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10 Best Cat Foods 2026 in the United States

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Our technology thoroughly searches through the online shopping world, reviewing hundreds of sites. We then process and analyze this information, updating in real-time to bring you the latest top-rated products. This way, you always get the best and most current options available.

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

IAMS PROACTIVE HEALTH Adult Indoor Weight Control & Hairball Care Dry Cat Food with Chicken & Turkey Cat Kibble, 16 lb. Bag

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,147
Nutritional Content
Ingredients
Special Dietary Needs

Most important from
43004 reviews

Nutritional Content
Owners have noticed their cats becoming more energetic, with shinier and softer coats.
Ingredients
The ingredients are praised for being top quality, offering both delicious and nutritious meals for cats.
Special Dietary Needs
The salmon flavor of IAMS Proactive Health is a lifesaver for cats with food sensitivities, providing relief from severe skin allergies.
Palatability
Cats seem to love the taste, and it has helped them put on healthy weight while being comfortable.

IAMS PROACTIVE HEALTH Adult Indoor Weight Control & Hairball Care Dry Cat Food is designed for adult cats, specifically aiming at weight management and hairball control. Nutritionally, it offers complete and balanced meals with essential nutrients and antioxidants which support health, including a strong immune system. The inclusion of L-carnitine helps with maintaining a healthy weight, making it a good option for indoor cats that may not get as much exercise. Its special dietary needs focus on reducing hairballs, thanks to a proprietary fiber blend with beet pulp, which is beneficial for indoor cats prone to such issues.

The ingredients primarily include chicken and turkey, which are favored flavors among many cats, potentially making it a palatable choice for most. IAMS, as a brand, holds a strong reputation in pet food. However, as a dry pellet food, it may not suit all cats, particularly those with dental issues or preferences for wet food. Additionally, while it claims to have no fillers, some pet owners may prefer a more natural or less processed option.

The 16 lb. bag size is convenient for long-term use but might be cumbersome to handle for some. Provided feeding guidelines help in adjusting the quantity based on your cat's specific needs, ensuring proper weight management. This product is well-suited for adult indoor cats that need help with weight control and hairball management, backed by a reputable brand known for quality pet nutrition.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,147
Nutritional Content
Ingredients
Special Dietary Needs

Most important from
43004 reviews

Nutritional Content
Owners have noticed their cats becoming more energetic, with shinier and softer coats.
Ingredients
The ingredients are praised for being top quality, offering both delicious and nutritious meals for cats.
Special Dietary Needs
The salmon flavor of IAMS Proactive Health is a lifesaver for cats with food sensitivities, providing relief from severe skin allergies.
Palatability
Cats seem to love the taste, and it has helped them put on healthy weight while being comfortable.
#2

Purina Fancy Feast Gravy Lovers Poultry and Beef Grilled Gourmet Wet Cat Food Variety Pack - (Pack of 24) 3 oz. Cans

Rating
9.7
Palatability
Type of Food
Nutritional Content

Most important from
53395 reviews

Palatability
The gravy adds moisture and flavor that makes mealtime highly appealing, even for picky eaters.
Type of Food
This variety pack offers a convenient mix of turkey, chicken, and beef, keeping cats interested with different tastes.
Nutritional Content
The product provides complete and balanced nutrition formulated by expert nutritionists to support adult cats' health.
Ingredients
The inclusion of real poultry and beef in savory gravy delivers a protein-rich meal that cats love.
Special Dietary Needs
The absence of artificial colors and preservatives appeals to owners seeking more natural cat food options.
Brand Reputation
The product is affordable without compromising on quality, making it a popular choice among cat owners.

Purina Fancy Feast Gravy Lovers Poultry and Beef Variety Pack offers a convenient selection of wet cat food in 3-ounce cans, featuring real poultry and beef in a savory gravy. This product is designed for adult cats and provides complete and balanced nutrition, developed with expert nutritionists to ensure a protein-rich meal that cats enjoy. The absence of artificial colors and preservatives is a plus, appealing to owners seeking more natural options. The gravy adds moisture and flavor, which many cats find highly palatable, making it a good choice for picky eaters or cats needing encouragement to eat.

Being a mixture of turkey, chicken, and beef, it provides variety to keep mealtime interesting. However, it is important to note that the product is manufactured in China, which might concern some buyers who prefer locally made pet foods. The brand Purina is well-known and trusted in pet nutrition, and the product's strong customer ratings support its popularity.

This Fancy Feast pack is suitable for most adult cat owners looking for tasty, protein-rich wet food with gravy, but owners of cats with special dietary needs might want to explore more specialized options.

