Generally speaking, the best dry cat food is high in protein and low in fillers such as vegetables. It will also be free of artificial colors and flavors and free from any nasty additives that will cause long term health problems for your cat.
Top Picks
Best Overall (Recommended)
- 90+% Of Protein Is Animal Based
- High Protein Optimizes Body Condition...
- Primary Ingredients Are Among The...
Runner Up (Recommended)
- HIGH PROTEIN, NUTRIENT DENSE: Authentic...
- GRAIN-FREE, LOW CARB: Premium cat food...
- 10% SUPERFOOD BOOST: Cold-washed Green...
Best On A Budget
- Super Premium Formula
- 25 lb Bag each
- Ideal Protein Sources: This formula is...
Best For Fussy Eaters
- Meow at the Moon! - Solid Gold Indigo...
- High Protein, Rich Fiber & Low Carb -...
- Natural Chicken & More - Made with...
Best For Senior Cats
Best For Limited Ingredients
- GRAIN FREE CAT FOOD FOR CATS WITH...
- NATURAL CAT FOOD WITH FARM RAISED...
- THE FIRST RAW COATED KIBBLE: Instinct...
Best For Kittens
- SUSTAINABLY CAUGHT FISH: Our crunchy...
- SCIENCE BASED WELLNESS: Open Farm...
- LOCAL PRODUCE MIX: Feed them a feast...
Best For Weight Loss
- HIGH PROTEIN - 47 percent protein...
- BAKED DRY CAT FOOD - Baked to preserve...
- NON-GMO INGREDIENTS - Your feline friend...
Best For Sensitive Stomachs
- Irresistible Taste Cats Love: Cats are...
- Real Raw Diet: Perfect for both cats and...
- Picky Eater Approved: Cooked in small...
What Is Dry Cat Food?
The most noticeable difference between dry cat food and canned wet food is the water or moisture content of the food. Dry cat food contains about 10% water, with the remaining 90% consisting of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, and vitamins.
In addition to ingredients such as grains, cereals, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, dry foods will contain protein sources such as beef, chicken, turkey, and eggs. They are combined and ground together to form a consistent dough that can be baked and made into kibble.
The types and flavors of dry food may vary, but they all have the same basic properties. It’s very rare that you will find real meat in dry cat food. Instead, artificial meat flavors or animal by-products are used, and many can be unhealthy for your cat.
A cat’s diet should consist primarily of protein, with little or no carbohydrate matter. There is no need to feed cats high-carbohydrate diets.
Carbohydrate content is extremely high in dry cat food. Extrusion processes require ingredients high in carbohydrates. Despite this, all dry food contains a high amount of starch. There are a few products that keep carbohydrate content low in order to meet your cat’s nutritional needs.
The best cat foods should contain less than 10% carbs. As cat food labels do not include carbohydrate content, you must calculate it from other nutritional values.
For our selection of cat food, I used the carbohydrate calculator on this website. Please note, actual carbohydrate values may differ from these estimates.
The Best Dry Cat Foods Reviewed
Dr. Elsey’s clean protein™ Grain-Free Dry Cat Food
- 90+% Of Protein Is Animal Based
- High Protein Optimizes Body Condition...
- Primary Ingredients Are Among The...
| Overview Of Dr. Elsey’s Dry Cat Food |
| Brand Name | Dr. Elsey’s |
| Made In | United States Of America |
| Food Form | Dry Food |
| Guaranteed Protein | 59% Minimum |
| Suitable For | Adult Cats |
| Average Cost Per Day | $0.80 per day |
| Recall History | Never Been Recalled |
Chicken is the first and main ingredient in this recipe, which is a great thing. You’ll also find that they don’t use the typically cheap and nasty fillers like corn, legumes or potatoes. Instead, they use what’s called gelatin to bind the food together.
All you really need to know is that this is a high protein and very low carb food that is great for your cat. In fact, it’s one of the lowest carb foods you can buy.
The second and third ingredients are egg and pork protein isolate. Again, this is great and makes the food easy to digest for cats. Because they use gelatin as their sole binder, unlike other grain free foods they are able to keep this recipe’s carb content under 10%.
Dry food with under 10% carbs is as rare as hen’s teeth (pun intended).
