As a cat owner, providing your feline friend with the healthiest cat food options is crucial for their overall well-being. The right cat food should be nutritionally balanced and provide your cat with essential nutrients for optimal health and longevity. With so many cat food brands and formulas on the market, it can be challenging to know which ones are the healthiest. In this guide, we will provide helpful tips and guidelines to help you choose the healthiest cat food for your furry friend. We will discuss the ingredients to look for, how to read cat food labels, and other important factors to consider when selecting cat food.
5 Best Healthiest Cat Food to Buy
1. Blue Buffalo Wilderness Cat Food
Blue Buffalo Wilderness Cat Food is a popular brand of high-quality cat food that focuses on providing a natural, protein-rich diet for cats. Here are some key features and details about this brand:
- Protein-rich: The main ingredient in Blue Buffalo Wilderness Cat Food is deboned chicken or salmon, providing a high-quality source of protein for cats.
- Grain-free: This brand is grain-free, making it a good option for cats with food sensitivities or allergies to grains.
- No by-product meals: Blue Buffalo Wilderness Cat Food does not contain any by-product meals, which are lower quality protein sources.
- Natural ingredients: This brand uses natural ingredients and avoids artificial preservatives, colors, and flavors.
- Variety of flavors: Blue Buffalo Wilderness Cat Food is available in a variety of flavors, including chicken, salmon, duck, and turkey.
- Formulas for different life stages: Blue Buffalo Wilderness Cat Food offers formulas for kittens, adult cats, and senior cats, each tailored to their specific nutritional needs.
Overall, Blue Buffalo Wilderness Cat Food is a high-quality option for cat owners looking to provide their cats with a natural, protein-rich diet. However, as with any cat food brand, it’s important to consult with your veterinarian to determine if this brand is suitable for your cat’s individual needs.
Pros:
- High-quality protein: Blue Buffalo Wilderness Cat Food contains real meat as the first ingredient, providing a high-quality source of protein for cats.
- Grain-free: This brand is grain-free, making it a good option for cats with food sensitivities or allergies to grains.
- Natural ingredients: Blue Buffalo Wilderness Cat Food uses natural ingredients and avoids artificial preservatives, colors, and flavors.
- Variety of flavors: This brand offers a variety of flavors to choose from, allowing cat owners to find a flavor their cat enjoys.
- Formulas for different life stages: Blue Buffalo Wilderness Cat Food offers formulas for kittens, adult cats, and senior cats, each tailored to their specific nutritional needs.
Cons:
- Price: Blue Buffalo Wilderness Cat Food is typically more expensive than some other cat food brands, which may not be feasible for some cat owners.
- Potential for digestive issues: Some cats may experience digestive issues such as vomiting or diarrhea when switching to a new cat food brand, including Blue Buffalo Wilderness.
- Mixed reviews: While many cat owners report positive experiences with this brand, there are also some negative reviews that suggest it may not be suitable for all cats.
Price on Amazon: $47
2. Purina Cat Food
Purina is a well-known brand of cat food that offers a variety of products to meet the nutritional needs of cats at every life stage. Here are some key features and details about this brand:
- Variety of formulas: Purina offers a variety of cat food formulas, including dry, wet, and semi-moist options, as well as formulas for kittens, adult cats, and senior cats.
- Real meat as first ingredient: Many of Purina’s cat food formulas list real meat as the first ingredient, providing a high-quality source of protein for cats.
- Added vitamins and minerals: Purina cat food products are fortified with vitamins and minerals to support overall health and wellbeing.
- Affordable: Purina cat food products are often more affordable than some other high-end brands, making them a good option for budget-conscious cat owners.
- Easy to find: Purina cat food products are widely available at many grocery stores and pet supply retailers.
Overall, Purina is a popular and trusted brand of cat food that offers a variety of formulas to meet the nutritional needs of cats at every life stage. However, as with any cat food brand, it’s important to consult with your veterinarian to determine if Purina is suitable for your cat’s individual needs.
Pros:
- Variety of formulas: Purina offers a wide variety of cat food formulas to meet the nutritional needs of cats at every life stage.
- Real meat as first ingredient: Many of Purina’s cat food formulas list real meat as the first ingredient, providing a high-quality source of protein for cats.
- Added vitamins and minerals: Purina cat food products are fortified with vitamins and minerals to support overall health and wellbeing.
