Last updated Oct 24, 2023
Medically reviewed by
Persian cats are delicate creatures that desire attention and love. Their long-coated fur and silky, colorful eyes will make your heart race, as their beauty is truly mesmerizing!
Although they are not the most energetic of cats, they love to rest, relax, and cuddle with their owners to pass the time.
Nevertheless, their liveliness and spark are constantly apparent because, even as adults, they always have kitten-like attributes.
The Persian cat breed is known to live for roughly 8-11 years, although this strongly depends on its personal health, happiness, and comfort of living. Being a cat of royalty, they constantly need to be groomed, as they shed frequently.
At a Glance: Best Cat Food for Persian 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 Ground Bird Fresh Cat Food
- Fresh cat food rich in animal protein
- Easily digestible recipes
- Cod liver oil provides omega-3 fatty acids
Open Farm Cat Food
- Packed with premium animal protein
- Low in carbohydrates
- No artificial additives or preservatives
Wellness Complete Health Natural Canned Grain Free Wet Pate Cat Food
- Contains all-natural and premium ingredients
- No artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives
- High meat content, with muscle meat and organs
A Bit of History
An adult Persian cat will vary in size depending on if it is a male or female. Generally, an adult male Persian cat can weigh 12 pounds or more.
A female Persian cat, on the other hand, usually stays within an 8-12-pound range. Despite its size, a Persian cat may look much larger because its glossy, luscious fur is thick and full of volume and mass.
Persian cats’ history stems from Persia, where they were first sighted. They were once called the Sand Cat because their long fur protected them from the heat and sand. In the 1500s, Sand Cats were imported to Italy, where they were bred with another long-haired cat of Turkey.
Their descendants are the modern Persian cats of today. It was not until the 1900s that the Persian cat was introduced in the United States.
Choosing the Best Cat Food for Your Persian Cat
Identifying a great cat food involves reading labels, learning about the brand behind the food, and understanding the different types of cat food.
High-quality cat food is rich in protein, has minimal carbohydrate content, and has a moderate amount of fat.
With that in mind, we went out and did a lot of research to help you find the best cat food for your Persian cat.
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 only putting the best in your cat’s bowl.
Also Read: Why We Lab Test Cat Food and How to Interpret the Reports
Best Cat Food for Persian Cats Reviewed
#1 Overall Best: Smalls Ground Bird Fresh Cat Food
- Made In: United States
- Guaranteed Protein: 13% Min
- Age Range: All Life Stages
- Calories Per Ounce: 40
- Typical Cost Per Day: $4.00 per day
Smalls cat food is customized for your cat’s needs, with chicken, turkey, fish, and beef recipes to suit your cat’s preferences. This also provides your cat with a source of species-appropriate animal protein and very little carbohydrate. High in moisture, just like the prey cats capture in the wild, this fresh cat food is delivered on a schedule of your choice.
This Ground Bird recipe is chicken-based with cod liver oil as an animal-based source of omega-3 fatty acids. Though the food contains a few plant ingredients, they’re easily digestible veggies which provide essential nutrients. Overall, the recipe is highly digestible and it provides plenty of hydrating moisture to support your cat’s health and wellness.
Ingredients
Chicken, Chicken Liver, Green Beans, Water Sufficient for Processing, Dried Yeast, Tricalcium Phosphate, Kale, Magnesium Proteinate, Potassium Chloride, Choline Chloride, Dandelion Greens, Dried Kelp, Taurine, Zinc Proteinate, Iron Proteinate, Cod Liver Oil, Salt, Niacin Supplement, Vitamin E Supplement, Vitamin A Supplement, Copper Proteinate, Manganese Proteinate, Thiamine Mononitrate, D-Calcium Pantothenate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Riboflavin Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Folic Acid, Sodium Selenite, Biotin.
Ingredients We Liked: Chicken, Chicken Liver, Cod Liver Oil
Ingredients We Didn’t Like: None
Guaranteed Analysis
Dry Matter Basis
Caloric Weight Basis
Pros
- Fresh cat food rich in animal protein
- Easily digestible recipes
- Cod liver oil provides omega-3 fatty acids
- Rich in hydrating moisture
Cons
- Only available as a subscription plan
- No phone support (text and email only)
#2 Best Ethically Sourced: Open Farm Cat Food
If you have a picky consumer, Open Farm’s Harvest Chicken Rustic Blend Wet Cat Food might be a good choice for you.
This food receives excellent customer reviews, with most reporting that their cats loved its taste.And unlike many other wet cat food products that rate well in feline taste tests, this food from Open Farm is made from responsibly-sourced, seemingly high-quality ingredients.
Open Farm’s sourcing policy emphasizes humanely-raised poultry, meat, and fish. Fish-based recipes, like the one featured here, are made from sustainably-harvested wild-caught fish.
With Humanely Raised Chicken, Chicken Bone Broth, and Pumpkin as the first three ingredients, this food appears to make species-appropriate protein sources the backbone of its recipe.
Like other grain-free wet foods, it also contains legumes and other plant ingredients, but it’s a carnivore-friendly choice compared to the competition.
