The 5 Best Cat Foods For British Shorthairs

The 5 Best Cat Foods For British Shorthairs

This page contains affiliate links. We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post through our independently chosen links, which earn us a commission.

Once known as the British Blue, the British Shorthair is a well-rounded cat in all aspects. Easy to identify for its round head, rounded paws, and big round eyes, this cat has an easygoing personality.

This breed is quiet but can be affectionate with family, and its short, plush coat is fairly easy to maintain with regular brushing. In terms of size, these cats range from 9 to 17 pounds, and they come in a wide range of colors and pattern.

Keep reading to learn more about the British Shorthair cat breed and what its nutritional needs are. You’ll also see our top 5 picks for the best cat food for British Shorthairs.

Compare Best Cat Foods For British Shorthairs

Overall Best 1. Instinct Ultimate Protein Grain-Free Cage-Free Chicken Recipe Freeze-Dried Raw Coated Dry Cat Food View on Chewy Read Review	Best Dry Cat Food 2. Merrick Purrfect Bistro Grain-Free Real Chicken + Sweet Potato Recipe Adult Dry Cat Food View on Chewy Read Review	Best Wet Cat Food 3. Wellness Complete Health Pate Chicken Entree Grain-Free Canned Cat Food View on Chewy Read Review	Best Cat Food For Kittens 4. Blue Buffalo Healthy Growth Kitten Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe Dry Cat Food View on Chewy Read Review	Best Cat Food For Seniors 5. Blue Buffalo Wilderness Mature Chicken Recipe Grain-Free Dry Cat Food View on Chewy Read Review
Protein 10% Min	Protein 40% Min	Protein 10.5% Min	Protein 36% Min	Protein 38% Min
Fat 4% Min	Fat 14% Min	Fat 3.5% Min	Fat 20% Min	Fat 14% Min
Fiber 1% Max	Fiber 7.5% Max	Fiber 1% Max	Fiber 3.5% Max	Fiber 5% Max
Moisture 82% Max	Moisture 11% Max	Moisture 78% Max	Moisture 9% Max	Moisture 9% Max
Caloric Content 78 kcal/3-oz pouch	Caloric Content 390 kcal/cup	Caloric Content 422 kcal/12.5 oz can	Caloric Content 439 kcal/cup	Caloric Content 420 kcal/cup

What Do You Need To Know About The British Shorthair?

The British Shorthair is a compact breed with a short, plush coat, though there is a longhaired variety as well. These cats come in a variety of different colors and patterns, and their thick coat often makes them appear larger than they are.

This breed is quiet and even-tempered, sometimes to the point of being a bit aloof until it gets to know you. Once they are comfortable, however, they are very affectionate but not to the point of being clingy.

Not only is the British Shorthair a lovely and loving breed, but it is also a healthy one. These cats require little more than simple brushing several times a week to maintain their coat, and they are not highly prone to serious health problems.

The only potential problem is a heart condition known as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy but, because it is an inherited disorder, responsible breeding practices can greatly reduce the risk.

While keeping these things in mind, you can now start shopping around for the best cat food for British Shorthairs. Here’s what you need to know:

How To Choose The Best Cat Food For British Shorthairs?

All cats have the same basic nutritional needs. Adult cats require a minimum of 26% protein in their diets while kittens need a minimum of 30%. Fat provides a concentrated source of energy as well as essential fatty acids for skin and coat support.

Other beneficial ingredients include fresh fruits and vegetables to provide natural sources of key nutrients as well as probiotics for digestion.

Here are some things to look for in a cat food for British Shorthairs:

• Animal Protein – Cats are obligate carnivores, so the majority of their diet should come from animal sources like meat, poultry, and fish. Protein provides the building blocks for strong muscles and tissues as well and helps your cat maintain lean muscle mass.
• Omega Fatty Acids – All cats need a minimum of 9% fat in their diet, and it should come from a blend of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids for healthy skin and coat support as well as energy.
• Low Carbohydrates – As carnivores, cats are not designed to process plant foods as well as animal products so make sure your cat’s food is low in carbohydrates and that any carbohydrates are limited to digestible options like fruits and vegetables.
• Controlled Calories – The British Shorthair is a fairly large breed as it is, but overfeeding can easily result in obesity. Older cats may benefit from a weight control formula, but adult cats generally do well with a high-protein, moderate-fat diet.

Keep reading to see our top 5 recommendations for the best cat food for British Shorthairs.

The Top 5 Best Cat Foods For British Shorthairs

The best cat food for your British Shorthair is one made with healthy, whole-food ingredients like animal proteins and fats as well as a limited amount of fresh fruits and vegetables for nutritional balance. Try to limit the carbohydrate content of your cat’s food and look for a recipe with moderate fat to keep the calorie content under control. You should also look for beneficial supplements like probiotics.

Overall Best

1.

Instinct Ultimate Protein Grain-Free Cage-Free Chicken Recipe Freeze-Dried Raw Coated Dry Cat Food

View on Chewy

View on Amazon

Product Info

• Protein: 10% Min
• Fat: 4% Min
• Fiber: 1% Max
• Moisture: 82% Max
• Caloric Content: 78 kcal/3-oz pouch

Pros

• Rich in high-quality animal proteins like chicken
• Contains plenty of essential fatty acids for healthy skin and coat
• Supplemented with vitamins and chelated minerals for balance

Cons

• Fairly expensive to feed as a staple diet
• Some cats are allergic or sensitive to chicken ingredients

Protein is essential for all cats, but it is particularly important for a breed like the British Shorthair that is prone to obesity. This Nature’s Variety Instinct Ultimate Protein Cat Food is a great option to support your cat’s lean muscle mass.

