Best cat food 2024 for keeping your kitty healthy

Choosing the best cat food for your furry feline is one of the most important choices you will make as a pet parent. We know you love your kitty more than anything and want to give them the best.

You may feel overwhelmed with all the cat food choices out there, we get it. There are endless options all claiming to be the best. That’s why we’ve rounded up this buying guide to help you choose the best fit for your cat. 

Whether that is the best wet cat food or the best dry cat food, these choices will have all the nutrients and vitamins your cat needs to stay looking and feeling their best. It is worth mentioning that each wet and dry cat food will have their own set of pros and cons, and it will be worth thinking of these when you are choosing a food product for your cat.

While wet food is messier, it can be easier to chew and can help hydrate cats that don’t drink a ton of water. On the other hand, dry food can be more beneficial for dental health and isn’t as messy. 

Dr Sarah Merrett, a Central Veterinary Officer for Cats Protection, also weighs in with some helpful tips and information when picking out food. She notes that it is best to choose foods that have been labeled as ‘complete.’

"We would advise feeding a complete food as these provide all the necessary nutrients, in the right balance, so that no other food needs to be added. Complementary foods are the types of food items given in addition to a complete diet, treats and food toppers are examples.”

In this guide, you’ll find a roundup of the best cat food currently in the market that also cover every price point from budget to more luxury brands.

Dr. Sarah Merrett

Sarah Merrett graduated from the Royal Veterinary College in 2005 and has experience in both charity and private practice, most recently working only with cats in a feline-specific clinic. She is an RCVS Advanced Practitioner in Feline Medicine. 

The quick list

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The best cat food we recommend in 2024

The best overall cat food

With excellent reviews everywhere from Amazon to Chewy, Iams’ reputation as a brand that delivers on quality and can be trusted makes it an obvious choice in a marketplace with plenty of competition.

Containing chicken as the number one ingredient, and not being accompanied by any nasty fillers or additives, Iams is a triumph with pet parents and cats alike. The complete and balanced formulas will meet all of your cat’s nutrition needs, containing doses of omega-3 to keep their coat shiny, and prebiotics and beet pulp to help along the digestion process.

Crunchy kibble is something that cats can't get enough of, which is handy in this case,  as it has been specially formulated with the correct blend of vitamins and minerals to ensure that good dental health is maintained. 

This also means that you’re bound to find something that meets your cat’s specific needs in their product range, with everything from hairball control and urinary tract health to healthy digestion and weight management options being targeted.

The Proactive range is probably our pick, especially in the US. Its products are backed by veterinarians, meaning that you can rest assured that your cat's food will be of the highest quality.

However, while we have a lot of positive things to say about Iams, its products certainly aren't immune to criticism. For example, some of the formulas are higher in carbohydrates than what we would ideally like to see, which isn’t great for cats with more sedentary lifestyles. Moreover, the presence of several forms of corn may be an issue for cats with allergies or sensitive digestive systems.

Regardless, with so many cats giving it their meow of approval, it’s definitely our recommended first choice for cats.

For more information, read our Iams Proactive Health Adult Dry Food review.

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The best budget cat food

Sheba has long been a trusted brand for the best cat food, and so it continues to be the case with its Perfect Portions variety pack.

This product comes in a number of different flavors: savory chicken, roasted turkey, and tender beef. The trays are easy to open and designed to be eaten out of, saving you from having to use bowls or plates.

The ingredients come with the finest quality protein, and the fish is sustainably sourced, giving your conscience some peace of mind. 

While no grains or corn are used as ingredients, this doesn't rule out the possibility of some trace products making it through during the manufacturing process. Even so, it's good to know.

One quibble is that the price appears to have gone up a fair amount during the last few months, and since the portion sizes aren't the biggest, they could set you back a bit. Even so, there's a lot to like about these variety packs.

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The best premium cat food

If you’re wanting to treat your cat to a Michelin-starred dining experience then look no further than Ziwi Peak, a New Zealand-based company that’s quickly making a name for itself as one of the top cat food manufactures in the world.

It’s not hard to see why: made with 92% fresh meat, organs, bone, and seafood, all of its ingredients are human-grade, free-range, sustainably-caught, and sourced within New Zealand using ethical farming and fishing practices.

If your little feline fur baby is prone to shooting you wistful and longing glances each time you sit down to try and enjoy your dinner, then you’ll be relieved to know that you can say goodbye to all that guilt-tripping. Your cat will love this meaty and moisture-rich meal that will leave them feeling less like a cat and more like a human.

This formula offers great peace of mind for you as a cat parent, as no animal by-products, additives, or fillers make it into the Ziwi Peak range. It is also free of controversial ingredients such as carrageenan and guar gum, which have the potential to impair nutrient absorption.

