The 7 Best Cat Foods, Based On Advice From Trusted Vets

Forbes

21-03-2025

Investing in your cat's health and happiness starts with feeding them tasty, nutrient-rich food. Cats are obligate carnivores, meaning they need a meat-based diet with plenty of moisture—not plant-heavy formulas packed with fillers. Out of the very best cat foods, Smalls is our top pick overall, as it prioritizes high-quality animal proteins and avoids unnecessary carbohydrates that don't serve a cat's natural needs.
The best cat food is the one your cat actually loves, while keeping them healthy and thriving.
While many cat owners assume that kibble is the standard, every expert we spoke with recommended prioritizing wet or fresh foods. "Respect the cat's biology,' says Dr. Laurie Coger, DVM. 'They are designed to eat a meaty, moist food.' Since cats have a low thirst drive, they rely on their food for hydration; therefore, wet cat food can be an essential part of a balanced diet. But that doesn't mean dry food doesn't have a place at all—some high-protein kibble options, like Open Farm Wild-Caught Salmon, offer species-appropriate nutrition while providing variety for cats that prefer crunchier textures.
Beyond choosing between wet and dry food, it's important to consider your cat's age, health and individual needs. From protein-packed formulas to high-quality dry food, our top picks for the best cat food cover a range of options to help you find what's right for your feline.
Smalls
Type: Fresh | Life stage: All life stages | Calories: 200 kcal/package | AAFCO-compliant: Yes
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Many commercial cat foods rely on fillers and preservatives, but Smalls takes a different approach—one that more closely mirrors what cats are meant to eat. The brand prioritizes high-quality animal protein and natural hydration, gently cooking its fresh recipes to preserve nutrients. The turkey formula, for example, is packed with over 80% animal protein, plus hydrating ingredients like green beans and dandelion greens, which may support digestion and urinary health.
To get started, pet parents take a quick online quiz that asks for information about their cat's age, weight, activity level and dietary preferences. Smalls then ships a sampler box with ten packets of fresh food, so you can test different recipes before committing to a recurring delivery schedule. Since meals arrive frozen, they stay fresh in the freezer until you're ready to thaw them. Once thawed, they last about a week in the fridge, so meal prep is easy with minimal waste. Smalls also meets standards set by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO), which a non-profit organization that regulates the nutritional requirements for pet food. In other words, this food meets all of a cat's dietary needs, making it a straightforward way to introduce fresh food into your cat's diet without worrying about dealing with complicated meal prep.
Chewy
Type: Wet (stew) | Life stage: All life stages | Calories: 152 kcal/carton | AAFCO-compliant: Yes
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If you want high-quality wet food but aren't looking for a fresh option like Smalls, Caru Classic Wild Salmon And Turkey Stew is a great choice. Unlike many canned foods that contain meat by-products, artificial preservatives or gums, Caru uses limited, human-grade ingredients and slow-cooks its recipes to retain nutrients. The result is a stew-like texture that's closer to homemade food than typical processed cat food.
Wild salmon is the first ingredient, which provides lean protein and omega-3s that support skin, coat and brain health. The formula also includes turkey for extra protein, plus dandelion greens and marine microalgae oil, which give your cat antioxidants and fatty acids that may support immune function, kidney health and joint mobility. Since many cats don't drink enough water, the moisture-rich formula helps keep them hydrated and supports urinary health.
Caru makes its food in a USDA-licensed human food facility in Wisconsin, using USDA-inspected meats and sourcing all other ingredients from human-edible sources. It costs more than standard wet food, but the simple ingredient list, high-quality sourcing and gentle cooking process can support long-term health and may help prevent issues like dehydration and inflammation.
Amazon
Type: Dry | Life stage: All life stages | Calories: 470 kcal/cup | AAFCO-compliant: Yes
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Every vet we spoke with stressed how important moisture is for cats, since they don't naturally drink much water and get hydration from their food. But cats can be extremely picky, and some simply prefer dry food. If kibble is part of your cat's diet, choosing a high-quality, limited-ingredient option matters—and we think Open Farm Wild-Caught Salmon is one of the best.
