Which cat food is best: TOP rating 2022 by quality of composition + reviews from veterinarians

Positive and negative sides

Usually, having brought home a small miracle, the owner gives preference to food prepared independently, thinking that the pet will receive more benefit from it.

But what is the advantage of ready-made food:

Saving your time. Imagine how many hours you waste by constantly cooking at the stove;
Balance and nutrients. It doesn’t matter how old your pet is, he will receive all the necessary substances from ready-made food, and in the right proportions and dosages. Due to vitamins and healthy supplements, animals normalize digestion and are less at risk of getting sick;
Benefit from the purchase. It's a double-edged question. If the food is premium, then self-prepared food will be cheaper;
Taking care of your teeth. Many foods help in the fight against caries and do not harm the teeth in any way.

There are always negative points:

If the food is of low quality or budget, the pet will quickly get used to it.
Such food is very moist, which is detrimental to health.

Some foods do not fight caries, but form it and tartar.

Rating of the best dry food for kittens

From the author: almost all food, even high-end ones, contain rice or potatoes, and sometimes both, as a carbohydrate component. In general, this is not so bad, especially when the manufacturer specifies that it is yam (sweet potato), whole brown or white rice. True, the use of the latter is preferable, and the best feeds add vegetables as carbohydrates. Cereals, such as corn or wheat gluten, flour from these products, etc., are highly not recommended for cats and kittens. should alert the owner.

List of the best solid foods for pets up to a year old (you can click on the photo of the composition to enlarge it):

