Top 10 Cat Food Recommendations for 2025: Choose the Best Nutrition for Your Cat

Cats are 100% pure carnivores: scientific evidence and dietary advice

Did you know that cats are 100% pure carnivores! This is completely different from humans or dogs. Many people often make the mistake of feeding cats with human dietary concepts. Let me use the actual experience of my two pets, Jiongzhi and Mihua, to tell you what cats really need!

Cats' carnivorous nature and physiological characteristics

Tooth Structure: Cats have sharp teeth designed for tearing meat, not for chewing grains or plant foods.
Digestive system: Cats' intestines are much shorter than those of humans and dogs. They are specially adapted to digest high-protein, high-fat animal foods and have difficulty effectively breaking down large amounts of carbohydrates.
Enzyme deficiency: Cats lack amylase in their saliva and pancreas and cannot effectively break down starchy carbohydrates.

Very high protein requirements

Cats' protein requirement is about twice that of dogs, and they must get enough animal protein from their food. Insufficient protein can lead to muscle loss, decreased immunity and overall health deterioration. Old cats are especially prone to muscle atrophy. Low-quality or protein-deficient feed will make cats feel constantly hungry, affecting their appetite and health.

Risks of Carbohydrate Intake

Too much carbohydrates not only fail to provide cats with effective energy, but also increase the risk of obesity and diabetes. Due to the lack of amylase, cats cannot fully digest starch. Excessive intake can cause gastrointestinal discomfort or even diarrhea.
Examples: Mihua had diarrhea for two days after stealing human noodles, and Jiongzhi gained weight rapidly after eating high-carb feed.

Importance of hydration

Cats are naturally not fond of drinking water, which is a habit inherited from their desert ancestors. Drinking less water is an important cause of urinary tract diseases (such as cystitis and urinary stones). Effective ways to increase the amount of water they drink include: using a mobile water dispenser, adding warm water to feed, and placing a few more water bowls at home.
Example: After suffering from cystitis, Jiong Zhi increased his water intake and his health condition improved.

Practical tips for choosing cat food

The first thing on the ingredient list must be meat (such as chicken, beef), and vague labels such as "meat meal" and "meat by-products" should be avoided. The protein content is recommended to be above 35%, with moderate fat and carbohydrates as low as 20%. Choose a suitable formula based on the age and health of the cat: kittens need high protein and high calories, old cats need a low-phosphorus formula to protect the kidneys, and those with special health needs should choose special prescription feed.

Feeding experience sharing

After Mihua started eating grain-free feed with a high meat content, his fur became brighter and his activity improved. After Jiongzhi switched to a special formula for senior cats, his weight was well controlled and his joints became more flexible. Instead of spending money on nutritional supplements, it is better to switch to high-quality staple food feed first, which will have a more obvious effect.

Common Types of Cat Food

Classification by type

Dry feed (dry food)
This is the most common type of feed, with low water content (about 10%), easy to store, affordable, and also helps clean cats' teeth. However, because of the low water content, cats need to supplement with enough water.
Wet feed (canned food, fresh food packs)
Wet feed has a high water content (about 70-80%), good palatability, can help cats replenish water, and is especially suitable for cats who don't like to drink water. However, it is more expensive and has a short shelf life after opening.
Semi-wet feed <br /> It is between dry food and wet food, with a water content of about 25~35%. This type of feed has the aroma of wet food and the convenience of dry food, but it is less common in the market.
Frozen/refrigerated raw food <br /> Mainly restores the diet of cats in the wild, rich in high-quality protein and natural enzymes. However, because it is raw food, it needs to be properly stored and handled to avoid bacterial contamination.
Homemade fresh food <br /> Owners can prepare and cook the ingredients themselves and control the source and quality of the ingredients, but they must pay special attention to nutritional balance. It is recommended to consult a veterinarian or nutritionist to assist in formula design.

Classification by function

Cat food for all ages <br /> It is claimed to be suitable for cats of all ages, suitable for healthy cats without special needs.

