The 31 Best Healthy Dry Cat Foods In 2022

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The best dry cat food honors your cat’s carnivorous needs with plenty of animal-sourced protein, just the right amount of fat, and low carbohydrate content. It’s made from high-quality ingredients and comes from a company with a reputation for integrity.

Coming in at the top of our list is Dr. Elsey’s cleanprotein Chicken Formula. This food delivers an unexpected combination of crunch, flavor, and carnivore-appropriate nutrition. With plenty of species-appropriate protein and radically low carbohydrate content, this kibble is among the few that honors your cat’s nutritional needs.

Quick Look: 31 Best Healthy Dry Cat Foods

We highly recommend looking at the comparison table we have below where we highlighted the features of each product. You’ll also find more detailed information about each product later in the article.

Compare Best Dry Cat Foods

Overall Best 1. Dr. Elsey's cleanprotein Chicken Formula Grain-Free Dry Cat Food View on Chewy Read Review	Runner Up 2. Ziwi Peak Air-Dried Lamb Recipe Cat Food View on Chewy Read Review	Best Freeze Dried (Budget Alternative) 3. Stella & Chewy's Chick Chick Chicken Dinner Morsels Freeze-Dried Raw Cat Food View on Chewy Read Review	Best Ethically-Sourced 4. Open Farm Pasture-Raised Lamb Grain-Free Dry Cat Food View on Amazon Read Review	Best Freeze Dried 5. Vital Essentials Chicken Mini Nibs Entree Freeze-Dried Cat Food View on Chewy Read Review	Best Budget Dry Cat Food 6. EVAXO Kirkland Signature Chicken and Rice Cat Food View on Amazon Read Review	Best Baked Kibble 7. Tiki Cat Born Carnivore Chicken & Egg Grain-Free Dry Cat Food View on Chewy Read Review	Best For Picky Eaters 8. Solid Gold Indigo Moon with Chicken & Eggs Grain-Free High Protein Dry Cat Food View on Chewy Read Review	Best Dry Cat Food For Senior Cats 9. Only Natural Pet Feline PowerFood Poultry Dinner Grain-Free Dry Cat Food View on petsmart Read Review	Best Limited Ingredient Dry Food 10. The Real Meat Company 90% Lamb Cat Food View On Real Meal Pet Read Review
Protein 59% Min	Protein 35% Min	Protein 45% Min	Protein 37% Min	Protein 55% Min	Protein 30% Min	Protein 43% Min	Protein 42% Min	Protein 44% Min	Protein 34% Min
Fat 18% Min	Fat 33% Min	Fat 25% Min	Fat 18% Min	Fat 27% Min	Fat 20% Min	Fat 19% Min	Fat 20% Min	Fat 18% Min	Fat 22% Min
Fiber 4.0% Max	Fiber 2.0% Max	Fiber 5.0% Max	Fiber 3% Max	Fiber 1% Max	Fiber 3.0% Max	Fiber 3.5% Max	Fiber 3.0% Max	Fiber 6.0% Max	Fiber 2.0% Max
Life Stage Adult	Life Stage Adult	Life Stage Adult	Life Stage All Life Stages	Life Stage All Life Stages	Life Stage Adult	Life Stage Adult	Life Stage Adult	Life Stage Adult	Life Stage Adult
Type Dry	Type Air-Dried	Type Freeze-Dried	Type Dry	Type Freeze-Dried	Type Dry	Type Dry	Type Dry	Type Dry	Type Air Dried
Made In United States	Made In New Zealand	Made In United States	Made In Canada/United States	Made In United States	Made In United States	Made In United States	Made In United States	Made In United States	Made In United States

Here’s How We Chose The 31 Best Dry Cat Foods On The Market.

Through researching the pet food industry, reviewing dozens of foods, and doing hands-on testing, we’ve done the work to find the few dry foods that are worth pouring into your cat’s bowl.

Your typical kibble is loaded with corn, potatoes, rice, and other ingredients few cats would choose on their own. And finding food made from safe, high-quality ingredients? That’s a challenge, too.

As straightforward as those requirements are, finding great dry cat food isn’t as simple as it sounds. Most dry foods look more like cereal than a carnivore-appropriate meal.

The following 31 foods are top-notch products that meet our quality standards. We’ve included top recommendations for cats and households of all kinds, with options for adult cats, kittens, senior cats, and those with food sensitivities or other dietary needs.

We looked for foods that emphasized high-quality protein.

Cats have some of the highest protein requirements of any species on Earth. Indeed, cats need about 2 grams of protein per pound of bodyweight.

Anything less leads to reduced lean muscle mass and, potentially, weight loss. Cats should eat high-protein foods composed of at least 50% protein on a dry matter basis.

But remember that not all protein is equal. It comes in many forms. Some are readily available to your cat’s body. Others aren’t. For example, both leather and eggs are high in protein, but the egg’s biological value is a bit higher.

We don’t know exactly which protein sources are most digestible for cats, but we do know that as obligate carnivores, cats seem to get the most out of animal-sourced protein.

We also know that muscle meat and organs are rich in beneficial protein, while other animal parts are less biologically available.

For those reasons, we looked for foods that prioritized animal-sourced protein from clearly-named sources like chicken, turkey liver, eggs, and other high-value animal parts.

While some plant proteins are virtually unavoidable in the dry food space, we gave lower grades to products that contain large amounts of protein from peas, soy, corn gluten meal, and other plant sources.

Because excessive carbohydrates can spike your cat’s blood sugar and increase his risk of developing diabetes, we looked for low-carb recipes.

Low-carbohydrate dry cat food is a rare thing. Most kibble contains starchy ingredients like corn, potatoes, wheat, and other ingredients that would be a better fit in a loaf of bread than your cat’s food.

Though they’re not nutritionally essential, these ingredients play an important role in making dry cat food. They help to give the kibble its crunch and structure. Without those ingredients, most kibble would fall flat or floppy.

