The best cat foods: reviews from veterinarians

animal proteins. A cat easily digests animal meat, while absorbing nutrients and fats. However, it processes carbohydrates with difficulty.

The cat's diet must be balanced, that is, combine a balance of proteins, fats and carbohydrates.

To maintain this balance necessary for the animal and make life easier for pet owners, there are several types of food.

In total, there are four classes of food for cats:

Economy class.
Premium class.
Super premium.
Holistics.

The classification is given in ascending order. The higher the class, the more expensive the food and, as a rule, it is more healthy and balanced, that is, it is better absorbed by the animal’s body.

Economy class food

The most famous manufacturers of economy-class cat food

Economy class cat food is one of the lowest quality types, but is extremely popular among pet owners. They are sold in any grocery store and are actively advertised on TV. And also the price of such food is very attractive, no more expensive than a loaf of bread. However, manufacturers do not indicate the full composition on food packaging: there is no information about the type of meat and cereals.

Flaws:

use of low-quality raw materials: by-products, low-quality cereals (corn, wheat), cellulose, protein of plant origin;
unscrupulous manufacturers may add mint, thereby causing the animal to become addicted to this harmful product;
the food contains no or insufficient amino acids, vitamins, and minerals necessary for the cat;
use of dyes and preservatives.

Due to the lack of balanced food, the cat will constantly feel hungry and lethargic; subsequently, the animal’s digestion may be impaired, and the condition of the coat will deteriorate. In the future, chronic diseases of the urinary system and gastrointestinal tract may develop.

Advantages:

low price;
Availability for purchase in any store.

However, these advantages are questionable, since an unbalanced and unhealthy diet exposes the cat to constant hunger, and, accordingly, to the consumption of more food. If an animal becomes ill due to poor quality nutrition, unexpected visits to a veterinary clinic and expensive treatment may be prescribed to the animal.

Cat food classes

Anyone new to cat care can be confused by the issue of food classes. It would seem like a wonderful food - beautiful packaging, a lot of advertising on TV, the cat seems to eat it with pleasure. But there is one thing, and more on that later.

Economy class food

This class of food is the cheapest and its only purpose is to satisfy the animal’s hunger. If compared with human food, then in terms of usefulness, economy class food is the same as Mivina. That is, we are not talking about any nutrients, much less meat. Economy class food includes such popular brands as Kitikat, Meow, and Darling. The term commercial class is often used, but in terms of its properties it is the same economy class food, the only difference is the greater advertising of the brand and brighter packaging. Thus, the popular “Whiskas” and “Friskies” are classified as commercial-grade feeds.

Let us note, no, we will even emphasize that it is very undesirable to give economy class cat food to your pet as the main food. Due to the lack of animal proteins, low quality raw materials, the presence of dyes and preservatives, economy class food is completely unbalanced, has low nutritional value and, if consumed regularly, can even be harmful to the cat.

Premium food

Unlike the previous ones, premium food can boast of the presence of real meat, although there will also be various by-products. The price of premium class food has not gone up far compared to economy class food, but the quality has increased, and therefore this food no longer poses a danger to the animal. Many cat owners choose food of this particular class, since it is not too expensive, quite nutritious and its daily requirement is significantly less than that of economy class food.

Attention! Read our new articles, where there are current and TRUE lists of feed manufacturers of each class:

Economy class food for cats - list, rating, reviews;
Premium food for cats - list, quality rating, reviews;
Super-premium food for cats - list of brands, ratings, reviews;
Holistic food for cats - list, rating by price and quality.

Be sure to read the articles linked above, as the information in the article you are reading now is already very outdated!
The following premium foods are popular: Hills, Royal Canin, Bozita, Eukanuba, Belcando, Iams, Brit, Natural Choice, Advance, Flatazor, Matisse, Happy Cat, Guabi. Note that Royal Canin and Hills foods are often classified as super-premium, because they are the highest quality among their kind and even have medicinal food lines. However, recently, many felinologists and veterinarians have stopped recommending these foods for cats, since the production of the former was set up in Russia. The latter always reflects poorly on quality.