Rating
9.7
Palatability
Type of Food
Nutritional Content

Most important from
53395 reviews

Palatability
The gravy adds moisture and flavor that makes mealtime highly appealing, even for picky eaters.
Type of Food
This variety pack offers a convenient mix of turkey, chicken, and beef, keeping cats interested with different tastes.
Nutritional Content
The product provides complete and balanced nutrition formulated by expert nutritionists to support adult cats' health.
Ingredients
The inclusion of real poultry and beef in savory gravy delivers a protein-rich meal that cats love.
Special Dietary Needs
The absence of artificial colors and preservatives appeals to owners seeking more natural cat food options.
Brand Reputation
The product is affordable without compromising on quality, making it a popular choice among cat owners.
#3

Hill's Science Diet Perfect Weight, Adult 1-6, Weight Management Support, Dry Cat Food, Chicken Recipe, 15 lb Bag

Rating
9.4
Nutritional Content
Ingredients
Type of Food

Most important from
14657 reviews

Nutritional Content
It successfully helps cats achieve and maintain the perfect weight.
Ingredients
Replacing other food with this healthier alternative is a positive change.
Type of Food
Cats love this dry cat food and can tell the difference when it's not available.
Brand Reputation
Great quality pet food that cats love.
Palatability
This food makes cats do a happy dance in front of their bowls.

Hill's Science Diet Perfect Weight dry cat food is designed specifically for adult cats aged 1-6 years who need weight management support. One of the standout features is its ability to aid in safe and effective weight loss, with visible results within 10 weeks. This product is also reputed for helping cats maintain a healthy weight long-term while supporting lean muscle mass.

Made in the USA with globally sourced ingredients, it is backed by Hill's Science Diet's strong brand reputation, known as the #1 veterinarian recommended brand. This gives users confidence in the product's quality and reliability. The chicken flavor is likely to be palatable to most cats, which is important for ensuring they eat it willingly. Additionally, the food is in pellet form, making it easy for cats to chew and digest.

Some drawbacks include the higher price point compared to other brands, which might not be suitable for all budgets. Additionally, while it is effective for weight management, it may not address other specific dietary needs such as allergies or sensitivities. It might also require a transition period if your cat is new to this type of food. It remains a solid choice for cat owners who prioritize weight management and are looking for a reputable, veterinarian-recommended brand.

Rating
9.4
Nutritional Content
Ingredients
Type of Food

Most important from
14657 reviews

Nutritional Content
It successfully helps cats achieve and maintain the perfect weight.
Ingredients
Replacing other food with this healthier alternative is a positive change.
Type of Food
Cats love this dry cat food and can tell the difference when it's not available.
Brand Reputation
Great quality pet food that cats love.
Palatability
This food makes cats do a happy dance in front of their bowls.

Buying Guide for the Best Cat Foods

Choosing the right cat food is essential for your feline friend's health and well-being. Cats have specific dietary needs that must be met to ensure they stay healthy, active, and happy. When selecting cat food, it's important to consider various factors such as nutritional content, ingredients, and your cat's specific needs. Here are some key specifications to help you make an informed decision.
Nutritional ContentNutritional content refers to the vitamins, minerals, proteins, fats, and carbohydrates present in the cat food. This is important because cats require a balanced diet to maintain their health. Look for food that meets the AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials) standards, which ensures the food provides complete and balanced nutrition. If your cat is a kitten, adult, or senior, their nutritional needs will vary, so choose food formulated for their life stage.
IngredientsThe ingredients list shows what the cat food is made of. High-quality ingredients are crucial for your cat's health. Look for foods with real meat or fish as the first ingredient, as cats are obligate carnivores and need animal protein. Avoid foods with excessive fillers like corn, wheat, and soy, as well as artificial preservatives, colors, and flavors. If your cat has allergies or sensitivities, choose a food with limited ingredients or a specific protein source.
Type of FoodCat food comes in various types, including dry kibble, wet canned food, and semi-moist food. Dry kibble is convenient and helps keep teeth clean, but it may not provide enough moisture. Wet food is more hydrating and often more palatable, which can be beneficial for cats with urinary or kidney issues. Semi-moist food is less common but can be a good middle ground. Consider your cat's preferences, health needs, and your convenience when choosing the type.
Special Dietary NeedsSome cats have special dietary needs due to health conditions such as obesity, diabetes, kidney disease, or food allergies. There are specially formulated foods available to address these issues. For example, weight management formulas have fewer calories, while urinary health formulas help prevent urinary tract issues. Consult your veterinarian to determine if your cat requires a special diet and choose food accordingly.
Brand ReputationBrand reputation can be an indicator of the quality and safety of the cat food. Established brands with a history of producing high-quality pet food are generally a safer choice. Research the brand's recall history, customer reviews, and whether they conduct feeding trials. A reputable brand will be transparent about their ingredients and manufacturing processes.
PalatabilityPalatability refers to how appealing the food is to your cat. Even the healthiest food won't benefit your cat if they refuse to eat it. Cats can be picky eaters, so you may need to try different flavors and textures to find one they like. Wet food tends to be more palatable than dry food, but this can vary from cat to cat. Observe your cat's eating habits and preferences to guide your choice.

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