UPDATED March 2013 (5 new foods added; All foods divided into 1st and 2nd place; Nature’s Logic removed until it meets all AAFCO levels.)
This is a living, updating list. You can help me keep it accurate and current by leaving info in the Comments. (To be notified of updates, get on the news list here.)
Scratching your head in the cat food aisle? I’ve been there.
In fact, I’ve become a bit obsessive about how to choose the best cat food. I hope the hours of research and time I put into it will help you–and your cat.
If you’re curious, I explain how I selected these cat foods here.
If your cat has special health issues, please be sure to consult with a good vet about their food. If your cat has an illness and weakened immunity, it’s probably a good idea to avoid raw meat as a precaution against bacteria.
To assure you these food reviews are unbiased, I never use an affiliate (referral) link for a cat food.
FIRST PLACE
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WHAT’S
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COST |
SPECIAL
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|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nature’s Variety RAW frozen (except for Rabbit formula) |
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Meats sourced from US and New Zealand (except rabbit)Omega 3s (fish oil)Raw is considered most easily digested, nutrient-available form of cat food.Low starch, grain freeGMO freeOwned by an independent pet food company (rather than large conglomerate) |
LOW daily feeding cost compared to others on this list. |
Includes ground bones—not recommended for cats with
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| Primal, RAW frozen |
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Some ingredients are organic (not the meats though).Small company focused solely on quality pet food.Omega 3s (fish oil)Raw is considered most easily digested, nutrient-available form of cat food.Very low starch, grain |
LOW daily feeding cost compared to others on this list. |
Includes ground bones—not recommended for cats with
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| Bravo Balance RAW frozen |  |
Raw is considered the most easily digested, nutrient-available form of cat food.Low starch, grain freeHormone-free, grass-fed red meats; no antibiotics
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LOW daily feeding cost compared to others on this list. |
IMPORTANT: Only the BALANCE formulas are appropriate to serve to cats without adding appropriate supplements.Includes ground bones—not recommended for cats with kidney issues or constipation. |
| Feline Natural RAW by K9, FROZEN |  |
Raw is considered the most easily digested, nutrient-available form of cat food.Low starch, grain freeNice simple ingredients are easy on digestiom (if you add water as instructed -
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LOW daily feeding cost compared to others on this list. |
Includes ground bones—not recommended for cats with kidney issues or constipation.“Has been tested and exceeds the AAFCO minimum requirements” – including taurine. (Shane Bartlettf, K9 Natural Food) |
| Great Life Essentials canned |  |
Meats sourced from USManufactured in the company’s own US manufacturing facility, which they bought in late 2012No carrageenanLow starch, grain free
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LOW daily feeding cost compared to others on this list. |
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| Tiki Cat Koolina Luau canned and Puka Puka Luau (both chicken) |   |
Very low starch, grain freeManufactured in a human food factoryUSDA certified chickenVery simple ingredients– easy on digestion |
MED daily feeding cost compared to others on this list. |
Made inThailand at a human food factory. USDA certified chicken. |
| Feline’s Pride RAW Frozen |  |
Good variety of selections: Cornish hen, turkey, chicken, duck, and moreSimple recipe (best digestion)Omega 3s (fish oil)Recommended by Feline
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MED (when extra shipping costs are added) daily feeding cost compared to others on this list. |
Order online at www.felinespride.comIncludes ground bones—not recommended for cats with
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| Darwins RAW frozen |  |
All meats are hormone-and antibiotic-free and free-rangeClaim human-quality ingredientsRaw is considered the most easily digested, nutrient-available form of cat food.Low starch, grain freeSimple recipe (best for digestion) |
MED (higher with shipping) |
Lab-tested to meet and exceed AAFCO guidelines |
| Newman’s organic grain-free canned (beef & beef liver formulas) |  |
Organic.No carrageenan (in the organic grain-free ones)Very low starch, grain free |
MED daily feeding
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UPDATE: Organic grain-free poultry formulas have been introduced. These are good except they have carrageenan.Tip: A little dry–mix in some water. |
| Hound & Gatos canned |  |
No BPA in can liningNo carrageenanLow starch, grain freeClaim human-qualityUS food and factoryVery simple ingredients are ideal for sensitive digestion |
MED daily feeding cost compared to others on this list. |
Best online price may be at http://wholepetsholistic.com |
| PAW NATURAW RAW frozen |  |
Raw is considered the most easily digested, nutrient-available form of cat food.Organic meats!Low starch, grain freeVariety of formulas |
