Satisfying a fussy cat can frustrate cat owners who are seeking a food that is nutritionally balanced, whilst trying to appease the choosy palate of their cat. At Cat Food Advisor we delve into the question, ‘Is Dry Cat Food Bad for Cats?’
The Opinion of Experts
Veterinarians and pet nutritionists worldwide will all have an opinion as to whether wet canned cat foods are a better choice to dry kibble, or whether dry cat foods are a better option.
Pet owner’s cats will also have an opinion! Some cats turn their nose up and refuse to have anything to do with eating wet cat food, but gobble down dry food and with other cats, it may be the other way around.
The Two Arguments Against Dry Cat Food Are:
1. Dry Foods Typically Have More Carbohydrates: – Cats are carnivores and cannot thrive on carbohydrate dense foods, and canned wet food are low-carb compared with dry cat food.
2. Cats Eating Dry Food Do Not Drink Enough Water: – Causing kidney and urinary tract diseases. Canned food maintains hydration in cats.
Let Us Now Consider These Two Arguments
Argument 1- Dry Foods Typically Have More Carbohydrates
Dry foods generally contain more carbohydrates in the form of grains than wet food. Their recipes will typically include ingredients such as wheat, corn meal, soy, and rice. Some dry foods will utilize proteins from vegetable, rather than meat. Many experts argue that cats are carnivores, and carnivores should get their protein only from meat.
It is contested that a feline’s diet with too many carbohydrates is a major cause of obesity and diabetes in cats.
However, when looking at the science, this notion is not supported. Cats can readily and effectively utilize carbohydrates as a source of energy, and they are adaptable to different nutrient ratios in their diet.
While cats do require some carbohydrates in their diet, it is accepted that the amount they require is less than other animals such as dogs (being more omnivorous).
So Why Do Some Cats Become Obese on Dry Food?
As with humans, it is likely due to excessive calories. Over fed cats will put on weight!
Some cat owners, unknowingly, buy the inexpensive dry foods without consideration to the nutrients and ingredients in the product. Inexpensive cat foods often contain ingredients that are high in calories, whilst lacking in the essential nutrients required by cats for a healthy balanced lifestyle.
The cat’s body knows what it needs, and in its quest to gather all the nutrients it requires, will keep eating until it satisfies its nutritional cravings. This is no different to people who eat too many McDonalds hamburgers. The food is nutritionally deficient and very high in calories, causing people to put on weight!
Not only are nutrients often lacking in cheaper cat food products, but the recipes quite often contain excessive inferior fats from fish oils, chicken or pig fat. These can interrupt the uptake of other nutrients and add to the problem of weight gain in felines.
Up to this point, we have been referring to dry kibble. However, companies selling wet canned cat foods can also be guilty of inferior products.
Argument 2- Cats Eating Dry Food Do Not Drink Enough Water.
This is plausible. Nobody wants their cat to develop urinary tract infections or kidney failure due to dehydration. However, this argument is flawed for several reasons.
Firstly, cats can produce more highly concentrated urine than canines and have lower water requirements. Some studies have concluded that there is no difference with the water intake in cats between those fed a dry diet or wet.
There are many other factors affecting water intake in cats other than from what they eat, including protein and mineral content of the food, as well as energy density.
Typically, higher moisture diets have less calories to dry food (if consuming the same quantity of food). Therefore, cats eating wet food are less likely to have weight problems is an acceptable viewpoint. However, cat owners with an active cat with higher energy demands, would not need to be concerned with the density of calories in dry food.
Is Dry Food Bad for Cats- Conclusion
Regardless of whether you decide upon dry or wet food, your focus should be on the nutrients it contains, and on recipes having quality ingredients, rather than on the price point of the product.
Constant dehydration in cats can lead to kidney and urinary tract disease, yet the evidence does not support the argument that feeding dry food will exasperate this risk. Having fresh clean water always on hand, will ensure cats are well hydrated, especially on hot days.