A few brands break the kibble mold by producing foods that combine the convenience, crunch, and shelf-stability of kibble with low-carbohydrate formulations that honor your cat’s dietary needs.

We disqualified foods with artificial flavors, colors, and other ingredients that might harm your cat over time.

There are a few common cat food additives that we’d rather not see in your cat’s food. These include artificial dyes, which have been linked to various health issues, artificial flavors, and certain potentially-harmful preservatives. We disqualified any foods that contained BHA, BHT, and ethoxyquin.

We prioritized foods from brands with a history of quality and safety.

Where your cat’s food comes from matters. To determine whether or not they were safe, trustworthy options, we evaluated recall histories, customer reviews, and the backgrounds of their parent companies.

Our Top Picks For The Best Dry Cat Foods

Overall Best

Dr. Elsey's cleanprotein Chicken Formula Grain-Free Dry Cat Food

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Product Info

Protein: 59% Min
Fat: 18% Min
Fiber: 4.0% Max
Life Stage: Adult
Type: Dry
Made In: United States

Guaranteed Analysis

Crude Protein: 59%

Crude Fat: 18%

Crude Fiber: 4%

Moisture: 12%

Dry Matter Basis

Protein: 67.05%

Fat: 20.45%

Fiber: 4.55%

Carbs: 7.95%

Pros

Emphasizes high-quality protein from animal sources
Unusually low carbohydrate content compared to other foods
Contains salmon oil and chicken fat as species-appropriate fat sources
Doesn’t contain any harmful preservatives or artificial additives

Cons

One of the most expensive foods you can buy

Dr. Elsey’s cleanprotein foods are all about high-quality protein for easy digestion and maximum nutrition.

This recipe features chicken as its main ingredient with dried egg product and pork protein isolate as secondary proteins.

Instead of using starchy binders like corn, legumes, and potatoes, Dr. Elsey’s food uses gelatin to keep everything together. As a result, its carbohydrate content is under 10% on a dry matter basis. It’s a crunchy, high-protein, low-carb kibble with everything your cat needs to feel his best.

Runner Up

Ziwi Peak Air-Dried Lamb Recipe Cat Food

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Product Info

Protein: 35% Min
Fat: 33% Min
Fiber: 2.0% Max
Life Stage: Adult
Type: Air-Dried
Made In: New Zealand

Guaranteed Analysis

Crude Protein: 35%

Crude Fat: 33%

Crude Fiber: 2%

Moisture: 14%

Ash: 12%

Dry Matter Basis

Protein: 40.7%

Fat: 38.37%

Fiber: 2.33%

Carbs: 4.65%

Pros

Composed primarily of muscle meat and organs for species-appropriate nutrition
Extraordinarily low carbohydrate content compared to other dry foods
Made from high-quality New Zealand ingredients
Manufactured according to stringent New Zealand regulations
Doesn’t contain any artificial ingredients that might harm you cat

Cons

One of the most expensive dry foods on the market
Very calorie-dense—not a good option for cats who need to lose weight

While most dry foods are extruded into crunchy pieces of kibble, this food is made using an air-drying process. By dehydrating raw meat, organs, and bones, Ziwi Peak destroys pathogenic organisms like salmonella and listeria while retaining the nutritional value of fresh animal ingredients.

This process doesn’t require the starches or binders involved in extrusion, so the food remains low in carbohydrate matter without any plant ingredients your cat doesn’t need.

This food features free-range, grass-fed lamb as its primary ingredient with green-lipped mussels as a source of omega-3 fatty acids.

Best Freeze Dried (Budget Alternative)

Stella & Chewy's Chick Chick Chicken Dinner Morsels Freeze-Dried Raw Cat Food

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Product Info

Protein: 45% Min
Fat: 25% Min
Fiber: 5.0% Max
Life Stage: Adult
Type: Freeze-Dried
Made In: United States

Guaranteed Analysis

Crude Protein: 45%

Crude Fat: 25%

Crude Fiber: 5%

Moisture: 5%

Dry Matter Basis

Protein: 47.37%

Fat: 26.32%

Fiber: 5.26%

Carbs: 21.05%

Pros

Minimally-processed to preserve the nutritional integrity of raw food
Contains a nourishing mix of muscle meat, organs, and bones
Low carbohydrate content
Doesn’t contain any ingredients that might harm your cat over time
Contains probiotics to support digestion and overall health
Cheaper than other leading freeze-dried foods

Cons

Has a softer, airier texture than standard kibble and won’t appeal to every cat

This recipe is 98% chicken muscle meat, organs, and ground bone. The food also contains pumpkin seed as a fiber source, along with probiotic bacteria for digestive support. It’s a protein-rich, low-carbohydrate food that honors your cat’s carnivorous needs.

You can serve your cat the food as-is or rehydrate it with warm water. Because it works as both a dry and wet food, it’s a great option for those who want to transition their cat to a high-moisture diet.

Best Ethically-Sourced

Open Farm Pasture-Raised Lamb Grain-Free Dry Cat Food

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Product Info

Protein: 37% Min
Fat: 18% Min
Fiber: 3% Max
Life Stage: All Life Stages
Type: Dry
Made In: Canada/United States

Guaranteed Analysis

Crude Protein: 37%

Crude Fat: 18%

Crude Fiber: 3%

Moisture: 10%

Dry Matter Basis

Protein: 41.11%

Fat: 20%

Fiber: 3.33%

Carbs: 35.56%

Pros

Uses humanely-raised New Zealand lamb
No artificial flavors or preservatives
100% traceable ingredients

Cons

Contains a variety of proteins, making it a no-go for cats with fish sensitivities or allergies
Contains several plant sources of protein

Open Farm approaches ethical sourcing and high-quality pet food in a way we’re not seeing from many other brands on the market. This Canadian brand works with suppliers who adhere to standards established by organizations like Certified Humane® and others.