MED daily feeding cost compared to others on this list. |
Formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO.Includes ground bones—not recommended for cats with
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| Radcat RAW Frozen |  |
All batches tested independently for
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VERY HIGH compared to others on this list.HOWEVER, this is because the recommend serving size is larger than the serving size recommend for other raw products.AND Rad Cat says some cats may not need as much as they recommend, depending on cat size and activity level. |
Not quite as convenient to serve as other raw food because it’s
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SECOND PLACE
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WHAT’S
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COST |
WHY 2nd PLACE
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|---|---|---|---|---|
| Primal Freeze Dried RAW |
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More convenient than raw frozen food.Raw is considered the most easily digested, nutrient-available form of cat food.Low starch, grain freeSome ingredients are organic (not the meat) |
LOW daily feeding cost compared to others on this list. |
IMPORTANT: Add water - Cats can get dehydrated & accidentally overeat if you don’t add water.All raw dehydrated food are in 2nd place because they require water to be healthy and many people may overlook this.Includes ground bones—not recommended for cats with
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| Feline Natural Raw Freeze Dried by K9 |
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More convenient than raw frozen food.Raw is considered the most easily digested, nutrient-available form of cat food.Low starch, grain freeNice simple ingredients are easy on digestiom (if you add water as instructed -
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LOW daily feeding cost compared to others on this list. |
IMPORTANT: Stir in warm water (at about body temp); don’t have to wait to serve. Cats can get dehydrated & accidentally overeat if you don’t add water.All raw dehydrated are in 2nd place because they require added water to be healthy and many people may overlook this.Includes ground bones—not recommended for cats with
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| Honest Kitchen Raw DEHYDRATED |
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Only pet food legally allowed to call themselves “human grade” (they won a lawsuit). Plant is certified for organic and kosher products by the state of California.Raw is considered most easily digested, nutrient-available form of cat food.Grain free |
LOW daily feeding cost compared to others on this list. |
In 2nd place because contains starchy ingredients, making carb count a bit higher than first place foods.You need to add water soak it for about 15-20 minutes before serving.Introduce gradually. Texture is unique–some cats resist it. Ours like it better with ground turkey added.Tip: Best deal I found on a trial
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| Ziwipeak, Raw air-DEHYDRATED |
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Omega 3s (fish oil)No hormones and antibiotics8% more moisture than most dry foods–more if you add water.More convenient than raw frozen food.Raw is considered the most easily digested, nutrient-available form of cat food.Low starch, grain free; nice simple ingredients |
LOW daily feeding cost compared to others on this list. |
IMPORTANT To support kidney and urinary wellness in healthy cats, I would not serve this without mixing in some water.All raw dehydrated food are in 2nd place because they require water to be healthy and many people may overlook this.Includes ground bones—not recommended for cats with
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| Stellas Freeze Dried RAW |
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More convenient than raw frozen food.Raw is considered the most easily digested, nutrient-available form of cat food.Low starch, grain freeNice simple ingredients are easy on digestion |
MED daily feeding cost compared to others on this list. |
All raw dehydrated are in 2nd place because they require added water to be healthy and many people may overlook this.IMPORTANT: Add water; rehydrate for 1 minute. Add water as instructed.
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| LOTUS canned |
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No carrageenanNo ethoxyquin in fishVery low starch, grain freeAll ingredients sourced from US, Canada,New ZealandMade in small batches in USClaim not to have BPA in lining |
Medium daily feeding cost compared toothers on this list. |
In 2nd place because contains large fish (4th ingredient), so should not be fed exclusively due to concerns about accumulated ocean pollution toxins and/or extra iodine affecting thyroid health over time. |
| Taste of the WILD canned |
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No BPA in cansNo carrageenanNo ethoxyquin in fishLow starch, grain free |
MED daily feeding cost compared to others on this list. |
In 2nd place because contains large fish, so should not be fed exclusively due to concerns about accumulated ocean pollution toxins and/or extra iodine affecting thyroid health over time.
