Top Dry Grain-Free Cat Food In 2024
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Our cats are obligate carnivores. That is, mainly, why they don’t need carbohydrates at all.
Nevertheless, most cat foods include carbs in their recipes, and grain-free cat food is no exception. Luckily, carbs can be tolerated as long as they’re sourced from nutritional ingredients such as potatoes, peas, and lentils.
This is exactly what this post is for. We made sure to find the best grain-free cat foods, both dry and wet, out there on the market. These are ethically made recipes with minimal to no additives included and a balanced set of nutrients for our overall cats health.
Our Top Picks
- 36% Crude Protein
- Balanced Omega 3 & 6 Fatty Acids
- Reduced risk of sensitivities
Best Overall
- Salmon-Based Protein
- Limited Ingredient Formula
- Suitable Calories Content for Indoor Cats
Runner Up
- Highest Protein Content (44%)
- High Fat Content (20%)
- Rich in Antioxidants (Pomegranate Included)
Best Dry
Top Dry Grain-Free Cat Food In 2024
Best Overall: Fussie Cat Chicken & Turkey Recipe Grain-Free Dry Cat Food
SPECS
- Primary Protein Source: Chicken & Turkey
- Food Sourcing: USA
- Caloric Content: 410 Kcal/cup
- Price per oz: 5$/lb
Chicken and turkey are the primary protein sources in this recipe, making up a significant portion of the formula. On a dry matter basis, the crude protein content reaches a high 40%.
As for being grain-free, this recipe incorporates alternative carbohydrates like peas, pea flour, and chickpeas, which provide a moderate carbs content of 30% on a dry matter basis. These ingredients not only supply sustained energy but are also high in protein and fiber.
The use of flax seeds and alfalfa meal further enhances the fiber content, promoting a healthy digestion and reducing the risk of gastrointestinal issues. This formula includes antioxidant-rich fruits as well (blueberries and cranberries) , which supports cat’s immune system and overall health.
Each cup provides 410 Kcal, which makes this cat food more suitable for active cats. Despite its premium price of $5 per lb, the nutritional benefits and high-quality ingredients make it a worthy choice for pet parents owners seeking optimal health for their feline companions.
Chicken, Chicken Meal, Peas, Turkey Meal, Pea Flour, Chickpeas, Chicken Fat (Preserved with Mixed Tocopherols and Citric Acid), Natural Flavors, Flax Seeds, Dicalcium Phosphate, Alfalfa Meal, Fructooligosaccharide, Minerals (Iron Proteinate, Zinc Proteinate, Copper Proteinate, Manganese Proteinate, Cobalt Proteinate), Potassium Chloride, Choline Chloride, Dl Methionine, Vitamins (Vitamin A Acetate, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Vitamin E Supplement, Niacin, D-Calcium Pantothenate, Thiamine Mononitrate, Riboflavin Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Folic Acid, Biotin, Vitamin B12 Supplement), Taurine, Blueberries, Cranberries, Lactic Acid, Kelp Meal, Calcium Iodate, Sodium Selenite, Rosemary Extract.
Benefits:
- Chicken, Chicken Meal, Turkey Meal: High-quality protein sources that provide essential amino acids for muscle maintenance and growth.
- Peas, Pea Flour, Chickpeas: Alternative carbohydrates high in protein and fiber that support digestive health and provide sustained energy.
- Chicken Fat: A source of essential fatty acids that promote healthy skin and coat, preserved naturally.
- Fructooligosaccharide: A prebiotic that supports gut health by promoting beneficial bacteria.
Considerations:
- Rosemary Extract: Generally safe, but some pets may have sensitivities to it
| Crude Protein | 36.0% min |
|---|---|
| Crude Fat | 16.0% min |
| Crude Fiber | 5.0% max |
| Carbohydrates | 27.0% |
| Moisture | 10.0% max |
| Crude Protein | 40% |
|---|---|
| Crude Fat | 17.78% |
| Crude Fiber | 5.56% |
| Carbohydrates | 30% |
- Many pet parents noticed it improves appetite
- Consistent formula
- Some reviews mentionned their cat not eating this food fully
Runner up: Natural Balance Grain-Free Salmon & Green Pea Dry Cat Food
SPECS
- Primary Protein Source: Salmon
- Food Sourcing: USA, France, India, New Zealand, and Canada
- Caloric Content: 370 Kcal/cup
- Price per oz: $4.00/lb
This Natural Balance dry cat food is based on salmon as its primary protein source, which has a crude protein content of 33.33% on a dry matter basis.
The alternative carbohydrates used in this formula are peas, chickpeas, lentils, and pea protein, which account for 44.56% of the dry matter content. While it might seem high, these ingredients provide stable energy, are high in fiber, and support digestive health. Additionally, they’re an excellent source of legume-based protein.
This limited-ingredient recipe is free from artificial additives and based on good quality protein and legumes for a good digestive system. Each cup provides 370 Kcal for $4.00 per lb.
Salmon, Salmon Meal, Peas, Chickpeas, Lentils, Pea Protein, Canola Oil (Preserved With Mixed Tocopherols), Pea Starch, Natural Flavor, Dicalcium Phosphate, Flaxseed, Dl-Methionine, Salt, Choline Chloride, Vitamins (Vitamin E Supplement, Ascorbic Acid, Niacin Supplement, Vitamin A Supplement, Menadione Sodium Bisulfite Complex, Thiamine Mononitrate, D-Calcium Pantothenate, Riboflavin Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Folic Acid, Biotin), Minerals (Zinc Proteinate, Zinc Sulfate, Ferrous Sulfate, Iron Proteinate, Copper Sulfate, Copper Proteinate, Sodium Selenite, Manganese Sulfate, Manganese Proteinate, Calcium Iodate), Taurine, Citric Acid (Preservative), Mixed Tocopherols (Preservative), Rosemary Extract.
