At a Glance: Best Cat Food to Buy in 2026
The best wet cat food is like a freshly killed mouse in a can. It’s soft, juicy, and delicious while providing all the protein, fat, and micronutrients your cat needs to stay fit and frisky—without excessive carbohydrates or unnecessary additives.
In this guide, you’ll discover the benefits of wet cat food and learn how to make a healthy choice for your cat. We’ve also included in-depth reviews of our favorite recipes.
Smalls Ground Bird Fresh Cat Food
- Made with a single source of animal protein
- Easily digestible formula
- Rich in hydrating moisture
- Made In: United States
- Guaranteed Protein: 13%
- Age Range: All Life Stages
- Calories Per Ounce: 40
- Calories Per Pound: 640
- Typical Cost Per Day: $4.00 per day
Smalls is a fresh cat food delivery service that uses human-grade ingredients in protein-rich, low-carb cat recipes. The food is delivered frozen, so you’ll need to thaw the package overnight in the fridge before feeding. Every subscription starts with a sampler pack then rolls into a monthly delivery plan you can customize in your customer account.
Featuring chicken and chicken liver as the top two ingredients, this fresh food is packed with animal protein from a single source. Green beans, kale, and dandelion greens are the only carbohydrate ingredients, and they are easily digestible and rich in nutrients. In addition to being high in protein and low in carbohydrates, this formula is rich in hydrating moisture. It’s also fairly energy-dense to help maintain lean mass.
Overall, this minced chicken recipe is a high-quality source of balanced nutrition for cats in all life stages. If your cat prefers a smoother texture, the food is also available in a pate style marketed as Smooth Bird.
What We Liked:
- Made with a single source of animal protein
- Easily digestible formula
- Rich in hydrating moisture
- Very low in carbohydrates
What We Didn’t Like:
- Only available as a subscription plan
- No phone support (text and email only)
Open Farm Harvest Chicken Rustic Blend Wet Cat Food
- Packed with premium animal protein
- Low in carbohydrates
- No artificial additives or preservatives
- Made In: United States
- Guaranteed Protein: 8.1%
- Age Range: All Life Stages
- Calories Per Ounce: 30
- Calories Per Pound: 480
- Typical Cost Per Day: $3.60 per day
Though relatively new to the pet food industry, Open Farm has quickly become popular—especially among eco-conscious consumers. Open Farm pet food is made from responsibly sourced, human-grade ingredients. The brand’s sourcing policy emphasizes humanely raised poultry and meat, as well as sustainably-harvested wild-caught fish. All their fruits and vegetables are non-GMO.
This chicken-based recipe appears to rely primarily on animal-sourced protein, though it’s hard to say how much beans and legumes like garbanzo beans and lentils contribute to the total crude protein content. As a whole, the food is moderately high in protein, measured at nearly 39% on a dry matter basis, and fairly low in carbohydrates at under 20%.
The food’s dry matter fat content is almost equal to the protein content. At 30 calories per ounce, this recipe is fairly calorie-dense, so follow the feeding recommendations carefully if your cat is prone to weight gain. Overall, if you prefer to support brands that are conscious of their impact on the environment, Open Farm might be a good pick.
Sample buyer review...
I just switched my 5 yr old cat to open farm about 2 months ago. She was on tikicat for a long time, which is a great brand but unfortunately she was never a huge fan of their after dark line and I was getting worried that I was feeding her too much fish. After doing TONS of research, Open farm seems to be one of the best quality pet foods on the market right now. I believe it’s human grade and they bake their kibble at a lower temp to preserve nutrients unlike other kibbles that use high temps. My cat has been loving open farm. I also think their prices are decent for the quality you get. I highly recommend!