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| Nature’s Variety Instinct canned 95% (except for Rabbit) |
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Meats sourced from US and New Zealand
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MED daily feeding cost compared to others on this list. |
In 2nd place because some consumers are concerned about the montmorillonite clay. Opinions about it are all over the map. Here’s one exploration of the topic (by a different food company).Rabbit meat is processed in China, so I’d avoid the rabbit recipes. |
| ADDICTION Carrageenan-free formulas only: Duck, Venison, Buffalo, Rabbit, Turkey |
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Grain freeNo carrageenanManufactured in company-owned New Zealand plant |
MED daily feeding cost compared to others on this list. |
In 2nd place because contains starchy ingredients, making carb count a bit higher than first place foods.Also because many formulas large fish, so those should not be fed exclusively due to concerns about accumulated ocean pollution toxins and/or extra iodine affecting thyroid health over time. |
| Soulistic canned Carrageenan-free formulas only: Good Karma, Harvest Surprise, Sweet Salutations, Pure Bliss, Nautical Nirvana, Aqua Grill |
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Claim human-quality food sourcesNo GMOsGrain freeNo Carrageenan |
MED daily feeding cost compared to others on this list. |
In 2nd place because contains starchy ingredients, making carb count a bit higher than first place foods.You’ll find it at PETCO |
| Stellas Freeze Dried Raw |
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More convenient than raw frozen food.Raw is considered the most easily digested, nutrient-available form of cat food.Low starch, grain freeNice simple ingredients are easy on digestion |
MED daily feeding cost compared to others on this list. |
IMPORTANT: Add water; rehydrate for 1 minute. Add water as instructed -
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| Pure Vita canned |
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Grain freeFairly simple ingredientsManufactured at company-owned US plantFish meal is cetified ethoxyquin-freeNo carrageenan |
MED daily feeding cost compared to others on this list. |
In 2nd place because contains starchy ingredients, making carb count a bit higher than first place foods. |
| SOJOS Freeze Dried Raw |  |
Raw is considered the most easily digested, nutrient-available form of cat food.Low starch, grain freeUSDA meatVariety of formulas to choose |
MED daily feeding cost compared to others on this list. |
IMPORTANT: Add water to ensure proper amounts of food and moisture; Cats can get dehydrated & accidentally overeat if you don’t add water.All raw dehydrated foods are in 2nd place because they require added water to be healthy and many people may overlook this.Includes ground bones—not recommended for cats with kidney issues or constipationMeets (exceeds) minimum nutritional levels established by the AAFCO.com. |
| Tiki Cat Hanalei Luau Wild Salmon, canned |
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Sources through environmental fishing practices; seafood sustainability and food safety guidelinesManufactured in a human food factory (quality is visible—looks and smells like human food)Omega 3′sNo carrageenanNo BPA in cansLow starch, grain free |
MED daily feeding cost compared to others on this list |
In 2nd place because contains large fish, so should not be fed exclusively due to concerns about accumulated ocean pollution toxins and/or extra iodine affecting thyroid health over time.No longer contains menadione (controversial synthetic vitamin K).Note: Avoid the TikiCat formulas that have carrageenan or grains in them. (This Wild Salmon one doesn’t have either.) |
| Life’s Abundance Instinctive Choice canned |
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Simple ingredients, include organic chickenOmega 3s (fish oil)No carrageenanVery low starch, grain freeNo BPA in cansUS ingredients only |
MED-HIGH daily feeding cost compared to others on this list. |
In 2nd place because Instinctive Choice is manufactured in a Simmons Food facility – Simmons bought Menu Foods. However, dreadful 2007 Menu Foods incidents/recall was related to foods with wheat gluten from China. This food does not contain wheat gluten or ingredients from China.Most cats love this food.I can only find it online–by the case. I suggesting getting their trial size first.You can save money & time with their auto-ship option. |
| Blue Buffalo Wild Delights AND Blue Bistro |
