Finding the Best Cat Food: Looking Beyond the Grocery Store Aisle
The pet food industry and I have always had a somewhat complicated relationship. We don’t call, we don’t write, and we certainly don’t exchange holiday cards. You could say we have a history marked by distrust and frustration.
Perhaps I’m being overly dramatic (which is quite possible), but few things ignite my anger more than witnessing television commercials from major pet food corporations. These ads boast about promoting “happy, healthy” pets with “lustrous coats” and a surge in “energy and vitality!!”
Frankly, big pet food brands can take their deceptive advertising elsewhere.
Why such intense feelings, you might ask? My beloved childhood dog and loyal companion of 13 years passed away prematurely (for his breed) due to canine leukemia. A significant contributing factor, in my view, was the various forms of garbage that these pet food manufacturers routinely include in the meals of our cherished furry family members. Following his death, I dedicated months to researching pet nutrition, embarking on personal crusades against the pet food industry, and, I admit, probably irritating my family and friends considerably with my newfound passion.
The results of that extensive research, particularly concerning feline nutrition and how to find the best cat food, including searching for options beyond the typical selection you might find labeled as the Best Grocery Store Cat Food, are what I present to you now.
Fundamental Principles for Choosing Cat Food
Before you select any cat food, take the crucial step of examining the ingredient list on the back of the packaging. By law, ingredients must be listed in descending order by weight, meaning the most prevalent ingredient is listed first. The first five ingredients should consistently be a source of animal protein. Ideally, this should not be a “by-product” (which can include beaks, feathers, hooves, meat that is rancid, or sadly, even euthanized animals).
Carbohydrates (such as grains, potatoes, soy, or peas) should constitute no more than 10% of the total calories. If your budget allows, choosing grain-free options is highly recommended.
Generally speaking, wet cat food is preferable to dry food for your cats. Dry foods tend to be heavily processed, contain high levels of carbohydrates, and critically, have very low moisture content. Cats are obligate carnivores who naturally get most of their hydration from their prey (or, in a domestic setting, from their food).
Later in this article, I will explain in more detail why these principles are so important for your cat’s health.
2020 Update: Special Dietary Notes for Cats with CKD (Chronic Kidney Disease) or Early Renal Failure
I frequently receive inquiries regarding recommended diets for cats diagnosed with CKD. Unfortunately, CKD is exceedingly common, particularly among older feline companions. The exact cause isn’t definitively known, but some studies suggest potential links to certain vaccinations. For an incredibly valuable and highly recommended resource on caring for a cat with CKD, I urge you to read this HealthyPets interview featuring Dr. Lisa Pierson, the author of the exceptional cat care website Catinfo.org.
Dr. Pierson meticulously explains why the so-called “prescription” diets from dreaded major brands like Royal Canin, Hill’s Science Diet, or Purina are, unequivocally, still the absolute worst options you could feed a cat, let alone one experiencing organ failure.
Here is a brief summary of her key points:
- Protein is not the enemy of feline kidneys. Cats are obligate carnivores and require substantial protein intake, even when their kidneys are compromised.
- Reducing from a species-appropriate diet of 60%+ protein down to a “gentler” 40% protein ratio is more than adequate for cats with CKD. The proportion of carbohydrates should remain as low as possible; therefore, the remaining 60% of calories should ideally be derived from fat.
- Phosphorus levels should be kept low, ideally below 250mg per 100 kcals, which equates to between 0.3% and 0.6%.
- It is strongly advised to supplement a cat with CKD with omega-3 fish oil. I’ve found that salmon oil for cats and dogs offers a simple and effective way to do this – just drizzle a small amount over your cat’s food daily.
Dr. Pierson has compiled an incredibly comprehensive chart detailing most major wet cat foods, with their protein, fat, carbohydrate, and phosphorus levels broken down into columns. You can view this chart here.
