proper nutrition is just as essential for your cat as it is for you. like with humans, a poor diet for cats can lead to issues like malnutrition, weight gain, and certain diseases. it can also have a negative effect on their immune system function.

while it’s possible to formulate a homemade diet for a cat, this process requires the input of an animal nutritionist. therefore, getting a complete and balanced commercial cat food is the best way to ensure that your pet receives all the nutrients that they need on a daily basis. quality cat food follows nutritional guidelines and criteria set forth by regulatory authorities in the industry, such as aafco and fediaf.

the market is not short of good cat food options, and sometimes, the options can be overwhelming. in this article, we share reviews of the best cat foods that you should consider for your kitty.

a quick comparison of our favorites in 2024

the 12 best cat foods

1. smalls human-grade fresh cat food subscription – best overall

smalls is a high-quality cat food delivery service that provides protein-rich formulas in textures cats love. the company’s fresh smooth bird recipe is our pick for the best overall cat food thanks to its familiar, pâté-like texture and protein-focused recipe. with real chicken parts as its first three ingredients and a unique blend of vitamins and minerals, you know you’re providing your cat with the best fresh cat food recipe possible. in addition, this recipe has a low carbohydrate content and is high in moisture to ensure cats get the hydration they need to thrive.

each of the company’s products comes in a 5-oz. bag, and one bag meets the nutritional needs of a 10-pound (4.5 kg) cat for a day. the conveniently portioned recipes are aafco-compliant for cats of all life stages (from weaned kittens to seniors).

since smalls is a delivery service, it is pricier than most foods you will find in the grocery store. you’ll also rely on its deliveries to get your cat’s food since it’s unavailable in stores. that said, the subscription service is convenient and easy to configure to a delivery schedule that works with your budget and needs, making it worth the slightly higher investment. you can even try it risk-free: smalls proudly offers a full refund if your cat doesn’t fancy its sampler within 2 weeks (felines typically take about 2 weeks to adjust to a new food). from the natural, whole, human-grade ingredients to the convenience and customer service, we know you and your cat will love smalls just as much as we do.

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2. hound & gatos lamb, chicken, and salmon – best wet cat food

the hound & gatos 98% lamb, chicken & salmon grain-free canned cat food is a plant protein-free wet food perfect for your cat’s carnivorous diet. this recipe is made of high-quality lamb, chicken, and salmon, with the majority (98%) of the recipe’s protein being derived from animal sources. this limited key ingredient formula has no added grains. this food has a pâté-like texture that most cats are drawn to right away, though some may find it too thick. this can be remedied by adding a smidge of water to thin the consistency.

this food also has a gel layer on top, which must be mixed thoroughly before the contents of the can are offered to your cat. this makes the preparation of the meal slightly longer in some cases. all in all, we think this is the best wet cat food available this year.

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3. vital essentials freeze-dried raw rabbit mini patties entree cat food – best freeze-dried raw cat food

vital essentials freeze-dried raw rabbit mini patties entree cat food is our pick for the best freeze-dried raw cat food. these patties provide a limited-ingredient cat food, perfect for pet owners looking to reduce their pet’s exposure to overly processed food. it’s made with a novel protein for most cats—rabbit—and features organ meat, such as liver, heart, and kidney. this formula is free of any additional flavorings and fillers. the raw meat recipe is freeze-dried during manufacturing to preserve the nutrients and maintain freshness.

as with most freeze-dried food, it must be rehydrated before serving, which can be time-consuming. in addition, some users have reported the patties being crushed during the shipping process, making portioning somewhat difficult. finally, it’s not the best cat food for picky cats as the reconstitution process can make this product unpalatable.

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4. darwin’s natural fresh cat food chicken recipe

click to get 10 pounds of darwin’s for just $14.95!

like smalls, darwin’s natural pet products produces fresh and natural food for cats. the difference between the two is that while a few smalls recipes are slightly cooked, darwin’s recipes are raw. the meat is hormone, steroid, and antibiotic free, so it’s something that you can feel good about feeding your cat. this raw formula is made primarily of muscle meat, organs, and bones and is minimally processed to preserve nutrients.

also like smalls, darwin’s is a high-quality cat food delivery service, so you should expect to pay more than you would for food in your local pet store. there are also some consumer complaints about the food not arriving frozen as it should be.

