The Best Cat Food in 2023 Reviews and Suggestions

The health of your cat is significantly influenced by its diet. Your cat will never be as healthy without appropriate nourishment as it may be on a diet that satisfies all of its nutritional needs. It's simple to talk about a healthy diet, but it is hard to provide your cats with the actual amount of nutrition they need. Though inferior goods predominate most of the pet industry, there are fortunately numerous producers of high-quality commercial cat meals that may give your furry companion all the nutrition they require.

To help you save time on wandering around finding the best cat food, we have made a list of top products. The following cat food is the best we could find after looking through numerous ingredient lists and nutritional labels to decide which is best to treat our cats. 

1. ORIJEN® Dry Cat Food - Best Overall

Food Label

• Main protein sources: Chicken, Turkey, Whole Mackerel, Turkey Giblets (Liver, Heart, Gizzard), Flounder, Chicken Liver, Whole Herring, Eggs, Dehydrated Chicken, Dehydrated Turkey, Dehydrated Mackerel, Dehydrated Chicken Liver, Dehydrated Egg

• Main plant ingredients: Whole Red Lentils, Whole Pinto Beans, Whole Peas, Whole Green Lentils, Whole Chickpeas, Natural Chicken Flavor, Whole Navy Beans, Lentil Fiber, Pea Starch

• Guaranteed analysis: Crude protein (min.) 40 %, Crude fat (min.) 20 %, Crude ash (max.) 9 %, Crude fiber (max.) 3 %, Moisture (max.) 10 %, Calcium (min.) 1.4 %, Phosphorus (min.) 1 %, Magnesium (min.) 0.1 %, Taurine (min.) 0.2 %, DHA (min.) 0.2 %, EPA (min.) 0.2 %, Omega-6 fatty acids* (min.) 3.5 %, Omega-3 fatty acids* (min.) 0.8 %, Total Microorganisms* (min.) (Lactobacillus acidophilus, Bifidobacterium animalis, Lactobacillus casei) 100MM CFU/lb.

Product’s Highlights

Dry cat food frequently contains a lot of carbs, which is inappropriate for cats because they are real carnivores by nature. However, this Orijen Original recipe is protein-heavy and uses a combination of fish and chicken as its major components.

Large quantities of fillers, such as maize or wheat, are frequently included in dry cat meals. Cats can consume fillers. But they often benefit from meat-rich diets since it is easy for them to digest, and Orijen Original is a great choice.

Additionally, it is suitable for all ages, from kittens to the elderly.

Pros

• Support a smooth and shiny fur and healthy skin

• Aid digestion

• Low carbohydrate content

• Used for all life phases

Cons

• Expensive

2. Instinct Raw Boost Grain Free Dry Cat Food

Food Label

• Main protein sources: Chicken, Chicken Meal, Salmon Meal, Peas, Menhaden Fish Meal, Freeze Dried Chicken, Freeze Dried Chicken Liver

• Main plant ingredients: Tapioca, Sun-cured Alfalfa Meal, Dried Tomato Pomace, Pumpkin seeds, Dried Chicory Root

• Guaranteed analysis: Crude Protein 41.0% min, Crude Fat 22.0% min, Crude Fiber 3.5% max, Moisture 9.0% max, Zinc 120 mg/kg min, Selenium 0.6 mg/kg min, Vitamin A 18,000 IU/kg min, Vitamin E 120 IU/kg min, Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C) 100 mg/kg min, Omega-3 Fatty Acids 0.5% min, Omega-6 Fatty Acids 3.5% min, Bacillus Coagulans 60,000,000 CFU/lb min

Product’s Highlights

Instinct Raw Boost Indoor Health is specially made for indoor cats. It contains fewer calories, so the inactive cat can have a healthier weight. 

It comes with additional animal-based protein sources, including salmon, menhaden fish, and chicken. 

The liver of a pig or rabbit is also included in this indoor cat diet. Feeding your kitties with this cat food can offer them enough protein without utilizing plant-based proteins, which cats could find more difficult to digest.

The formula includes omega-3 fats from salmon oil to support heart health as well as probiotics and vitamins to support the immune and digestive systems.

Two types of Instinct Raw Boost Indoor Health are available: Raw Boost Real Chicken Healthy Weight and Raw Boost Real Beef. The latter is suitable for cats of all ages, including pregnant or breastfeeding cats.

Pros

• Good for indoor cats

• Has freeze-dried raw meat in the ingredients

• Include animal-based protein

• Grain-free

Cons

• One size bag

3. Acana Grasslands Dry Cat Food

Food Label

• Main protein source: Deboned duck, deboned chicken, eggs, chicken meal, turkey meal, catfish meal, deboned turkey, quail, duck meal, chicken liver, chicken heart, duck liver, duck cartilage, freeze-dried turkey liver

• Main plant ingredients: Whole red lentils, whole pinto beans, pea starch, whole green lentils, whole chickpeas, lentil fiber

• Guaranteed analysis: Crude protein 36% min, Crude fat 18% min, Crude fiber 4% max, Moisture 10% max, Dietary Starch 15% max, Sugars 1.2% max, EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) 0.1% min, DHA 0.15% min, Calcium, 1.9% min, Phosphorus, 1.3% min, Magnesium 0.1% min, Taurine 0.1% min, Omega-3 fatty acids 0.8% min, Omega-6 fatty acids 3.0% min, total Microorganisms 100 Million CFU/lb

Product’s Highlights

Made from animals often found in Kentucky grasslands, Acana Regionals Grasslands is entirely grain-free.

