The right cat food for your feline should not only keep it full but also be a source of nutrients to keep your pet healthy. The food you choose for your feline impacts how it will go through its daily activities and if you fail to give your cats the nutrients that they require, they become more prone to allergies, infections, illnesses, and more.
Diet deficiency will predispose your cat to illness and you will find yourself visiting the vet now and then. A cat is an obligate carnivore, the majority of its diet should consist of proteins as they have a decreased ability to digest carbohydrates. The best canned cat food products contain higher levels of proteins and fats making them a great option.
If you are looking for the best canned cat food, we got your back. This guide includes some of the best canned cat food out there that provide balanced and wholesome nutrition. We have reviewed some of the best canned cat food to make the task much easier for you. Let us go through our top picks.
10 Best Canned Cat Food
1) Smalls Fresh Kills Fresh Minced Chicken
The Smalls Fresh Kills Fresh Minced Chicken is made of fresh human-grade ingredients that are grain-free. The minced-style recipe offers high proteins and low carbohydrate levels which is suitable for cats at all stages and ages. It has a high moisture content which provides hydration to your cat promoting a healthy gut system and a shiny coat.
The top ingredients are chicken thigh, breast and liver and they provide proteins while kale, green beans and peas are the only ingredients with carbohydrates but provide other useful nutrients. On delivery, the Smalls Fresh Kills Fresh Minced Chicken is not individually portioned out for your cat’s meals.
It however comes with detailed recommendations according to your cat’s calorie requirement. The Smalls Fresh Kills Fresh Minced Chicken meet the AAFCO requirements at all stages thus they contain a complete and balanced diet for your cat at all ages.
Features
- Minced-style recipe.
- Low carbohydrate levels.
- High protein levels.
- High moisture content.
- The protein ingredients include chicken breast, thigh and liver.
- Other ingredients are kale, green beans and peas that provide other useful nutrients.
- Contains a complete balanced diet for your cat at all stages.
- Comes with detailed recommendations on how to portion out the cat meals according to calorie requirements.
2) Ziwi Peak Wet Cat Food
Your pet needs a complete and balanced diet at all stages in life and Ziwi Peak Wet Cat Food is the cat food that offers that. It has up to 97% meat, organ, seafood and bones that have been 100% ethically sourced from New Zealand.
The food is free from antibiotics, added hormones, growth promotants, fillers, soy, rice, corn, wheat and rendered meals thus giving your pet just the simple abundance that nature offers.
This moisture-rich food promotes your cat’s urinary tract and Kidney health, healthy skin and coat, improved digestion joint health, mobility and weight maintenance.
The chunky loaf style of this cat food will entice your pet to eat more. It includes 7% and 3% tripe and green mussels respectively which have Chondroitin and Glucosamine to boost the joint health of your cat.
Features
- 100% ethically sourced ingredients
- Chunky loaf style to entice your cat.
- Gives a complete and balanced diet at all stages of life.
- It has 7% tripe and 3% green mussels that promote joint health.
- Rich in Moisture to keep your pup hydrated
- Free from antibiotics, added hormones, growth enhancers, fillers, soy, rice, corn, wheat and rendered meals.
- It has up to 97% meat, organ, seafood, and bones
3) HOUND & GATOS PET FOOD Canned Cat Food
The Hound & Gatos Cat Food gives you a range to choose from. These products come in single and multiple protein options depending on your cat’s needs and preferences.
The irresistible flavors are scrumptious to even the pickiest pets and offer nutrition to all breeds of cats regardless of age. They are made of human-pure quality wholesome meat alongside minerals and vitamins that will enable your cat to thrive.
These naturally low carbohydrate foods are consciously made to suit the carnivore’s needs. The food is free from meat by-products, soy, grains, glutens, artificial preservatives, artificial colors, artificial flavors, fillers, Carrageenan and rendered animal fats making it a healthy choice for your pet.
Made in industry-leading kitchens, the cat food is made with a commitment to creating nutritious formulations, research and development and very strict canning controls.
Features
- Offers a range to choose from.
- Single and multiple protein options.
- Tasty even for the pickiest of cats.
- Made of human- pure quality wholesome meat.
- Low starchy carbohydrate levels.
- Free from meat by-products, soy, grains, glutens, artificial preservatives, artificial colors, artificial flavors, fillers, carrageenan and rendered animal fats.
- The canning process is done with strict controls.
- Highly nutritious.
4) Weruva Classic Grain-Free Canned Cat Food
These pet luxurious foods have been inspired by three rescued cats Webster, Rudi and Vanessa hence the name Weruva. The non- blended formulas give ingredients their natural and recognizable texture.
