Choosing the best cat food is complex. It must have essential nutrients and protein. There are many options now, not just wet or dry food, including raw, fresh, organic, freeze-dried, dehydrated, and frozen. We help cat owners choose wisely. Our reviews are independent, unbiased, and checked by vets and pet nutritionists. See our recommendations below.
Our top picks
Smalls (Fresh) Jump to review
pawTree (Freeze-Dried Raw) Jump to review
Open Farm (RawMix) Jump to review
Nulo Freestyle (Freeze-Dried Raw) Jump to review
The Honest Kitchen (Dehydrated) Jump to review
Dr. Marty Nature’s Feast (Freeze-Dried Raw) Jump to review
Darwin’s Natural Selections (Raw) Jump to review
Fussie Cat Gravy Formulas (Wet) Jump to review
Blue Wilderness (Dry) Jump to review
Rachael Ray Nutrish (Wet) Jump to review
Smalls (Fresh) Highly Recommended Smalls cat food includes nine fresh recipes which all receive the Cat Food Advisor’s highest rating: 5 stars. Manufactured near Chicago, all the recipes are made from human-grade ingredients, cooked to lock in nutrients and then frozen to maximize freshness. They are high in protein and designed to promote strong bones and toned muscles in cats. Smalls Smooth Fish was selected to represent the other products in the line for a detailed recipe and nutrient analysis. This recipe derives the bulk of its protein from cod, a marine species of fish native to both the Atlantic and Pacific coasts of North America. Cod is a quality item with raw fish containing up to 73% water. Dry matter label analysis reveals this recipe contains 55.8% protein, 26.9% fat and 9.3% carbohydrates . . . with a fat-to-protein ratio of 48%. Read our review of the full Smalls (Fresh) range here Things we like
High protein
Preservative free
Ideal for picky eaters
Main Ingredients
Cod, salmon, pumpkin, nutritional yeast, peas & green beans
Texture
Wet
Type
Fresh
Protein Percentage
55.8%
AAFCO Standards
All Life Stages
Best For
Kittens/cats/senior cats
35% off your first order Use code CATFOODADVISOR Buy Now Sample buyer review… “After feeding, my cat gets this burst of energy and starts running around the house! And his fur is softer and more vibrant, with higher contrast. Honestly, I wouldn’t recommend anything else.”
pawTree (Freeze-Dried Raw) Highly Recommended pawTree freeze-dried raw cat food includes three recipes which all receive the Advisor’s highest rating: 5-stars. The brand, founded by Roger Morgan in 2012, is based in Southlake, Texas. All the foods are made in the USA and formulated with a team of expert veterinarians and nutritionist to ensure quality. pawTree Freeze-Dried Raw Real Chicken recipe was chosen to represent the other products in the line for a detailed recipe and nutrient analysis. It derives the bulk of its protein from chicken, which is naturally rich in the 11 amino acids a cat needs to sustain life. Dry matter label analysis reveals this recipe contains 44.7% protein, 34% fat and 13.3% carbohydrates . . . with a fat-to-protein ratio of 81%. Read our review of the full pawTree Freeze-Dried Raw Cat Food range here Things we like
Save money on pawTree cat food 10% off orders up to $100 with code INTRO4U10 & 20% off orders over $100 with code INTRO4U20 Buy Now Sample buyer review… “My dog and cat love this food it can be used as treats, toppers and full meals.”