It features cage-free chicken as the main ingredient with other healthy add-ons like chicken fat, freeze-dried chicken organs, chelated minerals, and probiotics. This formula is complete and balanced as well, so you can rest easy knowing it will keep your cat nourished properly.

Best Dry Cat Food

2.

Merrick Purrfect Bistro Grain-Free Real Chicken + Sweet Potato Recipe Adult Dry Cat Food

View on Chewy

View on Amazon

Product Info

• Protein: 40% Min
• Fat: 14% Min
• Fiber: 7.5% Max
• Moisture: 11% Max
• Caloric Content: 390 kcal/cup

Pros

• Contains real deboned chicken as the #1 ingredient
• Supplemented with vitamins, chelated minerals, and probiotics
• Rich in omega fatty acids for healthy skin and coat

Cons

• Contains some plant protein (potato protein)
• Some cats are allergic or sensitive to chicken ingredients

If you’re looking for a high-quality dry cat food that is also fairly affordable, consider Merrick Purrfect Bistro Grain-Free Dry Cat Food.

This recipe features real deboned chicken as the #1 ingredient, and it is completely free from grains to ensure high digestibility. With plenty of omega fatty acids, this formula supports your cat’s healthy skin and coat,

plus it contains added fiber for hairball control. You’ll also be glad to know that it is supplemented with vitamins, minerals, and probiotics.

Best Wet Cat Food

3.

Wellness Complete Health Pate Chicken Entree Grain-Free Canned Cat Food

View on Chewy

Product Info

• Protein: 10.5% Min
• Fat: 3.5% Min
• Fiber: 1% Max
• Moisture: 78% Max
• Caloric Content: 422 kcal/12.5 oz can

Pros

• Several sources of premium animal protein
• Fortified with vitamins and chelated minerals for nutritional balance
• Fresh fruits and vegetables for natural sources of nutrients

Cons

• Doesn’t contain probiotics for digestion

For cats that are picky eaters or simply prefer a wet food diet, consider this Wellness Complete Health Grain-Free Wet Cat Food.

This formula features high-quality animal proteins and a blend of omega fatty acids to support your cat’s lean muscle mass as well as healthy skin and coat. It contains fresh berries for a burst of nutrition and is fortified with vitamins and minerals for nutritional balance.

Best Cat Food For Kittens

4.

Blue Buffalo Healthy Growth Kitten Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe Dry Cat Food

View on Chewy

View on Amazon

Product Info

• Protein: 36% Min
• Fat: 20% Min
• Fiber: 3.5% Max
• Moisture: 9% Max
• Caloric Content: 439 kcal/cup

Pros

• Rich in animal protein to support healthy growth and development
• Plenty of omega fatty acids for healthy skin and coat
• Supplemented with vitamins and chelated minerals for nutritional balance

Cons

• Contains some plant protein (pea protein)
• Not a grain-free recipe, some cats may be sensitive or allergic

If you want to start your British Shorthair kitten off on the right foot, you need a healthy kitten food like this Blue Buffalo Healthy Growth Natural Kitten Food.

This formula features fresh, deboned chicken as the main ingredient with fresh fruits and vegetables for nutritional support.

It is fortified with vitamins and chelated minerals to ensure complete and balanced nutrition, plus it is supplemented with probiotics for healthy and regular digestion.

Best Cat Food For Seniors

5.

Blue Buffalo Wilderness Mature Chicken Recipe Grain-Free Dry Cat Food

View on Chewy

View on Amazon

Product Info

• Protein: 38% Min
• Fat: 14% Min
• Fiber: 5% Max
• Moisture: 9% Max
• Caloric Content: 420 kcal/cup

Pros

• Rich in protein with moderate fat to support lean muscle maintenance
• Plenty of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids for healthy skin and coat
• Nutritionally balanced with plenty of beneficial supplements

Cons

• Some cats develop allergies to chicken as they get older
• Contains some plant protein (pea protein)

As your British Shorthair gets older, its metabolism may slow down, and obesity becomes even more of a concern. This Blue Buffalo Wilderness High Protein Senior Recipe is a great option because it contains plenty of protein to maintain lean muscle mass with moderate fat to control calories.

It is rich in healthy ingredients like chicken fat, fresh fruits, and vegetables plus beneficial supplements like vitamins, chelated minerals, and probiotics.

How Much Should You Feed Your British Shorthair?

The amount you feed your cat depends on its age, weight, and activity level. When your British Shorthair is a kitten, it may need more food than it will as an adult because it is still growing and developing. As an adult, the focus shifts to maintaining healthy body weight and condition, so you want to avoid overfeeding your cat.

The best thing to do is refer to the feeding recommendations on the cat food package according to your cat’s age and weight to see how much to feed it.

How Many Times a Day Should You Feed Your British Shorthair?

Most adult cats do well with two meals a day, though kittens may require up to five small meals a day to sustain their growth and development.

For an adult British Shorthair, you want to provide enough food to meet your cat’s energy requirements without putting it at risk for obesity.

Because this breed is prone to obesity, it is best to feed your cat twice a day instead of simply keeping the food bowl full. Again, refer to the feeding instructions on the package to see how much to feed your cat.

Final Remarks

Your British Shorthair deserves a healthy, high-quality diet to nourish its body from the inside out. Look for a cat food made with premium ingredients including quality animal proteins, essential fatty acids, and beneficial supplements for nutritional balance. If you’re not sure where to start, simply try one of our top 5 picks reviewed above!