How do I choose a healthy food for my cat? 

The truth is, no single “best cat food” or “healthiest cat food” exists. Many commercial cat foods are formulated to meet the unique dietary requirements of cats. When choosing a commercial cat food, knowing what factors to consider can help you navigate the options. 

Look for a diet that is labeled as a complete cat food.

While labeling requirements vary among countries, a cat food label should specify if the food is “complete” or “complete and balanced.” A complete and balanced food provides all the required nutrients in the correct proportions for the energy or calories of the food and can be fed as the sole source of nutrition.

In the European Union, a complete diet meets the European Pet Food Industry (FEDIAF) nutritional guidelines, while in the Americas and much of Asia, the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) nutrient profiles are used.

Look for a food formulated for your cat's age and life stage.

Feeding a commercial diet formulated for your cat’s age and life stage is an important way to ensure your cat is getting all the nutrients he or she needs.

Actively growing kittens need a food with higher amounts of high-quality protein to support growing muscles, minerals for bones and teeth, calories to satisfy their energy requirements for growth and activity, and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), an essential omega-3 fatty acid important for developing brains and vision.

Senior cats between 7 and 12 years old may benefit from a senior formula with fewer calories to help maintain a lean body condition and added nutrients to support their aging brain, joints, and immune system. Cats over 12 years old may benefit from an easily digested diet with concentrated nutrients to help them maintain their lean body mass since they may eat smaller meals. They also benefit from ingredients such as antioxidants (vitamins C and E) to support their aging immune system.

Consider your cat’s specific nutritional needs, health conditions, and activity.

Does your cat have any food preferences (for example, wet versus dry, paté versus chunks in gravy, or flavor) or a condition such as sensitive stomach? Or is your long-haired cat predisposed to hairballs? If so, you may want to consider a food formulated for your cat’s specific needs and preferences. Targeted nutrition can play an important role in promoting your cat’s health.  

A cat who spends time outdoors is going to use more calories than one who spends the day indoors. If your cat is prone to weight gain and gets very little activity, feed a food labeled for indoor cats, “light,” or weight management.

Find out who makes the cat food and consider the company’s or brand’s reputation.

Pet food companies may make their own food or may use a third-party manufacturer. Check the package label for phrases such as “Made by,” “Made for,” or “Distributed by.” Companies typically have customer care lines to answer questions about their products and contact details should be found on the back of the package. You may find more information about their foods, manufacturing processes, and quality control on company and product websites.

A company’s customer care line should be able to tell you if they employ animal nutritionists, veterinary nutritionists, food scientists, or consultants and if those employees are involved in diet formulation. The World Small Animal Veterinary Association website has additional criteria you can use to select a diet for your cat.

Talk with your veterinarian and veterinary health care team.

Your veterinarian can help guide your decision based on your cat’s needs and health. Be sure to discuss what you are feeding, including your cat’s main diet and any treats or extras, with your veterinarian or veterinary health care team and share any concerns you have about your cat’s nutrition.