Open Farm (RawMix) Recommended Open Farm RawMix range includes two grain-free recipes which each receive the Cat Food Advisor’s second highest rating: 4.5 stars. This is a quality kibble, coated in a bone broth and freeze-dried raw. It contains added chunks of raw meat, so is protein-rich too. Open Farm Pet Food was founded in 2014 by Jacqueline Prehogan. The cat food arm of the operation has its headquarters in Canada and this is where the products are developed and formulated. However, production takes place over the U.S. border in the state of Minnesota. Open Farm Open Prairie RawMix recipe was selected to represent the other products in the line for a detailed recipe and nutrient analysis. This particular recipe gets the bulk of its protein from chicken, which is naturally rich in the 11 essential amino acids required by a cat to sustain life. The dry matter label analysis reveals a wet recipe containing 42.2% protein, 15.6% fat and 34.2% carbohydrates, with a fat-to-protein ratio of 37%. Read our review of the full Open Farm RawMix (Raw) range here Things we like
100% animal welfare certified
High protein kibble, with nutrient dense organ meats
No added antibiotics or hormones
Main Ingredients
Chicken, turkey, menhaden fish meal, peas, chickpeas
Texture
Raw mix, wet
Type
Fresh
Protein Percentage
42.2%
AAFCO Standards
All Life Stages
Best For
Kittens, cats and senior cats
EXCLUSIVE: New customer offer 20% off first auto-ship order with code CFA20 Buy Now Sample buyer review… “I’m very happy with the ingredients in this cat food. My cat really enjoys it.”
Nulo Freestyle (Freeze-Dried Raw) Highly Recommended Nulo Freestyle freeze-dried raw cat food consists of just two recipes which both receive the Cat Food Advisor’s highest rating: 5 stars. This food provides cats with an excellent source of quality protein derived from animal meat. It contains probiotics which support both digestive and immune health. Nulo Freestyle Freeze-Dried Raw Chicken & Salmon was selected to represent the other products in the line for a detailed recipe and nutrient analysis. This recipe derives the bulk of its protein from chicken and salmon. Dry matter label analysis reveals a wet recipe containing 48.4% protein, 24.2% fat and 19.4% carbohydrates, with a fat-to-protein ratio of 50%. Read our review of the full Nulo Freestyle (Freeze-Dried Raw) range here Things we like
Save up to 35% with Autoship See discount in cart Sample buyer review… “My cats love this SO much, they start mewing in excitement the minute I reach for it. It’s fairly pricey compared to what I typically serve, so I’ve been using it as a topper for their regular food. Now they just eat it off the top leaving all the other food then beg me for more of this. They’re seriously already addicted.”
The Honest Kitchen (Dehydrated) Highly Recommended The Honest Kitchen dehydrated cat food range is made up of three grain-free recipes which all receive the Cat Food Advisor highest rating: 5 stars. Created by a vet nutritionist, these whole food clusters are prepared using human-grade muscle meat and liver, low-glycemic carbs, beneficial fats and live probiotics. This is a premium product offering high quality ingredients. The Honest Kitchen Grain-Free Chicken & Whitefish Clusters was selected to represent the other products in the line for a detailed recipe and nutrient analysis. This recipe gets the majority of its protein from chicken, which is naturally rich in the 11 essential amino acids required by a cat to sustain life. The dry matter label analysis reveals a dry recipe containing 44.2% protein, 29.5% fat and 18.3% carbohydrates, with a fat-to-protein ratio of 67%. Read our review of the full The Honest Kitchen Dehydrated (Dry) range here Things we like
EXCLUSIVE: New customer offer 30% off orders $30+ with code CFA30 Buy Now Sample buyer review… “My cat has eaten this food happily and consistently for over two years without complaint. That’s his lifetime record!”
Dr. Marty Nature’s Feast (Freeze-Dried Raw) Highly Recommended Dr. Marty Nature’s Feast cat food is made up of three freeze-dried raw recipes which all receive the Cat Food Advisor’s highest rating: 5 stars. Founded by Dr Marty Goldstein, a leader in the field of veterinary medicine for more than 45 years, this food is an above-average freeze-dried range. The first six listed ingredients are all quality animal protein and the recipes are all free from grains, carrageenan, artificial colors, flavors or preservatives. Dr. Marty’s Nature’s Feast Essential Wellness Fish & Poultry was selected to represent the other products in the line for a detailed recipe and nutrient analysis. This recipe derives the bulk of its protein from salmon and turkey, both are rich in the 11 essential amino acids and omega oil required by a cat to sustain life. Dry matter label analysis reveals a wet recipe containing 38.9% protein, 24.2% fat and 28.8% carbohydrates, with a fat-to-protein ratio of 62%. Read our review of the full Dr Marty Nature’s Feast (Freeze-Dried Raw) range here Things we like
Exclusive new customer offer up to 54% off Dr Marty Nature’s Feast Buy Now Sample buyer review… “My feline Lilly has an immune disorder & respiratory problems. Lilly will stop eating when issues flare. I have tried to get her to eat so many wet cats foods at these times, but with no success until I picked up a bag of Dr Marty Natural Feast just to try one more thing, Lilly loved it, her hair got thicker, her energy was amazing, poop low smell, eyes totally cleared up. I’m so happy she is eating truly good food.”