Super premium food

If you are not familiar with financial problems, choose super premium food . The highest quality ingredients are used to make them, they have a balanced content of nutrients, vitamins and minerals, and practically do not contain any chemicals or dyes. By feeding your cat with this food, you don’t have to worry about its health or well-being. Super premium foods include: Bosch SANABELLE, ProNature Holistic, 1st Choice, Profine Adult Cat, Arden Grange, Cimiao.

Holistic food

Although holistic class is the best existing cat food, not all owners of these animals know about it. Of course, holistic class is cat food that is produced by professionals for professionals. These foods are fed to purebred cats in the most expensive catteries. The only possible drawback of these foods is the lack of any flavoring, which is why some kittens are not very willing to eat them at first. However, as they say, hunger is not your aunt, and therefore even the most fastidious gourmets start eating when they are very hungry.

The most popular holistic foods are: Holistic, Chicken Soup, Wellness, Natural&Delicious, Eagle Pack Cat Canidae, Orijen, Felidae, ANF holistic, Almo Nature, Acana, Earthborn Holistic Holistic, and NOW Natural, Innova, Golden Eagle (N&D).

Premium food

The most famous premium food manufacturers

The premium class category has the highest price and the least availability from the economy class, but has clear advantages.

The diet of this food contains elements necessary for cat health and does not contain harmful additives. Some manufacturers include unnatural dyes and preservatives, but usually in small quantities.

Feed composition:

meat and its processed products are contained in larger quantities and exceed a quarter of all products used;
grains and vegetables feed - at least a quarter;
animal proteins such as milk, eggs and others, slightly less than 25%;
animal by-products (heart, kidneys, lungs) at least 10%;
complex of vitamins and minerals;
amino acids;
natural antioxidants.

A healthy cat is a happy cat

Many manufacturers produce lines of veterinary food, taking into account the characteristics of pets: age (kittens, adults, elderly); weight (dietary feed); breeds (British, Maine Coon, Bengal and others); for the treatment and maintenance of health in a specific area (urinary, digestive system, kidney failure), for spayed and neutered pets. Conscientious producers have their own feed production standards that meet the necessary requirements.

The nutritional value of this type of food is very high and the cat will remain full from eating a small amount of it. The usefulness and value of the food will give the cat energy and stamina. His coat will be healthy and shiny.

However, when choosing even premium food, you need to pay attention to the composition. There should be more meat and no products such as sugar, cellulose, artificial colors and sweeteners. But some manufacturers also add gluten to this category of food, which is used as a cheap filler.

Premium food is sold mainly in specialized stores, but you can also find it sold in supermarkets. A package of food has an average cost - approximately the same as a liter of milk. But for the health of your pet, it is worth paying.

Super premium food

The most famous super-premium manufacturers

Food in this category is mainly used by breeders and owners of show cats. These feeds contain the entire complex of proteins, fats and carbohydrates, as well as essential minerals, vitamins and amino acids in balanced quantities. Better quality cereal products are used. The animal assimilates almost 95% of the feed, which means it stays full longer and receives all the necessary nutrients in the right quantity.

Feed composition:

more than half of meat and premium meat products;
quality offal;
There are no artificial colors, flavors, or flavor enhancers;

Manufacturers produce specialized food for the special needs of animals and for the prevention of various diseases. This category of food is sold in specialized stores and veterinary clinics. The price is quite high, but given the almost complete absorption of all nutrients by the animal, the amount of food will be significantly reduced.

Which cat food is best?

Dry

Ideal products - super-premium class.
The composition includes 30-50% meat or fish fillet, vegetables, vitamins and herbs.
The packaging indicates the class according to the American scale (super-premium).
The composition directly says the word “fillet” instead of the phrase “chicken meat”, and the amount of proteins and fats is indicated.
The packaging is sealed tightly, the material repels light and water.
Universal series - everyday, for castrated cats or therapeutic (as prescribed by a veterinarian).

Wet

The ideal food is in portion packaging, premium, super-premium or holistic.
The composition includes 50% natural ingredients and vegetables, no cereals except rice.
The shelf life of unopened packaging is up to 1 month.
Universal series - everyday, delicacy.

