Our selection of the best dry cat food according to veterinarians for indoor cats.
We only want the best of the best for our pets, in terms of cat feeders and food. For this, there is nothing like the veterinarians, who have indicated which are the best dry foods for indoor cats that we can buy today.
They have analyzed the best dry food for cats on the market in the same way they did when selecting the best food for dogs, according to veterinarians. These are the ones that best meet expectations in terms of quality and price.
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Take care of your pet’s diet with the best dry cat food
If we want to keep our cat completely healthy, food is something basic, and it must be of good quality. This is a great responsibility, and it is best to opt for a dry cat food like ORIJEN Dry Cat Food because it will provide all the nutrients it needs and you will avoid health problems that could arise with wet food.
There are different flavors, textures, quality, and nutrients in different cat foods, and not all of them are the best for good health. This makes it difficult to determine which is the best option to feed our pet due to the wide variety that exists. Let’s see the best dry cat food for sensitive stomach vomiting.
Original Dry Cat Food
With 40% nutrient-rich proteins and a limited content of low-glycemic-index carbohydrates, Orijen, an internationally renowned Canadian company, has created one of the best products for cats.
It was born as a cat puppy food, but it also perfectly adapts to adult cats using the right doses.
2/3 of the Orijen meat is fresh (chilled, no preservatives) or raw (frozen, no preservatives), including 10 main ingredients. 1/3 of the meat is dehydrated at 90 °C and is composed of fresh chicken, turkey, and fish to create a concentrated source of nutritious protein.
The components of fresh and whole meats include organs and cartilage, as well as whole fish and fresh eggs. All this provides a natural source of practically all the nutrients a cat needs.
Freeze-dried liver infusions increase the flavor and palatability, making Orijen tasty despite being a dry food.
Orijen provides a natural source of practically all the nutrients a cat needs, especially if it is still a puppy.
Pros
- High protein content
- 90% premium animal ingredients
- Contains multiple nourishing animal parts
- Grain-free formulas for cats and kittens
- Supports digestion, heart, skin, and coat health
Cons
- Contains legumes
- Expensive
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Taste of the Wild Canyon River
This is another great dry cat food to try. The cat line of the company Taste of the Wild is a high-quality grain-free product. Here we offer the Canyon River version based on smoked salmon. Looking at the label, it stands out that these are crunchies with excellent protein content (42%, with high digestibility for cats of all ages.
All the ingredients are carefully selected in such a way as to provide the right amount of essential amino acids, such as taurine, and a good amount of omega 3 and 6 fatty acids that ensure the health of the hair and skin. The addition of fruit and vegetables ensures the presence of antioxidants such as zinc and vitamin E.
Grain-free, it does not contain gluten, the main cause of some animals’ food intolerance. Its main ingredient, trout meat, is a product rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids and helps the health of the skin and coat. Rich in vegetables that bring easily assimilable energy so that the cat maintains its vitality throughout the day.
Pros
- Promotes a healthy and lean body
- Includes probiotics and taurine
- Fiber for hairball control and digestive support
- Superfoods for immune system support
- Tasty kibble for cats of all breeds
Cons
- High carbohydrate content
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Wellness Core Ocean Grain-Free Kibble
Wellness has really excellent preparations, rich in proteins and ingredients that ensure the well-being of felines.
The Ocean is interesting and tasty because it contains proteins derived from fish and is particularly suitable for cats that, over time, have developed intolerances towards chicken meat (it is really difficult to find crunchies that do not contain chicken!). This recipe is also grain-free and is designed and conceived for cats that live mainly in the home (therefore with a limited calorie content).
One thing that I really appreciate in this feed is the addition of glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate, which promote joint health, making it an excellent feed even for older cats.
Enterococcus faecium, a bacterium that helps keep the gut microbiome stable and viable, is added to the recipe.
Pros
- High-quality protein from chicken
- Rich in omega-3 fatty acids for skin and fur health
- Rosemary antioxidants for immunity support
- No by-products, preservatives, or artificial colors
- Added cranberries for urinary tract health
Cons
- Pricey
- Added gums
- Not senior friendly
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Farmina Natural And Delicious Dry Cat Food
This is another good dry cat food to buy. Farmina N&D always confirms its excellence in pet food. Within the grain-free line, there are various flavors, including a recipe based on lamb and blueberries.
It is tasty dry cat food and excellent for animals with intolerances. Also, it is a good alternative to vary a little from the more classic tastes. It is a food rich in highly digestible proteins; it contains fruits and vegetables that provide vitamins and minerals.
The addition of fiber, fruit, and oligosaccharides makes it particularly suitable for cats that suffer from constipation and gastrointestinal problems, promoting daily intestinal regularity.
