Last updated May 4, 2026
Kate Barrington / Cats.com
You can’t always judge cat food by its price tag. While it’s true that cheap cat food tends to rely more heavily on by-products and artificial additives, premium-priced products can just as easily be too high in carbohydrates, too low in fat, or otherwise ill-suited to your cat’s carnivorous nutritional requirements.
Below we’ve rounded up the best affordable cat food brands in a diverse range of food types, flavors, and textures to help you find the perfect product that balances quality and affordability.
At a Glance: Best Affordable Cat Food to Buy
Want a quick look at the products reviewed in this article? In the comparison table below, we’ve highlighted some of the most important features of each product. You’ll find more detailed information about each product later in the article.
Natural Balance Ultra Premium Chicken & Liver Pate Formula Canned Cat Food
- Real chicken and chicken liver as main ingredients
- Rich in moisture, great for hydration and digestion
- Contains salmon oil as a source of omega-3 fatty acids
Wellness Complete Health Pate Chicken Entree Grain-Free Canned Cat Food
- High in protein and healthy fats
- Very low in carbohydrates
- Available in large 12.5-ounce cans
Solid Gold High Protein Dry Cat Food
- Primarily composed of clearly-named protein sources
- Doesn’t contain any of the artificial colors and potentially harmful preservatives found in most budget cat foods
- One of the most affordable foods you can buy
I and Love and You Wet Cat Food Variety Pack
- Three protein-packed recipes to choose from
- Smooth, moisture-rich pate texture
- Free from artificial flavors, colors, and preservatives
Weruva Cats in the Kitchen Variety Pack
- Variety pack includes four different flavors
- Meat-first formulas with limited carbohydrates
- Available in 3oz, 6oz, and 10oz cans
Nulo Freestyle Turkey & Chicken Grain-Free Canned Cat & Kitten Food
- First five ingredients are animal-based
- Very low in carbohydrates, under 10% dry matter
- Available in large 12.5-ounce cans
Halo Adult Grain-Free Pate Chicken Recipe Wet Cat Food
- Made with a single source of animal protein
- Smooth pate texture is easy for cats to eat
- Features sustainably sourced ingredients
Kirkland Signature Maintenance Cat Chicken & Rice Formula Dry Cat Food
- Costs under $0.20 per day to feed a 10-pound cat
- Relies on animal-sourced protein and fat
- Free from potatoes, peas, and plant proteins
Chicken Soup for the Soul Chicken & Turkey Recipe Kitten Pate
- First five ingredients are animal proteins
- Smooth pate is easy for kittens to eat
- Multi-protein flavor appeals to many kittens
Purina ONE Indoor Advantage 7+ Chicken & Ocean Fish Recipe
- Specially formulated for senior cats over age 7
- Top five ingredients are animal-based
- Soft texture is easy for cats with dental issues to eat
Why Trust Cats.com
Kate Barrington / Cats.com
Our team has put countless hours into researching the cat food industry across the price spectrum. We’ve put hundreds of the world’s most popular cat food brands to the test, enlisting the help of our own cats, and consulted with dozens of veterinarians and feline nutrition experts.
To compile this list, we scoured pet food retail sites for the best budget cat food brands, prioritizing meat-first formulas with an estimated daily feeding cost under $3.00 (many under $2.00). Our selections are based on a combination of market research, hands-on testing, expert insight, and customer reviews.
After making our selections, we purchased the products and put them to the test with our own cats. In addition to in-home testing, we subjected each product to a thorough evaluation of its ingredients and nutrient composition as well as a deep dive into the brand’s history and reputation for customer satisfaction.
Top Picks Explained
We’re constantly updating our database of cat food products, so our recommendations shift over time. While our current recommendations differ from the list in this video, these products still receive some of our highest ratings for inexpensive cat food.
Top 10 Best Affordable Cat Foods
When it comes to cat food, cost isn’t always an indicator of quality. We set out to find the best cat food brands that balance quality with affordability. These recipes rely on animal protein as the primary ingredient without relying heavily on starchy carbohydrates, hard-to-digest legumes, or artificial additives. They’re also priced under $0.50 per ounce (usually when you buy the largest cans or bags available).
At the top of our list is Natural Balance Ultra Premium Chicken & Liver Pate Formula Canned Cat Food. This moisture-rich recipe features protein-packed fresh chicken and chicken liver. But it may not be the perfect pick for your particular cat, so check out our other selections to explore different food types, flavors, and textures to suit your cat’s preferences.
#1 Overall Best: Natural Balance Ultra Premium Chicken & Liver Pate Formula Canned Cat Food
Liz Coleman / Cats.com
Liz Coleman / Cats.com
Even so, the carbohydrate content is on the lower side, at 13.68% on a dry matter basis. We like that this recipe is rich in moisture for the digestive and hydration benefits, but it does contain carrageenan.
Overall, this food has moderate protein content, moderate fat, and moderate carbohydrate content.
Ingredients
Chicken, Chicken Broth, Chicken Liver, Brown Rice, Carrots, Canola Oil (Preserved With Mixed Tocopherols), Dried Egg Product, Dicalcium Phosphate, Salt, Natural Flavor, Salmon Oil, Calcium Carbonate, Potassium Chloride, Blueberries, Cranberries, Fructooligosaccharides, Taurine, Carrageenan, Magnesium Sulfate, Vitamins (Vitamin E Supplement, Niacin Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate, Vitamin A Supplement, d-Calcium Pantothenate, Riboflavin Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Menadione Sodium Bisulfite Complex (Source of Vitamin K Activity), Folic Acid, Biotin, Vitamin B12 Supplement), Minerals (Ferrous Sulfate, Zinc Oxide, Manganese Sulfate, Copper Amino Acid Complex, Potassium Iodide, Sodium Selenite), Copper Sulfate, Rosemary Extract.
Ingredients We Liked: Chicken, Chicken Liver, Salmon Oil
Ingredients We Didn’t Like: Brown Rice, Carrageenan
Guaranteed Analysis
Dry Matter Basis
Caloric Weight Basis
Pros
- Real chicken and chicken liver as main ingredients
- Rich in moisture, great for hydration and digestion
- Contains salmon oil as a source of omega-3 fatty acids
Cons
- Contains carrageenan as a thickener
#2 Runner Up: Wellness Complete Health Pate Chicken Entree Grain-Free Canned Cat Food
- Made In: United States
- Guaranteed Protein: 10.5% Min
- Life Stage: Adult
- Calories Per Ounce: 39
- Typical Cost Per Day: $1.90
With thousands of positive customer reviews, our second pick for the best affordable cat food is Wellness Complete Health Pate. This chicken-based recipe comes in 3-, 5.5-, and 12.5-ounce cans, and the estimated daily feeding cost for a 10-pound cat is under $2.00.
Kirsten McCarthy / Cats.com
Kirsten McCarthy / Cats.com
Kirsten McCarthy / Cats.com
Featuring fresh chicken and turkey as the top two ingredients, this formula is packed with animal protein. It also relies mainly on animal-sourced fat from fish oil (and some fat from the chicken liver and hearts). It’s a grain-free recipe that’s not loaded with peas or starchy potatoes, so it’s very low in carbohydrates.
Measured as dry matter, this formula contains nearly 48% protein and over 36% fat. It’s very energy-dense at 39 calories per ounce, which helps minimize feeding costs by reducing portion sizes. Plus, it’s packed with hydrating moisture, real poultry flavor, and has a smooth pate texture that’s easy for cats to eat.
Ingredients
Chicken, Turkey, Chicken Broth, Chicken Liver, Chicken Hearts, Carrots, Natural Flavor, Fish Oil (Preserved With Mixed Tocopherols), Ground Flaxseed, Cranberries, Dried Chicory Root, Potassium Chloride, Cassia Gum, Xanthan Gum, Taurine, Sunflower Oil, Choline Chloride, Guar Gum, Salt, Vitamin E Supplement, Zinc Proteinate, Iron Proteinate, Tricalcium Phosphate, Beta Carotene, Niacin Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate, Copper Proteinate, Manganese Proteinate, Sodium Selenite, Vitamin A Supplement, d-Calcium Pantothenate, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Riboflavin Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Biotin, Folic Acid, Potassium Iodide, Vitamin D3 Supplement.
