Last updated Apr 7, 2023
Medically reviewed by
Our Review Process
Our reviews are based on extensive research and, when possible, hands-on testing. Each time you make a purchase through one of our independently-chosen links, we’ll receive a percentage of the proceeds. Read more about how we’re supported here.Russian Blue cats are delicate creatures that desire attention and love. Their dense, luxurious coats, vivid green eyes, and dignified personalities make the Russian Blue a distinctive, delightful pet. But what should you feed your Russian Blue cat? In this article, we explore the best cat food for these regal felines.
At a Glance: Best Cat Food for Russian Blue Cats 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.
Smalls Cat Food
- Fresh food made with human-grade ingredients
- Real, high-quality animal protein
- High in protein and very low in carbs
Wellness CORE Natural Grain Free Wet Canned Cat Food
- Contains plenty of high-quality animal protein
- Made with fresh meat, fruits, and vegetables
- Suitable for all life stages
Fancy Feast Classic Tender Liver & Chicken Feast Canned Cat Food
- Multiple protein sources (chicken, fish)
- Relatively low in calories
- Affordable
Wysong Optimal Vitality Adult Feline Formula Dry Cat Food
- Low in carbohydrates and low glycemic index
- No artificial additives or non-nutritional ingredients
- Suitable for all life stages
Blue Buffalo Wilderness High Protein Dry Adult Cat Food
- Suitable for all life stages
- Wide variety of flavors
- Provides balanced daily nutrition
The Russian Blue cat breed is known to live for roughly 10-16 years, although this strongly depends on its personal health and quality of care.
An adult Russian Blue cat will vary in size depending on if it is a male or female, but most individuals weigh 10-14 pounds. The breed is thought to originate on the Russian Archangel Isles around the port of Arkhangelsk.
In addition to performing our own qualitative analysis of the brands reviewed here, we submitted samples for analysis at an ISO 17025 certified food testing and analysis lab.
We bought the products at full retail price, and the entire testing process was funded by Cats.com without direct input or influence from the companies involved.
Analytical testing in a food chemistry lab gives us the exact macronutrient and micronutrient content of each recipe. The tests also look at microbial content, yeast, mold, and heavy metals, helping you ensure that you’re putting only the best in your cat’s bowl.
Also Read: Why We Lab Test Cat Food and How to Interpret the Reports
Best Soft, Canned, Wet and Dry Cat Food for Russian Blue Cats
#1 Smalls Cat Food
Smalls is a fresh cat food delivery service that uses human-grade ingredients, including premium proteins like chicken, turkey, and fish. Choose from minced-style recipes or classic pâté to provide your cat with protein-rich, low-carb cat food that is formulated for cats in all life stages.
Though Smalls doesn’t portion out your cat’s meals for you, they do provide detailed feeding recommendations according to your cat’s calorie requirements. Each package of food contains about 4 to 5 ounces of food, with markings on the package at 50-calorie increments.
Smalls cat food is delivered frozen, so you’ll need to thaw the package overnight in the fridge first before feeding. Your subscription will be based on your cat’s calorie needs, and you can adjust it as needed by contacting the customer care team.
In addition to their fresh food, Smalls also offers a selection of freeze-dried cat foods, treats, and meal toppers. They also recently started selling millet and silica cat litter.
Ingredients
Chicken, Chicken liver, Green beans, Peas, Water (sufficient for processing), Chicken hearts, Kale, Tricalcium phosphate, Canola oil, Choline chloride, Potassium chloride, Salt, Taurine, Magnesium Sulfate, Niacinamide, Ferrous sulfate, Zinc sulfate, Vitamin E supplement, Thiamine mononitrate (vitamin B1), Calcium pantothenate (vitamin B5), Copper sulfate, Pyridoxine hydrochloride (vitamin B6), Manganese sulfate, Riboflavin (vitamin B2), Potassium iodide, Folic acid, Biotin (vitamin B7), Vitamin B12 supplement, Vitamin D3 supplement
Guaranteed Analysis
Dry Matter Basis
Caloric Weight Basis
Pros
- Fresh food made with human-grade ingredients
- Real, high-quality animal protein
- High in protein and very low in carbs
- Moisture-rich
Cons
- Not individually portioned for your cat
- Limited protein options (chicken, turkey, beef)
#2 Wellness CORE Natural Grain Free Wet Canned Cat Food
This grain-free recipe is packed with high-quality chicken and turkey, giving your cat plenty of the animal protein that they need in their daily diet. It also contains other healthy ingredients, including flaxseed, dried kelp, and cranberries. This recipe is suitable for all life stages, from kitten to adult.
