Pets need love, attention from humans, proper care and nutrition. It should not only be tasty, but also balanced, consist of high-quality ingredients that are healthy for the body. The best dry cat food in terms of composition undergoes special testing and has an appropriate certificate confirming the good quality and safety of the product.
We have prepared a rating that includes only the best dry food for sterilized cats, neutered cats, and elderly animals. The TOP includes holistic, super-premium and premium food. Each of them comes with a detailed description, a list of positive and negative aspects, so that you can choose the best option for your pet. According to veterinarians, good dry food for cats can improve their well-being, mood and guarantee many years of life thanks to their balanced composition. The selection includes food for Scottish, Bengal and other domestic cats.
Advice from veterinarians on choosing dry food for cats and their recommended composition
The main ingredient is animal meat, fish or poultry. The ideal choice would be a composition in which at least half of the diet comes from meat and its derivatives. The more meat, the better the food is for cats. Veterinarians advise buying good dry cat food from trusted manufacturers who indicate on the packaging the source of animal protein and the method of obtaining it.
The peculiarities of the production process do not allow us to completely prevent heat treatment of meat, but it can be prepared in different ways. The meat that is positioned by the manufacturer as “fresh” is of the greatest value. Accordingly, it was not defrosted or preserved. The production technology does not make it possible to use more than 35% of dry and fresh meat components, but this indicator indicates that this is one of the best dry food for cats.
More often, “dehydrated” or “dehydrated” meat is used. It is dried and is a valuable source of animal protein. Its high concentration in food is the basis for a high-quality diet for your pet. Another significant source of animal protein is flour obtained from various types of meat.
Dry food must contain sources of fiber. They can be dried fruits, vegetables or brown algae. Good manufacturers add natural probiotics and prebiotics, which improves digestion and ensures normal bowel function. Sources of carbohydrates include potatoes, rice and legumes.
Let's look at the packaging
You can sit at home for a long time and look at ratings of high-quality dry cat food, but when you come to the store, you either won’t see what you initially liked, or you’ll simply get lost in the variety of choices.
The choice becomes even more difficult if the store or veterinary pharmacy simply has large bags of food from which you can pick out what you want.
Always look at the food packaging label. First of all, we talk about the country in which the feed is produced. It can be of three types, in most cases - Chinese, European and Russian production.
For the most part, food of Russian origin is normal, although there are some exceptions. Dry food that was made in the EU will always be of high quality, but it is difficult to find, and the price is quite high.
Be especially careful with dry food made in China. Thanks to local laws that apply in China, they can mix literally anything into such products.
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Rating of the 3 best dry food for cats of the holistic class
SAVARRA with turkey and rice
| For spayed/neutered animals, prevention of excess weight, hypoallergenic |
The food is based on turkey meat, which is considered the most dietary and tender. It is well absorbed by the cat's body and contains a large amount of nutrients. Turkey is rich in vitamins A and E, and also surpasses beef and veal in sodium concentration. Due to this, the blood is saturated with plasma and metabolic processes are established, which plays an important role for sterilized and overweight animals.
The best dry holistic food for cats contains L-carnitine, which has a beneficial effect on metabolism and helps improve fat metabolism. This solves the problem of excess weight.
Peculiarities:
- animal age: adults (1-6 years)
- special needs: for spayed/neutered people, prevention of excess weight, hypoallergenic
- holistic: yes
- side dish: with rice
GO! Skin+Coat with chicken
| For healthy skin and shiny coat. Suitable for kittens up to one year old, older and adult animals. |
Your pet will be grateful to you if you buy GO food for him! Skin+Coat. The main ingredient is high-quality meat from free-range chickens. It saturates the cat's body with amino acids that strengthen muscles, and Omega fatty acids help maintain healthy skin and shiny coat. The recipe excludes the presence of by-products, soy, wheat and corn.
- GO! Skin+Coat consists of probiotics and prebiotics to maintain optimal intestinal microflora and improve digestion;
- Amino acid-rich fruits and vegetables strengthen the immune system;
- Flaxseed has a high concentration of Omega-3 fatty acids, a lot of fiber and protein;
- Whole grains provide vital energy.
Peculiarities:
- animal age: kittens (up to 1 year), elderly (7+), adults (1-6 years)
- special needs: for healthy skin and shiny coat
- holistic: yes
- premium: yes
GO! Carnivore grain-free with chicken, turkey, duck
| Grain-free food for cats and kittens of any age |
The rating of the best holistic dry food is updated by GO! Carnivore is a grain-free, protein-packed recipe. It is designed to provide a balanced diet to keep your cat healthy and fit. It is made with fresh chicken, turkey, trout, duck, salmon, vegetables and fruits.