With all animal proteins coming from farms and fisheries held to higher standards for ethical treatment and sustainability, Open Farm’s foods promise to be kinder to other animals—and the Earth—than the competition.

Open Farm’s Pasture-Raised Lamb dry cat food features humanely-raised lamb from New Zealand as its first ingredient. While many of us will think of lamb as a novel protein and associate it with limited ingredient diets, this recipe also has ocean whitefish meal and herring meal as the second and third ingredients. If you’re avoiding fish, you might want to steer clear.

This dry food contains several plant sources of protein such as garbanzo beans (chickpeas) and some lentils, which raises some concerns. These protein sources are less digestible than those that are animal-derived, which is already a worry for those who want to give their cat the best.

Furthermore, the FDA investigation into a possible correlation between eating grain-free foods and DCM in dogs brings up questions about the safety of exotic and boutique foods that contain these legumes.

On the bright side, this food contains no poultry or potatoes; grains, corn, wheat, or soy; no artificial flavors or preservatives; and it’s free of poultry or meat byproducts.

This dry cat food is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Cat Food Nutrient Profiles for all life stages.

Best Freeze Dried

Vital Essentials Chicken Mini Nibs Entree Freeze-Dried Cat Food

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Product Info

Protein: 55% Min
Fat: 27% Min
Fiber: 1% Max
Life Stage: All Life Stages
Type: Freeze-Dried
Made In: United States

Guaranteed Analysis

Crude Protein: 55%

Crude Fat: 27%

Crude Fiber: 1%

Moisture: 8%

Dry Matter Basis

Protein: 59.78%

Fat: 29.35%

Fiber: 1.09%

Carbs: 9.78%

Pros

Made without any plant ingredients
Contains a prey-inspired distribution of muscle meat, organs, and bones
Rich in species-appropriate protein
Low carbohydrate content

Cons

Expensive compared to traditional dry cat food
Some cats don’t like the way the food tastes

While some freeze-dried foods are made with rehydration in mind, these morsels are intended to go into the bowl dry. They combine the convenience of dry food with the nutritional integrity of raw.

With its straightforward recipe, use of an array of muscle meat, organs, and bones, and the inclusion of herring oil as a source of species-appropriate fat, this Vital Essentials recipe is a good option for those who want to try freeze-dried food as an alternative to traditional dry food.

Best Budget Dry Cat Food

EVAXO Kirkland Signature Chicken and Rice Cat Food

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Product Info

Protein: 30% Min
Fat: 20% Min
Fiber: 3.0% Max
Life Stage: Adult
Type: Dry
Made In: United States

Guaranteed Analysis

Crude Protein: 30%

Crude Fat: 20%

Crude Fiber: 3%

Moisture: 10%

Dry Matter Basis

Protein: 33.33%

Fat: 22.22%

Fiber: 3.33%

Carbs: 41.11%

Pros

Primarily made from species-appropriate chicken meat
Contains prebiotics and probiotics for digestive support
Doesn’t contain dyes or other additives that might harm your cat
One of the cheapest foods on the market

Cons

Relatively low protein content
High carbohydrate content

This Kirkland Signature food isn’t your average economy kibble. Instead of animal by-products and vaguely-named rendered meals, it features clearly-labeled proteins like chicken and chicken meal. The recipe is also different in what it does contain—you’ll find a mix of prebiotics and probiotics seldom found in other cheap kibble foods.

Best Baked Kibble

Tiki Cat Born Carnivore Chicken & Egg Grain-Free Dry Cat Food

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Product Info

Protein: 43% Min
Fat: 19% Min
Fiber: 3.5% Max
Life Stage: Adult
Type: Dry
Made In: United States

Guaranteed Analysis

Crude Protein: 43%

Crude Fat: 19%

Crude Fiber: 3.5%

Moisture: 10%

Dry Matter Basis

Protein: 47.78%

Fat: 21.11%

Fiber: 3.89%

Carbs: 27.22%

Pros

Emphasizes species-appropriate animal proteins as main ingredients
Contains salmon oil and chicken fat as species-appropriate sources of fatty acids
Low in carbohydrates compared to other dry cat foods

Cons

Contains chickpeas, peas, and other relatively low-value ingredients

This baked kibble from Tiki Cat is a protein-rich recipe with less carbohydrate matter than your average dry food.

While other grain-free foods tend to contain concentrated sources of plant protein like corn gluten meal and pea protein, this food focuses on protein from meat. Deboned chicken, chicken meal, and chicken liver are its main ingredients.

In addition to these protein sources, the food contains species-appropriate sources of fatty acids for skin and coat health, inflammation modulation, and overall health.

Best For Picky Eaters

Solid Gold Indigo Moon with Chicken & Eggs Grain-Free High Protein Dry Cat Food

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Product Info

Protein: 42% Min
Fat: 20% Min
Fiber: 3.0% Max
Life Stage: Adult
Type: Dry
Made In: United States

Guaranteed Analysis

Crude Protein: 42%

Crude Fat: 20%

Crude Fiber: 3%

Moisture: 10%

Dry Matter Basis

Protein: 46.67%

Fat: 22.22%

Fiber: 3.33%

Carbs: 27.78%

Pros

Cats love the way this and other Solid Gold foods taste
Rich in animal-sourced protein
Relatively low carbohydrate content compared to other dry foods
Doesn’t contain any additives that might harm your cat
Contains nutraceuticals to support overall health

Cons

One of the most plant-heavy foods on this list

This recipe is rich in protein with plenty of animal-sourced fat. Though it’s a meat-based recipe, it also includes an array of supplemental ingredients like probiotics, flaxseed, pumpkin, and berries.

Solid Gold foods have earned a strong reputation over the years and this recipe is no exception. It receives almost exclusively positive customer reviews, with 95% of Chewy reviewers saying they’d recommend it to a friend.