Ingredients
Chicken, Dried Egg Product, Pork Protein Isolate, Gelatin, Chicken Fat (Preserved With Mixed Tocopherols), Flaxseed, Natural Flavor, Salmon Oil, Potassium Citrate, Calcium Carbonate, Fructooligosaccharide, Calcium Carbonate, Choline Chloride, Vitamins (Vitamin E Supplement, Niacin Supplement, D-Calcium Pantothenate, Vitamin A Acetate, Thiamine Mononitrate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Riboflavin Supplement, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Biotin, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Folic Acid), Minerals (Ferrous Sulfate, Zinc Oxide, Calcium Carbonate, Manganous Oxide, Copper Sulfate, Iron Amino Acid Chelate, Manganese Amino Acid Chelate, Zinc Amino Acid Chelate, Copper Amino Acid Chelate, Sodium Selenite, Cobalt Carbonate, Ethylenediamine Dihydroiodide), Potassium Chloride, Mixed Tocopherols (Preservative), Taurine, Salt, Rosemary Extract.
Pros:
- Very Low in carbohydrate – Under 10%
- Species-appropriate primary animal ingredients
- Nutrient-dense dry food
- Doesn’t contain any of the typical nasty inflammatory grain ingredients
Cons:
- Expensive – But worth it
ZIWIPeak Air-Dried Cat Food
- HIGH PROTEIN, NUTRIENT DENSE: Authentic...
- GRAIN-FREE, LOW CARB: Premium cat food...
- 10% SUPERFOOD BOOST: Cold-washed Green...
| Overview Of ZiwiPeak Cat Food |
| Brand Name | ZiwiPeak |
| Made In | New Zealand |
| Food Form | Air Dried |
| Guaranteed Protein | 43% Minimum |
| Suitable For | Adult Cats |
| Average Cost Per Day | $2-$3 per day |
| Recall History | Never Been Recalled |
Ziwi uses air-dried food that looks like chunky bits of food rather than traditional kibble. Rather than using an extrusion process, Ziwi air dries their food.
The dehydration phase uses a twin-stage process to kill pathogenic bacteria while avoiding killing any of the nutrients in the food.
Their unique process has made them one of the nutrient-dense, species-appropriate foods you can give your cat. All of their air-dried products contain 96% or more fresh meat, bones, organs, and New Zealand green-lipped mussels.
The company says that its foods feature ingredients raised or grown on ethically run farms in New Zealand.
In most other dry foods, vitamins and minerals are synthetically added to replace nutrients that are lost during cooking. However, Ziwi food is whole, taking into account the heart, liver, kidney, lung, tripe, and tripe.
Mackerel, lamb, and lamb organs are some of the ingredients in this recipe.
Because they use practically no plant content in this recipe it’s extremely low in carbohydrates. With this particular recipe, the carb content sits around the 4% mark, that’s less than most canned foods.
Ziwi foods are very expensive but because they are so nutrient-dense less of it is required at feeding time. So in theory you should be using less to help average out the cost.
Ingredients
Mackerel, Lamb, Lamb Heart, Lamb Tripe, Lamb Liver, Lamb Lung, New Zealand Green Mussel, Lamb Kidney, Lamb Bone, Lecithin, Inulin from Chicory, Dried Kelp, Minerals (Dipotassium Phosphate, Magnesium Sulfate, Zinc Amino Acid Complex, Copper Amino Acid Complex, Iron Amino Acid Complex, Manganese Amino Acid Complex, Sodium Selenite), Salt, Preservative (Citric Acid, Mixed Tocopherols), Vitamins (Choline Chloride, Thiamine Mononitrate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Folic Acid, Vitamin D3 Supplement), DL-Methionine, Taurine.
Pros:
- Nutrient dense, species appropriate food with minimal processing
- High-quality ingredients
- Very low carb content at 4%
- Bioavailable protein accounts for 95% of each meal
Cons:
- With only 14% moisture, it can’t solely replace a wet food diet.
- Costly
- The jerky texture may not appeal to every cat
Kirkland Signature Super Premium Maintenance Cat Food
- Super Premium Formula
- 25 lb Bag each
- Ideal Protein Sources: This formula is...
| Overview Of Kirkland Signature Dry Cat Food |
| Brand Name | Kirkland Signature |
| Made In | United States Of America |
| Food Form | Dry Food |
| Guaranteed Protein | 30% Minimum |
| Suitable For | Adult Cats |
| Average Cost Per Day | $0.14 per day |
| Recall History | Has Been Recalled – Read More Here |
Kirkland Signature’s kibble is a great option to consider if you want to feed your cat dry food on a budget. The brand focuses on clearly-named proteins like chicken and chicken meal, opposed to most budget-friendly kibble.