Canned food

Optimal canned food is in portion packaging, undamaged around the perimeter of the can.
The consistency is homogeneous and soft, there are no bones. The class is super premium.
Composed of 50-60% - fish fillet, meat or poultry, entrails. Vegetables included: potatoes, carrots, tomatoes.
The shelf life of a closed jar is no more than 6 months.
Universal series - everyday, for castrated cats, for special purposes (therapeutic).

Holistic feed category

The most famous manufacturers of the holistic class

Holistic means “whole.” Food in this category is made exclusively from natural ingredients and is 100% digestible by animals. The food is as close as possible to what the animal eats in the wild.

Feed composition:

contains only meat from animals such as chicken, lamb, slaves and turkey;
no by-products;
natural additives are used: fatty acids Omega 3 and Omega 6;
vegetables and fruits;
vitamins and antioxidants, minerals;
natural live probiotics and enzymes that improve digestion;
without corn and wheat, but as cereals, white and brown rice are healthy for the animal.

Animals love the taste and smell of this food. It does not contain hormones, pesticides, flavoring additives, or artificial colors. All ingredients are used for the health of the animal, the beauty of its coat, physical energy and mood. The food is suitable for any age and breed of animal.

This category of feed is the most expensive. They are sold in specialized pet stores and veterinary clinics.

Dietary feed

Some cats need to lose weight

Sometimes losing weight is necessary for your beloved cat to ensure its health. An increase in an animal's body weight is usually due to uncontrolled food consumption. A special food with a high level of protein and fiber will help cope with this.

Many manufacturers of various categories of food produce a line of dietary rations. Its composition is designed to reduce the pet’s weight and prevent a re-increase in body weight, that is, adjustments to the physiological processes of the animal.

IMPORTANT! Select dietary food only after consulting a veterinarian.

natural ingredients;
to maintain the balance of vitamins and minerals, choose food, both dry and liquid from the same manufacturer;
Dietary food cannot be economy class; you need to study the composition on the packaging. The composition should have a predominance of proteins and fiber and a reduced amount of carbohydrates. Economy class food uses low-quality cereals (carbohydrates), which will not help the animal lose weight;
Diet food should not be used for animals of normal weight, as it may lack some important elements;
It is necessary to ensure that your pet drinks more water.

Properly selected food will help your cat lose weight

Obesity of an animal puts additional stress on all internal organs, especially the heart, and reduces the animal’s mobility and activity. Dietary food will help return the animal to normal and not gain weight.

Feed composition data

Considering that cats are carnivorous animals, the main and most important ingredient in food is meat. It should occupy the first position in the composition of the feed on the packaging. Conscientious manufacturers indicate the percentage of each ingredient and their type.

Feed composition:

The first lines should be occupied by meat, indicating its type and percentage in the composition. He considers at least 25-30% to be the norm. Meat can be either natural or dehydrated. The composition may include meat meal or meat and bone meal. You should be wary if the ingredients are not deciphered, they may hide low-quality products;
offal, such as liver, lungs, kidneys, blood, bones and others, indicating the type of animal. These do not include: horns, hooves, teeth, hair, feathers;
further, cereals, fruits and vegetables are indicated. Their number in the composition is up to 30%. A higher quality feed will be indicated if cereals occupy the lower positions of the composition;
Grains that are healthy for cats include rice, flaxseed, barley and oats. Wheat and corn are the cheapest grains and can provoke allergic reactions in animals. Usually they are used to entrain the mass of food, and not for the benefit of feline predators. If such components are present in the composition, they should be located closer to the end of the composition list;
fats, indicating what type of animal and the percentage of their content in the feed;
it is permissible to use vegetable oils in food, such as flaxseed and sunflower;
As preservatives and flavorings, it is permissible to use natural products such as rosemary, citric acid, tocopherol - vitamin E, vitamin C.
Normally, protein in the feed is up to 36%. Above is a high-protein food (including dietary);
fats should not exceed 20%. A higher amount of fat is permissible in kitten food due to their rapid and active growth, but for obese cats - no more than 13%;
The level of ash in the feed is important. It acts as a mineral to improve digestion. The ideal ash level is 6-7%. Excessive above 10%. Normally it is considered to be from 7 to 9%;
minerals such as calcium and phosphorus should be within one, magnesium – from 0.1 to 0.8.
Vitamins must be present.