Name	Description, composition on packaging, granules
Orijen Cat & Kitten	Made in Canada. Considered the best holistic practitioner. There are no grains, potatoes, or rice. 85% are sources of protein, 15% are carbohydrates. The first ones used are fresh chicken, turkey, fish, and offal. The second are red and green lentils, green and yellow peas, chickpeas, beans, whole navy beans, pumpkin, etc. Calorie content: 416 kcal per 100 g. Feed costs from 800 to 1500 rubles. per kg depending on packaging.
Applaws Kitten Chicken Grain Free	Made in the UK. The manufacturer lists potatoes in third place in the composition, but we still put this food in second place, since the first places indicate 62% chicken meat and 17% minced chicken meat (note, not minced chicken, which could mean that there is a lot of skin there). Calorie content: 380 kcal per 100 g. The food has a fairly reasonable price; it costs almost twice as much as Orijen, namely about 420 rubles. per kg when purchasing the largest package.
Meowing Heads Smitten Kitten for kittens with chicken and rice	Another British product. Has earned popularity among breeders of elite cat breeds. Contains 70% chicken, fish and eggs, brown rice, oats. Calorie content: 408 Kcal per 100 g. The food contains no additives that can provoke an allergic reaction (corn, dyes, etc.). The price of the products is high, but the quality matches it, namely about 950-1000 rubles. per kg.
Canagan Free-Run Chicken, Scottish Salmon, Country Game Canagan Free-Run Chicken Canagan Scottish Salmon Canagan Country Game	The food has not yet received great popularity, because... British manufacturer has recently entered the market. There is no special line for kittens because the diet is suitable for all ages. There are no grains in the composition, they are replaced by potatoes. It is worth noting that if potatoes or sweet potatoes (sweet new ones) are among the first 5 ingredients, as in this food, it is believed that the manufacturer is using it more as a cheap filler rather than a source of fiber that kittens need. However, the rest of the food composition is not bad. Here are the first components of the chicken flavor: chicken meal occupies 35.5%, fresh boneless chicken fillet 25%, followed by sweet potatoes and potatoes, 4.2% chicken fat, 4% eggs, 2.3% chicken broth, 1. 2% salmon oil, minerals, vitamins, etc. The feed is 90% digestible, thanks to this there will be a minimal amount of excrement. Calorie content is not indicated by the manufacturer. It is more profitable to take large packages weighing 4 kg, then the food will cost from 850 to 950 rubles. per kg, otherwise it will cost more than 1000 rubles. Scottish Salmon granules Country Game granules
Grandorf Lamb & Rice Kitten	Country of origin: Belgium. There is only one type available for kittens. The products contain a large amount of proteins, are hypoallergenic, strengthen the immune system, and relieve problems with hair and teeth. Unfortunately, the manufacturer does not specify the percentage of protein components. But dehydrated lamb and turkey come in first and second place, and whole white rice comes in third. Calorie content: 449 kcal per 100 g. When purchasing a two-kilogram package, a kg of feed will cost 750 rubles.
Pronature Holistic Kitten Chicken & Sweet Potato	Feed made in Canada. Instead of wheat, it contains rice and sweet potatoes. At the beginning are whole and dehydrated chicken, 19% each, chicken fat and herring flour. Calorie content: 424 kcal per 100 g. A kg of feed when purchasing the largest package will cost from 700 to 750 rubles.
Farmina N&D Kitten Chicken & Pomegranate Grain Free	The food is produced in Italy and Serbia. It consists of 70% protein, and 30% vegetables and fruits. In third place in the composition is potatoes after 30% fresh boneless chicken and 28% dehydrated. Product absorption occurs at 80-90%. Calorie content: 393 kcal per 100 g. Feed per kg when buying a large package will cost from 600 to 800 rubles, if you buy a small one, 1.5 kg, then 1000 rubles.
1st Choice Kitten Healthy Start Chicken	The food is produced in Canada. In third place in the composition is rice, and the manufacturer does not specify which one, which makes us wary. But in any case, it is better than cereals. In first and second place are 17% fresh chicken and the same amount of flour from this bird. Calorie content: 376.2 kcal per 100 g. Buying a 5 kg package of food will cost about 630 rubles. per kg.
Fitmin Cat Purity Kitten	Czech manufacturer. There are some questions about the composition, the meat is indicated at the beginning, of which 44% chicken, 19% pork liver, 8% duck, 5.6% fish, 1.7% pork and beef. It is not clear what kind of meat takes up another 21.7%. Next comes chicken fat. Farm potatoes and green peas are used as the main carbohydrates. The composition includes substances that eliminate the unpleasant odor of excrement. Calorie content: 430 kcal per 100 g. The food costs 580 rubles. per kg when purchasing a package of 10 kg. 850-1000 rubles if you buy a small one.
Brit Care Crazy I'm Kitten	Manufacturer from the Czech Republic. The ingredients include rice and rice bran in third and fifth place respectively. It is a pity that the manufacturer does not specify what kind of rice is used. In first place are high-quality sources of protein, 25% dehydrated chicken and 22% fillet, in fourth place is chicken fat. In general, the food is quite suitable for feeding kittens. But one of the reviews that we analyzed indicated that, judging by the taste, the granules contain corn, which the manufacturer does not mention. Believe it or not, it's up to you. You can try the food and then watch your pet’s reaction. It is also worth considering that this food is not suitable for all animals. Some pets refuse it and lose weight because of this. Therefore, before completely switching to it, you need to test it for a few weeks first. This composition is unpopular with many breeders due to its low taste and low nutritional value. Calorie content: 440 kcal per 100 g. The food is not very expensive, from 400-450 rubles. per kg when purchasing a package of 7 kg. Read also: Useful recommendations for choosing bones for an adult dog and a puppy
Karmy Kitten Turkey	Not a bad composition for premium food. These are domestic products. The range is constantly expanding, which indicates its demand. The composition is well balanced, containing seaweed and vitamin E. There are also elements that block the unpleasant odor of feces. 41% is turkey meat, whole white and brown rice are used as carbohydrates. There is a lack of some macro- and microelements necessary for each kitten individually. Therefore, the veterinarian may prescribe additional vitamin and mineral complexes. The food has a mild aroma, which makes storage easy. But many people talk about the inconvenience of packaging. Calorie content: 408 kcal per 100 g. The food will cost only 380 rubles. per kg when purchasing a package of 10 kg. But even if you buy a small one, 1.5 kg, it will cost from 500 to 550 rubles, which is quite acceptable.
Probalance Kitten 1st Diet	We will put this food in last place in our rating. Overall, for a premium product its composition is not that bad. In any case, it is much better than Royal Canin, which we will talk about below. The food is produced by a Danish company. There are also factories in Russia. In first place with 32% poultry meat, followed by rice, barley, beet pulp, oats, and peas. There are a lot of carbohydrates, but they are not the worst. So, barley is the best of all grains in finished feed, of course, we could do without it, but its use is preferable to wheat, corn, rye and even oats. Beet pulp is a good source of fiber, oats, as we have already said, are better than other grains, and peas are also a good ingredient. However, 32% of the bird is not enough for a growing kitten, and it is not specified what kind of bird it is, and it is also not clear what kind of rice is used. So consult your veterinarian before switching your kitten to this food. Calorie content: 385 kcal per 100 g. The price of food is not high at all, a kg will cost only 185 rubles. when purchasing a large package.