Kittens being weaned, require plenty of water, or supplementing with milk formula, whilst they are adapting to dry cat food to ensure they are hydrated.
Excessive calorie intake will cause weight gain in cats, especially inactive cats. Wet cat food is less calorie dense and therefore a better option for cats prone to weight gain.
Pet owners could consider the option to include both dry and wet cat food in their cat’s diet.
We have studied Amazon cat food products and read through countless customer feedback comments in order to put together comprehensive reviews for our viewers delving into the 6 best dry cat foods for outdoor cats in 2021. But first, a little background…
What Do Wild Cats Eat?
Wild cats thrive on almost every continent on Earth. People joke that cats domesticated humans and not the other way around. In fact, even though we have been companions for over 4000 years, research shows that about fifty percent of moggies still live outdoors.
Nonetheless, outdoor cats need feeding and care, although not as much as their indoor buddies. Unsurprisingly, these outdoor cats can be picky about the kind of food they eat.
Being carnivores, a cat must eat meat. In the wild, small cats eat rodents, birds, lizards, insects and fish.
Their delicate carnivorous digestive systems are not designed to digest plants, grains or carbohydrates, and as such, they can get horribly sick when they eat high amounts of those unnatural cat foods. Many cat food products are packed with fillers, that are not a natural part of a carnivore’s cat.
Outdoor cats are more active than their indoor relatives and they will be battling the elements of heat and cold, therefore outdoor cats require more calories. It is important to, not only give your cat food that is equivalent to their natural wild diet (mice, lizards and birds), but to feed them food that is nutritious and free from ingredients that carnivores won’t tolerate.
What to Expect From Our Reviews
We have researched and reviewed cat foods and selected products that we consider to be suitable and right for your outdoor cats.
The foods we have reviewed are perfect for outdoor cats, and of course indoor cats will do very well with any of them. Their digestive systems are the same, only their calorie requirements may differ. Here are our 6 best dry cat foods for outdoor cats in 2021.
Best Cat Food for Outdoor Cats 2021
Product
Type
Good for
Other
Friskies Dry Cat Food, Surfin’ and Turfin’ Favorites
Purina Beyond Simply Grain Free White Meat Chicken & Egg Recipe adult dry cat food. Purina’s pet nutritionists design their cat food to include high-quality ingredients from carefully considered sources. Their high-protein cat food’s main ingredient is white meat chicken raised without steroids.
Offering a nutrient-rich blend that is one hundred percent complete and balanced for adult cats. This natural cat food, with added minerals and vitamins, contains feline probiotics for digestive health.
They have crafted a gluten and grain-free, dry cat food, without artificial flavors, colors or preservatives. Their dry food, when mixed with their wet food range and toppers, can make mealtime for cats in your home a satisfying experience.
All Purina’s products are made in USA where they take positive steps to make it right for your pet and good for the planet.
This product- Friskies Surfin and Turfin, includes essential fatty acids, healthy protein, zinc, Vitamin A, Taurine, and antioxidants. The cat food is suitable for kittens, lactating mother cats and adult cats.
The most important ingredient in this cat food is chicken. This product is grain-free; no wheat, corn, soy, or any type of grain is used as a filler. This is important as grains do not exist in a wild cat’s diet. However, they do include peas as an ingredient. Another ingredient very suitable for cats is eggs. Note that the Purina chicken meat has been sourced from USA, not overseas.
Understandably pet owners do not want to feed their cats artificial flavors or colors! Purina’s products do not have these. This cat food is made from natural ingredients that are safe for your cat. The positive addition of Touraine helps with muscle growth and good vision in your cats. Purina Beyond Grain Free is available in a 5 Lb bag. Other recipes are also available- like salmon.
Purina’s grain free product qualifies to be include in the 6 best dry cat foods for outdoor cats in 2021 list!