Overall, if you’re looking for a food that excites your cat and also like the idea of supporting initiatives to make cat food more environmentally-friendly, this recipe from Open Farm could be a good choice.
In addition to being packed with protein, this fresh food formula is very low in carbohydrates. The estimated carb content is under 6% with pumpkin being the only added source of carbs.
Like all of Just Food for Dog’s fresh food recipes, this Open Farm formula is completely free from gluten, grains, and preservatives as well as artificial additives. Simply put, it’s a protein-centric, low-carb, nutritionally balanced recipe for cats in all life stages.
Ingredients
Humanely Raised Chicken, Chicken Bone Broth, Pumpkin, Carrots, Spinach, Red Lentils, Agar Agar, Non-GMO Cranberries, Garbanzo Beans (Chickpeas), Chicory Root, Sunflower Oil, Coconut Oil (preserved with mixed tocopherols), Salt, Vitamin A Supplement, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Vitamin E Supplement, D-calcium Pantothenate, Thiamine Mononitrate, Riboflavin Supplement, Biotin, Folic Acid, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Zinc, Amino Acid Chelate, Iron Amino Acid Chelate, Copper Amino Acid Chelate, Manganese Amino Acid Chelate, Sodium Selenite, Dried Kelp, Potassium, Chloride, Dandelion Greens, Choline Chloride, Taurine, Turmeric,
Guaranteed Analysis
Dry Matter Basis
Caloric Weight Basis
Pros
- According to Open Farm, this food is 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
Cons
- Price is above market average
#3 Wellness Complete Health Natural Canned Grain Free Wet Pate Cat Food
This Wellness Complete food is primarily made from meat ingredients and is rich in highly-digestible protein. It is free from grains, potatoes, corn, soy, wheat, artificial ingredients, added growth hormones, and steroids.
Ingredients
Chicken, Chicken Liver, Turkey, Chicken Broth, Carrots, Natural Flavor, Guar Gum, Cranberries, Ground Flaxseed, Potassium Chloride, Taurine, Salt, Cassia Gum, Xanthan Gum, Choline Chloride, Iron Proteinate, Zinc Proteinate, Beta Carotene, 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.
Guaranteed Analysis
Dry Matter Basis
Caloric Weight Basis
Pros
- Contains all-natural and premium ingredients
- No artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives
- High meat content, with muscle meat and organs
- Grain-free
- Produced in North America
#4 Hill’s Science Diet Adult Tender Dinner Chunks & Gravy Cat Food
Ingredients
Water, Chicken, Pork Liver, Wheat Flour, Wheat Gluten, Dextrose, Modified Rice Starch, Oat Hulls, Chicken Liver Flavor, Egg Whites, Soybean Oil, Dicalcium Phosphate, Potassium Chloride, Fish Oil, Choline Chloride, Guar Gum, Calcium Carbonate, Iodized Salt, L-Lysine, vitamins (Vitamin E Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate, Ascorbic Acid (source of Vitamin C), Niacin Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Calcium Pantothenate, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Riboflavin Supplement, Biotin, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Folic Acid), Taurine, Calcium Chloride, Caramel color, minerals (Zinc Oxide, Ferrous Sulfate, Copper Sulfate, Manganous Oxide, Calcium Iodate), Beta-Carotene.
Guaranteed Analysis
Dry Matter Basis
Caloric Weight Basis
Pros
- Ideal for Persian cats that are transitioning into adulthood
- Promotes weight gain and healthy digestion
- Numerous flavors that your cat can choose from
#5 Purina Fancy Feast Poultry & Beef Classic Pate Variety Pack Canned Cat Food
Ingredients
Meat By-Products, Beef Broth, Beef, Chicken, Artificial And Natural Flavors, Guar Gum, Tricalcium Phosphate, Salt, Taurine, Minerals [Potassium Chloride, Magnesium Sulfate, Zinc Sulfate, Ferrous Sulfate, Copper Sulfate, Manganese Sulfate, Potassium Iodide], 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], Added Color, Sodium Nitrite (To Promote Color Retention). E-6677.
Guaranteed Analysis
Dry Matter Basis
Caloric Weight Basis
Pros
- Great texture makes for easy eating and smooth digestion
- Delicious gravy flavor in the meat and poultry bites
- Provides proper nutrition for Persian cats
At a Glance: Best Best Dry Food for Persian Cats
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.
Wysong Optimal Vitality Dry Cat Food
- Contains minimal carbohydrates
- Free of artificial additives
- Great flavor options
Stella & Chewy's Duck Duck Goose Dinner Grain-Free Freeze-Dried Cat Food
- Formulated with probiotics for good digestive health
- Free of fillers and grains
Hill’s Science Diet Dry Cat Food, Adult, Perfect Weight for Weight Management
- Contains omega 3- and omega 6-fatty acids, and other fatty acids for healthy skin and coat
- No artificial flavors, corn, wheat, or soy
- Reasonably priced
#1 Wysong Optimal Vitality Adult Feline Formula Dry Cat Food
This brand of dry food is also great as many times a cat will experience stomach problems when consuming too much wet food. Incorporating some dry goods into your cat’s diet will balance this out.