Open Farm starts with wild-caught Pacific salmon, packed with omega-3s and DHA to support a healthy coat, skin and brain function. The formula also includes ocean whitefish and herring meal for additional protein, plus pumpkin, cranberries and dandelion greens, which are ingredients that may aid digestion and immune health. While kibble is more processed than fresh or wet food, Open Farm keeps its ingredients recognizable compared to many traditional brands.
The veterinarians we consulted had differing opinions on dry food—one holistic vet told us it's 'a myth' that kibble cleans teeth, while others say dry food still has a place in a balanced diet. What they all agreed on, however, is that hydration is key. Many recommend rehydrating kibble with water or broth to improve moisture intake. (Also, if you're worried about your cat's water intake, you can always invest in a cat water fountain.) Ultimately, the best diet is whatever works for your cat. If that includes kibble, this is a trustworthy option with responsibly caught fish and fully traceable ingredients.
Amazon
Type: Wet | Life stage: Kitten | Calories: 100 kcal/3 oz can | AAFCO-compliant: Yes
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A kitten's early diet lays the foundation for lifelong health, and Weruva's Kitten Chicken Formula Au Jus provides the nutrition they need to grow strong. This protein-rich recipe is designed to deliver essential amino acids that help kittens build muscle and maintain their energy levels. Because kittens require higher amounts of protein, fat and key nutrients than adult cats, a well-balanced formula is critical during this stage.
Beyond protein and hydration, this Weruva recipe includes taurine, fish oil and vitamin D3 to support your kitten's brain development, vision and immune function. The high moisture content may also help with digestion and kidney health, which is especially important for young kittens as they transition to solid food. The soft, shredded texture of the food is meant to be easy for tiny teeth to manage, so they can get the nutrients they need without struggling to eat. And the recipe skips grains, artificial additives and carrageenan, which is helpful if your kitten has a sensitive stomach.
Weruva prepares its food in human-grade facilities, following strict global safety standards to ensure high-quality ingredients and processing. Since kittens burn through calories quickly, the brand recommends feeding one to two cans per 1.5 to 2 pounds of body weight daily, split into three or more meals.
Chewy
Type: Wet (mousse and shreds) | Life stage: Senior | Calories: 80 kcal/can | AAFCO-compliant: Yes
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As cats age, their nutritional needs shift, but one macronutrient remains essential: protein. "The amount of calories they need may lessen, but protein needs can actually increase," says Coger. "It's vital that older cats get enough protein and the key amino acids for heart health, taurine and carnitine." Tiki Cat Silver Chicken, Salmon And Chicken Liver Mousse And Shreds is designed specifically for seniors, with a high-protein formula to help maintain muscle mass and a soft texture that's easy to eat.
Since kidney issues are common in older cats, this low-phosphorus formula is designed to be easier on their system. With salmon oil, coconut oil, turmeric and green tea extract, this food includes ingredients that may ease inflammation and support joint health as cats get older. It's also highly palatable, with chicken liver to entice cats that may have reduced appetites.
Tiki Cat's Silver line offers a variety of textures beyond mousse and shreds, including all-mousse, shredded-only and options with broth, so you can choose what best suits your cat's preferences. Smalls is another great option for senior cats, especially if hydration is a concern or they need an even softer texture. But if your cat prefers a specific texture or you want a more budget-friendly option, Tiki Cat Silver is a great pick.
Amazon
Type: Wet (flaked in consommé) | Life stage: All life stages | Calories: 71 kcal/2.8-ounce can, 151 kcal/6-ounce can | AAFCO-compliant: Yes
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If your cat has a sensitive stomach, you know how frustrating it can be to find a food that doesn't upset their digestion. Tiki Cat Luau Wild Salmon Recipe keeps things simple with just one protein source—wild-caught Alaskan salmon—plus a short list of recognizable ingredients. There are no grains, no potatoes and no gums—just flaked fish in a light consommé that's meant to be easy to eat and even easier to digest.
Some cats struggle with rich or highly processed foods, which is why a single-protein and low-fat formula like this one can be a good fit. Salmon is naturally high in omega-3s, which may help with inflammation and gut health, and the extra moisture supports digestion and hydration. "A low-carb, moisture-rich diet with real protein is much easier on digestion than one packed with unnecessary fillers," says feline nutrition experts Jae Kennedy and Adrienne Lefebvre.