Pros
No grain
Natural ingredients sourced in USA
Improve eyesight
Real meat
Vitamins, minerals and probiotics
Cons
Pieces are a little large
Some cats digestive systems don’t agree with dry foods
Purina ONE Tender Selects Blend with Real Salmon adult dry cat food offers delicious crunchy bites. Formulated with real ingredients, including small amounts of real carrots and peas.
Containing no artificial flavors or preservatives, this formula uses real salmon fish as the main ingredient to provide the protein your cat needs to support strong muscles. Salmon are packed with omega-6 fatty acids. It is well known that fatty acids help nourish and maintain healthy skin and a lustrous fur coat.
An inclusion of antioxidants promotes immune health. Cat owners’ reviews of the product say it must have a great taste as their cats seem to love it. Along with a great taste, this cat food meal delivers 100% complete and balanced nutrition for adult cats.
The crunchy kibble helps reduce plaque build-up and whiten teeth. An important point to note is this dry food for cats contains no grain fillers.
Inspired by the diet of the lynx (picture on the packet), a vigorous and renowned hunter, BLUE Wilderness is a grain-free, protein-rich food, containing meats that cats like. BLUE Wilderness is a product of the Blue Buffalo company. Based in the United States, Blue Buffalo makes premium-quality pet foods that contain real meat. There product also includes fruit and vegetables in the mix (peas and sweet potatoes). This addition of carbohydrates is claimed by the company to help fuel your cat’s energetic lifestyle.
This dry food recipe is packed with a blend of red meat (mainly beef).
In addition, it contains omega 3 & 6 fatty acids to support a healthy coat. Also included are antioxidants, vitamins and minerals carefully selected by holistic veterinarians and animal nutritionists. These additions support immune system health.
It must be noted that this particular product does not contain corn, wheat, soy, artificial flavors or preservatives.
Royal Canin Adult Fit & Active dry cat food appears to be tailored for adult cats with access to the great outdoors to live a long, healthy life. Outdoor cats are so much more active than indoor cats, this product has ensured calorie requirements are suitable for maintaining a healthy, ideal weight.
Antioxidants have been added, which helps promote immune health. The dry cat food provides a balanced blend of vitamins and minerals to maintain optimal cat wellness.
It is suggested that cat owners try pairing with Royal Canin Adult Instinctive wet cat food formulas to add variety and interest to your cat’s meal.
The main ingredient is chicken meal. This product does include grain fillers.
With real salmon being the main ingredient in the Wellness complete Dry Natural Cat Food product, cats should find it irresistible!
This appears to be a well-rounded recipe with a focus on the nutrition that moderately active cats need to stay fit and healthy. This is a formula suitable for both indoor and outdoor cats. Specially formulated for cats, this adult grained cat food has the right balance of protein and fat. It also has a balanced blend of Omega Fatty Acids, vitamins and minerals. The company has crafted the dry cat food to support total wellbeing, including plenty of energy for playtime, sound digestion and immunity, a lustrous skin and coat, healthy eyes and strong teeth, plus controlled minerals for urinary health support.
Made in the USA with no GMO ingredients. This food is available in three different sized bags.
If you have any questions regarding any of the 6 best dry cat foods for outdoor cats in 2021 that we have reviewed, or questions on cat related products or topics in general, please send us a message and we will endeavor to provide answers.
There are approximately 95.6 million cats living in American households (National Pet Owners’ Survey 2017). Every one of these cuddly felines need to be fed. The question is… How to choose the best cat food for your pussy cat? In this article Cat Food Advisor delves into this question.
We have also reviewed what we consider to be the 10 best cat foods available on Amazon to help you decide on what’s best for your cat.
What Do Wild Cats Eat?
Wild cats are carnivorous hunters of small prey.
First up, domesticated cats are equal to wild cats in their digestive make-up and their nutritional requirements. The diet of a wild cat is mainly made up of small rodents, such as rats and mice. Other common prey are rabbits, moles, shrews and birds. However, these cats will prey on almost any small animal, such as large insects, lizards, frogs and snakes. Those wild cats that are game to get wet will even go to the effort to catch and eat fish.
