The best and healthiest dry cat food in 2025, with advice from vets

When shopping for the best dry cat food, you'll find many excellent recipes from top brands. But before you choose one, start by considering your feline's wild roots. Cats are obligate carnivores, which means they mainly eat meat and must get essential amino acids, like taurine, from animal protein sources. A nutritionally complete and balanced dry food with the right amount of meat protein is a convenient, affordable way to meet these nutritional needs.

To recommend the best and healthiest dry cat food for this guide, we consulted veterinarians and evaluated hundreds of recipes to find ones that meet several veterinarian-recommended nutritional standards. One of the best dry foods for adult cats is Acana Bountiful Catch With Salmon and Whole Herring. It includes omega fatty acids that help reduce inflammation and support skin, coat, and brain health.

In addition to making our selections based on expert advice, we also made sure each recipe meets the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) standards for complete and balanced cat food and adheres to the Global Nutrition Guidelines from the World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA).

Highlights for the best dry cat food

Best overall: Acana Bountiful Catch With Salmon and Whole Herring - See at Chewy

Best budget: Nutro Wholesome Essentials Adult Salmon and Brown Rice - See at Chewy

Best for indoor cats: Farmina N&D Prime Adult Chicken and Pomegranate - See at Chewy

Best for sensitive stomachs: Purina One +Plus Sensitive Skin and Stomach - See at Chewy

Best for senior cats: Hill's Science Diet Adult 11+ Chicken - See at Chewy

Best for hairball control: Iams ProActive Health Indoor Weight and Hairball Care Chicken and Turkey - See at Chewy

Best for kittens: Hill's Science Diet Kitten Chicken Recipe - See at Chewy

What to look for in a dry cat food

Whether you're feeding a kitten, adult, or senior cat, keep these guidelines and tips in mind when choosing the healthiest dry cat food.

AAFCO nutritional adequacy statement: The most basic indicator of nutritionally complete cat food is an AAFCO statement on the label. The AAFCO is a nonprofit organization that determines the standard nutritional standards for pet food. Foods labeled with an AAFCO statement for growth or all life stages are guaranteed to be complete and balanced for kittens, while foods with an AAFCO statement for maintenance or all life stages are guaranteed to be complete and balanced for adult cats.

Guaranteed analysis and nutrient profiles: The guaranteed analysis consists of the percentages of protein, fat, and other important nutrients in a food. Kittens need a minimum of 30% protein and 9% fat, and adult cats should get a minimum of 26% protein and 9% fat. Regardless of a cat's age, a healthy cat food should also contain other essential nutrients, including amino acids like taurine, fatty acids, minerals, and vitamins.

If you're comparing dry and wet food, you'll first need to convert the percentages of protein, fat, and fiber in wet food to a "dry matter basis." You can use these directions from the Tufts University Cummings Veterinary Medical Center, call the food manufacturer, or ask your vet for help.

Key ingredients: Ingredients are listed in order of weight on pet food labels. Since cats are obligate carnivores, proteins in the form of whole meat or meat meal should come first on the list.

Expert formulations: For this guide, we selected brands with a dedicated nutrition expert on staff, something that aligns with the World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA) guidelines and is recommended by veterinarians. We also favored brands engaged in small animal nutrition research and those that collaborate with universities.

Manufacturing standards: Check a brand's quality control measures and the types of production facilities they use. For instance, brands that own their manufacturing plants generally have more oversight of their ingredients and products. However, a simple claim of quality control isn't enough. Pet food companies should also provide information about their quality control practices on their website or upon request.

Calorie content: The calorie content of cat food is listed in kilocalories (kcals). Your cat's calorie needs depend on their age and activity level. Kittens grow rapidly in their first year, and so they need plenty of energy. For this reason, they should eat multiple meals per day without calorie restrictions. As they approach 9 to 12 months of age, talk with your vet about their ideal body condition, weight, and caloric needs.

The amount of food an adult cat should eat depends on their weight, energy level, breed, and overall health. Your veterinarian can provide individualized guidance on right amount for your cat.

Best overall

Three bags of dry cat food from Purina, Acana, and Merrick are on a blue gradient background.

The best cat foods meet the AAFCO's minimum nutrient standards for growth (kittens), maintenance (adult cats), or both. This ensures the food contains enough animal protein and other nutrients for your cat's specific life stage.

The AAFCO standards say that foods formulated for kittens or cats of all life stages must contain at least 30% protein and 9% fat. Food for adult cats — labeled "maintenance" or "for all life stages" — must have a minimum of 26% protein and 9% fat on a dry matter basis, which is calculated after moisture is removed. The biggest difference between dry and wet cat food lies in moisture content. The best and healthiest wet cat food formulas typically contain 75% to 78% moisture, while dry food contains only 10% to 12%.

Our picks below for the best dry cat food meet our criteria for quality food for adult cats. While they cost more than our budget picks, they're packed with ingredients like deboned chicken, salmon, and beef fat.

