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

When shopping for 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 their essential amino acids, like taurine, from animal protein sources. Feeding your cat a nutritionally complete and balanced dry food is a convenient, affordable way to meet their nutritional needs.

To select the best dry cat food for this guide, we consulted veterinarians and evaluated hundreds of recipes to find foods that meet several veterinarian-recommended nutritional standards. One of the best dry cat foods is Farmina N&D Prime Lamb and Blueberry Recipe. This food for adult cats contains omega-3 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. The brands we chose also align with the Global Nutrition Guidelines from the World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA).

Read more about how Insider Reviews tests and evaluates pet products.

Highlights for the best dry cat food

Best overall: Farmina N&D Prime Lamb and Blueberry - See at Chewy

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

Best for indoor cats: Royal Canin Indoor Adult - 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: Royal Canin Hairball Care - See at Chewy

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

What to look for in a dry cat food

Whether you're feeding a kitten, adult, or senior cat, the following factors can help you choose the healthiest dry cat food to meet their needs.

AAFCO nutritional adequacy statement: The most basic indicator of nutritionally complete and balanced cat food is an AAFCO statement on the label. The AAFCO is a nonprofit organization that determines the 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.

Feeding trials and expert formulations: Feeding trials provide added confidence in a food's nutritional value. A food that has undergone AAFCO feeding trials will have a statement on its label that reads: "Animal feeding tests using AAFCO procedures substantiate that [specific recipe] provides complete and balanced nutrition for [a specified life stage]." This means the food has been fed to a group of cats over a period of time to validate its long-term nutritional value.

Many foods are "formulated to meet" AAFCO nutritional standards and have not undergone feeding trials. Look for brands with a dedicated pet nutrition expert who formulates the food, which aligns with the World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA) Global Nutrition Guidelines. We also favored brands engaged in small animal nutrition research and those that collaborate with universities.

Guaranteed analysis and nutrient profiles: The guaranteed analysis provides the percentages of protein, fat, and other important nutrients in a food. The best cat foods may be formulated to meet the AAFCO Cat Food Nutrient Profiles for growth and reproduction (kittens, pregnant, and nursing cats) or maintenance (adult cats). This ensures the food contains enough animal protein and other nutrients for a cat's specific life stage. Regardless of a cat's age, a healthy food will also contain other essential nutrients, including amino acids like taurine, fatty acids, minerals, and vitamins.

The AAFCO Cat Food Nutrient Profiles say that foods formulated for kittens must contain at least 30% protein and 9% fat. Food for adult cats, labeled "maintenance," 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 wet cat foods typically contain 75% to 78% moisture, while dry food contains only 10% to 12%.

If you want to compare nutrients in dry and wet foods, 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 or deboned meat, byproducts, or meat meal should come first on the list. Cats rely on meat for essential amino acids, which support heart health, good vision, and a strong immune system. Beyond protein, ingredients like fiber from beet pulp or psyllium husk can aid digestion and help manage hairballs, while cold-water fish such as salmon provide omega-3 fatty acids that reduce inflammation and support skin and joint health. Antioxidant-rich fruits like blueberries and cranberries can benefit brain health and immune function.

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 pet food is listed in kilocalories (kcal). Your cat's calorie needs depend on their age and activity level. Kittens grow rapidly in their first year and require 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 you should feed your adult cat depends on their weight, energy level, breed, and overall health.

Best overall

The term "obligate carnivore" is often misunderstood to mean that cats can only eat meat, but that's not true, says Dr. Jamie Richardson, head of veterinary medicine at Small Door Veterinary. Cats also benefit from nutrients found in fruits, vegetables, and even grains. For this guide, we selected three grain-inclusive recipes that combine quality animal proteins with nutrient-rich extras.

Across these options, you'll find chicken, turkey, lamb, and fish, combined with antioxidant-rich fruits. Recipes featuring fish-based proteins offer a healthy serving of omega-3 fatty acids, while poultry-based recipes tend to be more budget-friendly than fish or red meat. Farmina N&D Prime Lamb and Blueberry Recipe is also a lower-calorie option for cats who demand larger portions.