You should not skimp on pet food. Especially on food for kittens, whose bodies are still developing. The health of the animal depends on a properly selected diet. In addition, expensive food is more nutritious; less quantity is needed to keep your pet satisfied. Along with the dry diet, you can also give canned food for kittens.

What classes are feed divided into?

Economy Most often these foods are purchased, the reason for this is the low price and great advertising promotion. You shouldn’t expect any benefits or vitamins from them, the products are unnatural, waste, soy proteins.

But the smell, flavors and harmful additives win the love of pets. Also, when reading the ingredients, avoid allergens.

Do not ruin the health of your pets and buy food from these brands:

Whiskas,
Darling,
Felix,
Purina One,
Perfect Fit
Kitikat,
Sheba.

Premium and super-premium

The content of meat, grains, and proteins is much higher than in economy class feed. And the amount of soy, grains, and by-products is kept to a minimum.

Of course, super-premium cat food is better in composition, and if possible, you should give preference to them and you won’t have to worry about your pet’s health.

Premium foods: Brit Premium, Probalance, Ontario, Nero Gold, 4 Paws Club, Hill's, Happy Cat.
Super premium food: Brit Care, Monge BWild, Summit, Brooksfield, Optimeal, Leonardo, Applaws, Bozita, Bosch, Organix, Pronature Original, Gina, Arden Grange, 1st Choice.

When choosing food, you should consult with your veterinarian; some foods containing large amounts of meat may have a bad effect on your pet’s gastrointestinal tract.

Types and classes of dry dog food

People who are far from the world of dog breeding believe that dry food is simply an edible collection of various figures. In fact, this product is divided into three groups.

Standard food. This product is purchased for daily dog nutrition. The composition and nutritional content depend on the age and lifestyle of your pet.
Medicinal food for dogs. This product is used as a course of treatment either for prevention or for the treatment of emerging disease. As a rule, such a line of food is found in manufacturers specializing in elite products. Independent purchase is highly undesirable (only on the recommendation of a veterinarian). You should also pay close attention to the instructions. Portion sizes and meal times should be as indicated.
Specialized food. This product is used to solve specific problems. For example, the pet is overweight, prone to diseases of a certain nature, allergies. Also, a similar group of food is purchased for sterilized dogs and those pets who, due to certain circumstances, spend too little time outside the apartment walls.

If we take the class of dry food used as a criterion, then three groups can also be distinguished. The difference between them is not only in price, but also in manufacturing technology, composition, and quality standards.

Economy class. The most popular and affordable group of feeds. It is made from the remains of various products. The main disadvantage is the lack of natural meat (only meat and bone meal) and many other components important for the life of the pet. Basically, such food is made from plant substitutes and ballast that is useless from the point of view of vitamins. Of course, such food will completely satisfy the dog’s hunger, but it will not gain anything for the body.
Premium class. This group of feeds is much higher in terms of price-quality ratio. It contains components of animal origin and a tiny amount of useless ballast. As a percentage, the share of meat and meat by-products is approximately 30%. The main disadvantage of this group of feeds is that some manufacturers add a flavor enhancer to the composition. It will not cause much harm to an adult, but it is better not to give such food to puppies.
Super premium class. Elite category of feed. The balance of the components and their energy value are at the highest level. Contains no by-products! Only natural meat! In addition to it, fish, plant and cereal components are used. Any dog will receive the daily requirement of mineral organisms from a serving of food of this class. In some cases, super-premium products are recommended to be used to solve various pet health problems (diabetes, obesity, weak stomach).

