The best dry cat food in 2022 by quality of composition

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.

Instructions

Remember that the food may not be suitable for your pet, despite its class, even holistic people do not always win the love of animals.

• Each of them is individual, you may not suspect what your pet is allergic to.
• Only by trying a variety of foods will you find the right one.

The food is affected by the breed, sterilization, and disorders in the body. It is worth consulting your veterinarian once again.

Rating of the 3 best dry food for cats of the holistic class

SAVARRA with turkey and rice

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

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

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

Mr. Cat recommends: ratings of ready-made mixtures by class

The dry food market is replete with a variety of companies, types and prices. All of them are divided into 4 types:

• economy – low price, poor quality (Whiskas, Kitekat, Friskies, Farmina, Felix, All Cat, etc.);
• premium – the cost is slightly higher than the previous ones, the composition contains harmful ingredients (Purina One, Hill's, Pro Plan, etc.);
• super premium - food from well-known major representatives of Russian and foreign companies, containing natural ingredients, a wide variety (Leonardo, Applaws);
• holistic - the most expensive due to natural raw materials used for human nutrition: meat or fish (mass fraction is more than 50%), high protein content (30%), normal level of fiber from vegetables and fruits, no soy, grains, artificial colors , flavorings (Acana, Orijen, Grandorf).

From the author. Even among the best foods that belong to the super premium or holistic class, there are ingredients in the composition that are unnecessary for cats. Therefore, study it carefully before buying food, succumbing to advertising or the assurances of a consultant at a pet store.

The best super premium dry cat food

Hill's Science Plan with Chicken

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

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

Good premium dry cat food

Brit Premium with chicken

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

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

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

What is the best food for kittens to buy?

The basis of the diet of pets, especially babies with fragile bodies, should be balanced food. Buying economy class mixtures is highly not recommended. It is better to pay attention to premium or higher grade dry kibble and wet canned food.

The meat ingredient must be first in the list of ingredients. Its quality should also not be in doubt. It is better to choose hypoallergenic lean meat (veal, rabbit, turkey) without by-products. Toddlers can be picky when it comes to food. If your pet refuses the offered portion, you need to change the flavor or brand of food.

It is not advisable for kittens to consume cereals - this can lead to gastrointestinal upset. Manufacturers offer many grain-free recipes. Also, the formula should contain no more than 20% fat - too heavy food will lead to indigestion or your pet gaining excess weight.

It is better to choose medicated food after consultation with a veterinarian. The doctor will give advice and determine the duration of the diet.

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The best dry food for sterilized cats

Royal Canin 37

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

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

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

Types of cat food

A cat owner can feed his pet in one of two ways:

• natural food;
• store-bought (industrial) feed.

Each method of feeding a cat involves several types of food.

Natural food is food for the cat prepared by the owner from good quality products. We are not talking about home-cooked food for people, but about dishes prepared specifically for the animal (taking into account its age, body characteristics, breed and health status).

You can also purchase ready-made balanced natural diets in online stores. This food is usually delivered frozen and is an excellent choice for those who prefer to feed their pets a natural diet.

Industrial feeds are divided into several categories by type and class. The types may be as follows:

• dry food (in the form of granules);
• wet food (canned food in the form of pates, jellies);
• raw natural food;
• medical lines (for cats with health problems);
• treats (special treats that do not carry a calorie load).

All store-bought cat food is divided into 4 classes:

• economy class (these are budget products that contain almost no meat);
• premium class (they contain natural meat, but also artificial additives);
• super premium (expensive, practically no dyes, contains a lot of meat);
• holistic class (the most expensive, up to 90% meat, do not contain dyes or preservatives).

What food to choose for a cat

When choosing food for your pet, pay attention to a few points:

1. Age and health of the cat. The food must correspond to the condition of the animal: a kitten should not be fed with food for adult cats, a cat prone to obesity should not be fed with fatty food, etc.
2. Type of food (dry or wet, raw natural).
3. Composition of the future purchase.

It is important to decide on the type of food in advance. The fact is that these products are different in their composition and digestibility. Feeding with dry food should be accompanied by plenty of drinking (pellets contain approximately 10% moisture, and this is not enough for the animal to fully nourish itself). Wet food contains 80–85% moisture and does not need to be washed down. But feeding only canned food can be expensive. Some brands of canned food are packaged in small pouches (one pouch is designed for 1 time, but in total you may need up to 7 pieces per day). Raw natural food has the required amount of moisture, is high in calories - sometimes one bag a day is enough, and is perfectly digestible.

Pouches are intended for one complete feeding of a cat.

Mixing different brands of food is not recommended. But to feed a cat, you can combine wet and dry food if we are talking about products of the same brand.

Many of my friends leave their cats dry food in a bowl for the whole day (while they are at work) and a full bowl of fresh water. And in the evening they pamper their pets with wet food. Yes, mustachioed pets prefer wet food. But dry during the day is the best option. Firstly, cat owners can calculate the daily requirement in advance and leave everything at once (and the cat will distribute this food over the required number of times). Secondly, dry food is good for teeth. Cat breeders I know who feed their cats pellets never complain about the health of their cat's teeth.

If you feed natural diets, we recommend feeding them twice a day, morning and evening, with an interval of 6 to 10 hours. This type of food is natural for the animal and has the most beneficial effect on the health of both the entire body and the teeth in particular.

