Buying points for cat food
Before entering the list of popular products, I will first explain the key points and directions that you need to pay attention to when choosing cat feed.
Select by feed type
Cat food is mainly divided into two types, please take a look at their respective characteristics in the first step.
Emphasis on CP value and storage convenience: dry feed
Since dry feed is relatively cheap, daily feeding will not cause a burden on the household, and it can be stored at room temperature for a long time after opening. In addition, since one pellet of feed contains all the ingredients, you can get the necessary nutrients even if you eat a small amount of feed. However, in order to avoid excessive consumption, it is not recommended to calculate the amount by sight. Please be sure to refer to the calorie and feeding amount recorded on the package to feed the cat.
Emphasis on hydration and ease of intake: Wet cat food
Compared with dry feed containing 10% water, wet food contains 80% water, and its taste and aroma are very attractive to cats. It is very suitable for replenishing water for cats who do not like to drink water.
There are a variety of options for wet cat food on the market, and in addition to the common canned form, there are many products packaged in pouches or trays. It’s just that it is difficult to store after opening the can, and it is more filled with soup, soup, and water than the dry and dry ones that contain nutrients. If the cat wants to get enough nutrients, the amount must be increased, so the cost of feeding wet cat food is relatively high.
Mixed feeding of wet and dry food is also a good method
If the daily supply of wet food is too expensive, but the cat does not like dry food very much, it is recommended to use a combination of dry and wet food. Owners can spread wet cat food on top of dry food, or change one of their daily meals into wet cat food, and with a little effort, the cat can eat whatever they want without getting tired of it. However, when doing this feeding method, remember to count calories carefully, so as to avoid the cat’s lack of nutrition or overeating.
Feed selection according to purpose
Cat food is generally divided into three types: comprehensive nutrition cat food, prescription cat food and general cat food. Please choose the most suitable product according to your cat’s physical condition and feeding purpose.
- Comprehensive nutrition cat food: Products that meet the standards of Japan’s “Pet Food Fair Trade Commission” are of this type. As long as the owner feeds this kind of feed and water, the cat can get the nutrients needed for survival. If it is not a Japanese product, you can refer to the content ratio of the five common nutritional items of “crude protein, carbohydrate, crude fat, sodium, and ash”, and check whether it has obtained SGS and AAFCO approval.
- Prescription cat food: In addition to the prescription cat food that maintains the functions of the urinary system, kidneys, liver and other organs, there are also formulas for weight control, which are quite rich. Although it can be obtained from the store or the Internet, it is still recommended to follow the veterinarian’s instructions in principle. If the owner does not have the correct feeding knowledge, it may worsen the situation and must not be careless.
- General cat food: As far as Japanese products are concerned, those that do not meet the comprehensive nutrition cat food standard are called “general cat food”. This type of cat food is basically only wet cat food. Due to its higher palatability, it can be used as a side dish for dry feed, to stimulate appetite or as a reward. The daily feeding should still be based on comprehensive nutrition cat food.
Choose according to the age of the cat
There are many cat food products on the market that are designed to suit your cat’s age. Please grasp the characteristics of various cat feeds and feed your cats according to their lifestyle patterns.
- Weaning ~ 1 year old kittens: Mainly designed for growing kittens that have been weaned, so their protein and calcium are richer and easier to digest. The general practice is to first switch to puree weaning food, then sprinkle dry feed, and slowly let the kitten get used to it.
- Adult cats over 1 year old: Although the growth rate of cats is not constant, cats over 1 year old are generally regarded as adult cats. At that time, it will be replaced by adult cat feed that maintains health as the main formula.
- Old cats over 7 years old: Due to the reduction in exercise, the daily calorie consumption of senior cats is also gradually decreasing. Therefore, it is recommended to stop eating adult cat feed and eat special formulas such as low-calorie and joint maintenance for senior cats.
Choose according to the cat’s physical condition and lifestyle
In addition to matching the cat’s age, it can also be selected according to the cat’s physical condition, health status and lifestyle. The following are common formulas designed for cats with different needs on the market.