Thus, buying expensive food does not mean overpaying for an expensive brand and a well-promoted name. In some cases this is a necessity. Firstly, only expensive food can provide your pet with the maximum amount of minerals. Secondly, only it contains completely natural meat.

Holistics

The best, healthiest, high-quality food is in this section. Manufacturers do not skimp on them, you can safely feed your pet. The only thing is, due to its beneficial properties, such food is very expensive.

Popular holistic food brands:

Acana,
Superpet,
Jaguar
Carnilove,
Farmina N&D,
Almo Nature,
Innova Evo
Grandorf,
Pronature Holistic,
Gina Elite.

The best cat foods in the category: holistic

There can be nothing better for your beloved pet than dry food from the Holistic series. These are new generation products that are created by professionals for professionals. The composition of this food is as natural as possible, it contains no preservatives and is as digestible as possible for the animal. In the line of companies producing holistic food, there is an offer for every taste, but not for every budget - such products are very expensive, because they require not only high-quality raw materials, but also special production technology.

Innova Cat and Kitten

Photo: www.catster.com

Average price in the Russian Federation : from 1200 rubles. for 2.7 kg

Why in the rating : this food’s composition is almost perfectly balanced, rich in all necessary substances, and even the protein in it is of animal origin. Thanks to the maximum nutritional value, a cat only needs a small portion to fill up. There are no ingredients in food of this level that could harm the animal.

Disadvantages : Innova Cat and Kitten is one of the most expensive foods and in Russia you can only get it on the Internet. It should be remembered that it contains quite a lot of protein, and therefore it should not be given to castrated animals.

Rating : 10 out of 10

From reviews of cat food Innova Cat and Kitten : “Food with a protein content of about 30% is suitable for extremely healthy and active cats, but will not be very good for neutered animals.”

Acana

Photo: www.tenfingers4paws.com

Average price in the Russian Federation : from 1000 rubles. for 2.27 kg

Why in the rating : this food consists of 80% natural high-quality meat ingredients, in addition, it is additionally rich in lactobacilli and probiotics necessary for animals. But, fortunately, there are no grain crops in it at all. In Russia you can buy both on the Internet and in some veterinary pharmacies.

Disadvantages : Acana's line of food is quite limited, divided by age, and therefore it cannot offer anything for cats with special needs or patients.

Rating : 9 out of 10

From reviews of Acana : “If the animal is healthy and reacts normally to protein, then there will be no problems with nutrition.”

N&D Natural and Delicious

Photo: www.shaggybrown.pl

Average price in the Russian Federation : from 860 rubles. for 1.5 kg

Why in the rating : the food has a very well balanced composition, which contains a maximum of meat ingredients, in addition, it also includes all the substances and vitamins that cats need.

Disadvantages : A couple of herbal ingredients are questionable. It can be difficult to buy in veterinary pharmacies, but the food is sold online in a full range.

Rating : 8 out of 10

From reviews N&D cat food : “Cats do not immediately get used to the taste of the food and are picky at first - it does not contain the usual taste enhancers and flavorings.”

Your choice

We have just talked about the different classes of food, and you can safely answer the question: “What food is best to give to a cat?”

Any super-premium or holistic class is ideal for your pet’s health.
Hunger will be satisfied for a long time, and the body will be saturated with useful substances.
If, due to your budget, you can only afford economy-class food, it is better to prepare food for your pet yourself.

Don’t be fooled by flashy packaging and advertising, trust the ingredients and our advice.

The best cat food in the category: economy

It is very difficult to say something good about economy class food. It can only be noted that they have a very affordable price. However, their quality is often so deplorable that it is better to save on at least natural food, if not premium food. Giving such food to sick or weakened animals will only cause harm. Moreover, in fact, the financial side of the issue here is questionable, since this food is absolutely not nutritious, and the cat is forced to eat much larger portions than if its food were well balanced. In case there is absolutely no way out, there are still a couple of more or less tolerable economical options.

Purina One

Photo: src.discounto.de

Average price in the Russian Federation : from 250 rubles. for 750 g

Why in the rating : a fairly popular food in an affordable price range, which can be purchased even in regular supermarkets. Meets the nutritional requirements of most healthy cats under 8 years of age.