Aside from the higher quality of primary ingredients, Kirkland Signature dry cat food contains nutraceuticals not commonly seen in cheaper kibbles. Earlier this year, Diamond Pet Food, the manufacturer of Kirkland Signature cat food, recalled the food following a salmonella-related recall.
As its primary ingredients, Kirkland Signature kibble contains both chicken and chicken meal. Carbohydrates and consistency are added by mixing brown and white rice. The food contains supplemental probiotics and prebiotics, unlike most foods at this price point, which may promote digestive health and wellbeing.
This product isn’t high in protein or low in carbohydrates, but it has many qualities that set it apart from other dry cat foods. A great option if budget is your primary concern.
Ingredients
Chicken, Chicken Meal, Whole Grain Brown Rice, Ground White Rice, Chicken Fat (Preserved With Mixed Tocopherols), Natural Chicken Flavor, Flaxseed, Sodium Bisulfate, Potassium Chloride, Choline Chloride, Taurine, Dried Chicory Root, Dried Lactobacillus Acidophilus Fermentation Product, Dried Bifidobacterium Animalis Fermentation Product, Zinc Proteinate, Vitamin E Supplement, Niacin, Manganese Proteinate, Copper Proteinate, Zinc Sulfate, Manganese Sulfate, Copper Sulfate, Thiamine Mononitrate, Vitamin A Supplement, Biotin, Potassium Iodide, Calcium Pantothenate, Riboflavin, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B6), Vitamin B12 Supplement, Manganous Oxide, Sodium Selenite, Vitamin D Supplement, Folic Acid.
Pros:
- Mainly derived from clearly recognizable proteins
- There are no artificial colors or potentially hazardous preservatives in this cat food
- Very affordable
Cons:
- Quite high in carbohydrates
Solid Gold – Indigo Moon – High Protein & Grain-Free
- Meow at the Moon! - Solid Gold Indigo...
- High Protein, Rich Fiber & Low Carb -...
- Natural Chicken & More - Made with...
| Overview Of Solid Gold Dry Cat Food |
| Brand Name | Solid Gold |
| Made In | United States Of America |
| Food Form | Dry Food |
| Guaranteed Protein | 42% Minimum |
| Suitable For | Adult Cats |
| Average Cost Per Day | $0.35 per day |
| Recall History | Has Been Recalled – Read More Here |
Solid Gold’s line of grain-and-gluten-free dry cat food is relatively high in protein and low in carbs (around 22%). Unfortunately, it does contain concentrated plant protein sources, like potato protein, that are not ideal for cats.
A positive note is that it contains a wide range of supplementary ingredients, like salmon oil as a source of omega-3 fatty acids, probiotics and, prebiotic fiber for digestive health.
Ingredients
Ocean Fish Meal, Chicken Meal, Peas, Chicken Fat (Preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Pollock, Potato Protein, Tapioca, Dried Eggs, Ground Flaxseed, Natural Flavor, Carrots, Pumpkin, Salmon Oil (Preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Potassium Chloride, Vitamins (Vitamin E Supplement, L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate (Source of Vitamin C), Niacin, Calcium Pantothenate, Riboflavin, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Thiamine Mononitrate, Vitamin A Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Biotin, Folic Acid), Taurine, Minerals (Zinc Sulfate, Ferrous Sulfate, Copper Sulfate, Manganese Sulfate, Zinc Proteinate, Manganese Proteinate, Copper Proteinate, Sodium Selenite, Calcium Iodate), Blueberries, Cranberries, Choline Chloride, Dried Chicory Root, Rosemary Extract, Dried Lactobacillus Acidophilus Fermentation Product, Dried Enterococcus Faecium Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus Casei Fermentation Product.
Pros:
- Low carbohydrate content at 22%
- Made with species-appropriate protein sources
- No artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives
- Great taste
Cons:
- Provides concentrated plant protein from potato protein
- Low moisture content as all dry cat foods are
Only Natural Pet Natural Dry Cat Food
| Overview Of Only Natural Dry Cat Food |
| Brand Name | Only Natural |
| Made In | United States Of America |
| Food Form | Dry Food |
| Guaranteed Protein | 47% Minimum |
| Suitable For | Adult Cats |
| Average Cost Per Day | $0.35 per day |
| Recall History | Never Been Recalled |
Only Natural’s Pet foods contain an array of supplemental ingredients along with being incredibly nutritionally complex for its price. They’re some of the best dry cat foods you can buy.