- Affordable: Purina cat food products are often more affordable than some other high-end brands, making them a good option for budget-conscious cat owners.
- Easy to find: Purina cat food products are widely available at many grocery stores and pet supply retailers.
Cons:
- Quality concerns: Some cat owners have expressed concerns about the quality of ingredients used in Purina cat food products, particularly when it comes to by-products and fillers.
- Artificial ingredients: Some Purina cat food products contain artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives, which may not be suitable for all cats.
- Limited options for cats with specific dietary needs: While Purina offers a variety of formulas, some cats with specific dietary needs may require a more specialized cat food brand.
Price on Amazon: $26
3. IAMS Proactive Health Cat Food
IAMS Proactive Health is a brand of cat food that offers a range of dry and wet food options. The food is designed to provide balanced nutrition for cats at all life stages, from kittens to senior cats.
Some of the features and benefits of IAMS Proactive Health cat food include:
- Real chicken, turkey, or salmon as the first ingredient, depending on the variety.
- Complete and balanced nutrition with essential nutrients, including vitamins and minerals, for overall health and well-being.
- Prebiotics and fiber for healthy digestion.
- Omega-3 and -6 fatty acids for healthy skin and a shiny coat.
- Antioxidants for a strong immune system.
- Formulated without artificial preservatives, colors, or flavors.
- Different formulas available for specific needs, such as weight management, hairball control, and urinary tract health.
c offers a variety of dry and wet food options for cats, including kitten food, adult cat food, and senior cat food. They also have a range of flavors and textures to choose from, so you can find the perfect food for your cat’s taste preferences and dietary needs.
Pros:
- Real meat is the first ingredient: IAMS Proactive Health cat food is made with real meat as the primary ingredient, providing high-quality protein for your cat’s health and well-being.
- Complete and balanced nutrition: The food is formulated to provide balanced nutrition with essential nutrients, including vitamins and minerals, for overall health and well-being.
- Prebiotics and fiber for healthy digestion: The food contains prebiotics and fiber to promote healthy digestion, helping to prevent issues like constipation and diarrhea.
- Omega-3 and -6 fatty acids for healthy skin and coat: The food contains omega-3 and -6 fatty acids to help promote healthy skin and a shiny coat.
- Variety of formulas for specific needs: IAMS Proactive Health offers a range of formulas to meet specific dietary needs, such as weight management, hairball control, and urinary tract health.
Cons:
- Contains grains: Some cats may be sensitive or allergic to grains, which are included in some IAMS Proactive Health formulas.
- Contains animal by-products: Some IAMS Proactive Health formulas contain animal by-products, which are less desirable than whole meats.
- Not suitable for all cats: Some cats may have specific dietary needs that are not met by IAMS Proactive Health formulas.
- Contains some plant-based ingredients: Some IAMS Proactive Health formulas contain plant-based ingredients like corn and soy, which some cats may be sensitive to.
Price on Amazon: $19
4. Royal Canin Cat Food
Royal Canin is a brand of cat food that offers a variety of dry and wet food options. The food is designed to provide balanced nutrition for cats at all life stages, from kittens to senior cats.
Some of the features and benefits of Royal Canin cat food include:
- Breed-specific formulas: Royal Canin offers breed-specific formulas for cats, tailored to meet the unique nutritional needs of different breeds.
- Life stage-specific formulas: Royal Canin offers formulas for kittens, adult cats, and senior cats, with each formula designed to meet the specific nutritional needs of cats at different life stages.
- Formulated with high-quality protein: The food is made with high-quality protein, sourced from meats like chicken, turkey, and fish.
- Complete and balanced nutrition: The food is formulated to provide balanced nutrition with essential nutrients, including vitamins and minerals, for overall health and well-being.
- Supports digestive health: Royal Canin formulas contain prebiotics and fibers to promote healthy digestion.
- Supports urinary health: Some Royal Canin formulas are designed to support urinary health, with ingredients that help prevent urinary tract infections and promote healthy bladder function.
- Limited ingredient options: Royal Canin offers limited ingredient options for cats with food sensitivities or allergies.
- Formulated without artificial preservatives, colors, or flavors.
Royal Canin offers a variety of dry and wet food options for cats, with formulas designed to meet specific dietary needs and preferences. They also have a range of flavors and textures to choose from, so you can find the perfect food for your cat.