As a result, the immune system is strengthened and the body is saturated with antioxidants. Taurine improves vision and heart function, probiotics support healthy intestinal microflora. The manufacturer does not use growth hormones, gluten, grains or other harmful ingredients.
Peculiarities:
- animal age: adults (1-6 years)
- breed size: all breeds
- special needs: grain-free
Natural raw food
Natural food has appeared on the market relatively recently. They are included in the middle price segment. These are holistic, new generation foods made from products that can be eaten not only by cats, but also by people. Therefore, natural food is becoming increasingly popular among cat owners. The advantages of natural food are obvious: it is the most suitable food for cats, developed based on their species diet. This food contains the right amount of liquid, nutrients, vitamins and other microelements.
Natural food is best for cats
The disadvantage of natural food is the relative complexity of their preparation. You cannot provide a complete diet by simply feeding your pets raw meat. You need to add by-products, monitor the ratio of microelements per serving, etc. But you can buy ready-made natural food.
The most famous brands are:
- Balanced Blends, USA;
- Darwin's Natural Pet Products, USA;
- Primal, USA;
- Love Your Pet, USA;
- PurrForm, UK;
- SUPERPET, Russia.
In Russia, raw food is represented by the SUPERPET brand. It contains fresh raw meat, offal, vegetables, quail eggs, and vitamins. This food is as close as possible to the natural prey of cats: it is balanced, it includes a full range of vitamins, microelements and minerals necessary for the cat’s body. SUPERPET does not contain vegetable protein, preservatives, flavorings or flavor enhancers. SUPERPET rations are not subject to heat treatment. The ingredients retain all their beneficial properties. The products of this brand are 100% natural and healthy. SUPERPET is stored and delivered frozen, like all natural foods.
The best super premium dry cat food
Hill's Science Plan with Chicken
| Designed for adult cats from 1-6 years old. Effective prevention of urolithiasis and excess weight. |
Hill's Science Plan, aimed at harmonious development, including sterilized cats, is among the top best dry cat foods. The diet is based on a complex of antioxidants to maintain good immunity. The specific weight control formula strengthens muscles and leads to fat burning. The presence of minerals contributes to the health of the urinary tract. Only easily digestible ingredients are used that are both tasty and of high quality.
Peculiarities:
- animal age: adults (1-6 years)
- special needs: for spayed/neutered people, prevention of urolithiasis, prevention of excess weight
Brit Care Sunny with salmon
| To maintain healthy skin and shiny coats in adult animals |
The best super premium dry cat food is offered by the Brit company, which includes hypoallergenic food in its assortment. It is characterized by a high meat content (composed of 20% salmon meal, 15% salmon protein, 14% dehydrated chicken).
In combination with a balanced mineral composition, the food improves the pet’s health and heals the skin and coat. This is facilitated by marigolds, Omega-3, zinc and biotin. Taurine and Arginine contribute to the normal functioning of vital organs and systems.
Peculiarities:
- animal age: adults (1-6 years)
- special needs: for healthy skin and shiny coat
- premium: yes
Natural nutrition
Many cat owners begin feeding their animals by offering the animal the food they themselves eat. This approach is not correct. Cats require a specific set of vitamins and minerals that regular food cannot provide. You can often hear complaints - you fed your cat natural food, but she often gets sick and behaves restlessly.
© shutterstock
The problem is lack of nutrients. A cat is a predator, so an abundance of meat and fish is mandatory for such an animal . It is almost impossible to provide your pet with the full range of essential nutrients on your own. Therefore, the best option is a balanced diet approved by veterinarians. This is exactly the diet offered by companies that produce special food for cats.
But if you still decide not to spend money on industrial food, then for the normal development of the cat it is necessary to diversify the menu, include meat, vegetables, and fish in the diet.
But feeding your cat raw fish is dangerous, as it may contain worms and parasites that are harmful to health. During heat treatment and when cleaning fish, housewives get rid of such “surprises”.
Good premium dry cat food
Brit Premium with chicken
| Suitable for spayed and neutered animals |
The list of the 10 best dry cat foods includes Brit Premium, which is recommended by many veterinarians. It is suitable for kittens and adult animals. The composition is based on chicken in salmon sauce, healthy herbs, all the necessary vitamins and minerals that promote the growth and development of kittens. The herbs provide antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and cleansing qualities.