Best Dry Cat Food For Senior Cats

Only Natural Pet Feline PowerFood Poultry Dinner Grain-Free Dry Cat Food

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Product Info

Protein: 44% Min
Fat: 18% Min
Fiber: 6.0% Max
Life Stage: Adult
Type: Dry
Made In: United States

Guaranteed Analysis

Crude Protein: 44%

Crude Fat: 18%

Crude Fiber: 6%

Moisture: 10%

Ash: 9.9%

Dry Matter Basis

Protein: 48.89%

Fat: 20%

Fiber: 6.67%

Carbs: 13.44%

Pros

Features animal protein sources as main ingredients
Contains salmon oil and green-lipped mussels as species-appropriate sources of omega-3 fatty acids
Low in carbohydrates compared to other dry cat foods

Cons

Contains a few plant-derived protein sources

Only Natural Pet’s Feline PowerFood kibble is an outstanding product in several ways.

It’s rich in animal-sourced protein with an ingredient list centering around deboned chicken, turkey meal, and chicken meal. The food also contains an array of beneficial additives, including salmon oil and green-lipped mussels as sources of omega-3 fatty acids. Prebiotic fiber, probiotics, and digestive enzymes promise to support digestive health.

Between its emphasis on bioavailable protein and the use of anti-inflammatory ingredients, this food is a good option for senior cats.

Best Limited Ingredient Dry Food

10.

The Real Meat Company 90% Lamb Cat Food

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Product Info

Protein: 34% Min
Fat: 22% Min
Fiber: 2.0% Max
Life Stage: Adult
Type: Air Dried
Made In: United States

Guaranteed Analysis

Crude Protein: 34%

Crude Fat: 22%

Crude Fiber: 2%

Moisture: 15%

Dry Matter Basis

Protein: 40%

Fat: 25.88%

Fiber: 2.35%

Carbs: 31.76%

Pros

Rich in species-appropriate protein
Contains a variety of meat, organs, and bone
Low plant content compared to traditional dry foods
Economical compared to other air-dried foods

Cons

High fiber content may irritate some cats

Like Ziwi Peak foods, The Real Meat Company products are air-dried meals featuring muscle meat, organs, and bone. With a single protein source and relatively minimal plant inclusions, this food is a limited-ingredient meal appropriate for cats with food sensitivities and allergies.

Best Indoor Cat Food

11.

Simply Nourish Source Fish & Chicken Recipe High-Protein Grain-Free Adult Indoor Dry Cat Food

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Product Info

Protein: 39% Min
Fat: 16% Min
Fiber: 8.0% Max+
Life Stage: Adult
Type: Dry
Made In: United States

Guaranteed Analysis

Crude Protein: 39%

Crude Fat: 16%

Crude Fiber: 8%

Moisture: 10%

Dry Matter Basis

Protein: 43.33%

Fat: 17.78%

Fiber: 8.89%

Carbs: 30%

Pros

One of the best economical cat foods on the market
Rich in animal-derived protein
Relatively low carbohydrate content compared to other dry foods

Cons

High fiber content isn’t right for every cat

This Simply Nourish food is marketed for indoor cats. At up to 8% fiber on an as-fed basis, it’s slightly higher in fiber than most foods. Though a high-fiber diet isn’t essential for all cats who live inside, some posit that extra fiber can help to alleviate the hairballs and constipation common among indoor cats.

It’s rich in protein from deboned whitefish, chicken meal, turkey meal, and deboned chicken. At around 21% carbohydrates on a dry matter basis, the kibble is relatively-low carb compared to other dry foods.

Best Dry Cat Food for Weight Loss

12.

Smalls Simply Cooked Kibble

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Product Info

Protein: 40% Min
Fat: 17% Min
Fiber: 4.0% Max
Life Stage: Adult
Type: Dry
Made In: United States

Guaranteed Analysis

Crude Protein: 40%

Crude Fat: 17%

Crude Fiber: 4%

Moisture: 10%

Dry Matter Basis

Protein: 44.44%

Fat: 18.89%

Fiber: 4.44%

Carbs: 32.22%

Pros

Rich in species-appropriate protein from chicken
Low in carbohydrate matter compared to other dry foods
Contains fish oil and chicken fat as species-appropriate fat sources

Cons

At over 20% carbohydrates on a dry matter basis, this food is still too high-carbohydrate for cats
One of the most expensive dry foods you can buy
Only available with a subscription

With 100 calories per ounce, this kibble is one of the lowest-calorie dry foods you can buy. It’s a good option for cats who need to lose weight. In addition to being a good choice for overweight cats, this food is one of the highest-quality kibble products you can buy. It’s made from human-grade ingredients in a Chicago human food processing facility.

Compared to other dry foods, this chicken-based recipe is low in carbohydrates and a relatively species-appropriate choice.

Best For Fish Lovers

13.

Dr. Elsey's cleanprotein Salmon Formula Grain-Free Dry Cat Food

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Product Info

Protein: 56% Min
Fat: 17% Min
Fiber: 4.0% Max
Life Stage: Adult
Type: Dry
Made In: United States

Guaranteed Analysis

Crude Protein: 56%

Crude Fat: 17%

Crude Fiber: 4%

Moisture: 12%

Dry Matter Basis

Protein: 63.64%

Fat: 19.32%

Fiber: 4.55%

Carbs: 12.5%

Pros

Lower carbohydrate content than most dry foods
Rich in species-appropriate and highly-digestible animal protein
Has a taste that most cats seem to love
Doesn’t contain any artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives that might harm your cat over time

Cons

Contains chickpeas

Like our number one recommendation, this Dr. Elsey’s food is a low-carbohydrate, meat-rich switch from your standard kibble. It features salmon as its primary ingredient, but it’s not a single-protein food. Each serving contains a mix of salmon, chicken, salmon hydrolysate, pork protein isolate, and dried egg product as sources of highly-digestible protein.

Unlike other Dr. Elsey’s foods, it contains chickpeas. These add protein, fiber, and carbohydrates. Though it’s a little bit more plant-heavy than other recipes from the line, the food is around 9% carbohydrates on a dry matter basis and one of the least starchy dry foods you can buy.

