The 10 Best Dry Cat Foods
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When it comes to choosing the best food for your cat, a cat owners first decision is between wet and dry food. Dry cat food offers a long shelf-life, it is easy and convenient to feed, and it comes in a wide range of flavors and formulas.
If you’ve decided to feed your cat dry food, take the time to choose a high-quality product made with premium ingredients and properly balanced for optimal nutrition.
Compare Best Dry Cat Foods
|
Overall Best
1. Instinct Raw Boost Grain-Free Recipe with Real Chicken & Freeze-Dried Raw Coated Pieces Dry Cat Food |
Best Affordable
2. Rachael Ray Nutrish Natural Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe Dry Cat Food |
Best For Kittens
3. Canidae All Life Stages Dry Cat Food, Chicken, Turkey, Lamb and Fish |
Best For Seniors
4. Merrick Purrfect Bistro Grain-Free Indoor Senior Recipe Dry Cat Food |
Best For Weight Control
5. Solid Gold Fit as a Fiddle Weight Control with Alaskan Pollock Grain-Free Adult Dry Cat Food |
Best For Allergies
6. Blue Buffalo Basics Limited Ingredient Grain-Free Formula Duck & Potato Indoor Adult Dry Cat Food |
Best For Indoor Cats
7. Taste of the Wild Canyon River Grain-Free Dry Cat Food |
Best High-Protein
8. Blue Buffalo Wilderness Rocky Mountain Recipe with Red Meat Adult Grain-Free Dry Cat Food |
Best For Sensitive Stomach
9. Taste of the Wild Canyon River Grain-Free Dry Cat Food |
Best Vet-Recommended
10. Hill's Science Diet Adult Indoor Chicken Recipe Dry Cat Food |
|
Protein
43% Min |
Protein
34% Min |
Protein
32% Min |
Protein
38.5% Min |
Protein
31% Min |
Protein
30% Min |
Protein
42% Min |
Protein
36% Min |
Protein
42% Min |
Protein
31% Min |
|
Fat
20% Min |
Fat
14% Min |
Fat
20% Min |
Fat
12% Min |
Fat
9% Min |
Fat
14% Min |
Fat
18% Min |
Fat
16% Min |
Fat
18% Min |
Fat
13% Min |
|
Fiber
3.5% Max |
Fiber
4% Max |
Fiber
2.5% Max |
Fiber
7.5% Max |
Fiber
9% Max |
Fiber
6% Max |
Fiber
3% Max |
Fiber
5% Max |
Fiber
3% Max |
Fiber
6% Max |
|
Moisture
9% Max |
Moisture
9% Max |
Moisture
9% Max |
Moisture
11% Max |
Moisture
10% Max |
Moisture
9% Max |
Moisture
10% Max |
Moisture
9% Max |
Moisture
10% Max |
Moisture
8% Max |
|
Caloric Content
480 kcal/cup |
Caloric Content
359 kcal/cup |
Caloric Content
521 kcal/cup |
Caloric Content
353 kcal/cup |
Caloric Content
360 kcal/cup |
Caloric Content
402 kcal/cup |
Caloric Content
390 kcal/cup |
Caloric Content
427 kcal/cup |
Caloric Content
390 kcal/cup |
Caloric Content
319 kcal/cup |
Continue reading to learn more about your cat’s basic nutritional needs and to receive some simple tips for picking the best cat food to provide for those needs. You’ll also receive our top 10 picks for the best dry cat food brands.
The 10 Best Rated Dry Cat Food Reviewed And Compared
Now that you have a better understanding of your cat’s nutritional needs, you’re ready to start shopping.
Remember, the best dry cat food will be focused on animal-based ingredients including premium animal proteins, healthy fats, and beneficial supplements for nutritional balance.
Here are our top 10 picks for the best dry cat food brands that pet parents should consider:
Instinct Raw Boost Grain-Free Recipe with Real Chicken & Freeze-Dried Raw Coated Pieces Dry Cat Food
Product Info
- Protein: 43% Min
- Fat: 20% Min
- Fiber: 3.5% Max
- Moisture: 9% Max
- Caloric Content: 480 kcal/cup
- Made from premium-quality, all-natural ingredients
- High protein kibble blended with freeze-dried raw pieces
- Beneficial nutrients like chelated minerals and probiotics
- Very expensive to feed as a staple diet
This recipe features real chicken as the main ingredient with plenty of omega fatty acids for healthy skin and coat. It also contains beneficial supplements like chelated minerals and probiotics.
Rachael Ray Nutrish Natural Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe Dry Cat Food
Product Info
- Protein: 34% Min
- Fat: 14% Min
- Fiber: 4% Max
- Moisture: 9% Max
- Caloric Content: 359 kcal/cup
- Made from all-natural ingredients, no by-products or fillers
- Real chicken as the number-1 ingredient
- Highly digestible recipe for maximum nutrient absorption
- Not a grain-free recipe, some cats may be sensitive
- Doesn’t contain probiotic supplements
This adult cat food recipe contains wholesome, nourishing ingredients to ensure complete and balanced nutrition and it is also highly digestible – all at an affordable price!