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, etc…
Guaranteed Analysis
Dry Matter Basis
Caloric Weight Basis
Pros
- Contains minimal carbohydrates
- Free of artificial additives
- Great flavor options
- Reasonably priced
#2 Stella & Chewy’s Duck Duck Goose Dinner Grain-Free Freeze-Dried Cat Food
Nourish your Persian cat’s appetite with this high-energy blend of bone-in duck, goose, and turkey.
Nearly 100% of the recipe is poultry, organs, and bone. The rest of the recipe includes probiotics to support your Persian cat’s digestive health, along with additional vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.
Ingredients
Duck With Ground Bone, Turkey With Ground Bone, Turkey Liver, Goose, Turkey Gizzard, Pumpkin Seed, Potassium Chloride, Sodium Phosphate, Choline Chloride, Dried Pediococcus Acidilactici Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus Acidophilus Fermentation Product, Dried Bifidobacterium Longum Fermentation Product, Dried Bacillus Coagulans Fermentation Product, Taurine, Tocopherols (Preservative), Dandelion, Dried Kelp, Zinc Proteinate, Iron Proteinate, Vitamin A Supplement, Vitamin E Supplement, Niacin Supplement, Copper Proteinate, Riboflavin Supplement, Sodium Selenite, D-Calcium Pantothenate, Biotin, Manganese Proteinate, Thiamine Mononitrate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Folic Acid, Vitamin B12 Supplement.
Guaranteed Analysis
Dry Matter Basis
Caloric Weight Basis
Pros
- Formulated with probiotics for good digestive health
- Free of fillers and grains
Cons
- Freeze-dried food requires rehydration before serving
#3 Hill’s Science Diet Dry Cat Food, Adult, Perfect Weight for Weight Management
Ingredients
Chicken, Brewers Rice, Corn Gluten Meal, Wheat Gluten, Powdered Cellulose, Chicken Meal, Dried Tomato Pomace, Dried Beet Pulp, Flaxseed, Chicken Fat, Chicken Liver Flavor, Coconut Oil, Lactic Acid, Calcium Sulfate, L-Lysine, Potassium Chloride, Choline Chloride, Carrots, DL-Methionine, Taurine, vitamins (Vitamin E Supplement, L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate (source of Vitamin C), Niacin Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate, Vitamin A Supplement, Calcium Pantothenate, Riboflavin Supplement, Biotin, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Folic Acid, Vitamin D3 Supplement), Iodized Salt, Dicalcium Phosphate, minerals (Manganese Sulfate, Ferrous Sulfate, Zinc Oxide, Copper Sulfate, Calcium Iodate, Sodium Selenite), L-Carnitine, Mixed Tocopherols for freshness, Oat Fiber, Natural Flavors, Beta-Carotene, Apples, Broccoli, Cranberries, Green Peas.
Guaranteed Analysis
Dry Matter Basis
Caloric Weight Basis
Pros
- Contains omega 3- and omega 6-fatty acids, and other fatty acids for healthy skin and coat
- No artificial flavors, corn, wheat, or soy
- Reasonably priced
Homemade Cat Food, Hydration, and Raw Diets
Persian cats can eat numerous types of homemade cat food meals.
Like all other cats, Persian cats are obligate carnivores, meaning that they must have animal-based protein in their diet. They are able to eat chicken, turkey, fish, and other types of seafood. There is no need to create a specific homemade cat food recipe for your Persian cat because they love eating protein they way that you do.
Persian cats enjoy different flavors, so your Persian cat probably won’t want the same meal over and over again. Persian cats also generally prefer wet food.
Hydration is a key component of a Persian cat’s diet. Ensure that your cat’s water bowl is always full of fresh, clean water. If your Persian doesn’t like drinking water from the bowl, cat water fountains can be a fun alternative. Fortunately, wet foods provide an extra source of water.
Also Read: Best Cat Food for Kidney Disease
Raw food diets are not recommended for cats because raw meats can carry disease-causing bacteria. It is best to avoid feeding your cat a raw meat diet.
Food Allergies
Persian cats are susceptible to specific allergies, particularly food allergies, that a cat owner should be aware of.
Foods that commonly cause food allergies in Persian cats are listed below:
- Beef
- Fish
- Chicken
- Dairy products
Symptoms of food allergies include itching, scratching, vomiting, and diarrhea.
The best treatment for food allergies is avoiding the triggering food, which is ideally identified with a food elimination trial. If you suspect that you Persian cat has food allergies, your vet will instruct you on how to perform a food elimination trial at home.
Also Read: Best Cat Food For Sensitive Stomach
Your lab report on Open Farm rustic chicken is so different from the company nutritional profile on their site? For example, the fat is 3.4% (your lab results) vs theirs at 38.98%. Protein is only 9.5% on your results?!? It’s 44.99% on their site. Both the fat and protein are way below the minimum requirements. Or am I reading your report wrong? Isn’t the company unreliable then? I was hoping heavy metals would be tested too.