Best Cat Food At Target: Top 5 Picks Reviewed

Ever stare down the cat food aisle at Target, feeling like you need a PhD in feline nutrition? You’re not alone! So many brands, flavors, and formulas can make choosing the best food for your furry friend feel like a puzzle with missing pieces. Is it grain-free? Limited ingredient? High protein? These questions can lead to a headache, and sometimes, you just want to grab something good without the guesswork.

Finding the perfect cat food shouldn’t be a chore. It’s about giving your cat the best fuel for their zoomies, their purrs, and their overall health. That’s why we’re diving deep into the world of cat food at Target. We’ll help you cut through the noise and discover what really matters when picking out that next bag or can.

By the end of this post, you’ll feel more confident about your choices. You’ll learn what to look for, understand common ingredients, and even find some popular and well-loved options. Let’s get started on making mealtime a win-win for both you and your cat!

Our Top 5 Cat Food At Target Recommendations at a Glance

Top 5 Cat Food At Target Detailed Reviews

1. IAMS Proactive Health Indoor Weight Control & Hairball Care Adult Dry Cat Food

IAMS Proactive Health Indoor Weight Control & Hairball Care Adult Dry Cat Food, Chicken & Turkey Recipe, 7 lb. Bag

Rating: 9.2/10

IAMS Proactive Health Indoor Weight Control & Hairball Care Adult Dry Cat Food, Chicken & Turkey Recipe, 7 lb. Bag offers complete and balanced nutrition for your indoor feline friend. This food focuses on supporting your cat’s overall health, from their immune system to their heart, all while helping them manage their weight and reduce hairballs.

What We Like:

  • It provides 100% nutrition with no fillers, supporting your cat’s whole-body health.
  • The formula includes a special fiber blend to help prevent hairballs from forming.
  • L-carnitine is added to help indoor cats burn fat and keep their metabolism healthy.
  • Essential nutrients like calcium and potassium are included to promote a healthy heart.
  • IAMS is dedicated to providing tailored nutrition for cats at every life stage.

What Could Be Improved:

  • The chicken and turkey recipe might not appeal to all cats’ taste preferences.
  • For cats with very sensitive stomachs, a more specialized formula might be needed.

This IAMS cat food is a solid choice for indoor cats needing help with weight management and hairball control. It provides essential nutrients for a healthy and happy life.

2. Purina Fancy Feast Grilled Wet Cat Food Seafood Collection in Wet Cat Food Variety Pack – (Pack of 24) 3 oz. Cans

Purina Fancy Feast Grilled Wet Cat Food Seafood Collection in Wet Cat Food Variety Pack - (Pack of 24) 3 oz. Cans

Rating: 8.7/10

Treat your feline friend to a culinary adventure with the Purina Fancy Feast Grilled Wet Cat Food Seafood Collection Variety Pack. This pack offers a delightful assortment of flavors, ensuring your cat never gets bored. Each can is packed with real, high-quality seafood, swimming in a light, savory gravy that cats can’t resist. Fancy Feast crafted this food with expert nutritionists, so you know it’s not only delicious but also provides 100% complete and balanced nutrition for your cat.

What We Like:

  • Made with real seafood for a taste cats crave.
  • No artificial colors or preservatives added.
  • Expertly crafted for a complete and balanced diet.
  • Savory gravy enhances the delicious flavor experience.
  • Variety pack offers different seafood options to keep mealtime exciting.
  • Protein-rich formula supports your cat’s health.

What Could Be Improved:

  • Individual cans are a smaller size, which might not be enough for larger cats or those with very big appetites.
  • Some picky eaters might still have a favorite flavor they prefer over others in the pack.

This variety pack is a fantastic way to spoil your cat with gourmet meals. It offers both taste and nutrition, making it a win-win for you and your furry companion.

3. Purina Friskies Wet Cat Food Variety Pack

Purina Friskies Wet Cat Food Variety Pack, Tasty Treasures Prime Filets (With Chicken and Tuna, With Chicken, and With Ocean Fish and Tuna, and With Turkey) - (Pack of 24) 5.5 oz. Cans

Rating: 9.4/10

Give your feline friend a taste of adventure with the Purina Friskies Wet Cat Food Variety Pack, Tasty Treasures Prime Filets. This 24-can pack offers four delicious flavors: Chicken and Tuna, Chicken, Ocean Fish and Tuna, and Turkey. Each can is packed with real poultry or fish, swimming in savory gravy or sauce that cats can’t resist. It’s a mealtime upgrade that provides complete and balanced nutrition for your adult cat, packed with essential vitamins and minerals, and free from artificial colors or preservatives. The enticing aroma alone will have your cat meowing for more!