Ingredients We Liked: Chicken, Turkey, Chicken Liver, Chicken Hearts, Fish Oil
Ingredients We Didn’t Like: Guar Gum
Guaranteed Analysis
Dry Matter Basis
Caloric Weight Basis
What We Liked:
- High in protein and healthy fats
- Very low in carbohydrates
- Available in large 12.5-ounce cans
- Good source of hydrating moisture for cats
What We Didn’t Like:
- Some cats experience temporary digestive upset with guar gum
#3 Best Affordable Dry Cat Food: Solid Gold High Protein Dry Cat Food
- Made In: United States
- Guaranteed Protein: 42% min.
- Life Stage: All Life Stages
- Calories Per Ounce: 115
- Typical Cost Per Day: $0.12 per day
If you want a budget-friendly dry cat food without settling for the lowest-quality kibble, Solid Gold is an excellent choice. Its Chicken & Egg recipe stands out for offering better-than-average ingredient quality at a highly accessible price.
Amy Brown / Cats.com
Amy Brown / Cats.com
Amy Brown / Cats.com
Made with chicken and chicken meal as the primary ingredients, it provides solid nutrition for the cost, while canola oil and peas contribute energy and texture. What really sets this food apart in the affordable category is its added nutraceutical support.
Unlike many low-cost dry foods, Solid Gold includes supplemental probiotics and prebiotics, which may help support healthy digestion and overall wellness. While it’s not especially high in protein or low in carbohydrates, it delivers strong overall value for cat owners looking to balance quality and price.
At around 115 calories per ounce, this is a fairly calorie-dense option, making it even more economical to feed. For the average 10-pound cat, it costs about $0.28 per day, making it one of the most affordable dry cat foods we’ve found.
Ingredients
Ingredients We Liked: Chicken, Chicken Meal, Chicken Fat
Ingredients We Didn’t Like: None
Guaranteed Analysis
Dry Matter Basis
Caloric Weight Basis
What We Liked:
- Primarily composed of clearly-named protein sources
- Doesn’t contain any of the artificial colors and potentially harmful preservatives found in most budget cat foods
- One of the most affordable foods you can buy
What We Didn’t Like:
- Not a low-carbohydrate food
#4 Best Value Variety Pack: I and Love and You Wet Cat Food Variety Pack (Oh My Cod!, Purrky Turkey, & Chicken Me Out)
- Made In: United States
- Guaranteed Protein: 10% Min
- Life Stage: All Life Stages
- Calories Per Ounce: 39
- Typical Cost Per Day: $1.70
If you want to introduce some variety into your cat’s diet without blowing your budget, variety packs are a good way to go. This variety pack from I and Love and You features three protein-rich recipes, all with a soft pate texture and simple lists of easily digestible ingredients.
Kate Barrington / Cats.com
Kate Barrington / Cats.com
Kate Barrington / Cats.com
Kate Barrington / Cats.com
Two of the flavors in this variety pack are single-protein formulas (chicken or turkey) while the third contains a blend of chicken and fish. All three are free from grains, peas, and potatoes but contain nutrient-rich fruits and veggies as well as added supplements. They also rely on animal-sourced fat from salmon oil, which is a good source of skin- and coat-supporting omega-3 fatty acids.
One thing to keep in mind with variety packs like this is that the caloric density may vary between recipes. Check the feeding recommendations on each can to make sure you’re meeting your cat’s needs when offering multiple formulas.
Ingredients
Chicken, Chicken Liver, Chicken Broth, Spinach, Cranberries, Apples, Carrots, Natural Flavor, Sweet Potatoes, Alfalfa Meal, Ground Flaxseed, Guar Gum, Salt, Potassium Chloride, Taurine, Dl-Methionine, Choline Chloride, Cassia Gum, Xanthan Gum, Salmon Oil (Preserved With Mixed Tocopherols), Iron Proteinate, Zinc Proteinate, Vitamin E Supplement, 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, Rosemary Extract.
Ingredients We Liked: Chicken, Chicken Liver, Salmon Oil
Ingredients We Didn’t Like: Guar Gum
Guaranteed Analysis
Dry Matter Basis
Caloric Weight Basis
What We Liked:
- Three protein-packed recipes to choose from
- Smooth, moisture-rich pate texture
- Free from artificial flavors, colors, and preservatives
What We Didn’t Like:
- Some recipes are significantly more calorie-dense than others
#5 Upgrade Wet Food: Weruva Cats in the Kitchen Cuties Variety Pack (Chicken Frick ‘A Zee)
- Made In: Thailand
- Guaranteed Protein: 10% Min
- Life Stage: Adult
- Calories Per Ounce: 24
- Typical Cost Per Day: $3.33
If you want to boost your cat’s nutrition with a protein-packed recipe but premium brands like Tiki Cat aren’t a good fit for your budget, something from Weruva’s Cats in the Kitchen line could be the perfect pick. With several variety packs to choose from and plenty of meat-focused formulas among them, the average price-per-ounce for this wet cat food is $0.40.
Kate Barrington / Cats.com
Kate Barrington / Cats.com
Kate Barrington / Cats.com
The Kitchen Cuties variety pack includes four flavors: Chicken Frick ‘A Zee, Funk in the Trunk, Lamb Burger-ini, and Kitty Gone Wild. All four contain shreds and chunks of real poultry, meat, or fish in a lightly thickened, moisture-rich broth.
Measured as dry matter, these recipes contain over 65% protein with minimal carbohydrate content. Even if you just feed it for one meal a day, it could be a nutritious boost to your cat’s diet. Keep in mind that these recipes are fairly low-fat which makes them less calorie-dense than some formulas on this list. If your cat has high calorie needs, that could increase your daily feeding cost.
Ingredients
Chicken, Chicken Broth, Sunflower Seed Oil, Locust Bean Gum, Calcium Lactate, Guar Gum, Xanthan Gum, Tricalcium Phosphate, Potassium Chloride, Fish Oil, Choline Chloride, Taurine, Zinc Sulfate, Vitamin E Supplement, Nicotinic Acid (Vitamin B3), Ferrous Sulfate, Manganese Proteinate, Thiamine Mononitrate (Vitamin B1), Calcium Pantothenate, Vitamin A Supplement, Riboflavin Supplement (Vitamin B2), Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B6), Copper Sulfate, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Folic Acid, Potassium Iodide, Sodium Selenite, Biotin, Vitamin B12 Supplement.
Ingredients We Liked: Chicken, Fish Oil
Ingredients We Didn’t Like: Guar Gum
Guaranteed Analysis
Dry Matter Basis
Caloric Weight Basis
What We Liked:
- Variety pack includes four different flavors
- Meat-first formulas with limited carbohydrates
- Available in 3oz, 6oz, and 10oz cans
What We Didn’t Like:
- Main source of added fat is plant-based
- Cats with high calorie needs may require larger portions
#6 Best Low-Carb: Nulo Freestyle Turkey & Chicken Grain-Free Canned Cat & Kitten Food
- Made In: United States
- Guaranteed Protein: 11% Min
- Life Stage: All Life Stages
- Calories Per Ounce: 35
- Typical Cost Per Day: $1.77
Packed with protein and healthy fats, this Nulo Freestyle recipe is a nutrient-dense choice for cats in all life stages. It’s sold in 5.5-ounce and 12.5-ounce cans with a per-ounce price under $0.30 when you buy in bulk.
Kirsten McCarthy / Cats.com
Kirsten McCarthy / Cats.com
Kirsten McCarthy / Cats.com
This high-moisture wet food features four different animal proteins as the main ingredients: turkey, chicken, turkey liver, and tuna. Menhaden fish oil is the main source of added fat, providing plenty of omega-3 fatty acids, and there are no starchy potatoes or peas in this recipe which makes it very low-carb.
Measured as dry matter, this recipe contains 50% protein and over 36% fat. It’s very energy-dense at 35 calories per ounce and has a smooth pate texture many cats seem to enjoy. With its multi-protein formulation, it’s also a hit with picky eaters.