Cat food must be balanced

What should not be in food?

synthetic preservatives such as E320 (BHA, butyloxyanisole), Ethoxyquin (ethoxyquin), E321 (BHT, butyloxytoluene), Propylen glycol (propylene glycol), Propylgallate (propyl gallate). These substances cause allergies, liver disease and even cancer. For example, Propylen glycol - propylene glycol;
cellulose, brewer's yeast, it can cause allergies and digestive problems in the animal. These products are used to increase the volume of food;
artificial colors and flavors such as E127. They can cause disease in the pet's endocrine system;
sugar and sweeteners. They cause diabetes, obesity and tooth decay.

Artificial ingredients can cause allergic reactions in cats and impair their health

You should not trust foods that list ingredients in groups. The packaging must indicate the shelf life and conditions.

It is necessary to pay attention to the cat’s daily intake of food; if it is more, it means it is a lower quality product.

Types of cat food

types of food in the diet :

Dry food. A crushed mixture of useful elements and raw meat, baked to the form of crackers.
Wet. A boiled mixture of vitamins, nutrients, meat or fish in a liquid gravy.
Semi-moist. Soft pieces in jelly.
Canned food. The same liquid food or a pate made from a mixture of meat or fish material, nutrients and special additives.

The second selection criterion is the age of the animal and its gender . Products produced:

kitten food;
for young people;
food for adult cats;
food for older cats;
food for castrated cats;
food for sterilized cats.

When choosing, pay attention to the length of your pet’s coat and its breed; options are available for:

shorthaired;
long-haired

Manufacturers are developing series for different diets , which are prescribed based on the individual characteristics and condition of the pet’s body:

lightweight;
everyday;
medicinal;
pregnant women;
nursing;
sterilized.

The food may contain additional elements that fight the body's problems. Such feeds are labeled as follows:

for digestion;
for leather and wool;
dental care;
for joints;
for kidneys;
for the immune system;
to maintain good physical shape;
for the picky;
hypoallergenic;
from obesity.

Products also differ in three main ingredients : meat, fish or poultry. The percentage of poultry or fish in the feed is the basis for classification by level :

economy class feed;
premium food;
super premium food;
holistic food for cats.

An important indicator when choosing packaging is the weight of the pet. Industrial food is designed for a specific weight group, so when choosing, pay attention to the feeding instructions and portions in grams.

What types exist

You can't feed your cat just one type. Make a meal plan based on calorie content, dilute dry options with wet mixtures.

Dry

Sold in different packaging:

bags of 5-10 liters,
packages of 100-1000 g,
by weight according to customer's order.

Dry mixtures are cheaper than other types. Available for all feeding options, ages, with three ingredients separately or together. The advantage of dry mixtures is their long shelf life even when opened.

The principle of free dry feeding is not suitable for two or more animals in one house, if one of the cats is obese or you have a dog.

With obesity, the animal is accustomed to eating everything that the owner puts in a bowl, in this case the food will run out before you return home.

When two cats live in a house, one takes a dominant position, which means that the second remains hungry. Dogs eat cat food: if you leave a day's supply right in the bowl, then the cat will not get food or he will not receive enough food.

Semi-moist

A mid-range between dry and canned consistency. The cost is average. The advantage is that it attracts cats by its smell and looks neat in appearance. The disadvantage is the inclusion of dyes and flavors in the composition.

Semi-moist food is not suitable for free feeding, where food is left in a bowl for several meals per day. It is prone to weathering and drying out.

Semi-moist food is an addition to a cat's diet, which is based on dry food. The cost is higher than that of a dry formula (calculated for a month of feeding only the semi-moist option).

It contains nutrients not found in other types.

With the help of canned food, you can stimulate your cat's interest in food and teach it to eat on a schedule. It is not recommended to reward the animal with food; it is only allowed to adjust the eating hours with the help of treats.

Wet

It has a medium consistency between dry and canned, often looking like chunks in a thin gravy. The food itself is tasteless: vitamins, minerals, flavoring and flavoring additives are in the gravy.

