Top Cat Food for Indoor Cats in 2024: A Guide to Healthy Nutrition
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We all know how important it is to pick the purrfect food for our indoor furballs. With so many options out there, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. But fear not! We’ve got you covered.
In this article, we’re uncovering our top cat foods for indoor cats. These selections have been carefully curated based on quality ingredients, nutritional value, and positive feedback from cat owners and experts alike.
Our Top Picks
- Multiple High-Quality Protein source
- 45% Crude Protein
- Limited Ingredient List
Best Budget Wet
- 42% Crude Protein
- Supports healthy digestion
- All Life Stages Nutrition
Best Budget Dry
- Balanced Nutrition
- Low in Fat and High in Moisture
- High-Quality Protein Source
Best Wet
- Diverse range of protein sources
- Rich in Antioxidants and Fiber
Best Dry
- Support healthy skin
- Potato-Free Formula
- High-Quality Tuna
Best For Seniors
Top Cat Food for Indoor Cats in 2024
Best Budget Wet: Dave's Pet Grain-Free Turkey Cat Food
SPECS
- Primary Protein Source: Fresh Turkey
- Food Sourcing: USA
- Ideal For: Adult Cats
- Caloric Content: 180 kcal/5.5-oz can
Turkey is the main source of protein in this canned meal. In addition to chicken and chicken liver, the protein content comes to roughly 45%, which is impressive. In addition, these ingredients supply the majority of the fat in the recipe, around 22% of it. Meanwhile, most of the moisture in the dish comes from the chicken broth.
Alongside the protein and fat, there’s about 18% carbohydrate content, largely sourced from sweet potatoes, blueberries, and cranberries. These ingredients provide a mix of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and dietary fiber to support a healthy gut. However, it’s worth noting that some cats may find guar gum and agar-agar, used as thickening agents, a bit disturbing for their digestive systems.
Turkey, Chicken Broth, Chicken Liver, Chicken, Guar Gum, Sweet Potatoes, Carrots, Agar-Agar, Potassium Chloride, Salt, Minerals (Iron Proteinate, Zinc Proteinate, Copper Proteinate, Manganese Proteinate, Sodium Selenite, Potassium Iodide), Choline Chloride, Vitamins (Vitamin E Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate, Niacin Supplement, D-Calcium Pantothenate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Riboflavin Supplement, Vitamin A Supplement, Biotin, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Folic Acid), Cranberries, Blueberries, Taurine, Dried Squash, Zucchini, Sodium Carbonate.
Benefits:
- Turkey, Chicken Liver: High-quality protein source.
- Blueberries and Cranberries: Antioxidant-rich fruits that support overall health.
- Taurine: Essential amino acid for heart and eye health.
Considerations:
- Guar Gum and Agar-Agar: Used as thickeners, may cause digestive upset in some cats.
| Crude Protein | 10.0% min |
|---|---|
| Crude Fat | 5.0% min |
| Crude Fiber | 1.0% max |
| Moisture | 78.0% max |
| Ash | 2.4% max |
| Crude Protein | 45.45% |
| Crude Fat | 22.73% |
| Crude Fiber | 4.55% |
| Carbohydrates | 18.41% |
- Various protein source
- Rich with antioxidant fruits
- slightly high fat content
Best Budget Dry: American Journey Grain-Free Cat Food
SPECS
- Primary Protein Source: Fresh Turkey
- Food Sourcing: USA
- Ideal For: All Lifestages
- Caloric Content: 395 kcal/cup
The primary source of protein in this meal is turkey. In addition to numerous other sources, such as dried egg product, deboned chicken, and fish meal, protein accounts for about 45% of the recipe on a dry matter basis. This formula is rich with omega-3 fatty acids that support healthy skin and minimize skin issues. It also contains added probiotics that aid in maintaining a healthy digestive system and efficient nutrient absorption.
While this cat food offers numerous nutritional benefits, it’s essential to be mindful of the carbohydrate content, which is approximately 35%. Particularly high if your cat has lower activity levels, which may lead to weight gain or digestive issues with higher carbohydrate diets.
Deboned Turkey, Turkey Meal, Chicken Meal, Tapioca Starch, Dried Egg Product, Pea Protein, Peas, Deboned Chicken, Natural Flavor, Menhaden Fish Meal, Chicken Fat (Preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Flaxseed, Pea Fiber, Choline Chloride, Potassium Chloride, Inulin, DL-Methionine, Taurine, Salt, Spinach, Apples, Blueberries, Carrots, Cranberries, Pumpkin, Mixed Tocopherols (Preservative), Ferrous Sulfate, Zinc Proteinate, Zinc Sulfate, Vitamin E Supplement, Iron Proteinate, Niacin Supplement, Copper Sulfate, Sodium Selenite, Copper Proteinate, Vitamin A Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate, L-Carnitine, Manganese Sulfate, Manganese Proteinate, D-Calcium Pantothenate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Riboflavin Supplement, Biotin, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Folic Acid, Calcium Iodate, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Rosemary Extract, Yeast Culture, Dried Enterococcus Faecium Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus Acidophilus Fermentation Product, Dried Aspergillus Niger Fermentation Extract, Dried Trichoderma Longibrachiatum Fermentation Extract, Dried Bacillus Subtilis Fermentation Extract.