Darwin’s Natural Selections (Raw) Highly Recommended Darwin’s Natural Selections is made up of three raw food recipes which all receive the Cat Food Advisor’s highest rating: 5 stars. Darwin’s was one of the first pet food companies to bring raw pet food direct to pet parents. These Natural Selections’ recipes are minimally processed to preserve the vital nutrients your cat needs. All meat is pasture-raised and grass-fed so your pet is receiving protein from a quality source. Darwin’s Natural Selections Chicken was selected to represent the other products in the line for a detailed recipe and nutrient analysis. This recipe derives the bulk of its protein from chicken, which is naturally rich in the 11 essential amino acids required by a cat to sustain life. Dry matter label analysis reveals a wet recipe containing 53.3% protein, 30% fat and 8.7% carbohydrates . . . with a fat-to-protein ratio of 56%. Read our review of the full Darwin’s Natural Selections (Raw) range here Things we like
Get 10lbs of Darwin’s Raw Food for $14.95 Buy Now Sample buyer review… “We switched our two cats to Darwin’s when our oldest was about 6 months old — and our younger kitten was about 4 months. They absolutely love their meals, and Darwin’s is significantly cheaper than buying wet food on a monthly basis, or feeding them homemade raw beef-based meals. I wish everyone knew the benefits of raw feeding and just how convenient it can really be!”
Fussie Cat Gravy Formulas (Wet) Highly Recommended Fussie Cat Gravy Formulas are made up of five recipes which all receive the Cat Food Advisor’s highest rating: 5 stars. This range is made by Pets Global, Inc., an independently owned, holistic pet wellness company. The food has been formulated to help support healthy vision and brain development and is fortified with vitamins and minerals. It is an excellent source of protein as the meat used is human grade. Fussie Cat Tuna with Chicken Formula in Gravy was selected to represent the other products in the line for a detailed recipe and nutrient analysis. It derives the bulk of its protein from tuna and chicken. Dry matter label analysis reveals a wet recipe containing 74.3% protein, 9.1% fat and 8.6% carbohydrates, with a fat-to-protein ratio of 12%. Read our review of the full Fussie Cat Gravy Formulas (Wet) range here Things we like
Save up to 35% with Autoship See discount in cart Sample buyer review… “My cats love this wet food! They come running when they see the can. It’s a little pricey but well worth it for the quality of ingredients.”
Blue Wilderness (Dry) Blue Wilderness dry product range is made of 11 recipes which all receive the Cat Food Advisor’s highest rating: 5 stars. This range made by Blue Buffalo offers cats an excellent source of quality protein and essential fatty acids. It is made with natural, wholesome ingredients, free from grains, artificial colors, flavors or preservatives. Blue Wilderness Adult Cat Chicken was selected to represent the other products in the line for a detailed recipe and nutrient analysis. It derives the bulk of its protein from chicken which is naturally rich in the 11 essential amino acids required by a cat to sustain life. Dry matter label analysis reveals a wet recipe containing 44% protein, 19.8% fat and 28.3% carbohydrates . . . with a fat-to-protein ratio of 45%. Things we like
High protein levels
No artificial flavors
Wholesome ingredients
Main Ingredients
Deboned chicken, chicken meal, pea protein, tapioca starch, peas
Texture
Dry
Type
Grain-free
Protein Percentage
44
AAFCO Standards
Maintenance
Best For
Adult cats
Sample buyer review… “I put high priority on buying products that will keep my cat healthy. My big, buff-colored Maine Coon has had digestive issues in the past that gave him diarrhea with some of the dry foods we’ve tried out. This one never did and he goes for this like it is some wild meat out on the plains of Africa. This dry food has never disappointed my little lion.”
