If you’re looking for the very best grain free cat food for your kitty, you might be feeling a bit overwhelmed by the choice on offer. Which ingredients should be first on the ingredients list? Are by-product meals healthy for kitty? Can diabetic cats have dry grain-free food?
If you have questions like these and more, don’t worry, we have you covered. In this guide you’ll get a breakdown of some of the best grain free cat foods available, the considerations to make when buying them, plus the most common questions on the topic, answered. Let’s take a look at how you can buy the very best grain free cat food for your precious feline friend:
How To Choose The Best Grain-Free Cat Food
Make these considerations when shopping for grain-free cat food:
Dry Or Wet?
It is really important to consider whether you should be giving your cat dry food at all. Some cats are prone to urinary issues or may have existing kidney issues and will not do well on a dry cat food diet.
In the case of a cat without existing medical issues, most manufacturers recommend that you provide extra water to the cat, and that you consider combining wet cat food and dry food types. This ensures the cat is getting enough liquid in their diet overall. Unsure whether dry food is right for your cat? Speak to your veterinarian before making any changes.
Top Picks
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Be Careful With Protein
Be careful with protein amounts in your cat’s food. Too much protein for your cat can be a bad thing, which you can read more about in this article. This is particularly the case with cats with kidney issues. Do consult your vet if you are unsure.
By-Products Can Be OK
You may see by-products or non-specific meals listed as the protein ingredient within the cat food. Vets seem to be divided as to whether or not by-products or meal are a good thing.
Some say hearts, lungs and other by-product meals are actually good for kitty. Others say you should be looking for only the meat itself, AKA 100% deboned chicken.
A good middle ground is a specified meal such as ‘chicken meal’ which means you’re getting products from a specific animal (usually the whole animal) and not a mixture of low-grade products from various animals. However, it is better if that ingredient is not the primary protein source overall, and instead is listed in addition to higher quality sources.
No Nasties/ Extra Benefits
In general, products without grains, soy, wheat, low-grade fillers, additives and colorings are better. Those products aren’t welcome in good quality cat food. However, when it comes to extra benefits like special holistic vitamin mixes and probiotics, take those ingredients with a pinch of salt. Marketing can enhance the overall benefits of added extras beyond their legitimate function. Instead, focus on the quality of the main ingredients.
Best Grain-Free Cat Foods
To help you get an idea of what’s available when it comes to the best grain free cat food, here’s a rundown of the best:
Blue Buffalo Nature’s Evolutionary Dried Grain Free Dry Cat Food
Freeze-dried Delicious Cat Food For Kitties Who Love Their Meat
Blue Buffalo is well known for its ability to make high-quality natural pet food. This trusted brand offers a grain free freeze-dried dried cat food made from chicken, sweet potatoes and peas plus extra ‘lifesource bits’ which contain vitamins and minerals to support your cat’s health. There are no byproducts, fillers, artificial flavors or preservatives.
Owners will love that the product has meat as the primary ingredient. The additional ingredients like the Omega 3 & 6 also help keep kitties coat and skin healthy and vibrant.
Why We Like It:
- No nasties
- Meat is the primary ingredient
- Additional vitamins and minerals
- Can help minimize stool odor
What We Don’t Like:
- Could be limited to those on a higher budget
- May not be suitable for older cats or cats with existing health issues (consult your vet)
Purina Beyond Grain Free Adult Dry Cat Food
Plenty Of Delicious Proteins To Keep Kitty Healthy, Happy And Satisfied
Beautifully designed Beyond Grain adult dry cat food from Purina is made to provide your cat with everything they need to thrive. Free from gluten, grains, wheat, soy, corn, poultry by products, flavors or preservatives, the food has steroid-free protein sources as its number 1 ingredient.
Your kitty will enjoy the health boost offered by the dry food which also contains vegetables, eggs, healthy fats, minerals and vitamins.
Why We Like It:
- No nasties
- Steroid-free protein is the number one ingredient
- Additional vitamins and minerals
- Traceable ingredients
What We Don’t Like:
- Kibble is quite large and toothless cats may struggle to eat it
- Could be limited to those with a higher budget
Blue Buffalo Basics Limited Ingredient Diet Grain Free
A Great Grain-Free Cat Food For Indoor Cats
If your kitty is an indoor kitty, this could be a great choice of grain-free food for him. It not only uses a single-protein source as the primary ingredient, but it also has a special mix of veggies, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants to support the specific needs of an indoor cat. The mix also avoids using beef or chicken as they are known to cause reactions in cats with sensitive tummies.
Owners will appreciate that the Blue Buffalo Basics mix contains no by-product meals, corn, wheat, soy, artificial preservatives or flavors.
Why We Like It:
- No nasties
- Mixed specifically for indoor cats
- Protein is the primary ingredient
- Good for cats with sensitive tummies
What We Don’t Like:
- The smell is quite strong
- May be restricted to those with a higher budget
Taste of the Wild Rocky Mountain Grain Free Dry Cat Food
Fancy Ingredients For Kitties Who Would Love A More Varied Diet
If you want to offer your cat a unique taste experience that is designed to be highly digestible for them, Taste Of The Wild might do just that. As well as chicken meal, it contains roasted venison and smoked salmon along with fruits and vegetables. Taurine, omega fatty acids, probiotics and antioxidants are included in optimum amounts to support your kitty’s health.
Owners who want to give their cats variety will love the unique ingredients in this dry food which might just add interest to your kitty’s day to day meals.