A special production technology allows you to make a delicious sauce from salmon or chicken liver. Due to this, the food is very tasty and aromatic. It will not leave even the most picky cats indifferent.
Peculiarities:
- animal age: adults (1-6 years)
- premium: yes
ProBalance with chicken
| Helps maintain normal weight and reduces the likelihood of stones |
The best premium dry cat food is produced by ProBalance. We offer completely natural food suitable for sterilized and neutered male cats. Its regular use minimizes the likelihood of developing urolithiasis.
After sterilization, metabolism slows down, which is especially important in the case of older animals. At the same time, they move less - on average by 20-25%, and their appetite, on the contrary, increases, which causes obesity.
Dry food supplies the body with energy (375 kcal per 100 grams), and at the same time helps maintain weight within normal limits. This is thanks to fat-burning L-carnitine. The thoughtful composition increases thirst, causing the pet to drink more. Accordingly, the volume of urine increases and the likelihood of stone formation decreases. In addition to the meat component, the food contains useful ingredients.
Peculiarities:
- animal age: adults (1-6 years)
- special needs: for spayed/neutered
- premium: yes
Purina ONE with beef, wheat
| For the prevention of urolithiasis, excess weight and tartar |
Good premium dry food for cats contains optimal levels of protein and fat, which are necessary to maintain lean body mass and normal metabolism. The balance of mineral components supports the health of the cat's urinary system and prevents excess weight gain. With regular use, the formation of tartar is reduced by up to 40% and an ideal physical shape is maintained.
Peculiarities:
- Animal age: adults (1-6 years)
- Special needs: for spayed/neutered people / prevention of urolithiasis / prevention of excess weight
Food from the table
Some people treat their pets with their food: pasta, cereal, fish, sausage, even desserts and alcohol. Owners think that in this way they are pampering their pets, but in reality they are doing them a disservice.
Human food is harmful to small carnivores because cooked food contains too many spices and food additives. Vegetables in large quantities can cause gastrointestinal diseases: colitis, gastritis and stomach ulcers. Pasta and flour products lead to constipation, colitis and obesity. Fish, often considered a cat treat, contains too much protein and minerals. Giving fish to your pets frequently can lead to urolithiasis and vitamin K deficiency. Experts do not recommend giving cats milk because lactose in milk causes stomach upset. Yeast baked goods are dangerous due to bloating, flatulence and intestinal colic. Chocolate, ice cream, cakes, and alcohol are not acceptable in a cat’s diet, because this can lead to serious disorders of the digestive system and diabetes.
You can't feed cats food from the table.
It is impossible to provide cats with complete and healthy nutrition using table food. Human food can easily harm them. Such food should not be in the diet of cats.
The best dry food for sterilized cats
Royal Canin 37
| To prevent excess weight and maintain muscle mass |
According to reviews from veterinarians, Royal Canin 37 is recognized as the best dry food for sterilized and neutered cats. After sterilization, you should change your pet's diet, taking into account changes in energy needs. To combat excess weight, you will need a balanced composition with a reduced fat content and strict adherence to recommended portions. The optimal amount of minerals supports the health of the urinary system, and the high concentration of protein maintains muscle mass.
The food is sold not only in dry form, but also as pieces in sauce, jelly or pate form. When feeding a mixed diet, follow feeding standards to combine wet and dry food in optimal proportions.
Peculiarities:
- animal age: adults (1-6 years)
- special needs: for spayed/neutered people, prevention of excess weight
- premium: yes
Perfect Fit with chicken
| For healthy skin and shiny coat, prevention of excess weight and urolithiasis |
The rating of the best dry food for sterilized cats is replenished by Perfect Fit with chicken. This diet takes into account all the needs of the cat’s body after sterilization. Iron in combination with B vitamins increase the pet’s activity, and prebiotics stimulate the digestive system. An adapted nutrient profile keeps weight within normal limits.
Minerals reduce the likelihood of stone formation and support a healthy urinary system. A special recipe with a reduced amount of fat reduces calorie intake during feeding, which prevents the appearance of problems with excess weight.