- Cats with little exercise or obesity: cats who always live at home and do not get enough exercise, please choose cat food for indoor cats; if it is a cat with a tendency to be obese, please give cat food for weight loss. Both are mainly low-calorie, but the former is aimed at maintaining cat health, while the latter is aimed at reducing food intake. Please choose according to their physical condition and individual differences, and observe their weight changes at the same time.
- Cats after sterilization: Generally, cats will be sterilized when they are about 6 months old when they are in estrus. After surgery, they may gain weight due to hormonal imbalance. Therefore, they must be given low-calorie postoperative cat food that is not easy to gain weight.
- Cats prone to vomit hairballs: If there are long-haired breeds and other cats that often vomit hair, it is recommended to give formula cat food rich in dietary fiber and effective in preventing hairballs. In this way, the hair bulbs in the body are covered and excreted together with the feces. However, some cat foods that claim to melt and prevent hairballs contain even less fiber than general cat food. Please check the ingredient list carefully before purchasing.
- Cats with urination problems: Although cats are built to survive without regular water intake, lack of water can still cause damage to the urinary system. If you are worried about problems with your cat’s kidneys, bladder, urethra, and other organs related to urine, or have a history of such a medical condition, you can choose a special feed for urinary tract health care that focuses on the prevention of urinary tract stones and other diseases by adjusting the magnesium content.
Avoid allergens without worrying too much about additives and by-products
Beef, chicken and other meats in the raw materials of cat food are also sources of allergies for some cats. Before purchasing, you should check the ingredient list and choose products with a single meat source as much as possible. Grain-free feeds are easier to digest and are suitable not only for cats allergic to grains, but also for general cats. However, because the US government agency has pointed out that gluten-free feed is associated with cardiomyopathy, some owners will be concerned about grain-free feed.
In addition, many owners will want to avoid buying products containing food additives, but in fact, the products sold on the market must meet safety standards, so cat food that can be purchased in stores or online is basically safe.
Additives such as preservatives and antioxidants prevent food spoilage and are essential ingredients for cat food that can be stored at room temperature. There is a school of thought that by-products such as viscera, or cat food containing poultry raw materials are considered inferior and unsafe food, but these raw materials are rich in collagen and minerals, which can be regarded as effective nutrition sources for cats.
Start with items with good palatability and multiple flavor choices
It is the nature of animals to judge whether food is delicious or not by smell, and they are especially interested in foods with strong smells. Cat foods with high palatability, such as meat or fish, are more likely to attract them. On the contrary, the recently popular natural cat food, when making it, pays attention to not adding too much and emphasizing the safety of raw materials, and putting palatability second, it may cause cats to lack interest due to the lack of strong smell.
On the other hand, since cats can easily get bored with the same flavors, it’s worth checking out a package that contains a mix of flavors, or a range of cat food products with a variety of flavors. And when you just change the feed, you may not have the cat’s appetite, so it is also recommended to start with a small package and a trial package.
Top 10 Cat Food Popularity Rankings
Next, I will introduce 10 cat feeds in the form of popularity rankings, including dry type and wet type. Please choose the most suitable one according to your cat’s habits and physical condition!
10
Royal Canin Feline Health Nutrition Kitten Dry Cat Food
USD 56.99
| Brand | Royal Canin |
|---|---|
| Flavor | Chicken |
| Key Feature | An innovative combination of highly digestible proteins, fibers, and prebiotics helps to provide digestive support for kittens |
| Target Species | Cat |
| Item Form | Granule |
| Breed Recommendation | Small Breeds |
9
Hill’s Prescription Diet k/d Kidney Care Dry Cat Food, Veterinary Diet
USD 57.94
| Brand | HILL’S PRESCRIPTION DIET |
|---|---|
| Flavor | Chicken |
| Key Feature | More essential amino acids than the daily requirements supports your cat’s natural ability to build lean muscle (compared to AAFCO minimum) |
| Target Species | Cat |
| Item Form | Dry |
| Breed Recommendation | All Breed Sizes |
8
Instinct High Protein Cat Food, Ultimate Protein Grain Free Dry Cat Food
USD 25.50
THE FIRST RAW COATED KIBBLE
Instinct Ultimate Protein dry cat food has up to 2x more real duck and chicken & 95% of protein comes from duck, chicken and eggs. Unmatched digestibility for optimal nutrient absorption.