Best For Kittens

14.

Simply Nourish Source Chicken & Turkey Recipe High-Protein Grain-Free Kitten Dry Cat Food

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Product Info

Protein: 40% Min
Fat: 18% Min
Fiber: 5.5% Max
Life Stage: Growth
Type: Dry
Made In: United States

Guaranteed Analysis

Crude Protein: 40%

Crude Fat: 18%

Crude Fiber: 5.5%

Moisture: 10%

Dry Matter Basis

Protein: 44.44%

Fat: 20%

Fiber: 6.11%

Carbs: 29.44%

Pros

Rich in readily-digestible protein from animal sources
Contains chicken fat and fish oil as sources of beneficial fat
Relatively low carbohydrate content compared to other dry foods
Calorie-dense to satisfy your kitten’s energy needs

Cons

Contains more carbohydrate matter than cats need

This food from Simply Nourish delivers all the protein, fat, and calories your kitten needs to grow and thrive. It contains deboned chicken, chicken meal, and turkey meal as sources of nourishing animal protein. Fish oil provides the omega-3 fatty acids that support kittens’ brain and eye development.

Best For IBD

15.

Ziwi Peak Air-Dried Venison Recipe Cat Food

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Product Info

Protein: 45% Min
Fat: 23% Min
Fiber: 2.0% Max
Life Stage: Adult
Type: Air Dried
Made In: New Zealand

Guaranteed Analysis

Crude Protein: 45%

Crude Fat: 23%

Crude Fiber: 2%

Moisture: 14%

Ash: 12%

Dry Matter Basis

Protein: 52.33%

Fat: 26.74%

Fiber: 2.33%

Carbs: 4.65%

Pros

Simple ingredient list minimizes potential allergens and irritants
Rich in protein from nourishing, species-appropriate sources
Low carbohydrate content
Contains anti-inflammatory mussels

Cons

Expensive compared to other dry foods
Some cats don’t like the way this food tastes

If your cat has food sensitivities, IBD, or other digestive problems, a novel-protein diet can help. Though the definition of novel proteins varies from cat to cat, relatively unusual ingredients like venison are usually a safe bet. This food from Ziwi Peak is made from venison muscle meat, tripe, heart, liver, and other organs as its primary proteins. New Zealand green-lipped mussel helps to ease inflammation while inulin helps to support probiotic activity in the gut.

With minimal carbohydrate content, a simple ingredient list, and the emphasis on a novel protein, this recipe has everything you could want for a cat with IBD and other GI issues.

16.

Tiki Cat Born Carnivore Chicken & Herring Grain-Free Dry Cat Food

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Product Info

Protein: 43% Min
Fat: 19% Min
Fiber: 3.0% Max
Life Stage: Adult
Type: Baked Dry
Made In: United States

Guaranteed Analysis

Crude Protein: 43%

Crude Fat: 19%

Crude Fiber: 3.5%

Moisture: 10%

Dry Matter Basis

Protein: 47.78%

Fat: 21.11%

Fiber: 3.89%

Carbs: 27.22%

Pros

Rich in protein from chicken, herring, salmon, and egg
Uses animal-based fat sources
Low in carbohydrates compared to other dry foods
Doesn’t contain any potentially-harmful additives
Cats love the way this food tastes

Cons

Has more carbohydrate matter than cats require

With a meat-first ingredient list, plenty of protein from clearly-named sources, and an emphasis on animal-derived fatty acids from chicken fat and salmon oil, this food has all the species-appropriate nutrition we look for.

Though it’s not perfect—whole peas, tapioca flour, and other plant ingredients appear on its ingredient list—this Tiki Cat food is one of the best in the kibble department.

17.

Wysong Epigen 90 Starch-Free Formula Grain-Free Dry Dog & Cat Food

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Product Info

Protein: 63% Min
Fat: 16% Min
Fiber: 3.0% Max
Life Stage: Adult
Type: Dry
Made In: United States

Guaranteed Analysis

Crude Protein: 63%

Crude Fat: 16%

Crude Fiber: 3%

Moisture: 10%

Dry Matter Basis

Protein: 70%

Fat: 17.78%

Fiber: 3.33%

Carbs: 8.89%

Pros

An unusually meat-rich recipe
Low carbohydrate content
Contains prebiotics and probiotics for digestive health
Features chicken fat and fish oil as sources of fatty acids

Cons

Contains meat protein isolate, a vaguely-named ingredient

Wysong’s Epigen 90 recipe is 90% meat and virtually carbohydrate-free. It’s a low-starch formula that uses gelatin instead of traditional high-carbohydrate binders.

It’s primarily made from chicken meal and organic chicken with meat protein isolate as a secondary source of highly-digestible protein. This unnamed meat comes from unknown sources and isn’t an ideal ingredient for cats with food sensitivities or allergies.

In addition to these protein sources, the food contains a long list of supplemental ingredients like coconut oil, chia seeds, prebiotics, and probiotics.

18.

Wysong Epigen Starch-Free Chicken Formula Grain-Free Dry Dog & Cat Food

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Product Info

Protein: 60% Min
Fat: 15% Min
Fiber: 4.0% Max
Life Stage: Adult
Type: Dry
Made In: United States

Guaranteed Analysis

Crude Protein: 60%

Crude Fat: 15%

Crude Fiber: 4%

Moisture: 10%

Dry Matter Basis

Protein: 66.67%

Fat: 16.67%

Fiber: 4.44%

Carbs: 12.22%

Pros

Emphasizes meat ingredients over plants
Contains prebiotics and probiotics for digestive health
Contains fish oil as a source of omega-3 fatty acids
Relatively low in carbohydrates compared to other dry foods

Cons

A considerable number of reviewers say their cats don’t like this food
Low fat content isn’t right for every cat

Like the Epigen 90 formula listed above, this Wysong food is a low-starch recipe featuring animal proteins as its main ingredients. In contrast to Epigen 90, it’s lower in meat-sourced protein, with potato protein appearing alongside animal ingredients early on in the recipe.

