommends looking for foods with lower fiber content and easily digestible complex carbohydrates, like whole wheat, corn, or white potatoes.

In addition, sensitive stomach formulas may contain omega fatty acids to reduce inflammation and prebiotics and probiotics to support digestion.

Meat and fish protein sources: Pork byproducts, chicken byproducts, chicken liver, pork liver, salmon, pork plasma, hydrolyzed chicken liverOther standout ingredients: Powdered celluloseFeeding trials: NoNutrition breakdown: 44.4% protein, 17.4% fat, 5.5% fiberCalorie count: 66 kcal/3-ounce can

Meat protein sources: Turkey, chicken byproduct meal, beef fat, dried egg productOther standout ingredients: Rice flour, corn gluten meal, soybean meal, oatmeal, whole grain cornFeeding trials: YesNutrition breakdown: 34% protein, 14% fat, 4% fiberCalorie count: 429 kcal/cup

Meat protein sources: Salmon, chicken, chicken fat, chicken mealOther standout ingredients: Yellow peas, potatoes, pea protein, cranberriesFeeding trials: YesNutrition breakdown: 35% protein, 21.9% fat, 1.1% fiberCalorie count: 507 kcal/cup

Best for hairball control

When cats groom themselves, they usually end up swallowing loose hairs. Sometimes, these hairs can pass through their digestive tract without issue. Other times, they clump into hairballs. Coughing up a hairball once every week or two is normal for most cats. But some hairballs may grow too large and get trapped in a cat's digestive tract, where it could cause a dangerous blockage.

For cats with a hard time managing the fallout of their luscious fur, the best cat foods formulated for hairball control may help. Although these foods won't stop your cat from licking themselves or swallowing hair, Saker says they often contain more insoluble fiber, which might help prevent loose hairs from getting stuck in the digestive tract. Insoluble fiber doesn't dissolvein the digestive tract, meaning that it might "pull along" hairs on its way out. Common sources of insoluble fiber include wheat bran, psyllium husks, cellulose, rice hull, and pea fiber.

Beyond the best cat foods for hairballs, brushing your cat regularly and talking to your veterinarian about the best hairball remedies for cats.

Meat protein sources: Chicken, chicken byproduct meal, turkeyOther standout ingredients: Corn grits, ground whole grain corn, ground whole grain sorghum, dried egg productFeeding trials: NoNutrition breakdown: 30% protein, 13.5% fat, 8.3% fiberCalorie count: 342 kcal/cup

Meat and fish protein sources: Ocean whitefish, fish broth, chicken, liver, pork lungsOther standout ingredients: Powdered celluloseFeeding trials: YesNutrition breakdown: 45.6% Protein, 22.2% fat, 9.7% fiberCalories: 77 kcal/3-ounce can

Meat and fish protein sources: Chicken, turkey liver, pork byproducts, pork liver, turkey heart, fish mealOther standout ingredients: Powdered cellulose, fish oilFeeding trials: NoNutrition breakdown: 36.3% protein, 21.1% fat, 9.2% fiberCalorie count: 84 kcal/2.9-ounce can

Best limited ingredient

Limited ingredient diets (LID) may be recommended for cats with gastrointestinal or dermatological issues likely caused by an adverse reaction or allergy to ingredients commonly found in cat food. Veterinarians often use LID foods to perform food elimination trials to pinpoint the source of a cat's food sensitivity.

When it comes to healthy adult cats, there is no advantage to feeding an LID formula, according to Dr. Yuki Okada, a veterinarian at Veterinary Nutrition Specialty Service. These recipes were historically formulated with uncommon ingredients and novel proteins like wild game. However, including these ingredients in regular cat food has made it more challenging to identify appropriate foods for a cat in need of an LID. To make it more likely that an LID will work for a cat who develops allergies or food reactions later in life, Okada says that healthy adult cats should stick to regular cat food formulas that are complete and balanced.

Meat protein sources: Chicken, chicken liverOther standout ingredients:Organic alfalfa meal, flaxseed oil, yucca extract, pea proteinFeeding trials: NoNutrition breakdown:36.4% protein, 27.7% fat, 6.4% fiberCalorie count:148 kcal/5-ounce can

Fish protein sources:Deboned whitefish, Menhaden fish mealOther standout ingredients:Pea protein, potatoes, flaxseed, blueberries, cranberries, fish oilFeeding trials:NoNutrition breakdown:30% protein, 14% fat, 6% fiberCalorie count:402 kcal/cup

Meat protein sources: Deboned duck, duck meal, whole dried eggOther standout ingredients: Peas, lentils, chickpeasFeeding trials: NoNutrition breakdown: 27% protein, 13% fat, 3.8% fiberCalorie count: 439 kcal/cup

What to look for in cat food

AAFCO nutritional adequacy statement: The most basic measure of a nutritionally complete cat food is an AAFCO statement on the label. The AAFCO is a nonprofit organization that defines the standard nutritional requirements for pet food and animal feed. A cat food with an AAFCO statement is guaranteed to be complete and balanced for a cat at various life stages. Read more about AAFCO standards in the next slide.