Pros:
- Breed-specific formulas: Royal Canin offers breed-specific formulas tailored to the unique nutritional needs of different cat breeds, ensuring that your cat gets the appropriate nutrients for their health.
- High-quality protein: The food is made with high-quality protein, sourced from meats like chicken, turkey, and fish, which is essential for your cat’s overall health and well-being.
- Complete and balanced nutrition: Royal Canin formulas provide complete and balanced nutrition with essential vitamins and minerals for optimal health.
- Digestive support: The food contains prebiotics and fibers to promote healthy digestion, which can help prevent issues like constipation and diarrhea.
- Urinary health support: Some Royal Canin formulas are designed to support urinary health, with ingredients that help prevent urinary tract infections and promote healthy bladder function.
- Limited ingredient options: Royal Canin offers limited ingredient options for cats with food sensitivities or allergies.
Cons:
- Cost: Royal Canin cat food can be more expensive than some other brands, which may not be affordable for all cat owners.
- Contains grains: Some Royal Canin formulas contain grains, which may not be ideal for cats with grain sensitivities or allergies.
- Contains animal by-products: Some Royal Canin formulas contain animal by-products, which are less desirable than whole meats.
- Availability: Some of the breed-specific formulas may not be available in all areas, making it difficult for some cat owners to find the right formula for their cat.
Price on Amazon: $68
5. Nutro Wholesome Essentials Cat Food
Nutro Wholesome Essentials is a cat food brand that offers a variety of dry and wet food options. The food is made with natural ingredients and is designed to provide balanced nutrition for cats at all life stages, from kittens to senior cats.
Some of the features and benefits of Nutro Wholesome Essentials cat food include:
- Made with real meat as the first ingredient: Nutro Wholesome Essentials cat food is made with high-quality animal protein as the first ingredient, ensuring that your cat gets the essential amino acids they need for optimal health.
- Complete and balanced nutrition: The food is formulated to provide balanced nutrition with essential nutrients, including vitamins and minerals, for overall health and well-being.
- No artificial preservatives, colors, or flavors: Nutro Wholesome Essentials formulas are made with natural ingredients and are free from artificial preservatives, colors, and flavors.
- Grain-free options: Nutro Wholesome Essentials offers grain-free options for cats with grain sensitivities or allergies.
- Supports digestive health: The food contains prebiotics and fibers to promote healthy digestion, helping to prevent issues like constipation and diarrhea.
- Supports urinary health: Some Nutro Wholesome Essentials formulas are designed to support urinary health, with ingredients that help prevent urinary tract infections and promote healthy bladder function.
- Variety of formulas for specific needs: Nutro Wholesome Essentials offers a range of formulas to meet specific dietary needs, such as weight management and hairball control.
Overall, Nutro Wholesome Essentials is a reputable brand that offers a range of high-quality cat food formulas. However, as with any cat food brand, it is important to choose the right formula for your cat’s individual needs and consult with a veterinarian if you have any concerns about their diet.
Pros:
- High-quality ingredients: Nutro Wholesome Essentials cat food is made with high-quality, natural ingredients, including real meat as the first ingredient, which provides the essential amino acids and protein that cats need for optimal health.
- Complete and balanced nutrition: The food is formulated to provide balanced nutrition with essential nutrients, including vitamins and minerals, for overall health and well-being.
- Grain-free options: Nutro Wholesome Essentials offers grain-free options for cats with grain sensitivities or allergies.
- Supports digestive health: The food contains prebiotics and fibers to promote healthy digestion, helping to prevent issues like constipation and diarrhea.
- Variety of formulas for specific needs: Nutro Wholesome Essentials offers a range of formulas to meet specific dietary needs, such as weight management and hairball control.
Cons:
- Price: Nutro Wholesome Essentials cat food can be more expensive than some other brands, which may not be affordable for all cat owners.
- Availability: Some of the formulas may not be available in all areas, making it difficult for some cat owners to find the right formula for their cat.
- Some formulas contain grains: While Nutro Wholesome Essentials offers grain-free options, some of their formulas do contain grains, which may not be ideal for cats with grain sensitivities or allergies.
- Contains some plant-based proteins: Some Nutro Wholesome Essentials formulas contain plant-based proteins like pea protein, which may not be as beneficial for cats as animal-based proteins.
