The Best Organic Cat Food
In order for a cat food to be certified organic, it must meet USDA guidelines for organic human-grade foods, which includes at least 95% organic ingredients. These organic foods tend to be more expensive than regular pet food because the ingredients are sourced from the competitive human food market.
While the idea of organic cat food may be appealing, Tufts University’s Cummings Veterinary Medical Center says there is no good evidence that an organic diet has more health benefits than one made with conventionally produced ingredients.
It is true that organic cat foods may contain fewer pesticides, antibiotics, growth hormones, and GMOs, but often the difference is negligible. Ultimately, feeding a cat an organic diet is a personal choice, not a nutritional one.
Best Dry Food: Tender & True Organic And Antibiotic
Although wet food is closer to a catâs natural diet evolutionarily, dry food has a number of advantages. Dry food is convenient, more affordable, and can be left out longer than canned food. But the dietâs specific nutrient and calorie content is more important than the form in which it comes.
Tender & True Organic and Antibiotic-Free Dry Cat Food offers 95% USDA Certified Organic and grain-free chicken and turkey recipes paired with chicken liver. Its ingredients are simple and their U.S. Organic farm-raised chicken and turkey are certified by the Global Animal Partnership , which means animals were raised humanely. Made from 30% crude protein and 18% fat, this food has added Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids. Each recipe is hormone- and antibiotic-free, and is made with no artificial preservatives, colors, or flavors. Tender & True also uses mixed tocopherols as its preservative.
Available in 3 pound and 7 pound bags, this food is AFFCO Certified for all life stages.
Cats did not evolve to eat the grains humans have tried to put in their food. Corn, rice, barley, and wheat have all been associated with allergies and can cause problems with a cat’s skin, fur, and digestion. Cats with sensitive skin and intolerances will benefit most from a grain-free diet.
Tender & True Organic and Antibiotic-Free Dry Cat Food is an excellent place to start your cat on an organic, grain-free diet.
Halo Grain Free Wet Cat Food
Show your cats that you love them and want them to be healthy with this grain-free wet cat food from Halo. The variety pack is perfect for picky cats and homes with multiple cats. You can try all of the different recipes and see which ones your cats love. You get 12 cans per package, with each can holding 5.5 ounces to serve as a full meal. Halo does not use any GMO ingredients and relies on healthy ingredients that can improve the look of your cats fur. The ingredients can also improve your cats overall health along with its eyes and heart.
Key Features:
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Purina Pro Plan Critical Nutrition Cat Food Best For Weight Gain
Whilst the vast majority of cats are overweight, there are a few who need a helping hand with their weight gain. This is especially true of cats who have been ill, or who have recently been rescued. This food is high calorie at 208 kcal/5.5 oz can, meaning even cats who struggle to eat much should be able to get their daily calorie allowance. Its even been formulated with a smooth consistency in case syringe feeding becomes necessary.
Please note it is very important to follow your veterinarians advice when it comes to your cats weight. Most healthy adult cats do not need to gain any weight, but if youre not sure then your vet will be able to tell you whether theyre at an ideal weight or not, or you can read our guide below. If you think your cat is losing weight you should also take them in for a check over, as many medical conditions can contribute to weight loss, and simply feeding more will not correct the problem.
Wherever Ive worked as a vet, we always have this on the shelf or in the back office. Not only is it ideal for inpatients being fed after surgery but its ideal for cats presented with vomiting and diarrhea, as it is easy to digest.
- Stew texture can result in pickiness
Why Feed Your Cat A Grain
When we judge and rate cat foods, our first priority is getting as close as possible to what we consider the ideal feline diet.
Well talk about that more below in the How We Chose section, but basically what that means is that we are looking for foods that are high protein, moderate fat, and very low carb.
Unfortunately, grains are very high in carbohydrates, which obviously clashes with the way cats are supposed to eat.
Usually the only carbs cats get in a wild setting are the small amount found in their preys stomach.
That might sound a bit gross to you and me, but its actually one of the most important parts of the meal for cats. They crave the vitamin- and mineral-rich organ meats, and will often eat them first after making a kill.
The benefits of feeding a low carb, grain free diet are huge:
- Its a more natural diet
- Better digestion
- Higher protein consumption
- Less chance of gastrointestinal, kidney, and urinary tract illnesses
FYI there are a few organic options out there, but we typically find that theyre not among the very best. Theyre usually quite good, but often contain grains to keep costs down, since organic ingredients typically cost a lot more.
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Best Overall: American Journey Salmon Recipe
My number one selection is Chewy.coms exclusive brand called American Journey. Specifically, the salmon recipe as the other flavors do feature chicken in the ingredient list. American Journey has been on the market since 2017 and theyre easily taking the number spot due to their high-quality ingredients, great price, and perfect recall history. American Journey is exclusive to Chewy.com and you can find it by clicking here.