Why We Like It:
- Unusual ingredients of roasted venison and smoked salmon
- Added beneficial vitamins and minerals
- Ingredients come from sustainable sources
- No nasties
What We Don’t Like:
- Can cause cats stools to be more odorous
- Ingredients quality may not be comparable to other brands
Merrick Purrfect Bistro Grain Free Dry Dry Cat Food
Purrfect For Kitties With Hairball Issues
The Merrick Purrfect Bistro grain-free dry cat food is a tasty cat food combining a range of healthy ingredients to keep kitty healthy and satisfied. It is totally grain-free fish-free and has deboned chicken as the number 1 ingredient, so you can be sure your cat is getting high-quality protein in their diet.
Owners with cats prone to hair balls will appreciate that fiber is added to help reduce that problem. The mix also has added vitamins, minerals and probiotics for overall optimal gut health.
Why We Like It:
- Chicken is the number 1 ingredient
- Contains extra fiber to help deal with hairballs
- Added vitamins, minerals and probiotics
- Free from grains & nasties
What We Don’t Like:
- Small, hard kibble may not be easily chewed by older cats
- Recipe changes may be problematic
ORIJEN High-Protein Grain-Free Dry Cat Food
The Best Grain Free Dry Cat Food For Ethical Shoppers
If you’re an ethical cat owner who likes to buy the kindest products for your pet, you might like Orijen grain free cat food. Protein sources are free-run chicken and turkey, wild-caught fish and cage-free eggs, so they’re better for kitty, and humanely sourced.
Owners looking for majority protein cat food will love that Orijen only has 10% veggies, 0% grain and 90% high-quality, raw animal ingredients.
Why We Like It:
- 90% raw, ethically sourced animal protein
- Features whole prey ingredients
- Made in the USA
- Free from grains and nasties
What We Don’t Like:
- May cause more odorous stools
- Food itself can be a strong smell
Wellness Natural CORE Grain-Free Dry Cat Food
Free From Nasties
Wellness Natural CORE grain-free cat food is packed full of ingredients that boost your kitty’s health. Omega 3 and 6, probiotics, prebiotics, fruit, vegetables and added nutrients are combined to help your cat thrive. Most importantly, deboned chicken and animal meals appear as the primary ingredients, supplying your tiny lion with the protein he needs for optimal health.
If you’re particularly keen on avoiding by-products from animals in your pets’ food, you’ll be glad to know Wellness grain free cat food doesn’t contain any. It is also free from artificial preservatives and flavorings.
Why We Like It:
- Animal proteins are the first three ingredients
- Includes lots of beneficial vitamins and minerals
- No by-products or nasties
- Made in the USA
What We Don’t Like:
- Bag doesn’t reseal easily
- Kibble is very small which may not appeal to cats who prefer to chew
Instinct Original Kitten Grain Free Recipe Natural Cat Food
Perfect For Growing Kittens With An Appetite For Delicious Raw Food
As owners, we only want to provide our kittens with the best food to help them grow big and strong. Instinct Original grain-free food for kittens offers complete nutrition with 81% raw animal ingredients and 19% helpful fruits, veggies, vitamins, minerals and probiotics. Even better, the product is nasties free including no artificial colors or preservatives, grains, potato, corn, wheat, soy or byproduct meals.
Conscious consumers will appreciate that the chicken in Instinct kitten food is sourced from cage-free animals.
Why We Like It:
- Ethically sourced protein
- Over 80% protein
- Added healthy vitamins and minerals
- No nasties
What We Don’t Like:
- May cause odorous stools
- Food itself can be more odorous than other types
Purina ONE Grain Free Natural Adult Canned Wet Cat Food
The Best Grain Free Wet Cat Food For Cats Who Can’t Have Dry Kibble Products
If you want to give your kitty wet food instead of dry food that is grain-free, you might want to consider the Purina One grain-free canned cat food. Protein features as the primary ingredient, followed by added vitamins, minerals and other healthy additions to boost your cat’s overall vitality.
Owners with cats who are averse to eating the ‘meat’ and are prone to only licking gravy or jelly will like the pate consistency which requires all the goodness of the food is consumed by kitty.
Why We Like It:
- Great for cats who require a wet food grain-free option
- Protein is the key ingredient
- Filler free
- Added nutrients and healthy extras
What We Don’t Like:
- Some cats may not like the texture
- The smell of certain flavours can be very strong
FAQ
If you are still unsure about grain-free cat food, perhaps the answers to these common questions on the topic can help:
Is grain-free better for older cats?
Grain free pet food could be good for some older cats, who have different needs as they age. The best thing to do before changing their food is look at lots of different information and older cat food products, and speak to your vet for individual advice.
Will grain-free cat food help my indoor cat lose weight?
The best grain free indoor cat food may help your cat to lose weight along with plenty of playtime and exercise, but do check the calorie content and portion sizes. Your vet can help you with specific advice on helping your overweight kitty lose weight.
Is grain free cat food the best option for kittens?
In most cases, any well balanced kitten food your kitten likes is a good choice. Consider browsing all the best kitten foods available, not just grain free, before making an informed decision.
Should cats eat grain-free?
Many people believe that cat food should be grain-free because it is not a natural part of a cat’s diet. The best grain-free canned cat food and dry cat food can be great for some kitties. However, some of the best cat food around does contain some level of grain. It tends to be individual to the cat as to which products are best for them. If you’re unsure, speak to a vet you trust.
Your Cat Will Love The Grain-Free Cat Food You Choose
Picking the best cat food for a pet you love so much, and who you want to do right by, can be challenging, but the effort is worth it for their happiness.
With the right research, chats with your trusted vet, and our information above, your cat will hopefully love the grain-free cat food you choose.