Pros
- High-quality ingredients
- Real animal proteins are in every formula
- No peas, lentils, pea protein, or chickpeas included
- There are a wide variety of recipes to choose from
- Low-glycemic
Cons
- High in carbohydrates
- Low in moisture
- Some cats may be allergic to fish
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Royal Canin Feline Care
The Royal Canin Feline line of crunchies includes a series of delicious recipes that will make Fufi lick his mustache. For over 30 years, Royal Canin has been the standard of quality in the field of pet food, and the kibble dedicated to cats has been proof of this. Thanks to the wide range of products designed for our feline friends, it will be possible to ensure every cat gets the right amount of nutrients, proteins, vitamins, and minerals based on their age, condition, and lifestyle.
Among the best crispy for cats, Royal Canin offers products for sensitive cats (Sensible 33), for cats on a diet (Light Weight Care), for cats that live only at home (Indoor 27), for cats that live mainly outdoors (Outdoor 30), and much more. Each type of Royal Canin cat food will allow the cat to get the most out of its nutrition, thanks to delicious, healthy recipes made from the best ingredients.
Pros
- The tasty formula is great for picky eaters
- Provides complete and balanced nutrition
- It helps to maintain a healthy weight
- Biotin and omega-3 fatty acids support a healthy coat
- Minimum of 31% crude protein
Cons
- Expensive for dry cat food
- The first ingredient is corn
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Purina ONE Tender Selects Blend Adult Dry Cat Food
This is another good dry cat food to buy. Among the best kibble for cats, you cannot miss Purina ONE. This brand is highly appreciated by lovers of domestic felines as it promotes an active lifestyle and balanced nutrition aimed at making the cat healthy and strong. The salmon variant also offers the possibility to offer your cat every single benefit of this delicious fish: these kibbles are able to protect the health of the hair, reduce dental plaque by up to 40%, improve the strength of the bones, and prevent urinary tract problems.
Pros
- Rich in species-appropriate animal protein
- Affordable
- Multiple-size options
Cons
- High carbohydrate content
- Contains caramel color
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Hill’s Science Diet: Dry Cat Food
Hill’s Science Plan Feline is the name of the range of products inevitable in our ranking of the best dry cat food, specially designed to ensure the best for your cat. The Hill’s Feline product range, in fact, contains essential nutrients to ensure the right daily nutritional contribution to cats at every stage of their lives: chicken, tuna, and lamb. There are many healthy and natural ingredients for puppies, adult cats, and old people. Highly digestible, Hill’s Science Plan Feline croquettes will also improve the intestinal function of each cat.
Pros
- Perfect for cats with an indoor lifestyle
- Promotes healthy digestion
- Easy litter box clean-up
- Contains quality protein and natural fibers
- Veterinarian recommended
Cons
- It cannot be used as kitten food
- Does not have a grain-free formula
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Shopping Guide: What you should know about dry cat food
Before opting for one or the other brand or product, you should know more about cat food and the eating habits of these animals. Remember that these pets are very routine, so if they like their feed, they will hardly want to change to another. Therefore, from the beginning, try quality food.
What are the differences between dry feed and wet cat food?
It should be mentioned here that both types of food do not compete. Many veterinarians recommend a combination of dry and canned or wet food. So the benefits of both types can be exploited.
A very important fact to keep in mind is that the feed usually contains between 5 and 10% water. So it offers little hydration for your pet. In contrast, wet cat food cans typically contain 60–80% water.
Why should I give my pet cat food and not human food?
The nutritional needs of a cat are not the same as those of humans. These pets have a different metabolism than ours. Therefore, if you feed a cat what you eat, it can lead to giving it nutrients and calories that it does not need. Cat food is prepared with your needs in mind and should always have some source of protein and animal fat.
In addition, many of the foods that people eat can be harmful to cats, such as onions, garlic, avocado, grapes, or chocolate, among others. If you decide to give him some human food, you should first check that it is not harmful to these feline pets. Cat food is already prepared for him.
Should I always supplement cat food with water?
As with people, a cat is made up of 60% water. Therefore, it is necessary that your pet always has fresh water, especially while eating. They love that the water is completely fresh and clean, and it should be noted that a lack of hydration has been linked to changes in the health of cats.
Therefore, always accompany your feed with fresh water. Dry feed contains very little water, while wet food comes with large doses of this moisturizing element. You should also know that spayed cats need more water to avoid urinary stones. So always have fresh water available for your cat.
Is cat food like that of a dog?
If you have a cat and a dog at home, you will sometimes see them eat each other’s food. Sometimes they do it to mark territory or because they have run out of their own and want to eat more than their share. But it is better to prevent your cat from eating your dog’s food. They are foods for different organisms. The main differences are:
- Vitamin A: While it is an essential element in cat food, many dog foods do not include it.