Ingredients
Turkey, Chicken, Turkey Broth, Turkey Liver, Tuna, Natural Flavor, Guar Gum, Agar-Agar, Potassium Chloride, Taurine, Pumpkin, Cranberries, Choline Chloride, Menhaden Fish Oil (preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Tomato, Kelp, Yucca Schidigera Extract, Salt, Magnesium Sulfate, Iron Proteinate, Sodium Carbonate, Zinc Proteinate, Thiamine Mononitrate, Vitamin E Supplement, 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, Turkey Liver, Tuna, Menhaden Fish Oil
Ingredients We Didn’t Like: None
Guaranteed Analysis
Dry Matter Basis
Caloric Weight Basis
What We Liked:
- Contains 50% protein, measured as dry matter
- First five ingredients are animal-based
- Very low in carbohydrates, under 10% dry matter
- Available in large 12.5-ounce cans
What We Didn’t Like:
- Multi-protein formulas may not be appropriate for cats with allergies
- Some cats experience temporary digestive upset with guar gum
#7 Best Pate: Halo Adult Grain-Free Pate Chicken Recipe Wet Cat Food
- Made In: United States
- Guaranteed Protein: 11% Min
- Life Stage: Adult
- Calories Per Ounce: 37
- Typical Cost Per Day: $2.22
Featuring fresh chicken and nutrient-dense chicken liver, this pate-style wet cat food from Halo is packed with hydrating moisture and real poultry flavor. Measured as dry matter, it contains about 50% protein and it’s an energy-dense formula with about 37 calories per ounce. This helps keep your daily feeding costs down by meeting your cat’s calorie needs with reasonably sized portions.
Kate Barrington / Cats.com
Kate Barrington / Cats.com
Kate Barrington / Cats.com
Because this recipe contains a single source of animal protein, it may be an appropriate choice for cats with allergies to other common proteins. It seems to be a highly digestible option for many cats, though some cats experience temporary digestive upset with gum-based thickeners like guar gum.
Overall, this is a high-protein, high-fat formula with very low carbohydrate content. It has plenty of moisture to help keep your cat hydrated and many cats appear to enjoy the flavor and smooth pate texture.
Ingredients
Chicken, Chicken Liver, Chicken Broth, Natural Flavor, Spinach, Sweet Potatoes, Guar Gum, Carrageenan, Carrots, Potassium Chloride, Cranberries, Salt, Minerals (Iron Amino Acid Chelate, Zinc Amino Acid Chelate, Copper Amino Acid Chelate, Manganese Amino Acid Chelate, Sodium Selenite, Potassium Iodide), Choline Chloride, Vitamins (Vitamin E Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate, Niacin Supplement, D-Calcium Pantothenate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Riboflavin Supplement, Vitamin A Supplement, Biotin, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Folic Acid), Taurine, Salmon Oil (Preserved With Mixed Tocopherols), Magnesium Sulfate.
Ingredients We Liked: Chicken, Chicken Liver
Ingredients We Didn’t Like: Guar Gum
Guaranteed Analysis
Dry Matter Basis
Caloric Weight Basis
What We Liked:
- Made with a single source of animal protein
- Smooth pate texture is easy for cats to eat
- Features sustainably sourced ingredients
- Very high in protein and low in carbohydrates
What We Didn’t Like:
- Guar gum may trigger temporary digestive upset in sensitive cats
#8 Best For Colony of Cats: Kirkland Signature Maintenance Cat Chicken & Rice Formula Dry Cat Food
- Made In: United States
- Guaranteed Protein: 30% Min
- Life Stage: Adult
- Calories Per Ounce: 114
- Typical Cost Per Day: $0.13
If you need to feed multiple cats and want a dry food that keeps costs manageable without sacrificing too much quality, this Kirkland Signature recipe is a standout choice. Dry food is often the most practical option for households, rescues, or caretakers feeding several cats at once, and this formula offers strong value thanks to its low price per pound and solid ingredient profile.
Kirsten McCarthy / Cats.com
Kirsten McCarthy / Cats.com
Kirsten McCarthy / Cats.com
This recipe starts with chicken and chicken meal as the first two ingredients, giving it a better protein foundation than many budget-friendly dry foods. It also uses animal-based fats, including chicken fat and salmon oil, instead of relying on cheaper plant oils. For carbohydrates, it features whole grain brown rice rather than potatoes or peas, which helps it avoid some of the lower-quality fillers common in similarly priced kibble.
On a dry matter basis, this food contains about 33% protein and 22% fat, making it a fairly energy-dense option at 114 calories per ounce. That calorie density can be especially helpful when feeding large groups of cats, since a little goes further and bulk feeding becomes more cost-effective. At just over $1 per pound, this recipe is an economical choice for keeping multiple cats fed on a consistent budget.
Ingredients
Chicken, Chicken Meal, Whole Grain Brown Rice, Ground White Rice, Chicken Fat (Preserved With Mixed Tocopherols), Natural Flavor, Flaxseed, Sodium Bisulfate, Salmon Oil (A Source of DHA), Potassium Chloride, Dl-Methionine, Choline Chloride, Taurine, Dried Chicory Root, Dried Lactobacillus Plantarum Fermentation Product, Dried Bacillus Subtilis Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus Acidophilus Fermentation Product, Dried Enterococcus Faecium Fermentation Product, Dried Bifidobacterium Animalis Fermentation Product, Zinc Proteinate, Vitamin E Supplement, Niacin, Manganese Proteinate, Copper Proteinate, Zinc Sulfate, Manganese Sulfate, Copper Sulfate, Thiamine Mononitrate, Vitamin a Supplement, Biotin, Potassium Iodide, Calcium Pantothenate, Riboflavin, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Sodium Selenite, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Folic Acid.
Ingredients We Liked: Chicken, Chicken Meal, Chicken Fat, Salmon Oil
Ingredients We Didn’t Like: None
Guaranteed Analysis
Dry Matter Basis
Caloric Weight Basis
What We Liked:
- Costs under $0.20 per day to feed a 10-pound cat
- Relies on animal-sourced protein and fat
- Free from potatoes, peas, and plant proteins
- Doesn’t contain artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives
What We Didn’t Like:
- No dry food provides the moisture your cat needs
- High in carbohydrates, over 40% (as dry matter)
#9 Best for Kittens: Chicken Soup for the Soul Chicken & Turkey Recipe Kitten Pate
- Made In: United States
- Guaranteed Protein: 11% Min
- Life Stage: Kitten
- Calories Per Ounce: 38
- Typical Cost Per Day: $1.26
If you want to give your kitten a healthy start in life, this pate from Chicken Soup for the Soul is an affordable choice. It’s priced under $0.25 per ounce and provides plenty of protein and energy to fuel your kitten’s growth and development.
Kate Barrington / Cats.com
Kate Barrington / Cats.com
Kate Barrington / Cats.com
Featuring chicken and chicken liver as the primary ingredients, this recipe contains several supplemental proteins in the form of salmon, turkey, duck, and dried egg. While multi-protein recipes may not be suitable for kittens with food allergies, the combination adds up to a dry matter protein content of 50%. There’s plenty of healthy fat for energy as well, with a calorie density around 38 calories per ounce.
Kittens generally seem to like the flavor of this food and pet parents are largely pleased with the quality of the ingredients. Peas do appear on the list, but not until after half a dozen proteins and several whole grains.
Ingredients
Chicken, Chicken Liver, Salmon, Turkey, Chicken Broth, Turkey Broth, Duck, Dried Egg Product, Whole Grain Brown Rice, Flaxseed, Oatmeal, Carrots, Peas, Potassium Chloride, Salt, Taurine, Apples, Cranberries, Dried Kelp, Cassia Gum, Xanthan Gum, Vitamins (Thiamine Mononitrate, Vitamin E Supplement, Niacin Supplement, D-Calcium Pantothenate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Riboflavin Supplement, Vitamin A Supplement, Biotin, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Folic Acid), Inulin, Fish Oil (Preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Minerals (Ferrous Sulfate, Zinc Oxide, Copper Proteinate, Potassium Iodide, Manganese Sulfate, Sodium Selenite), Yucca Schidigera Extract, Choline Chloride, Parsley.