Guaranteed analysis and nutrient profiles: The guaranteed analysis consists of the percentages of protein, fat, and other important nutrients in a food. Food for adult cats who are not pregnant should have a minimum of 26% protein, 9% fat, and the presence of essential nutrients, including amino acids like taurine, fatty acids, minerals, and vitamins. There is no minimum fiber or carbohydrate requirement for adult cats who are not pregnant, and a complete and balanced food does not require added essential nutrients, says Okada.

Swanson told us that cats without adequately functioning kidneys require lower protein diets. The less protein a cat with kidney problems has, the less likely it will be to build up waste products in the blood that make them sick.

If you're looking to compare wet food to kibble, you'll find the guaranteed analysis of wet food doesn't give you the complete picture of how much of these vital nutrients are present. Read more about deciphering the guaranteed analysis for wet food in the section on How to read a cat food label.

Expert formulations: We prioritized brands with a dedicated nutrition expert on staff, which aligns with WSAVA guidelines. Both of the veterinary nutritionists we spoke to agree.

Always look for pet food manufacturers that employ at least one full-time board-certified veterinary nutritionist or an animal nutrition expert with a master's or doctorate degree.

Brands that formulate their products with the guidance of a veterinary nutritionist who is not on staff may be unable to ensure the highest quality standards.

"Pet food production requires a thorough knowledge of pet nutrition, pet food ingredients, processing methods and their effect on nutrients, plus a good understanding of physiology, chemistry, mathematics, microbiology and biochemistry," says Okada. "My greatest concerns are for very small companies that may have the best of intentions but very limited experience and technical knowledge."

Ingredients list: The ingredients on a pet food label are listed in order of weight. Proteins in the form of whole meat or meat meal should come first on the ingredients list. Don't get too hung up on the order of the ingredients that come next.

Manufacturing standards: When selecting a cat food brand, it's important to consider a manufacturer's quality control measures and the types of facilities where they produce food. Parker says this information should be easily accessible on a pet food company's website. If not, you should be able to call the company and get quick answers.

Some smaller pet food companies produce their food in facilities used by larger, more established manufacturers. Okada says this is a reliable way to ensure food quality and safety. When in doubt, select a larger manufacturer with a long history of making pet food. "If a problem arises, it will likely be discovered sooner if the product is widely distributed," says Okada.

Calorie content: The calorie content of cat food is listed in kilocalories (kcals). According to WSAVA, the average cat weighing 8 and 10 pounds should consume between 230 and 270 kcals/day. A cat food's calorie content should be clearly listed on its packaging.

How we selected the best cat foods

We consulted two veterinary nutritionists and an animal and nutritional sciences professor to select the best cat foods for this guide. None of our experts recommended specific brands or endorsed any of the products in this, but they helped us understand what makes a high-quality cat food and what to avoid.

Our experts include Dr. Valerie J. Parker, associate professor in the Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, The Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio; Dr. Yuki Okada, a veterinarian at Veterinary Nutrition Specialty Service in San Rafael, California; and Kelly Swanson, professor of animal and nutritional sciences at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign College.

Cat food FAQs

How much food does a cat need per day?

Feeding a cat just the right amount depends on many factors, including age, size, overall health, activity level, and reproductive status. Highly active cats need to eat more to sustain their energy, while sedentary cats may need to eat less to avoid weight gain. Pregnant female cats require more food to meet the demands of pregnancy, while their spayed counterparts do not need to eat as much. The WSAVA has a helpful chart for determining how many calories a cat should eat according to weight. This chart provides only general recommendations, so you should consult your veterinarian to discuss your cat's needs.

Do cats need to eat wet food?

Cats can have their nutritional needs met with either wet or dry food. Most important is that the food meets the minimum AAFCO nutrient requirements for a cat's life stage (growth and reproduction, adult maintenance). That being said, wet food can be beneficial for cats. Its high moisture content makes it easy for cats to stay well hydrated. Wet food also has a soft texture, ideal for recently weaned kittens and older cats with dental disease. Wet foods are often packed with flavor, which can entice even the pickiest of eaters.

How often should I feed my cat?

The feeding frequency depends on factors such as age, lifestyle, and overall health. For example, kittens do best with eating small meals throughout the day, while adult cats are usually OK with eating just twice a day. Free-choice feeding, in which food is left out all day, is convenient if you are not home for most of the day. However, this feeding method puts cats at risk of overeating and gaining excess weight. Providing meals at specific times of day and in specific amounts will help control your cat's food intake and prevent overeating. Your veterinarian can help you develop an ideal feeding plan for your cat.

Do cats need grain-free food?

