What is the highest rated cat food for indoor cats

The best cat food for indoor cats in 2024

What to look for in indoor cat food

When shopping for the best cat food for indoor cats, you'll want to consider the following criteria:

AAFCO nutritional adequacy statement for growth, adult maintenance, or all life stages:You can confirm a cat food is nutritionally complete and balanced meaning it contains all the nutrients required and in the correct ratios if you find an AAFCO statement on the label. The AAFCO is a nonprofit organization that recommends nutritional guidelines for pet food. An AAFCO statement indicates that a food meets cats' needs based on their life stage. Food with an AAFCO statement for growth or all life stages is complete and balanced for kittens, while food with a statement for maintenance or all life stages is complete and balanced for adult cats. The AAFCO hasn't established specific recommendations for senior cat diets. Foods for senior cats must meet the minimum nutritional recommendations for adult or all life stages foods.

Guaranteed analysis and nutrient profiles: The guaranteed analysis on a pet food label shows the percentages of important nutrients, including protein, fat, fiber, and other essential vitamins and minerals. Food for kittens must meet the AAFCO's recommended minimum of 30% protein and 9% fat, and food for adult cats, including seniors, must have a minimum of 26% protein and 9% fat.

Cats are obligate carnivores. This means they require animal-based protein in their diet whether they live indoors or outdoors. Our experts say it's important to check the guaranteed analysis of protein, fat, and fiber percentages to make sure the recipe meets your cat's needs. Healthy cats can thrive on high-protein diets, but cats with certain health conditions, like kidney disease, may require low-protein diets. Indoor cats, in particular, may benefit from foods with low to moderate fat and high fiber.

Ingredient list: The ingredients on a pet food label appear in order of weight. The best cat food for indoor cats will list animal proteins in the form of whole meat, meat meal, or animal byproducts first on the ingredient list. To add fiber to your cat's diet and lower their risk of gaining excess weight, opt for recipes with whole complex carbohydrates like whole corn, whole brown rice, and sweet potatoes. Whole complex carbohydrates help keep your cat feeling full for longer since they're more slowly digested than processed and simple carbohydrates. They also contain more fiber, which can help with digestion and passing hairballs.

The best way to make sure a cat food contains quality ingredients like whole carbohydrates is to read the ingredient list carefully and contact the manufacturer with questions. Your vet can also recommend specific cat foods that contain whole carbohydrates and meet your cat's individual needs.

Expert formulations: When it comes to commercial cat foods, nutritional quality is always our first concern. That's why our recommendations for the best cat food for indoor cats line up with WSAVA guidelines and our experts' guidance. Simply put, we only recommend food from brands that employ a full-time board-certified veterinary nutritionist or a PhD-level animal nutritionist. These standards help ensure your cat's food meets nutritional recommendations and includes the right ingredients.

Manufacturing standards: Some pet food companies own their own manufacturing plants, while others manufacture their food at shared facilities or contract with co-packing companies to package, label, and ship their pet food. Manufacturers who own their plants have more control over the ingredients and food your cat consumes. Whether they own their facilities or not, pet food brands should be transparent about how they implement quality control measures. This means providing information about the types of tests they conduct, the frequency of testing, and the results of those tests.

Calorie content: The calorie content of cat food is listed in kilocalories (kcal). Indoor adult and senior cats may have lower calorie needs than outdoor cats since they're generally less active. However, the calorie needs of indoor adult cats can vary depending on their age, weight, and overall health. For instance, kittens grow rapidly during their first year, so they should eat multiple high-calorie meals per day. Your vet can recommend the ideal number of daily calories for your adult or senior cat. They'll consider your cat's lifestyle, ideal weight, and overall health and use the body condition scoring (BCS) system to assess your cat's body fat on a scale of 1 to 9. You can ask your vet to teach you how to use this visual tool to check your cat's BCS at home between wellness visits. That said, always ask your vet before adjusting your cat's daily portion sizes.

The 10 Best Cat Foods of 2024 We Tested Them All

Cat Food Reviews

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Whether wet, dry, raw, or freshly cooked, the best cat food honors your cats needs as an obligate carnivore. Its rich in animal-sourced protein, has the right amount of fatty acids, and doesnt spike your cats blood sugar with excessive carbohydrates.

After researching feline nutrition and reviewing all kinds of cat foods, we learned which brands and products are worthy of your cats bowland which ones arent.

With taste, nutrition, and quality ingredients always top of mind, here are 10 of the best cat foods you can feel good about feeding your cat.