Using the criteria mentioned above, I have filtered her list to identify the wet foods that meet the requirements for a cat with CKD – specifically, those with a ratio as close as possible to 40% protein, 60% fat, and 0% carbs, and with phosphorus levels under 250 mg/100 kcals. These suitable options are listed below:
(Names in bold link to Amazon)
COMPANY | FLAVOR/STYLE | PROTEIN % | FAT % | CARB % | mg PHOS/100 kcals |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
NULO Freestyle/Medal Pate | Salmon & Mackerel | 38 | 57 | 5 | 230 |
PRO PLAN Focus | Urinary Tract Health Formula – With Salmon | 38 | 58 | 4 | 230 |
WHOLE EARTH FARMS Grain Free | Turkey Pate** | 38 | 57 | 5 | 246 |
HOUNDS & GATOS | Lamb | 38 | 61 | 1 | 246 |
CANIDAE PURE – Grain Free | Salmon & Mackerel | 38 | 62 | 0 | 247 |
TIKI CAT Gourmet Carnivore (discontinued) | Beef Liver and Chicken | 38 | 62 | 0 | 231 |
CANIDAE Life Stages | Yellowfin Tuna | 38 | 52 | 10 | 223 |
HOUNDS & GATOS | Pork | 39 | 61 | 0 | 228 |
IAMS Grain Free | White Meat Chicken Breast & Tuna | 39 | 51 | 10 | 179 |
WHOLE EARTH FARMS Grain Free | Chicken Pate | 39 | 51 | 10 | 182 |
TIKI CAT Gourmet Carnivore (discontinued) | Chicken with Duck | 39 | 61 | 0 | 170 |
IAMS Grain Free | White Meat Chicken Breast & Beef | 40 | 53 | 8 | 179 |
SOULISTIC Moist and Tender – cans | Turkey | 40 | 54 | 6 | 178 |
CHICKEN SOUP FOR the SOUL | Weight & Mature Care | 41 | 51 | 8 | 245 |
NATURE’S VARIETY Pride | Flaked Rabbit | 41 | 49 | 10 | 213 |
WERUVA Cats in the Kitchen cans | Fowl Ball | 41 | 55 | 4 | 180 |
SHEBA Perfect Portions – Pates | All varieties – approximate values | 42 | 56 | 3 | 236 |
TIKI CAT Gourmet Carnivore (discontinued) | Chicken with Turkey | 42 | 58 | 0 | 170 |
HALO Impulse – Grain Free | Rabbit | 43 | 50 | 7 | 210 |
IAMS Grain Free | White Meat Chicken Breast | 43 | 49 | 8 | 173 |
SOULISTIC Pate and Shreds | Lamb | 44 | 50 | 5 | 234 |
WERUVA Cats in the Kitchen cans | Lamb Burgini | 45 | 47 | 8 | 236 |
WERUVA Truluxe | Steak Frites | 45 | 49 | 6 | 118 |
PRO PLAN Focus | Urinary Tract Health Formula – Chicken in Gravy | 46 | 45 | 9 | 185 |
NATURE’S VARIETY Pride | Flaked Tuna | 47 | 43 | 10 | 227 |
WERUVA Cats in the Kitchen cans | The Double Dip | 48 | 45 | 8 | 248 |
NATURAL BALANCE Delectable Delights | Sea Brulee | 49 | 40 | 10 | 237 |
As you consider this list, remember to always perform your own thorough research on each brand and, most importantly, examine their ingredient labels. The same core rules apply here: prioritize high-quality animal protein sources and minimize fillers.
Now, let’s return to our general cat food recommendations, applicable to all cats (not just those with CKD). While the term Best Grocery Store Cat Food might suggest readily available supermarket options, many truly high-quality foods that prioritize feline health require looking a bit further, often found in pet specialty stores or online. Here are some brands worth considering at various price points.
Great Value, Higher Quality Wet Food
If you’re aiming for quality nutrition without spending excessively, perhaps moving beyond typical grocery store offerings but still seeking value, these options provide a good balance.
(Ingredients considered slightly less ideal are noted)
Natural Balance Canned Cat Food
Can of Natural Balance Ultra Formula cat food
Get it on Amazon
First 5 ingredients (for the Ultra Formula):
Chicken Broth, Chicken, Chicken Liver, Salmon, Duck
Price range:
~$30-35 for 24 6-oz cans
Note: While good, this specific formula is not grain-free.
Newman’s Own Canned Cat Food
Get it on Amazon
First 5 ingredients (for the Chicken/Salmon formula):
Organic Chicken, Sufficient Water for Processing, Poultry Liver, Salmon, Ocean Whitefish (Note: Fish used in cat food can sometimes contain higher levels of mercury or toxins)
Price range:
~$25-30 for 24 6-oz cans
Note: Also not grain-free. For those exploring black cat food names or specific options, checking ingredients is key.
Sheba Turkey Entree (Original Formula – Discontinued)
Get it on Amazon, while you can
First 5 ingredients (for the Turkey formula):
Turkey, Turkey Broth, Meat By-Products, Chicken, Chicken Liver (Note: “Meat By-Products” is a vague descriptor and includes less desirable parts. Using “by-products” is a negative sign.)