The food contains an array of nutraceuticals, including organic barley grass powder, dried yogurt, and several strains of probiotic bacteria.

Overall, this food is high in protein and low in fat with low carbohydrate content compared to other dry kibble products.

19.

Go! Solutions Carnivore Grain-Free Chicken, Turkey + Duck Recipe Dry Cat Food

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Product Info

Protein: 46% Min
Fat: 18% Min
Fiber: 1.5% Max
Life Stage: Adult
Type: Dry
Made In: United States

Guaranteed Analysis

Crude Protein: 46%

Crude Fat: 18%

Crude Fiber: 1.5%

Moisture: 10%

Ash: 9%

Dry Matter Basis

Protein: 51.11%

Fat: 20%

Fiber: 1.67%

Carbs: 17.22%

Pros

A customer favorite that receives almost universally positive reviews
Primarily made from protein-rich animal ingredients
Contains salmon oil as a source of omega-3 fatty acids
Emphasizes animal fats over plant-sourced oils
Relatively low carbohydrate content

Cons

At 20% carbs, this food is more high-carbohydrate than we’d prefer

This food from Petcurean’s Go! Solutions line is a grain-free food that features meat ingredients like chicken meal, turkey, duck meal, salmon meal, and trout.

Though it emphasizes meat-derived protein as its main ingredients, the food also contains peas, potatoes, and other supplemental fruits and vegetables. It’s not the lowest-carbohydrate kibble on the market, but at around 20% carbs, it’s less starchy than most.

The food contains salmon oil as a source of omega-3 fatty acids and several strains of probiotic bacteria.

20.

Instinct Ultimate Protein Grain-Free Cage-Free Chicken Recipe

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Product Info

Protein: 47% Min
Fat: 17% Min
Fiber: 3.0% Max
Life Stage: Adult
Type: Dry
Made In: United States

Guaranteed Analysis

Crude Protein: 47%

Crude Fat: 17%

Crude Fiber: 3%

Moisture: 10%

Dry Matter Basis

Protein: 52.22%

Fat: 18.89%

Fiber: 3.33%

Carbs: 25.56%

Pros

Has guaranteed levels of probiotics and omega fatty acids
Rich in animal-sourced protein
One of the lowest-carbohydrate dry foods you can buy
Contains freeze-dried raw meat
Most reviewers love the taste, texture, and quality of the food

Cons

It’s unclear what percentage of the food’s omega fatty acids come from animal-sourced fat

Instinct by Nature’s Variety offers a meat-rich food with 95% protein from chicken. The recipe features chicken as its primary ingredient, followed by tapioca as a binder and chicken fat as a nourishing fat source.

Later on the ingredient list, the food contains small amounts of freeze-dried raw chicken for a nutritional boost.

The food is 13.33% carbohydrates on a dry matter basis, making it one of the most low-carbohydrate kibble products on the market.

21.

Wellness CORE Grain-Free Indoor Formula Dry Cat Food

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Product Info

Protein: 45% Min
Fat: 18% Min
Fiber: 3% Max
Life Stage: Adult
Type: Dry
Made In: United States

Guaranteed Analysis

Crude Protein: 45%

Crude Fat: 18%

Crude Fiber: 3%

Moisture: 10%

Dry Matter Basis

Protein: 50%

Fat: 20%

Fiber: 3.33%

Carbs: 26.67%

Pros

Contains protein-rich, nourishing chicken as the primary ingredient
Features animal-sourced fat
Contains prebiotics and probiotics for digestive support
Doesn’t contain any artificial colors, flavors, or other additives that might harm your cat
Cats love the way this Wellness CORE food tastes

Cons

High in carbohydrates

This dry cat food from Wellness CORE contains deboned chicken as its primary ingredient, followed by chicken meal, turkey meal, and several plant-based binding agents. In addition to the standard array of synthetic vitamins, minerals, and amino acids, the food contains prebiotics and probiotics for digestive support.

At just over 29% carbohydrates on a dry matter basis, this food is one of the highest-carb products on this list.

22.

Farmina Natural & Delicious Chicken Grain-Free Formula Dry Cat Food

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Product Info

Protein: 44% Min
Fat: 20% Min
Fiber: 1.8% Max
Life Stage: Adult
Type: Dry
Made In: Italy

Guaranteed Analysis

Crude Protein: 44%

Crude Fat: 20%

Crude Fiber: 1.8%

Moisture: 8%

Ash: 8.5%

Dry Matter Basis

Protein: 47.83%

Fat: 21.74%

Fiber: 1.96%

Carbs: 19.24%

Pros

Made from high-quality ingredients
Rich in protein from animal sources
Contains multiple sources of beneficial omega fatty acids
Slightly lower in carbohydrates than most dry foods

Cons

At about 21.5% carbohydrates on a dry matter basis, this food is higher-carb than we’d prefer

While this Farmina recipe isn’t nutritionally flawless, Farmina foods are some of the highest-quality products on the market. This food is twin-extruded for better digestibility, vacuum coated for nutritional longevity, and made from fresh—never frozen—ingredients.

Like all recipes in Farmina’s Natural & Delicious line, this recipe is 70% animal ingredients. Boneless chicken, dried whole eggs, and herring are the food’s primary protein sources.

The food contains sweet potatoes as its primary binding agent, with small amounts of pea fiber, suncured alfalfa meal, and other fruits and vegetables later on the ingredient list. A blend of green tea, turmeric, and rosemary act as antioxidants. Psyllium serves as a source of prebiotic fiber. Aloe vera gel helps to control inflammation.

23.