Best budget

Three bags of dry cat food from Blue Buffalo, Nutro, and Nutrish are on a blue gradient background.

The price of a pet food doesn't necessarily indicate its nutritional value or quality, says Dr. Korinn Saker,a retired veterinary nutritionist who was associate professor of clinical nutrition at theNorth Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine.

To put it simply, quality food doesn't have to cost a bundle. Any pet food with a nutritional adequacy statement on the label or packaging will meet the minimum nutritional requirements of your pet. When it comes to cats, Saker says quality means that protein is the number one ingredient, especially for growing kittens and active adults. When animal protein is the first ingredient, that protein source will meet most of a cat's essential amino acid needs.

Our picks for the best budget-friendly cat foods have an animal-based protein as the first ingredient. Plus, they're supplemented with vitamins and minerals like omega fatty acids and antioxidants to promote better overall health for your cat.

Best for indoor cats

Three bags of dry indoor cat food from Merrick, Royal Canin Balance, and Farmina are on a blue gradient background.

Even when indoor cats have trees, perches, and exercise wheels, they are often less active and may have a slower metabolism than their outdoor counterparts. As a result, they are more prone to weight gain over time. In fact, research indicates up to 63% of cats may be overweight or obese.

When your veterinarian examines your cat, they use a scale known as the Body Condition Score (BCS) to assess your cat's body fat based on evaluations of their ribs, belly, and hips. The scale ranges from emaciated (1) to obese (9), with a score of 5 representing an ideal weight. Based on the BCS, your vet can determine your cat's ideal weight and the number of calories they need to reach or maintain that score.

When choosing the healthiest dry cat food for your pet, you'll need to consider the number of calories per cup and feed them the appropriate amount for their individual needs. If you need help calculating the right amount, your vet can provide more guidance. Our low-calorie picks for the best indoor cat foodsare packed with beneficial ingredients, like soluble and insoluble fibers, which help keep your cat feeling fuller for longer.

Best for sensitive stomachs

Three bags of dry cat food for sensitive stomachs from Blue Buffalo, Hill's, and Purina are on a yellow gradient background.

If your cat friend has signs of food intolerance, such as diarrhea, vomiting, or gas, the best sensitive stomach cat food can help relieve their symptoms. These special formulas usually contain highly digestible proteins, omega fatty acids to reduce inflammation, and digestive aids like prebiotics and probiotics.

Whenever your cat has symptoms of gastrointestinal stress, it's important for your veterinarian to assess your cat. before making changes to their diet. food intolerance is different from a food allergy, for example. Cats with food allergies may have different symptoms, including itchy skin and ear infections, along with vomiting or diarrhea. Saker says the difference between a food allergy and intolerance lies in an immune system response.

If you think your cat may have an allergy, let your vet know. They'll often recommend starting a prescription diet.

Best for senior cats

Three bags of dry senior cat food from Hill's, Nutro, and Purina are on a blue gradient background.

As cats start to show signs of aging around 7 years old and enter their senior years at about 12, their activity levels and metabolism begin to slow down. That's when you might want to consider switching to one of our top picks for the best foods for senior cats, which are lower in calories and fat. This change can be beneficial for your cat's health since high-fat diets can lead to weight gain and obesity-related issues in less active senior cats, Saker says.

When selecting one of the best dry cat food for a senior, it's important to know that the AAFCO doesn't have specific nutritional guidelines for senior cat foods, says Dr. Jennifer Larsen, a board-certified veterinary nutritionist and clinical nutrition professor at the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine. Senior cat foods with an AAFCO nutritional adequacy statement will meet the minimum nutrient, vitamin, and mineral requirements for both adult and senior cats. However, the calorie, fat, protein, and fiber content in formulas for older cats varies by brand. That's why it's wise to check the calorie content of each formula and consult your vet for advice on your cat's daily calorie needs.

Dr. Deb Zoran, a board-certified small animal internist and professor of small animal clinical sciences at the Texas A&M University School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, says she likes to rotate Nutro into her cats' food lineup. Their senior food has fewer calories than most adult foods while still providing plenty of protein. As part of our senior food picks, we've included recipes that contain antioxidants, omega-3 and onega-6 fatty acids, and beta-carotene. These ingredients may help reduce inflammation, boost your cat's cognitive function, and strengthen their immune system.

Best for hairball control

Three bags of dry hairball control cat food from Iams, Royal Canin, and Nutro are on a blue gradient background.

Hairballs form when cats groom themselves or each other, which are natural and healthy behaviors. Small amounts of hair can pass through their system and be eliminated as waste. However, if cats ingest too much hair, the excess may end up as a hairball on your carpet — or, worse, become stuck in their digestive tract, potentially causing an obstruction.