These brands stand out for their commitment to quality and research. Acana's parent company, Mars, and Merrick's parent company, Purina, are two trusted names in pet nutrition, with decades of scientific research behind their recipes. Farmina, a family-owned company founded in Italy in 1965, may be smaller in scale, but it partners with institutions worldwide to develop its recipes for pets.

Best budget

The price of a pet food doesn't necessarily reflect its nutritional value or quality, says Dr. Korinn Saker, a board-certified veterinary nutritionist and retired associate professor of clinical nutrition at North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine. Our budget-friendly picks cost as little as $1.50 per pound, compared to premium brands averaging $5 per pound.

Don't be put off by the form of the meat listed on the label. Often, you'll find meat meals and byproducts on the ingredient list of budget foods. These are concentrated forms of animal protein made from meat, organs, and bones, and they're more nutrient-dense than deboned meats, helping to keep costs down without compromising nutrition.

Liver, which is commonly included in meat meals and byproducts, is one of the tastiest parts of an animal to cats, says Dr. Nancy Welborn, a veterinarian and associate professor at LSU School of Veterinary Medicine. Beyond encouraging your cat to lick their bowl clean, organ meat is rich in essential vitamins and minerals that support a healthy immune system, skin, and coat.

Our picks for the best budget-friendly cat foods include other nutrients to round out a balanced diet. Oatmeal provides energy, and fiber from dried beet pulp and chicory root offers digestive support. Fiber can also help your cat feel fuller for longer, which may reduce begging or snacking between meals.

Best for indoor cats

Even with trees, perches, and exercise wheels, indoor cats are typically less active and may have slower metabolisms than their outdoor counterparts. This makes indoor cats prone to weight gain. In fact, research indicates up to 63% of cats may be overweight or obese. One way to help keep your cat satisfied without overfeeding them is by choosing recipes with more fiber and fewer fats and carbohydrates, says Dr. Mark Freeman, a veterinarian and clinical associate professor of community practice at Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine.

While fiber doesn't provide a lot of calories, Freeman says it takes more energy to digest than fat or protein. A high-fiber diet can help your cat burn more calories during digestion, feel fuller longer, and often enjoy larger portions without eating too many calories. Many commercial cat foods contain 1% to 4% fiber, but the high-fiber recipes below provide up to 7% from sources such as beet pulp, inulin, and psyllium husk. Fiber also supports healthy digestion and may reduce hairballs by moving fur through the digestive tract. Omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil complement this by improving skin and coat health, which can reduce shedding and, in turn, hairballs.

If you're concerned your cat may be overweight, the Body Condition Score (BCS) is a hands-on assessment of their ribs, belly, and hips that vets use. Your veterinarian can walk you through scoring and determine your cat's daily calorie needs, or you can use the Pet Nutrition Alliance Cat Calorie Calculator as a starting point. Our recommendations for the best indoor cat foods are low-calorie to make portioning easier, and they contain L-carnitine, an amino acid that helps the body burn fat for energy and may support weight loss.

Best for sensitive stomachs

If your cat has diarrhea, vomiting, or gas, the best sensitive stomach cat food can help relieve their symptoms and support gut recovery. These special formulas typically contain limited or highly digestible ingredients, omega fatty acids, and digestive supplements such as prebiotics and probiotics.

Keeping a healthy balance of gut bacteria, where the good bacteria outnumber the bad, is important for digestion and overall health. When that balance is disrupted, prebiotic fibers such as chicory root and beet pulp can help. Found in all three of our picks, they nourish good bacteria, helping to restore balance naturally. All three of our picks also feature poultry as the main protein source, which Richardson says is leaner and, therefore, more easily digested than red meats. They also contain omega-3 fatty acids from salmon and fish oil, which can reduce inflammation of the gut.

