Choosing the right cat food is about more than finding a flavor your cat approves of, although anyone who lives with a cat knows that part can be surprisingly important.
Cats are obligate carnivores, which means they have specific nutritional requirements that differ from dogs and humans. They need animal-derived nutrients such as taurine, as well as appropriate levels of protein, fat, vitamins and minerals to stay healthy.
There is no single “best cat food” for every cat. The right choice depends on your cat’s age, body condition, activity level, lifestyle and health. A growing kitten has very different nutritional needs from a sedentary indoor adult or an older cat with a medical condition.
As a veterinarian, I recommend looking beyond attractive packaging and fashionable ingredients. A good cat food should provide complete and balanced nutrition for your cat’s life stage, come from a reputable manufacturer with appropriate nutritional expertise and quality-control standards, and suit your individual cat.
Finding the Right Food for Your Cat
Kittens need food formulated specifically for growth because they require more energy and particular levels of nutrients to support healthy development. Once they reach adulthood, most cats can move onto a complete adult maintenance diet.
Indoor cats may need fewer calories than highly active cats, while overweight cats often benefit from a purpose-designed weight-management food rather than simply having their normal food dramatically restricted.
As cats get older, their nutritional needs can change again. Some senior cats become less active and gain weight, while others lose weight or muscle and may benefit from a more calorie-dense, highly palatable food.
You will also find foods designed for sensitive digestion, hairball control, urinary health, skin and coat support and other specific needs. Some of these can be useful, but persistent vomiting, diarrhea, urinary problems, weight changes or loss of appetite should always be investigated by a veterinarian rather than managed by repeatedly switching foods.
Wet Food, Dry Food or Both?
Both wet and dry cat foods can provide complete and balanced nutrition when appropriately formulated.
Wet food has a much higher moisture content, which can help increase a cat’s overall water intake. This can be particularly useful because cats naturally have a relatively low thirst drive.
Dry food is convenient, easy to store and can work well for cats that prefer to graze, although portions still need to be measured carefully. Free-feeding dry food can make it very easy for some indoor cats to consume more calories than they need.
Many cats do well with a combination of wet and dry food.
Whatever you choose, monitor your cat’s weight and body condition rather than relying entirely on the feeding guide on the packet. Those recommendations are useful starting points, but individual calorie requirements vary considerably.
Our Cat Food Picks
Below you’ll find a selection of cat foods available from pet retailers we work with. We’ve organized them to make it easier to compare options for different life stages and nutritional needs.
Always check the current product information before purchasing, particularly if your cat has an existing medical condition or requires a veterinary diet.
The Pets Kingdom may earn a commission if you purchase through some of the links below, at no additional cost to you.
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