Peculiarities:
- animal age: adults (1-6 years)
- special needs: for spayed/neutered animals, prevention of urolithiasis, for healthy skin and shiny coat, prevention of excess weight
Brit Care Missy with chicken
| Free of soy, corn, wheat and gluten. High meat content: 50% |
Good quality dry food has a high concentration of meat and an optimal mineral composition. The additives used include sea buckthorn, vitamin C, 20% dehydrated chicken, 14% chicken fillet and the same amount of turkey.
A minimal amount of magnesium maintains normal urine hP balance, and sea buckthorn extract strengthens the kidneys and urinary tract. A low concentration of fat and an abundance of fiber reduces the likelihood of excess weight problems. The composition is hypoallergenic.
Peculiarities:
- animal age: adults (1-6 years)
- special needs: for spayed/neutered
- premium: yes
About products
The rating of wet food for adult cats includes 20 TM products. These are economy and premium segment food produced in Russia (16 TM), Czech Republic (1 TM), France (2 TM) and Thailand (1 TM). The list included wet food in three formats: pate, pieces in jelly and pieces in sauce. The moisture content of these feeds varies from 76 to 85%. None of the goods are produced according to GOST. The goods are manufactured according to our own technical specifications (TS) or other regulatory documents. Feeds 15 TM are declared as complete rations, one is intended for an additional diet, on four feeds there is no message about completeness/non-completeness.
Of these foods, 19 are intended for healthy cats that do not have any pathologies, one is intended for dietary nutrition. This food was taken into the sample for the purpose of comparison; in the future, Roskachestvo will study other food in this category. An analysis of wet cat food showed that even the special purpose of the food does not guarantee the buyer the authenticity of the labeling. Details in product cards.
Package weight – from 85 to 415 g. Purchase cost – from 7 to 160 rubles per 100 g.
Previously, Roskachestvo examined dry cat food. Details HERE
.
The food tested was poultry flavored, namely chicken (2), as it is the most popular. This was confirmed by the results of a survey of visitors to our portals and social networks. Poultry food (chicken, turkey, etc.) is purchased by 71% of respondents. We thank everyone who takes part in Roskachestvo surveys!
Russian quality system standard
The standard of the Russian quality system for wet food (for cats), applying for the Russian Quality Mark, has established advanced requirements for the amount of dry matter, mass fraction of protein, moisture (at least 60%), raw ash, calcium, fiber and phosphorus, as well as acid and peroxide number of fat. The standard sets standards for the content of amino acids, vitamins and microelements. According to the standard, preservatives (sorbic and benzoic acids) and dyes are not allowed in cat food.
The testing program additionally included determination of the content of histamine, GMOs, antibiotics and pesticides in feed.
Products that comply with the standards specified in the STO have the right to apply for the Russian Quality Mark. The level of localization of production for the assignment of the Russian Quality Mark must be at least 70% of the cost of the product.
The requirements of the Roskachestvo standard are voluntary and are not mandatory for the manufacturer. If the product meets the advanced requirements of the Roskachestvo standard, the manufacturer receives the right to apply for product labeling with the Russian Quality Mark.
Best dry food for older cats
Royal Canin 7+ 3.5 kg
| To maintain the health of older sterilized cats |
The food is recommended for older sterilized cats over 7 years old. It is designed taking into account their physiological characteristics and nutritional needs. The composition is rich in green tea polyphenols, Omega-3 acids, and vitamin C. The nutrients support the health of cats when the first signs of aging appear.
A moderate amount of fat helps prevent excess weight, provided the recommended portions are followed. The presence of phosphorus improves the functioning of the kidneys and urinary system.
Peculiarities:
- animal age: elderly (7+)
- special needs: for spayed/neutered people, prevention of urolithiasis, prevention of excess weight
- premium: yes
Pro Plan Sterilized 7+ with Turkey
| Prevention of ICD and excess weight |
The best dry food for senior cats supports their well-being by providing essential nutrients, including vitamins A, C and E, beta keratin, Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids, and natural prebiotics.
The composition is rich in proteins, has a reduced fat concentration and optimal calorie content. During development, RSS and APR techniques were used to help maintain optimal urine pH levels. This serves as an effective prevention of urolithiasis.
Peculiarities:
- animal age: elderly (7+)
- special needs: for spayed/neutered people, prevention of urolithiasis, prevention of excess weight
All food is fresh and safe. Almost
Safety
During the inspection of wet cat food, no violations were identified in terms of chemical and microbiological safety. All studied products comply with mandatory safety requirements, namely Veterinary and Sanitary Standards and requirements for the quality of feed for non-productive animals (approved by the Veterinary Department of the Ministry of Agriculture and Food of the Russian Federation on July 15, 1997 No. 13-7-2/1010).