Kitten Food <br /> Specially designed for growing kittens, it contains high levels of protein, fat and calcium to help with bone and organ development.

Adult Cat Food <br /> Provides balanced nutrition for adult cats to help maintain weight and overall health.

Senior Cat Food <br /> The formula is reduced in calories, has added joint and kidney health ingredients, and has a texture that is easier to chew.

Weight Control Food <br /> Designed for cats who are overweight or need to control their calorie intake, it has a lower calorie density.

Prescription feed <br /> It needs to be diagnosed by a veterinarian before consumption. It is a feed formulated for special needs such as kidney disease, urinary tract disease, allergies, diabetes, etc.

How to choose suitable cat food?

Choosing cat food is not just about picking something with a pretty package! Here are our selection tips:

• Ingredients first: A good feed will put meat first in the ingredient list, not grains or by-products
• Protein content: Cats are natural carnivores, so it is recommended to choose feed with more than 30% protein.
• Grain-free vs. grain-containing: Grain-free is not necessarily the best, it depends on the individual needs of the cat
• Price: Price is definitely one of the factors that cat owners consider.

1. Orijen

Feed Information

Origin: Canada Type: All-age grain-free dry food Main ingredients: Fresh chicken (18%), turkey (7%), chicken liver (6%), whole mackerel (6%)
Nutritional ingredients: crude protein 40%, crude fat 20%, crude fiber 3%, moisture 10%, ash 8%, Omega-3 1%, Omega-6 3.1%, calcium 1.4%, phosphorus 1.1%, taurine 0.2%, glucosamine 1200mg/kg, metabolizable energy 416kcal/100g, specially added freeze-dried liver coating and pumpkin seeds.
Grain or Not: Grain Free Palatability: ★★★★★ (Mika loves it, Jiongzhi reluctantly accepts it)
Price: 5.4KG 2900 yuan

Jiongzhi & Mihua test:

Mihua loves it! He meows like crazy when he smells it, while Jiongzhi looks disgusted (maybe it’s too healthy?)
Suitable for: cat lovers who pursue top quality, cats who are picky but love meat

Product link: Go now

2. Royal Canin

Feed Information

Origin: France Type: Special needs dry food Main ingredients: chicken meal, rice, corn, animal fat Nutritional composition: crude protein 33%, crude fat 13%, crude fiber 5%, moisture 6.5%, ash 6.6%, calcium 0.9%, phosphorus 0.8%, magnesium 0.08%, taurine 0.18%, metabolizable energy 375kcal/100g, specially added low magnesium formula and urine acidifier.
Grain or not: Contains grains Palatability: ★★★☆☆ (Jiongzhi’s urinary tract formula is highly accepted, but rice flower doesn’t like it)
Price: 1.5KG 899 yuan

Jiongzhi & Mihua test:

Jiongzhi enjoyed the urinary tract formula, but Mihua was not interested. Suitable for: cats with special health needs, such as Persian cats, urinary tract health care, etc.

Product link: Go now

3. Hill's

Feed Information

Origin: United States Type: Prescription/General Dry Food Main Ingredients: Chicken Meal, Corn Starch, Chicken Liver Extract Nutritional Ingredients: Crude Protein 31%, Crude Fat 15%, Crude Fiber 7.5%, Moisture 8%, Ash 5.4%, Calcium 0.85%, Phosphorus 0.62%, Taurine 0.19%, L-Carnitine 523mg/kg, Metabolizable Energy 366kcal/100g, Specially Added Antioxidant Complex and Joint Health Formula. Grain or Not: Partially Contains Grain Palatability: ★★★★☆ (Old Cat Formula, Jiong Zhi Eats Well)
Price: 7.03KG 2686 yuan

Jiongzhi & Mihua test:

The old cat formula is very helpful for Jiongzhi's joints, and he walks more lightly!
Suitable for: cats with kidney and digestive problems