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Meat is from US and New Zealand; USDA inspectedNo carrageenanNo BPA in small cansGrain free |
HIGH daily feeding cost compared to others on this list. |
In 2nd place because contains starchy ingredients, making carb count a bit higher than first place foods.Note that Wilderness Wild Delights is different from just “Wilderness” (Plain Wilderness has carrageenan)Feed two 3oz cans per 6 to 8 lbs. body weight day, so active 10 lb
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| Weruva Grain Free Pouches |
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No carrageenanSimple ingredientsGrain freeResponsive customer serviceCertified GMO-free |
HIGH daily feeding cost compared to others on this list. |
In 2nd place because contains starch, making carb count a bit higher than 1st place foods.Beef is from Australia & New Zealand. Fish is from international waters, except for Tilapia, which is farmed in Thailand. Chicken is from Thaliand.Manufactured in Thailand in human-food processing facility. |
| Wellness Healthy Indulgence pouches with GRAIN FREE labels only |
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Grain freeHigh moistureLess fuss than cansNo carrageenan |
VERY HIGH daily feeding cost compared to others on this list.Instructions say feed 2 pouches for every 5 lbs of cat, so an active 10 lb cat would need 4 pouches per day – that’s a lot. |
In 2nd place because contains starchy ingredients, making carb count a bit higher than first place foods.CAUTION: The pouches not labeled Grain Free contain oat fiber, which is gluten-free in this case, but may not be the most digestible substance for cats. |
If your cat’s favorite natural cat food didn’t make the list…
Many cat foods almost made this list. There were so many foods, I had to be brutal in selecting.
See These natural cat foods didn’t make the “best” list: here’s why (includes the Runner Ups!).
Maybe I missed a food. Let me know if you have questions–I won’t always be able to answer every question personally, but I will add foods you ask about to my “To Be Researched” list.
I also started a list best dry cat foods here–with some health caveats.
Resources
Where to find these foods
- Only Natural Pet Store (carries most of these foods – affiliate store chosen for their reasonable prices)
- Amazon.com and Petfooddirect.com carry many of these foods.
- Many brands are available online directly from the company that makes them
- Your local pet food store (especially if holistic) may have some brands
- Whole Foods carries Primal cat food
How to get your cat to eat new foods?
One more raw option–homemade
Making your own raw cat food can cost even less than the packaged raw cat foods, and is one the healthiest things you can do for most cats.
However, it is absolutely essential that you do it right, and add proper nutrients—serious health problems could result if you don’t add the right nutrients.
Easiest way to get started making your own cat food with the right nutrients is to use a good supplement product like a Feline Instincts mix: You just order one of their mixes. Alnutrin is also a good supplement source for homemade cat food. If you’re in Canada or Europe TC Feline may be ideal for you. All provide recipes and instructions so it’s not a mysterious process.
Some experts say you shouldn’t use store-bought meat (unless you cook it before adding supplements) because there are concerns about bacteria. Instead, grind your own or order from source that freezes immediately after cutting or grinding: Hare-Today carries many types of meats.
Tips: The No Bones About It or Alnturin with Calcium mixes are best for cats who have constipation issues. Feline Instincts and TC Feline also both have bone-free special mixes and recipes for cats with kidney problems.
Your experience? Let’s talk!
None of these foods are perfect, but they met my “best of” criteria. However, every cat has different needs, just like you and I do.
I welcome your experiences, opinions, and contributions in the comments below.
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Hi, I have a kitten with urinary health issues and the vet recommended MediCal food for support but I don’t like what I see on the ingredient list. Do you know if any cat foods that are non gmo, grain free and/or natural that are healthy for urinary health?
Thanks!
Thanks so much for doing this and your hard work. It’s great but my cat has diabetes and kidney disease and needs low protein and low phosphorous – none of these foods will work so is there another list for low protein, low phosphorus ??????