Price range:
~$32 for 24 3-oz cans (Prices have been increasing because this formula was discontinued, replaced by the slightly lower-quality “Perfect Portions Pate” line). This is an example where seeking the best cheapest cat food can lead to products with less ideal ingredients, prompting research beyond the most common finds.
This option was grain-free.
Higher Quality Wet Food Options
For those willing to invest a bit more, these brands offer superior ingredient quality, fewer fillers, and often zero non-animal protein sources. These are definitely a step up from what you’d typically find searching for the best grocery store cat food.
Petcurean Go! Fit + Free Canned Cat Food
Get it on Amazon
First 5 ingredients (for the Chicken/Turkey formula):
Chicken, Turkey, Chicken Broth, Chicken Liver, Turkey Liver
Price range:
~$55 for 24 5.5-oz cans
Grain-free!
Wellness Core Canned Cat Food
Get it on Amazon
First 5 ingredients (for the Chicken/Turkey formula):
Chicken, Turkey, Chicken Broth, Chicken Liver, Chicken Meal
Price range:
~$40 for 24 5.5-oz cans
Grain-free! For those interested in options like beyond cat food dry, high-quality wet foods like this are excellent alternatives.
Nature’s Variety Instinct Limited Ingredient Diet Canned Cat Food
Nature's Variety Instinct Limited Ingredient Turkey cat food can
Get it on Amazon
First 5 ingredients (for the Turkey formula):
Turkey, Turkey Broth, Turkey Liver, Peas, Montmorillonite Clay (Note: Montmorillonite Clay is a natural anti-caking agent, sometimes claimed to have detoxifying benefits). Peas are a higher carb ingredient to note here.
Price range:
~$25 for 12 5.5-oz cans (approximately ~$50 for 24 cans)
Grain-free! When comparing options, especially when searching for cheap wet cat food, carefully scrutinizing the first few ingredients is crucial to understand true value.
Blue Buffalo Canned Cat Food
Blue Buffalo Homestyle Recipe chicken cat food can
Get it on Amazon
First 5 ingredients (for the Chicken/Turkey formula):
Chicken, Chicken Broth, Water, Turkey, Chicken Liver
Price range:
~$46 for 24 5.5-oz cans
Grain-free!
Weruva Canned Cat Food
Get it on Amazon
First 5 ingredients (for the Lamb formula):
Fish Broth, Lamb, Tuna, Lamb Lung, Locust Bean Gum (Note: Locust Bean Gum is a common thickening agent and source of fiber, but can potentially cause digestive upset in some cats).
Price range:
~$48 for 24 6-oz cans
Grain-free!
Nature’s Logic Canned Cat Food
Get it on Amazon
First 5 ingredients (for the Chicken formula):
Chicken, Chicken Broth, Chicken Liver, Chicken Heart, Dried Egg Product (Note: “Dried Egg Product” is essentially egg waste and provides cheaper protein).
Price range:
~$23 for 12 5.5-oz cans (approximately ~$46 for 24 cans)
Grain-free!
There are certainly other canned food options available, but based on my extensive research, these appear to be some of the most promising choices concerning both price and quality, generally surpassing what’s typically found when simply searching for the best grocery store cat food. If you know of a great brand that isn’t listed here, please share it in the comments so I can investigate!
Dry Cat Food Options Worth Considering (with Caution)
“But,” you might say, “I heard that dry cat food is inherently bad! Literally from the devil.”
Well, that’s not entirely accurate. While dry food isn’t the optimal diet (nothing truly beats a homemade, raw diet for a cat), if you select the right brand, it can serve as an acceptable supplement to wet food, or at the very least, a more affordable alternative. By “right brand,” I mean one with a high content of quality animal protein and low levels of carbohydrates and grains.
If your cat is fed dry food exclusively, it is critical to closely monitor their water intake. If your cat doesn’t consume at least 8-10 fluid ounces (about 1 cup) of water daily, please strongly consider transitioning them to wet food! Why? Cats naturally have a very low thirst drive and historically obtain the majority of their required water from their food source (prey).
Orijen Cat & Kitten Dry Cat Food
December 2016 Update: Please be aware that Orijen recently relocated their manufacturing for the US market from Canada to Kentucky, USA. This move has also resulted in ingredient changes. Early feedback suggests issues like unusual fishy odors and some cats being reluctant to eat it. I have highlighted the key changes below.
Get it on Amazon
[CANADA Manufactured Formula] First 5 ingredients:Boneless Chicken, Chicken Meal, Chicken Liver, Whole Herring, Boneless Turkey
Remarkably, the first 14 ingredients in this version were high-quality proteins. It contained no grains or preservatives. (This quality justified its higher price.)
