The Best Dry Food For Cats
Dry cat food is by far the easiest way to feed your pets. It's more affordable than canned versions, and you can pour straight from the bag without requiring additional scoops or can openers. Of course, not all dry cat food is made of the same quality. Below, you can find some of the best versions available to purchase, so you can keep your cat healthy in the simplest possible way.
What to Look For
When we were building our list of the best dry cat foods on the market today, we focused on a few key aspects: Is the food appealing to cats? Does it contain all essential nutrients? Can it be used by pets of all ages? Right away, Purina One Tender Selects stood out with its soft morsels and full array of vitamins and minerals. We were also impressed by the high protein in Blue Buffalo foods. Which version will help your cat feel her best? Scroll through the following picks to find out.
Purina One Tender Selects Cat Food
This cat food offers real salmon as the main ingredient, so your cat can take in the ideal amount of protein each day. With Purina’s Natural Plus formula, the food offers a complete nutrient palette for adult cats. Prebiotics are included for microbiome balance. And no fillers are added, so you can trust your pet is taking in the best of the best.
Pros:
- The tender morsels are not only tasty to cats, but they’re also easy for pets to eat at almost all life stages.
- It often works well for cats with stomach issues like vomiting and diarrhea.
Cons:
- It would be more convenient if the bag was resealable, but you can still keep it fresh with a clip or by dumping it into a pet food container.
Meow Mix Original Choice Cat Food
This tried-and-true dry cat food has long been called an affordable, healthy option for pets. Even with its low price point, it offers complete, balanced nutrition. All essential vitamins and minerals are included, as well as the high protein levels that domesticated cats crave. Each bag has morsels in several different flavors to keep your cat from getting bored with their food — chicken, turkey, salmon, and ocean fish, to be exact.
Pros:
- You can add water or a little bit of wet cat food for older pets.
- The scent is attractive to kitties, which helps entice them to eat.
Cons:
- You will need a large clip or container to keep this fresh between servings.
Blue Buffalo High Protein Cat Food
If you’re looking for dry cat food with high protein, Blue Buffalo is a trusted name to try out. This version of their cat food offers the following three ingredients as the first on its list: deboned chicken, chicken meal, and pea protein. It’s free from grains since cats do not benefit from wheat or corn. It contains Omega 3’s and 6’s for skin and coat health. And it even has something called LifeSource Bits, which are tasty cat vitamins packed with all your pet’s essential nutrients.
Pros:
- This food was put together by a team of veterinarians and animal nutritionists.
- We love that it’s made in the United States.
Cons:
- Older cats may not need this amount of protein.
Purina Beyond Grain Free Cat Food
This dry cat food combines the trusted Purina name with a natural, simplified ingredient list. It includes wild-caught fish as its main ingredient, with cage-free eggs and small amounts of sweet potato following behind. The mixture contains no grains, soy, poultry by-product, or artificial preservatives. It is, however, packed with vitamins, minerals, and probiotics to provide your pet with optimal health.
Pros:
- You can add bone broth, water, or wet food if your cat needs softer morsels.
- The food is crafted in an eco-friendly US facility.
Cons:
- Picky cats may not like this blend.
Blue Buffalo Hairball Control Cat Food
Better digestion
If your cat deals with hairballs often, this food may help. It contains fiber to prevent hairballs from forming. It’s also made with high-quality protein from real chicken. Moreover, Blue Buffalo’s LifeSource bits add all the essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants your cat could need. It also provides Omega 3 and 6 for skin and coat health.
Pros:
- We like that Blue Buffalo also offers a mix that provides weight control alongside hairball prevention.
- The real ingredients are extra appealing to entice your kitties to eat.
Cons:
- You may need to slowly transition your cat to this food to avoid upset stomachs.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I make my cat’s dry food softer?
If your cat struggles to eat dry food, you can do a few things to help. First, you can try adding water to soften the morsels. You can also mix wet and dry food together in your pet’s dish. Lastly, you can choose a product that offers softer morsels.
How much dry food should I feed my cat?
This depends on your cat’s age, weight, and the type of food you feed them. Thankfully, each version of dry cat food has a suggested feeding guide on the package. You may need to adjust the amounts slightly based on hunger levels, weight gain, or vet recommendations.
About the Author
Why Trust Us
Since 2008, CatTime has provided millions of cat owners with all the information they need to keep their pets happy and healthy. Our experts know exactly what it takes to raise our furry friends and our goal is to help all owners, new or experienced, care for their cats with all the right food, toys, equipment, and accessories.