| Brand | Instinct |
|---|---|
| Flavor | Duck |
| Key Feature | Made with guaranteed levels of natural probiotics for digestive health, omegas for skin & coat, and antioxidants for immune health. Made without grain, potato, corn, wheat, soy, by product meal, artificial colors or preservatives. |
| Target Species | Cat,Dog |
| Item Form | Raw, Dry |
| Breed Recommendation | All Breed Sizes |
7
Orijen Dry Food
USD 30.99
Delicious and good choice with high meat content
The most important feature of Orijen, which has won numerous awards, is that it insists on using fresh and pure raw materials provided by trusted suppliers, and makes it in its own factory without imitation of others. Therefore, its high-quality products have become the first choice of many owners. . This cat food is made from a variety of selected fish such as sardines and cod. It is rich in high-quality protein and can be said to be a grain-free formula that is very suitable for cats.
Not only the meat content is quite high, but the manufacturer also added freeze-dried cod liver, and there is no doubt about the palatability. Although the price is also increased due to the cost of materials, perhaps in addition to feeding it as a main meal, it is also a compromise method to mix it into a cheaper feed to increase the cat’s appetite.
| Brand | Orijen |
|---|---|
| Flavor | Six Fish |
| Key Feature | Using fresh and raw animal ingredients, including meat, organs, cartilage, and bone, ORIJEN is the Biologically Appropriate, grain-free diet that cats have evolved to eat |
| Target Species | Cat,Fish |
| Item Form | Whole |
| Breed Recommendation | All Breed Sizes |
6
Purina Pro Plan Entrees in Sauce Adult Canned Wet Cat Food
USD 42.99
Delicate sauce adds flavor and moisture
Tempt your cat with Purina Pro Plan Sole & Vegetable Entree in Sauce adult wet cat food, and deliver outstanding nutrition and exceptional taste to her dish at mealtime. This recipe features real sole complemented with vegetables for wholesome goodness you can feel confident serving to your cat companion. Every high-quality ingredient is carefully chosen for a specific purpose, and each serving provides 25 essential vitamins and minerals plus taurine, an amino acid, to help support her overall health and wellness.
A delicate sauce adds savory flavor, and the tender texture gives your cat something to sink her teeth into. Formulated to provide complete and balanced nutrition for adult cats, this wet cat food recipe is as tasty as it is nutritious, giving you both something to feel good about at feeding time. Get your furry friend the flavor she craves, when she wants it, with just a few simple clicks by placing an order for this Purina Pro Plan recipe at Amazon.com today.
| Brand | Purina Pro Plan |
|---|---|
| Flavor | Sole & Vegetable |
| Key Feature | Made with real sole complemented with vegetables; Helps support her healthy skin and coat; Provides essential nutrients to help support a healthy immune system |
| Target Species | Cat |
| Item Form | Pate, Gravy |
| Breed Recommendation | All Breed Sizes |
5
Halo Indoor Dry Cat Food, Grain Free, Chicken & Chicken Liver
USD 18.99
High-quality protein close to pure meat
The American brand HALO emphasizes that it refuses to use reconstituted meat meal and animal by-product parts, but uses human food grade, whole meat pieces certified by GAP (Global Animal Partnership) and MSC (Marine Stewardship Council), with non-genetically modified fruits and vegetables. Provide high-quality protein and other nutrients for hairy children. Therefore, its products have the advantages of good absorption and utilization, which can avoid the problem of soft stools.
At the same time, its products are added with the patented skin health ingredient “DreamCoat”, a soy protein concentrate that can bring vitamins and essential fatty acids that make fur shiny. By the way, in the same series, there are also dry dry products for kittens and mature cats, as well as glue-free and grain-free staple food jars in various flavors, so as to achieve all-round care for cats throughout their lives.