Sold in packaged form, packed in 60-100 g. One sachet is designed for a serving for an adult cat or a cat weighing 2-5 kg. A separate series with special vitamins and reduced calorie content is produced for kittens.

The premium, moist consistency product contains 60% meat and vegetable ingredients in pieces and the gravy includes natural broth. Pay attention to the calorie content of one serving in a bag, it differs from different manufacturers.

For cats with obesity and digestive problems, you should calculate the portion yourself; sometimes it is less than the number of grams in one package.

Canned food

They belong to the premium class and are more expensive than dry options. This is a product with a high concentration of meat or fish, the addition of vegetables, vitamins and useful elements. Food is used to enrich the diet and feed.

Suitable for animals that cannot chew dry kibble.

The advantage is a long shelf life (more than one year when unopened). After opening the can, it is stored in the refrigerator for 1-2 days if the food is sealed with a lid.

The disadvantage is that it quickly loses its beneficial properties when opened, since more than 60% of the composition is natural products.

The peculiarity of use after storage in the refrigerator is that it needs to be warmed to room temperature, since cats should not eat food that is too cold.

Manufacturers produce canned food weighing 30-60 grams, which are designed for a single meal by one cat. Cans of 100-250 grams are also sold, designed for two doses by two or three cats in one day.

How to feed a cat correctly - general information

For your cat's health, well-being and energy, as well as to prevent obesity or disease, it is necessary to choose the right food, alternate liquid and dry diets and divide food intake into 3-4 meals a day, taking into account the peculiarities of leisure time. If a cat goes outside, then, accordingly, it spends more strength and energy on games and hunting. Stay-at-home pets, on the other hand, mostly sleep and lead a sedentary lifestyle.

To maintain balance, it is necessary to use high-quality food, preferably from the same manufacturer, and select it in accordance with the stage of the cat’s life, taking into account the following:

pregnancy and lactation - protein should predominate in the composition;
body weight – feed with a lot of protein and fiber;
health status - use manufacturers’ lines in accordance with the animal’s disease or prevention of such diseases;
age - a line of food for kittens, adult and elderly cats;
variety of breeds - rulers for different types of breeds, taking into account the features of development and structure;
activity level.

It is necessary to choose the right diet for cats

Cats are very selective and capricious. They will not eat food that is spoiled or too cold, and will select and exclude large pieces in liquid food, so it is necessary to monitor their behavior and prevent food spoilage. It is necessary to supply clean water at room temperature and change it at least 2 times a day.

For woolly animals that are actively engaged in licking themselves, probiotics and prebiotics are needed in the food composition, which accelerate the process of removing hairballs from the body that it consumed during washing.

If the pet owner insists on feeding natural products rather than balanced food, then it is not easy to comply with and combine all the necessary elements for the animal; the process of absorption of nutrients will increase. In any case, feeding the animal what is left over from the dinner of family members is prohibited. Cats have difficulty digesting carbohydrates that humans consume in large quantities.

Absolutely forbidden:

legumes, onions, garlic;
salted, smoked, spicy and fried foods;
food with spices;
pastries, sweets.

With natural homemade food, it should include:

60-70% meat: chicken, turkey, veal, beef, lamb, rabbit - raw or boiled;
offal: heart, lungs, stomachs, liver, tongue - boiled;
fermented milk products: cottage cheese, kefir;
eggs;
boiled sea fish;
vegetable and animal fats;
greens, vegetables, grains, cereals.

It is quite difficult to take into account all the needs of an animal in homemade natural food.

But balancing natural food for an animal and serving it in the right quantity is a financially and energy-consuming activity, since the animal has to cook separately.

Rating of the best manufacturers

Among economy class manufacturers there is no decent food for a complete and healthy diet for a cat, so it is not worth considering the rating of this category.