- Taurine: Many dog foods do not contain taurine, whereas if your cat is on a low diet, it could develop hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, a heart condition.
- Meat: The feline needs more protein than the dog, whose food also needs to have a large portion of cereals or carbohydrates.
- Hydrates and cereals: They are not very necessary for the organisms of cats, but they are necessary for dogs.
What food should the cat never eat?
Bread, cereal, and other similar carbohydrates can make your cat’s digestion difficult and upset, so it’s best to avoid them. Fiber can be given in small amounts if your pet has traffic problems, but don’t give it in large amounts. Do not give him vegetarian food; the cat is carnivorous, and without meat, it may lack nutrients.
You also have to be careful with additives that can make cats dependent on food, since they are elements that do not provide nutrients. As we mentioned earlier, there are basic human foods that a cat cannot eat, such as chocolate, whole milk, onions, and garlic.
Is it recommended that I change the cat food that I give my pet?
Cats are animals that have customs for everything on a daily basis. They love their routines, especially pet kittens. Therefore, they are a little open to changes in diet. It will not make you happy, and sometimes you may prefer not to eat. If you want it to change, do it with a very slow process. Respect their times.
Therefore, while you are testing the brands that you may like, it is recommended that you offer quality food from the beginning. Since you are fond of a product, if you like it, it will be difficult to change it. And, clearly, you can’t feed him unhealthy food for a long period of time.
Is it advisable to buy cheap dry cat food?
Experts recommend looking at quality, not price. On many occasions, quality goes hand in hand with cost, but not always. Therefore, the most important thing is not to look at the pocket, but the product label. When it comes to having a pet, it is known that its maintenance will be an expense, and you must be prepared to assume that.
In addition, nutrition specialists say that often the foods that cats like the most are precisely the worst quality, and that is because they contain additives that make them dependent on that food, which means its final costs can also be reduced. Therefore, it is advisable to look carefully at the content of the food.
What cat food is recommended for a pregnant kitten?
A pregnant cat will need more energy since she has to eat it and feed all the babies that are going to be born. It is recommended that an adult cat take a minimum of 25% protein, while babies and cats that are pregnant or lactating should ingest a minimum of 30% of this nutrient. Your appetite will be greater.
It is also important to mention that cats have more difficulty producing milk during the lactation period and need to increase the amount of body fat during pregnancy. Vitamins and supplements are generally not necessary for a pregnant cat unless she is very low in weight.
What cat food should spayed animals avoid?
Spayed cats have a longer life expectancy as they tend to be calmer and avoid risky behaviors. And also, these animals have a greater tendency to put on weight. This is because a spayed cat shows a greater appetite and therefore tends to eat more.
For this reason, most brands in the dry cat food market offer specific products for animals that are sterilized. These foods have fewer calories. If your spayed pet is over seven years old, it will need a supplement with the antioxidant reinforcement that many feline foods offer.
How many times a day should I feed my cat?
A cat should eat two or three times a day, according to veterinary recommendations. Although this will depend on your character and your habits,. The cat’s digestive system is programmed to perform small digestions several times a day. What is very important is that you can adjust the calories.
Everything will depend on the cravings of the animal and how it rations its food. Some may have all the food in the bowl from the morning and eat it throughout the day, little by little. Others will eat all the food the moment you give it to them. Therefore, you must take care to diversify your intake.
How many calories should my cat eat per day with his food?
There are several factors to observe to know how many calories to give a cat: age, weight, if it is sterilized or not, if it is a cat and is pregnant, or the amount of activity that your pet performs throughout the day. We must know the energy density of food and divide it by its kilograms to take into account metabolizable energy.
Generally speaking, it is estimated that around 60 calories should be offered per one kilogram of your cat’s weight per day. Dry food contains about 300 calories per cup.
What happens if my cat’s food is free of taurine?
Cats need to eat taurine. And without taurine, or with diets deficient in it, the feline’s membranes and their structures would undergo functional alterations. For example, if your pet has vision problems, these can lead to blindness without the consumption of taurine. The cat may also develop dilated cardiomyopathy in its heart.
Taurine is only found in animal tissues, which means that we have to respect that cats are carnivores and cannot be given a vegetarian diet. Taurine is an amino acid, just like arginine is, and both nutrients are very necessary for the health of your pet, so they should not be missing in their food.
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Summary
When you go to choose the food that you are going to buy for your cat, it is very important that you pay attention to the quality of the food. We all know that when we decide to make a pet part of our lives, we will have more expenses each month. The important thing will be the health of your cat, and giving him healthy food will allow him to have a good quality of life.
Look closely at the food label for your cat. And always, the ingredients take priority. Colors and flavors are extras that are not really necessary for the well-being of your pet.
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