Canidae All Life Stages Dry Cat Food, Chicken, Turkey, Lamb and Fish
Product Info
- Protein: 32% Min
- Fat: 20% Min
- Fiber: 2.5% Max
- Moisture: 9% Max
- Caloric Content: 521 kcal/cup
- Made with only 8 main ingredients to reduce risk for allergies
- Contains several sources of quality animal proteins
- Supplemented with chelated minerals and probiotics
- Some kittens may be sensitive to poultry ingredients like chicken and turkey
It contains only the highest quality natural ingredients with no fillers, by-products, or artificial additives. Plus, it is supplemented with chelated minerals to ensure optimal nutrient absorption and probiotics for healthy digestion. Overall, it contains 32% protein and 20% fat.
Merrick Purrfect Bistro Grain-Free Indoor Senior Recipe Dry Cat Food
Product Info
- Protein: 38.5% Min
- Fat: 12% Min
- Fiber: 7.5% Max
- Moisture: 11% Max
- Caloric Content: 353 kcal/cup
- Made with a total of 70% protein and fat ingredients
- Features real deboned chicken as the main ingredient and a lean source of protein
- Plenty of beneficial supplements for healthy and balanced nutrition
- Contains some plant protein (potato protein)
This recipe is formulated for both indoor and outdoor cats, plus it is grain-free for digestibility. It doesn’t contain any corn, wheat, or soy ingredients and it is free from by-products and artificial additives as well. It just consists of real, whole foods to ensure premium balanced nutrition for older cats.
Solid Gold Fit as a Fiddle Weight Control with Alaskan Pollock Grain-Free Adult Dry Cat Food
Product Info
- Protein: 31% Min
- Fat: 9% Min
- Fiber: 9% Max
- Moisture: 10% Max
- Caloric Content: 360 kcal/cup
- Formulated to support healthy weight
- High in protein, low in fat and calories
- Lean animal proteins as first two ingredients
- May be too high in fiber for some cats
This healthy weight formula is just what your cat needs to regain his figure and maintain optimal health. In addition to helping him lose weight, it also supports immune system health and will boost the condition of his skin and coat as well.
Blue Buffalo Basics Limited Ingredient Grain-Free Formula Duck & Potato Indoor Adult Dry Cat Food
Product Info
- Protein: 30% Min
- Fat: 14% Min
- Fiber: 6% Max
- Moisture: 9% Max
- Caloric Content: 402 kcal/cup
- Made with a limited number of premium natural ingredients
- Contains 30% protein and 14% healthy fats
- Free from corn, wheat, soy, by-products, and artificial additives
- Contains some plant protein (pea protein)
- Main source of fat is plant-based (canola oil)
It features only the highest quality natural ingredients and it is grain-free for digestibility. You’ll find that it contains plenty of healthy supplements like chelated minerals and probiotics but is completely free from corn, wheat, soy, by-products, and artificial additives.
Taste of the Wild Canyon River Grain-Free Dry Cat Food
Product Info
- Protein: 42% Min
- Fat: 18% Min
- Fiber: 3% Max
- Moisture: 10% Max
- Caloric Content: 390 kcal/cup
- Contains several sources of premium animal protein
- Rich in omega fatty acids for healthy skin and coat
- Supplemented with chelated minerals and probiotics
- Contains some plant proteins (pea and potato protein)
- First source of fat is plant- not animal-based (canola oil)
It contains grain-free carbohydrates like sweet potatoes and peas for digestibility as well as probiotics to support your cat’s digestion. It also contains beneficial supplements like dietary fiber and probiotics.
Blue Buffalo Wilderness Rocky Mountain Recipe with Red Meat Adult Grain-Free Dry Cat Food
Product Info
- Protein: 36% Min
- Fat: 16% Min
- Fiber: 5% Max
- Moisture: 9% Max
- Caloric Content: 427 kcal/cup
- Made with several sources of real animal protein
- Balanced with healthy animal-based fats
- Supplemented with antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals
- Some cats may be sensitive or allergic to beef ingredients
- Contains some plant protein (pea protein)
In addition to being packed with protein, this formula has a healthy blend of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, plus fresh fruits and veggies to provide natural sources for key nutrients. It is highly digestible and supplemented with both prebiotics and probiotics.
Nutro Wholesome Essentials Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe Senior Dry Cat Food
Product Info
- Protein: 36% Min
- Fat: 17% Min
- Fiber: 6% Max
- Moisture: 10% Max
- Caloric Content: 385 kcal/cup
- Promotes healthy digestion
- Farm-raised chicken as the first ingredient
- Supplemented with vitamins, chelated minerals, and antioxidants
- Some cats develop allergies to chicken
- Not a grain-free recipe, some cats may be sensitive
It features farm-raised chicken and digestible brown rice, plus plenty of beneficial supplements like fish oil, chelated minerals, and vitamin supplements.