| Brand | Halo Purely For Pets |
|---|---|
| Flavor | Chicken & Chicken Liver |
| Key Feature | As much as it is healthy, our cat food is also humane; Halo says “NO” to factory farming, sources our high-quality chicken from Global Animal Partnership (GAP) Certified cage-free farms, and uses non-GMO fruits and vegetables. All Halo products are made in the USA, with quality ingredients sourced from US farms and around the world |
| Target Species | Cat |
| Item Form | Grain |
| Breed Recommendation | Adult |
4
Nulo Adult & Kitten Dry Cat Food – Grain Free, Small Size Kibble Pieces
USD 22.99
SUPPORTS WEIGHT MANAGEMENT
For your tiny tiger The fact that humans have domesticated the cat to live under roof with us does not modify their inherent carnivorous nature. Nulo Grain Free Dry Cat Food contains more of the ingredients that your cat would be eating in the wild. It is comprised of 83% animal protein, resembling your cat’s natural diet more closely than grain-based carbohydrates. Nutritionally balanced and delicious, Nulo Dry Cat Food helps to maintain your cat’s optimal weight so she can keep up with that elusive laser pointer and stalk her catnip mouse toys to her heart’s content. Only the best will do Nulo assembled the brightest minds in the pet food industry and, using the finest natural ingredients, created unique recipes to tickle your cat’s taste buds and support overall good health.
Nulo dry cat food contains no corn; wheat; soy; artificial colors, flavorings or preservatives. We also add the patented BC30 Probiotic to our formula to support healthy gut flora and make digestion easier. The result is a protein-rich recipe that keeps your cat looking and feeling great from head to tail. For every stage of your cat’s life The amount of food that your cat needs will depend upon activity level, age, environment and breed. Nulo Grain Free Dry Cat Food should be allocated at 1 cup for adult cats over 15 lbs., plus a quarter cup for each additional 4 lbs. Adjust food as necessary to maintain optimal body weight. Nursing or pregnant cats may require up to 3 times the amount indicated on package directions. Always provide access to clean, fresh water. Ensure your cat’s complete health now and in the future. Add Nulo Grain Free Dry Cat Food with BC30 Probiotic to your cart today.
| Brand | Nulo |
|---|---|
| Flavor | Chicken |
| Key Feature | Proprietary formula 83% animal-based protein for more amino acids and better flavor. Nulo FreeStyle also uses fewer carbs and low glycemic ingredients like lentils, sweet potato and chickpeas. |
| Target Species | Cat |
| Item Form | Discs |
| Breed Recommendation | All Breed Sizes |
3
Blue Buffalo Wilderness Wild Delights High Protein Wet Cat Food
USD 30.10
CANNED CAT FOOD WITH MEATY MORSELS
Packed with more of the chicken and salmon cats love and free of the grains that contain gluten, BLUE Wilderness Wild Delights grain free wet cat food is made to feed your feline’s wild side. Featuring real chicken and salmon, plus fruits and vegetables, this high protein cat food features the finest natural ingredients enhanced with vitamins and minerals.
Plus, it’s formulated to support the unique nutritional needs of adult cats. Packed with protein from real chicken and salmon and healthy carbohydrates from fruits and vegetables, this recipe provides the energy your cat needs for an active lifestyle.
| Brand | Blue Buffalo |
|---|---|
| Flavor | Chicken & Salmon |
| Key Feature | BLUE wet cat food contains NO chicken (or poultry) by-product meals, NO corn, wheat (a common thickening agent used by many other brands) or soy, and NO artificial flavors or preservatives |
| Target Species | Cat |
| Item Form | Wet |
| Breed Recommendation | All Breed Sizes |
2
ACANA Cat, Protein Rich, Real Meat Premium Dry Cat Food
USD 19.99
Low GI formula can also be loved by picky cats
The ACANA brand focuses on self-production and self-marketing, and produces high-quality cat food in its own company’s strictly operated factory, which makes many owners willing to buy it again and again. This feed is made from delicious ingredients such as chicken, turkey, herring, and eggs, and is a highly palatable product. And because of the low carbohydrate content, it is not easy to cause blood sugar shocks, and can properly protect the cat’s physical function.
From limited ingredient diets to recipes for all life stages, we go beyond the 1st ingredient in every step of crafting our premium pet food to ensure that your pet has the high quality, balanced nutrition needed to live a long and happy life.
| Brand | ACANA |
|---|---|
| Flavor | First Feast |
| Key Feature | ACANA First Feast with Free-run chicken, whole herring, turkey, eggs, and quail will give your new little wildcat the nutrition they need to get the best start to their new life. |
| Target Species | Cat |
| Item Form | Dry |
| Breed Recommendation | All Breed Sizes |
1
GO! SOLUTIONS CARNIVORE Grain Free Dry Cat Food
USD 19.99
PROTEIN-RICH FOOD TO SUPPORT STRONG, LEAN MUSCLES
GO! SOLUTIONS used only premium-quality ingredients carefully selected and balanced to provide simple solutions to support pets with all kinds of issues, from sensitive stomachs to skin + coat health. Finally. You can breathe easy knowing you’re feeding your best pal premium nutrition tailored to their unique dietary needs, from puppy + kitten age to the golden senior years.