The ingredient list of PowerFood is dominated by species-appropriate protein sources, without exorbitant amounts of carbohydrates. PowerFood also offers a range of unexpected supplements.
Included in this recipe is oil from salmon and green-lipped mussels, which are both rich in omega-3 fatty acids. Probiotic organisms, digestive enzymes, and prebiotic fiber work together to boost digestive health and immunity.
In its poultry-focused recipe, Only Natural Pet uses a mixture of animal-sourced proteins including chicken, turkey meal, chicken meal, and several plant-based proteins including garbanzo beans and pea protein.
Only Natural Pet cat food includes ingredients that provide anti-inflammatory properties, in addition to outstanding protein digestibility.
Cats that experience arthritis or other conditions may benefit from these additives. It would be a great option for senior cats.
Ingredients
Deboned Chicken, Low Ash Turkey Meal, Low Ash Chicken Meal, Garbanzo Beans, Chicken Fat (Preserved With Mixed Tocopherols), Pea Protein, Pea Fiber, Tapioca Starch, Natural Flavor, Salmon Oil, Chicory Root Extract, Flaxseed Meal, Taurine, Dl-Methionine, Dried Green Lipped Mussels, Turmeric, Dried Pumpkin, Vitamins [Vitamin E Supplement, Calcium Pantothenate, Niacin Supplement, Vitamin A Supplement, Riboflavin Supplement, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Folic Acid], Minerals [Zinc Proteinate, Calcium Carbonate, Iron Proteinate, Copper Proteinate, etc…
Pros:
- Contains nourishing protein sources
- Omega-3 fatty acids are found in multiple species-appropriate sources
- No artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives
- Low in carbohydrates
Cons:
- Unfortunately, it does contain some protein that’s sourced from plants
Instinct Limited Ingredient Cat Food
- GRAIN FREE CAT FOOD FOR CATS WITH...
- NATURAL CAT FOOD WITH FARM RAISED...
- THE FIRST RAW COATED KIBBLE: Instinct...
| Overview Of Instinct By Nature’s Variety Dry Cat Food |
| Brand Name | Nature’s Variety |
| Made In | United States Of America |
| Food Form | Dry Food |
| Guaranteed Protein | 35% Minimum |
| Suitable For | Adult Cats |
| Average Cost Per Day | $0.45 per day |
| Recall History | Has Been Recalled – Read More Here |
The company behind this product line of limited-ingredient recipes, Nature’s Variety, is an organization that specializes in meat-focused recipes that emphasize the nutritional values of raw, frozen, and freeze-dried foods.
A single animal protein and one primary vegetable ingredient make up all Instinct Limited Ingredient Diet products. In addition, the foods do not contain common allergens such as chicken, beef, fish, dairy, etc. For dry eaters with allergies and sensitivities, Instinct’s Limited Ingredient Diet dry kibble might be the best choice.
These limited-ingredient products are meat-based with lower than average carbohydrate content and offer simple recipes for cats who can only tolerate certain proteins. Basically, they’re a species-appropriate choice for your carnivore.
You should look at this brand as a more affordable option to Ziwi cat food. Despite its low price and relative accessibility, it’s a good option for cats who like traditional kibble.
Since rabbit meal is the main ingredient in this food and there is no chicken or beef in it, it is free of most common irritation triggers for cats. Additional sources of protein and meaty flavors are rabbit meat and freeze-dried rabbit in the food as well as dehydrated rabbit meal.
Tapioca and peas are used as the binding agent and provide the food with roughly 24% of its dry matter carbohydrate content. Also included are canola oil, coconut oil, montmorillonite clay, and pumpkin seeds, which provide fats, fiber, and an array of nutrients.
It has a simple ingredient list and should be a good choice for cats with food sensitivities and allergies in general. Numerous customers report that the recipe eased the digestive issues of their cats.