At a Glance: Best Cat Food to Buy in 2024

Best for Sensitive Stomachs

9.4

Picked by 31 people today!

• No heavy carb fillers like corn, soy, wheat, or potatoes
• Ideal for sensitive stomachs and inappetent cats who need encouragement to eat

Top Picks Explained

Why Trust Cats.com

Over the past four years, Ive tested hundreds of cat products including dozens of cat food brands. Informed by my personal experience and countless hours of research on feline nutrition, I selected the best cat foods on the market to test at home with my two cats, Wessie and Forest.

In choosing products to test, I prioritized meat-centric formulas for cats in various life stages with different needs and preferences. All products were purchased at full retail price and evaluated in-depth. My cats provided input on the foods flavor and general appeal while I analyzed the product information to determine its nutritional adequacy. I also researched the brands to assess their trustworthiness and rate of customer satisfaction.

Our team of veterinary experts provides additional informative support as well as their professional opinion on what makes a great cat food product. Heres the full methodology behind our cat food ratings.

Finally, we consulted seven veterinarians to get their professional opinion on what makes a great cat food.

Our Veterinary Advisors:

The Best Cat Food on the Market: Our Top 10 Picks

At the top of the list is Smalls Cat Food. Its hard to beat this wet foods combination of outstanding protein content, emphasis on animal-sourced ingredients, and the exclusion of additives that might harm your cat over time.

Our rankings are determined by a variety of factors, including quality of ingredients, price, and popularity, among others. Each cat will have different needs and preferences, so while Smalls is our top choice, it may not be ideal for your unique cat.

• Made In: Thailand
• Guaranteed Protein: 11% Min
• Age Range: All Life Stages
• Calories Per Ounce: 37
• Typical Cost Per Day:$2.90 per day

RAWZ Wet Cat Food is made in a human-grade food facility, with zero meat by-products, artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives. Another factor that sets this line apart from other wet food brands is that it isnt thickened with carrageenan (linked to intestinal inflammation) or gum thickeners like guar gum and xanthan gum (known to cause loose stools).

The RAWZ Chicken and Chicken Liver Pt is made with 96% chicken and chicken liver. The recipes single protein makes RAWZ a good choice for cats with food allergies or sensitivities. And the high moisture content and short ingredient list make it easily digestible as well.

This recipe also contains fenugreek seeds and dandelion greens, but given the low carbohydrate content of the food overall, they dont appear to contribute significantly in terms of the products composition.

Some cat owners may also appreciate that RAWZ donates 100% of their profits to benefit individuals who have experienced spinal cord or traumatic brain injuries. A portion of the proceeds goes toward providing these individuals with service dogs.

Turkey, Turkey Liver, Turkey Broth, Fenugreek Seeds, Dandelion Greens, Taurine, Natural Flavor, Potassium Chloride, Choline Chloride, Magnesium Proteinate, Zinc Proteinate, Iron Proteinate, Niacin Supplement, Vitamin E Supplement, Copper Proteinate, Sodium Selenite, Calcium Iodate, Thiamine Mononitrate, Manganese Proteinate, Vitamin A Supplement, Calcium Pantothenate, Riboflavin Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Salt, Biotin, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Folic Acid.

Ingredients We Liked: Turkey, Turkey Liver

Ingredients We Didnt Like: None

Crude Protein: 9%

Crude Fat: 8%

Crude Fiber: 1%

Moisture: 78%

Protein: 40.91%

Fat: 36.36%

Fiber: 4.55%

Carbs: 18.18%

Protein: 27.75%

Fat: 59.91%

Carbs: 12.33%

What We Liked:

• Made with a single source of animal protein
• Negligible carbohydrate content
• Rich in moisture and animal-sourced fat
• Contains 96% turkey and turkey liver

What We Didnt Like:

• Fairly expensive, over$3.25 per day
• Some reviewers dont like the foods consistency

Crude Protein: 47%

Crude Fat: 37%

Crude Fiber: 5%

Moisture: 5%

Protein: 49.47%

Fat: 38.95%

Fiber: 5.26%

Carbs: 6.32%

Protein: 32.9%

Fat: 62.9%

Carbs: 4.2%

What We Liked:

• Gently freeze-dried
• Grain-free, legume-free
• 100% traceable ingredients
• Rich in animal-derived protein
• Organic fruits & vegetables are always 100% non-GMO

What We Didnt Like:

• Low moisture content before rehydration
• Expensive

Crude Protein: 16%

Crude Fat: 2.6%

Moisture: 80%

Ash: 1.6%

What We Liked:

• Rich in nourishing animal protein
• High moisture content helps to flush the urinary tract
• Low ash shouldnt contribute to crystal formation
• Species-appropriate pH helps keep things in balance

What We Didnt Like:

• Contains sunflower oil instead of species-appropriate animal fat
• Low fat content isnt right for every cat
• Very low in fiber

Crude Protein: 10%

Crude Fat: 1.3%

Crude Fiber: 0.5%

Moisture: 86%

Protein: 71.43%

Fat: 9.29%

Fiber: 3.57%

Carbs: 15.71%

Protein: 65.12%

Fat: 20.56%

Carbs: 14.33%

What We Liked:

• Offers a blend of vitamins, minerals, and taurine: essential for your older kittys vision and heart health
• Made with grass-fed beef
• 100% grain-free
• Carrageenan-free
• Free from artificial ingredients and meat by-products

What We Didnt Like:

• Made In: United States
• Guaranteed Protein: 12% Min
• Age Range: Kitten
• Calories Per Ounce: 36
• Typical Cost Per Day:$3.5 per day

Wellness COREs Chicken, Turkey, and Chicken Liver Recipe has everything we look for in kitten food. Its loaded with nourishing animal protein from turkey, chicken liver, chicken muscle meat, and chicken meal. The dry matter carbohydrate content is below 10%, and its a hydrating source of moisture.

While fish oil is the primary added fat in this recipe, herring also supplies animal-sourced omega-3 fatty acids. Both are strong sources of DHA, which contributes to brain and eye development in kittens. Omega-3s also play an important role in supporting healthy skin and coats in cats.

This recipe doesnt contain any grains or starchy beans, peas, or legumes.

At over 50% crude protein measured as dry matter, this recipe is formulated to support the development of lean mass. Its also calorie-dense enough to fuel your kittens growth at about 36 calories per ounce.

Turkey, Chicken Liver, Turkey Broth, Chicken, Herring, Chicken Hearts, Natural Flavor, Fish Oil (Preserved With Mixed Tocopherols), Ground Flaxseed, Dried Chicory Root, Tricalcium Phosphate, Guar Gum, Potassium Chloride, Taurine, Cranberries, Sunflower Oil, Choline Chloride, Dried Kelp, Yucca Schidigera Extract, Cassia Gum, Xanthan Gum, Salt, Magnesium Sulfate, Vitamin E Supplement, Zinc Proteinate, Iron Proteinate, Thiamine Mononitrate, Copper Proteinate, Manganese Proteinate, Sodium Selenite, Niacin Supplement, d-Calcium Pantothenate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Riboflavin Supplement, Vitamin A Supplement, Biotin, Potassium Iodide, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Folic Acid.

Ingredients We Liked: Turkey, Chicken Liver, Chicken, Herring, Fish Oil

Ingredients We Didnt Like: Guar Gum, Cassia Gum, Xanthan Gum

Crude Protein: 12%

Crude Fat: 7.5%

Crude Fiber: 1%

Moisture: 78%

Protein: 54.55%

Fat: 34.09%

Fiber: 4.55%

Carbs: 6.82%

Protein: 37.84%

Fat: 57.43%

Carbs: 4.73%

What We Liked:

• Ultra-soft pt texture is easy for kittens to eat
• Rich in protein and calories
• Hydrating canned food
• Supplemented with fish oil as a species-appropriate source of DHA

What We Didnt Like:

• Can be quite expensive when feeding a hungry kitten

What to Consider When Buying Cat Food

Choosing great cat food starts with an understanding of your cats unique nutritional needs as an obligate carnivore. Veterinarian Dr. Lizzie Youens, BVSc, MRCVS explains, Our domestic pet cats have not altered their physiology much from their wildcat ancestor. In other words, they crave meat.

According to Dr. Youens, cats gain most of their energy from protein, rather than carbohydrates; they use fats to process certain vitamins and nutrients.

An extra point to consider for our feline friends is that they cannot make certain amino acids, such as taurine, and so they must be provided as part of their balanced diet.