It is made of high-quality deboned proteins with boneless, skinless white breast chicken, wild-caught salmon, juicy mackerel and supplemented with real pumpkins and vegetables giving your cat all the nutrients they require for healthy living.
The grain-free cat food comes in 4 different recipes put 3-ounce cans making it very practical in case your feline is picky or you are not sure what they prefer. The food comes in a box package and each box contains 3 cans of each of the four flavors; Lamb Burger-in, Chicken Frick ‘A Zee, Kitty Gone Wild, and Funk in the Trunk. The food is free from carrageenan, carbohydrate starch and grain making it a very healthy option for your kitty.
Features
- Non-blended formulas giving ingredients their natural and recognizable texture.
- Made with high quality deboned proteins.
- Supplemented with real pumpkins and vegetables.
- A box comes with 4 different recipes, three 3-ounce cans for each recipe.
- The food is free from carrageenan, carbohydrate starch and grain.
- It is tasty even for picky cats.
5) Nulo Canned Cat Food
The Nulo Canned Cat Food comes in 12 cans of 5.5 ounces each. It offers a range of 6 flavors in the case of a picky cat. With the name Nulo coming from ‘Nutrition’ and ‘love’, this cat food is made of 100% natural ingredients giving your cat a healthy living. The high protein content in the Nulo canned cat food gives your pet all the protein requirements that it needs for lean muscles and a healthy heart.
This canned food has an extra punch of vitamins, antioxidants, and minerals to boost the health of your cat. The food is made of high water content to ensure that your feline stays hydrated.
The low carbohydrates level ensures that your cat is not at risk of obesity and other heart problems. The Nulo foods have patented probiotics for the gut health of your pet and are also free from artificial preservatives, artificial flavors, grains and other additives.
Features
- Variety of flavors.
- Low carbohydrate levels.
- The foods have patented probiotics that are good for your cat’s gut health.
- Free from artificial preservatives, artificial flavors, grains and other additives.
- 100% natural ingredients.
- High protein content.
- The foods have vitamins, antioxidants, and minerals for the health of your cat.
6) Tiki Cat Wet Cat Food
The Tiki cat food is made of up to 95% protein meeting the protein requirements of your cat. The food is produced with 100% non-GMO ingredients with real fish, real meat, and real protein.
The high moisture content in the food gives your feline the supplemental hydration that it requires. It has a superior taste even for picky pets and has a variety from which you can choose from.
The food has 0-1% carbohydrate levels which are favorable for your carnivore. The food is grain-free and is suitable for cats of all ages and breeds. The canned Tiki Cat Wet food line combines shredded chicken and flaked fish which is very healthy for the fish.
The food is also free from artificial flavors, artificial preservatives, artificial colors and carrageenan making it a healthy choice for your feline.
Features
- Very low carbohydrate level of 0-1%.
- The food is grain-free.
- Suitable for cats of all breeds and ages.
- Free from artificial flavors, artificial preservatives, artificial colors and carrageenan
- High protein content.
- Has variety.
- High moisture content.
7) Instinct by Nature’s Variety Cat Food
The Instinct by Nature’s Variety Cat Foods is geared towards cats with sensitivities and allergies and is made of one protein and one vegetable ingredient. The cat food is made of raw products and is primarily made of animal protein sources. The food contains vitamins, minerals and amino acids to boost its nutritional value.
The low carbohydrate levels and high protein levels are good for your feline’s nutritional requirements. It contains a mix of animal meat and organs and relies on animal-sourced fat. Free from animal by-products, artificial flavors, colors and preservatives making it a healthy choice for your pet.
Features
- Low carbohydrate content
- High protein levels.
- Contains vitamins, minerals and amino acids
- Geared towards cats with food allergies and sensitivities.
- Made of raw products.
- Made of one protein and one vegetable ingredient.
- Relies on animal-sourced fat.
- Free from animal by-products, artificial flavors, colors, and preservatives.
8) Wellness CORE Cat Food
Wellness CORE Cat Food is grain-free and is fortified with vitamins and minerals making it a highly nutritious choice for your pet. The cat food is filled with antioxidants and high levels of proteins making it a healthy choice for your pet. The canned food is made with whole foods free from meat by-products carrageenan wheat, corn, soy artificial flavors, colors, and preservatives.
Another reason to choose Wellness Core cat food is the high quality and safe ingredients used in the formula. Your cat will enjoy its meals due to the tasty flavors for even picky pets. The canned cat food has a variety of flavors from which you can choose according to your cat’s preference.
Features
- Grain-free
- Fortified with minerals and vitamins.
- Filled with antioxidants
- Made of whole foods.
- Free from meat by-products carrageenan wheat, corn, soy artificial flavors, colors, and preservatives.