Ingredients We Liked: Chicken, Chicken Liver, Salmon, Turkey, Duck, Dried Egg Product
Ingredients We Didn’t Like: Peas
Guaranteed Analysis
Dry Matter Basis
Caloric Weight Basis
What We Liked:
- First five ingredients are animal proteins
- Smooth pate is easy for kittens to eat
- Contains 50% dry matter protein
- Energy-dense formula and low in carbohydrates
What We Didn’t Like:
- Multi-protein recipes may not be suitable for kittens with food allergies
- Contains some potentially hard-to-digest peas
#10 Best for Senior Cats: Purina ONE Indoor Advantage 7+ Chicken & Ocean Fish Recipe
- Made In: United States
- Guaranteed Protein: 10.5% Min
- Life Stage: Adult
- Calories Per Ounce: 29
- Typical Cost Per Day: $2.95
Formulated specifically with the nutritional needs of senior cats in mind, this Purina ONE recipe features plenty of animal protein. Packed with chicken, fish, and nutrient-dense organ meats, it provides nearly 48% protein (measured as dry matter).
Kate Barrington / Cats.com
Kate Barrington / Cats.com
Kate Barrington / Cats.com
In addition to being a strong source of animal protein, this recipe contains plenty of hydrating moisture which is crucial for urinary health in senior cats. It contains about 19.3% dry matter fat but just under 30 calories per ounce, so it provides the energy your older cat needs without having to eat overly large portions.
Many pet parents report that even their picky eaters love this recipe, and our test cats did too. The smooth pate formula is easy for older cats to eat and the moisture content helps with hydration. This food also appears to be easily digestible and is free from artificial additives.
Ingredients
Chicken, Ocean Fish, Chicken Broth, Liver, Pork Lungs, Powdered Cellulose, Natural Flavors, Potassium Chloride, Guar Gum, Taurine, Salt, Citric Acid, Tricalcium Phosphate, Vitamins [Vitamin E Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate (Vitamin B-1), Niacin (Vitamin B-3), Calcium Pantothenate (Vitamin B-5), Vitamin A Supplement, Menadione Sodium Bisulfite Complex (Vitamin K), Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B-6), Riboflavin Supplement (Vitamin B-2), Vitamin B-12 Supplement, Biotin (Vitamin B-7), Folic Acid (Vitamin B-9), Vitamin D-3 Supplement], Choline Chloride, L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate (Vitamin C), Minerals [Zinc Sulfate, Ferrous Sulfate, Manganese Sulfate, Copper Sulfate, Potassium Iodide].
Ingredients We Liked: Chicken, Ocean Fish, Liver, Pork Lungs
Ingredients We Didn’t Like: Guar Gum
Guaranteed Analysis
Dry Matter Basis
Caloric Weight Basis
What We Liked:
- Specially formulated for senior cats over age 7
- Top five ingredients are animal-based
- Contains nearly 48% protein (measured as dry matter)
- Soft texture is easy for cats with dental issues to eat
What We Didn’t Like:
- Multi-protein recipes may not be suitable for cats with food allergies
- Only sold in 3-ounce cans
How to Feed Your Cat Well on a Budget
You don’t necessarily need to feed your cat pricey, boutique-brand cat food to ensure they live a long and healthy life. Choosing a nutritionally balanced recipe is crucial, of course, but it doesn’t have to be expensive. Here are some simple tips for supporting your cat’s nutritional needs without breaking the bank:
Prioritize animal proteins.
When shopping for cat food, check the label and eliminate any that don’t list animal protein as the first ingredient. Whole animal proteins like poultry, meat, or fish are ideal but animal by-products aren’t necessarily bad for your cat. Opt for named proteins when possible (like chicken meal vs. poultry meal), especially if your cat has dietary sensitivities or food allergies.
Choose wet cat food (if possible).
If you have room in your budget to accommodate it, choose wet cat food over dry cat food. Even if you spoon a little wet food over your cat’s kibble or offer it for one meal a day, the added moisture can help support your cat’s health and hydration. You can also mix some water or broth with your cat’s food to boost their daily moisture intake.
Minimize carbohydrates and additives.
In addition to being higher in moisture, wet cat food tends to be lower in carbohydrates than kibble. If kibble is what you can afford, however, look for a recipe that prioritizes animal proteins over hard-to-digest peas and other legumes or starchy fillers like potatoes and white rice. Avoid artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives too, as these can negatively impact your cat’s health in the long run.
Utilize sales and samples.
Even the cheapest cat food on the market is generally formulated to provide complete and balanced nutrition for cats, but it’s worth establishing a budget and choosing the highest quality cat food you can consistently afford. You can also shop sales and take advantage of discounted sample packs to include some higher quality products in your cat’s diet from time to time.
We have not tried any of those foods yet.
Are there any affordable dry foods that you recommend?
Hi Keara,
Great question! Though dry foods are never our first recommendation, there are a few options that are both affordable and relatively high-quality. Simply Nourish, American Journey, and I and Love and You are a few brands to consider.
Hope this helps!
– Mallory
I was once recommended by a vet to give my cat Royal Canin and I’ve tried to keep it like that afterwards for all of my cats, but it is expensive and hard to buy when the budget gets low. I see that you recommend wet food. Is it really worth the spending that extra money on the dry Royal Canin or would they be better off with a cheaper wet food like the ones mentioned here?
Hi Noel,
Thanks for your comment.
Based on my experience and research, I would say that yes—it’s better to feed your cats an economical wet food than a relatively expensive dry food like Royal Canin. The problem with almost every dry food, including Royal Canin, is that it has too much of something your cat doesn’t need and too little of something your cat does need.
Those things are, respectively, carbohydrates and moisture.
Dry food loads your cat with carbohydrates, which don’t play well with cats’ mildly insulin-resistant bodies. Eating dry food for a long time may increase a cat’s risk of diabetes. And while it’s spiking blood sugar, dry food is depriving your cat of moisture. For an animal with a limited thirst response and a body not well-made for drinking, a dry diet is a recipe for chronic mild dehydration.
A decent budget-level wet food does neither of those things. It’s low in carbohydrates and, obviously, has plenty of water. Foods like the one on this list are the most convenient way to give your cat species-appropriate nutrition.
As a side note, it’s okay to mix up your cats’ diets. If you can sneak in a few economical wet meals along with the Royal Canin kibble, you may be able to lower your expenses and improve your cats’ diets without making any radical changes.
Hope this helps you to make a decision!
Best,
Mallory
Hi there! I came late into the kitty nutrition game and feel absolutely horrible about the nutrition I gave my cats before I became aware that decent food is an absolute must for preventive care, thus a happy and healthier kitty. However, I am also really broke as I’ve lost my job in April, so I feel your pain lol I was taught by my very patient vets and hours of research that the best plan is a mix of dry and wet food. The dry food helps thier teeth and the wet food for thier nutrition and hydration. The bigger meal should be the wet food, however. Canin is way too rich for my blood and I personally find them , and Hills, kinda gimmicky, which hits my antitrust button. Right now I feed my 6 cats American Journey kibble and wet food. I add in a 1/2 tsp of Honest Kitchens Goat Milk powder to thier wet food. This allows me to add more protein to thier wet food and moisture. Adding too much water can mess up thier liver but by adding the protein powderd milk, I can add in a good bit of liquid without causing them too get imbalanced. I usually add a lil less then 1/4 cup hot water to the milk, and stir into thier wet food dish. My cats weight, health, teeth are in great condition and thier fur is beyond smooth, soft and floofy. The vets/techs can’t keep thier hands off of them at thier visits . They can’t stop remarking about the quality of thier fur. Unfortunately, I have finally run out of my savings which means I will be downgrading thier food once more but because I add in the goats milk I feel that the downgrade won’t be AS bad because they will still get that protein boost. Granted, the less protein in the base food means less overall, even with the goats milk, but it will upgrade a subpar cheap food into an at least a decent food. For me, that goats milk is a life saver and worth every penny. Because I give them a bit less then what’s suggested, one can lasts me about 6ish weeks coming in at 14ish dollars. Something to consider
One of my cats is a rescue with HIV. He is happy and doing well. But he had to have all his teeth removed. I need to give him food good for cats with HIV but since he has no teeth I would like to give him pate or as close to that as possible. Please recommend a low-cost food for Buster.
Hi Pat,
Thanks for your comment. There are quite a few decent low-cost paté-style foods on the market. In particular, WholeHearted has a wide selection of paté-style foods. These patés are comparable in quality and nutritional value to the shredded recipe on this list. I’m not sure how soft WholeHearted patés are, but you can always thin the food with a splash of warm water if it’s on the drier side. The Simply Nourish paté listed above is also a good option.