What We Like:

  • Exciting variety of four real meat or fish flavors keeps mealtime interesting.
  • Tender texture and savory gravy appeal to even picky eaters.
  • Provides 100% complete and balanced nutrition for adult cats.
  • Made with essential vitamins and minerals.
  • No artificial colors or preservatives.
  • Enticing aroma tempts cats at mealtime.
  • Proudly manufactured in Purina-owned U.S. facilities.

What Could Be Improved:

  • Some cats may have specific protein sensitivities that aren’t addressed by these common flavors.
  • While a variety pack, individual cats might have a strong preference for only one or two flavors, leading to unused cans.

This variety pack is a fantastic way to discover your cat’s favorite flavors while ensuring they get wholesome nutrition. It’s a budget-friendly option for happy, healthy cats.

4. IAMS Proactive Health Indoor Weight Control & Hairball Care Adult Dry Cat Food

IAMS Proactive Health Indoor Weight Control & Hairball Care Adult Dry Cat Food, Chicken & Turkey Recipe, 22 lb. Bag

Rating: 8.9/10

IAMS Proactive Health Indoor Weight Control & Hairball Care Adult Dry Cat Food, Chicken & Turkey Recipe, 22 lb. Bag offers complete and balanced nutrition for your indoor feline friend. This food is designed to help your cat maintain a healthy weight and reduce bothersome hairballs, all while providing essential nutrients for their overall well-being.

What We Like:

  • Provides 100% nutrition with no fillers, supporting your cat’s whole-body health.
  • Contains antioxidants to boost your cat’s immune system.
  • Features a special fiber blend with beet pulp to help prevent hairballs before they start.
  • Includes L-carnitine to help indoor cats burn fat and keep their metabolism healthy.
  • Enriched with calcium and potassium to support a healthy heart.
  • IAMS aims to provide tailored nutrition for cats at every life stage.

What Could Be Improved:

  • Some cats might be picky eaters and not immediately take to the flavor.
  • The 22 lb. bag can be quite large for households with only one or two cats, potentially leading to freshness concerns if not stored properly.

This IAMS formula is a solid choice for indoor cats, addressing common concerns like weight management and hairballs. It offers a comprehensive nutritional profile to keep your cat happy and healthy.

5. Sheba Perfect Portions Wet Cat Food Cuts in Gravy Variety Pack

Sheba Perfect Portions Wet Cat Food Cuts in Gravy Variety Pack, Roasted Chicken Entree and Tender Turkey Entree, 2.6 oz. Twin-Pack Trays (12 Count, 24 Servings)

Rating: 9.1/10

Introducing the Sheba Perfect Portions Wet Cat Food Cuts in Gravy Variety Pack! This pack offers two delicious flavors: Roasted Chicken Entree and Tender Turkey Entree. Each twin-pack tray contains two perfect servings, making mealtime easy and mess-free for your feline friend. It’s a complete and balanced meal for adult cats.

What We Like:

  • Cats absolutely love the taste! The succulent cuts in gravy are irresistible.
  • Perfect Portions mean no wasted food. You get exactly what your cat needs for two meals.
  • It’s super easy to serve. Just snap, peel, and serve – no fuss!
  • The recipe is grain-free, corn-free, and soy-free. It also has no artificial flavors or preservatives.
  • It provides 100% complete and balanced nutrition for adult cats.

What Could Be Improved:

  • While the recipe is formulated without certain ingredients, trace amounts might be present due to manufacturing processes. This is something to consider for cats with very sensitive allergies.

This variety pack is a fantastic way to spoil your cat with delicious and nutritious meals. You’ll appreciate the convenience and your cat will adore the taste.

The Ultimate Buying Guide: A Purrfect Choice for Your Feline Friend

Choosing the right food for your cat is super important. It helps them stay healthy and happy. Target has lots of cat food options. This guide will help you pick the best one.

Key Features to Look For

When you look at cat food at Target, keep these things in mind:

  • Protein Source: Cats are carnivores. This means they need meat! Look for food where the first ingredient is a real meat source like chicken, turkey, or fish. This gives them the protein they need to build strong muscles.
  • Life Stage: Kittens, adult cats, and senior cats have different needs. Kitten food has more calories and nutrients for growing bodies. Adult food is balanced for everyday health. Senior food might have ingredients to help with joints or digestion.
  • Dietary Needs: Some cats have special needs. They might have sensitive stomachs, allergies, or be overweight. You can find food made for these issues. Look for labels like “sensitive stomach” or “weight control.”
  • Wet vs. Dry Food: Both have good points!
    • Wet food has more moisture. This is great for keeping your cat hydrated and can help with kidney health. It’s also often very tasty.
    • Dry food is convenient. It stays fresh longer and can help clean your cat’s teeth as they chew.