Instinct Original Grain-Free Recipe

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Product Info

Protein: 41% Min
Fat: 21% Min
Fiber: 3.0% Max
Life Stage: All Life Stages
Type: Dry
Made In: United States

Guaranteed Analysis

Crude Protein: 41%

Crude Fat: 21%

Crude Fiber: 3%

Moisture: 9%

Dry Matter Basis

Protein: 45.05%

Fat: 23.08%

Fiber: 3.3%

Carbs: 28.57%

Pros

Rich in animal-sourced protein for lean muscle mass and overall health
Low in carbohydrates compared to most dry foods
Contains prebiotics and probiotics for digestive support
Contains a small amount of freeze-dried raw chicken
Receives almost exclusively positive customer reviews

Cons

Even at a relatively low 15% carbohydrates, this food is starchier than we’d prefer for cats

This Instinct by Nature’s Variety food is from the brand’s original line, consisting of 81% animal-derived ingredients. The recipe features chicken, chicken meal, turkey meal, and menhaden fish meal as its primary protein sources, with chicken fat as its main source of fat.

With guaranteed levels of bacillus coagulans, the food is a source of beneficial bacteria that may help to support digestive health.

Near the bottom of the ingredient list, you’ll notice that the food contains an array of freeze-dried chicken liver and heart. These add flavor and a pop of added nutrition.

At about 15% carbohydrates on a dry matter basis, this food is one of the lowest-carbohydrate foods on the market.

24.

Taste of the Wild Rocky Mountain Grain-Free Dry Cat Food

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Product Info

Protein: 42% Min
Fat: 18% Min
Fiber: 3.0% Max
Life Stage: Adult
Type: Dry Food
Made In: United States

Guaranteed Analysis

Crude Protein: 42%

Crude Fat: 18%

Crude Fiber: 3%

Moisture: 10%

Dry Matter Basis

Protein: 46.67%

Fat: 20%

Fiber: 3.33%

Carbs: 30%

Pros

One of the best economy-level dry foods you can buy
Contains a concentrated source of animal protein as the first ingredient
Contains guaranteed levels of beneficial microorganisms

Cons

Contains ocean fish meal, a vaguely-labeled ingredient of unknown digestibility and nutritional value
High in carbohydrate matter

Compared to other dry foods made without artificial colors, by-products, or added flavors, this Taste of the Wild recipe is among the most accessible and affordable on the market.

It features chicken meal as its first ingredient, followed by peas and sweet potatoes as binding agents. In addition to chicken, the food contains pea protein and potato protein as concentrated sources of protein. The food contains small amounts of venison, salmon, and ocean fish meal.

Along with prebiotic fiber, various strains of probiotic bacteria help to support digestive health and overall wellbeing.

25.

Crave with Protein from Chicken & Salmon Indoor Adult Grain-Free Dry Cat Food

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Product Info

Protein: 40% Min
Fat: 16% Min
Fiber: 6.0% Max
Life Stage: Adult
Type: Dry
Made In: United States

Guaranteed Analysis

Crude Protein: 40%

Crude Fat: 16%

Crude Fiber: 6%

Moisture: 10%

Dry Matter Basis

Protein: 44.44%

Fat: 17.78%

Fiber: 6.67%

Carbs: 31.11%

Pros

Cats love the way this food tastes
Relatively low in carbohydrates compared to other dry foods
Features meat as the first ingredient
Doesn’t contain any animal by-products or vaguely-named rendered meals

Cons

Contains several sources of plant protein
A high-carbohydrate food

This Crave dry cat food is marketed for adult cats who live indoors.

At 6% fiber on an as-fed basis, it’s slightly higher in fiber than other foods—a quality that some think can help to prevent hairballs in indoor cats. It’s lower-calorie than most dry foods, too—that might help to prevent the obesity common among indoor dwellers.

The food is primarily made from chicken and chicken meal with pea protein and potato protein as secondary sources of amino acids. At 44% protein and 22.2% carbohydrates on a dry matter basis, it’s not the most species-appropriate food you can buy.

It is, however, a few meat ingredients ahead of other comparably-priced kibble foods.

26.

American Journey All Life Stages Turkey & Chicken Recipe Grain-Free Dry Cat Food

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Product Info

Protein: 40% Min
Fat: 15% Min
Fiber: 4.0% Max
Life Stage: Adult
Type: Dry
Made In: United States

Guaranteed Analysis

Crude Protein: 40%

Crude Fat: 15%

Crude Fiber: 4%

Moisture: 10%

Dry Matter Basis

Protein: 44.44%

Fat: 16.67%

Fiber: 4.44%

Carbs: 34.44%

Pros

One of the best economical dry foods you can buy
Emphasizes animal-sourced protein over protein from plants
Doesn’t contain any animal by-products or vaguely-named meats
Contains probiotics for digestive support

Cons

Relatively high carbohydrate content

Chewy house brand American Journey offers decent-quality food at an accessible price.

This recipe is a poultry-based food featuring turkey, chicken, and eggs as primary protein sources. With an emphasis on animal-derived protein, animal-sourced fat, and relatively minimal carbohydrate content at 22-24% on a dry matter basis, this food is one of the more species-appropriate kibble products you can buy at this price point.

27.

CANIDAE Grain-Free PURE Limited Ingredient Chicken Recipe Dry Cat Food

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Product Info

Protein: 35% Min
Fat: 18% Min
Fiber: 3.0% Max
Life Stage: Adult
Type: Dry
Made In: United States

Guaranteed Analysis

Crude Protein: 35%

Crude Fat: 18%

Crude Fiber: 3%

Moisture: 9%

Dry Matter Basis

Protein: 38.46%

Fat: 19.78%

Fiber: 3.3%

Carbs: 38.46%

Pros

Primarily composed of species-appropriate meat ingredients
Contains salmon oil as a source of omega-3 fatty acids
Contains probiotics for digestive support

Cons

Though it’s labeled as a limited-ingredient food, this isn’t a limited-ingredient food
Relatively high in carbohydrates

Though this food isn’t the best limited-ingredient food you could buy—it contains four protein sources, two of which are some of the most commonly-allergenic proteins for cats—it’s one of the better dry foods you can buy.