Benefits:
- Deboned Turkey, Turkey Meal, Chicken Meal: High-quality protein source.
- Flaxseed: Omega-3 fatty acids, which support healthy skin and coat.
- Probiotics (Enterococcus faecium & Lactobacillus acidophilus): Promotes healthy digestion and immune function.
- Taurine: Essential amino acid for heart and eye health.
Considerations:
- Tapioca Starch, Pea Protein, Peas, Pea Fiber: May contribute to a higher carbohydrate content in the diet.
| Crude Protein | 40.0% min |
|---|---|
| Crude Fat | 15.0% min |
| Crude Fiber | 4.0% max |
| Moisture | 10.0% max |
| Crude Protein | 44.44% |
| Crude Fat | 16.67% |
| Crude Fiber | 4.44% |
| Carbohydrates | 34.45% |
- 45% Crude Protein
- Rich with probiotics
- Relatively high Carbs content
Best Wet: Weruva Grain-Free Canned Cat Food
SPECS
- Primary Protein Source: Chicken
- Food Sourcing: Thailand
- Ideal For: Adult Cats
- Caloric Content: 105 kcal/5.5-oz can
This recipe features chicken as the main protein ingredient. Chicken broth brings most of the moisture and flavor to the food. Additionally, it has various vitamins and minerals to ensure it meets cats’ nutritional needs. Along with sunflower seed oil providing most of the fatty acids, which are beneficial for skin and coat health.
This dish is low in calories and high in moisture (85% in guaranteed analysis). A 5.5-oz can contains 105 calories, which is suitable for cats who require a diet that helps manage their weight and promotes hydration.
Chicken (Boneless, Skinless Breast), Chicken Broth, Potato Starch, Sunflower Seed Oil, Calcium Lactate, Xanthan Gum, Tricalcium Phosphate, Choline Chloride, Taurine, Zinc Sulfate, Vitamin E Supplement, Ferrous Sulfate, Nicotinic Acid (Vitamin B3), Thiamine Mononitrate (Vitamin B1), Calcium Pantothenate, Copper Sulfate, Riboflavin Supplement (Vitamin B2), Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B6), Vitamin A Supplement, Manganese Sulfate, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Folic Acid, Potassium Iodide, Sodium Selenite, Biotin, Vitamin B12 Supplement.
Benefits:
- Chicken: High-quality protein source.
- Multiple Vitamins and Minerals: Essential for bone health, metabolism, and overall well-being.
- Taurine: Essential amino acid for heart and eye health.
- Choline Chloride: Essential nutrient important for liver function and brain health.
Considerations:
- Xanthan Gum: A thickening agent that may cause digestive upset if consumed in large amounts.
| Crude Protein | 10% min |
|---|---|
| Crude Fat | 1.4% min |
| Crude Fiber | 0.50% max |
| Moisture | 85% max |
| Ash | 1.2% max |
| Crude Protein | 66.67% |
|---|---|
| Crude Fat | 9.33% |
| Crude Fiber | 3.33% |
| Carbohydrates | 9.75% |
- Multiple vitamins and minerals
- Supports hydratation (85% Moisture)
- Low in calories
Best Dry: Nulo Grain-Free Dry Cat & Kitten Food
SPECS
- Primary Protein Source: Chicken, Turkey and Cod
- Food Sourcing: North America, France & New Zealand
- Ideal For: All Lifestages
- Caloric Content: 486 kcal/cup
Nulo’s recipe has multi-protein sources, mainly made with deboned chicken and chicken meal. The secondary protein sources are turkey meal and deboned cod, which make protein around 45% of the meal on a dry matter basis. The recipe has some good sources of fiber and carbohydrates as well, from whole peas and lentils. It is also rich in antioxidants sourced from cranberries and in probiotics for good digestive health.
This meal has a high protein value but also high fat and caloric content (486kcal/cup). It is important to consider this when setting your cat’s serving size in order to prevent overfeeding or digestive issues.
Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Turkey Meal, Deboned Cod, Whole Peas, Lentils, Chicken Fat (Preserved with Mixed Tocopherols & Citric Acid), Natural Flavor, Pea Fiber, Ground Flaxseed, Dried Chicory Root, Dried Kelp, Dried Sweet Potato, Dried Cranberries, Calcium Carbonate, Dl-Methionine, Taurine, Zinc Proteinate, Choline Chloride, Vitamin E Supplement, L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate (Source of Vitamin C), Iron Proteinate, Niacin Supplement, Copper Proteinate, Thiamine Mononitrate, Calcium Pantothenate, Vitamin A Supplement, Manganese Proteinate, Pyridoxidine Hydrochloride, Sodium Selenite, Riboflavin Supplement, Dried Bacillus Coagulans Fermentation Product, Yucca Schidigera Extract, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Calcium Iodate, Folic Acid, Rosemary Extract.