The best foods by composition in 2021

Feed rating in the form of a list dated April 2021, taking into account price, quality, feed composition:

Orijen is a super-premium class, produced in Canada. The composition is balanced, with the absence of low-grade grains that contribute to animal obesity and allergic reactions.
Innova Evo - premium class, made in the USA. It does not use grain and undergoes many quality checks during production. Balanced with cat nutrition in the wild.
Canidae – holistic, USA manufacturer. Does not use corn grain, contains Omega6, Omega3, probiotics, herbs, vegetables and fruits.
Acana – premium class, manufactured in Canada. No grains, instead a special variety of potato is used as carbohydrates. Contains more than 50% meat, as well as fruits and vegetables.
Almo Nature is premium and holistic, produced in Europe and Canada. Natural composition, three quality checks are used during production.
Superpet – super-premium class, made in the USA. Raw natural food made from 100% meat, with the addition of olive oil, quail eggs, vegetables and fruits. Ingredients are frozen, without preservatives, dyes or flavor enhancers.
Pronature – holistic, made in Canada. Completely balanced diet, without low-quality grains.
Bozita – super-premium, made in Sweden. Fresh fish and meat are used as ingredients.
Josera – premium class, made in Germany. Meat is used as protein, however, corn gluten is indicated on the last lines of the composition, although not in large quantities.
ProBalance – premium class, produced in Russia from a Danish concern. Good digestibility for animals according to veterinarians, medicinal herbs present, low price.
Pro Plan – premium and super-premium class, made in the USA. Available in various varieties, with a good percentage of protein. But preservatives, flavorings and soy are added to the food. Chicken meat is mainly used. Good ratio of minerals, vitamins and amino acids.
Royal Canin – premium class, made in France. Large selection for different cat characteristics, relatively affordable price. However, it contains preservatives and dyes from non-natural ingredients.
Bosch Sanabelle – super-premium class, made in Germany. Chicken and turkey meat is used, no soy protein.
Schesir is a super-premium class, made in Thailand and Europe. High content of natural meat, minerals, vitamins, use of exotic fruits.
Hill's - super-premium, made in the USA and Holland. There is a line of healthy and therapeutic nutrition. Minerals and amino acids are balanced. However, the food contains a lot of vegetable protein and carbohydrates.

Cat food manufacturers

1st Choice

Super-premium: balance of amino acids, protein content more than 30%. Dry products are produced aimed at purebred animals. Three series are produced: for kittens, adults and the elderly.

Specially developed fortified bait is sold. Produced in Russia, distributed throughout the world.

ACANA

Super-premium class: no grains in the composition, complete formula, balance of amino acids and nutrients. More than 70% is natural animal protein in the form of meat.

Complete and balanced series are produced: for kittens, elderly and adults. Dry and wet line designed. The difference is production from our own fresh ingredients from Canada.

Animonda

The company was founded in Germany and specializes in the production of super-premium food: dry and wet. We produce nutritious treats for adult cats.

The difference is canned food and pouch, which are designed for several meals. Products are produced for large cats, kittens, seniors and adults. The composition does not contain antioxidants or preservatives.

Bosch

The company is from Germany, the food is sold in Europe and the CIS countries. Belongs to the premium class. The difference is the release of series for certain age categories (up to one year, 1-8 years, over 8 years).

The inclusion of meat products is at least 30% in each type. Dry and wet series, treats and feeding are produced.

Eukanuba

Super-premium food, series designed for any age, digestive characteristics, health status and lifestyle. Products are produced wet and canned.

Production is concentrated in the USA, products are sold in Europe, America, Asia, and the CIS countries. The composition includes balanced amino acids and more than 50% meat.

HappyCat

The products are distinguished by lines for cats with disabilities and allergies. Food is produced in wet and dry consistency.

Attention is paid to the saturation of amino acids and vitamin complexes, which the cat cannot find without free movement in nature.

IAMS

Another American innovative company, which has been introducing vegetables into the diet of pets since 1968, produces a balanced series.

The difference is the use of an original complex of minerals, vitamins and nutrients, a combination of meat and vegetables. The products belong to the super-premium class.

Purina

American food, production in the CIS countries. The Pro-Plan super-premium series includes 50% organic animal protein and vegetables, with the addition of a complex of vitamins.

Series are available for kittens, adults and neutered cats. Dry granules and canned food are sold.

RoyalCanin

A super-premium company that develops food for cats taking into account the individual characteristics of the body. Everyday and medicinal series are produced for kittens, adults, the elderly and the sick. Inclusion of natural ingredients and meat – 50%.