When buying cat food, avoid chemical preservatives (BHA, BHT, ethoxyquin), artificial colors/flavors, excessive grains (corn, wheat, soy) and carbs, meat by-products/meals (low quality), sugar, and unknown animal fats, opting instead for real meat, moisture, and nutrients, as cats are obligate carnivores needing animal-based protein and fat.
Things to absolutely avoid
When avoiding cat food brands, focus on those using excessive fillers (corn, soy, rice), by-products, artificial colors, or ambiguous ingredients, with common ones often cited including Friskies, Fancy Feast, Purina Cat Chow, Iams, Meow Mix, and some Royal Canin/Hill's formulas, as they may lack sufficient meat protein for obligate carnivores, though some vets recommend specific therapeutic lines. Instead, look for foods with real meat as the first ingredient, minimal carbs, and no unnecessary additives, prioritizing brands with high-quality, identifiable protein sources, even if some popular brands appear on "avoid" lists.
Artificial colours, flavours, sweeteners or preservatives, especially BHT, BHA, Ethoxyquin, Propyl Gallate. Grain fragments. Corn and soy. Corn is a cost effective though non-nutritious filler that is hard for pets to digest and a common allergen.
Key Takeaways. Some of the most toxic food for cats include onions & garlic, raw eggs & meat, chocolate, alcohol, grapes and raisins. Avoid feeding your cat table scraps, especially around the holidays, as these may contain potentially toxic ingredients.
Generally speaking, the healthiest cat foods are complete and balanced, made with high-quality ingredients, and come from a trusted brand with board-certified veterinary nutritionists on staff. Top vet-recommended cat foods include Purina Pro Plan, Hill's Science Diet, and Royal Canin.
The 25% Rule for cat food, established by AAFCO, means if a food is named something like "Chicken Dinner," "Chicken Entrée," or "Chicken Platter," the named ingredient (chicken) must make up at least 25% of the total weight (excluding water), but less than 95%. This rule indicates a significant amount of the main ingredient but less than a "Chicken Cat Food" (95%). The named ingredient must also be at least 10% of the total diet when water is included, and if multiple ingredients are listed, they must collectively meet the 25% minimum.
The top "silent killers" in cats are Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD), often going undetected until 75% kidney failure, and Hypertension (High Blood Pressure), which damages organs without obvious signs until blindness or seizures occur, notes Muirfield Animal Hospital, Pet Health Network, www.springwoodvets.com.au, Close Veterinary Clinic, Killarney Animal Hospital, Physicians Mutual Insurance, Sykesville Veterinary Clinic, Mona Vale Veterinary Hospital, Nimbus Pet Hospital, Hill's Pet Nutrition, Covetrus North America, ASPCA Pet Insurance and PetCareRx. Other serious conditions include Hyperthyroidism, Heart Disease (like HCM), and Fatty Liver Disease (Hepatic Lipidosis).
The healthiest cat food for indoor cats balances high protein, moderate fat, and low carbs, focusing on hydration and hairball control, with top vet-recommended brands like Hill's Science Diet, Royal Canin, and Purina Pro Plan offering specific indoor formulas (dry/wet) that manage weight and digestion for less active felines. Look for options with real meat as the first ingredient, fiber for hairballs (like psyllium), prebiotics for digestion, and essential nutrients for skin/coat health, often found in both premium kibble and wet foods to boost water intake.
High-quality animal protein:
A source of high-quality animal protein should be the cornerstone of your cat's diet. Quality ingredients include chicken, turkey, beef, and fish. It's important for these ingredients to be listed as the first component on the food label.
The best cat food brands in India include Royal Canin, Smylo, Farmina N&D, Smylo, and Whiskas, each offering specific nutritional benefits for different cat life stages and needs. As a cat parent, choosing the right food can feel overwhelming with countless options available.
Before giving your cat a snack, discover common foods to avoid that can be harmful to them.
The number one killer of cats depends on age and lifestyle, but cancer is the leading cause of death in older cats, while Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV), accidents/trauma (especially for younger cats), and diseases like kidney/heart issues are major factors, with FeLV often cited as the top infectious killer. Causes range from diseases like FeLV, Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV), and FIP, to organ system failures (kidney, heart), and external factors like poisons or trauma.
For example, if your cat is experiencing stomach sensitivity on dry food, it is reasonable to try a low-carb, higher-protein canned food diet, like Royal Canin® Veterinary Diet Gastrointestinal Moderate Calorie canned cat food or Purina® Pro Plan® Veterinary Diets EN Gastroenteric Formula canned cat food.
They provide no health benefits to dogs and cats, and can often be digestive irritants. Pet food companies may claim that peas, corn, and other similar ingredients are good for your pet, but they actually may be the culprit of your pet's digestive problems, like constipation, diarrhea, or even food allergies.
What Human Food Can Cats Eat? [The Healthiest Picks]
Ingredient quality is comparable to Sheba, with meat or meat by-products usually listed first. Both brands contain similar additives and preservatives typical of commercially produced wet cat foods. Fancy Feast does offer a “Natural” line with fewer artificial ingredients for those seeking cleaner labels.
Protein-rich, wet foods are best
Cats live longer and have less health issues when they eat optimal nutrition. Makes sense, right? In fact, many of the common cat diseases are very preventable with smart food choices. Protein-rich, wet foods with kitty-specific vitamins and minerals are the best diets.
The top 4 aspects of diet our team recommends are protein from meat sources, a mix of wet and dry food, age appropriate diet and well trusted, research backed brands like Royal Canin, Hill's and Purina. Protein from Meat Sources. Cats are obligate carnivores, meaning that they must eat meat as a part of a healthy diet.
The 3:3:3 Rule: Help Your New Cat Adjust to Their Home The 3:3:3 rule explains some general expectations for the transition process and some tips on how to support your cat through each stage: 3 days for initial acclimatization, 3 weeks for settling in, and by 3 months, they should be comfortable and at ease in their ...
8 common human foods that are poisonous to cats
Cats do remember negative experiences, but they don't dwell on resentment the way people do. Instead, they react based on learned associations and their need for safety. With patience, consistency, and care, most cats return to positive behaviors quickly.
A report from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) demonstrated that the intake of grain-free pet food was positively correlated with DCM in dogs [6], thereby fueling concerns regarding the link between grain-free diets and heart disease.
Two cans of wet food a day might be enough for a small or less active cat, but it often isn't sufficient for an average adult cat, who usually needs more calories, potentially 2-4 cans depending on size, activity, and food density; always check the can's feeding guide and your vet's advice. An average 10-pound cat needs about 280 calories, which could be two 5.5oz cans or three 3oz cans, so 2 cans might be short for many cats, especially larger or more energetic ones.
Healthy adult cats: Can go without food for up to 24-48 hours without serious health consequences. Kittens: Should not go without food for more than 12 hours, as their bodies are not yet fully developed. Senior cats: Should not go without food for more than 24 hours, as their bodies are less adaptable.