Pros:
- Awesome ingredients with animal-based proteins as the first 4 out of 5 ingredients on the list
- American Journey has ZERO recalls for any pet food product
- The salmon recipe has no poultry of any kind
- The price is great, especially when you consider the quality
Cons:
- Features multiple protein sources which may upset the tummies of sensitive cats
- Only one flavor thats actually chicken free
All American Journey cat foods are also free of corn, wheat, soy, and even artificial preservatives. To get a better idea of how good this product really is, lets take a look at the first five ingredients with a quick explanation.
1. Deboned Salmon
Any cat food that doesnt feature an animal protein as the first ingredient should be avoided. The first ingredient we see on American Journeys salmon recipe is exactly what we want to see: deboned salmon.
2. Salmon Meal
This is salmon but with the fat and water removed after high heat treatment.
3. Tapioca Starch
4. Menhaden Fish Meal
5. Dried Egg Product
Summary
Its Impossible To Control Everything That Goes Into Your Cats Body But Its Not All Bleak
Finding cat food without chicken is a challenge, but after you narrow your search to trustworthy brands that use named proteins and offer a variety of limited-ingredient foods, your job becomes much easier. All of the foods on the following list are made without chicken. Instead, they feature alternative proteins from rabbit, turkey, duck, venison, and other animals.
In addition to being chicken-free, theyre nutritionally sound choices with low plant content, low carbohydrates, and no artificial ingredients. Many are limited-ingredient foods made with allergic cats in mind.
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The Best Senior Cat Food
Once a cat hits 7 years of age, they are considered senior. Senior cats have the same minimum AAFCO nutritional requirements as younger adult cats, but decreased activity can cause them to pack on the pounds. And the more overweight a cat becomes, the more likely they are to develop conditions such as diabetes, liver disease, arthritis, and pancreatitis.
You can help your senior cat maintain a healthy body weight by closely controlling their portion sizes or by switching them to a senior diet that is lower in calories than typical adult formulas. Just be sure to check the calorie content because some senior foods actually have more calories and may still require portion control.
Senior formulas also have omega-3 fatty acids and other nutrients that aren’t required in regular adult cat foods. These ingredients help reduce inflammation, improve cognitive function, and support the immune system. As long as the senior food is labeled AAFCO complete and balanced, it will contain the vitamins and minerals an older cat requires without the need to provide additional supplements.
Different cats have different needs as they age, so consult your veterinarian before switching your cat to a senior diet or determining whether additional supplements are required.
Tuna And Pumpkin Cat Treats
- 1 tin of low sodium tuna
- Preheat your oven to 330 F.
- Beat the egg until stiff peaks form.
- Place the tuna into your blender. Then add a small amount of the egg to the tuna . Blend thoroughly to make a smooth paste.
- Remove the mixture and place it into the bowl with the egg whites. Fold them in together, being careful not to knock the air out of the mixture.
- Use a piping bag to place the mixture onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Keep the swirls small for easy eating. However, you can adjust based on your cats size.
- Put the sheet in the oven for 20-25 minutes. The treats should come off of the tray easily.
- Allow them to cool completely and then store them in an airtight container. They typically last for two weeks.
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Wellness Complete Health Grain Free Canned Beef & Chicken Recipe
- Provides hydration to cat
- Chicken and beef pate
Wellness complete health natural grain free cat food is a perfect treat to feed your cat well. This wet canned food consisting of chicken and beef pate is a healthy source of protein diet. It also contains all the essential fatty acids that are important to deliver a balanced diet for your pet. Scanning the Wellness cat food quite closely, we inferred that it is made up of all the superior quality ingredients. The recipe contains lean meats, healthy fats, fruits, and vegetables. We did not find any grains, added preservatives, or flavors, thus making it completely safe to use. This best grain free canned cat food is an ideal product for pets overall wellbeing.
Providing healthy hydration, this best grain free cat food wet is quite suitable to increase our kittens body moisture, which is good for their urinary tract. This complete nutrition package helps achieve healthy, shiny skin and coat, improves digestion, and builds greater immunity. Also, it aids in providing stronger teeth and healthy eyes to your feline partner. Since all its recipes are well-crafted, choosing high-quality, nutritious ingredients helps to nourish your pet well. Being created by experienced vets and animal nutritionists, grain free urinary tract cat food works well for both kittens and adults.
Wellness Core Natural Grain
Another great option in low-carb cat food for diabetic cats is this Wellness CORE Natural Grain-Free Turkey & Duck Pate Canned Food. This recipe is entirely grain-free, made only with cranberries and flaxseed as the primary carbohydrates. It features fresh turkey and duck as the main ingredients, both rich sources of premium animal protein. This recipe is high in moisture and dietary fiber and contains no artificial additives. Simply put, it contains only wholesome, natural ingredients in a recipe designed to deliver complete and balanced nutrition that is highly digestible. Plus, with superfoods like cranberries and flaxseeds on the ingredients list, you can rest easy knowing that it contains natural sources for key nutrients as well to ensure optimal absorption and digestibility.