Price range:
~$60-65 for a 15-lb bag
Grain-free!
[USA Manufactured Formula – NEW] First 5 ingredients:Deboned Chicken, Deboned Turkey, Yellowtail Flounder, Whole Eggs, Whole Atlantic Mackerel
Major changes observed:
- Chicken meal, a concentrated protein source, has been replaced as the second ingredient by deboned turkey. Deboned meats are weighed before cooking, meaning their weight includes water content, artificially inflating their percentage in the final product. Their actual contribution to the final formula’s protein content is much lower than that of meat meal. Chicken meal, having water removed beforehand, is a significantly superior and more concentrated form of protein.
- Considering the above change, a larger proportion of the protein in this new formula now comes from fish sources (which can include scales, bones, and fins).
- Maximum levels for Phosphorus, Calcium, Ash, etc., are no longer explicitly stated.
- Magnesium content increased slightly from 0.09% to 0.1%.
- Minimum protein percentage was reduced from 42% to 40%.
- Minimum Omega-3 content was reduced from 1.2% to 0.8%.
(You can view a comprehensive breakdown of the new formula here.)
Price range:
Here is the most frustrating aspect. Despite degrading ingredient quality (and protein content) and decreasing the bag size, the prices have remained the same or increased relative to the weight. This strongly suggests a focus on increased profit margins at the consumer’s expense.
Here’s the new price structure:
~$60-65 for a 12-lb bag (making 15 lbs cost approximately ~$75-80). What on earth?!
It is still technically grain-free, but the quality has significantly decreased since the move.
Petcurean Go! Fit & Free Dry Cat Food
Get it on Amazon
First 5 ingredients:
Chicken Meal, Deboned Chicken, Deboned Turkey, Duck Meal, Turkey Meal
With an ingredient list that rivals the original Orijen formula’s impressive quality, Petcurean Go! checks all the important boxes for a high-protein, low-carb dry food.
Price range:
~$60 for a 16-lb bag
Grain-free!
(Another significant advantage of Petcurean Go! is that it is manufactured in Canada, similar to the original Orijen US formula. The pet food industry regulations in Canada are considerably stricter than in the United States.)
Acana Grasslands Dry Cat Food
Get it on Amazon
First 5 ingredients:
Deboned Lamb, Deboned Duck, Whole Eggs, Lamb Meal, Catfish Meal
Price range:
~$55-65 for a 15-lb bag
Grain-free!
Wellness Core Dry Cat Food
June 2017 Update: The formula for this product has changed to include peas within the top 5 ingredients. Because of this change, I can no longer endorse this brand as wholeheartedly as I once did, especially considering that the bag size has also decreased.
Get it on Amazon
[Original Formula] First 5 ingredients:Deboned Turkey, Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Whitefish Meal, Herring Meal
Price range:
~$30-40 for a 12-lb bag (making 15 lbs approximately ~$40-50)
Grain-free!
[NEW Formula] First 5 ingredients:Deboned Turkey, Deboned Chicken, Turkey Meal, Chicken Meal, Peas (Note the inclusion of Peas)
Price range:
~$30-40 for an 11-lb bag (making 15 lbs approximately ~$40-50)
Open Farm Homestead Turkey & Chicken Dry Cat Food
Open Farm presents an interesting concept as they are among the first pet food manufacturers (to my knowledge) to widely offer “ethical pet food.” This means their animal ingredients are sourced from humanely raised farms. I appreciate and support this approach.
Open Farm Homestead Turkey & Chicken dry cat food bag
Get it on Amazon
First 5 ingredients:
Humanely Farmed Turkey, Humanely Farmed Chicken, Ocean Caught Whitefish Meal, Ocean Caught Herring Meal, Chickpeas (Note: Chickpeas are a legume/carb source. While not as poor as some fillers, cats shouldn’t rely on legumes for protein.)
Price range:
~$25 for a 5-lb bag (making 15 lbs approximately ~$75)
Grain-free!
Merrick Before Grain Dry Cat Food
Merrick Before Grain dry cat food bag
Get it on Amazon
First 5 ingredients:
Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Potato Dehydrated, Turkey Meal, Chicken Fat (Note: Potato Dehydrated is a significant carbohydrate filler. Cats should not eat potatoes.)
Price range:
~$25 for an 11-lb bag (making 15 lbs approximately ~$35)
Grain-free!