Rachael Ray Nutrish (Wet) Rachael Ray Nutrish wet cat food is made up of nine recipes which all receive the Cat Food Advisor’s rating: 4 stars. This range was founded by Food Network favorite Rachael Ray, who joined up with Ainsworth Pet Nutrition in 2008 to develop dog food and then in 2014 the cat food element of the business. Made from high quality natural ingredients and named meat and fish sources, this product range is highly recommended. Rachael Ray Nutrish Tuna Purrfection was selected to represent the other products in the line for a detailed recipe and nutrient analysis. It derives the bulk of its protein from tuna, an oily marine fish not only high in protein but also omega 3 fatty acids, essential oils needed by every cat to sustain life. Dry matter label analysis reveals a wet recipe containing 42.9% protein, 23.8% fat and 25.3% carbohydrates . . . with a fat-to-protein ratio of 56%. Things we like
Sample buyer review… “My cats all love this. We tried it after we could no longer get our usual food. This has been a real hit with all our cats. We are very happy with it.”
How do we rate cat food?
To summarize, we examine the government-regulated and standardized labels. We review the ingredient list and assess the meat content. We penalize cat foods containing plant-based fillers, generic animal by-products, artificial colors, or preservatives. Since cats are carnivores, we prefer cat food with high meat content.
Do cats get bored of eating the same food every day?
Similar to humans, cats require dietary variety (even if it’s just rotating food flavors). However, some cats thrive on consistent daily meals, particularly those with sensitive stomachs or finicky appetites. When introducing new food, transition gradually (over one to two weeks) to prevent stomach upset. Furthermore, puzzle feeders or food-dispensing toys offer mental enrichment and engage cats during meals, enhancing their enjoyment. Always remember, feline nutrition is crucial. Consult your vet before altering your cat’s diet or introducing new foods.
Do vets recommend dry or wet food for cats?
There isn’t a simple yes or no answer to this question. Ultimately, veterinarians advise a complete and balanced diet for cats, which can be either kibble or wet food. Wet food necessitates more diligent dental care due to a higher risk of periodontal disease. It’s also better for cats with health issues that require increased fluid intake. Certain conditions may require specialized diets (sometimes prescription-based), which can be either kibble or wet food. Many veterinarians are now suggesting human-grade, fresh, wet foods and more species-appropriate diets, but it’s crucial to remember that there’s no universal solution. Both wet and dry foods have advantages and disadvantages. Therefore, if you have any concerns, especially if your cat has a condition requiring dietary treatment, please consult your vet to discuss the options.
Can you feed your cat a mix of dry and wet food?
Yes, but avoid overfeeding, as this can lead to health issues. Control food portions to ensure your cat receives adequate calories. Refer to the kibble packaging for daily dry food suggestions tailored to your cat’s size, age, and weight. We advise a 2:1 dry to wet food ratio. Given that each food type has varying caloric content, multiply the dry food weight you are omitting by 2.5 to determine the appropriate wet food weight.
How many meals should your cat have a day?
Most adult cats are fed once or twice daily; however, common feeding methods include free-feeding kibble or combining regular wet food meals with free-access kibble. Free-feeding can be suitable for many cats but may cause issues in multi-cat households, as dominant cats might overeat and gain weight, while less dominant cats could be left with insufficient food to maintain a healthy weight. Establishing a consistent feeding routine and ensuring constant access to fresh water are crucial. Furthermore, food portions and type should align with your cat’s age, weight, and dietary needs.