- Pros: Real turkey and duck, 100% grain-free, only two carbohydrate ingredients, rich in moisture and protein, antioxidant-rich superfoods, fiber for healthy digestion, complete and balanced
- Cons: Some cats are sensitive to pork ingredients
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What Treats Can I Safely Feed My Cat
Everybody loves to treat their pets, and as a vet, I always calculate a treat allowance into a meal plan for cats. In order to make sure your pet doesnt end up overweight, you should definitely consider their calorie allowance when it comes to treats. Nutrition experts recommend that no more than 10% of your cats daily calories come from treats, and dont forget to take those calories out of your calculations for daily food allowance!
As for what sort of treats there are lots of cat treats on the market that are suitable- as a vet I like to opt for dual-purpose treats such as those that help with dental health or hairballs. Id definitely steer clear of human food though, as flavorings and ingredients can be toxic to cats, and it can be really hard to find out how many calories are in a small bit of tuna.
Wild Frontier Real Chicken & Real Turkey Recipe Pate Grain
If you like to provide your cat with a variety of choices, consider this Wild Frontier Real Chicken & Real Turkey Recipe Pate Grain-Free Cat Food. This multi-pack comes with two different formulas featuring real chicken and turkey for a high-protein, low-carb cat food diet. Wild Frontier is a brand manufactured by Nutro, another excellent cat food brand. These recipes are packed with premium animal proteins, free from grains, and loaded with quality nutrition. They are very rich in moisture and contain plenty of dietary fiber for healthy digestion. They also contain a blend of omega fatty acids to support your cats skin and coat health.
- Pros: Two recipes to choose from, premium animal proteins, extremely low in carbs, rich in moisture, plenty of fiber and omega fatty acids, grain-free formulas, full of natural flavor
- Cons: Contains carrageenan as a thickener, some cats are sensitive to chicken or pork ingredients
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Hills Science Diet Urinary & Hairball Control Cat Food Best For Urinary Health
For cats that need a helping hand in the urinary department, veterinarians like to reach for Hills. This diet is perfect for cats that are prone to suffering from urinary issues, such as indoor cats and overweight cats. The key feature of this wet cat food is the careful balance of minerals to avoid crystals, sludge, and stones forming in the urinary tract. Struvite is one of the most common crystal types formed in our feline friends, and it is principally made of magnesium, so this is the most important mineral to balance. Being a wet diet, this cat food also encourages a more natural water intake for cats.
Please note that urinary problems can be severe and even fatal in cats. If your cat suffers from urinary issues you should discuss their diet choices with your vet. This food is not a cheaper alternative to the prescription diets, so if your vet prescribes Hills c/d or s/d you should use only that food or ask them for an alternative.
- Not as effective as prescription diets
Taste Of The Wild Dry Grain Free Cat Food
Taste of the Wild Dry Grain Free Cat Food has been put to the test next to other brands and has performed well. Both in taste tests, and looking at the nutritional information.
The salmon and trout flavor is by far the most tasty of the flavors. Owners say this goes down very well with their cats. Both in taste, and the effect on cats.
If your cat is having digestive problems, being sick from their current food, or not looking as healthy as they should. Its worth giving this brand a try.
It passes the taste test. It passes the health test, and its reasonably priced. A lot of owners who switch to this Taste of the Wild food, never switch back.
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Introducing Your Cat To New Food
Be thoughtful when transitioning your cat to a new food. Donât buy a lot until youâre sure your cat will eat it. Take your time deciding if itâs the right food for you and your cat. Your cat may have issues with palatability, mouthfeel, or the protein sources. Some early upsets go away after a day or two into the transition. If your first choice doesnât fit, transition slowly to another.
Your Complete Guide To The Best High
We all want our cats to be happy and healthythats a given. Providing them with a nutritious, high-quality cat food is one way to ensure just that. But with so many varieties of high-quality cat food on the market, knowing which one is the right choice for your fur baby can be confusing. What even is high quality cat food anyway?
For starters, it has to meet the nutritional standards set forth by the Association of American Feed Control Officials . This is essential for any cat food, says Dr. Katy J. Nelson, DVM, Chewys resident veterinarian. An easy way to be sure of that is to look on the package for the AAFCO nutritional adequacy statement.
High quality food also has high-quality ingredients with nutritional benefits, like:
- Protein: provides energy and is essential for growth, the transport of nutrients and oxygen delivery
- Amino acids: build and repair tissues, help maintain healthy skin and coat, support the immune system, and muscle activity, making glucose, as well as transport nutrients and oxygen throughout the body
- Fatty acids: maintain healthy skin and coat, and are essential for joint health and a healthy immune system
- Vitamins and minerals: to ensure that the pet’s nutrient requirements are met
Depending on the specific brand and ingredients, some may ease health problems , while othersincluding high-protein diets for active catssatisfy a particular nutritional need.
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