While there is a lot to love about this premium product, price may be a factor here. It’s an expensive option if you have multiple cats or are wanting it to form the main part of your cat’s diet. It also contains a small percentage of green-lipped mussels, which not all cats enjoy – this is reflected in the less-favorable consumer reviews, so we would recommend trialing this before committing to buying in bulk.

However, if your cat isn’t averse to the taste, the addition of green-lipped mussels provides glucosamine and chondroitin, vital for healthy joints. The range also features chelated minerals for maximum nutrient absorption.

All in all, this high-quality, nutrient-dense range is cat food at its best.

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The best grain-free formula

If you’re looking for a tasty and nourishing recipe with everything your cat needs and none of what they don’t, then this high-quality formula from Blue Wilderness is well worth considering.

Granted, it’s a little more expensive than many other products on the market, but you get what you pay for with only the best real meats, healthy complex carbs, and plenty of fruits and vegetables to provide a powerful hit of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals.

Designed for indoor cats, this grain-free kibble helps protect against the weight gain that can often plague sedentary cats, and being gentle on the digestive system, it’s ideal for kitties with stomach issues or allergies.

Featuring Blue’s exclusive LifeSource Bits, designed by veterinarians, this is a balanced recipe with a precise blend of all the nutrients your kitty needs to aid muscle development, keep their skin and coat healthy, and their immune system firing on all cylinders. 

With a minimum of 38% protein, 16% fat, and 6% fiber, this kibble will keep your cat feeling full and is available in 2lb, 5lb, and 11lb bags.  

For more information, read our Blue Wilderness High Protein Dry Cat Food review.

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The best cat food for weight management

It's not only humans who suffer from middle-aged spread, so if you've been noticing there's more of your cat to love than usual then feeding them food that helps control their weight may be a sensible option. And a much healthier one for your kitty.

This calorie-controlled food from Blue Buffalo is based on their normal cat food with a more carefully balanced formula to help your cat achieve and maintain a healthy weight. Made from all-natural ingredients including deboned chicken, whole grains, and vegetables, it provides a mix of protein and calories that's designed to get your cat tipping the scales in a more favorable direction while keeping them full.

With 30% protein, only 10% fat, and no artificial colors or preservatives, this kibble is designed to give your cat everything it needs to thrive and survive. This is helped by the addition of Blue Buffalo’s LifeSource Bits – a blend of apples, blackberries, blueberries, cranberries, pomegranate, pumpkin, and spinach designed by holistic veterinarians and animal nutritionists. They contain omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids as well as the antioxidants and vitamins needed to support your furry friend's immune system and promote shiny, healthy skin and coat.

This all-natural cat kibble made without poultry by-product meals is more expensive than their other formulas, so it may make your wallet thinner too, but compared to potential vet bills caused by the potential complications caused by cat obesity it may be a sensible investment in the long run. Not to mention how much better your fur baby will feel not having to carry around those excess pounds.

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The best cat food for hairballs

If you’ve ever heard your cat making that dreaded retching noise in another room then you’re familiar with the mad dash to find them and get them outside before they bring up a hairball all over your carpet! 

While you might think that owning a cat means you’re destined to spend time up to your elbows in warm water scrubbing hairball residue off your floors, you’ll be delighted to know that Royal Canin has come to the rescue with a formula that helps move hairballs through the stomach and into the gastrointestinal tract, where they can’t be regurgitated.

What makes this product so special is its blend of insoluble and dietary fibers. The former acts as your cat's very own internal brush, sweeping the hairballs through the body and into the bowel, while the latter makes sure all the nutrients are fully absorbed, keeping your furry friend’s skin and hair healthy. 

The combination of fatty acids and fibers means that this blend has anti-inflammatory properties, making it a great choice if your cat suffers from digestive issues. It also includes nutrients to prevent tartar buildup on teeth, which contributes to dental health.

We love this product for its effectiveness in preventing hairballs and because it comes from Royal Canin, a brand with a reputation for delivering high-quality products that keep cats healthy. However, it does contain wheat and corn, so if you don’t want those in your cat’s diet then you’ll want to give this product a miss. It’s also more expensive than some of the other hairball-prevention cat foods on the market, so this is also worth considering if price is a factor.

However, if those things don’t bother you then this is a great choice that allows your cat to groom themselves to their heart's content without you having to worry about cleaning up after them.

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The best cat food for sensitive stomachs

The Purina One range is designed to add complete nutrition to a cat's daily diet and the manufacturer promises to only use natural, high-quality ingredients, all of which are included purely for their dietary purpose.