With an emphasis on animal-sourced protein and the inclusion of salmon oil as a source of omega-3 fatty acids, this food has plenty of carnivore-appropriate nutrition. It also contains several strains of probiotic bacteria for digestive support.

28.

Earthborn Holistic Primitive Feline Grain-Free Natural Dry Cat & Kitten Food

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Product Info

Protein: 40% Min
Fat: 18% Min
Fiber: 3.0% Max
Life Stage: All Life Stages
Type: Dry
Made In: United States

Guaranteed Analysis

Crude Protein: 40%

Crude Fat: 18%

Crude Fiber: 3%

Moisture: 10%

Dry Matter Basis

Protein: 44.44%

Fat: 20%

Fiber: 3.33%

Carbs: 32.22%

Pros

Relatively high in protein compared to other dry cat foods
Contains probiotics for digestive health
Features animal-sourced fat
Doesn’t contain animal by-products or vaguely-named meats
Relatively low carbohydrate content compared to other dry foods

Cons

At 20.1% carbohydrates on a dry matter basis, this food is higher-carb than we’d prefer

This Earthborn Holistic cat food features turkey and chicken meal as its primary ingredients, followed by peas and several pea derivatives. In addition to legumes as binders and protein sources, the food contains a smattering of supplemental fruits and vegetables like blueberries, carrots, and spinach.

The ingredient list concludes with several strains of probiotic bacteria for digestive health and overall wellbeing.

29.

PureVita GrainFree Chicken Entree Dry Cat Food

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Product Info

Protein: 32% Min
Fat: 18% Min
Fiber: 6.5% Max
Life Stage: Adult
Type: Dry
Made In: United States

Guaranteed Analysis

Crude Protein: 32%

Crude Fat: 18%

Crude Fiber: 6.5%

Moisture: 10%

Dry Matter Basis

Protein: 35.56%

Fat: 20%

Fiber: 7.22%

Carbs: 37.22%

Pros

A relatively good choice for cats with food sensitivities
Lower carbohydrate content than many dry foods
Features animal-sourced protein over protein from plants
Contains digestive enzymes, probiotics, and other supplements for healthy digestion

Cons

Contains vaguely-named ingredients and animal by-products
A relatively low-protein food

This recipe from Pure Vita is made with allergic and food-intolerant cats in mind. It features chicken and dried egg product as its primary protein sources. Peas and pea flour hold the kibble together.

Like all Pure Vita foods, the kibble is infused with the Good4Life system of digestive supplements and is DNA tested to ensure that it doesn’t contain any proteins that aren’t on the label.

At 24% calories from carbohydrate, the food is slightly lower-carb than your average kibble.

30.

Nulo Freestyle Chicken & Cod Recipe Grain-Free Dry Cat & Kitten Food

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Product Info

Protein: 40% Min
Fat: 20% Min
Fiber: 4.0% Max
Life Stage: All Life Stages
Type: Dry
Made In: United States

Guaranteed Analysis

Crude Protein: 40%

Crude Fat: 20%

Crude Fiber: 4%

Moisture: 10%

Dry Matter Basis

Protein: 44.44%

Fat: 22.22%

Fiber: 4.44%

Carbs: 28.89%

Pros

At 21.6% carbohydrates on a dry matter basis, the food is low-carb compared to other dry foods
Rich in animal-sourced protein
Emphasizes animal-derived fat over plant oils
Contains a pure probiotic strain for GI health
Free of artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives
Doesn’t contain animal by-products or vaguely-labeled meals

Cons

Excessive carbohydrate content

With an ingredient list centering around fresh, clearly-named ingredients like deboned chicken, chicken meal, turkey meal, and cod, 83% of this food’s protein content comes from meat. After these ingredients, the recipe consists of legumes, chicken fat, probiotics, and synthetic vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.

It’s a protein-rich food with slightly less carbohydrate matter than most dry foods on the market.

31.

Purina ONE True Instinct Natural Real Chicken Plus Vitamins & Minerals High Protein Grain-Free Dry Cat Food

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Product Info

Protein: 35% Min
Fat: 14% Min
Fiber: 2.0% Max
Life Stage: Adult
Type: Dry
Made In: United States

Guaranteed Analysis

Crude Protein: 35%

Crude Fat: 14%

Crude Fiber: 2%

Moisture: 12%

Dry Matter Basis

Protein: 39.77%

Fat: 15.91%

Fiber: 2.27%

Carbs: 42.05%

Pros

Primarily made from animal-derived ingredients
Free of artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives
Cats love the way the food tastes
One of the best economy-level foods on the market

Cons

High carbohydrate content
Contains vaguely-named meats and by-products
Remember—even the world’s best dry cat food lacks the moisture your cat requires

This food from Purina ONE’s True Instinct line is one of the better economy-level dry foods on the market.

It’s far from perfect—the food contains poultry by-product meal, vaguely-named animal fat, and a few concentrated sources of plant protein—but it’s better than many of its neighbors on the budget-tier shelf. The recipe doesn’t contain any artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives that might harm your cat. It emphasizes meat over plants. And it contains animal-derived fat instead of plant oils.

With 93% of Chewy reviewers saying they’d recommend it to a friend, this food is a big hit among customers. Most reviewers say that it tastes great and meets their quality requirements.

Most cats have low thirst drives, meaning that they don’t lap up enough water to make up for a moisture-depleted diet. Considering that cats rarely get enough water through drinking alone, a high-moisture diet is the best way to make sure they get the hydration they need.

High-moisture alternatives to dry food include canned, raw, and homemade cooked recipes. With upwards of 70% water content, these foods are an effortless way to make sure your cat stays hydrated and healthy.

Considering wet food instead? Read our guide to the top 30 best wet foods on the market.

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The 31 Best Healthy Dry Cat Foods In 2022