I hope to hear from you. Thanks
Lynette
Lynette and tanya, my oldest cat had urinary issues. Stay away from anything with fish. Most wet food is about 10 % protein, I don’t know how much lower you’ll be able to get. I had luck with dry food only diets, currently using blue buffalo duck and potato. They also make a turkey and potato grain free for sensitive systems. They also have wet foods to go with this dry food. You don’t have to go to a strictly wet food diet. Most cats don’t drink enough water but my cat I think can’t tolerate fish or fish oil. Maybe yours is the same?
Good luck!
Stephanie
Hi. Has anyone heard of Grandma Lucy’s Artisan Cat Food-Freeze Dried? Thanks!
Hi D.J.
I asked about this on another thread too but received no response. Would love to get an opinion on this particular food!
Great informative website!! Just checked Great lifes website but it seems that fruits and vegetables are on their ingredient list, I thought it was free of that stuff?
I tried Grandma Lucy’s a couple of years ago. As I recall I ended up returning it because my cats wouldn’t touch it and it looked like it was mostly potatoes. If you can get Stella and Chewys that is much better quality. Primal also recently came out with a freeze dried food which I would guess is pretty good – my cats love their frozen food.
Wow another great site for those of us trying to find better food choices for our kitties. Ingrid from the conscious cat referred me here and I’m definitely glad of it. Our food saga started because our youngest kitty Saul has been having digestive issues since we took him in in September. The short version is after reading a lot of info on Ingrid’s site we took him off of dry food and added probiotic to his food and the chronic diarrhea he had been having that nothing would get rid of was gone within 24 hours.
So we are now working on getting all five of our cats onto a better food, they’ve eaten dry food all their lives, not the cheap crap but still dry stuff. At least we had stopped free feeding quite a while ago and had moved to set meal times. At this point we’re giving them the Weruva canned chicken and the fish once in a while. Unfortunately the cost for this is more than we are going to be able to continue doing forever so I am going to research some of the foods on here to see if we can come up with some reasonable compromises between cost and quality.
We’ve tried giving them the nature’s variety instinct raw, both the beef nd the chicken. Saul is the only one who will eat this he snarfs up every bit, the others will just pick at it or not eat it at all so canned stuff is where we are for now although I’d consider the freeze dried stuff that one of you mentioned. So that’s where we are for now.
Best regards,
Tom Mary Beth and the furries.
I have 4 cats, 3 with digestive issues. They were on dry food for years and just free-feeding. Last summer I made the change to Wellness canned. They were all fine until around 3 months ago and they then started to vomit all the time, The oldest stopped eating and lost quite a bit of weight. The cost was starting to add up as well. They are now on canned Friskies-I know, not the best but it is cheaper. I am trying to find a good brand with low cost, but, I doubt that exists. Also, I would love to investigate raw food, but, again, the cost of that sends me over the edge-we just bought a house!! Thanks for any help or info.
Hi Soxfan: Yeah, the premium brands do get very expensive. I’m able to fit them into my budget right now, but that certainly hasn’t always been the case. Making your own raw cat food might be a good option for you, particularly since you’d be saving money by making large batches. http://www.catinfo.org/?link=makingcatfood has some good info on DIY cat food.
If you have a Trader Joe’s near you, I’ve heard good things about their wet food, and it’s extremely affordable. Another brand to consider might be Merrick Before Grain. My cats love their quail and chicken flavor, and at ~1.42 for a 5.5 ounce can, it’s more affordable than many other grain-free options. It certainly would be a step up from Friskies if it would work with your budget.
Hi Shasta- Thanks for this info. Trader Joe’s is not that close, but, I could buy in bulk. 1.42 a can is quite a bit for the Merrick brand. I know it is better for them, but, I just can’t swing that at the moment. One of them also has sinus issues-he contacted some sort of infection as a kitten in the shelter (where he was for a year) and now has chronic sinus infections. When he sneezes (all of the time) lots of disgusting stuff comes out and is all over my house-blech!!!!!!!! He has been on various antibiotics for years-all to no avail. The grain free food helps him and another one of my cats with asthma-again, the cost. Anyway, thank you again for your info. I have read the catinfo site many times-that is where I originally went to last summer and literally spent HOURS comparing and contrasting the nutritional info for the many types of canned cat food out there. My cats are all overweight and I wanted to get the correct amount of carbs/protein/fat based on the advice from the catinfo site. Thanks, again!
