![]() Valerie Parker, a veterinary nutritionist and professor of clinical small animal internal medicine and nutrition at The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine. However, feeding a typical adult cat wet food instead of, or in addition to, dry food offers no specific health benefits, says Dr. Because of that moisture content, wet food is more filling and may be a good choice for cats who love to eat too zealously. It contains significantly more moisture, typically 75% to 78%, versus 10% to 12% in dry food. In terms of nutrition, wet food stands out from kibble in a few ways. Wet cat food tends to be costlier than dry food. We recommend AAFCO complete and balanced wet cat food from Instinct, Merrick, and Wellness. Nutrition breakdown: 35% protein, 16.5% fat, 6.5% fiber Other standout ingredients: Brown rice, oatmeal, barley, flaxseed, pea protein, alfalfa meal, cranberries, blueberries, barley grass, turmeric, dried kelp, yucca extract Meat and fish protein sources: Deboned salmon, chicken meal, menhaden fish meal Blue Buffalo Tastefuls Adult Indoor Health (15-lb. The percentages of protein, fat, and fiber they contain are also on par with pricier brands. Not only do the budget dry foods we selected contain whole meats and protein-rich meat meals, but they also have ingredients like kelp and alfalfa that support gut health and antioxidant-rich blueberries and cranberries. Several affordable AAFCO complete and balanced dry foods are as nutritious as more expensive kibble. Nutrition breakdown: 36% protein, 18% fat, 3% fiberĪffordable dry food from brands like Nutro, Blue Buffalo, and Rachael Ray Nutrish are some of the best cat food options.ĭon't write off budget cat foods even if you have the money to spend. Other standout ingredients: Rice, barley, oatmeal, ground flaxseed, tomato pomace, cranberries bag)įish protein sources: Salmon, salmon meal, herring meal, menhaden fish meal Wellness Complete Health Adult Dry Salmon Recipe (5-lb. Our picks for the best cat food include whole meats and fishes and exceed the AAFCO minimums for protein and fat. Keep a close eye on your cat's daily kibble intake to ensure they don't gain weight, which can lead to other health problems. It is easy to overfeed your cat with dry food since it is more calorie dense than wet food. Fiber, for example, can help minimize hairballs, maintain a healthy body weight, and aid in bowel movements. "Grains are a source of carbohydrates while cats are obligate carnivores, some carbohydrates in their diets can be helpful if included at moderate levels," says Kelly Swanson, professor of animal and nutritional sciences at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Many cat foods are prominently marketed as grain-free, but these diets have no proven benefit. Some form of whole meat or meat meal should be listed among the first ingredients, but don't worry too much about the order in which they appear or what is listed after. This ensures the food has the appropriate balance of protein (at least 26%), fat (at least 9%), and essential vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin A and magnesium.Ĭats are obligate carnivores and cannot survive on plant-based nutrients alone. Like all cat food, a kibble must have an AAFCO complete and balanced statement on its label. Wellness, Purina, and Merrick make high-quality dry food with nutritious ingredients.ĭry food is the most cost-effective way to keep a cat satiated. Learn more about how Insider Reviews tests and recommends pet products. Before changing your cat's diet, be sure consult your vet. ![]() ![]() An extremely active or sedentary feline may have different needs. The average 8- to 10-pound adult cat should consume between 230 and 270 kilocalories (kcal) per day to maintain a healthy weight, according to the Global Nutrition Guidelines from the World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA). ![]() Just be careful not to overfeed your pet. If you're interested in exploring other cat foods, we explain how to evaluate any food's quality and nutritional value. The picks in this guide are only some of the excellent options available. While the experts we spoke with declined to recommend specific cat foods, they helped us narrow down our selection criteria. We evaluated the food in this guide according to the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) standards, which encompass nutritional adequacy, calorie content, and ingredients. ![]() Your cat can live a long, healthy life whether they're fed the best dry cat food, the best wet cat food, or a combination of both, as long as the food is AAFCO complete and balanced. To help you choose the best cat food, we researched pet food standards, labels, and ingredients and consulted with veterinarians and animal nutrition experts. Finding nutritious, high-quality cat food that satisfies your cat and fits your budget is an unenviable challenge. ![]()
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