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5. the honest kitchen dehydrated grain-free chicken cat food

the honest kitchen dehydrated grain-free chicken cat food is a usa-made food packed with whole food ingredients such as free-range chicken and sweet potatoes. add warm water to serve this meal that will rehydrate to four times its weight. this formula features no by-products, fillers, or gmo ingredients. it is boosted with probiotics to help support your cat’s digestion and features bone broth for extra flavor and protein. this formula is great for kittens and is aafco compliant for all life stages.

this recipe is higher in carbs than some others on this list. it also has an average amount of protein.

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6. dr. elsey’s cleanprotein turkey formula grain-free canned cat food

dr. elsey’s cleanprotein turkey formula grain-free canned cat food is a low-glycemic formula that provides just 4% of energy from carbohydrates. it features real turkey as the first ingredient and turkey liver as the third, providing a hefty dose of species-appropriate protein. this formula is supplemented with vitamins and minerals like riboflavin and biotin. it contains no added fillers or gluten and has a smooth pâté texture cats love.

some consumers have reported palatability issues and found their cats are not fond of the flavor or texture of the meat.

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7. nature’s logic feline rabbit feast grain-free canned cat food

nature’s logic feline rabbit feast grain-free canned cat food is a grain- and gluten-free formula low in carbohydrates. it has real rabbit as its first ingredient and boasts over 90% animal protein to help mimic your cat’s natural diet. rabbit and pork are considered novel proteins, making this a good cat food if your pet has allergies to other protein sources. that said, this product is not a single-source protein. this recipe includes whole foods like apples, which can be good for cats due to their calcium and vitamin-rich skin, and blueberries for a dose of antioxidants and fiber. in addition, this formula contains naturally occurring taurine, an essential amino acid that cats need in their diet.

this food is extremely expensive, making it inaccessible for many cat owners.

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8. ziwi peak venison recipe canned cat food

the ziwi peak venison recipe canned cat food is a venison-based recipe containing muscle meat, broth, and organs like the liver, lungs, and heart. as with most ziwi peak recipes, this formula includes the company’s standard green-lipped mussels, providing a species-appropriate source of glucosamine and chondroitin for joint health. this single-protein recipe is made without cheap fillers. all the meat that ziwi peak uses for its recipes is ethically and sustainably sourced.

the company uses tin with an internal lacquer for its cans. these cans are “bpa-ni,” which translates to “bpa non-intent,” meaning no bpa is intentionally added to the lacquer, but it cannot be labeled bpa-free.

this recipe contains chickpeas, which increase its carbohydrate content, making this recipe moderate in carbs.

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9. tiki cat succulent chicken in chicken consommé canned cat food

the tiki cat puka puka luau succulent chicken in chicken consomme grain-free canned cat food is made with real chicken and slathered in a hydrating chicken broth to boost your cat’s hydration levels. it is made without any artificial coloring or flavors. its shredded texture is not unlike canned chicken, but it can be hit or miss with cats.

this formula features sunflower seed oil as its third most prominent ingredient. this oil is often added to canned food as a fat source but isn’t as diverse as other carnivore-appropriate fatty acids, such as fish oil.

some consumers have reported that their cats refuse to try other foods once they’re accustomed to this product. this might be a hassle for those who wish to diversify their cat’s nutritional portfolio.

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10. weruva classic cat pate, press your dinner with chicken wet cat food

the weruva classic cat pate, press your dinner with chicken wet cat food is made with wholesome ingredients and is gently pureéd into a texture that cats will either love or hate. the texture is a bit pudding-like in consistency, making it a great pick for senior cats or those with dental issues. it’s made with real chicken and chicken broth for a high-protein, hydrating meal. in addition, this formula is free of artificial colors, flavors, and msg.

anecdotally, there appear to be issues with consistency from can to can. some have slightly different scents or colorations that may turn off cats.

• see also: weruva patés cat food review

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11. stella & chewy’s tummy ticklin’ turkey dinner morsels freeze-dried raw cat food

stella & chewy’s tummy ticklin’ turkey dinner morsels freeze-dried raw cat food combines the benefits of a raw diet and the convenience of freeze-dried meals. you can serve these morsels as-is or rehydrate them by adding water. rehydrating the morsels is a great option if you know your kitty isn’t getting the hydration that they need from their water bowl. this formula is made in a usa-based kitchen with responsibly sourced, cage-free turkey and organic fruits and vegetables. the recipe is 98% turkey, organs, and bone. it doesn’t have any artificial preservatives or colors added.

rehydrating the morsels can take a while, and they sometimes don’t mix well with the water. there are also reports of the food being crumbly upon arrival.

