Cat food is what your cat eats every single day, so it is worth choosing with care. In this section we review wet, dry and everyday cat foods and compare what is inside each one, so you can pick with confidence.
Why it matters Cats are obligate carnivores, which means they need animal-based nutrition to stay healthy. One example is taurine, an amino acid cats can’t get from any source but meat, so it has to come from their food. A diet that is missing key nutrients can cause real health problems over time. Wet or dry? Wet food adds water to your cat’s day, while dry food is easy to store and measure. Many owners feed a mix of both. Switch slowly. Change to a new food over several days, adding a little more of the new food each day, so your cat’s stomach can adjust. Watch the portions. Use the feeding guide on the label as a starting point, and check with your vet if your cat is gaining or losing weight.
How to choose a cat food 1 Look for a “complete and balanced” statement. AAFCO calls the nutritional adequacy statement perhaps the most important part of a label. 2 Match the life stage on the label, such as kitten, adult or all life stages. 3 Read the ingredient list and the guaranteed analysis, not just the front of the bag or can. 4 Think about your own cat: age, weight, appetite and any health needs. Ask your vet before changing food for a cat with a medical condition.
Browse our reviews and buying guides below to compare popular cat foods side by side.
Best overall Wet food Dry food Kittens Senior cats Weight loss Sensitive stomach
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