What Nutrition is Important for a Healthy Cat?
Cats are carnivores. They are meat eaters- plain and simple! They require protein from meat for good vision, a strong heart and muscle development, and a healthy reproductive system. Meat also contains moderate amounts of fat, and a minimal amount of carbohydrates. Domesticated cats require these general proportions today, just as their wild cousins do. Cats also require many other nutrients, including vitamins, fatty acids, minerals and amino acids.
Is It Safe to Feed Your Cat Raw Meat?
Whilst it is quite OK to feed your cat a commercial wet or dry food, Cat Food Advisor suggests that you can offer variety in your cat’s diet by feeding it cooked or raw meat.
It is important to ensure that the meat you feed your cat is fresh, as spoilt raw meat, raw fish and raw eggs, can contain bacteria that trigger food poisoning. In addition, an enzyme in raw fish destroys thiamine, which is an essential B vitamin for cats. A lack of thiamine can cause neurological problems. Therefore, it is advisable to not to overfeed your cat raw fish.
So, If Not Raw Meat, What Should You Feed Your Cat?
Cooked beef, turkey, chicken, and small amounts of lean deli meats are a great way to give cats their nutritional requirements.
Commercially, there are two types of cat foods available- wet cat food and dry cat food. These commercial products vary widely, and therefore require looking carefully at their ingredients and where their ingredients have been sourced from.
Many cheaper cat foods will be bulked up with fillers. Cat Food Advisor has looked into fillers- often these fillers are not a natural part of a cat’s diet. You want to avoid them. Be aware of grain or corn fillers. Also steer clear of GMO ingredients and products that are excessively fatty, salty or they have added sugar.
Dry Cat Food or Wet Cat Food?
It seems that most cats prefer wet cat food over dry cat food, although there are always exceptions. Wet cat food is closer to what wild cats eat- in texture and water content.
Dry food is fine if it is complete and balanced. Dry food generally is less expensive than canned food, and once dished up to your cat, may stay fresher for longer. Wet food gives additional moisture for cats. If only fed dry food, cats would need to be provided with lots of fresh water. This is especially so if they are prone to developing urinary tract blockages, constipation or weight problems.
Many wet foods come in three-ounce cans. Cat Food Advisor recommends to feed approximately one can a day for every three to three and a half pounds of body weight. However, ingredients within different products/brands vary and therefore feeding rates will vary. A happy, healthy cat will maintain a good weight and stay active.
For an average sized adult cat, it is recommended to feed ¼ cup of dry food morning and again in the evening. This is only a rough guide, as products vary, and so do cats!
You will know how much to feed your cat through trial and error. If your cat leaves food, then perhaps you are feeding it too much. If your cat is putting on too much weight, then ease off on its food.
Cat Food Advisor recommends mixing it up a bit for your cat, so he/she does not get bored with a mono-diet. A mixture of wet cat food, dry cat food and raw or cooked meat will keep your cat very happy.
The nutrition that a cat needs is definitely provided in Purina dry cat food and reviews on the product claim that it taste makes their cat happy. There is a healthy balance of protein, carbohydrates, fatty acids, essential vitamins, and essential minerals providing for a 100% complete nutrition.
Purina dry food with chicken and salmon flavor is available in two different size packs. The small pack size is 1 lb and the larger bag is 13 lb. It also contains high fiber content that helps to control hairballs and avoids digestion problems.
Pros
Made of real chicken- cats’ favorite!
Suitable for cats of all ages, kittens, adults and senior cats
Meow Mix contains four flavors- chicken, turkey, salmon and ocean fish. All flavors that will have your cat salivating! Protein, carbohydrates, fatty acids, essential vitamins and essential minerals are provided for 100% complete and balanced nutrition.
Meow Mix dry food with chicken, turkey, salmon, fish flavor is available in two different size packs. The small pack size being 3 lb and the larger 3.15 lb. This food contains ground corn and soybeans as a source of carbohydrate.