Product link: Go now

4.Taste of the Wild

Feed Information

Origin: United States Type: Grain-free dry food Main ingredients: Bison (15%), venison (10%), chickpeas, peas Nutritional composition: Crude protein 42%, crude fat 18%, crude fiber 3%, moisture 10%, ash 7.9%, Omega-3 0.3%, Omega-6 2.8%, Calcium 1.9%, Phosphorus 1.3%, Taurine 0.15%, Metabolizable energy 390kcal/100g, specially added probiotics and cranberry extract.
Grain or Not: Grain Free Palatability: ★★★★★ (Mix Flower’s favorite venison flavor)
Price: 6.6KG2160 yuan

Jiongzhi & Mihua test:

Rice Krispie Test: The venison recipe drives the rice krispie fans crazy, and they even lick the bowl clean!
Suitable for: cats who are allergic to or tired of chicken, beef, and fish

Product link: Go now

5. Farmina

Feed Information

Origin: Italy Type: Hypoallergenic grain-free dry food Main ingredients: Dehydrated chicken (30%), sweet potato, dehydrated herring (15%)
Nutritional ingredients: crude protein 44%, crude fat 20%, crude fiber 1.8%, moisture 9%, ash 7.9%, Omega-3 0.9%, Omega-6 3.3%, calcium 1.6%, phosphorus 1.3%, taurine 0.25%, metabolizable energy 420kcal/100g, specially added single animal protein source and natural antioxidants.
Grain content: Grain free Palatability: ★★★★☆ (Both owners accept)
Price: about 1114 yuan per 1.5kg

Jiongzhi & Mihua test:

Jiongzhi's actual test: The hypoallergenic formula has greatly improved Jiongzhi's skin problems. Suitable for cats with sensitive stomachs or skin allergies

Product link: Go now

6. Nutram

Feed Information

Origin: Canada Type: Grain-free dry food Main ingredients: Trout (15%), herring meal (12%), peas Nutritional ingredients: crude protein 36%, crude fat 19%, crude fiber 5.5%, moisture 10%, ash 7.5%, Omega-3 0.4%, Omega-6 2.6%, calcium 1%, phosphorus 0.85%, taurine 0.2%, metabolizable energy 375kcal/100g, specially added cold-pressed virgin coconut oil and curcumin. Grain: Grain-free Palatability: ★★★☆☆ (Rice popcorn OK, but I'm not interested)
Price: 2099 yuan per 5.4KG

Jiongzhi & Mihua test:

Rice Krispie Test: T22 grain-free series rice krispie is very affordable, and the poop shape is perfect. Suitable for: cat lovers with limited budget but want to give cats grain-free food

Product link: Go now

7. Mobby

Feed Information

Origin: Taiwan Type: Indoor cat dry food Main ingredients: chicken meal, potato, pea protein Nutritional composition: crude protein 32%, crude fat 14%, crude fiber 6%, moisture 11%, ash 8%, Omega-3 0.4%, Omega-6 2.5%, calcium 0.7%, phosphorus 0.5%, taurine 0.15%, metabolizable energy 350kcal/100g, specially added dietary fiber complex and activated carbon.
Grain: Contains grains Palatability: ★★★☆☆ (Two people could barely eat it)
Price: 689 yuan per 3kg

Jiongzhi & Mihua test:

Jiongzhi's real test: Indoor cat formula helps Jiongzhi control his weight, but he says he's unhappy Suitable for: General house cats with limited budgets

Product link: Go now

8. GOMO

Feed Information

Origin: Taiwan Type: Hairball Control Dry Food Main Ingredients: Chicken, Brown Rice, Oats, Yucca Extract Nutritional Information: Crude Protein 32%, Crude Fat 16%, Crude Fiber 5%, Moisture 9%, Ash 7.8%, Omega-3 0.55%, Omega-6 2.6%, Calcium 0.85%, Phosphorus 0.65%, Taurine 0.16%, Metabolizable Energy 370kcal/100g, Specially Added Three-Dimensional Hairball Control System.
Grain or not: Grain-free Palatability: ★★★★☆ (I like small grains)
Price: about 799 yuan per 1.8kg