Ingredients
Chicken, Turkey, Chicken Broth, Chicken Liver, Chicken Meal, Turkey Liver, Dried Ground Potatoes, Natural Flavor, Cranberries, Guar Gum, Ground Flaxseed, Potassium Chloride, Salmon Oil (preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Choline Chloride, Taurine, Cassia Gum, Xanthan Gum, Dried Kelp, Chicory Root Extract, Yucca Schidigera Extract, Magnesium Sulfate, Iron Proteinate, Zinc Proteinate, Thiamine Mononitrate, Vitamin E Supplement, Copper Proteinate, Manganese Proteinate, Sodium Selenite, Niacin, d-Calcium Pantothenate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Riboflavin Supplement, Vitamin A Supplement, Biotin, Potassium Iodide, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Folic Acid, Rosemary Extract.
Guaranteed Analysis
Dry Matter Basis
Caloric Weight Basis
Pros
- Contains plenty of high-quality animal protein
- Made with fresh meat, fruits, and vegetables
- Suitable for all life stages
Cons
- A bit on the expensive side
- Size of the can be a bit confusing – the can is fairly large for the weight of food it contains
#3 Fancy Feast Classic Tender Liver & Chicken Feast Canned Cat Food
Tasty, high-quality cat food doesn’t need to put a squeeze on your wallet. This grain-free canned food from Fancy Feast provides complete and balanced nutrition at an affordable price. Its protein sources are chicken and fish. As with other canned foods, this recipe has a high moisture content, which promotes urinary health by keeping your cat well hydrated.
Ingredients
Chicken Broth, Liver, Meat By-Products, Chicken, Fish, Artificial And Natural Flavors, Tricalcium Phosphate, Minerals [Potassium Chloride, Magnesium Sulfate, Zinc Sulfate, Ferrous Sulfate, Copper Sulfate, Manganese Sulfate, Potassium Iodide], Guar Gum, Salt, Taurine, Vitamins [Thiamine Mononitrate (Vitamin B-1), Vitamin E Supplement, 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]. E668018
Guaranteed Analysis
Dry Matter Basis
Caloric Weight Basis
Pros
- Multiple protein sources (chicken, fish)
- Relatively low in calories
- Affordable
- Virtually free from plant ingredients
- High-moisture food helps keep your cat satisfied
Cons
- Contains artificial flavors
#4 Wysong Optimal Vitality Adult Feline Formula Dry Cat Food
Although canned food is enticing for many cats, some cats may simply prefer dry food. If your cat would rather eat dry food, Wysong dry cat foods are a great choice. They are formulated to closely match what cats would eat in the wild and are appropriate for all life stages and breeds.
This recipe is low in carbohydrates and has many ingredients to support cat health, including omega fatty acids, probiotics, vitamins, and minerals.
Ingredients
Chicken Meal, Organic Chicken, Turkey Meal, Pea Protein, Potato Protein, Peas, Chicken Fat (preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Flaxseeds, Dried Plain Beet Pulp, Natural Flavor, Sesame Seeds, Montmorillonite Clay, Crab Meal, Dried Whey, Coconut Oil, Chia Seeds, Salt, Taurine, Calcium Carbonate, Calcium Propionate (a preservative), Dried Tomato Pomace, Choline Chloride, Yeast Extract, Organic Barley Grass Powder, Dried Blueberry Powder, Dried Yogurt, Dried Kelp, Apple Pectin, Dried Kale, Dried Spinach, Dried Carrots, Fish Oil, Citric Acid (a preservative), Inulin, Mixed Tocopherols (a preservative), Rosemary Extract, Yeast Culture, Minerals (Potassium Chloride, Zinc Proteinate, Zinc Sulfate, Ferrous Sulfate, Iron Proteinate, Copper Sulfate, Copper Proteinate, Manganese Sulfate, Manganese Proteinate, Sodium Selenite, Calcium Iodate), Vitamins (Ascorbic Acid [source of Vitamin C], Vitamin E Supplement, Niacin Supplement, Calcium Pantothenate, Vitamin A Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Riboflavin Supplement, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Biotin, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Folic Acid), Dried Aspergillus Oryzae Fermentation Product, Dried Enterococcus Faecium Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus Casei Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus acidophilus Fermentation Product, Dried Bacillus Subtilis Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus Plantarum Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus Lactis Fermentation Product, Pepper.