Pros
High-quality protein
Variety of meats (protein source)- chicken, turkey, salmon
Blue Wilderness High Protein Grain Free cat food is only for adult cats. Its protein comes from real meat, making it tasty for cats and a healthy option. The product promotes healthy skin and a shiny coat with an inclusion of omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids. Essential vitamins, minerals and antioxidants have been added to this dry cat food to support the immune system.
Blue Wilderness dry food with chicken flavor is available in three different size packs. The smallest pack size being 2.5 lb, a larger bag- 6 lb and the largest- 12 lb. If you are offering your cat only dry food, Cat Food Advisor recommends ensuring your cat has plenty of drinking water on hand for hydration.
Pros
Made of real chicken as a healthy source of protein
Animal nutritionists formulated the product with inclusions of antioxidants, vitamins and minerals
Grain-free
Support immune system
Support healthy skin and a shiny coat
Provides essential vitamins and minerals
No artificial flavors
All ingredients natural
Cons
Customer reviews indicate that some cats have an allergy to certain ingredients
Purina One is a veterinarian recommended food, and safe for your cat, as only natural ingredients are used. It provides 100% nutrition with no added fillers, making this food a great choice for your cat. It includes fatty acids, minerals, vitamins and fiber. Fiber helps with cat hairballs and keeps the digestive system flowing. Real turkey forms the main protein source and customer reviews vouch for the great taste.
Purina One dry food with turkey flavor is available in four different size packs (3.5 lb, 7 lb, 16 lb 22 lb). Natural vitamins and minerals have been added for whole-body health.
The taste of the wild’s rocky mountain feline formula, with roasted venison and smoked salmon is, according to customer reviews, to be revered by cats! There are no grain fillers, rather the addition of some easy to digest vegetables such as peas and sweet potato provide carbohydrates for energetic cats. Good levels of protein to support lean strong muscles. Safe for your cat as this food is made in the USA with advanced food safety protocols. Additions of vitamins, minerals and essential fatty acids, offering a well rounded diet for cats.
Cat Food Advisor likes that this product is made with all natural ingredients, you can be rest assured that there are no added artificial flavors or colors. The protein level is higher than carbohydrates which is a better balance and something other brands don’t always have right.
Taste of the wild dry food with venison and salmon flavor is available in a 15 lb size pack.
Purina Fancy Grilled collection canned wet cat food would have to be a favorite choice for kittens! Customer reviews account for the great taste. Purina provides 100% complete and balanced nutrition for kittens. Purina wet food consists of high quality protein with meaty cuts of poultry or seafood, with a light gravy. The product is made in USA, abiding by the food regulators.
To ensure your cat is hydrated, Purina’s wet food is moist and easy to eat and digest. Essential vitamins and minerals have been included added to support the overall health of your cat
Purina Fancy Feast wet food offers different flavors and is available in two size packs. One containing 24 cans and the other, 30 cans- each can being 3 oz.
Pros
Made of real meat- poultry and seafood
100% complete and balanced
Different flavors available
Provides essential vitamins and minerals
Wet food for Kittens
Cons
Customer reviews- some cats digestive system doesn’t agree with the fish ingredient
Purina Friskies offers a mix of recipes all in one pack. Meal times will be interesting for your cat as he/she will get a variety of meats and flavors. Served as a pate, makes the wet cat food smooth and easy to eat. Suitable for cats of all ages giving a 100% balanced diet. The product does have added artificial flavors, making it tasty for cats.
Available in five different size packs (all detailed on Amazon). Recommended feeding for an adult cat- ¾ to 1 oz per pound of body weight daily. Growing kittens will require more per pound of body weight.
