14 of the healthiest cat foods to buy in 2023

Most of us have fallen for food brands that claim to be healthy only to find we’ve been duped when we take a closer look at the ingredients listed (you won't have that problem with these homemade, super healthy cat treats). We’re sure if our feline friends could read, they’d do the exact same thing - you know what they say, curiosity killed the cat and all. But that means the responsibility of choosing the healthiest food for cats lies with doting pet owners who want to do what’s best for their furry felines, but with so many options, it’s hard to know where to begin. So, what is the healthiest cat food and which brands are just piling on the buzzwords? Let’s take a look at what to keep an eye out for on the ingredients list first. 

Choosing the healthiest cat food

1. High levels of animal proteins

Cats are obligate carnivores, meaning that they get almost all their energy from animal proteins such as meat and fish. Plant ingredients like potatoes, peas and grains may sound healthy, but they have little nutritional value for our feline friends. Check out our article about what cats can and can’t eat if you want to find out more.

2. Look for a label from the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO)

The healthiest cat food brands will have a label from the AAFCO indicating whether the food will give your kitty the nutrients it needs as part of a healthy, balanced diet. The AAFCO requires the ingredients of dry cat food to be made up of at least 30% high-quality animal proteins, 15-20% animal-based fats, less than 10% digestible carbohydrates and fiber, and include essential vitamins, minerals, enzymes and amino acids. These stats are slightly harder to achieve with wet cat food due to the high water content, so look for one that is 8-10% protein and 5% fat. Although this may seem drastically lower than dry cat food, wet cat food can be a great way of increasing your fur baby’s water intake.

3. Check the ingredients for vitamins, minerals and amino acids

The healthiest cat foods usually contain the amino acid taurine, which felines aren’t able to make on their own. Vitamins, minerals and amino acids help to maintain your cat’s vision, digestion, heart health and immune system. 

4. Understand the buzzwords

There are a few food labels which we might associate with being healthy, but actually have little to no relation to health at all. “Natural” products are loosely defined by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as including “nothing artificial or synthetic”, and while “organic” is a little more specific, it isn’t necessarily any healthier for your feline friend. “Human-grade” is a popular buzzword meaning the food can be consumed by us lot, but it doesn’t tell us anything about nutritional value. Finally, “by-products” might sound icky but they can actually be quite nutritionally dense as they’re the leftovers from food production (although once again, these “leftovers” can be poorly defined). 

5. Avoid potentially harmful ingredients and additives

Some artificial additives such as carrageenan may be tied to behavioral issues, inflammation, and even cancer. 

6. Think about the life your cat leads 

Indoor cats generally lead a more sedentary life than outdoor ones so they need fewer calories. If your cat has a health condition, there may be a certain diet that can cater specifically to that condition. Our feline friends also need different nutrients at different stages of their lives, particularly as kittens, so it’s a good idea to feed your cat based on its age. 

7. Price

We’re letting the cat out the bag here - just because it’s expensive doesn’t mean it’s the best. Higher percentages of the good stuff will often drive the price up but that doesn’t mean you should throw your money at any old cat food on the market.

8. Does your feline friend actually eat it?

Finally, the best type of food for your fur baby is the one they actually like. Our feline friends can be picky eaters, so you may need to try out a few different cat foods before finding “the one”. 

While we’ve left no stone unturned in our search for the healthiest cat foods that support a balanced, protein-rich diet, speaking to a vet can be a great way to help you determine which is the healthiest cat food for your fur baby. In the meantime, take a look at what we’ve come up with. 

The healthiest wet cat food

1. Smalls Human-Grade Fresh Cat Food

With four flavors to choose from (fish, bird, cow and other bird) and a choice of smooth or ground textures, even picky eaters will find something yummy to feast on. The gently cooked dishes are made from USDA-certified natural proteins, flavorings and colors, all without the use of preservatives. The only downside to this healthy cat food? Your feline friend won’t let you forget when it’s feeding time, so expect a tap on the shoulder or an angry stare if you’re late! 

2. Hound & Gatos Salmon, Mackerel and Sardine Cat Food

All of these grain-free recipes are made up of over 87% animal proteins, and this one’s a whopping blend of 98% salmon, mackerel and sardine! You won’t find unnecessary fillers, by-products, or additives on the ingredients list, just added vitamins and minerals to make your kitty’s meals extra nutritionally dense. 

