Choosing the right food for your feline friend is crucial to ensure they stay healthy and active. With countless options available in the market, it can be challenging to pick the best one. This article highlights the top 10 healthiest cat food brands that are packed with essential nutrients to keep your cat fit and happy.
Key Takeaways
- Fresh Other Bird Recipe by Smalls offers a high-protein, low-fat formula with natural ingredients like turkey thigh and liver.
- Purina ONE Tender Selects Blend with Real Salmon is an affordable option that provides balanced nutrition with real salmon as the primary ingredient.
- Orijen Original Grain-Free Dry Cat Food is known for its high-quality, grain-free formula that includes a variety of animal proteins.
- Wellness CORE Tiny Tasters Kitten Chicken Cat Food is specifically designed for kittens, featuring chicken as the first ingredient and added EPA and DHA.
- Diamond Naturals Active Chicken Meal & Rice Formula is suitable for cats of all life stages, offering a high-protein diet made in the USA.
Fresh Other Bird Recipe by Smalls
We recommend the Fresh Other Bird Recipe by Smalls as the best overall healthiest cat food. Smalls is a subscription-based meal service exclusively for felines, offering a range of fresh raw food options. With several recipes available, each with unique textures, you can select the best fit for your cat. In the case of the Fresh Other Bird recipe, you can choose between two textures: smooth and ground.
Pet parents who have already tried Smalls’ Fresh Other Bird Recipe have been ecstatic about the positive results. Their feline friends have experienced weight loss, enhanced coat quality, and an undeniable love for this food. It’s safe to say that this option is truly approved by our feline friends and their doting owners!
Pros
- Fresh ingredients
- Very high in protein
- Substantial moisture content
Cons
- Subscription required
Nutritional Information
| Main Ingredients | Protein Content | Fat Content | Calories |
|---|---|---|---|
| Turkey Thigh, Turkey Liver, Green Beans, Peas, Kale | 16% | 5% | 1,415 kcal/kg |
This Smooth Bird & Fish Dish is Smalls’ first multi-protein fresh cat food formula. It’s made with chicken muscle meat, chicken liver, and salmon as the top ingredients.
Purina ONE Tender Selects Blend with Real Salmon
Purina ONE Tender Selects Blend with Real Salmon is a budget-friendly option that doesn’t compromise on quality. This cat food provides optimal nutrition at a lower price, making it the healthiest cat food for the money. Your buck stretches far with this recipe.
Main Ingredients
- Salmon
- Rice Flour
- Corn Gluten Meal
- Chicken By-Product Meal
- Beef Fat (Naturally Preserved with Mixed-Tocopherols)
- Soybean Meal
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Protein Content | 34% |
| Fat Content | 15% |
| Calories | 3,734 kcal/kg |
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Fresh ingredients
- Very high in protein
- Substantial moisture content
Cons
- Subscription required
While Purina ONE Tender Selects Blend with Real Salmon isn’t necessarily the healthiest food, it provides optimal nutrition at a lower price.
Customer Reviews
Find helpful customer reviews and review ratings for Purina ONE Natural Dry Cat Food, Tender Selects Blend With Real Salmon – 16 lb. Bag at Amazon.com.
Orijen Original Grain-Free Dry Cat Food
One of the standout features of Orijen Original Grain-Free Dry Cat Food is its high protein content, with up to 90% of the ingredients being animal-based. This ensures your cat receives the nutrition necessary to thrive and maintain optimal health. The recipe includes premium protein sources such as fresh or raw chicken, turkey, whole mackerel, turkey giblets, and flounder.
Nutritional Information
- Protein Content: 40%
- Fat Content: 20%
- Calories: 4,120 kcal/kg
Ingredients
- Chicken
- Turkey
- Whole Mackerel
- Turkey Giblets (Liver, Heart, Gizzard)
- Flounder
- Chicken Liver
- Whole Herring
- Eggs
- Dehydrated Chicken
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- High protein content
- Uses WholePrey ingredients
- Includes a variety of premium protein sources
Cons:
- Expensive but worth it
- Includes some less-than-stellar ingredients, like rice flour
Orijen is committed to “WholePrey” ingredients, which means incorporating the most nourishing parts of prey animals. This approach mirrors the natural diet of cats in the wild, providing them with a complete and balanced range of nutrients.