Disadvantages : Lots of herbal ingredients and no options for animals with serious medical conditions or very specific needs.

Grade: 5

From reviews of Purina One : “Over time, the cat simply refuses the food, although at first it requires supplements.”

Purina Cat Chow

Photo: f1.ds-russia.ru

Average price in the Russian Federation : from 100 rubles. for 400 g

Why in the rating : it comes in a very small package, which allows you to take the food “for testing” or as a temporary measure for 1-2 days.

Disadvantages : poorly balanced composition with a small amount of meat ingredients of questionable quality. Cases of allergies to Cat Chow are not uncommon.

Grade: 4

From reviews of Purina Cat Chow : “Cats are often picky and refuse this food completely.”

Whiskey Special

Photo: povodok-shop.ru

Average price in the Russian Federation : from 90 rubles. for 400 g.

Why in the rating : it offers a food option for cats with sensitive digestion, which guarantees at least relative harmlessness to the animal’s body. Cats eat this food with gusto.

Disadvantages : the composition is the same as regular Whiskas, except with a couple of new ingredients. The choice is quite small and allergies are not uncommon.

Grade: 3

From reviews of Whiskas Special : “The portion for satiating a cat turns out to be very large compared to premium food, and therefore even the financial benefit here is very doubtful.”

Food for different breeds

You can often hear the following questions: “Which food is better for British, Scottish or Maine Coon cats?”

The breed also plays a big role; the individual characteristics of the pet can affect nutrition.
If a cat, due to its breed, is prone to obesity, special food will prevent obesity and various diseases from occurring.
This happens thanks to the correct calculation of the proportions and dosages of products when creating food.

Puppy Nutrition Basics

From the age of two months, the puppy begins to feed on its own; during this period, the diet should contain an increased percentage of proteins and fats. When feeding your puppy food, you must follow the following rules:

serving size - do not overfeed the dog to avoid unnecessary stress on the internal organs and prevent early obesity. The portion is calculated based on the weight of the puppy - for each kilogram take 20 grams of dry food. If in doubt, you should check the table that each manufacturer places on the food packaging;
An additional measure that helps to avoid obesity is that the food bowl is put out at the same time and removed immediately after the dog loses interest in food. In addition, it helps to develop a routine;
soaking dry granules. It is permissible to soak them with water. Do not use fermented milk products or milk. This can cause gastrointestinal upset and lead to dehydration of the dog;
Mixing with wet food is effective during the period when the puppy is changing teeth. Dry food becomes softer and does not injure the baby’s inflamed gums;
change of feed. If the puppy was fed a specific brand at the breeder's house, it is necessary to provide him with similar nutrition. If you plan to change food, introduce it gradually - mixing part of the new food with a portion of the old one;
number of feedings - up to 5 months, portions of dry food are given to the puppy up to 5 times a day, from six months they are switched to three meals a day. From the age of one year, the dog is fed twice a day;
access to water. Clean, fresh water is a must when feeding your dog dry food.

Important: do not leave a bag of dry food in a place where a baby, or even an adult dog, can reach it and eat on their own. For babies, the granules are made very small; if inhaled, they can suffocate.

Dry

The most popular and easy to use food. Due to the small amount of moisture in the food, you should constantly monitor your pet's water balance throughout the day.

Dry food has a positive effect on teeth, cleaning them from plaque.
It is necessary to pay attention to the pet’s age and needs when choosing.

What dry food is best for cats? Acana, Orijen, Grandorf. These are the three best dry foods from the holistic class.

Types of feed

First of all, you should know that the basic components of nutrition that are essential for a cat are:

proteins from beef, poultry or fish (protein is necessary for the normal formation and growth of the body, it is a kind of building material);
taurine is an essential amino acid that is of great importance for the cat’s vision, heart, and reproductive system;
fatty acids, enzymes, vitamins and minerals.

There is no clear opinion on the choice of food type. However, dry food is the most common and easiest to use. Below is more detail about each type.

Dry food

The lowest moisture content in this type of food requires a constant supply of fresh water in sufficient quantities for your cat. This type of food is very useful for cats’ teeth, since when they bite the croquettes, the animal’s teeth are cleared of plaque.