Ingredients
Rabbit Meal, Peas, Tapioca, Canola Oil (preserved with Mixed Tocopherols and Citric Acid), Rabbit, Natural Flavor, Coconut Oil, Montmorillonite Clay, Taurine, Choline Chloride, Potassium Chloride, Vitamins (Vitamin E Supplement, L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate, Niacin Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate, d-Calcium Pantothenate, Vitamin A Supplement, Riboflavin Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Folic Acid, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Biotin), DL-Methionine, Minerals (Zinc Proteinate, Iron Proteinate, Copper Proteinate, Manganese Proteinate, Sodium Selenite, Ethylenediamine Dihydriodide), Freeze Dried Rabbit, Salt, Pumpkin Seeds, Rosemary Extract.
Pros:
- Has rabbit as its sole animal protein source
- Low in carbs compared to its competition
- No artificial colors, flavors, or potentially harmful additives
- Suitable for cats with food sensitivities
Cons:
- Although low in carbs, it’s not the lowest-carb food on this list
- Might give your cat smell poo’s
Open Farm Wild-Caught Salmon Grain-Free Dry Cat Food
- SUSTAINABLY CAUGHT FISH: Our crunchy...
- SCIENCE BASED WELLNESS: Open Farm...
- LOCAL PRODUCE MIX: Feed them a feast...
| Overview Of Open Farm Dry Cat Food |
| Brand Name | Open Farm |
| Made In | United States Of America |
| Food Form | Dry Food |
| Guaranteed Protein | 37% Minimum |
| Suitable For | All Cats |
| Average Cost Per Day | $0.67 per day |
| Recall History | Never Been Recalled |
The first three ingredients of this recipe from Open Farm are salmon, ocean whitefish meal, and herring meal. While it doesn’t have a low carbohydrate content, like most grain-free dry foods, it is a carnivore-friendly option compared to many others.
Its ingredient sourcing, however, sets it apart from other dry products. Open Farm prides itself on sourcing poultry, meat, and fish that are produced humanely. Wild-caught fish, like that featured here, is used in sustainable seafood recipes.
This food from Open Farm could be a good choice if you’re looking for a high-protein dry cat food that’s more eco-friendly than the competition.
Ingredients
Wild Pacific Salmon, Ocean Whitefish Meal, Ocean Herring Meal, Garbanzo Beans (Chickpeas), Red Lentils, Coconut Oil (preserved with mixed tocopherols), Herring Oil (preserved with mixed tocopherols), Pumpkin, Natural Flavour, Green Lentils, Salmon Oil, Non-GMO Cranberries, Chicory Root, Apples, Dandelion Greens, Choline Chloride, Salt, Turmeric, Dried Yucca Schidigera Extract, Potassium Chloride, Mixed Tocopherols (a natural preservative), Calcium Carbonate, Zinc Proteinate, Iron Proteinate, Copper Proteinate, Manganese Proteinate, Sodium Selenite, Calcium Iodate, Vitamin E Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate, Niacin Supplement, D-calcium Pantothenate, Biotin, Vitamin A Acetate, Riboflavin Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Vitamin, D3 Supplement, Folic Acid, Taurine, Rosemary Extract
Pros:
- Fish sourced using responsible fishing methods
- Omega-3 fatty acids can be found in herring oil and salmon oil
- The main ingredient in this product is animal protein
- No chemicals or flavorings that may cause health problems
- This food seems to be a favorite among most cats
Cons:
- Carbohydrates are relatively high
- More expensive than some other brands
Tiki Cat Born Carnivore Low Carb Grain Free Dry Cat Food
- HIGH PROTEIN - 47 percent protein...
- BAKED DRY CAT FOOD - Baked to preserve...
- NON-GMO INGREDIENTS - Your feline friend...
| Overview Of Tiki Cat Dry Cat Food |
| Brand Name | Tiki Cat |
| Made In | United States Of America |
| Food Form | Dry Food |
| Guaranteed Protein | 46% Minimum |
| Suitable For | Adult Cats |
| Average Cost Per Day | $0.49 per day |
| Recall History | Never Been Recalled |
Tiki Cat Born Carnivore dry cat food is a high-protein, low-carbohydrate baked kibble that contains about 44% protein in its recipe. It’s primarily made using deboned chicken, chicken meal, and chicken liver along with combining tapioca starch, flaxseed, peas, and chickpeas.
While it does contain legumes such as peas and chickpeas rather than the usual plant ingredients like corn, wheat, and soy, Born Carnivore products don’t contain plant proteins, unlike some other dry foods.
With these plant inclusions, there is a bit of a discrepancy on what the carbohydrate content of this food is. Some findings have stated that Tiki cat contains 20% carb content while Tiki cat themselves will say it contains 11%.