What We Liked:
- Made from responsibly-humanely raised chicken
- Animal protein sources are the food’s primary ingredients
- Free of potentially-harmful artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives
- Cats tend to love the taste of this food
What We Didn’t Like:
- Contains some beans and legumes
Smalls Fresh Ground Other Bird
- Fresh food made with human-grade ingredients
- Single source of high-quality animal protein
- Rich source of hydrating moisture
- Made In: United States
- Guaranteed Protein: 16%
- Age Range: All Life Stages
- Calories Per Ounce: 40
- Calories Per Pound: 640
- Typical Cost Per Day: $4.00 per day
Smalls is a fresh cat food delivery service that uses human-grade ingredients, including premium proteins like chicken, turkey, beef, and fish. Choose from minced-style recipes or classic pâté to provide your cat with protein-rich, low-carb cat food that’s formulated for cats of all life stages.
The brand’s Fresh Ground Bird recipe features chicken and chicken liver as its top two ingredients. With green beans, kale, and dandelion greens as the only plant ingredients, this formula is very low in carbohydrates. It offers plenty of animal-sourced omega-3 fatty acids and is rich in hydrating moisture.
When you place your first order, you’ll receive a sampler pack catered to your cat’s protein preferences and dietary requirements. You can adjust your meal plan, pause deliveries, or cancel your subscription through the customer portal, via email, or by text. Every Smalls subscription includes free treats for life.
Sample buyer review...
We have overall really, really loved Smalls. The quality is outstanding and we have seen several health benefits for our girls - most noticeably their coats, and the smell of the litter box is much much less! Deliveries have always been good, never any issues there.
What We Liked:
- Made with a single source of animal protein
- Very low carbohydrate content
- Good source of hydrating moisture
- Multiple protein and texture options
What We Didn’t Like:
- Only available as a subscription plan
- No phone support (text and email only)
BFF Tuna & Pumpkin Valentine Dinner in Gravy Canned Cat Food
- Primarily made from tuna, a readily-digested animal ingredient
- Doesn’t contain any animal by-products or low-value animal ingredients
- Free of artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives that might harm your cat over time
- Made In: Thailand
- Guaranteed Protein: 13.50%
- Age Range: Adult
- Calories Per Ounce: 24
- Calories Per Pound: 384
- Typical Cost Per Day: $2.37 per day
If you’re on a very tight budget, the BFF Tuna & Pumpkin Valentine Dinner in Gravy Canned Cat Food recipe above is a decent option. Should you have a little more wiggle room with your finances, however, you can give your cat a significant upgrade on quality while keeping your daily feeding cost around $3.08 per day .
This recipe contains a mix of minced tuna and pumpkin. It’s a chunky stew thickened with potato starch, stabilized with xanthan gum, and made nutritionally complete with all the vitamins, minerals, and amino acids that adult cats need to thrive.
With a hearty combination of pumpkin and tuna and a chunky texture cats love, this food is a delicious option that even picky eaters seem to love. In terms of macronutrient distribution, this is one of the better products in the OMG line. Its carbohydrate content is a little higher than we’d like, but 12% carbohydrates is better than most foods on the market. Though this food doesn’t contain any added oils or fats, the natural richness of pumpkin and tuna make it one of BFF’s fattier recipes. It’s over 12% fat on a dry matter basis.
Sample buyer review...
"Our old guy is a VERY picky eater. He doesn’t have many teeth left:-( so can only eat soft food. He usually picks at it, eats a bit and leaves the rest. I have been on a quest to find food he will eat entirely. Well, not only does he CLEAN HIS BOWL (OMG) – he is begging for more immediately! I got the food 2 days ago and I already need to place another order. Wow."
What We Liked:
- Primarily made from tuna, a readily-digested animal ingredient
- Doesn’t contain any animal by-products or low-value animal ingredients
- Free of artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives that might harm your cat over time
- Low carbohydrate content
- Low calorie content makes it a good option for cats who need to lose weight
- A moisture-rich, hydrating food
What We Didn’t Like:
- Fish-based foods aren’t ideal for long-term feeding
- Low in animal-sourced fat
Caru Classic Turkey Stew Grain-Free Wet Food
- Made with a single source of animal protein
- Rich in hydrating moisture
- Cats seem to like the flavor and texture
- Made In: United States
- Guaranteed Protein: 9%
- Age Range: All Life Stages
- Calories Per Ounce: 28
- Calories Per Pound: 448
- Typical Cost Per Day: $3.60 per day
Cats can be finicky in their food preferences; some prefer certain types, flavors, and textures. If you’re having trouble getting your cat to eat traditional canned or dry cat foods, this stew-style recipe from Caru might pique their interest. It also doesn’t hurt that the dry matter carbohydrate content of this recipe is very low.
