The Best Pate For Cats
Ah, cats. Our fickle furry friends that we feed and love yet who can't seem to offer much appreciation in return. If you're a cat parent, you understand the struggle to provide your fur baby with only the best products, especially regarding food. How many of us have been stuck in the cat food aisle debating what will appease the master of the house? Well, fear not, because we've done all the hard work for you and compiled some of the best pates available on the market right meow — sorry. We couldn't resist.
What to Look For
When it comes to spoiling your feline friend, there is no better way than with delicious pates for cats. But before you go shopping, it’s important to know what to look for when sifting through shelves of options. Your cat will appreciate quality ingredients that provide the essential nutrients they need; this includes a balance of proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals. Look for real meat as the first ingredient. An ideal choice would be wholesome natural ingredients such as salmon, chicken liver, and tuna. And don’t forget the flavor. Variety is king when it comes to pleasing a picky eater – experimenting with different meats and flavors will help find your pet’s favorite. For example, Purina’s Fancy Feast comes with a diverse and savory seafood selection while also boasting plenty of nutrients. But if you’d prefer an option free from animal by-products and artificial flavors, consider Nutro’s grain-free pate. Read on to learn more about our favorite picks.
Purina Fancy Feast Classic Pate Seafood Pack
Taste the ocean
You’re probably not shocked to see Purina’s Fancy Feast pate at the top of our list. Cat’s just plain love the stuff. And who can blame them? After all, this variety pack includes salmon, tuna and white fish, and a tasty shrimp blend. Yes, flavor is important to our picky felines, but us cat parents are also concerned about nutrients. Luckily, this pate is packed with the protein, vitamins, and minerals your cat needs to stay healthy and strong. What’s more, the price is right, especially considering you’re receiving 30 cans.
Pros:
- Picky cats seem to love the flavors
- Incredibly soft and easy to digest
- Keeps coat nice and shiny
- Well-portioned for adult cats
- Enough for two kittens in one can
- Cats like the fishy smell
- Grain-free
Cons:
- Contains artificial flavoring
Wonder Bound Wet Cat Pate
Naturally tasty
Amazon’s Wonder Bound pate may be easily dismissed as another budget buy, but we’d beg to differ. One look at the ingredient list, and you will see that Wonder Bound is just as picky as our cats. You won’t find any artificial flavoring, coloring, or preservatives. Plus, they offer an excellent selection of flavors your cat can try. No matter which flavor you pick, real meat is the first ingredient. And since this pate works for all life stages, cats, young and old, can eat the same food.
Pros:
- Easy-to-open cans
- Grain-free and soy-free
- Solid ingredients for the price
- Sensitive tummies seem to do well on this food
Cons:
- Strong smell
9Lives Pate Favorites
For young and old
We think this twelve-pack from 9Lives is priced right. Did you know that most pates come in 3 oz cans? We’re pleased to say that 9Lives doesn’t follow the status quo — their 5.5 oz cans give you more bang for your buck. But more importantly, cats seem to really appreciate the taste. The pate is softer than most, so it should be easy to digest. Nutrition-wise, it contains key ingredients like taurine, which is good for the heart and eyes. And don’t be surprised if you see your cat sporting a shiny coat. In fact, your cat’s overall health should stay on track with this pate, and you might save some money in the process. You won’t catch us complaining.
Pros:
- Excellent value
- Really soft pate
- Generous portion size
- Smell isn’t overpowering
- Easy for older cats to digest
Cons:
- Wish it came in a 24 pack
Hartz Delectables Soft Pate
Snack time
Pate doesn’t have to be reserved only for meals, and Hartz Delectables knows this. That’s why they’ve come up with a lickable treat that cats go crazy over. For one, the pate is soft enough for your cat to lap up with their tongue, ensuring none of it’s left behind. Because let’s face it — sometimes cats like to lick their soft food dry without ever taking a bite. That won’t happen with this treat. It also works well as a food topper, especially if you’re trying to get your cat to eat dry food.
Pros:
- Plenty of flavors
- Easy to pour
- Senior pate blend is great for older cats
- Good for masking the flavor of medications
- Ideal for cats with digestive issues such as blockages
Cons:
- Really stinky
Nutro Grain Free Pate
If you’re looking for pate that uses only the purest ingredients, you can’t go wrong with Nutro’s grain-free option. There are plenty of flavors to choose from, so we’d recommend purchasing the variety pack. After all, we all know how finicky felines are. Whichever you choose, rest assured that Nutro only uses the best protein, namely whole meats like chicken and fish, with no by-products or artificial flavors in sight. Even better, each meal is perfectly portioned, so all you have to do is peel and serve.
Pros:
- Noticeable difference in coat and skin after extended use
- May help reduce the occurrence of hairballs
- Fluffy texture that’s easy to eat and digest
- Helps to maintain a healthy weight
- Picky cats like the flavors
- Non-GMO ingredients
Cons:
- Expensive but high-quality
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between pate and regular wet cat food?
Pate is typically a softer, more finely minced version of wet cat food with a smoother, almost paste-like consistency. Regular wet cat food tends to have larger chunks and a thicker, more gravy-like texture. Pates are also typically higher in moisture content than regular wet cat food.
What’s the benefit of feeding my cat pate food?
Pates provides a complete and balanced diet for cats. It is full of proteins and essential vitamins and minerals to keep cats in optimal condition. Pate food also tastes great, so cats are more likely to enjoy it. Additionally, pate food usually contains added moisture, which can help keep a cat hydrated — particularly if they don’t drink enough water on their own.
Why are there animal by-products in cat food?
Animal by-products are used in cat food because it is a cheap and convenient way to provide cats with protein in the form of meat. Cat food must contain specific key components to be nutritionally complete, and animal by-products are an inexpensive way to meet these requirements. Animal by-products typically come from renderings, which are made up of parts of animals that have been rendered into a paste or powder. These by-products can include things like organs (like heart, liver, and kidneys), meat trimmings, bones, blood, feathers, and fatty tissue.
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.