Benefits:
- Chicken, Turkey, Deboned Cod: High-quality protein source.
- Whole Peas, Lentils: Fiber and carbohydrates, contributes to more energy levels and digestive health.
- Dried Cranberries: A source of antioxidants and vitamins, supporting immune health.
- Taurine: Essential amino acid for heart and eye health.
Considerations:
- Pea Fiber: Excessive amounts may contribute to gastrointestinal upset in some cats.
| Crude Protein | 40.0% min |
|---|---|
| Crude Fat | 20.0% min |
| Crude Fiber | 4.0% max |
| Moisture | 10.0% max |
| Crude Protein | 44.44% |
|---|---|
| Crude Fat | 22.22% |
| Crude Fiber | 4.44% |
| Carbohydrates | 26.44% |
- High quality protein
- Rich in vitamins and probiotics
- High caloric content per serving
Best For Seniors: Instinct Real Rabbit Grain-Free Cat Food
SPECS
- Primary Protein Source: Rabbit
- Food Sourcing: France, Italy.
- Ideal For: Adult Cats
- Caloric Content: 457 kcal/cup
This recipe is made with thought for cats with food sensitivities. Rabbit is the main and only protein source in the recipe. It also has a good amount of vitamins and fiber sourced from peas and pumpkin seeds. Most of the fats come from coconut oil and canola oil, for energy and skin health.
This dry cat food stands out for its relatively low carbohydrate content compared to many others on the market. With a balance of high protein and moderate fiber, it offers a suitable option for cats needing specific dietary considerations. However, we need to be mindful of the relatively high caloric content when serving in order to prevent overfeeding or digestive issues.
Rabbit Meal, Peas, Tapioca, Canola Oil (preserved with Mixed Tocopherols and Citric Acid), Rabbit, Natural Flavor, Coconut Oil, Montmorillonite Clay, Taurine, Choline Chloride, Potassium Chloride, Vitamins (Vitamin E Supplement, L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate, Niacin Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate, d-Calcium Pantothenate, Vitamin A Supplement, Riboflavin Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Folic Acid, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Biotin), DL-Methionine, Minerals (Zinc Proteinate, Iron Proteinate, Copper Proteinate, Manganese Proteinate, Sodium Selenite, Ethylenediamine Dihydriodide), Freeze Dried Rabbit, Salt, Pumpkinseeds, Rosemary Extract.
Benefits:
- Rabbit, Rabbit Meal: High-quality protein source.
- Peas: Provide fiber and essential nutrients.
- Taurine: Essential amino acid for heart and eye health.
- Vitamins and Minerals: Essential for overall health and well-being.
Considerations:
- Tapioca: High in carbohydrates and may contribute to weight gain.
| Crude Protein | 35.0% min |
|---|---|
| Crude Fat | 19.0% min |
| Crude Fiber | 5.5% max |
| Moisture | 9.0% max |
| Crude Protein | 44.51% |
|---|---|
| Crude Fat | 24.73% |
| Crude Fiber | 3.3% |
| Carbohydrates | 22.91% |
- One high quality protein source
- Limited ingredients
- Made with no artificial colors or preservatives
- High caloric content per cup
Frequently Asked Questions
How to stop a cat from meowing for food?
First of all, rule out any medical issues. Also, make sure there isn’t something obvious they’re signaling. After this, you need to ignore this behavior as much as you can. Reward them instead when they’re quieter. And lastly, avoid screaming at them or hitting your cat when they start meowing.
What to feed cats when out of cat food?
Cooked, unseasoned meats like chicken or turkey can serve as a substitute. Cooked eggs or plain rice can also provide temporary sustenance. It’s essential to avoid feeding cats certain human foods like onions, garlic, chocolate, or foods high in fat, as they can be toxic to cats.
What cat food is best for kittens?
Finding the top kitten food can be challenging. Look for kitten formulas that provide essential nutrients such as protein, taurine, DHA, and vitamins. Wet kitten food is often recommended due to its higher moisture content and palatability, but high-quality dry kitten food can also be suitable. Ensure the food is labeled as suitable for kittens and meets the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) standards for complete and balanced nutrition.
How long can a cat live without food?
While cats are known for their resilience, they cannot go without food for extended periods. On average, a cat can survive without food for approximately 3 to 7 days. However, this timeline can vary depending on factors such as the cat’s age, health status, and access to water. It’s crucial to monitor your cat closely and seek veterinary attention if they refuse to eat for more than 24 hours, as prolonged fasting can lead to serious health complications.
When to switch from kitten to cat food?
The ideal time to switch from kitten to cat food is typically between 9 and 12 months of age. By this time, most kittens have reached their full size and can benefit from the nutritional composition of adult cat food. However, it’s essential to monitor your kitten’s growth and energy levels during the transition period to ensure their overall health.