Dry cat food can be left in a bowl for easy access without worrying about it spoiling. The main thing is not to forget that such cat food should be stored in hermetically sealed containers in order to maintain its nutritional and taste value.

Canned food

Usually, even the pickiest eaters like this food. The high moisture content of the food satisfies the animal's need for liquid, and this is especially important when the animal drinks little. Canned food in sealed jars has a long shelf life.

As soon as the jar is opened, the canned food should be consumed as soon as possible (up to 12 hours). It is advisable to give the cat as much as she will eat at a time, and the rest of the canned food should be transferred to a glass container and placed in a cool place. This will protect the Converse from oxidizing on the packaging.

Wet food

This is a cross between dry food and canned food. Appetizing soft pieces in the sauce have a moisture content of around 35%, which is almost two times lower than in canned food. Usually one bag of such food is intended for one meal.

If your pet has not eaten everything, then the liquid cat food should be removed, as after a fairly short time the pieces dry out and lose their nutritional value.

Raw food

This is a new generation of super-premium food. Every day this species is gaining more and more supporters of healthy natural feeding. This is a holistic food made from products that are intended for people. Raw food is the closest approximation to the natural diet of animals in the wild.

The most famous brands:

Balanced Blends, USA.
Darwin's Natural Pet Products, USA.
Primal, USA.
Love Your Pet, USA.
PurrForm, UK.
Superpet, Russia.

In Russia, raw natural food is represented by the Superpet brand.

It contains raw fresh meat, offal, vegetables, quail eggs and bran. This food is as balanced as possible, has a full range of vitamins and microelements necessary for the cat’s digestive system. Superpet does not contain vegetable protein, preservatives, flavoring agents or substances that enhance taste. The products of this brand are 100% natural and healthy. Superpet is stored and delivered frozen, like all raw foods.

Do you still have a kitten? Read in detail about the diet of kittens.

Wet food

This type of food is pieces in sauce, its moisture content is medium. One small bag is enough for one time.

If your pet doesn't finish eating, throw away the leftovers; they will no longer be able to satisfy and benefit the animal.
What is the best wet food for cats? The greatest demand is for Grandorf, Solid Natura Selection, Royal Canin Digest Sensitive.

Wet or dry food? What is the best way to feed a cat?

Veterinarians do not give a clear answer to this question.
The choice of food is largely determined by age, breed, and individual characteristics of the body. At the same time, the opinions of experts on this issue were divided. Some veterinarians and experts believe that if you feed a cat, and in particular males, exclusively dry kibble, with age the animal may develop urolithiasis (KD) and kidney failure. Unfortunately, this is a correct judgment, especially if you give your pet low-grade, cheap dry food in the economy category. Therefore, choose quality pet products.

Canned food and wet food are most suitable for kittens, young cats, and cats that are picky eaters. They can also be used at the initial stage of transition to a ready-made diet from natural food.

Instructions

Remember that the food may not be suitable for your pet, despite its class, even holistic people do not always win the love of animals.

Each of them is individual, you may not suspect what your pet is allergic to.
Only by trying a variety of foods will you find the right one.

The food is affected by the breed, sterilization, and disorders in the body. It is worth consulting your veterinarian once again.

Puppy food

“Food for puppies and food for small breed dogs can replace each other,” is one of the most popular misconceptions. A growing body needs more proteins and micro- and macroelements that promote development and growth. Therefore, use food according to its type.

The most popular puppy foods are:

Orijen Puppy Large breed
. Suitable for large breed puppies. He received many prizes, and for good reason. The product contains fresh meat, liver and cartilage in large quantities. This guarantees stable muscle development and weight gain.

Barking Heads Pappy days
. Option for both puppies and nursing dogs. By the way, puppies can be given it from the third week. Sea fish, chicken, gluten-free, a variety of vitamins and the presence of omega acids are what a growing body needs.

NOW Natural holistic Fresh Puppy Recipe Grain Free
. Meat raised without hormones, no grains, an abundance of berries and fruits - the food promotes weight gain and does not cause allergies. Since the diet contains fish, its smell predominates, which puppies especially like.

Important: do not forget to promptly switch your pet to food for adult dogs. Usually puppy food is given up to a year.