Jiongzhi & Mihua test:

Rice Flower Test: The hairball control effect is good, and the number of times Rice Flower spits out hair is reduced. Suitable for: long-haired cats or cats with hairball problems. Price: about 1,000 yuan per 1.5kg. Jiongzhi & Rice Flower Test:
Jiongzhi's actual test: Jiongzhi loves double-mixed freeze-dried food, but he is too fat to eat too much QQ
Suitable for: cat lovers who want to pamper their cats occasionally

Product link: Go now

9. Acana

Feed Information

Origin: Canada Type: Grain-free, high protein Main ingredients: Fresh chicken (15%), turkey (10%), chicken liver (5%)
Nutritional components: crude protein 37%, crude fat 18%, crude fiber 3%, moisture 10%, ash 7%, Omega-3 0.8%, Omega-6 2.7%, calcium 1.5%, phosphorus 1.1%, magnesium 0.1%, taurine 0.15%, metabolizable energy 395kcal/100g.
Palatability: ★★★★☆ (85% acceptance of rice flower, Jiongzhi will eat it but not too keen)
Price: 1.8KG 1044 yuan

Jiongzhi & Mihua test:

Jiongzhi's test: weight maintained, poop status normal Mihua's test: fur color maintained bright, appetite stable Suitable for: parents with limited budget but pursuing high quality

Product link: Go now

10. Wellness CORE

Feed Information

Origin: United States Type: Grain-free, high fiber Main ingredients: Boneless turkey (15%), chicken meal (12%), peas Nutritional information: Crude protein 38%, crude fat 12%, crude fiber 4%, water 11%, calcium 1.7%, phosphorus 1.2%, magnesium 0.14%, taurine 0.1%, Omega-6 2.25%, Omega-3 0.5%, L-carnitine 100mg/kg, glucosamine 400mg/kg, chondroitin 300mg/kg, calories 349kcal/100g
Palatability: ★★★☆☆ (Rice Flower loves it, but Jiongzhi needs 3 days to adapt)
Price: 2.27KG 1400 yuan

Jiongzhi & Mihua test:

Jiongzhi's test results: weight slightly decreased by 0.1kg, hairball problem improved Mihua's test results: vitality increased, fur color brighter Suitable for: indoor cats with low activity levels, cats with hairball problems

Product link: Go now The above prices may vary due to MOMO activities

FAQ

Q: Is grain-free feed really better?
A: Not necessarily! Although grain-free food can reduce the risk of allergies, some cats actually need the fiber in grains. For example, Jiongzhi is prone to constipation when eating grain-free food, but there is no problem with rice krispie food.

Q: What should I do if my cat has diarrhea when changing feed?
A: You must change slowly! We recommend a 7-day diet change method:
Day 1-2: 75% old feed + 25% new feed
Day 3-4: 50% each
Day 5-6: 25% old + 75% new
Day 7: Complete Transformation

Q: Can old cat food and kitten food be mixed together?
A: It’s best not to! A 10-year-old like Jiongzhi needs a low-phosphorus formula to protect his kidneys, while a little kid like Mihua needs a high-calorie formula. Eating them together may lead to nutritional imbalance!

Conclusion: Finding the Best Food for Your Cat

After seeing so many brands, are you a little dazzled? In fact, the most important thing in choosing feed is "suitability"! Old fat cats like our Jiongzhi need low fat and high fiber, while young kittens like Mihua need high protein. It really is a one-size-fits-all cat!
Finally, I would like to give you some suggestions: choose according to the age and health status of your cat, you can buy small packages to try first, change the feed gradually, and be sure to consult a veterinarian if you have any questions!

(This article is owned by Darrick, and reproduction of pictures and texts is prohibited)