Plan whole, balanced meals and reliably manage your pet’s weight + wellness with fewer ingredients to worry about. Grain free. Gluten free. No corn, no potato, no wheat, no soy. Low to no carb. High protein food. Our natural and wilderness inspired recipes speak to feline taste + instinct with ingredients like wild boar, salmon, duck, lamb, ocean fish, turkey and chicken. Available in 3, 8 and 16 lb bag sizes. Try our limited ingredient cat food for cats with a sensitive stomach or restricted diet. Discover more fresh cat food, dry options, dry cat food grain free choices, kitten + senior cat food selections and nature inspired bulk products from GO! SOLUTIONS.”
| Brand | GO! SOLUTIONS |
|---|---|
| Flavor | Chicken, Turkey + Duck |
| Key Feature | Premium cat food made with maximum meat protein to support healthy cats at every age, with antioxidant-rich cranberries to support urinary tract health and taurine to support vision + heart health |
| Target Species | Cat |
| Item Form | Pellet |
| Breed Recommendation | Large Breeds, Medium Breeds, All Breed Sizes, Giant Breeds, Small Breeds |
Frequently Asked Questions about Buying Cat Food
After knowing all kinds of popular products and selecting tips, many owners will still be apprehensive and worried that they will not be honored when they actually buy them and give them to their cat owners. For this reason, the following is a compilation of common problems related to cat feed, and you are welcome to refer to it.
How many times a day should you feed?
The frequency of meals a day for cats depends on their age. In principle, adult cats can eat 1 or 2 times according to their lifestyles. As for kittens in the weaning period to growing up, because they are very active at this age, they have a strong appetite and can eat more often than adult cats. It is best to feed them 3 to 4 times a day, and please watch the kittens grow. According to the situation, adjust the feeding frequency appropriately.
How long does it take for cat food to be eaten?
Basically dry feed must be fed within 1 month. If the package is too large, it may cause the unfinished feed to oxidize, thereby affecting the cat’s appetite. Wet food is perishable, so it must be stored in the refrigerator after opening and fed as soon as possible. However, since cats are more sensitive to the freshness of food and prefer freshly-opened food, it is recommended to buy products in smaller packages that can be eaten as a meal.
Can the feed be placed in advance?
In addition to the “fixed food method” of giving feed on time, there is also the “all-you-can-eat method” that allows cats to eat at any time and according to their moods. Although some people worry that the latter will lead to obesity in cats, in fact, as long as you master a few grams a day and don’t leave it for too long to avoid deterioration, then this feeding method will not cause too much problems. The following articles introduce automatic feeders that can adjust the feeding amount or feeding time. Interested readers may wish to refer to them together.
What should I do if my cat doesn’t eat food?
Although cats will eat food according to their mood, if they are opened for too long or they don’t like the taste, they may lose their appetite. Therefore, it is generally recommended to buy small packages to try. You can also add a little hot water to soften it, or heat canned cat food, match it with cat treats, etc., so as to improve the smell and arouse the interest of cats.
On the other hand, I believe everyone has the stereotype that cats must love to eat fish, but in fact every cat has different preferences. In overseas countries such as Europe or the United States, people are convinced that cats prefer to eat liver rather than fish. In fact, meat such as chicken breast is also a favorite of cats, so if cats don’t like the taste of fish, you may wish to change the feed of other meat sources.
In addition, if the cat’s whiskers get stuck in the cat bowl when eating, it will also affect the willingness to eat, so it is also possible to confirm the size of the cat bowl currently in use, and whether the distance between the cat and the food is too far, too high or too low. If you can’t solve the problem of food refusal after trying the above methods, you should take the cat to the pet hospital to report, and the doctor will diagnose whether it is sick.
