Does your feline friend deserve the very best? Of course, they do! But navigating the world of cat food can feel like a jungle. You want to feed your cat healthy, natural food, but the aisles are overflowing with choices. It’s tough to know what’s truly good for them and what’s just clever marketing.
You worry about hidden ingredients and whether your cat is getting all the nutrients they need. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed and unsure if you’re making the right choice for your furry companion’s well-being. This confusion can lead to frustration and even doubt about your cat’s diet.
But don’t worry! By the end of this post, you’ll have a clearer understanding of what “natural” really means in cat food. You’ll learn how to spot the best ingredients and make confident decisions that will keep your cat happy and healthy for years to come. Let’s dive into the wonderful world of natural cat food and discover how to give your cat the nutrition they crave.
Our Top 5 Natural Cat Food Recommendations at a Glance
| Image | Product | Rating | Links |
|---|---|---|---|
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Purina Cat Chow Hairball | 9.2/10 | Check Price |
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Blue Buffalo Tastefuls Flaked Wet Cat Food Variety Pack | 9.1/10 | Check Price |
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Purina Cat Chow Naturals With Added Vitamins | 9.2/10 | Check Price |
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Purina ONE Sensitive Stomach | 9.4/10 | Check Price |
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I and love and you Naked Essentials Dry Cat Food – Salmon + Trout – Grain Free | 8.9/10 | Check Price |
Top 5 Natural Cat Food Detailed Reviews
1. Purina Cat Chow Hairball
Rating: 8.6/10
Our feline friends deserve the best, and Purina Cat Chow Naturals Indoor offers a fantastic option for cats who spend their days indoors. This 13 lb. bag is packed with natural nutrition, featuring real turkey and real chicken as the top ingredients. It’s designed to tackle common indoor cat concerns like hairballs and weight management, all while providing essential vitamins and minerals for a happy, healthy cat.
What We Like:
- Real turkey and real chicken are the #1 ingredients, making it super tasty for cats.
- It helps control hairballs with a natural fiber blend.
- Contains 25 essential vitamins and minerals for overall health.
- Specially formulated to help cats maintain a healthy weight.
- Provides 100% complete and balanced nutrition for adult cats.
- The natural ingredients offer peace of mind for pet parents.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some cats might be picky eaters, so it’s always good to test a small amount first.
- While it targets healthy weight, active cats might need additional dietary adjustments.
Purina Cat Chow Naturals Indoor is a solid choice for owners looking for a natural, ingredient-focused food that addresses key indoor cat needs. It’s a reliable way to support your cat’s well-being from the inside out.
2. Blue Buffalo Tastefuls Flaked Wet Cat Food Variety Pack
Rating: 9.1/10
Give your feline friend a taste of pure delight with the Blue Buffalo Tastefuls Flaked Wet Cat Food Variety Pack. This pack offers three delicious flavors – Tuna, Chicken, and Fish & Shrimp – all made with real meat as the first ingredient. It’s packed with vitamins, minerals, and nutrients to keep your cat healthy and happy.
What We Like:
- Real meat is the first ingredient.
- Contains all-natural ingredients.
- Three yummy flavors in one pack keep mealtime exciting.
- No corn, wheat, or soy means healthier digestion.
- No chicken by-product meals.
- Comes in convenient 3-ounce cans.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some picky eaters might prefer a different texture.
- Availability can sometimes be limited.
This variety pack is a fantastic way to spoil your cat with wholesome nutrition and irresistible flavors. It’s a great choice for any cat owner looking for quality and variety.
3. Purina Cat Chow Naturals With Added Vitamins
Rating: 8.5/10
Purina Cat Chow Naturals Original is a dry cat food designed to give your feline friend the nutrition they need. It uses real chicken as the main ingredient, making it tasty. This food also includes real salmon and whole grains. It’s made for cats of all ages and life stages. The formula adds important vitamins and minerals to help keep your cat healthy. It provides complete and balanced nutrition. Omega-6 fatty acids are included to support a healthy skin and coat.
What We Like:
- Real chicken is the #1 ingredient for great taste.
- Contains real salmon and whole grains.
- Formulated for all life stages, from kittens to seniors.