This meal ticks a lot of boxes, from the variety of meats to the number of carbohydrates to the inclusion of important minerals and vitamins. If you’re after a cat food suitable for weight loss, this is going to be a good option for you.
This is a decent example of dry cat food that is suitable to feed your cat. I’d give it an above average rating when compared to other dry cat food brands.
Ingredients
Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Dehydrated Chicken Liver, Dried Egg Product, Tapioca Flour, Ground Whole Flaxseed, Whole Chickpeas, Whole Peas, Natural Salmon Flavor, Chicken Fat (Preserved With Mixed Tocopherols And Citric Acid), Brewer’s Dried Yeast, Natural Chicken Flavor, Calcium Sulfate, Choline Chloride, Chicory Extract, Salmon Oil, Taurine, Pumpkin, Iron Sulfate, Zinc Sulfate, Niacin Supplement (Vitamin B3), Vitamin E Supplement, Manganese Sulfate, Copper Sulfate, Vitamin A Acetate, Thiamine Mononitrate (Vitamin B1), Calcium D-Pantothenate, Riboflavin Supplement (Vitamin B2), Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B6), Biotin, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Folic Acid, Calcium Iodate, Sodium Selenite, Rosemary Extract.
Pros:
- Primarily composed of high-quality proteins
- It is packed with nutrients
Cons:
- Plant-based ingredients with minimal nutritional value
- Not enough moisture to replace canned food
- Does contain some grains like legumes
Stella & Chewy’s Freeze-Dried Raw Dinner Morsels
- Irresistible Taste Cats Love: Cats are...
- Real Raw Diet: Perfect for both cats and...
- Picky Eater Approved: Cooked in small...
| Overview Of Stella & Chewy’s Dry Cat Food |
| Brand Name | Stella & Chewy’s |
| Made In | United States Of America |
| Food Form | Freeze-Dried |
| Guaranteed Protein | 45% Minimum |
| Suitable For | Adult Cats |
| Average Cost Per Day | $0.80 per day |
| Recall History | Has Been Recalled – Read More Here |
If you are switching from a kibble diet to one that includes more moisture, this food is an ideal choice. Before purchasing, you must consider that you’ll have to add warm water to the raw morsels so that they’re fully rehydrated. This helps immensely to rehydrate your cat.
Stella & Chewy’s freeze-dried morsels capture the natural nutrient value of raw meat. The freeze-drying process destroys any potentially harmful bacteria and gives the food a long shelf life like kibble.
The main ingredients in these freeze-dried morsels are ground chicken meat, bones, liver, and gizzard. Along with the nutrient-rich meat, botanicals, probiotics, and supplements are also included.
As a whole, this is an exceptionally low-carbohydrate raw cat food that focuses more on muscle, organs, and bones than anything else.
This product is a good choice if you’re looking for raw food that retains its nutritional integrity while being a suitable food for cats with sensitive stomachs.
Ingredients
Chicken (Ground With Bone), Chicken Liver, Chicken Gizzard, Pumpkin Seed, Potassium Chloride, Sodium Phosphate, Choline Chloride, Fenugreek Seed, 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.
Pros:
- Providing shelf-stable, safer meat nutrition
- Especially useful when switching to a healthier moisturizing diet for cats
- Carbohydrates are minimal
- Made up primarily of high-quality proteins
Cons:
- A freeze-dried texture may not appeal to all cats
- Not suitable for senior cats due to its high phosphorus content
The Selection Process
I know cats can be quite picky about their food so below I’ll discuss what to take into consideration when selecting the best dry cat food.
I hope that this helps!
The Quality Of Protein Used
Make sure you choose diets that include animal-sourced protein rather than plant-based protein. Plant protein does not contain all the amino acids cats need. Despite not being fully aware of the bioavailability of all proteins, most plant proteins appear to be less digestible than those from high-quality animals.
Furthermore, animal by-products can contain a slurry of minimally digestible parts of animals, including internal organs, connective tissue, and skin.
By-products don’t necessarily make meat less nutritious, but they introduce uncertainty about the quality of protein.
Are Grain-Free Foods Dangerous?
The anti-grain trend in cat food has seen companies move away from “grains” to sweet potato or peas in their cat food. Replacing corn or wheat with vegetables like potatoes or peas has no significant nutritional benefits for the health of our feline.