Hill's Science Diet Adult Indoor Chicken Recipe Dry Cat Food
Product Info
- Protein: 31% Min
- Fat: 13% Min
- Fiber: 6% Max
- Moisture: 8% Max
- Caloric Content: 319 kcal/cup
- Formulated to address common concerns
- No prescription needed for purchase
- Complete and balanced nutrition
- Somewhat more expensive than regular cat food
- Contains corn and wheat ingredients (some cats are sensitive)
Hill’s Science Diet Cat Food comes in both dry food and wet food recipes, including variety packs of wet food to give your feline friend options. All recipes are complete and balanced for cats in all life stages.
What To Look For In Dry Cat Food?
Your cat is an obligate carnivore which means that its body is better adapted to deriving nutrition from animal than from plant sources.
Both protein content and fat content should come from animal sources, though some plant foods can be used for supplemental fiber and essential nutrients.
Overall, your cat’s food should provide optimal nutritional balance for long-term health and wellness.
Here are some things to look for in a good adult dry cat food:
- Premium Ingredients. The higher the quality of the ingredients in your cat’s food, the better it will be able to digest them. Animal-based ingredients should be the focus in any cat food.
- Animal Protein. Your cat requires a protein-rich diet to support lean muscle mass, so look for quality animal proteins like real meat, poultry, and fish.
- Omega Fatty Acids. Healthy fats provide your cat with energy and support its skin and coat health. Look for a balance of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, especially DHA and EPA.
- Nutritional Balance. Most dry cat foods contain vitamin and mineral supplements to ensure nutritional value. Chelated minerals are the best mineral supplements because they’ve been bound to protein molecules which makes them easier for your cat’s body to digest and absorb.
- No Artificial Additives. The majority of your cat’s nutrition should come from quality ingredients. Avoid recipes that contain too many additives like artificial flavors and colors.
Keeping all of these things in mind, you’re now ready to learn how to choose the best dry cat food. Here’s what you need to know:
Special Dietary Requirements Of Cats
As has already been mentioned, the majority of your cat’s food should be made up of animal-based ingredients to ensure optimal nutrition and well-being.
Protein provides the building blocks for strong muscles and lean mass, so it should make up at least 26% of your cat’s pet food.
The healthiest protein sources for cats are things like meat, poultry, and fish because they are complete proteins – this means they contain all of the essential amino acids your cat needs in its diet.
After protein content, the next most important nutrient is fat. Fat contains 9 calories per gram, so it is a highly concentrated source of energy.
Essential fatty acids also support your cat’s healthy skin and coat. Look for a recipe balanced in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. Generally speaking, your cat needs a minimum of 9% fat, though highly active cats and growing kittens may need more.
Cats have no nutritional requirements for carbs in their diet, but wholesome foods like whole grains and veggies can provide fiber and essential nutrients. The key is to keep the carbohydrate content as low as possible without sacrificing balanced nutrition.
You should also look for beneficial supplements like prebiotic fibers, probiotics, and chelated minerals.
Should You Mix Wet And Dry Cat Food?
Dry cat food is typically more affordable than wet food when it comes to your cat’s staple diet and it also provides dental benefits to help keep its teeth clean.
On the other hand, wet food is higher in moisture which is beneficial for urinary tract health and it can support your cat’s metabolism and help it maintain a healthy weight.
To ensure that your cat gets the benefits of both, consider feeding it a mixed diet of wet and dry food.
For general health, mix about 25% canned food with 75% dry food. If you’re concerned about your cat’s weight or its urinary health, increase the amount of wet food to 50/50 or even more to 70% wet food and 30% dry food.
For more information on the best wet cat foods on the market today, Click Here.
Another concern with feeding your cat dry food is that there is some risk for kidney problems as well as urinary tract blockage and inflammatory bowel disease.
In many cases, these problems can be avoided by boosting the moisture content of your cat’s diet. To do so, mix some wet food with your cat’s dry food or try moistening its wet food with water or broth.
What About Food Allergies And Sensitivities?
In addition to thinking about the quality of your cat’s food and mixing dry and wet food you should also think about the potential for food allergies and sensitivities.
Cats have the potential to develop allergies at any point in their lives and common allergens include beef, chicken, dairy, wheat, corn, soy, and artificial additives.
If your feline friend has itchy skin, recurrent ear infections, or a dry and brittle coat, it could be suffering from a food allergy.
Switch to a hypoallergenic cat food made without the ingredients your cat is allergic to or try a limited ingredient diet to reduce the risk for triggering food allergies.
Final Remarks
Dry cat food is cost-effective, convenient to feed, and it comes in a wide range of formulas to meet your cat’s individual needs and preferences.
The best dry food for cats will be made with premium-quality animal ingredients including animal proteins, healthy fats, and a balance of vitamins and minerals to ensure optimal nutrition and to support your cat’s overall health.
If you’re not sure where to start in shopping for dry cat food, try one of our top picks reviewed above!