While a change in diet and the best cat hairball remedies can help, they shouldn't replace regular brushing. High-fiber cat food, however, can assist in moving hair through the digestive system, Larsen says. "The goal is to use fiber to help push the hair along the gastrointestinal tract so it's passed as waste instead of forming a ball in the stomach," she explains. Key ingredients that promote this movement include rice hulls, pea fiber, and cellulose.

Additionally, Larsen says there's another benefit to fiber-rich diets for cats. High-fiber formulas can help cats feel fuller for longer, which may reduce their overall calorie intake. So, if your vet recommends weight loss for your cat, a fiber-rich diet could be a good option. Our picks for the best hairball control cat food contain added fiber, and Royal Canin and Iams include extra omega fatty acids.

Best for kittens

Three bags of dry kitten food from Purina, Hill's, and Iams are on a blue gradient background.

If your cat is less than a year old, feed them one of the best kitten foods or a food labeled "for all life stages." All life stages foods are formulated to meet the minimum nutritional requirements for growth, including protein, calcium, phosphorus, and fat. Saker says these foods exceed the minimum requirements for an adult cat's nutritional needs.

However, foods specially formulated for growing kittens may be a better choice. Not only is the smaller kibble better suited to tiny mouths, but kitten food has higher minimum percentages of essential nutrients. It also contains docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), an omega-3 fatty acid that supports brain development in kittens. Fish, fish oil, and fish meal are excellent sources of DHA.

You can help your kitten become more open to different foods by rotating brands, flavors, and textures. Zoran says this approach encourages food flexibility throughout their life. However, this doesn't mean your kitten should eat a completely new food every day. Instead, rotate foods every couple of weeks. You can gradually transition to a new food by adding a little more of the new food each day. If your kitten doesn't seem to like the new food or shows signs of stomach upset, you can slow the transition or return to feeding the previous food.

How we selected the best dry cat food

To make our recommendations for the best dry cat food, we consulted experts in animal nutrition.

Dr. Deb Zoran is a board-certified small animal internist, nutritionist, and professor of small animal clinical sciences at the School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University. Zoran's expertise helped us better understand cat nutrition and quality food. She also shared her personal feeding preferences, which may not represent specific endorsements shared by Texas A&M University.

Dr. Jennifer Larsen is a board-certified veterinary nutritionist, a distinguished member of the American College of Veterinary Nutrition, and a professor of clinical nutrition at the School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis. Larsen's expertise helped us better understand senior cat nutrition and the role of high-fiber diets in feline nutrition and well-being.

Dr. Korinn Saker is a retired veterinary nutritionist who was a professor of clinical nutrition at the College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University. Saker helped improve our understanding of feline food intolerance and sensitivities, as well as an indoor cat's metabolic needs.

We also consulted guidelines and recommendations from other organizations, including AAFCO and the WSAVA Global Nutrition Guidelines.

Dry cat food FAQs

What is the healthiest dry food for cats?

To make sure you're buying quality food for your cat, Zoran recommends first checking the label for an AAFCO statement. This confirms the recipe meets your cat's nutritional needs. From there, consider other factors, such as whether the brand has had any recalls, employs a board-certified nutritionist, and participates in research studies. Zoran says if a company is reputable, you can generally trust what they print on the label.

What are the benefits of dry cat food?

Dry food is a popular choice for its affordability, convenience, and ease of storage. "There is a small amount of evidence that some, very few, and specific dry cat foods may have some oral health and dental benefits," says Dr. Bruce Kornreich, a board-certified veterinary cardiologist and director of the Cornell Feline Health Center at Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine. "But the most important thing that cat owners can do to maintain their cat's oral health is to brush their cat's teeth," he says.

What is the best dry food to give a cat?

There's not a perfect dry food choice that fits every cat or kitten. Instead, ask your veterinarian for food recommendations tailored to your pet. They may be able to suggest some options that meet your cat's specific nutritional and calorie needs, based on their age, body condition, and overall health.

Is it OK to feed cats dry food only?

Zoran recommends feeding cats a combination of dry and wet food from different brands starting at a young age. This encourages food flexibility in cats and can prevent them from becoming picky eaters, which may prove particularly helpful when their preferred food is unavailable, recipes change, or they require a prescription diet.

Do vets recommend dry or wet food for cats?

Both canned and dry food choices can meet the nutritional needs of cats and kittens, as long as they're labeled with the AAFCO statement for your cat's specific life stage. The ideal food for your cat generally depends on your budget, along with their overall health and food preferences. However, to prevent finicky tastes and food inflexibility, Zoran recommends rotating textures, proteins, and brands from a young age. You can learn more in our explainer about wet vs. dry cat food.

Should I leave dry food out for my cat all day?

Zoran doesn't recommend free-feeding cats. "It is exceptionally hard to regulate a cat's weight and proper amount of food by free-choice feeding," she says. Instead, portion their food into two to three small meals a day. If you're not sure how much to feed your cat, you can ask your vet for more specific guidance based on your cat's age, ideal weight, and overall health.

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