Many are surprised to learn that not all cat foods are created equal. When deciding what to feed your cat, fhe first question you need to answer is if you want to feed your cat wet food or dry food. This is a large question because wet food smells more pungent, and also requires more frequent feeding on the part of the owner. One of the primary benefits of wet food is that it provides your cat with more moisture. So, if you have an older cat, or one with kidney disease, your vet might recommend wet food to make sure they are getting all the moisture they need, beyond the water they drink. Some vets also feel that wet food is better than dry food for cat’s teeth, though opinions may vary. Dry food is easier to administer and can be left out for your cat to munch throughout the day (so long as they are not overweight). Beyond wet vs. dry, here’s are some cat food options to consider.
Blue Buffalo
Blue Buffalo is a higher end cat food, and is frequently recommended by vets for non-prescription cat food. They even offer a $3 coupon to make the switch. Blue Buffalo features high quality ingredients, which means real meat is always the first ingredient. There is no chicken meal, no corn meal, and no artificial flavors or preservatives. Blue Buffalo features healthy ingredients like chicken, cranberries, brown rice, beef, blueberries, carrots, fish, and other ingredients that you, human, would recognize. Blue Buffalo has LifeSource Bits, which is a vitamin and antioxidant mix included in the food to support immune system health and different life stage requirements. They also have particular formulas for kittens, adults cats, and mature cats (7+ years old).
Royal Canin
High-end like Blue Buffalo is Royal Canin cat food. They have a wet or dry food to meet just about every single life condition and medical ailment that might befall your cat. They have tailored formulas for kittens, adult cats, mature cats, and senior cats. They also have formulas for pure breed cats and cats with specific needs, like skin and coat issues, or stomach and intestinal upsets. They have formulas for urinary tract care, oral health, and hairball control. If you are a frequent customer at the vet, you might find yourself being recommended one of these specialty foods for your cat’s specific condition.
Canidae
Canidae offers both delicious wet and dry foods for cats, and right now they are offering a $10 off coupon via email for US-based customers. Their wet food “Balanced Bowls” feature high quality protein and vegetables in gravy. Inspired by home cooked meals, they have flavors such as salmon and sweet potato, tuna and carrots, and chicken and pumpkin. All their food features real meat as the first ingredient, and they are developed with Board Certified Vet Nutritionists. Their Real Salmon dry food features salmon as the first ingredient, and their indoor formula has real whitefish as the first ingredient. Various formulas support different cat conditions, such as joint issues, digestion problems, and coat quality. They also have “PURE” grain-free, whole-food formulas, with real meat as the first ingredient, and no grains; only 7 key ingredients!
Costco Maintenance Cat
Despite it’s no-frills name, Kirkland’s Maintenance Cat cat food is one of the most cost-effective ways to keep your felines fed. With chicken and whole grain brown rice as ingredients (but also chicken meal), these 25 pound bags of cat food can usually be found in the $20 range, depending on your Costco location (it costs more online). It has guaranteed levels of vitamin E, selenium, and zinc, as well as omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids to help your cat’s coat. If you’re on a budget, Maintenance Cat is sure to check the “good enough” box for you at a lower price than most.
Applaws Natural
Applaws makes both wet and dry foods, and is a small, certified B-Corp, which means they won’t let profit get in the way of feeding your cat the best ingredients. Their dry food is grain-free, made complete and balanced with natural ingredients; they have both chicken and whitefish limited-ingredient recipes. They also have packets with prime cuts of chicken or fish for your cat to enjoy.