When weighing your options, Dr. Chris Vanderhoof, DVM, MPH, a veterinarian practicing at VCA Centreville Animal Hospital, recommends asking yourself the following:

• What life stage is my cat in (kitten, adult, or senior)?
• If a senior, does my cat have any specific nutritional needs that a diet can address, such as muscle loss or arthritis?
• Does my cat have any medical conditions that can be addressed with a particular diet?
• Is this cat food nutritionally balanced? (Does it carry an AAFCO statement, and is it meeting at least the minimum nutritional requirements for my cats life stage?)
• Does this cat food have a moderate caloric density (especially important for indoor cats)?
• Is this a food that my cat loves and will gladly eat?

Keeping these parameters in mind, heres what to look for when choosing the best cat food for your cat.

Look for Low Carbohydrate Content

Cats primarily utilize protein and fat as energy sources. While they can metabolize carbohydrates, high carbohydrate content is not a part of the natural feline diet. Theres little evidence that high-carb foods are harmful, but theyre also not necessary. We prefer foods that model a cats ancestral diet.

Choose High-Quality Protein

It helps to understand the difference between crude protein and digestible protein. Digestibility values, not percentages in the guaranteed analysis, are key to measuring nutritional value. For example, an egg and a feather may share the same protein values on a labels guaranteed analysis. But an egg (unsurprisingly) is far more digestible and nourishing than a feather. For that reason, we prefer foods that incorporate high-quality, clearly-named protein sources.

Avoid Animal By-Products

Animal by-products are one of the most misunderstood ingredients in cat food. While many common by-products are highly nourishing and delectable to cats, digestibility and quality control are major concerns.

Vaguely-specified ingredients may be produced from any number of animal parts. Besides not knowing what type of animals contributed to the by-product stew, you dont know if it contains more wholesome liver or nutritionally weak chicken feet. To ensure maximum protein digestibility, avoid purchasing cat foods with meat by-products and other vaguely-named ingredients like meat, poultry, and meat and bone meal.

Choose Minimal Plant Protein

While its unclear exactly where each source of plant protein lies on the digestibility spectrum, we do know that protein from peas, potatoes, and other plants is less efficient than that from animal ingredients. While a single prey animal offers all the amino acids a cat needs, plant ingredients need to be combined with animal protein and synthetic additives to recreate that mix of amino acids. Furthermore, many cat guardians report that their cats have less waste when theyre eating a diet composed primarily of animal-sourced protein.

Prioritize Moisture-Rich Foods

Our cats ancestors were desert dwellers. Because fresh water was scarce, early wild cats evolved to have low thirst drives and a natural inclination to get their water from the moisture-rich bodies of their prey. This means that they typically dont drink enough water to compensate for moisture-depleted dry food.

Favor Foods Free Of Harmful Ingredients

Artificial flavors and colors are unnecessary and have been tied to health consequences for both humans and animals. Some preservatives may also be of questionable safety. For example, BHA is considered safe in animal feed for all species except for cats due to inadequate safety data. Most pet foods have replaced them with natural alternatives including Vitamin E (mixed tocopherols), rosemary extract, and other antioxidants.

Seek Brands With Trustworthy Reputations

While it doesnt tell us everything about the brand, a companys recall history provides key insights into its ethics, safety standards, and the quality of its products. If a company faces voluntary, or worsemandatoryrecalls every five years, purchasing from that company could subject your cat to three or more potentially harmful slip-ups during their lifetime. A communicative, transparent company isnt afraid to share this information with its customers.

Additionally, its helpful to check out what other consumers are saying about the brand. Through social media, blogging, reviews on retail platforms, and sites like Consumer Reports, pet parents can easily share their complaints or praises with the world.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best dry cat food?

The best dry cat food is rich in animal-derived protein, low in carbohydrate content, and made from high-quality ingredients. One of the best brands for dried cat food is Open Farm RawMix.

What is the best wet cat food?

The best wet cat food honors your cats needs as a carnivore. Its a meat-rich product that delivers all the protein, fat, and micronutrients your cat needs without a lot of plants and starch. A few of our favorite brands include Smalls, RAWZ, and Nulo.

What is the healthiest cat food?

The healthiest cat food is nutritionally complete and balanced, emphasizing meat over plants and protein over starch. Look for expert-formulated recipes that were made with carnivores in mind.

Is dry or wet food best for cats?

Because its more hydrating and typically lower in carbohydrates, wet food is best for cats. A dry diet is convenient, but it could increase your cats chances of health complications over time.

Is grain-free cat food best for cats?

Cats dont need to avoid grains. What they need to avoid is excessive carbohydrates. Grain-free foods often replace grain with an unhealthy dose of biologically inappropriate ingredients like potatoes and peas.