It’s always a debate among cat owners as to which is the best dry cat food on the market.
Everyone has different ideas when it comes to cat nutrition and everyone’s cat is different, so of course there will be some differing opinions when it comes time to choose the best one.
After some lengthy research, we’ve narrowed down the cat foods to the top ten.
Our choices are primarily based on what is healthiest and most nutritious for your cat, and we’ve also considered things like allergies, age and a cat’s activity level in order to show you the best ones.
Have a read!
What to Consider as You Shop
While you compare and contrast labels and brands, here are a few things to consider that will help you choose the right food for your kitty:
- Age. Kitten, adult, mature or senior cat? You’ll find that cat food manufacturers have food for all stages. Choose an age-appropriate food that will provide your cat with the nutrients it needs for its current age group.
- Allergies. As we mentioned, any sort of food allergies that your cat may have will also determine the type of food you purchase. There are plenty of grain-free options if your cat can’t eat grains, and if you are having a tough time figuring out which food is causing the allergic reaction, try a limited ingredient food in order to pinpoint the problem.
- Weight. Keep your cat healthy and happy by helping them maintain a healthy weight.
For overweight kitties, opt for a weight management, low-calorie food that will help them reach their ideal weight goals and avoid overfeeding them.
Food and treats are good in moderation, and usually your cat isn’t the one who decides how much to eat. You decide for them!
Top 10 Dry Cat Foods Complete Chart
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Dry Food and No Teeth
Whether you rescued a cat that suffered dental damage or you have an elderly cat that no longer has any teeth (or very few), you might ask yourself if they will still be able to break down the kibbles.
The answer is that it depends on the cat. Some cat owners have found that, even without teeth, their kitty is still able to eat the kibble without any problem.
The one thing to keep an eye on is whether or not they are swallowing the kibble whole, because if they are, then chances are that they will regurgitate the food later.
When in doubt, do a few test meals to see how kitty does and if you find that dry food isn’t manageable for them, stick with soft food.
Feeding Schedule
While it’s tempting to rely on your cat’s self-sufficiency, it really is best for your cat if you can create a feeding schedule that allows them to eat several times a day rather than eating one big meal in one sitting.
Cats that are less active have a higher risk of becoming overweight or obese because they are consuming more calories than their body consumes.
If you find that your schedule doesn’t allow you to be there to feed kitty when it’s best for him, get a feeding station that you can schedule to release their food throughout the day.
Top 5 Best Dry Cat Foods Reviews
[easyazon_link asin=”B003MA8P02″ locale=”US” new_window=”default” nofollow=”default” tag=”senappblo-20″ add_to_cart=”default” cloaking=”default” localization=”default” popups=”default”]1. Hill’s Science Diet 8873[/easyazon_link]
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Hill’s is one of the preferred dry foods by cats and owners for numerous reasons, so if you haven’t yet tried the brand, it might be time to do so now!
This formula is designed for adult indoor cats between 1-6 years old, helping them to maintain an ideal weight with the high-quality lean proteins used.
With chicken as the main ingredient, it also contains green peas, apples, cranberries, carrots, broccoli and numerous vitamins and minerals that will keep your cat in tip-top shape.
It contains a proper balance of nutrients for the indoor cat who doesn’t have any grain allergies (this has wheat and corn gluten), but if you find that this isn’t the best dry cat food for your particular feline, then have a look at some of the other great options below.
[easyazon_link asin=”B00BIYLGGO” locale=”US” new_window=”default” nofollow=”default” tag=”senappblo-20″ add_to_cart=”default” cloaking=”default” localization=”default” popups=”default”]2. Hill’s Ideal Balance 2294[/easyazon_link]
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Mature adult cats (age 7 and up) have specific needs, and those needs are met with Ideal Balance’s Natural Chicken and Brown Rice formula.
This is a corn-free, soy-free and wheat-free formula that contains no artificial colors, flavors or preservatives and uses fresh chicken as the number one ingredient. It also contains cranberries to promote bladder health and eggs to help maintain muscle strength and healthy organs.
This is one of the top dry foods for mature cats out there!
[easyazon_link asin=”B0018CIPS8″ locale=”US” new_window=”default” nofollow=”default” tag=”senappblo-20″ add_to_cart=”default” cloaking=”default” localization=”default” popups=”default”]3. Taste of the Wild 074198609666[/easyazon_link]
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This tasty mix of venison and smoked salmon is not only delicious, but also easy to digest and perfect for active cats who need a good source of energy.
This particular formula is grain-free, made with peas, sweet potatoes, tomatoes, blueberries and raspberries to name a few, not to mention a balanced amount of vitamins and minerals for cats of all life stages.
Again, this is an excellent choice for active (outdoor) cats.
If you have an indoor kitty and need something lighter in calories, have a look at the next option.
[easyazon_link asin=”B0009YYQZW” locale=”US” new_window=”default” nofollow=”default” tag=”senappblo-20″ add_to_cart=”default” cloaking=”default” localization=”default” popups=”default”]4. BLUE by Blue Buffalo 21[/easyazon_link]
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For adult cats with average activity levels in need of a protein-rich diet, try this chicken formula from Blue Buffalo.
It contains a precise blend of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that were selected by holistic veterinarians and animal nutritionists to help ensure that you cat is receiving nutritious food from natural sources.
It promotes healthy muscle development, healthy skin and coat, proper digestion, ideal weight and a healthy immune system. No by-products, corn, wheat or soy is used. No artificial preservatives, color or flavors.
Just a natural diet for adult kitties that love of chicken!
[easyazon_link asin=”B000XS6RJW” locale=”US” new_window=”default” nofollow=”default” tag=”senappblo-20″ add_to_cart=”default” cloaking=”default” localization=”default” popups=”default”]5. Natural Balnce 52510[/easyazon_link]
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If you can’t figure out what your cat is allergic to, try this duck and green pea formula from Natural Balance.
Since some cat foods contain numerous protein sources, various vegetables and carbohydrates, it can be hard to pinpoint the source of any allergic reactions, not to mention hard on your cat’s digestive system. Some cats can’t handle those richer food formulas, so if you want to simplify their diet while offering them all of the vitamins and nutrients they need for a balanced diet, this is a great choice.
Grain-free, great for all stages and for cats with more sensitive digestive systems.
Try a small amount to see if your cat likes it. If you find it to be successful, opt for a larger bag in the future!
