Cats are obligate carnivores, which means they need animal protein to thrive. But not all cat foods are created equal. Some are loaded with fillers, by-products, and artificial ingredients that can harm your cat’s health and well-being. Others are made with high-quality ingredients that nourish your cat and satisfy their instincts.

So how do you choose the best cat food for your furry companion? In this article, we will review some of the top-rated cat foods in 2024, based on expert recommendations, customer reviews, and nutritional analysis. We will also give you some tips on how to read cat food labels, compare different types of cat food, and find the best option for your cat’s age, lifestyle, and preferences.

Types of Cat Food

There are three main types of cat food: dry, wet, and raw. Each type has its advantages and disadvantages, depending on your cat’s needs and preferences.

Dry Cat Food

Dry cat food, also known as kibble, is the most popular and convenient type of cat food. It is easy to store, measure, and serve, and it can help keep your cat’s teeth clean. However, dry cat food also has some drawbacks. It is often high in carbohydrates, which can contribute to obesity, diabetes, and urinary problems in cats. It is also low in moisture, which can lead to dehydration and kidney issues in cats. Therefore, if you feed your cat dry food, make sure to provide plenty of fresh water and supplement it with wet food or treats.

Some of the best dry cat foods in 2024 are:

• Open Farm RawMix Open Prairie Recipe: This is a premium dry cat food that combines freeze-dried raw meat with high-protein kibble. It is made with 100% traceable ingredients, including grass-fed beef, cage-free chicken, and wild-caught salmon. It is also grain-free, legume-free, and free of artificial flavors, colors, and preservatives. It has 40% protein, 18% fat, and 5% fiber, and it contains probiotics, omega-3 fatty acids, and antioxidants for optimal health.
• Blue Buffalo Tasteful Indoor Adult Dry Cat Food: This is a high-quality dry cat food that is specially formulated for indoor cats. It is made with real chicken as the first ingredient, along with wholesome grains, fruits, and vegetables. It has 32% protein, 15% fat, and 5% fiber, and it contains taurine, vitamin A, omega-3, and omega-6 fatty acids for healthy skin, coat, eyes, and heart. It is also free of corn, wheat, soy, and by-products.
• Whiskas Dry Cat Food: This is a budget-friendly dry cat food that is widely available and well-liked by many cats. It is made with chicken, turkey, and salmon as the main sources of protein, along with grains, vegetables, and vitamins and minerals. It has 30% protein, 11% fat, and 4.5% fiber, and it contains antioxidants, omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, and dental care ingredients to reduce tartar build-up.
• Royal Canin Dental Care: This is a vet-recommended dry cat food that is designed to improve your cat’s dental health. It is made with chicken meal, corn, rice, and other natural ingredients. It has 28% protein, 15% fat, and 6.5% fiber, and it contains a special kibble shape and texture that helps scrape away plaque and tartar from your cat’s teeth. It is also enriched with calcium, phosphorus, and vitamin D for strong bones and teeth.

Wet Cat Food

Wet cat food, also known as canned or pouch food, is the closest to a natural diet for cats. It is high in moisture, which helps keep your cat hydrated and supports their urinary and kidney health. It is also high in protein and low in carbohydrates, which matches your cat’s nutritional needs. However, wet cat food also has some disadvantages. It is more expensive, less convenient, and more prone to spoilage than dry food. Therefore, if you feed your cat wet food, make sure to refrigerate any leftovers and use them within a day or two.

Some of the best-wet cat foods in 2024 are:

• Purina ONE Tender Selects Blend: This is a high-quality wet cat food that is made with real meat as the first ingredient, along with broth, liver, and other natural ingredients. It has 11% protein, 5% fat, and 1.5% fiber, and it contains taurine, vitamin E, and omega-6 fatty acids for healthy skin, coat, and immune system. It is also free of corn, wheat, soy, and artificial flavors, colors, and preservatives.
• Hound & Gatos Lamb, Chicken & Salmon Cat Food: This is a premium wet cat food that is made with 98% animal protein, including lamb, chicken, and salmon. It has a paste-like texture that is easy to digest and appealing to cats. It has 10% protein, 9% fat, and 1% fiber, and it contains vitamins, minerals, and amino acids for balanced nutrition. It is also free of plant proteins, grains, gluten, and artificial additives.
• Purina Fancy Feast Grilled Wet Cat Food: This is a popular wet cat food that is loved by many cats for its taste and variety. It is made with real meat, fish, or poultry, along with gravy, cheese, and other savory ingredients. It has 11% protein, 2% fat, and 1.5% fiber, and it contains taurine, vitamin A, and vitamin E for healthy vision and skin. It is also free of by-products and fillers.
• Cosma Original Pouches in Jelly: This is a premium wet cat food that is made with 75% meat or fish, along with jelly, minerals, and taurine. It has a tender and juicy texture that is irresistible to cats. It has 10% protein, 0.5% fat, and 0.5% fiber, and it contains no grains, sugars, or artificial additives. It is also available in different flavors, such as tuna, chicken, salmon, and sardine.