Important Materials in Cat Food

The ingredients in cat food matter a lot. Here’s what to look for:

  • High-Quality Protein: As we said, meat is key. Good protein sources include chicken, salmon, lamb, and turkey.
  • Vitamins and Minerals: Cats need things like Vitamin A, Vitamin E, taurine, and calcium. These help with their eyesight, immune system, and strong bones.
  • Healthy Fats: Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids are good for their skin and coat. They make fur shiny and healthy.
  • Carbohydrates (in moderation): Cats don’t need a lot of carbs. Some grains like rice or oats can be okay in small amounts. Look for foods with fewer fillers.

Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality

Some things make cat food better, and some make it worse.

What Makes Food Better:
  • Named Meat Ingredients: When the label says “chicken” or “salmon,” that’s better than “meat by-products.”
  • Limited Ingredients: For cats with allergies, fewer ingredients can be a good thing. It’s easier to figure out what might be causing a problem.
  • Natural Preservatives: Foods that use Vitamin E (tocopherols) or rosemary extract to stay fresh are better than those using artificial preservatives.
What Makes Food Worse:
  • Artificial Colors and Flavors: Cats don’t need these. They can sometimes cause tummy upset.
  • Excessive Fillers: Ingredients like corn, wheat, and soy can be used as fillers. They don’t offer much nutrition for cats.
  • Generic “Meat By-products”: While by-products can be nutritious, they are less specific than named meat sources.

User Experience and Use Cases

Think about your cat and your life when you buy food.

  • Picky Eaters: Some cats are very picky. You might need to try a few different flavors or textures of wet food to find something they like. Target has many brands, so you can experiment.
  • Busy Owners: If you have a busy schedule, dry food is a great choice. You can leave it out for your cat to eat throughout the day.
  • Budget-Conscious Shoppers: Target offers a range of prices. You can find good quality food without spending a fortune. Look for Target’s own brands like “Up & Up” or “Kindness” for affordable options.
  • Health Monitoring: If your cat has specific health issues, talk to your vet. They can recommend special diets. Target carries many vet-recommended brands.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cat Food at Target

Here are some common questions people have when shopping for cat food at Target.

Q: What are the main Key Features to look for in cat food?

A: The main key features are a high-quality protein source (like chicken or fish) as the first ingredient, food suited for your cat’s life stage (kitten, adult, senior), and options for special dietary needs like sensitive stomachs or weight management. Also, consider if wet or dry food is best for your cat.

Q: Are Target’s own cat food brands good?

A: Yes, Target’s own brands, like Up & Up and Kindness, often offer good value. They can be a great option for budget-friendly shopping while still providing decent nutrition. It’s always good to check the ingredient list to make sure they meet your cat’s needs.

Q: What is the difference between wet and dry cat food?

A: Wet food has a lot of water, which helps cats stay hydrated. Dry food is crunchy and convenient. Dry food can also help keep teeth clean.

Q: Should I choose food with grains or grain-free?

A: Most cats do fine with grains in their food. However, some cats can have allergies or sensitivities to grains. If your cat has issues, grain-free options are available. Always check with your vet if you are unsure.

Q: How do I know if my cat has food allergies?

A: Signs of food allergies can include itchy skin, vomiting, or diarrhea. If you suspect your cat has allergies, talk to your veterinarian. They can help you figure out the best food for your cat.

Q: What does “meat by-products” mean on a cat food label?

A: Meat by-products are parts of an animal that are not muscle meat, like organs or bones. They can be nutritious for cats, but it’s generally better to see named meat sources like “chicken” listed as the first ingredient.

Q: Is it okay to mix wet and dry food?

A: Yes, many pet owners mix wet and dry food. This can give your cat the benefits of both. For example, you can give them dry food throughout the day and a serving of wet food at meal times.

Q: How much should I feed my cat?

A: The amount of food to feed your cat depends on their age, weight, activity level, and the type of food. Most cat food bags and cans have a feeding guide on the back. Your vet can also give you advice.

Q: Where can I find the cat food aisle at Target?

A: The cat food is usually located in the pet care section of the store. It’s often near other pet supplies like litter, toys, and beds.

Q: What if my cat doesn’t like the food I buy?

A: Cats can be picky! If your cat refuses a new food, try mixing a small amount of the new food with their old food. Gradually increase the amount of new food over a week. If they still don’t eat it, Target has many brands, so you can try another one.

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.