Benefits:
- Salmon, Salmon Meal: High-quality protein sources rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which support healthy skin, coat, and overall immune function.
- Peas, Chickpeas, Lentils, Pea Protein: Alternative carbohydrate sources that enhance digestive health and provide stable energy.
- Taurine: An essential amino acid for cats, critical for heart health, vision, and reproductive health.
- Dl-Methionine: An essential amino acid, important for urinary tract health.
Considerations:
- Menadione Sodium Bisulfite Complex: A synthetic form of Vitamin K, which may cause sensitivity in some cats.
| Crude Protein | 30.0% min |
|---|---|
| Crude Fat | 12.0% min |
| Crude Fiber | 4.5% max |
| Moisture | 10.0% max |
| Crude Protein | 33.33% |
| Crude Fat | 13.33% |
| Crude Fiber | 5% |
| Carbohydrates | 44.56% |
- Limited Ingredient Diet
- No artificial ingredients
- Rich with antioxidant fruits
- Some reviews found the recipe a bit dry
Best Dry: Farmina N&D Prime Chicken & Pomegranate Recipe Adult Cat Dry Food
SPECS
- Primary Protein Source: Chicken
- Food Sourcing: Italy, New Zealand
- Caloric Content: 412 Kcal/cup
- Price per oz: $6.37/lb
This Farmina formula has a high protein content of 47.83% on a dry matter basis, primarily sourced from chicken. Complemented with a significant fat content of 21.74%, derived from chicken fat and herring oil, which provides essential fatty acids that promote healthy skin and a glossy coat.
Instead of grains, this recipe uses alternative carbohydrates such as sweet potatoes and pea fiber, contributing to a carbohydrate content of 19.24% on a dry matter basis. These ingredients provide a rich source of energy, fiber, and essential vitamins that enhance digestive health and improve stool quality and overall gut health.
Farmina N&D Prime incorporates a variety of beneficial ingredients that support overall health. The primary dried fruits included like pomegranate, apple, and blueberry, are strong antioxidants that support the immune system. With a caloric content of 412 Kcal per cup, this food is priced at $6.37 per lb.
Boneless Chicken, Dehydrated Chicken, Sweet Potatoes, Chicken Fat, Dried Whole Eggs, Herring, Dehydrated Herring, Herring Oil, Pea Fiber, Dried Carrot, Suncured Alfalfa Meal, Inulin, Fructooligosaccharide, Yeast Extract, Dried Pomegranate, Dried Apple, Dried Spinach, Psyllium Seed Husk, Dried Sweet Orange, Dried Blueberry, Salt, Brewers Dried Yeast, Turmeric, Vitamin A Supplement, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Vitamin E Supplement, Ascorbic Acid, Niacin, Calcium Pantothenate, Riboflavin, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Thiamine Mononitrate, Biotin, Folic Acid, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Choline Chloride, Beta-Carotene, Zinc Methionine Hydroxy Analogue Chelate, Manganese Methionine Hydroxy Analogue Chelate, Ferrous Glycine, Copper Methionine Hydroxy Analogue Chelate, Dl-Methionine, Taurine, Aloe Vera Gel Concentrate, Green Tea Extract, Rosemary Extract, Mixed Tocopherols (A Preservative).
Benefits:
- Boneless Chicken, Dehydrated Chicken: High-quality protein sources that provide essential amino acids for muscle maintenance and growth.
- Sweet Potatoes: A source of carbohydrates that provide energy, fiber for digestive health, and vitamins like beta-carotene.
- Inulin, Fructooligosaccharide: Prebiotics that support gut health by promoting beneficial bacteria.
- Pea Fiber: Provides dietary fiber for improved digestion and stool quality.
Considerations:
Brewers Dried Yeast: Enhances flavor and provides additional B vitamins, but can cause sensitivities in some cats.
| Crude Protein | 44% min |
|---|---|
| Crude Fat | 20% min |
| Crude Fiber | 1.8% max |
| Moisture | 8% max |
| Crude Protein | 47.83% |
| Crude Fat | 21.74% |
| Crude Fiber | 1.96% |
| Carbohydrates | 19.24% |
- Many pet parents noted that cats found relief with this food
- Top-quality ingredients
- Cats seem to love it
- Expensive
Frequently Asked Questions
Is grain free food better for cats?
Grain-free cat food can be beneficial for some cats, particularly if they have allergies or sensitivities to grains, as it often contains more protein and fewer carbohydrates, aligning better with a cat’s natural dietary needs. However, it’s essential to choose a grain-free food that provides balanced nutrition, as some options may contain ingredients that are not ideal for cats.
Do vets recommend grain-free?
Some concerns have emerged about grain-free diets, particularly regarding their potential link to dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) in pets, which has led many vets to advise caution. It’s important to choose grain-free foods that meet AAFCO standards and are rich in taurine, carnitine, and omega-3 fatty acids.
The decision should be based on your cat’s health needs and any specific dietary sensitivities. Grain-free diets can be great for cats with grain allergies or sensitivities. However, choose a high-quality food that provides balanced nutrition, like the ones we listed in our article above. It’s best to select reputable brands and consult with your veterinarian to ensure the diet meets your cat’s specific health requirements.