- Has a variety of flavors
9) Dr. Elsey’s Cleanprotein Cat Food
Inspired by high levels of proteins found naturally in animal sources, Dr. Elsey’s Cleanprotein Cat Food has high protein levels to encourage a healthy body mass of your adult cat.
The recipe is non-GMO, free of grains, gluten, fillers, artificial flavors, colors, and preservatives. The use of natural and high-quality ingredients make Dr. Elsey’s diet the best canned cat food.
The high protein level insinuates that your cat will stay fuller for longer. The primary ingredients are high-quality meat and fish, the highest biological value proteins available, making it an appropriate choice for your carnivore.
The low carbohydrate levels and supplementation of the food with vitamins and minerals such as taurine and omega 3 fatty acids make it a nutrient-filled choice for your cat.
The ingredients have no-to-low oxalate to help in the prevention of bladder stones and calcium oxalate crystals in your cat. Feeding your pup the food promotes a healthy and active lifestyle.
Features
- Low carbohydrate levels.
- High protein levels.
- Non- GMO.
- Free from gluten, grains, fillers artificial flavors, colors and preservatives
- Supplemented with vitamins and minerals.
- Ingredients have no-low-oxalate to prevent bladder stones.
10) Authority Chicken Entrée Adult Paté
This cat food is AAFCO approved meaning it provides a complete and balanced diet for the maintenance of cats’ health. As the best canned cat food, Authority Chicken & Liver Entree Kitten Pate has a mouth-watering flavor irresistible by your kitty.
The main ingredients are real chicken, chicken broth and chicken liver that are responsible for the high protein levels and added moisture for the hydration of your cat.
The food is packed with proteins to promote a healthy heart and helps in maintaining strong and lean muscles. It has an irresistible taste that even picky cats will enjoy eating. The food has zero artificial colors, flavors and preservatives which makes it healthy for your pet’s consumption.
Taurine and amino acid contained in the food boosts its nutritional value. Taurine is particularly important for the growing kitten. The omega-3 and 6 fatty acids nourish the cat and give it an extra shine on its coat. In addition to the standard nutrients, this cat food contains some brewer’s dried yeast which is a source of vitamin B.
Features
- High protein food.
- Zero artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives
- Contains taurine for your cat’s health.
- Formulated with Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids for extra nourishment.
- Contains vitamin B from brewer’s dried yeast.
- Moist hence boosting your cat’s hydration.
- Designed for kittens
Best Canned Cat Food Buying Guide & FAQs
Factors to Consider when Choosing Best Canned Cat Food
Age of your Cat
Depending on how old your cat is, you will choose the cat food depending on its different nutritional requirements. There are canned foods for kittens, adult cats and seniors and they are formulated accordingly.
Flavor
Much as you cannot taste the cat food, look for appetizing flavor combinations that you can bet that your cat will enjoy eating. If you notice that your cat has a preference for certain meats, you might opt to choose one with that meat first.
Nutritional Value
When choosing canned foods for your cat you should look out for ones that will provide your cat with the nutritional needs that they require. Real meat is a key component in achieving your feline’s nutritional requirements but also look out for other nutrients such as calcium, phosphorous, vitamin D. Besides, select canned foods formulated with natural whole ingredients such as fruits, vegetables and quality carbohydrates.
Portion Size
Some cats are small eaters while others eat more. For cats that do not eat much, get products with smaller portions to avoid the food going to waste while for big eaters, get foods with larger portions to keep your pet full.
What Canned Food is Made for
While choosing the cat food for your pet, you should consider if there is an option made for your cat’s specific need. There are plenty of food products that aim at certain health concerns. There are canned foods specifically made for boosting immunity, sensitive stomach and many other issues that you might need to be tackled for your cat.
Related Post: Best Semi-Moist Cat Food
Advantages of Best Canned Food Cat Food
- Canned foods are tastier – Research done on cat food indicates that canned cat foods taste better as they have real meat moisture making an enjoyable meal for your feline friend.
- They are protein-rich – Canned foods compared to dried food are rich in protein and cats being carnivores, should consume more proteins. The canned food will help the cat grow, generate useful amino acids, and regulate normal bodily functions for healthy living.
- A better substitute for dry foods- Canned food have up to 70% water which is a healthy choice for your cat compared to dried foods.
- Goes easy on carbohydrates- Canned food generally contains lower levels of carbohydrates which is essential for meeting the cat’s nutritional requirements.
How to Shop for the Best Canned Cat Food
Your kitty needs you. One way of showing your affection to your cat is getting the right food. Most pet owners think that dogs feed like smaller dogs which is not the case. Cats are strict carnivores and require food uniquely designed for them. When buying the best canned cat food, pay attention to the label. The right food should be complete and balanced.