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12. primal turkey formula nuggets grain-free raw freeze-dried cat food

primal turkey formula nuggets grain-free raw freeze-dried cat food is made with antibiotic and hormone-free turkey meat and organs. turkey accounts for the bulk of the protein, but it also contains fish ingredients like cod liver oil. this formula focuses on whole-food nutrition, and all ingredients used in the recipe are certified organic, which can be a boon for some owners.

this recipe heavily focuses on fruits and vegetables, which aren’t necessarily species-appropriate for your little carnivore.

buyer’s guide: how to choose the best cat food

are you still feeling overwhelmed by all your cat food options? raw, wet, dehydrated—how can you know which food type will be best for your cat’s needs? read on to learn more about choosing the best cat food for your feline family member.

if you’re curious about what’s safe for cats to eat, are interested in supplements or have general questions about your feline’s nutrition and diet, it is recommended you speak to your vet.

wet food diets

a wet (or canned) food diet is one of the most often recommended cat diets.

canned food is designed to be more palatable for felines. it often has a strong smell, isn’t tough in texture, and can be easily swallowed by cats that have dental pain or other ailments involving their mouth and oral cavity. most wet food has a moisture content of around 75% (compared to dry foods’ 6% to 10%).

the biggest downside of a wet food diet is that it is expensive, especially compared to dry food. however, raw and dehydrated food diets are likely much the same in price, if not higher.

dehydrated & freeze-dried food diets

freeze drying is a process whereby food is frozen and put into a vacuum to sublimate the water content. the resulting product is then put into an airtight package to remove any remaining moisture, providing a much more shelf-stable food. freeze-dried cat food isn’t cooked or pasteurized, making it raw.

dehydrating is a different technique that cat food manufacturers use to achieve the same goal as freeze drying: removing the moisture to create food with a stable shelf life. the dehydration process requires heat, but not enough for the resulting food to be considered cooked.

both processes (freeze drying and dehydration) are popular options because the quality nutrients and vitamins of the food’s ingredients are not lost through cooking.

the problem with feeding your cat dehydrated or freeze-dried diets is the same as if you were feeding them a raw diet. the biggest concern is contamination, as illness-causing pathogens can survive the freeze-drying and dehydration processes. in addition, many who are keen on raw food for their pets find that this method compromises the integrity of their pets’ diets.

there may be risks of nutritional deficiencies due to dietary imbalances, though this can be sidestepped by choosing a food labeled as complete and balanced.

what about dry food?

you may have noticed that this list contains no mention of dry food at all. you’re probably wondering why that is, and the answer comes down to the following.

it is low in moisture

the biggest difference between wet, raw, and dehydrated cat food and dry food is the moisture levels. dry food contains around 10% water; the remaining 90% is dry matter like carbohydrates, fats, and vitamins. wet food contains approximately 70% water. this is especially important if your cat has certain health conditions that would do well with a moisture-rich diet.

it is high in carbohydrates

carbohydrates act as an essential energy source for many animals. however, this isn’t as true for cats, as they’ve evolved to derive most of their energy from the protein and fat they ingest. therefore, carbohydrates should play a small part in a cat’s diet. unfortunately, dry food is usually much higher in carbs than other food types.

diets that are too high in carbs can cause weight gain and related health issues like diabetes.

it focuses on protein sourced from plants versus animals

many dry foods require grains like rice to assist with kibble processing. in addition, some foods contain more plant-based proteins than meat, which is not ideal for your obligate carnivore kitty that needs animal protein to thrive.

it can promote overeating

dry food has a longer shelf life than canned or fresh food, so many owners tend to leave it out for their cats to eat whenever they please. unfortunately, most cats are poor at self-regulating their nutritional intake and will readily overeat whenever the opportunity arises. this can quickly lead to an overweight or obese pet.

conclusion

as the overall best cat food, smalls’ human-grade fresh cat food provides cats with a low-carbohydrate, high-protein species-appropriate food in a texture they’ll love. the best wet cat food, hound & gatos lamb, chicken & salmon grain-free canned cat food, is a plant protein-free recipe, with 98% animal protein for a formula designed to keep your obligate carnivore happy and healthy. finally, the best dehydrated and freeze-dried raw cat food, vital essentials freeze-dried raw rabbit mini patties entree cat food, provides cats with a novel protein source containing the organ meats that they would eat in the wild.

we hope that these reviews have shed light on the always-important topic of feline nutrition. as always, though, keep in mind that cats are unique biological entities, so it’s always best to discuss your pet’s needs with your veterinarian to know which food would be ideal for them.

• see also: top healthiest cat foods

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featured image credit: pixel-shot, shutterstock