No. Despite marketing claims, grain-free food has not been proven nutritionally superior to foods containing grains. A cat's digestive system is not designed to digest a large amount of carbohydrates, but cats do well eating foods that contain carbohydrate sources of grains, such as corn, oats, and wheat. These can be sources of essential nutrients like fiber and various vitamins and minerals. A grain-free food would be recommended for cats with grain and gluten allergies, but these allergies are exceedingly rare in cats. In recent years, the FDA has been investigating a potential link between grain-free dog foods and the development of a heart condition called non-hereditary dilated cardiomyopathy. However, this link has not been identified in cats eating grain-free foods.

Is raw food good for cats?

Raw meat diets have gained popularity in the pet food world. However, the risks of diets that contain raw meats outweigh any potential health benefits. Raw meat can contain disease-causing bacteria, such as E. coli, Listeria, and Salmonella, which can sicken cats and their owners if the meat is not handled correctly or prepared. Also, there is no nutritional benefit to feeding raw meat to cats. Any cat food with raw meat should be avoided.

How to read a cat food label

To really understand what is in your cat's food and compare one brand to another, you'll need to navigate its nutritional content.

Calorie content statement: The calorie content of cat food is listed in kilocalories (kcals). A cat food's calorie content should be listed on its packaging.

Guaranteed analysis: The guaranteed analysis on a cat food label is not straightforward, especially if you're attempting to compare the nutrients in wet food to those in dry food. Because the two types of food have vastly different moisture contents (around 75% to 78% in wet food and 10% to 12% in dry food), the percentages of fat, protein, and fiber in wet food must be converted to "dry matter basis." To find the dry matter basis, use these directions from the Cummings Veterinary Medical Center at Tufts University, call the food manufacturer, or ask your veterinarian for help.

AAFCO complete and balanced statement: To ensure that cat food is nutritionally complete and balanced, it must contain one of three AAFCO statements on its label.

1. The first AAFCO statement confirms that the food's minimum nutrient profile has been verified via a third-party laboratory analysis. It reads: [Product] is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Cat Food Nutrient Profiles.

2. A company may test food through controlled feeding trials instead of submitting it for laboratory analysis. These trials are imperfect the AAFCO requires eight healthy cats to consume the food for six months. At the end of the trial, at least 75% of the participating cats must meet four blood test parameters and must not have lost more than 15% of their original body weight. This statement reads: Animal feeding tests using AAFCO procedures substantiate that [product] provides complete and balanced nutrition.

3. A cat food manufacturer whose family of products has already met AAFCO's feeding trials criteria may carry an AAFCO statement for recipes that were not directly tested. That statement reads: [Product] provides complete and balanced nutrition and is comparable in nutritional adequacy to a product which has been substantiated using AAFCO feeding tests.

Other keywords to look for: The AAFCO has rules around how products can be marketed. If a single ingredient makes up 25% to 94% of a food's dry matter, it must be called a "dinner," "entree," "formula," or "recipe." If a single ingredient makes up 95% or more of the dry matter, it can be labeled as "Tuna Cat Food," "Chicken Cat Food," or another meat-first name.

If the word "flavor" appears on a cat food label, do not assume that it contains the actual ingredient associated with the flavor. A "tuna-flavored cat food," for example, does not have to contain tuna. The flavor may come from a broth, byproduct, or meal.

Some cat food labels include the phrase "No artificial flavors," but don't be concerned about labels that do not. We rarely see artificial flavors in cat foods.

"Premium" and "gourmet" are purely marketing terms. Foods labeled this way do not necessarily contain higher-quality ingredients and are not required to meet higher nutritional standards.

"Natural" refers to cat food that does not contain artificial flavors or preservatives unless they come from AAFCO-approved sources.

What are AAFCO standards?

Since its establishment in 1906, the nonprofit Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) has set nutritional guidelines for pet food in the United States. AAFCO is not a regulatory agency, but the regulatory FDA is an AAFCO member with a non-voting advisory role. AAFCO does not test, approve, or certify pet food brands. Instead, it defines the ingredient, labeling, and testing standards that establish whether a pet food is nutritionally complete for animals at different life stages.

A cat food that meets AAFCO's minimum standards is considered complete and balanced at one of two life stages: growth and reproduction, which includes kittens and pregnant or lactating females, or adult maintenance, which is intended for cats over a year of age.

To meet the minimum AAFCO standard, adult cat food must contain at least 26% protein, 9% fat, and essential nutrients, vitamins, and minerals. Food for kittens up to a year of age and pregnant or lactating adults must have a minimum of 30% protein, 9% fat, and higher levels of vitamin A, calcium, and phosphorus than adult maintenance foods.

Parker says that almost all commercially made cat foods exceed the minimum standards set by the AAFCO. The manufacturer must conduct a third-party laboratory analysis or feeding trials using AAFCO protocols to determine whether a product meets the minimum standards. A cat food without an AAFCO complete and balanced statement for an individual cat's life stage should never be fed as the cat's primary food.