The quality of the food can be determined by its composition. The food should be well balanced - a lot of meat, few carbohydrates. The word “meat” does not necessarily mean pieces of veal pulp or tenderloin from a rack of lamb, but proteins of animal origin:

• natural fresh meat;
• dehydrated meat and fish;
• by-products and processed meat and fish products;
• bone flour.

The record holders for the quality and quantity of fresh meat, fish and eggs used in the production are Acana, Orijen and SUPERPET feeds, 75–85% and even 93% consisting of meat ingredients, up to 2/3 of which are added fresh. In addition to muscle meat, these foods also contain high-quality by-products - heart, cartilage and tripe, which attract animals and are a rich source of nutrients. Considering that Acana and Orijen and SUPERPET foods are grain- and potato-free and have very low carbohydrate content, they are an excellent choice for feeding obligate carnivores such as cats. It is not without reason that Acana, Orijen and SUPERPET belong to the class of biologically appropriate feeds, whose composition is as close as possible to the diet that animals eat in nature.

SUPERPET food consists of 93% meat ingredients

Veterinarian advice

When a cat owner asks a veterinarian which food is best to choose, most likely the advice will be the same - the more expensive option. The fact is that veterinarians often encounter cat diseases that arise from improperly balanced food. Dyes, artificial flavors, allergens - all this leads to various ailments. Therefore, professionals are trusted by high-quality food, which simply cannot be cheap.

However, now Russian-made food of very decent quality and affordable price, belonging to the super-premium class, is appearing on the market. Among such brands we can name the Blitz trademark, which is distinguished by its high content of meat components - chicken, turkey, lamb, as well as the absence of wheat as the most allergenic of grains. Blitz food does not contain dyes or artificial preservatives, but is enriched with live probiotics, Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids and other valuable additives that help maintain animal health.

Excellent quality and attractive prices for the SUPERPET line of food. These natural, balanced foods contain more than 93% meat, do not undergo high-temperature processing, therefore retain all nutrients and, in addition, are enriched with vitamins and microelements. Does not contain grains, dyes, preservatives or flavor enhancers.

Blitz is a Russian-made food of very decent quality, which does not contain wheat, which often causes allergies in cats.

When purchasing food, look at the percentage of meat by-products.
The Pro-Plan that my cat eats contains 20% turkey, which is a super premium food. In Whiskas, Kitiket and others like them - 4%. Good feeds are Pro-Plan, Hills, Eukanuba, Yams, Advance. Royal Canina does not indicate the amount of meat. As for money, a 7 kg bag of Pro-Plan will be cheaper than Whiskas, where you pay mainly for advertising. There is no need to give anything other than food, since it is complete and was invented for this purpose, so that the owners do not fool themselves. Simba, forum user, veterinarian https://www.veterinarka.ru/forum/t15307.html

In addition, one of the veterinarian’s recommendations may be a warning about the diet itself. After all, no matter how good the store-bought food is, the owner of the animal can negatively affect the health of the pet by violating the feeding rules.

Choose among the expensive ones and feed only it; there is no need to dilute or alternate with natural food.
DOCTOR-VeT, forum user, veterinarian https://www.vetmedicus.ru/forum7/topic13573.php

Most often, veterinarians advise feeding pets industrial food.

Experts often advise switching pets to a special (therapeutic) diet. Our family has never had to go to the vet for our cat's diet, but my sister's cat suffers from urolithiasis. A couple of years ago he had a severe exacerbation, the veterinarian said that it was due to a metabolic disorder. Indeed, my sister fed Donut both meat and fish, but he never ate milk or dairy products. A lot of phosphorus accumulated in the body, but there was not enough calcium, so stones formed. The veterinarian recommended that they switch to medicinal food (Urinary) - several brands have such a line.

For a cat who has given birth, I advise you to switch to Hills feeding for kittens, it is higher in calories and will replenish the energy that is spent on feeding kittens and recovering after birth.
Vikki-Vikki, user, veterinarian https://forum.webmvc.com/index.php?/topic/4361-feeding-cats/

According to veterinarians, it is better to immediately discard food if it contains one (or more) of the following ingredients:

• potatoes (this is a product with a high glycemic index, which means it can lead to diabetes);
• the liver of any birds and animals - it is believed that it is capable of retaining toxins for a long time, so its consumption is potentially dangerous;
• soy protein concentrate (it is an allergen; there are cases when soy in the feed is classified as GMO);
• animal mixture (may contain hair, claws, hooves, feathers) - very allergenic;
• corn and its processed products, wheat, flour made from it, gluten are allergens;
• any artificial additives (the letter E will help you detect them);
• salt in any quantity;
• yeast.

By remembering this list, you will be able to choose the most healthy cat food, even from an inexpensive series.

Video: Farmina veterinarian's opinion on cat food

Best dry food for older cats

Royal Canin 7+ 3.5 kg

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

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

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

Food for different breeds

You can often hear the following questions: “Which food is better for British, Scottish or Maine Coon cats?”

• The breed also plays a big role; the individual characteristics of the pet can affect nutrition.
• If a cat, due to its breed, is prone to obesity, special food will prevent obesity and various diseases from occurring.
• This happens thanks to the correct calculation of the proportions and dosages of products when creating food.

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.

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Holistics

The best, healthiest, high-quality food is in this section. Manufacturers do not skimp on them, you can safely feed your pet. The only thing is, due to its beneficial properties, such food is very expensive.

Popular holistic food brands:

• Acana,
• Superpet,
• Jaguar
• Carnilove,
• Farmina N&D,
• Almo Nature,
• Innova Evo
• Grandorf,
• Pronature Holistic,
• Gina Elite.