- Includes 25 essential vitamins and minerals for overall health.
- Provides 100% complete and balanced nutrition.
- Omega-6 fatty acids promote healthy skin and a shiny coat.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some picky eaters might need time to adjust to the flavor.
- The kibble size might be a bit large for very small kittens.
Purina Cat Chow Naturals Original offers a solid choice for cat owners seeking natural nutrition. It delivers essential nutrients in a formula that cats generally enjoy.
4. Purina ONE Sensitive Stomach
Rating: 8.8/10
If your feline friend struggles with a sensitive tummy or skin, Purina ONE Sensitive Stomach, Sensitive Skin, Natural Dry Cat Food offers a promising solution. This 16 lb bag is packed with goodness to help your cat feel their best. Real turkey is the star ingredient, providing high protein to build strong muscles and support a healthy heart for adult cats. The formula is designed to be gentle on sensitive systems, featuring easily digestible ingredients and added prebiotic fiber to aid digestion. Plus, the crunchy bites with calcium help keep teeth strong and gums healthy. Four sources of antioxidants work together to boost your cat’s immune system, keeping them ready to take on the day. You can feel good knowing it’s made with no artificial flavors or preservatives and crafted in Purina-owned U.S. facilities.
What We Like:
- Real turkey as the first ingredient supports strong muscles and a healthy heart.
- Easily digestible formula with prebiotic fiber is great for sensitive stomachs.
- Crunchy bites with calcium promote strong teeth and healthy gums.
- Four antioxidant sources help support a healthy immune system.
- Made with no artificial flavors or preservatives for natural goodness.
- Crafted in Purina-owned U.S. facilities, ensuring quality control.
What Could Be Improved:
- A 16 lb bag might be too large for some households to store easily.
- Some cats can be picky eaters, so taste preferences can vary.
Overall, Purina ONE Sensitive Stomach, Sensitive Skin formula appears to be a well-rounded choice for cats needing extra digestive and skin support. It focuses on quality ingredients and digestive health.
5. I and love and you Naked Essentials Dry Cat Food – Salmon + Trout – Grain Free
Rating: 8.8/10
Give your feline friend the best with I and love and you Naked Essentials Dry Cat Food. This salmon and trout flavored kibble is packed with real fish, making it a protein-rich meal for your cat.
What We Like:
- Fish is the #1 ingredient. This means your cat gets lots of real salmon and trout.
- It’s packed with 34% protein. This helps your cat stay energetic and build strong muscles.
- It has prebiotics and probiotics. These help your cat’s tummy work smoothly and keep it healthy.
- It’s made with holistic nutrition. Our in-house vet helped pick the best ingredients for your cat’s overall health.
- There are no fillers. We don’t add anything that doesn’t help your cat, so no empty calories!
- It’s grain-free. Your cat won’t find any wheat, rice, or barley in this food.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 3.4lb bag might be a bit small for larger households or very hungry cats, requiring more frequent repurchases.
- While the fish is sustainably sourced, more specific details on the sourcing practices could be beneficial for environmentally conscious consumers.
This food offers a great nutritional foundation for your cat. It’s a smart choice for pet parents who want quality ingredients.
The Ultimate Buying Guide: A Purrfect Choice for Your Feline Friend
Choosing the right food for your cat can feel like a big decision. You want the best for your furry companion, and that often means looking for natural cat food. This guide will help you understand what makes natural cat food great and how to pick the best option for your kitty.
What Makes Natural Cat Food Special?
Natural cat food focuses on ingredients that are closer to what cats would eat in the wild. It usually means fewer artificial additives and more wholesome, recognizable ingredients. Think real meat, vegetables, and fruits.
Key Features to Look For
When you’re browsing for natural cat food, keep these important features in mind:
- Real Meat as the First Ingredient: This is super important! The first ingredient listed should be a type of meat, like chicken, turkey, salmon, or beef. This shows the food is packed with protein your cat needs.
- Limited, Recognizable Ingredients: Natural foods often have shorter ingredient lists. You should be able to understand what each ingredient is. Avoid long lists of chemicals or hard-to-pronounce names.
- No Artificial Colors, Flavors, or Preservatives: These extras don’t add nutritional value and can sometimes cause issues for cats. Natural food skips them.
