Buzz
As the saying goes, cats have nine lives, which is a good thing since it might take years to sift through the countless feline food options currently available.
With so many cat food brands to choose from, understanding what to feed your cat can be overwhelming. “Cats are obligate carnivores, meaning they thrive on a protein-rich, low-carb diet,” explains Dr. Katy Nelson, Chewy’s senior veterinarian. “Unlike dogs, cats cannot produce taurine naturally, so it’s essential to include it in their diet, especially in low-protein formulas.”
While taurine is crucial, it’s not the only factor to consider when planning your cat’s diet. Selecting the right food depends on your pet’s unique needs and preferences. To simplify your search for the ideal dry cat food, we consulted top experts for their recommendations. Here are their top picks, along with tips to guide your decision.
Understanding Dry Cat Food
With countless cat food options available, dry cat food, or kibble, remains a top choice due to its affordability and convenience. Dr. Gary Richter, DVM, medical director of Holistic Veterinary Care, founder of Ultimate Pet Nutrition, and author of The Ultimate Pet Health Guide: Breakthrough Nutrition and Integrative Care for Dogs and Cats, emphasizes the importance of selecting meat-based foods with fresh, whole-food ingredients. "While added vitamins and minerals are acceptable, all other components should be real food," he explains via email.
Dr. Richter also highlights that cats often develop preferences based on their early diet. Kittens raised on kibble may favor it as adults. While introducing fresh, whole foods early is ideal, transitioning an adult cat’s diet is still possible. Dr. Richter advises a gradual shift over one to two weeks, guided by a trusted veterinarian.
While kibble is cost-effective and widely available, it tends to be higher in carbs and lower in moisture compared to wet food. However, Tracy Donnelly, category manager for Cat Consumables and Litter Supplies at Pet Supplies Plus, points out its dental benefits. "Crunchy kibble helps minimize plaque and tartar buildup," she says. (A 2010 study in the Journal of Veterinary Dentistry supports this, noting that larger kibble with enhanced texture significantly reduces plaque after teeth cleaning.)
As the primary nutrition source for cats, Donnelly stresses that all cat foods must meet AAFCO guidelines for a balanced diet. In case of food recalls, Dr. Nelson recommends consulting the FDA and exploring the Pet Nutrition Alliance (PNA), which challenges manufacturers through its Dare to Ask reports. For instance, the PNA investigates whether companies own their facilities and employ certified veterinary or Ph.D.-trained nutritionists.