Because cats don’t really chew their food anyway, eating without teeth isn’t usually a big problem. As long as Buster’s eating a high-moisture food that’s well-cooked, nutritionally balanced, and not too chunky, he should be comfortable and able to get his meals down easily.
Hope this helps.
Best,
Mallory
Hi Pat, I do cat rescue and have so many that live with me, I don’t want to put them back out. HIV+ cats can live a very long healthy life. I have had several that had all of their teeth pulled. Cats can adjust to just about anything, they eat dry and cans and treats as if they had teeth. Just wanted to share with you as a real person who is not trying to sell you on anything. I have tnr’d over 1000+ cats in my area (not including the domestic cats that I adopted) in the past 25 years. I have seen almost everything. Just my opinion from my experience. Have a wonderful blessed Christmas.
Can you please explain/clarify the crude protein on the can label (i.e., 10%) with your YouTube video analysis of protein content (i.e.,50% protein)? How does that work?
Hi Roberta, that’s a great question. The larger values you’re seeing are calculated on a dry matter basis. That means that they represent the portion of the food made up of a given nutrient if it didn’t contain any water. So, for example, the guaranteed analysis of a typical wet cat food may say that the food is 10% protein, but that percentage takes water into consideration. If there was no water in the food, protein might make up 50% of the total. A nutritionally-identical dry food, however, would have 40% protein content on the label and, well, 50% protein on a dry matter basis. Taking water out of the equation just makes it easier to compare foods. Hope this explanation made sense!
I have 3 indoor cats and 2 outdoor cats. I am considering switching from Blue Buffalo Hairball to the Fancy Feast flaked. One of my indoor cats is a chunker and needs to lose weight. I think this may be more suitable for her since dry food is not ideal because of it’s carb content and lack of moisture. My question is how much to feed the cats since I have 5 and they eat twice a day. These cans are 5.5 ounces each. Is that supposed to be split between two cats? Whatever info you can give would be most appreciated!
Hello Eva, thank you for your comment! I’d recommend using this calculator to find each of your cats’ calorie needs and then working with the calorie content printed on the foods’ labels to decide how much to give each of your cats. Your kitties will each have slightly different requirements, so I can’t say how many cans you’ll need for each of them.
This is a great article, and a fantastic website! I’ve been gathering up all this catfood data on my own, and here you’ve gone and done it for me! AND taught me more about feline nutrition along the way!
After spending $1,500 to save my Moca’s life, I know how important hydration, protein, and low-carb is for a cat. Moca developed crystals in his bladder, which his Vet said was due to the grain-y catfood. We had to make life-long changes to keep him healthy – and as a result, the rest of our Cat Crew has gotten healthier, shinier coats. (And reduced vomiting.)
I don’t consider Moca “allergic” to grains, but SO. MANY. websites like to harp on “grain-free won’t help your cat with allergies.” No, but it will save my overweight kitty with the small bladder from becoming totally blocked. Even so-called “veterinarian” websites harp on how “grain-free is a fad.” Outrageous!!!
But here you’ve explained it so much better than I was understanding it. And the part about the fat coming from animal sources, I wasn’t even on the lookout for that!
So on behalf of Moca (and his brothers Caramel and Butterscotch and Venti)… thank you!
Thank YOU! It’s wonderful to hear that our site has been a good resource for you and your crew. This kind of feedback is very much appreciated. All the best!
– Mallory
Awesome resource—thank you very much!
I have a few specific questions please:
1. On the #1 pick—on the guaranteed nutritional analysis, for Ash content—does n/a mean “not available” as in they don’t track it, or “not applicable” as in only trace amounts?
2. On your picks, is it only the stated flavor and form (pate/chunk/flake) that you recommend? Obviously the nutritional analysis may vary somewhat—
3. I am now looking for the country of origin for your top picks, to try and avoid potentially harmful ingredients. Do you happen to know this? Before reading your article I bought a case of Wellness Signature Selects, shredded chicken and turkey in sauce. I noticed it says Product of Thailand on the case packaging, so I will take that back and get one of your picks instead.
I am currently feeding Sheba Perfect Portions flake/cuts chicken and turkey—because its US origin—but I want to get away from the plastic packaging.
Thanks much,
Karen T
Hello Karen, thank you for commenting! Here are replies to all of your questions:
1. The n/a means “not available”, meaning that we were unable to obtain information on the food’s ash content.
2. Not necessarily—nutritional analyses do vary between recipes, so the answer will depend on the specific food in question. In general, however, other recipes from the mentioned lines should have similar nutritional qualities and should be equally good options for your cat.
3. We don’t have information on all of the ingredient sources of all of the products mentioned here. Working down the list, here’s what we do know. WholeHearted wet foods are made in the United States from ingredients sourced from the United States, New Zealand, South America, and other countries internationally. Simply Nourish wet foods are made in Thailand using primarily Thai-sourced ingredients. Authority foods are made in the United States from domestic and imported ingredients. As you noticed, Wellness foods are made in Thailand. Most Fancy Feast products are made in the United States, but the recipe shown here is manufactured in Thailand. And finally, the Kirkland Signature dry food recipe is made in the United States.
I hope that this helps to give you some clarity!
Best,
Mallory
What’s your feeling about fish or salmon in cat food? Is it safe? My cat loves tuna and salmon. I usually don’t give her cat food with shrimp in it because I’m allergic to shellfish, but I’m more worried about if there are toxins in various fishes.
Hi Susan, great question! Fish-based cat foods do present a few issues, including concerns about heavy metals and other contaminants. It can be difficult to ascertain where the fish in your cat’s food came from, too, which means that you don’t know how the fish was treated. And with so many foods containing generically-named fish of unknown species, that puzzle becomes even more complex. Very often, fish will contain the species of fish most likely to be contaminated—large fish higher on the food chain—but you wouldn’t know that without quite a lot of investigation.
Overall, I would consider fish-based foods to be an acceptable option, but you’re going to want to be cautious and keep the fishy foods a part of a varied rotation, not letting them become the primary food in your cat’s diet. I hope that this wasn’t too muddling—the bottom line is that, yes, there is reason for concern, but that doesn’t mean that these foods are inherently harmful and they certainly don’t seem to be when part of a varied diet including other proteins.
Hope this helps!
Do you know of any wet food comparable to authority? It has been discontinued on chewy, and I’m having trouble finding a food that will cost about this price without sacrificing the quality. (I find other “budget” foods like wellness and fancy feast are actually quite expensive costing $2+ per day)
Hi there, thank you for making us aware of this! WholeHearted’s pate foods may be a good alternative to the Authority food listed here. Of course, you still have Friskies, but that does come with a lot of by-products and additives that you might not want in your cat’s bowl. I hope you can find a good alternative soon.
I have 5 cats. I switched from Authority Pete to WholeHearted chicken flakes since Authority discontinue their Chicken Entree. They love WholeHearted chicken flakes. But as you mentioned, they seems to require more food than regular feeding portion. I am going to try WholeHearted’s Pete next and see how they do. Thank you for your recommendations!
What do you think about pure balance dry cat food(Wild and free chicken recipe to be specific) from Walmart and sheba wet cat food?What dry cat food and wet do you recommend from Walmart?
Hello Lexi, it’s okay, but not fantastic, in my opinion. You can learn more about our thoughts on Pure Balance here: https://cats.com/pure-balance-cat-food-review
I was wondering if you could review the Redford Naturals brand from Pet Supplies Plus? It’s the closest store near me and I’m looking for a budget freindly option to add to our rotation.
Hello Carley, we will consider reviewing it in the near future! Thank you for the request.
How do you feel about Redford Naturals wet food?
Hi Carley, we haven’t looked into this brand in-depth, but we will consider reviewing it in the near future. For now, it appears that their recipes are similar to what you might get from Taste of the Wild—decent, but not perfect. Hope this helps!
Hi Mallory.
Your thorough info is fantastic and helpful! I really appreciate your straight forward style of delivering information.
We feed our two indoor cats a mixed diet of dry and wet- this way, when we occasionally go away for a few days, we can leave out water and dry kibble and they don’t balk at the dry food. (We’ve tried having a friend come in while we’re gone, but unless it’s someone they know well, that seems to cause more stress for them than just leaving out extra food and water.)