However, there are no legal standards for the content of antibiotics and pesticides for cat food. Roskachestvo has established advanced requirements for these indicators. Isolated cases have been identified.
- The pesticide pirimiphos-methyl was found in one feed in an amount of 0.032 mg/kg. Previously, Roskachestvo detected this pesticide in almost the same quantities in Borodino bread
. By the way, this pesticide is also not regulated in bread.
Fedor Borisov
Executive Director of the Pet Food Manufacturers Association
– The manufacturing company audits each supplier of raw materials for compliance with the legislation of the Russian Federation and the requirements of the pet food industry. Suppliers use pesticides in accordance with Russian regulations. The residual content of pesticides is checked by chemical analyzes of raw materials. This ensures that the residual level of pesticides in raw materials complies with the requirements of the legislation of the Russian Federation.
- The antibiotic chloramphenicol (chloramphenicol) was detected in one feed in an amount of 4.71 mcg/kg (or 0.00471 mg/kg). It is not standardized in feed, so we can only talk about trace amounts of this antibiotic.
However, according to TR CU 021/2011, in food products for humans, in particular in meat, milk, meat and dairy products, this antibiotic is allowed only in trace quantities - less than 0.0003 mg/kg. Thus, the amount of antibiotic found in the feed exceeds the permissible “human norms” by 16 times. However, we repeat, this antibiotic is not legally regulated for cat food. And the requirements of TR CU 021/2011 “On the safety of food products” apply only to food products for people.
Sergei Kolomiets
veterinarian, head of the department of feeding and feed production of the Federal State Budgetary Educational Institution of Higher Education "Moscow State Academy of Veterinary Medicine and Biotechnology - MBA named after K. I. Scriabin" (FSBEI HE MGAVMiB - MBA named after K. I. Scriabin), Doctor of Biological Sciences
– Pesticides can get into food from cereals, vegetables, and grains. The manufacturer must check incoming raw materials to ensure that pesticides do not end up in the finished product. As for food with an antibiotic: if a cat constantly eats such food, then hypothetically its body may develop resistance to the antibiotic, and subsequently the treatment prescribed by the veterinarian may be ineffective. And inexpensive chloramphenicol is often used in the treatment of animals.
Let us remind you that only those products that do not contain any traces of antibiotics or pesticides can apply for the Russian Quality Mark.
– Meat raw materials used for the production of canned food are either classified as food raw materials, or are purchased from manufacturers who supply food enterprises with raw materials. Thus, raw meat producers monitor the content of antibiotics, the level of which complies with legal requirements, adds Fedor Borisov
. – – The manufacturer of high-quality wet cat food, in turn, on an ongoing basis carries out the necessary measures to check and monitor the reliability of its suppliers, including with regard to the quality and safety of the supplied raw materials.
The discovery of an antibiotic (and one that is not legally regulated) is an isolated case; overall, the study confirms the high quality of the raw materials used to make pet food. (No traces of antibiotics were found in the products of 19 brands. – Ed.)
Freshness
Whether the food is fresh or rancid, spoiled - indicators such as acid (mg KOH per 1 g of fat) and peroxide value of fat (1/2O mmol/kg), as well as histamine content can tell this. Again, there are no legal restrictions. The requirements for these indicators are established by the Roskachestvo standard: the acid number of fat is no more than 30, and the peroxide number is no more than 23.6. For all products, these numbers were very low, which indicates the freshness of the products.
No histamine was detected in the feed (at the detection limit).
Best choice for adult and older fussy cats
Royal Canin Savor Exigent
The best dry food for picky cats includes two types of kibble, varying in shape, taste and texture. It is ideal for satisfying the natural needs of picky cats that require variety in food and a change in taste sensations.
Optimal caloric intake maintains your pet's ideal weight and meets his individual preferences. When choosing food, cats rely on taste variety, aroma or amount of protein. Depending on this, there are three recipes that will suit even the most fastidious animals.
Peculiarities:
- animal age: elderly (7+), adults (1-6 years)
- premium: yes
Summary of the review of the best dry cat food
From our rating of the best food for adult cats and kittens, according to veterinarians and owners, you found out which one you should choose in 2022. When choosing food, you need to take into account not only your pet’s taste preferences, but also take into account his age, physiological characteristics and health status, which determine the desired composition.
