14 of the healthiest cat foods to try in 2024

Updated on 13 May 2024

To help you on your search for the healthiest cat food, stick with us as we explore things to consider when choosing the right dinners for your feline friend, plus a list of brands that offer some of the healthiest wet cat foods, dry cat foods and more.

Choosing the healthiest cat food - what should pet parents consider?

Animal protein

Cats are obligate carnivores, so the healthiest cat foods will be made up of animal protein - the most essential nutrient for cats. Check out our article about what cats can and can’t eat for more on feline nutrition.

AAFCO Labeling 

Find the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) label. Only present on the healthiest cat food brands, the AAFCO have strict guidelines on nutritional value, such as the minimum of 30% high-quality animal protein in wet cat food, and 8-10% in dry.

Nutrients beyond protein

While cats require a whole lot of animal protein, look beyond this in the ingredient list -  the healthiest cat foods contain various ingredients that support other health aspects.

Understand the food label 

Terms often used to market cat foods like "natural," "organic," and "human-grade" don’t relate to nutritional value, nor do they make something the healthiest cat food. And while “by-products” might sound icky, they can be quite nutritionally dense. 

Watch out for harmful ingredients 

Some artificial additives such as carrageenan may be tied to behavioral issues, inflammation, and even cancer - always check the full ingredient list. 

Consider your kitty’s lifestyle

Whether they’re indoor cats or allowed to roam, their age and any health conditions will affect the food you opt for.

Price

High price doesn’t mean high quality! Always check the ingredient list to avoid throwing your money at the most expensive cat food.

Cat preferences

The healthiest cat food is one with nutritional value and one that your kitty enjoys.

Healthiest wet cat food brands

It’s slightly more challenging for wet cat food to hold the nutrients that dry cat foods can due to their water content. With that said, wet cat food brands can still be a healthy option, so take a look below for a few top picks.

1. Smalls Human-Grade Fresh Cat Food. Found in ground, smooth and a variety of flavors, these are made from USDA-certified natural proteins, flavorings and colors, all without preservatives.
2. Hound & Gatos Salmon, Mackerel and Sardine Cat Food. Made with over 87% animal protein, packed with omega-3 fatty acids, with added vitamins and minerals and zero additives.
3. Raised Right Human-Grade Cat Food. This high-protein food contains less than 2% carbohydrates, and the brand won the 2019 Innovation Award for Nutrition. 
4. Weruva Paw Lickin’ Chicken Recipe. As one of the healthiest canned cat foods, this recipe meets the AAFCO requirements.

Healthiest dry cat foods

Dry cat foods pack a nutritious punch, so take a look below for some of the healthiest dry cat foods on the market at the moment.

1. Open Farm Homestead Turkey & Chicken Dry Cat Food. Poultry is paired with antioxidant-rich ingredients like non-GMO cranberry, chickpeas and dandelion leaves.
2. Dr Elsey’s Clean Protein Chicken Recipe. Made with 90% animal protein, this kibble is low-oxalate and made with no added fillers or preservatives.
3. Instinct Cat Food Original Kibble. This grain-free kibble is made with 81% animal protein and nutritious oils.
4. The Honest Kitchen Grain-Free Chicken & Whitefish Clusters. Another grain-free kibble but made with a mix of chicken and white fish, and enriched with probiotics and cranberries.

Healthiest cat foods for different life stages and lifestyles

Something else to consider when choosing the healthiest cat food is your kitty’s life stage and activity levels - is she indoor or outdoor, and what age is your fence-hopping companion?

Healthiest cat food for indoor cats

1. Wellness Complete Health Salmon & Herring Indoor Cat Food. Rich in protein, fiber, vitamins and minerals, this food contains added glucosamine and fatty acids to support hips, joints and coat health. 
2. Rachael Ray Cat Food Nutrish Indoor Complete Chicken, Lentils & Salmon Recipe. Simple, natural ingredients are blended with vitamins and minerals to support coat health, immunity and weight management. 

Healthiest cat food for kittens

1. Royal Canin Feline Health Nutrition Kitten Dry Cat Food. A kitten food for between 4 and 12 months old, it contains all the vitamins, minerals, prebiotics and antioxidants kittens need for growth.
2. Stella & Chewy's Freeze-dried Raw Coated Kitten Kibble. This recipe has been created so that your kitten gets all the protein, fat and calories they need to grow into a healthy adult mog. 

Healthiest cat food for senior cats

1. Tiki Senior Mousse with Salmon & Pumpkin. This smooth mousse is easy to eat (often older cats love this) and filled with high-quality protein and antioxidants.
2. IAMS for Vitality Senior Dry Cat Food. This food is full of high-quality animal proteins and nutrients like taurine to help promote healthy joints, heart and immune system that’ll help kitty maintain a healthy weight.

While our recommendations are a great starting point to finding the healthiest cat food for the feline you cat parent, you might need to experiment with a few brands and chat with your vet before finding “the one”. 

And naturally, keeping your kitty healthy isn’t all about their food. That’s why getting a cat sitter while you’re away is an important part of ensuring they live a happy and fulfilled life.

Useful resources

• Separation anxiety in cats
• How to make a cat feel safe in a new home
• How to create a cat-friendly home
• Why does my cat bite me?