On a daily basis, for each meal I give them part dry with some wet and also add a tablespoon of water for extra moisture. For dry we feed Simply Nourish Grain Free (main ingredient is chicken or salmon, not by-products) or sometimes American Journey. For wet, we rotate between Aldi’s Heart to Tail, and homemade, which is either fresh (cooked) salmon skin/meaty scraps from our own human meals or cod or chicken ‘cubes’ which they love. The cubes I make from human grade cod or chicken, steamed without seasoning, then cooled to room temp and run through a blender (including the water used to cook), then freeze in ice cube trays before popping the cubes into freezer bags. It’s easy to thaw one cube for each of them to add to any meal. Because our cats also get commercially prepared cat food with every meal, they are still getting taurine and other key nutrition that may not be in the homemade.
This has been a ‘frugal’ way for me to feed them good quality ingredients. I would love to hear your thoughts on feeding homemade or suggestions for other homemade options. I will also look for the Wholehearted canned food to add into our rotation, because that is definitely a better grade than the Aldi. Thank you so much for the recommendations!
Hi there! Thank you so much for sharing; sounds like you’re doing an excellent job of feeding your cats well while remaining frugal. As for homemade food, I would recommend the following articles:
Making Cat Food: Homemade and Raw Cat Food Diets Explained
6 Delicious Homemade Cat Food Recipes
Hope these help!
– Mallory
Hi I have a question but first a little back story I adopted this kitten around 2 months ago she was outside I socialized her she still lives outside. I bought her pure balance cat food she does eat it but i was maybe thinking i could buy 4health cat food because it is more cheaper and the ingredients are somewhat similar for a cheaper price plus 4health does offer way bigger bags so what do you think would be better sticking to pure balance or buying 4health? My kitten is almost 4 months old
Hihi! I recently rescued my cat, B.B. and I was wondering if you could give your thoughts on the brands: Hills and Applaws
I’ve been watching your cat food videos but a lot of brands recommended aren’t available in my country and I’m not particularly keen on regularly ordering cat food from overseas, the shipping would eventually burn my wallet :”) My vet recommended those two brands and Royal Canin (but you already did a video on this brand haha). I’m currently feeding B.B. Fancy Feast which my vet equated to McDonalds for humans, “tasty but not nutritional” as she said LOL
I’m feeding B.B. Acana’s Indoor Entree and Pacifica dry food too but I’m planning on dropping the Pacifica as I’m questioning if she had an allergic reaction to it, if you could give your thoughts on Acana too that’d be really appreciated <3 Thank you for all the good knowledge!
Hello Sean, thank you for commenting! There’s nothing that I could say in a comment that isn’t already gone over in-depth in the brand reviews for each of these.
Hill’s Pet Nutrition Review
Applaws Cat Food Review
Acana Cat Food Review
Hope you find these helpful! We also plan to review these brands on YouTube very soon. Thanks for being here.
– Mallory
Hi Mallory,
I would love to hear your thought on the brand Fussie Cat (canned/wet food in particular). My holistic-ish vet recommends it but doesn’t sell it (I’m always cautious of a recommendation that a vet sells). She says that, nutritionally, it’s the best she’s found. Would you please do a review of this brand?
Thanks for all of the great information you provide! It’s so helpful.
Hello Kim, thank you for commenting! We haven’t reviewed Fussie Cat, but it is on our list for a review in the very near future. In the meantime, I’ve done a quick round of research. Fussie Cat wet food is relatively good in terms of macronutrient distribution—high in protein without a ton of starchy ingredients—but it does contain carrageenan, which could increase inflammation. As for their dry food, it’s alright, but not perfect. On the positive side, Fussie Cat kibble is free of animal by-products, artificial colors, and other low-value ingredients, but it’s also chock-full of legumes and relatively high in carbohydrates, neither of which are ideal for an obligate carnivore.
Am I looking at this wrong or are the dry weight basis carb contents totally contradicting what the article says?
# 1 pick has 18.75% carbs, # 2 has 11.36, # 3 has 10%???
Love how this website shills for grain-free food when study after study in dogs show grain free foods correlate to heart problems and death. No studies yet on cats, but not unreasonable to make the leap. Cats and other animals have been eating the so-called “bad foods” for decades with no issues whatsoever. Only now in the internet age do we have all these websites claiming that you’re poisoning your pets by feeding them anything other than supposed “all-natural grain-free” crap. Run by people who are not even vets or have any actual credibility in the subject matter. I’d be skeptic of this “unbiased” review website.
Certainly, grain-inclusive foods are not poison, and you’re right—they’ve been nourishing cats for decades. However, the issue with the possible correlation between grain-free diets and DCM in cats is that, just as cats have thrived on grain-inclusive diets for decades, they’ve also been healthy on grain-free diets for centuries. We know from years of research that there is no such thing as a grain deficiency in cats, and the majority of wet cat foods have always been grain-free—they just don’t bear that label or contain any of the trendy ingredients we see in a lot of foods that target the grain-free-oriented consumer. So any correlation between grain-free diets and DCM (which, by the way, does not appear to be nearly as significant an issue in cats as it is in dogs) most likely cannot be directly attributed to the absence of grains. It’s not accurate to simply claim that grain-free foods correlate to heart problems and death. Those who are studying this matter make it clear that the cause is still unknown and that the issue relates to foods that fall into the BEG (boutique companies, exotic ingredients, grain-free) category…not directly to the absence of grains. You can read about it from a veterinary nutritionist here.
Could you recommend some good affordable cat treat options, thank you.
Well, I’m totally confused by the same seemingly contradictory info that Nick questioned on 2 Dec 2021. Until recently, I always fed my cats dry food, believing that the nutrition was complete and it was actually better than wet for preventing plaque. HA! I now realize that I was a sucker for advertising BS and that dry food contains far too much carbohydrate to be a healthful option. So now I have a keen interest in the carb content of wet food. However, I can’t begin to understand how you could like the #1 choice (WholeHeart), for its “low carb content” and even rate it #1, when the pie charts show carb percentages by dry weight and calorie content that are actually HIGHER than every other food. And you disliked #2 for having the HIGHEST carbs when it definitely appears to be the third highest. Did the nutritional data somehow get switched around?
Carbohydrate content isn’t listed on the labels of any cat foods I’ve looked at, and I really would like to find a good affordable food.
Thanks
Hi Andy, the text in the article is consistent with the product information and should give you an accurate picture of these foods. However, the pie charts were added later and use a different calculation method, leading to the contradictions you’re seeing. We’re currently reevaluating the way that these charts are created, and you should see greater consistency soon. If you would like to get your own carbohydrate information for a specific food, I recommend entering the information from the guaranteed analysis into this nutrient calculation tool. I’m sorry about the inconsistencies, and we’re doing our best to improve. In the meantime, I hope this information helps. – Mallory
When I had a cat diagnosed with diabetes and was not happy with the treatment nor insulin regimen provided to me by his attending vet, I contacted Cornell for testing advice and food recommendations. They highly recommended Tiki wet cat food as their first choice because it was one of the lowest canned food in carbs and the tuna and fish are human grade and test mercury free. What do I know!! So what is your take on Tiki wet food for cats?? And how about Young Again Dry carb free cat food? Is it testing as they say and can a diabetic cat eat it safely?
Both of those are outstanding options for a diabetic cat. You’re absolutely on the right track, and I’m optimistic about diabetic remission given that combination of foods. Good luck!
I am not sure that is a good source. Wellness has way too much salt to be a healthy cat food. Besides every brand has better and worse choices so good luck finding the good one 🙁
Dry food is appropriate food for a cat? After seeing a cat dying from kidney failure this is so upsetting to read.
Hey there, we haven’t lab tested this particular Wellness recipe, so I can’t comment on its sodium content at this time, but I appreciate this observation. Regarding dry food, we discouraged the use of kibble in this article—a low-moisture diet can be detrimental to a cat’s long-term health, especially when it comes to urinary tract health. At any rate, thank you for commenting.
HI,
Thank you for all you do! In this article the #1 rated Whole Hearted review states low carbohydrate content. But, In your individual review on this canned food you state that it is high in carbohydrates. This is confusing as it is conflicting information. Can you please clarify.