Pros
Chicken and Turkey meat
100% complete and balanced
Different flavors available
Smooth texture
Reasonably priced
Cons
Artificial flavors used
Customer reviews- some not happy with product presentation
A gourmet adult cat food with 100% complete and balanced nutrition. Three chicken recipes are offered in this pack, each with a different texture (pate/chunks/roasted)- enabling variety for your cat. Added essential vitamins and minerals supporting the overall health of cats. The product is grain free.
Purina classic pate wet food with different flavors/textures is available in a 24 cans. Each can being 3 oz. There are several different meat flavors in the Purina Wet Cat Food range, including recipes specifically for kittens.
A gourmet cat food recipe with 100% complete and balanced nutrition providing essential vitamins and minerals to support the overall health of adult cats. Quality ingredients, including the best protein from tuna and white meats. Contains long grain rice and garden greens for a source of carbohydrates.
Purina medleys wet cat food offers different flavors available- seafood, chicken, turkey and Tuscany flavor, all in savory sauces. The product comes in five size pack sizes, as well as single 3oz cans. You can better understand these choices on Amazon. Purina’s wet cat food is not grain-free.
Purina Po Plan Focus offers a low PH, low dietary magnesium wet cat food that improve urinary tract health in cats. It is easy on the digestive system and a good choice for sensitive cats, or cats with health challenges. The cat food contains real chicken providing high-quality protein.
Purina Pro Plan wet cat food with different flavors is available in eleven different size packs. You can better understand these packages on Amazon. Formulated for adult cats with essential vitamins and minerals to support overall health.
Pros
Maintain urinary tract health- low PH and low magnesium
Here Cat Food Advisor ‘s summary of things to keep in mind when choosing the right nutrition for your cat.
Grain-free cat food is best. Seek products with minimal grains.
Look for quality protein meats.
Avoid over doing fish recipes for cats- fish is OK, but not too much.
Foods with cat essential vitamins and minerals is great!
Fatty acids are needed for healthy skin and coats.
Avoid artificial flavors, colors and preservatives.
Look for foods with the correct balance of protein vs carbohydrates. Too many starchy ingredients suggests that the carbohydrates are high.
Look for foods that replicate a wild cat’s diet.
Offer variety and a mix of foods.
Raw meats are good, so long as they are fresh!
Cat’s with sensitive digestion or urinary tracts require low PH, low magnesium foods.
The addition of cat probiotics helps with digestion.
You will get what you pay for- cheaper often means a product less nutritious.
Avoid GMO products.
Cat Food Advisor recommends that if unsure, or your cat reacts to certain foods, to seek veterinary advice.
Hopefully, your precious feline won’t be dragging rats into your home any time soon! If kept well fed with one of the Cat Food Advisor top 10 best cat foods, then that should not happen. You should now be an expert on How to Choose the Best Cat Food!
Understanding the nutritional requirements of domestic cats and being able to sift through the many different brands, products, and options available, may seem like a daunting task to budding new cat parents, however, this need not be the case. We have identified the best dry cat foods in Amazon stores and reviewed them for are readers in this article.
Cat Food Advisor has identified what we consider to be the best dry cat foods available in 2021 in Amazon stores, and have provided comprehensive reviews on the products, pointing out the strengths and weaknesses of each.
Our comprehensive Dry Cat Food Guide for Cat Owners
Alternatively, if you want to make a quick decision, our 8 Best Dry Cat Foods to Buy in 2021 that are reviewed in this article have been identified to be nutritionally high-quality products for cats.
Our No. 1 Pick:
The best dry cat foods that we have reviewed is Fussie Cat Grain Free Protein Rich. It is our TOP PICK because Fussie Cat offers a complete nutrition using natural high-quality ingredients high in meat protein, without artificial additives or grain fillers, yet packed with extras to ensure cats get all that they need! It has been carefully formulated specifically for cats of all ages. Our No 2 Pick is at the bottom of this article.