Caru’s grain-free Turkey Stew is made with a single source of animal protein: turkey muscle meat. The food is gently cooked in turkey bone broth for flavor and moisture, so it supports your cat’s hydration as well. That said, some reviewers comment that the food contains too much liquid and verges on soupy. When it comes to the texture of cat food, your cat has the final say.
This wet cat food is fairly expensive, costing over $3.50 a day to feed the average 10-pound cat. It does, however, come in resealable cardboard cartons rather than cans, so it’s easy to store the leftovers if you prefer to mix it with another food.
Sample buyer review...
"I bought this for my cat after she had dental surgery (6 teeth removed) because I figured she’d like to have something soft to eat. So I gave her a small bowl of it, then started using it to soften her dry food. She goes crazy for it! I bought some of the less expensive, regular chicken broth for cats and dogs, too, but she didn’t seem to like it. I’m giving her this stuff as a treat now."
What We Liked:
- Made with a single source of animal protein
- Rich in hydrating moisture
- Cats seem to like the flavor and texture
- Very low carbohydrate content
What We Didn’t Like:
- Fairly expensive
- Cardboard cartons can be tricky to open
Smalls Fresh Smooth Fish Recipe
- Rich in animal-sourced protein
- Low carbohydrate content
- Short list of easily digestible main ingredients
- Made In: United States
- Guaranteed Protein: 15%
- Age Range: All Life Stages
- Calories Per Ounce: 36
- Calories Per Pound: 576
- Typical Cost Per Day: $4.00 per day
Featuring salmon and cod as the main ingredients, this fish-based fresh cat food has a smooth, pate texture. Measured as dry matter, the food contains over 62% protein and around 20% fat. Combined with the recipe’s low carbohydrate content, it’s another carnivore-appropriate formula.
Not only is this recipe easily digestible for most cats, but the salmon, cod, and cod liver oil all provide animal-sourced omega-3 fatty acids. These fatty acids may help keep your cat’s coat shiny and soft.
Though packed with animal-sourced protein, this recipe is much less calorie-dense than the previous two formulas. As such, it may be an appropriate choice for overweight cats who need to shed a few pounds. To maintain or gain weight, however, your cat may need larger portions of this food which could increase your monthly subscription cost.
Sample buyer review...
"Excellent product and customer service. I have a fur baby with a picky palate, sensitive stomach, and struggles with drinking water. He loves Smalls fish and so does his stomach. Grateful for the extra hydration it provides."
What We Liked:
- Short list of easily digestible main ingredients
- Good source of hydrating moisture
- Rich in animal-sourced omega-3 fatty acids
What We Didn’t Like:
- Low calorie content may necessitate larger portions
Open Farm Harvest Chicken Rustic Blend Wet Cat Food
- Packed with premium animal protein
- Low in carbohydrates
- No artificial additives or preservatives
- Made In: United States
- Guaranteed Protein: 8.1%
- Age Range: All Life Stages
- Calories Per Ounce: 30
- Calories Per Pound: 480
- Typical Cost Per Day: $3.60 per day
Though relatively new to the pet food industry, Open Farm has quickly become popular—especially among eco-conscious consumers. Open Farm pet food is made from responsibly sourced, human-grade ingredients. The brand’s sourcing policy emphasizes humanely raised poultry and meat, as well as sustainably-harvested wild-caught fish. All their fruits and vegetables are non-GMO.
This chicken-based recipe appears to rely primarily on animal-sourced protein, though it’s hard to say how much beans and legumes like garbanzo beans and lentils contribute to the total crude protein content. As a whole, the food is moderately high in protein, measured at nearly 39% on a dry matter basis, and fairly low in carbohydrates at under 20%.