Wellness CORE Tiny Tasters Kitten Chicken Cat Food
Kittens need special nutrition as they are still growing. The Wellness CORE Tiny Tasters Kitten Chicken Cat Food is designed explicitly to support these kittens and help them reach their full potential.
It is made with real chicken as its first ingredient and many other animal-based ingredients, like chicken liver. These provide the amino acids and protein your feline needs to thrive. Plus, the recipe is formulated with DHA and EPA for brain health.
Diamond Naturals Active Chicken Meal & Rice Formula
Main Ingredients
- Chicken Meal
- Ground White Rice
- Chicken Fat
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Protein | 40% |
| Fat | 20% |
| Calories | 4,000 kcal/kg |
Suitability
Diamond Naturals Active Chicken Meal & Rice Formula is designed mostly for adult cats but is also suitable for kittens and pregnant cats. Its high-protein, energy-dense formula works well for practically all felines.
Additional Information
Diamond Naturals is family-owned and operated. Their foods are made in the USA with quality ingredients, though they source them worldwide.
This formula gives your cat the meat-dense diet they deserve, making it a great option for active cats or those with allergies.
Wellness CORE Signature Selects Poultry Selection
If your cat prefers wet food, we recommend Wellness CORE Signature Selects Poultry Selection. Wet food is generally better for cats due to its high moisture content (and this food has a very high moisture content). It helps your feline stay hydrated, which can prevent urinary tract problems.
Open Farm Rawmix Open Prairie Recipe
The Open Farm Rawmix Open Prairie Recipe is a top choice for cat owners who prioritize high-quality, animal-derived protein sources. This recipe features a blend of chicken, turkey, and menhaden fish meal, supplemented with ocean whitefish meal, chicken liver, and chicken neck. Sourced from humanely raised chicken, it ensures a species-appropriate source of minerals due to the inclusion of bone from chicken necks.
Nutritional Information
- Guaranteed Protein: 38% Min
- Calories Per Ounce: 106
- Typical Cost Per Day: $1.15 per day
- Age Range: All Life Stages
Ingredients
The primary ingredients in this recipe include:
- Chicken
- Turkey
- Menhaden Fish Meal
- Ocean Whitefish Meal
- Chicken Liver
- Chicken Neck
Additional Features
Open Farm Rawmix is enhanced with a coating of powdered bone broth and freeze-dried raw organ meats, such as turkey gizzards. While it may not be nutritionally perfect, it scores high on ingredient quality and trustworthiness, making it a reliable choice for your feline friend.
Purina Pro Plan
Purina Pro Plan offers science-backed recipes packed with healthy proteins and carbs, making it an excellent choice for keeping your cat well-fed and healthy. This brand caters to specific health needs, such as weight management and sensitive digestion. Although it is considered the most premium option among Purina’s pet food brands, it is often the most expensive.
Pros
- High-quality ingredients
- Trusted reputation
- Caters to specific health needs
Cons
- Packaging can be hard to open and isn’t recyclable
Popular Products
| Product Name | Price | Retailer |
|---|---|---|
| Purina Pro Plan Chicken & Rice Formula with Probiotics High Protein Cat Food | $17 | Chewy |
| Purina Pro Plan Savor Adult Tuna Entree in Sauce | $34 | Chewy, Amazon |
| Purina Pro Plan Prime Plus Salmon and Rice Formula | $43 | Chewy, Petco |
Purina Pro Plan is chosen by cat owners for its high-quality ingredients and the ability to cater to their pet’s specific health needs.
Fancy Feast
Fancy Feast is a well-known brand among cat owners, particularly for its wet food offerings. The brand has a large variety of flavors to choose from, especially with its wet formulas. This makes it easy to cater to your cat’s preferences, whether they enjoy poultry or seafood protein sources. Fancy Feast wet food comes in several forms, including paté, grilled, and gravy recipes, and there are dozens of flavors to choose from.