It means you're not getting fillers here and, because there are different formulas to suit the specific needs of different cats, you can be sure that you're supporting your feline's health concerns: this one, for example, is tailored for cats which have sensitive stomachs and skin.

The main ingredient of this dry food is real turkey and it's supplemented by chicken by-product meal, thereby ensuring a plentiful supply of protein. Indeed, your cat will get 36 grams of protein per cup here, which is more than enough to support a healthy heart and provide the building block of his or her nutrition.

The food also includes wholesome grains for energy as well as real carrots and peas. Vitamin D is provided naturally by beef fat. It's little wonder that a lot of vets will recommend Purina One because it's premium food, for sure. Not only will it give your cat a balanced diet, but it should also help them to stop vomiting and scratching. Many owners who have tried it, say it certainly does the trick.

How? Well, it's been created to be easily digestible so it shouldn't upset your feline's stomach (although a very small number of owners claim their cat had diarrhea after eating it). Vitamins E and A will support your cat's immune system and the omega-5 fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals support healthy skin and coat. The crunchy kibble works wonders on your cat's teeth too.

The main downside is that it's a little more expensive than some other dry food but you generally get what you pay for.

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Best paté-style cat food

Patés can be a tasty choice for felines. Typically moisture-packed and with a smooth tempting texture, Purina Fancy Feast offers a great selection. If you're looking to stock up on your cat's food in advance, you can't go wrong with picking up the classic collection, a compilation of 30 cans in total featuring meaty flavors so your feline friends will never get bored. 

The pack features turkey, beef, and chicken (10 each) as its primary protein sources and there's a generous helping of vitamins and minerals. Tucked behind Purina Fancy Feast's luxe packaging are Vitamins B-1, B-7, B-9, B-5, B-6, D-3, and Vitamin E. It's low-carb and grain-free too.

If you have a particularly picky feline, the soft texture and enticing flavors may tempt them to eat and the price tag shouldn't be too hard to swallow. The main drawback here though is that some cats may not enjoy all three flavors which may leave a few cans in the box left behind so you may wish to try out singular cans first with your feline. 

The best cat food: FAQs

How to choose the best cat food

According to The Journal of Experimental Biology, healthy cats regulate the amount of protein, carbohydrate, and fat they eat and, given the choice, they would choose a diet similar to their natural prey.

Many meals will contain more than 30% protein from an animal source, whether fish or meat, and that is in line with recommendations from the Association of American Feed Control Officials. Cats also need a low-carb diet, with studies – such as one published in the journal Veterinary Sciences – showing domestic cats will naturally select food that is low in carbohydrates.

“It is important to choose a food suitable for the cat’s life stage, whether that’s a kitten, adult, or senior cat,” Dr Merrett adds. “There are also prescription diets available, which can help with certain illnesses or health conditions, these should only be used under veterinary direction.

You can, of course, give a cat both wet and dry food but, if you're solely feeling kibble, ensure you provide plenty of water – preferably dispensed by the best water fountains. Take age into account too – opt for the best kitten food, for example if your feline friend is still young – and be aware of known allergies, sensitivities, and medical conditions such as inappropriate urination or soft stools. One thing's for sure, never be afraid to seek veterinary advice.

Does the quality of cat food matter?

Yes, the quality of cat food does matter. Just as you wouldn't eat junk food every day (at least we hope you wouldn't), it's important to give your cat quality ingredients. In doing so, you will ensure they are getting the nutrients and vitamins needed for energy and growth. You can also prevent cats from becoming seriously ill.

“Cats have specific nutritional requirements, including a higher need for dietary protein than many other animals,” says Dr  Merrett. “Within the wide range of complete diets available to buy, there will be differences in texture, consistency, and also in nutritional content.

“Complete foods should meet a minimum requirement of protein, but diets will vary in their protein content, there will also be other ingredients added which will be of various qualities. It is worth discussing the individual needs of your cat further with your vet, in order to choose the optimum diet for them.” 

What ingredients are the healthiest for cats?

According to a survey by premium pet food brand Lily's Kitchen, 64% of cat owners do not know what they're looking for in the ingredients for the best cat food. In general, though, a meal high in meat – whether wet or dry – is crucial and it's a good idea to avoid meals that are packed with fillers such as bone meal, flavorings, and grains.

“Cats are obligate carnivores, which means they need meat to stay healthy and thrive,” says Dr Merrett. “Their digestive system hasn’t adapted to eating a plant-based diet and there are certain nutrients, such as the amino acid taurine, that they can only get from meat. For this reason, we would not recommend feeding your cat a vegan or vegetarian diet.”