I have deliberately excluded many otherwise decent brands that have higher carbohydrate content (using ingredients like pea proteins or oats) and those that excessively use fish as a primary protein source. Finding the best grocery store cat food often means wading through many options with these less-than-ideal ingredients.
If you are aware of a quality brand that you believe should be included in these recommendations, please leave a comment and I will conduct my thorough research!
Ingredients to Absolutely Avoid
If you decide to conduct your own investigation into cat food labels, here are some substances and ingredients that you should steer clear of at all costs. Avoid them like the plague:
- Corn, Corn Meal, Corn Gluten: Frankly, anything derived from corn. It’s a low-quality filler product with minimal nutritional value for cats and is linked to health issues in both humans and pets.
- Soy: Another inexpensive filler protein often used to boost reported protein percentages, but it’s a common allergen for pets.
- Wheat and Wheat Gluten: More cheap filler protein utilized by manufacturers to increase profit margins without adding significant nutritional benefit for carnivores.
- Cellulose / Powdered Cellulose: These are essentially 100% empty fillers, often derived from wood pulp, added primarily for fiber content, but offer zero nutritional value.
- By-products: As mentioned earlier, these are the leftover scraps considered unfit for human consumption, such as intestines, feet, bones – and often originate from diseased animals.
- BHA (Butylated Hydroxyanisole), BHT (Butylated Hydroxytoluene), or Ethoxyquin: These are chemical preservatives that have been shown to cause cancer in both humans and animals.
- Any vague “natural” or “artificial” flavors or colorings.
Test Your Knowledge!
Here is a real ingredient label taken from a very well-known manufacturer, one that frequently runs expensive TV ads promoting pet health. Take a look and compare it to the list of ingredients “to avoid” above!
[Image/Example of a bad ingredient list from a common brand – Not provided in markdown, but this section is based on the original text’s intent. Let’s simulate based on the original text’s description]
Example (Simulated based on common poor ingredients):
Ingredients: Ground Whole Grain Corn, Poultry By-Product Meal, Corn Gluten Meal, Soybean Meal, Animal Fat (preserved with BHA/BHT), Wheat Middlings, Brewers Rice, Natural Flavors, Added Colors (Red 40, Yellow 5, Blue 2)
Now, perhaps, you can fully understand why I harbor such intense disdain for large-scale commercial pet food brands, especially those commonly found when simply browsing for the best grocery store cat food without deeper knowledge.
Why Does Any of This Truly Matter?
You might argue that your cats appear perfectly fine on the standard, widely advertised garbage food. You might insist that they simply “love” it. This sentiment is akin to saying a toddler thrives because they enjoy eating Lucky Charms cereal three times a day. Of course, they love it! It’s designed to be palatable, packed with flavor enhancers, and is essentially sugary, nutritionally barren filler, potentially laced with chemicals and artificial flavors.
Cats are physiologically designed to subsist on animal protein – exclusively. In fact, they require five times more protein in their diet than dogs do, making careful meal planning on our part even more critically important. Their digestive systems simply did not evolve to process large amounts of carbohydrates like grains, corn, soy, or rice. Forcing them to consume such diets inevitably leads to a range of health problems, including:
- Starting with symptoms like diarrhea, skin issues, allergies, and arthritis.
- Feline diabetes.
- Pancreatitis.
- Chronic renal failure (CKD).
- Urinary crystals.
- Cystitis (inflammation of the bladder).
- Bladder and kidney stones.
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD).
- Hepatic Lipidosis (fatty liver disease).
- Cancer (and consequently, premature death).
If you genuinely love your feline companions (and I am certain you do!), providing them with species-appropriate nutrition offers them the greatest opportunity for a long, healthy, and joyful life – mirroring the potential of their wild, fearsome (and profoundly carnivorous) ancestors. The journey to finding the best grocery store cat food or, more accurately, the best food available for your cat, is a crucial step in ensuring their well-being. Even researching things like whether petco fancy feast discontinued indicates consumers are looking for better alternatives or dealing with supply issues from specific brands, highlighting the need for informed choices.
Continue Learning to Enhance Your Cat’s Life
Nutrition is just one vital factor influencing your cat’s longevity and overall health.
Discover practical strategies for helping your cat potentially live to the remarkable age of 20 or even beyond.
Explore my detailed breakdown of What types of cat treats are okay to indulge in and which ones you should avoid entirely.
Read my Comprehensive guide to another fundamental feline necessity – Providing Vertical Space.
What do you feed your little “wombats” (a term of endearment for cats)? Are there any great brands or insights I might have missed in my quest to identify the truly best grocery store cat food alternatives? Please let me know in the comments below!