Digestive issues aren't always food-related, though the right food can help a gut recover from stressors, such as parasites, says Dr. Grant Little, a veterinarian at JustAnswer.com. The foods we highlight are formulated to support digestion but are not intended to treat food allergies, which involve the immune system and may cause additional symptoms such as itchy skin or ear infections, Saker says. If your vet suspects an allergy, they may recommend a prescription diet.

Best for senior cats

As cats start to show signs of aging around 7 years old and enter their senior years at about 12, their activity level and metabolism begin to slow down. That's when you might want to consider switching to one of our top picks for the best senior cat foods, which are lower in calories and fat. This diet 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 foods for a senior, it's important to know that the AAFCO doesn't publish specific nutritional guidelines for senior cat foods, says Dr. Jennifer Larsen, a board-certified veterinary nutritionist and clinical nutrition professor in the department of veterinary medicine at UC Davis. Senior cat foods should have an AAFCO nutritional adequacy statement for maintenance and will meet the minimum nutrient, vitamin, and mineral requirements for both adult and senior cats. However, the amounts of fat, protein, fiber, and calories in foods for older cats vary 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. Debra 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. Its senior food has fewer calories than most adult foods while still providing plenty of protein. The recipes we recommend also contain antioxidants, omega-3 and omega-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

Hairballs form when cats groom themselves or each other, which are natural and healthy behaviors. Small amounts of hair can pass through their digestive 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 our selection of the best indoor cat foods can support hairball management because they are higher in fiber than many standard adult recipes, foods specifically formulated for hairball reduction contain even more insoluble fiber. "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," Larsen says. Key ingredients found in our picks below that promote this movement include psyllium seed husk and cellulose.

Richardson says the omega-3 fatty acids in the following foods are also beneficial. They can support healthier skin and coat, which may reduce shedding, grooming, and, ultimately, hairball formation. Keep in mind, however, that while the best hairball control cat food and hairball remedies can help reduce hairballs, they shouldn't replace regular brushing.

Best for kittens

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 it 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 evaluated brands and foods according to the WSAVA Global Nutrition Guidelines and AAFCO standards. We also consulted the following experts in animal nutrition.

Dr. Debra Zoran is 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. Zoran shared insights on cat nutrition and what makes a 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 and a clinical nutrition professor in the department of veterinary medicine at UC Davis. Larsen's 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 board-certified veterinary nutritionist and retired associate professor of clinical nutrition at North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine. We consulted Saker about feline food intolerance and sensitivities and the metabolic needs of indoor cats.

Dr. Jamie Richardson head of veterinary medicine at Small Door Veterinary. Richardson has worked with animals around the world, from South Africa to Hong Kong. At Small Door Veterinary, her primary interests, besides general practice, include preventive care, dentistry, and internal medicine.

Dr. Mark Freeman is a veterinarian and clinical associate professor of community practice at Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine. He provided insights into managing indoor cats' weight.

Dr. Nancy Welborn a veterinarian and associate professor at the LSU School of Veterinary Medicine. Welborn practiced private veterinary medicine for livestock and companion animals before transitioning to emergency small animal critical veterinary and then returning to LSU to develop and teach community practice.

Dr. Grant Little is a veterinarian at Arlington Pet Hospital in Arlington, Nebraska. He is also a veterinary expert on JustAnswer.com, having answered thousands of health, behavior, and nutrition questions from pet parents over the past three years.

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 frequent recalls, employs a board-certified nutritionist or PhD in animal nutrition, and participates in research studies. Zoran says that if a company is reputable, you can generally trust what it prints 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 the 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 no single best dry food for every cat or kitten. Your veterinarian can recommend a food that is appropriate for your cat's 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 beginning 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 need to switch to a prescription diet.

Do vets recommend dry or wet food for cats?

Both canned and dry foods can meet the nutritional needs of cats and kittens, as long as they're labeled with an AAFCO statement for your cat's specific life stage. The ideal food for your cat generally depends on your budget and your cat's 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.

The post The best dry cat food in 2025, with advice from vets appeared first on Business Insider