Company donates food to cat shelters throughout USA
High fibre
Cons
Grain fillers
Some customer reviews claim the quality of batches is inconsistent
Contains one flavor per box or bag
The Hill’s Science Diet Adult Indoor Cat Food, developed specifically for indoor cats, uses high-quality ingredients that include salmon, lamb and chicken meat proteins. Their website claims that their recipes have been carefully formulated by a team of veterinarians and animal nutritionists and has clinically proven antioxidant benefits.
Their recipes are made with all natural ingredients boosted with vitamins, minerals and amino acids. Rest assured that their products never contain artificial colors, preservatives, flavors or chicken by-product meal.
Although the ingredients list shows meat as the main ingredient, it does contain grain fillers. Customers have generally given excellent product reviews. Some customers claim the quality of this cat food is inconsistent from one packet to the next.
Another great choice is the Blue Buffalo Indoor Hairball Weight Control dry cat food. Their nutritionally balanced recipe has been specifically formulated with the input of veterinarians and animal nutritionists for maintain a cat’s optimal weight. The main ingredient is real chicken meat and brown rice. The rice, used to provide carbohydrates and fiber is a better choice than using wheat, soy, or corn fillers.
The recipe is enriched with minerals, vitamins, and amino acids for healthy immune and digestive health as well as eye and bone health. Also included in the ingredients list are natural vegetables and berries. These additions give added fiber and antioxidants.
Their products are free from artificial colors, preservatives and flavors and animal by-products, making it one of one of our picks for the best dry cat foods list.
Blue Buffalo presents their product in three sized packets.
The Blue Buffalo Indoor Hairball dry cat food provides well rounded nutrition for any cat.
Reduced carbohydrates to support weight management
Smaller kibble size, easy for cats to chew
Balanced nutrition
Cons
Higher price
Nulo Grain Free Dry Cat Food looks to be a very good product. We specifically like the very high meat protein content and the fact they do not have any grain fillers (rice, wheat, soy or corn), nor white potato. The meat ingredients include salmon, chicken, duck and turkey. This provides 83% of the protein in the product. Nulo have kept their carbohydrates in check, ensuring that your cat will maintain a healthy weight,
They do include an excellent BC30 Probiotic to ensure a healthy gut and good digestion. Also included within their balanced diet are vitamins and minerals.
The product is well presented as a small kibble. This is easy for cats to eat and helps with maintaining oral hygiene in cats.
They offer different products specifically formulated for adult cats and for kittens.
Nulo grain free dry cat food has been rated very highly by customers, with some finding the price of the product a little higher than other dry food products. We feel it is worth the extra expense having a quality product.
Natural Balance Limited Ingredients Diets (L.I.D.) dry cat food is a healthy choice that has been formulated specifically for adult indoor cats with thought going into the balance of carbohydrates and protein, ensuring they are kept to a healthy weight. They offer only one flavor- Salmon and Chickpea in a 5lb bag.
As a dry cat food we like that it does not have grain fillers, which will only cause your cat bloat and digestive issues. Their main ingredient is salmon. It also contains chickpeas, peas and potatoes- providing carbohydrates and fiber. Their recipe has additional vitamins, minerals and fatty acids ensuring all nutritional requirements have been met.
Most customer reviews have been very positive, with some cat owners saying the quality of the product is inconsistent.
Wellness Complete Health Natural Dry Cat Food is a balanced food with the main protein ingredient being chicken mixed with rice, barley and oats. All natural ingredients are boosted with the additions of vitamins, minerals and fatty acids. It is free from artificial flavors, colors and preservatives. It does not include fillers such as corn, wheat or soy.
Wellness Complete Health Natural Dry Cat Food comes in three packet sizes- 2.5lb, 6lb and 12lb.
Another favorite pet food choice for cats is the Nutro Max Cat Salmon Food. The salmon and brown rice recipe, suited to indoor cats, comes in a 6lb bag.
Nutro Max Cat Salmon Food comes with important nutrients such as Vitamin E, Taurine, Vitamin C, Tomato Pomace, and extracts from Cranberries and Blueberries- ensuring a healthy immune system and healthy digestion.