Guaranteed Analysis
Dry Matter Basis
Caloric Weight Basis
Pros
- Low in carbohydrates and low glycemic index
- No artificial additives or non-nutritional ingredients
- Suitable for all life stages
- Great flavors to choose from
Cons
- Not Palatable for some cats
#5 Blue Buffalo Wilderness High Protein Dry Adult Cat Food
This grain-free recipe created by BLUE Wilderness contains high-quality and easily digestible chicken. It is also free of corn, wheat, soy, and artificial flavors and preservatives. If your cat is prone to hairballs, this recipe also contains various fibers that will help reduce your cat’s hairballs.
Wellness is proudly made in North America under the strictest quality and sanitary standards.
Ingredients
Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Tapioca Starch, Pea Protein, Peas, Menhaden Fish Meal (source of Omega 3 Fatty Acids), Powdered Cellulose, Pea Fiber, Chicken Fat (preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Flaxseed (source of Omega 6 Fatty Acids), Natural Flavor, Calcium Chloride, Potato Starch, DL-Methionine, Psyllium Seed Husks, Choline Chloride, Calcium Sulfate, Potatoes, Dried Chicory Root, Potassium Chloride, Direct Dehydrated Alfalfa Pellets, Alfalfa Nutrient Concentrate, Taurine, Calcium Carbonate, Potassium Sulfate, Salt, preserved with Mixed Tocopherols, Sweet Potatoes, Carrots, L-Carnitine, Vegetable Juice for color, Ferrous Sulfate, Niacin (Vitamin B3), Iron Amino Acid Chelate, Zinc Amino Acid Chelate, Zinc Sulfate, Vitamin E Supplement, Blueberries, Cranberries, Barley Grass, Parsley, Turmeric, Dried Kelp, Yucca Schidigera Extract, Copper Sulfate, Thiamine Mononitrate (Vitamin B1), Copper Amino Acid Chelate, L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate (source of Vitamin C), L-Lysine, Biotin (Vitamin B7), Vitamin A Supplement, Manganese Sulfate, Manganese Amino Acid Chelate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B6), Calcium Pantothenate (Vitamin B5), Riboflavin (Vitamin B2), Vitamin D3 Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Folic Acid (Vitamin B9), Dried Yeast, Dried Enterococcus faecium fermentation product, Dried Lactobacillus acidophilus fermentation product, Dried Aspergillus niger fermentation extract, Dried Trichoderma longibrachiatum fermentation extract, Dried Bacillus subtilis fermentation extract, Calcium Iodate, Sodium Selenite, Oil of Rosemary.
Guaranteed Analysis
Dry Matter Basis
Caloric Weight Basis
Pros
- Suitable for all life stages
- Wide variety of flavors
- Provides balanced daily nutrition
- Helps reduce hairballs
- No artificial flavors or preservatives
Cons
- Low moisture content
Homemade Cat Food, Raw Diets, and Water Needs
The Russian Blue cat can eat numerous types of homemade meals, but it’s important to use a recipe that provides complete and balanced nutrition. Work with a veterinary nutritionist to develop homemade cat food recipes for your Russian Blue cat.
Read More: Homemade Cat Food Recipes (Vet Approved)
Although raw foods for pets have become increasingly popular, they are not without risk. Raw foods can contain disease-causing bacteria that can sicken cats and their owners. Many veterinarians, as well as the Food and Drug Administration, do not recommend raw diets for pets.
Whether your cat eats wet or dry food, water should be consumed in sufficient quantities to ensure adequate hydration. Give your cat unlimited access to fresh, clean water. You can also consider buying a cat water fountain to help promote your Russian Blue’s daily water intake.
Food Allergies
Food allergies are relatively rare among Russian Blue cats. If your cat shows symptoms of a food allergy (including vomiting, diarrhea, and itchiness), consult a veterinarian. Your veterinarian may recommend an elimination diet to identify dietary triggers.