Raw does not have to be more expensive. I was feeding 3 cats good quality grain free canned foods. Now….I make my own raw food, using ground whole prey mixes with Alnutrin supplement. I am feeding 3 cats AND 3 small dogs for HALF what I was spending on just the cat food. My guys get chicken, turkey, duck, rabbit, beef, pork, duck, quail, venison…..2-3 different proteins every 2 week period. I usually make up 24 pounds of food every 2 weeks. They will also eat heart chicken hearts, gizzards, and strips of chicken or turkey thigh.
Hi Diane- Where do you purchase all of the meat? And, if you don’t mind me asking, how much do you pay for all of it? What exactly is the cost comparison between the good quality canned food you were feeding your cats and the raw food now? Also, what brand of canned were you using? Thanks so much for your responses. Soxfan
I can relate. I have a little Siamese girl who has suffered chronic diarrhea for years. We tried all of the usual tests, medications, diet modifications, probiotics, trial after trial after trial with no success. I finally found the cause of the trouble, completely by coincidence. I was running out of the usual dry food when I found out that it was not being made anymore. It was a problem because I had difficulty finding a replacement that did not contain any ingredients that she was allergic to. By the time I did find a replacement, I had run out of the dry food, so had not fed any of it in a couple of days. Kitty’s diarrhea was almost totally resolved. The problem is, I can’t find a wet food that is allergen free that she will eat enough of to maintain her weight. I was forced to go back to the dry food, and the diarrhea returned immediately. Still on the hunt for a good quality food that she will eat well. However, even if I can avoid the allergens, there always seems to be something else that i don’t want (carageenan, synthetic vitamins, etc.). I cringe every time that I have to put dry food in her bowl, knowing that it’s what is causing her problem. So frustrating.
Tracy, what dry foods have you tried? Have you tried blue buffalo duck and potato? My cat that had loose stool is doing well on it.
Stephanie
Hi Stephanie,
I have looked at the Blue Buffalo products, and found that the dry foods contain oatmeal and rice ( my cat is allergic to grains/glutens), canola oil and flaxseed (both controversial ingredients) and caramel color (linked to cancer). Also, my picky girl will not eat duck. Thanks for the suggestion though, every little bit helps!
Honestly, Tracy, when we buy commercial foods, there are going to be “controversial” ingredients.. I agree with those mentioned, except for flaxseed, which is still a good source of omega 3′s and 6′s. I just wouldn’t out rule a food just because it has flaxseed. It’s great that your picky for your cat’s benefit, a lot of us are the same way, but that dry food is the worst above all! Have you thought about commercial raw at all? Or making your own food? There are recipes everywhere online, sounds like the least amount of ingredients is what she needs. Look into feline natural raw, listed above as well.. Only 4 ingredients..
Hi Tracy: what is an allergan for your cat? They are many foods that are listed above that are great allergan free choices, so there’s really no reason to still be feeding the dry food.. I guess I’m confused on what brands you’ve tried and what you haven’t tried. Nature’s Variety Instinct canned in chicken is one of my favorites, along with Tiki Cat in the chicken flavors(very short ingredient list) and Nature’s Logic in the chicken. Change up the proteins so they don’t develop an allergy to a certain protein. Can you provide a little more clarification on the allergans?
She is allergic to grains/glutens, soy and fish. The Nature’s Variety Instinct contains montmorillonite clay which seems weird (information is limited and non-specific), flaxseed (a controversial ingredient), and is processed in the same facility that processes rabbit sourced from China. The Tiki Cat chicken contains fish oil, and all other varieties are fish as well. Tiki Cat produced in Thailand, so is questionable. Nature’s Logic contain montmorillonite clay. Additional problematic factor is lack of availability in my area.