The food’s dry matter fat content is almost equal to the protein content. At 30 calories per ounce, this recipe is fairly calorie-dense, so follow the feeding recommendations carefully if your cat is prone to weight gain. Overall, if you prefer to support brands that are conscious of their impact on the environment, Open Farm might be a good pick.
What We Liked:
- Made from responsibly-humanely raised chicken
- Animal protein sources are the food’s primary ingredients
- Free of potentially-harmful artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives
- Cats tend to love the taste of this food
What We Didn’t Like:
- Contains some beans and legumes
Top Cat Food – Comparison
| Product Name | Primary Protein | Age Range | Guaranteed Protein | Calories Per Ounce | Calories Per Pound | Cost Per Day* |
Smalls Ground Bird Fresh Cat Food
|
Chicken | All Life Stages | 13% | 40 | 640 | $4.00 per day |
Open Farm Harvest Chicken Rustic Blend Wet Cat Food
|
Chicken | All Life Stages | 8.1% | 30 | 480 | $3.60 per day |
Smalls Fresh Ground Other Bird
|
Turkey | All Life Stages | 16% | 40 | 640 | $4.00 per day |
BFF Tuna & Pumpkin Valentine Dinner in Gravy Canned Cat Food
|
Tuna | Adult | 13.50% | 24 | 384 | $2.37 per day |
Caru Classic Turkey Stew Grain-Free Wet Food
|
Turkey | All Life Stages | 9% | 28 | 448 | $3.60 per day |
Smalls Fresh Smooth Fish Recipe
|
Salmon | All Life Stages | 15% | 36 | 576 | $4.00 per day |
Open Farm Harvest Chicken Rustic Blend Wet Cat Food
|
Chicken | All Life Stages | 8.1% | 30 | 480 | $3.60 per day |
Why Trust Cats.com
Over the past years, the Cats.com team has tested and reviewed hundreds of cat food brands and recipes. In choosing products to test, we prioritized meat-centric formulas for cats in various life stages with different needs and preferences. All products were purchased at full retail price and evaluated in-depth. Our cats provided input on the foods’ flavor and general appeal while we analyzed the product information to determine its nutritional adequacy. We also researched the brands to assess their trustworthiness and rate of customer satisfaction.
Our team of veterinary experts provides additional informative support as well as their professional opinion on what makes a great cat food.
Our Veterinary Advisors:
- Dr. Sarah Wooten, DVM, CVJ
- Dr. Chris Vanderhoof, DVM, MPH
- Dr. Sarah Reidenbach, DVM
- Dr. Chyrle Bonk, DVM
- Dr. Jamie Whittenburg, DVM
- Dr. Albert Ahn, DVM
- Dr. Elizabeth Youens, DVM
Summary
Whether wet, dry, raw, or freshly cooked, the best cat food honors your cat’s needs as an obligate carnivore. It’s rich in animal-sourced protein, has the right amount of fatty acids, and doesn’t spike your cat’s blood sugar with excessive carbohydrates.
After researching feline nutrition and reviewing all kinds of cat foods, we learned which brands and products are worthy of your cat’s bowl—and which ones aren’t.
With taste, nutrition, and quality ingredients always top of mind, we have chosen Smalls Ground Bird Fresh Cat Food as the best wet cat food.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best dry cat food?
The best dry cat food is rich in animal-derived protein, low in carbohydrate content, and made from high-quality ingredients. Look for expert-formulated recipes that were made with carnivores in mind.
What is the best wet cat food?
The best wet cat food is rich in animal-derived protein with low carbohydrate content. It’s made from high-quality ingredients and doesn’t contain a lot of artificial additives, thickeners, and other ingredients that may harm your cat over time.
Is dry or wet food best for cats?
Because it’s more hydrating and typically lower in carbohydrates, wet food is best for cats. A dry diet is convenient, but it is generally higher in starch and may not provide the moisture your cat needs.
Is grain-free cat food best for cats?
In general, cats don’t need to avoid grains. Grain allergies and sensitivities are rare, and grain-free foods are often high in carbohydrates and plant matter. Instead, we recommend looking for a meat-based diet that closely reflects your cat’s evolutionary needs.