Pros
- The majority of owners surveyed say their cats love the taste of this food.
- Fancy Feast is reasonably priced, especially when compared to other wet foods.
- The brand offers a wide variety of flavors, making it easy to find something your cat will love.
Cons
- The can size is smaller than average.
Popular Varieties
- Gravy Lovers Ocean Whitefish & Tuna Feast
- Paté Chicken Feast
- Grilled Turkey Feast
Fancy Feast provides complete and balanced nutrition at every life stage, making it a reliable choice for both kittens and seniors.
Customer Ratings
| Aspect | Rating |
|---|---|
| Ease of Use | 4.3/5 |
| Quality | 4/5 |
| Engagement | 4/5 |
| Value | 4/5 |
Price Comparison
| Retailer | Price |
|---|---|
| Amazon | $20.40 |
| Chewy | $22.32 |
Fancy Feast has a 4.5-star average rating from 595 reviews on Chewy, reflecting its popularity and customer satisfaction.
Iams Proactive Health
Overview
Iams Proactive Health is a dry food option designed for cats that are at least 12 months old. This formula is high in protein, sourced from a blend of chicken, turkey, and salmon. It also includes beet pulp to help reduce hairballs and L-carnitine to assist in converting fat into energy.
Key Features
- High Protein Content: Made from chicken, turkey, and salmon.
- Hairball Reduction: Contains beet pulp to minimize hairballs.
- Energy Conversion: Includes L-carnitine to help turn fat into energy.
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Protein | 33% |
| Fat | 21% |
| Fiber | 3% |
| Calories | 484 kcal/cup |
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Keeps your cat’s coat shiny and smooth.
- Offers formulas for urinary problems, digestive issues, and hairballs.
- Widely available in big box stores and supermarkets.
Cons:
- Some cats may not prefer the taste.
- Higher price point compared to other brands.
Iams Proactive Health is a well-rounded option for cat owners looking to address multiple health concerns, from hairballs to weight management.
Iams Proactive Health offers a range of premium cat food designed to keep your feline friend healthy and happy. With high-quality ingredients and tailored nutrition, you can trust Iams to support your cat’s well-being. Visit our website to learn more and give your cat the best care possible.
Conclusion
Choosing the right cat food is crucial for maintaining your feline friend’s health and well-being. With so many options available, it can be overwhelming to decide which brand is best for your cat. This article has highlighted the top 10 healthiest cat food brands, each offering unique benefits and high-quality ingredients to keep your cat fit and happy. From fresh recipes to nutrient-dense dry foods, these brands have been carefully selected based on their nutritional value, ingredient quality, and overall benefits. Remember, a healthy diet is the foundation of a long and happy life for your cat. Always consult with your veterinarian to ensure that the food you choose meets your cat’s specific dietary needs. By making informed choices, you can provide your feline companion with the best nutrition possible, ensuring they stay healthy and active for years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I look for in healthy cat food?
When choosing healthy cat food, look for high-quality protein sources, minimal fillers, essential vitamins and minerals, and no artificial additives.
Is grain-free cat food better for my cat?
Grain-free cat food can be beneficial for cats with specific allergies or sensitivities, but it’s not necessarily better for all cats. Always consult with your vet.
How often should I feed my cat?
Most adult cats do well with two meals per day. Kittens may require more frequent feeding. Always follow the feeding guidelines on the cat food packaging and consult with your vet.
Can I mix wet and dry cat food?
Yes, mixing wet and dry cat food can provide a balanced diet and help with hydration. Ensure that the combined portions meet your cat’s nutritional needs.
How do I transition my cat to a new food brand?
Transition your cat to a new food brand gradually over 7-10 days. Start by mixing a small amount of the new food with the old, gradually increasing the new food’s proportion.
Are there specific ingredients I should avoid in cat food?
Avoid cat foods with artificial preservatives, colors, and flavors. Also, steer clear of foods with high levels of fillers like corn, wheat, and soy.