- Grain-Free Options (Often): Many natural cat foods are grain-free. Cats are carnivores, meaning their bodies are designed to eat meat. While some grains are okay, many cats do well on grain-free diets.
- Added Vitamins and Minerals: Even natural foods benefit from added nutrients to ensure your cat gets a complete and balanced diet.
Important Materials (Ingredients)
The “materials” in cat food are its ingredients. Here’s what you want to see:
- High-Quality Protein Sources: Real meat, poultry, and fish are the stars. Look for named sources like “chicken,” “salmon,” or “lamb.”
- Wholesome Carbohydrates (if present): If the food isn’t strictly grain-free, you might find ingredients like sweet potatoes, peas, or lentils. These provide energy.
- Healthy Fats: Fish oil, chicken fat, or flaxseed provide essential fatty acids for a shiny coat and good health.
- Vitamins and Minerals: These are crucial for overall well-being. They are often added to ensure the food is nutritionally complete.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
What makes a natural cat food great, and what should you avoid?
Improving Quality:
- High Meat Content: More meat means more protein, which is vital for cats.
- Source of Protein: Different meats offer different nutrients. Variety can be good.
- Digestible Ingredients: Ingredients that are easy for your cat to break down and absorb lead to better nutrition and fewer tummy troubles.
- Transparency: Brands that are open about where they source their ingredients and how their food is made often produce higher-quality products.
Reducing Quality:
- Fillers: Ingredients like corn, wheat, and soy are often used as fillers. They don’t offer much nutritional value for cats and can sometimes cause allergies.
- By-products: While not always bad, “meat by-products” can be a vague term. It’s better when the specific type of meat is named.
- Artificial Additives: As mentioned before, these are a big no-no in natural food.
- Excessive Carbohydrates: Cats don’t need a lot of carbs. Too many can lead to weight gain and other health problems.
User Experience and Use Cases
How do cats and their owners experience natural cat food?
Many cat owners report positive changes in their pets after switching to natural food. Cats might have more energy, a glossier coat, and better digestion. Some owners notice their cats have fewer allergies or less vomiting. It’s important to transition your cat slowly to a new food to avoid upsetting their stomach.
Natural cat food is a great choice for:
- Kittens needing a strong start.
- Adult cats who need balanced nutrition.
- Senior cats who might benefit from easily digestible ingredients.
- Cats with sensitive stomachs or allergies.
Frequently Asked Questions: Natural Cat Food
Q: What is the main difference between natural cat food and regular cat food?
A: Natural cat food uses real meat as the primary ingredient and avoids artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives. Regular cat food might use more fillers and artificial additives.
Q: Is grain-free cat food always better?
A: Many cats thrive on grain-free diets because they are carnivores. However, some cats do fine with a small amount of grain. It depends on your individual cat.
Q: How do I switch my cat to natural cat food?
A: Switch slowly over 7-10 days. Mix a little new food with the old, gradually increasing the new food amount each day. This helps prevent tummy upset.
Q: Can my kitten eat natural cat food?
A: Yes, many natural cat foods are formulated for kittens and provide the essential nutrients they need to grow.
Q: What if my cat doesn’t like the natural food?
A: Cats can be picky! Try a different brand or flavor. Sometimes warming the food slightly can make it more appealing.
Q: Are expensive natural cat foods always better?
A: Not necessarily. While quality ingredients can cost more, you can find good, natural options at various price points. Focus on the ingredient list and your cat’s health.
Q: How can I tell if natural cat food is agreeing with my cat?
A: Look for a shiny coat, clear eyes, good energy levels, and healthy stools. If your cat seems happy and healthy, the food is likely working well.
Q: What does “holistic” mean in cat food?
A: Holistic often means the food considers the cat’s overall well-being, using high-quality, natural ingredients and avoiding artificial additives. It’s similar to natural but emphasizes a more complete approach.
Q: Are natural cat foods good for cats with kidney problems?
A: Always consult your veterinarian. They can recommend a specific diet, which may or may not be a natural food, based on your cat’s medical needs.
Q: Where can I buy natural cat food?
A: You can find natural cat food at most pet supply stores, many grocery stores, and online retailers.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.