Also, what do you think of Nulo canned food and Weruva Paw Lickin Chicken canned food?
Also, Crave indoor dry cat food?
I am gone 12 hrs a day so I cannot leave canned food out for my cat so unfortunately I do need to give her some dry food while I am away. Otherwise, she is only given canned food.
Hello Mel, thanks for commenting. This article is in need of an update, as we have learned that WholeHearted wet cat food is higher in carbohydrates than initially assumed. At 18% carbohydrates on a dry matter basis, it is, indeed, relatively high in carbohydrates. Nulo is an excellent option, especially if you’re looking for something more budget-friendly. Weruva’s Paw-Lickin’ Chicken is also excellent, though it’s pretty expensive. I wouldn’t recommend Crave’s indoor dry food—you can learn why in our Crave brand review. Instead, I’d recommend opting for kibble from Nulo, Instinct, or any of the other brands listed in our review of the best dry cat food.
Hi Mallory, great info but unfortunately my cat inly likes the fancy feast shrimp and fish out of the list. I wanted to ask how you feel about Natural balance platefulls 3oz packages? My cat really likes every flavor of this brand but im concerned it might not be so healthy and wanted your advice. Thank you
Natural Balance Platefulls are rather high in carbohydrates and contain potentially less-digestible plant proteins, so I wouldn’t recommend them very heartily.
Sorry but you’re prices are so far out of date! I looked at a few and for example the authority food is $1.35/ 5.5 ounce can making it .25 cents an ounce and then you’ll need to add the $6 a gallon of gas to drive to the store and get that cat food making a special trip for cat food and driving an hour round trip to find it and spending at least $12 on the gas to get there in my fuel efficient car still seems like a heck of a bad deal! I personally will stick with the Fancy Feast grain free that I can get a few minutes from home while I’m grocery shopping for everyone else including the 4 cats my daughter “rescued” and then left for me to feed and take care of! I do agree with you that dry cat food must isn’t worth it especially if you have neutered male cats! My moms female cats ate dry food for 25 years of their long lives and never had issues 2 of the male cats have stervite crystals! Not stones but they are all eating canned food now!
Hi Rose, thanks for the comment. We’ll go through and check to make sure all of the prices are accurate for 2022.
Fussie Cat wet food is relatively good in terms of macronutrient distribution—high in protein without a ton of starchy ingredients—but it does contain carrageenan, which could increase inflammation.
Mallory, I have been feeding my 8 yr old boy Wholehearted senior recipe for 7 + pate and Wellness pate which was recommended here. However, I just found out about carrageenan being in the senior recipe, which, as you know is a carcinogen and even banned in the UK. I am on a budget, and I thought I had found a couple of good pate foods. Weruva has some great recipes but a lot of them contain potato starch. Maybe it’s not as bad as straight potatoes? With the Wellness, I’m concerned about the cranberries. As we now know, grapes are toxic to pets. But there is conflicting evidence as to why. Some say it’s the ingredient called tartaric acid, which is also in cranberries. So I was hoping you could share your knowledge about this. I feel like I have to find the lesser of the evils.
A few years ago, my male cat “Mohawk” was having urinary tract issues that went on for several years, numerous expensive trips to the vet and eventually surgery. My vet had recommended bags of Royal Canin {RC) dry food. After continued UT issues and pain for poor Mohawk, and frustration on my part, I did my research which confirmed what Mallory has said in these videos. Cats need more moisture to help prevent UT blockages. In nature they get moisture out of their food, but not from dry kibble. Why did my vet recommend dry food? Well, I try to be positive, but honestly… I have noticed in several vet practices I have visited they have this RC food on their shelves. I’m convinced the manufacturer of RC is pushing this stuff on thousands of vets with false claims, steep discounts, “independent” (not!) studies, whatever they need to do to get their food onto shelves and recommended by vets in the practice. I have read anecdotal information in forums from other cat owners that their vet recommended RC for UTI. Even someone has posted here about being recommended the RC food After reading numerous scholarly articles on UT in cats I’m wondering if I now have more UT prevention nutrition knowledge than most vets. Don’t they teach animal nutrition in vet schools? Or is it like with human doctors, they get a short class on nutrition at one time in their education? They veterinarians l know love animals and would never knowingly recommend something detrimental to cats. So why recommend a dry food for cats with UT unless the company that makes it is pushing bad information to practices?
I would like to make two points. 1) The first is a request for All About Cats. Is there anything you can do to educate vets to stop recommending dry kibble for cats with UT issues? In other words, counteract whatever pseudoscience Royal Canin is pushing at them. 2) For folks who have cats who like kibble more than wet food (which most of my six cats do) I add filtered water to their food and sometimes splash in a little unsalted chicken broth. They lick the bowl clean and get their moisture easy-peasy. I don’t even have to wait for the kibble to absorb the water, they drink it anyway. This works with all six of my gatos.
Hey Laura, yep—these are big questions. I think most vets recognize the importance of hydration but recommend dry UT foods because they’re more convenient and accessible, but nonetheless, we can view those foods as nutritionally deficient in a sense, and it’s not right that so many vets nonetheless fail to mention moisture as a key to disease prevention. Most vets don’t receive a lot of nutrition education as part of their standard veterinary training, so you shouldn’t expect the average vet to have that kind of specialization. As for what we can do, I hope that the information we’ve put out so far will help to shift things, but we can think about some more vet-facing content or even other pushes to change this. Thanks for reaching out.
Since the shelves at USA stores are unusually empty, I have been shopping for cat food on line. The products you recommend are literally among the most expensive available. I am not sure how you define “affordable.” We usually keep 4-6 cats, who typically live to be around 20 years old. They function perfectly well on Friskies canned food, and the most economical dry food we can find.
Hi! I am trying to find an inexpensive wet cat food that is best for my mostly indoor cat. I was wondering if you could do a review of the performatrin “Naturals” line- I am wondering if it is better than the performatrin ultra options?
Hello Julia, apologies for the late reply! Yes, we’ll consider covering the Naturals line in addition to the Ultra line! I’ve made a note of this. Thank you!
As of 09/11/22, these prices on the article are outdated, which is weird considering that this article was “updated” on 09/09/22. For example, Nulo is no longer 22 cents an ounce, it is at its cheapest 27 cents an ounce, and that’s if you buy two cases of the 12.5oz cans. Also, the price per ounce is above 30 cents for Wellness as well. I think this article needs another update.
Thank you, Jay. We’re updating the article accordingly.
I must be poorer than I thought. $2 for a can of 5.5 oz cat food is not cheap to me. $1+ for 3 oz food also is not cheap.
I have been feeding my cats Purina Cat Chow Complete and Friskies Pape for a few years but I have so many now with outside fur babies its about 20 and with this inflated economy what can I get
Doesn’t get much cheaper than those two, I’m afraid. Aside from switching to dry food entirely, you may be able to get better deals by shopping for cat food at a food bank or another low-cost resource.
I will never trust someone who reccomends purina. They have knowingly killed so many animals so many pets including my own that anyone claiming they are worth anything is now untrustworthy!
This is the fourth article I have read from this site advising on the best foods for our cats. Firstly, Fancy Feast never should have made it onto this list. The only good from the food is its price. Guar Gum, Menadione Sulfate Bisulfite has no business being in ANY pet food. It causes liver toxicity and damages cell membranes. There are plenty of natural sources of vitamin K that help in the digestinal tract, but they cost a few pennies more so manufacturers go to the synthetic source. And it is my understanding that lungs do not have the same nutritional value as exceeding organs such as kidneys, liver heart. Finally, just based on ethics alone Purina Products should not be on this list either.
I have been thinking of giving my cat raw foods since there are no affordable manufactured foods that are limited ingredients, organic without gums, starches, and grains. Even buying lamb would be cheaper than the WAY OVERPRICED pet foods on the market now. I will have to find a good source of ground bones so my cat gets the calcium and iron that can be lost during the manufacturing high heat, pressure cooking process that many use.
If anyone knows of a source, please reply or make a comment. Thank you ahead of time.