In terms of grains/gluten, that is very easy to avoid by making sure there is a no grains, low carb ratio to protein and fat, and a lot of the foods above meet that criteria. Montmorillonite clay is controversial because some say it’s totally fine, and others are iffy about it. There are a lot of websites that support that if you do a simple search. With the selections available, I would much rather feed the clay over carrageenan, and other harmful ingredients. Yes, the rabbit is sourced from China, but the chicken and other flavors are NOT. So, I don’t understand the worry on that one. The facility that once was Menu Foods was bought out by another company, as well. The Tiki Cat chicken contains fish oil because it’s a source of Omega 3′s, otherwise, there is no fish content in the 2 chicken flavors. Nature’s Logic is one that is recommended by “The Truth About Pet Food” writer Susan Thixton, and her list is very small… Again, with the clay, you pick your battles. Your much better off feeding a premium food with the clay over dry food ANY day.. Dry food robs the moisture in an animals body. The number one step recommended by most people in the cat world are to get rid of the dry food completely because there are so many cons to feeding it. Nature’s Variety and Nature’s Logic are really good choices when we look at the picture overall. Of course, there is raw feeding, commercially, and making your own food, with the vitamins included. Feline Natural Raw is a really great choice being that it’s freeze dried or raw. The omega 3 they use is green lipped mussel, which is recommended by Dr. Jean Hofve (little big cat).
My cat has food allergies too – she can’t eat anything that has poultry or fish in it. That is one of the reasons my cats eat raw now. She’s currently doing very well on Primal Rabbit and Rad Cat lamb.
Have you looked into Rayne? Their foods are very limited in ingredients. You can order their maintenance diets online without a prescription. I know their rabbit is sourced from Italy. The trays I believe would be cheaper than their frozen foods as far as shipping goes.
Oh, I can relate to your frustration! One of our cats also had chronic diarrhea since he was a kitty (he’s almost 3 now). The vets suspect food allergies. It cleared up completely within 2 days after switching him over to a raw rabbit diet using Dr. Lisa Pierson’s recipe (catinfo.org). Yes, raw is a little more expensive and more inconvenient to make, but nothing compared to the stress, frustration and cost of the diarrhea messes, vitamin b 12 shots, numerous trips to the vet for rounds of antibiotics, dealing with diaper rash cream, and separating food dishes for our other two cats and trying to referee them. I was exhausted from continuously reading cat food labels and experimenting with new foods, and so stressed because our little guy was miserable. Now our life is much more simple. I know exactly what they are eating (I purchase rabbit from Hare Today Gone Tomorrow) and the supplements recommended in Dr. Pierson’s recipe. I also supplement with Complete Probiotics for Pets (Mercola) and Stewart Flavor Enhancer (100% beef or chicken liver powder) from Petandhorse.com. The litter boxes no longer stink and each cat only has about one “job” per day. I consider it an investment our entire family’s emotional health and feel like we’re preventing more problems, and expenses down the road because we’re keeping our cats’ immune systems strong. I thought I would share our experience in case it might be useful to you. And, I know that every situation is different – I hope you find simple answers soon!
Thanks Julie. I’m afraid there are no simple solutions for me. I have done the whole exhausting food search, which basically has taught me that you can’t buy a commercially prepared cat food that doesn’t contain some kind of garbage ingredient or another. Unfortunately, purchasing online is not an option because I live in Northern Alberta, Canada. The rates for shipping come out to more than the cost of what I’m actually trying to buy. This really limits my options. After a year and a half of effort, I’m just about at the end of my rope.
Thanks Tricia for your input.
Jasmine, I actually bought the Grandma Lucy’s yesterday. My kitty loves it. I like that I can mix as little or much as I want at a time so there’s less waste. It smells good but just like mashed potatoes. When I bought it I was thinking grain free but wasn’t thinking about the starchy potatoes. so I wanted to ask before I opened the package.