3. Raised Right Human-Grade Cat Food 

Awarded the 2019 Innovation Award for Nutrition, this cat food has been formulated with the help of a veterinarian and contains high levels of protein and less than 2% carbohydrate. Limited ingredients that you can trace back to the source mean you know exactly what’s going in your fur baby’s mouth, and each of the batches of cat food is tested in a laboratory to check for nasty pathogens like E. coli, listeria and salmonella. 

4. Weruva Paw Lickin’ Chicken Recipe

Made of 65% protein, 32% fat, and 3% carbohydrates, this is one of the healthiest canned cat food options and certainly fulfills the requirements established by the AAFCO. Weruva has numerous healthy meals to choose from including recipes specially formulated for kittens, pates, stews, and minced recipes, plus some healthy food supplements to help support your furry feline’s digestive health. 

The healthiest dry cat food

1. Open Farm Homestead Turkey & Chicken Dry Cat Food

Humanely raised chickens and turkeys are paired with ingredients such as non-GMA cranberry (high in antioxidants, vitamin C and fiber), chickpeas (rich in minerals such as iron, copper, zinc and magnesium), and dandelion leaves which have numerous health benefits for cats. 

2. Dr Elsey’s Clean Protein Chicken Recipe

As animal proteins are the easiest for cats to metabolize and the most nutritionally beneficial, 95% of the proteins in this recipe are animal-based. Grains, nasty fillers and preservatives are replaced with vitamins and minerals such as omega-3 fatty acids and taurine to improve the overall health of your fur baby.  

3. Instinct Original Kibble

This raw-infused kibble is packed with 81% real animal proteins and nutritious oils, and you won’t find any corn, wheat, soy or by-products on the ingredients listed. It’s filled with live, natural probiotics and antioxidants to help support healthy immune systems.  

4. The Honest Kitchen Grain-Free Chicken & Whitefish Clusters

Created with the help of a veterinary nutritionist, these bite-sized whole-food clusters are made from a tasty, protein-rich mix of cage-free chicken and wild-caught fish. This well-balanced recipe has added probiotics to help support digestion (and healthy poops), along with cranberries to help maintain urinary tract health. 

The healthiest cat food for indoor cats

1. Wellness Complete Health Salmon & Herring Indoor Cat Food

This natural grain-free kibble is rich in high-quality proteins, healthy fibers, vitamins and minerals which benefit furry friends who spend most of their time indoors. Added glucosamine helps to support hips and joints and omega fatty acids ensure your kitty’s coat remains healthy. 

2. Rachael Ray Nutrish Indoor Complete Chicken, Lentils & Salmon Recipe

Simple, natural ingredients are blended with vitamins and minerals to give indoor cats the nutrients they need. The first ingredient is chicken (raised on farms in the U.S.) and there are no nasties to be seen on this simple ingredients list. 

Healthiest cat food for kittens

1. Nulo Freestyle Beef & Lamb Recipe

This healthy cat food for kittens is formulated without any grains, carrageenan, meat by-products, corn, wheat, soy, artificial preservatives, colors or flavorings. Phew, what a mouthful! The recipe is balanced for both kittens and adult cats, providing all the nutrients your fur baby needs at whatever stage of life it’s at. 

2. Stella & Chewy's Freeze-dried Raw Coated Kitten Kibble

This recipe has been created so your kitten gets all the protein, fat and calories it needs to grow into a healthy adult mog. Cage-free chicken is blended with a medley of nutritious ingredients, including DHA to support brain and eye development, omega fatty acids to promote skin and coat health, taurine to support heart health, and probiotics to encourage optimal digestive health. 

Healthiest food for older cats

1. Tiki Senior Mousse with Salmon & Pumpkin

Made specifically for OACs (Old-Age Cats) this velvety mousse is filled with high-quality protein to help maintain muscle mass and antioxidant nutrients which help support healthy immune systems. Plus, the silky smooth mousse formula also means it's super easy for your senior sidekick to chow down on. 

2. IAMS for Vitality Senior Dry Cat Food

Specifically formulated for fur babies over the age of seven, this cat food is full of high-quality animal proteins and nutrients to help promote healthy joints. A healthy heart is maintained with the addition of taurine, and antioxidants and vitamin E work to support the immune system. 

Keeping your furry feline healthy isn’t all about their food. That’s why getting a cat sitter to take care of your fur baby while you’re away from home is an important part of ensuring they live a happy and fulfilled life. “Furget” those big, impersonal catteries and treat your fur baby to a staycation in the comfort of their home with all the love and affection from our wonderful cat sitters!