Hi, thanks for the thorough information on some brands of cat food. However, your chosen brands are quite expensive to feed 6 indoor cats and several outdoor feral cats. Special Kitty is only one brand of cat food that uses many fillers but, in my opinion, after viewing the labels for several expensive brands, some do not appear to be that much better. Cat and dog food brands that are of somewhat better quality have prices that are too high which discourages some people from having pets. Thanks
For those of us feeding multiple cats on a limited budget, >$100 for a 12 or 24- can case is *not* affordable. I buy 72 3-oz cans/week for my 4 cats; Fancy Feast has been all I can afford, and right now they’re all turning up their noses at it (I buy 24 flavors, so they have a selection at every meal). All are healthy. I need to find a workable, affordable, sustainable solution, can you help?
It’s difficult, because some of these more “affordable” options do cost more upfront (because you need to buy them in bulk to get the biggest savings). Since your cats are turning down Fancy Feast, they might prefer Sheba. If you have the time to make it, homemade raw cat food can also be a more cost-effective option as well. Wishing you all the best.
When my cat gets finicky with his food, I put some treats that he likes in it and mix it up, and he gobbles it right down.
What I’m looking for that is very hard to find (and reasonably priced) non-GMO wet cat food. I would like reviews on non-GMO wet cat food that even though more expensive, I’d like to know the best options.
I was disappointed to find after I changed to I and Love and You that the ‘feed’ for the animal protein is not known. That tells me that GMO corn/other GMO foods are in the feed and I don’t want that.
Please make a list/video focusing on non-GMO completely (not just partial non-GMO) and price. Thank you.
Hi Elizabeth, that’s a good request! We’ll consider doing a piece on the best non-GMO food. For now I believe Open Farm’s foods (which incorporate a lot of pasture-raised meats) may fit your needs.
Hi, I am looking for a good brand of wet food for my kittens. They’re 3 months old and were eating Fancy Feast Kitten Variety Pack from the shelter and they love it. Since learning about the artificial flavoring and colors in that food, I have stopped feeding it to them and am looking for an alternative that is moisture rich and healthy for them. I also have a 1-year-old cat that I’d like to find a good wet and dry food for. Currently, my 1-year-old and the two kittens are eating Purina One Healthy Kitten dry food which is what the shelter was feeding all of them. I’m not sure if that dry food is good for all 3 of them. Thank you.
Very informative and helpful.
No where in the above discussions is Atta Cat mentioned. We have been feeding feral cats (captured, sterilized and released) Atta Cat for over 20 years and several have been quite healthy over that time period. Granted we don’t know what else they may be eating but we have to refill the feeder fairly often. So we were wondering where you would rate this rather inexpensive dry cat food. The following is their description (sales pitch) for their food:
“Atta Cat! ® Cat food provides your feline friend with 100% complete and balanced nutrition at every stage of their life. Atta Cat! ® Cat food has everything your cat needs to look and feel their best. High-quality protein from natural animal sources promotes muscle health. 23 Essential vitamins and minerals helps promote healthy skin, coat and overall energy. Omega 3 & 6 fatty acids help promote brain functions, organ health, and immune system support.”
What do you say?
When it comes to feeding feral cats, it makes sense to feed the best thing you can afford. In this case, Atta Cat isn’t a nutritionally-optimal diet—we’re seeing a primarily corn-based ingredient list with artificial colors and meat meals. However, it is nutritionally complete and balanced while also being affordable, so I think it’s a good option for cats who wouldn’t otherwise be getting a complete diet. We’ll consider reviewing this brand in depth in the future!
In the previous reply I did not mention that the cat food feeder is inside an insulated shop with a monitored enclosed area, the ‘Kitty Condo’, made with two by fours and chicken wire with a ‘person’ door access in the shop and a ‘cat door’ to the outside that has an opening small enough that the cat really has to want to get inside to get to the food (it has discouraged the racoons so far and the skunks don’t like the smaller opening either for some reason…we have had issues with both in the past). There is also clean unfrozen water and carpeted enclosures available in there for those really cold nights.
Wow, sounds like a wonderful space for the local cats. Seeing as it’s monitored, you should be able to keep an eye on who’s coming in and out, and it sounds like you’re doing a great job of making it a primarily cat-friendly place.
Thank you for the helpful review! I’m moving to the US from England and looking to find decent food that isn’t triple the price of what I pay at home. I’m noticed Natural Value in shops and on Amazon and am wondering if you know much about it? Carrageenan is a named ingredient and I know that can be a controversial one!
Hi Lucy, thanks for the comment! Yes, this is an okay food but quite high in gums, including the particularly-controversial thickener, carrageenan. Again, it’s controversial and not necessarily the worst choice for your cat, so especially as part of a rotation with other diets, it will likely be fine for your cat. You can find similar foods from Costco’s store brand, Kirkland, and some of the other brands on this list. Wishing you all the best with your move and finding a great food for your cat!
This quote “The cheapest wet food is better than the most expensive kibble.” spreads misinformation and is completely false. You should be recommending a mix of wet/dry food as opposed to giving people the idea that Friskies wet food for every meal every day is somehow going to be better for your cat than a mix of high/mid quality dry and wet foods. Also, add water to your cats wet and dry food instead of being totally reliant on the products given moisture content.
I’m also confused as to why the top image shows Weruva when it’s not listed in the article at all. I was looking forward to seeing where it was rated on the list so I’m a little disappointed that it was advertised but not talked about.
Finally, Wellness is no where close to being a “cheap” cat food.
All in all I’m pretty disappointed with this article, as I believe it is spreading a lot of false information.
Hi Alyssa, thanks for your feedback! I can see how that comment could be misconstrued. We’re working on updating our product roundups, so we’ll be updating our images to reflect current recommendations and will be going through the content as well. Thanks for bringing this one to our attention!
Purina ONE Chicken Recipe has guar gum, but it is not listed in the ingredients that you don’t like.
Thanks for catching that, Virginia! I’ve fixed that.
Kirkland Signature Maintenance Cat has recently changed their formula, the new kibbles are smaller and darker in colour. I was wondering if it is still the best dry food with the new formula? My two cats have been experiencing health concerns since they switched over and I’m trying to pinpoint if I need to change their food. It seems lately when human food changes it’s to save the manufacturers some money and not increase the quality of the product.
Hey, the prices seem to have gone up 10 fold for most of these, they’re no longer cheap. Clicked on your Wellness link here, it’s $55 for 12 big cans. Only a few stayed relatively affordable. Who knows, maybe due to this endorsement bringing customers. Any chance for a part two updated to 2024+?
Hi Anastasia.
Yes we are working on it asap
Hello,
I am looking for an affordable wet food option for my five cats. When looking at these and going to the company’s website, I notice that many of these are higher in calcium and phosphorus at least those that have published nutrient profiles. Wellness Complete Health is higher in phosphorus than calcium. Is this something that I should be concerned about?
Thanks.
Fancy Feast is good choice
Hello, I would like to understand how some foods say they are appropriate for all ages, when most are either adult or kitten. Do the “all ages” foods just need to be fed in greater quantity for kittens, or do the “adult” types have ingredients kittens shouldn’t have? Thank you.
Hi Sara,
So cat foods labeled for “all life stages” are formulated to meet the nutritional requirements for kittens, adults, and senior cats, as established by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO). These formulations typically contain higher levels of protein and fat to support the growth and energy needs of kittens. When feeding kittens, you may need to provide larger portions to meet their caloric demands. In contrast, foods labeled specifically for adult maintenance may not supply the essential nutrients or caloric density required for kittens’ development, making “all life stages” or kitten-specific foods more appropriate for young cats.
Hi! This review is super helpful, thank you very much.
I’m wondering, are the reviews based on the specific flavors depicted or on the overall product line? For example, are you rating the BFF line or specifically the Tuna and Pumpkin Valentine flavor? Thank you
Hi,
We cover a specific product but with reference the brand and other product lines
What about cats that can’t have chicken?
Hi Carol,
You can see some options here:
https://cats.com/best-chicken-free-cat-foods
I feed my cats Wholehearted wet food. This is Petco’s own brand. Has anyone reviewed it?
Yes we did:
https://cats.com/wholehearted-cat-food-review
Would Purina change the shape of the Kirkland brand? I buy this and they don’t eat it. It’s not the ingredients it must be the shape. So, far I only see 1 dry food alternative. They love Purenia One but my budget doesn’t.