For cats, the most common food allergens are chicken, beef, fish, and dairy. Cats must be exposed to a dietary protein before they develop an allergy to it, and these allergies may develop after years of consuming a specific protein.
If your cat has a food allergy, you will need to feed a food that does not contain the ingredient that triggers an allergic reaction. For example, if your cat is allergic to chicken, select a food that contains another protein source, such as beef or fish.
Read More: Best Hypoallergenic Cat Food
This has been the best information i have evet read about my kitty. I have had a full breed Russian Blue female since her birth ..14yrs ago. Her mother was SOLID RUSDIAN BLUE..no stripes at all. I am trying to feed ..BabyPhat the best i can afford. I have one problem i cannot figure out. From over her eye..on head..the fur is thinner back to the ear openings. She can go for a couple wks then all of a sudden she just digs at her head..not in the ear..she does not have mites. I wash her face, ears, and chin for her couple times a week. Is it possivle she could be picking up some parasite..bug bites ..that could come thru screens ?? She has always been an indoor cat but likes to go out on our balcony? She has been ckd by vet..no probs..so ii is driving ME crazy.haha. What is best shampoo/ cond for them? All that fur is CRAZY. Thank you for any help you can give me.
Hi Victoria,
Same thing is happening to my baby. Did you find out what happened?
Sounds like ringworm to me. Usually presents in the ears.
My Russian blue is so skinny weighing about five pounds. We provide both wet and dry food; all he cares to eat. He’s eight years and appears otherwise to be heathy. The vet says he may have issues eating chicken which we do not give him. Anyonr have suggestions?
Hello Walter, are you sure that your Russian Blue is underweight? I would refer to a body condition chart like this one to evaluate his figure before adjusting his diet. If you determine that he is indeed too skinny, I would consider opting for a more calorically-dense food like the ones on our list of the best cat food for weight gain.
Make sure she foes not have a tapeworm.
Have a Thyroid test done. Hyperthyroidism was a big part. Of my cat’s weight loss
In terms of the thinning fur above the eyes and towards the base of the ears from scratching or rubbing, my vet told me it’s allergies of some sort. I have the same issue with one of my two RBs…
My beautiful 6 mos. old Russian Blue boy ( Ivan) is quite a fussy eater. He hates Pate’..
Smalls was not his cup of tea. I am a bit frustrated.He nibbles at dry but seems to like wet food with pieces.
Any great ideas?
Hi Trisha! There are a few brands we recommend which offer wet food in various textures. Many of Tiki Cat’s recipes include shredded meat or fish in broth, as does Cat Person. If he’s starting to sample dry food and you want to keep including it in his diet, a wet food topper from Weruva might be a good choice.
You can find more info and product recommendations for these brands here:
https://cats.com/tiki-cat-cat-food-review
https://cats.com/tiki-cat-cat-food-review
https://cats.com/cat-person-cat-food-review
I have a real issue with the description of the Russian Blue, beginning with ‘long hair’! They are a short haired breed. They are called the ‘Russian’ Blue since they originated in Russia, not Persia as stated above. If this is true, then every article I have read on them – and there are MANY – would be incorrect. The article only gets worse as it goes. This throws doubt on the ‘testing’ and such of the best food for this breed. Was the testing actually done on a Russian or British Blue? Did the tester know the difference. Like seeing a picture of a Russian with yellow eyes, this does not ring true at all and throws doubt all over the recommendations. And this SUCKS.
Sherry, I absolutely agree. To be clear, this article does not represent what we, at Cats.com, aim to embody, and our lab testing was instituted well after this piece was written. Our tests are general nutrient and contaminant tests, and they are not specific to any particular breed of cat. I’m correcting some of the more significant errors in this article now. Thank you.
Thank you very much Mallory. This means a lot to me and shows that you are an upstanding individual. It is impossible to trust a site where major information is so wrong and I want to trust this one! There is a ton of good information and I appreciate you making sure that more of the information on here is good!
From extensive reading, the Russian has no major genetic issues that need addressing via diet. IE: No kidney, heart, or diabetes. Their biggest issue is a tendency to get fat because they love to eat. But, low carbs in their diet will help prevent that from happening.
They need the healthy diet of a predator who lives in cold climates with fish available.