According to Acana, the diet contains around 75% animal components. The list's initial items are chicken, duck, eggs, and catfish meals. Additionally, the business often uses animal ingredients (meat, organs, bones, and cartilage) to make food to increase nutritional value without the need for significant amounts of synthetic vitamins, minerals, or other supplements.

 

Pros

• Rich in Animal-base ingredients

• Grain-free

Cons

• Expensive

4. Wellness CORE Dry Kitten Food

Food Label

• Main protein source: Deboned Turkey, Turkey Meal, Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Herring Meal

• Main plant ingredients: Peas, Dried Ground Potatoes, Tomato Pomace, Ground Flaxseed, Cranberries, Chicory Root Extract

• Guaranteed analysis: Crude Protein 45.0% min, Crude Fat 18.0% min, Crude Fiber 3.0% max, Moisture 10.0% max, Calcium 2.1% max, Phosphorus 1.6% max, Magnesium 0.13.0% max, Vitamin E 200 IU/kg min, Taurine 0.2% min, Omega-6 Fatty Acids 4.75% min, Omega-3 Fatty Acids 1.25% min, DHA 0.10% min, Total Lactic Acid Microorganisms 90,000,000 CFU/lb min

Product’s Highlights

With nutrients including chicken, turkey, and salmon, Wellness CORE Kitten has over 55% protein to assist kittens' healthy lives and growth.

Salmon oil, a wonderful source of omega-3 fatty acids that support brain growth, glossy hair, and good skin, is also used in the recipe.

Dried kelp, cranberries, and antioxidants that enhance the health of the immunological and digestive systems are some other advantageous elements in Wellness CORE Kitten.

Overall, this recipe aims to provide your cat with all the nutrients they need to grow up healthy. In addition, keep in mind that in case your cat turns up liking it, there is an adult formula available.

Pros

• Grain-free

• Easy to digest and absorb nutrients

• Has salmon oil (omega-3)

Cons

• Comes with only one flavor

5. Instinct Original Grain-Free Pate

Food Label

• Main protein source: Animal meat based on flavors

• Main plant ingredients: Peas, Carrots, Pumpkin, Tomato, Kale, Cabbage, Ground Flaxseed, Broccoli

• Guaranteed analysis: Crude Protein 9.0% min, Crude Fat 7.0% min, Crude Fiber 3.0% max, Moisture 78.0% max, Omega-3 Fatty Acids 0.2% min, Omega-6 Fatty Acids 1.0% min

Product’s Highlights

Instinct Original Grain-Free Pate is designed with healthful, protein-rich ingredients with a small number of fruits and vegetables, making it suitable for all age ranges.

You can choose from many flavors when selecting this wet food, like chicken, duck, lamb, fish, and so on. Every recipe contains around 95% animal products, with the remaining 5% of fruits and vegetables.

Even if your cats are pregnant or breastfeeding, Instinct Original is made to meet their nutritional needs. It offers a high-protein, ideal food for carnivores, making it suitable for cats of all life stages.

Pros

• Available in several flavors

• Appropriate for all life stages

Cons

• Some picky cats may not approve

1. Which cat food is ideal for your cats?

The best cat food for your cat depends on age, health conditions, and preferences. It is ideal to ask a veterinarian if you're unclear about which food to select since they may make brand suggestions and assist you in setting up a diet plan.

2. When should I give my cat its meal?

Cats need at least two meals daily, spaced around 12 hours apart. A timetable that includes breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, supper, and immediately before bed is also a fantastic choice. If your cats go more than 12 hours without eating, their stomach may become too acidic, making you feel sick.

3. Is omega-3 fatty acids beneficial for cats?

It has been shown that omega-3 fish oils for cats can maintain a regular heartbeat and reduce the chance of atrial fibrillation, a heart rhythm fluttering. In addition to lowering triglyceride levels in cats, fish oil has been shown to have anticoagulant properties that help heart-failure-prone cats avoid blood clots. Let's choose food that has salmon ingredients if you want to feed your cat omega-3 fatty acids. You can refer to: Instinct Raw Boost Grain Free Dry Cat Food or Acana Grasslands Dry Cat Food.

4. Is cat food better served dry or wet?

Wet food is ideal for cats since it is more hydrated and often has fewer carbs. Although a dry diet is affordable, over time, it may raise your cat's risk of diabetes or urinary problems.

As you can see from our article, the market is flooded with high-quality cat meals. It is tricky to sort through the market to find the best cat food that provides the highest nutrients for your cat at the best price. Before choosing the best one, you can consider your cat's preferences of flavors and health. You can opt for both wet and dry food at a time to feed sufficient nutrition for your cats.