If you're switching foods, take it slow—especially with a cat who already has stomach issues. Dr. Liza Cahn, DVM, recommends mixing in small amounts of the new food with their old diet and increasing the portion gradually over the course of a week. That way, their system has time to adjust, making the transition smoother and less stressful for both of you.
What the editors say: 'My cat has always had a sensitive tum, and there's nothing more frustrating than watching him throw up an entire can of nice wet food,' says senior home and kitchen editor Amanda Arnold. 'With this Tiki Cat formula, he gets sick much less often and seems to be more energetic, which I could not appreciate more—I spend much less time cleaning my floors and worrying about his diet.'
Chewy
Type: Wet (minced in broth) | Life stage: All life stages | Calories: 56 kcal/can | AAFCO-compliant: Yes
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If your cat needs to lose a little weight, switching to a high-protein and moisture-rich diet can make a big difference. Veterinarians often see kibble contributing to weight gain because it's higher in carbs than cats actually need. "Dry kibble almost always leads to gradual weight gain in cats," says Coger, who notes that many dry foods rely on starches that don't fit a cat's natural diet.
Bixbi Liberty Tuna & Pumpkin Recipe is a great option for cats who need to slim down without feeling deprived. It's made with wild-caught tuna as the first ingredient, giving cats the high-quality protein they need to maintain muscle while losing excess fat. The addition of pumpkin provides fiber, which can help with digestion and keep cats feeling full longer. (Read: No more begging between meals.)
Because this recipe is wet food with plenty of moisture, it also supports hydration and overall health, so it's a better choice than dry food for weight management. While every cat's metabolism is different, feeding a high-protein and low-carb diet like this one makes it easier to manage your cat's weight without leaving them hungry.
At Forbes Vetted, we're committed to helping pet parents make informed choices about how they care for their animals. From covering the best raw dog food to automatic litter boxes, we've spent years researching and testing products to bring you the best recommendations.
We know how important it is to find the right food for your cat. You want one that supports their health, fits their dietary needs and, most importantly, is something they'll actually eat. To make sure we're recommending only the best options, we took the following steps:
If you're thinking of changing up your cat's food, here's what to consider before making the switch.
The easiest way to ensure a cat food meets basic nutritional standards is to check for an AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials) statement on the label. This confirms that the food is complete and balanced for a specific life stage—kitten, adult or senior. While AAFCO compliance is a good starting point, the experts we spoke with emphasize that it doesn't tell you everything about ingredient quality. That's why it's important to look beyond the label and consider what's actually in the food.
Many veterinarians agree that moisture-rich diets are best for cats, since they naturally get most of their hydration from food rather than a water bowl. Wet and fresh foods, such as Smalls and Caru, provide the moisture cats need to support kidney and urinary health. Dry kibble tends to be lower in moisture and higher in carbohydrates; that doesn't mean kibble has no place in a cat's diet, but it should be chosen carefully. Dr. Coger warns that many dry foods rely on starches that can contribute to weight gain, so if you do feed kibble, it's best to choose one with high-quality animal protein and consider rehydrating it with water or broth.
Since cats are obligate carnivores, protein and fat should make up the bulk of their diet. According to feline nutrition experts Kennedy and Lefebvre, the best cat foods start with named animal proteins like chicken, turkey or salmon as the first few ingredients. They also recommend avoiding grains, potatoes and legumes, since these don't provide the nutrients cats need and may lead to digestive issues. While 'grain-free' has become a popular marketing term, it's more important to choose food with real, high-quality meat rather than unnecessary fillers.
Many indoor cats gain weight easily, especially if they eat dry food that's high in carbohydrates. Portion control matters, and Dr. Cahn and Dr. Coger both stress that leaving kibble out all day often leads to weight gain. A cat's calorie needs depend on age, activity level, and metabolism, but in general, seniors need less food than younger, more active cats. If weight gain is a concern, switching to a high-protein, low-carb wet food, like Bixbi Tuna And Pumpkin, and feeding measured meals instead of free-feeding can help maintain a healthy weight.
A healthy cat should have a shiny coat, steady weight, plenty of energy and normal digestion. If your cat always seems hungry, gains weight easily, sheds more than usual or has digestive issues, it might be time to rethink their food. The experts we spoke with suggest watching for changes in their coat, litter box habits and energy levels to see if their diet is really working for them.