Contrary to popular belief, most cats do not have stomach issues because of gluten consumption, nor do grains cause feline allergies.
There is a possibility that grain-free foods are harmful to pets. As of mid-2018, the FDA was investigating whether grain-free pet food caused dilated cardiomyopathy in dogs. In most of the reports, dogs were involved, but it appears that cats are also affected.
DCM risk is associated with grain-free foods, but why is still a mystery. There are many theories about grain-free foods, such as using legumes like peas and chickpeas and nontraditional proteins such as alligator and kangaroo, and possible nutritional deficiencies.
The issue of grain-free foods is not yet proven; however, it doesn’t hurt to be cautious. However, you shouldn’t seek out foods containing corn, wheat, or soy. In place of grains, the best foods are free of harmful ingredients found in grain-free products.
Make Sure No Artificial Flavors Or Additives Are Used
If your cat consumes artificial flavors or additives over time, his health may deteriorate. Therefore, it’s a good idea to stay away from artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives.
Choose natural dry cat foods with flavor derived from animal sources and food preservatives that are safe.
Companies Should Have A Good History
Recall history is a good way to weed out brands with a track record of frequent recalls, deceptions, or secrecy.
I also looked at the brands’ customer reputations. Customer service and product listings provided us with more information about customer experiences.
By contacting the companies directly, I also had an opportunity to experience the brands’ customer service. Brands that were willing to discuss their foods and offer full transparency received our vote.
Do You Need Cat Food For Sensitive Cats?
Just like us, cats can suffer from food allergies. Initially, cats may not show any symptoms which can lead to long term adverse health complications.
As cats age, they are more susceptible to allergies caused by beef, chicken, and fish proteins. Dairy products in cats’ food can also cause reactions since they are lactose intolerant.
As well as artificial dyes and preservatives, grain fillers such as corn, soy, and wheat might cause bad reactions.
Make sure to keep an eye on the ingredients if something doesn’t seem right after switching their food.
Symptoms of allergies commonly include:
- Irritation of the skin
- Itching
- Excessive grooming
- Repeated ear infections
- Regurgitation of hairballs frequently
- Intense diarrhea
- Involuntary vomiting
Your veterinarian can help you identify the cause of your cat’s food allergy if you suspect one. Alternatively, you can consider switching to cat food that prevents vomiting.
Even The Best Dry Cat Food Still Might Not Be Good Enough For Your Cat
The harsh truth is, all dry food is moisture-deficient. The risk of dehydration and urinary tract disease in cats that consume dry food is higher than those who consume high-moisture foods.
There are foods specially designed to help prevent urinary-related health issues.
A lot of kibbles have more starch than is required for your cat.
Dry Foods Severely Lack Moisture Content
One study showed that cats eating wet food only took in more water even if they didn’t drink anything when compared to eating a dry food diet.
Dehydration in cats is a common symptom when feeding dry food exclusively. Despite drinking more water than cats who eat a high-moisture diet, cats who solely eat dry food are still less hydrated.
Many cats will not drink from a bowl, even if they are dehydrated. Still, stagnant water is instinctively avoided by cats. Having a water fountain will appeal to your cat’s desire for moving, well-aerated water.
At a minimum, you should be adding water to your cat’s dry food to increase the moisture content.
However, let’s note that a lot of dry foods can harbor mycotoxins, which are attracted to warm, moist environments.
Be sure that your cat consumes all the moisture you have added directly to his dry food within a few hours. This should help avoid any health concerns.
You Still Need To Clean Your Cat’s Teeth
Contrary to belief, dry cat food alone won’t prevent periodontal disease, even though it may be better than a soft diet. Consider taking your cat to a vet for a professional cleaning to keep his teeth healthy. It may also be beneficial to give your cat dental treats or soft dry cat foods.
If your cat allows you to you can consider brushing their teeth with a specially designed cat toothbrush along with cat toothpaste.
Let’s Wrap It Up
It isn’t difficult to find a dry kibble your cat will enjoy. Whether your cat is coaxed to eat its kibble by a yummy wet food topper or kibble on its own, kibble is vital for her health.
The Winner
Dr. Elsey’s clean protein™ Grain-Free Dry Cat Food
- 90+% Of Protein Is Animal Based
- High Protein Optimizes Body Condition...
- Primary Ingredients Are Among The...
Last update on 2023-05-28 at 08:06 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