Raw Cat Food

Raw cat food, also known as fresh or frozen food, is the most natural and biologically appropriate type of cat food. It is made with raw meat, organs, bones, and sometimes fruits and vegetables, that are minimally processed and preserved. It is high in protein, moisture, and natural enzymes and low in carbohydrates and additives. It can help improve your cat’s digestion, skin, coat, teeth, and overall health. However, raw cat food also has some disadvantages. It is the most expensive, difficult, and risky type of cat food. It requires careful handling, storage, and preparation to avoid contamination and spoilage. It may also not be suitable for cats with certain medical conditions or allergies. Therefore, if you feed your cat raw food, make sure to consult your vet, follow the instructions, and monitor your cat’s health.

Some of the best raw cat foods in 2024 are:

• Vital Essentials Rabbit Dinner Patties: This is a premium raw cat food that is made with 100% rabbit meat, organs, and bones. It is gently freeze-dried to preserve the nutrients and flavor. It has 52% protein, 15% fat, and 3% fiber, and it contains taurine, vitamin A, and omega-3 fatty acids for healthy hearts, eyes, and brain. It is also a novel protein that can help cats with food sensitivities or allergies.
• Darwin’s Natural Fresh Chicken Cat Food: This is a high-quality raw cat food that is made with fresh chicken, organs, and bones. It is minimally processed and delivered to your door in convenient packages. It has 49% protein, 28% fat, and 2.5% fiber, and it contains taurine, vitamin E, and omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids for optimal health. It is also free of hormones, antibiotics, grains, and artificial ingredients.
• The Honest Kitchen Dehydrated Grain-Free Cat Food: This is a unique raw cat food that is made with dehydrated ingredients that expand to four times their weight when rehydrated. It is made with turkey, eggs, pumpkin, and other natural ingredients. It has 39% protein,

• The Honest Kitchen Dehydrated Grain-Free Cat Food: This is a unique raw cat food that is made with dehydrated ingredients that expand to four times their weight when rehydrated. It is made with turkey, eggs, pumpkin, and other natural ingredients. It has 39% protein, 29.5% fat, and 2.5% fiber, and it contains probiotics, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants for digestion and immunity. It is also free of preservatives, GMOs, and by-products.
• Stella & Chewy’s Freeze-Dried Raw Dinner Morsels: This is a premium raw cat food that is made with 98% meat, organs, and bone, along with organic fruits and vegetables. It is freeze-dried to lock in the nutrients and flavor. It has 45% protein, 25% fat, and 5% fiber, and it contains taurine, vitamin A, omega-3, and omega-6 fatty acids for healthy hearts, eyes, and skin. It is also free of grains, gluten, and artificial additives.

How to Read Cat Food Labels

Cat food labels can be confusing and misleading, but they are also important sources of information that can help you compare and choose the best cat food for your cat. Here are some tips on how to read cat food labels and what to look for:

• Name: The name of the cat food can tell you a lot about its ingredients and quality. For example, if the name includes a specific meat, such as chicken or beef, it means that the product must contain at least 95% of that meat. If the name includes a modifier, such as dinner, platter, or entree, it means that the product must contain at least 25% of the named ingredient. If the name includes the word “with”, such as with cheese or with gravy, it means that the product must contain at least 3% of the named ingredient. If the name includes the word “flavor”, such as chicken flavor or seafood flavor, it means that the product does not have to contain any of the named ingredients, but only a trace amount of flavoring.
• Guaranteed Analysis: The guaranteed analysis is a table that shows the minimum or maximum percentages of crude protein, crude fat, crude fiber, and moisture in the cat food. These percentages are based on the weight of the food as it is found in the bag or can, not on a dry matter basis. Therefore, to compare different types of cat food, you need to convert the percentages to the dry matter basis by subtracting the moisture.
• Ingredients: The ingredients list shows the components of the cat food in descending order by weight. This can help you identify the main sources of protein, fat, carbohydrates, and other nutrients in the cat food. However, the ingredients list can also be misleading, as some manufacturers may use tricks such as splitting, grouping, or hiding ingredients to make their products appear more appealing. For example, some manufacturers may split the same ingredient into different forms, such as corn gluten meal, corn starch, and corn flour, to make it appear lower on the list. Some manufacturers may group different ingredients under vague terms, such as meat by-products, animal digest, or poultry meal, to hide the actual sources and quality of the ingredients. Some manufacturers may hide undesirable ingredients under natural flavors, artificial colors, or preservatives, to make their products look more natural and healthier. Therefore, when reading the ingredients list, look for specific, identifiable, and high-quality ingredients, and avoid vague, generic, and low-quality ingredients.
• Nutritional Adequacy Statement: The nutritional adequacy statement is a claim that shows whether the cat food meets the minimum nutritional standards established by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO). It also shows the life stage and feeding method for which the cat food is intended. For example, cat food that meets the AAFCO Cat Food Nutrient Profiles for All Life Stages can be fed to cats of any age, from kittens to seniors. Cat food that meets the AAFCO Cat Food Nutrient Profiles for Growth and Reproduction can be fed to kittens and pregnant or lactating cats. A cat food that meets the AAFCO Cat Food Nutrient Profiles for Maintenance can be fed to adult cats. A cat food that is intended for supplemental or intermittent feeding only is not complete and balanced, and should not be fed as the sole diet. Therefore, when reading the nutritional adequacy statement, look for a cat food that meets the AAFCO standards for your cat’s life stage and feeding method.
• Feeding Guidelines: The feeding guidelines are a recommendation that shows how much cat food to feed your cat per day, based on their weight and activity level. They are usually expressed in cups, ounces, or grams, and may vary depending on the type, brand, and formula of the cat food. However, the feeding guidelines are only a general guide and not a precise measure. They do not take into account your cat’s individual needs, such as age, health, metabolism, and preferences. Therefore, when following the feeding guidelines, adjust the amount of cat food according to your cat’s body condition, appetite, and behavior, and consult your vet if you have any questions or concerns.

How to Choose the Best Cat Food for Your Cat

Choosing the best cat food for your cat can be a daunting task, as there are many factors to consider and many options to choose from. However, by following some simple steps, you can narrow down your choices and find the best option for your cat. Here are some tips on how to choose the best cat food for your cat:

• Know your cat: The first step to choosing the best cat food for your cat is to know your cat’s characteristics and needs. For example, you should know your cat’s age, breed, size, weight, activity level, health status, and preferences. These factors can affect your cat’s nutritional requirements, as well as their tolerance and preference for different types of cat food. For example, kittens need more protein, fat, and calories than adult cats, as they are growing and developing. Senior cats need fewer calories and more fiber than younger cats, as they are less active and more prone to constipation. Some breeds, such as Persians and Siamese, may have specific dietary needs or sensitivities, due to their genetic traits or physical features. Some cats may have medical conditions, such as diabetes, kidney disease, or allergies, that require special diets or supplements. Some cats may have strong likes or dislikes for certain flavors, textures, or shapes of cat food. Therefore, by knowing your cat’s characteristics and needs, you can choose a cat food that matches their profile and provides them with optimal nutrition and satisfaction.
• Do your research: The second step to choosing the best cat food for your cat is to do your research on the different types, brands, and formulas of cat food available in the market. You can use various sources of information, such as cat food labels, websites, reviews, ratings, and expert opinions, to compare and evaluate the different options. You can also consult your vet, friends, family, or other cat owners for recommendations and advice. However, you should also be critical and skeptical of the information you find, as some sources may be biased, inaccurate, or outdated. Therefore, by doing your research, you can find reliable and relevant information that can help you make an informed decision.
• Try and test: The third step to choosing the best cat food for your cat is to try and test different options until you find the best one for your cat. You can start by buying small samples or packages of different types, brands, and formulas of cat food, and offering them to your cat in separate bowls or at different times. You can then observe your cat’s reaction, behavior, and health, and see which option they prefer and tolerate the best. You can also monitor your cat’s weight, body condition, energy level, coat quality, stool consistency, and appetite, and see if there are any changes or improvements. However, you should also be careful and gradual when introducing new cat food to your cat, as sudden changes can cause digestive upset or rejection. Therefore, by trying and testing different options, you can find the best cat food for your cat based on their feedback and response.

Conclusion

Choosing the best cat food for your cat is not an easy task, but it is a rewarding one. By providing your cat with the best cat food, you can ensure their health, happiness, and longevity. You can also strengthen your bond with your cat and enjoy their company for many years to come.

In this article, we have reviewed some of the top-rated cat foods in 2024, based on expert recommendations, customer reviews, and nutritional analysis. We have also given you some tips on how to read cat food labels, compare different types of cat food, and find the best option for your cat’s age, lifestyle, and preferences.

We hope this article has been helpful and informative for you, and that you have learned something new and useful. If you have any questions, comments, or suggestions, please feel free to contact us. We would love to hear from you and help you with your cat food needs.

Thank you for reading and happy feeding!

Check out more articles!