Price on Amazon: $42
Buying Guide
What To Consider?
Here’s a buyer guide for cat food:
- Consider your cat’s age: Cats have different nutritional needs at different stages of their life. Kittens require a diet that supports their growth and development, while adult cats need a balanced diet that supports their overall health. Senior cats may require a diet that is lower in calories and provides extra support for joint health.
- Look for high-quality ingredients: The quality of ingredients used in cat food is critical for ensuring your cat gets the nutrition they need. Look for cat food that uses real meat as the first ingredient and avoids artificial preservatives, colors, and flavors.
- Check the ingredient list: The ingredient list on cat food packaging should be easy to understand and list the main ingredients in the food. Avoid cat food that contains fillers, by-products, or ingredients that are hard to identify.
- Consider your cat’s dietary needs: Some cats have specific dietary requirements, such as food allergies or sensitivities to certain ingredients. If your cat has special dietary needs, look for cat food that caters to those needs.
- Choose the right type of cat food: There are several types of cat food available, including wet, dry, and semi-moist food. Each type of cat food has its own advantages and disadvantages. Wet food can be more flavorful and hydrating but is more expensive and spoils faster. Dry food is less expensive and can help promote dental health but may not provide as much moisture as wet food.
- Check the nutritional value: The nutritional value of cat food is critical for ensuring your cat gets the right balance of nutrients they need. Look for cat food that is balanced and provides essential nutrients such as protein, fats, and carbohydrates.
- Consider the price: High-quality cat food can be expensive, so consider your budget when choosing cat food. While cheaper cat food may seem like a good deal, it may not provide the same level of nutrition as more expensive cat food.
What To Avoid?
There are several things you should avoid when buying cat food to ensure your furry friend gets the healthiest food possible:
- Fillers: Fillers such as corn, wheat, and soy do not provide much nutritional value and can be difficult for cats to digest.
- By-products: By-products are low-quality meat sources that can include animal parts such as beaks, feet, and internal organs. They are not as nutritionally complete as whole meats.
- Artificial preservatives, colors, and flavors: These additives can cause health problems for cats and provide no nutritional value.
- Grains: Some cats are allergic to grains or have trouble digesting them, so it’s best to avoid cat food that contains grains if your cat has a grain allergy or intolerance.
- High levels of carbohydrates: Cats are carnivores and need a diet high in protein and low in carbohydrates. Too many carbohydrates in a cat’s diet can lead to obesity and other health problems.
- Mystery meat: Cat food that lists vague ingredients such as “meat meal” or “animal digest” should be avoided as it’s unclear what exactly is in the food.
By avoiding these ingredients, you can ensure that your cat gets a high-quality, nutritious diet that supports their overall health and well-being.
Ingredients Cat Needs
Cats require a diet that is high in protein and fat and low in carbohydrates. The following are some of the essential ingredients that cats need in their diet:
- Protein: Cats require high-quality animal-based protein sources such as chicken, turkey, beef, fish, or lamb. Protein helps cats build and maintain strong muscles and tissues.
- Fats: Fats are essential for cats to maintain healthy skin and coat, as well as for the absorption of vitamins and minerals. Look for healthy fat sources such as fish oil, chicken fat, or flaxseed oil.
- Taurine: Taurine is an essential amino acid that cats require for proper heart and eye function. Cats cannot produce taurine themselves, so it must be included in their diet.
- Vitamins and Minerals: Cats require essential vitamins and minerals such as vitamin A, vitamin E, vitamin D, calcium, and phosphorus to maintain healthy bones, teeth, and overall health.
- Water: Cats require a constant supply of clean, fresh water to stay hydrated and support their overall health.
By ensuring that your cat’s food contains these essential ingredients, you can provide them with a healthy, balanced diet that supports their overall health and well-being.
Conclusion
Choosing the right cat food is essential for the health and well-being of your furry friend. By avoiding ingredients such as fillers, by-products, artificial preservatives, and excessive carbohydrates, you can ensure that your cat receives a high-quality, nutritious diet. Look for cat food that contains high-quality protein sources, healthy fats, essential vitamins and minerals, and taurine. Remember that cats are obligate carnivores and require a diet that is high in animal-based protein and low in carbohydrates. By following these guidelines and selecting high-quality cat food, you can help ensure that your cat lives a long, healthy, and happy life.