We like that the product has no GMO ingredients and no artificial flavors, colors or preservatives. It also has no corn, wheat, soy or chicken by-product meal- just real food for your cat!
Nutri cat food is rich in omega-6 fatty acids, supporting healthy skin and coat.
This recipe main protein meat ingredient is salmon, however, Nutri offers other meat proteins in other dry food products such as chicken and turkey.
Packed with minerals, vitamins and superfood extras
Several recipe choices (fish and poultry)
Products formulated for adult cat and another for kittens
A good choice for cats with alergies or a food sensitive
Cons
Some customer reviews say their cat does not like it
Fussie Cat Grain Free Protein Rich dry cat food is our TOP PICK. It offers complete, balanced high-quality nutrition using natural ingredients high in meat protein, without artificial additives or grain fillers, yet packed with extras to ensure cats get all that they need!
It has been carefully formulated with a range of meat recipes some suitable for adult cats and a recipe for kittens. Recipes include: duck and quail, chicken and quail, chicken and turkey, salmon and chicken, and salmon on its own.
The product is a good choice for cats sensitive to allergies.
The product comes in three packet sizes, 2lb, 4lb and 10lb.
The Iams Proactive Health Adult Indoor Pet Food is an exciting choice for domestic cats. Formulated for weight management of cats, with a lower fat content to similar products and high fiber. The extra fiber helps in hairball control and intestinal health. Packed with Omega fatty acids for a healthy skin and coat and added vitamins and minerals for bone strength, eye sight and immune health.
Iams’ main meat protein comes from chicken and turkey which most cats generally enjoy.
Another great choice is the Purina Cat Chow, formulated by the company for cats with sensitive stomachs. A turkey flavored recipe boasting 25 essential vitamins and minerals for a complete balance of nutrients for cats. The company offers a variety of formulas packaged in either a 6.3lb or 13lb bags. No artificial flavors, colors or preservatives are used with Purina’s Cat Chow.
We would have preferred real turkey meat as opposed to turkey by-product meal, and a little less corn and soybean meal used as fillers.
Customers have given this dry cat food a five star rating for flavor, value for money and ingredients.
A full comprehensive buyers guide is available HERE. Below are the main pointers summarized:
Cat Needs
Cats are carnivores, so high protein meat should be the main ingredient. Cats are not omnivores like us humans, so they should have very little grains or plant foods in their diet.
Complete and Balanced
Cats require a balance of protein, carbohydrates, fatty acids and amino acids, together with vitamins and minerals.
Ingredients
The ingredients matter a lot. Choose options low in fat, sugars, and grain fillers. Try natural ingredients because they promote a healthy system. Steer clear of artificial flavors, colors and preservatives.
Other Health Benefits for Food
Look for Omega fatty acid rich foods for healthy skin and coat, pre and pro biotics for digestion and immune health and fiber to help with the reduction of fur balls and a functioning digestive system.
Mix Wet and Dry Foods
Although a dry food only diet offers all the nutrients your cat requires, mixing it up with tinned wet foods and fresh raw or cooked food will add variety and taste to what your cat eats.
Price
What you pay for is often what you can expect to get in quality with a dry cat food. Foods with high quality natural ingredients will cost more as apposed to animal by-product proteins and grain fillers.
The Final Pick For… Best Dry Cat Foods!
We showed you our No 1 pick at the beginning of this article. For our number 2 pick it would have to be Nulo Grain Free Salmon Duck and Turkey. A little pricier than the other dry cat foods reviewed in this article, but offering the very best quality nutrition for your cat!
Pet owner’s cats will also have an opinion! Some cats turn their nose up and refuse to have anything to do with eating wet cat food, but gobble down dry food and with other cats, it may be the other way around.
Cat Food Advisor has identified what we consider to be the best dry cat foods available in 2021 in Amazon stores, and have provided comprehensive reviews on the products, pointing out the strengths and weaknesses of each.