Besides, it should suit the life-stage of your cat. Before picking a particular food, look for its nutritional adequacy from the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO). The analysis by AAFCO will help you determine whether the food provides balanced nutrition to your kitty.
When choosing the best canned cat food, ensure the meat is the key ingredient. If meat is listed as the first ingredient, it means the food has enough proteins to furnish the kitty with essential amino acids and fatty acids. Although cats are carnivores, they cannot thrive on meat alone. Your feline needs other nutrients such as calcium, vitamins and phosphorus.
If the best canned cat food you settle for is formulated with natural ingredients such as fruits, vegetables and quality carbohydrates like oats, rice, and potatoes, you are a great pet parent. These ingredients supply the nutrients essential for holistic growth.
If you come across foods with ingredients that are more about marketing than nutrition, avoid them. Whatever is appealing to you might not be of any benefit to your kitty. Besides some ingredients like lentils may make a sentiment about the food but they have not been studied well in cats.
Related Post: Best Dry Cat Foods.
Which Cat Food Brand is The Healthiest?
In your quest for the best canned cat food, you will come across several brands. All these brands claim to be the best for your kitty and settling on one becomes a challenge. To help you choose a respected brand, we have compiled the three best cat foods that are nutritionally complete for your feline.
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BLUE Wilderness Indoor Chicken Dry Cat Food
We recommend Blue Buffalo Wilderness Indoor Dry Cat Food is our favorite dry cat food. This mouth-watering food is packed full of proteins. Always remember that the first ingredient for cats is proteins from animal sources.
The cat food is prepared through the cold-formed process preserving all the nutrients needed by our pups. You can rest assured that your cat is eating wholesomely.
Another reason why Blue’s Cat Food is the best-loved cat food is its all-natural formulation. All the ingredients used in the recipe are real. There are no by-products, artificial flavors, preservatives, and colors.
You can have the peace of mind that your best friend is well-nourished. Besides, the cat food is grain-free to promote a healthy digestive system. A perfect blend of high-quality and appetizing ingredients makes Blue Buffalo Wilderness Indoor Chicken the best dry cat food.
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Hill Science Diet Indoor Dry Cat Food
Although tailored for indoor cats, outdoor cats love Hill Science Dry Cat Food. The food is an absolute contender for the best cat food. Hill’s Science Dry Cat Food is formulated with premium natural ingredients to provide balanced nutrition to your feline.
More than 220 veterinarians, scientists, and nutritionists devoted their time and energy to come up with a wholesome recipe to give your cat the best diet. The food has zero preservatives, artificial flavors, or those low-quality by-products.
When you switch to this cat food, you will notice improvements in your cat’s coat courtesy of the essential fatty acids added in the recipe. The health benefits of this brand are unrivaled. Even the most expensive brands cannot equal the Hill Science benefits.
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Purina Cat Chow Naturals Indoor Dry Cat Food
There is a reason why Purina’s Cat Chow Naturals is the best-selling dry cat food. Pet owners heap praise on this food because of its numerous health benefits. The cat food has plenty of natural fiber that aids in controlling hairballs.
It is prepared free of artificial flavors and preservatives. The formula uses real meat to provide the best nutrition to your kitty. Cats being carnivores will love munching this food.
The other notable attribute of this food is the low caloric density. Your fur baby feels full after consuming fewer calories and so Purina Cat Chow Naturals is ideal for weight control.
Purina is a household name in the cat community so you can rest assured the food is safe and your cat’s health isn’t jeopardized. Purina products come in a variety of formulas each created for cats of different ages, weights, and ranges. Cat loves Purina Cat Food.
Frequently Asked Questions about Best Canned Cat Food
Q: What is the food that cats love the most?
Cats are obligate carnivores. Their gut system is meant and designed to digest foods with high protein levels and they will enjoy meaty foods and fish. Foods that are rich in protein and a few other nutrients such as vitamins and minerals will help your cat in meeting its nutritional requirements and live healthily.
Q: What ingredients should you avoid in canned cat food?
Some ingredients are harmful to your cat’s health and you should avoid them at all costs. They include; Corn and wheat gluten, meat and grain meals and by-products (Butylated Hydroxyanisole), BHT (Butylated Hydroxytoluene), Ethoxyquin, Food Dyes (Blue 2, Red 40, Yellow 5 and 6, 4-MIE), PG (Propylene Glycol), Rendered fat. Also, avoid any other ingredient that may have allergens.
Conclusion
Which best canned cat food from today’s post will try first? Your cat needs a solid choice. Best cat canned foods are a good choice for your feline. Before you purchase you should check the ingredients and choose what suits your pet best.
Feeding your cat, the right food will promote a healthy and active lifestyle. Proper nutrition also benefits the pet parents, a healthy and happy cat has numerous benefits to the owner.