I emailed the company yesterday and they responded back to me right away.Great customer service.They told me that potatoes are 20% but that I can add more of my own protein to the meal. I don’t think I can return the package since I opened it so I will have my kitty finish it. I don’t think I will get it often but once in a while to change things up.
I was feeding Hounds and Gato’s which seems really really healthy for several months but my kitty all of the sudden got tired of it. Plus my vet says to change things up every 3 months for variety and so they don’t get so picky.
I had a sample of Stella and Chewy’s and my kitty really liked it but it is expensive. I might rotate that when it goes on sale.
I think I’m going to try Great Life Essentials next.
Just wanted to add an update about what I found out about the Newman’s Own Organic beef and liver canned cat food. I had been feeding my cats this cat food, which they loved, then when I ordered more the ingredients were different. The new batch contained carrageenan and guar gum. I wrote the company and they confirmed that they have changed the ingredients in order to prevent separation of liquids. I was very disappointed because I thought I had finally found a food I could stick with. I have one cat that is very picky and she had liked the Newman’s beef and liver, now that they’ve changed their ingredients my picky cat will no longer eat it and I personally don’t like that they added carrageenan and guar gum.
Any suggestions on how I can get my cats to eat the natures variety raw they refuse to touch it
Have you tried warming it to “prey temperature” yet?
I feed 100% raw and just run the tap until it’s hot and add a bit of that heated water to the plate then mix to warm the meat. Felines are very olfactory driven and warming the food increases it’s scent dramatically.
If that doesn’t do the trick you can resort to a “topper” as an enticement. Bonito flakes, tuna juice, and fortiflora are all popular choices for that.
Hi. Where do you buy Feline Natural Raw Freeze Dried by K9? There are no stores anywhere near me that carry this brand. Which online website would you recommend or is the least expensive. Thanks!
Hi D.J., I order it from Chewy.com. Not many stores carry this product and even online you will not find an abundance of offerings. Chewy has the lowest price and also there’s free shipping if you order $49 and I almost always receive the order the next day.
Check out doggiefood.com. If you sign up for their email list, you get a daily discount code (17%)…..cheapest prices I have found anywhere. They also have the $49 free shipping deal.
The discount is only good on the first order. I’ve tried ordering from doggiefood before and did not have a good experience. They claimed the product was available when in fact it wasn’t and e-mails to the company went unanswered. When I phoned them, they were not even sure of the status or when they will have the food in stock and I had to cancel my order.
Thanks Diane and Jackie,
Gosh, I just don’t know now. More confused than ever. I’m trying to find a low cost healthy choice cat food. I wish a store near me would carry the Feline Natural so I could just buy a small package that would be returnable if my kitties don’t like it.
Thanks for the input of doggie.com. I really don’t want a hassle.
I like to have freeze dried so that I can make small batch. one cat like to graze and only likes the freshly opened cans. Once it goes in the fridge even if I warm it up, he won’t touch it. He likes Grandma Lucy’s but I think it’s just too much potatoes (20%)..it smells like mashed potatoes.
I’m thinking about Great Life Essential cans if I can’t find a lowish cost freeze dried food. Has anyone tried this and if so, which online company is cheapest.
Thanks
Thanks!
What about pure vita grain free chicken dry food? I just got a free sample at my natural pet food store. I have 2 cats who are almost 11 yrs old and they’ve always had dry food out to graze on when they want. I am looking for something better to replace the frohm’s they are eating now. They are very picky when it comes to their canned food, all they will eat is fish. I know the mercury in it isn’t good for them to eat all the time but one cat has kidney problems and whatever wet I get into him is good. I always mix it with ro water and blend to get more water into him.I’m going to try some canned hound and gatos soon as I get to the store I found that sells it. I’ve tried raw and they won’t eat it. Any advice will be appreciated, Thanks, Dee
I have been looking for a healthy cat food without questionable ingedients, I quit Wellness because of the carageenan, and now am trying Evangers, can you tell me what you think of Evangers. Thank you
I have been looking for a healthy cat food without questionable ingredients, I quit Wellness because of the carageenan, and now am trying Evangers, can you tell me what you think of Evangers. Thank you