Just like humans, as cats age, they require different amounts of nutrients compared to when they were kittens. There are exceptions for pregnant and nursing mothers, who may prefer to indulge in kitten food for easier digestion and higher palatability. We rated and reviewed mountains of data to give you our recommendations on the best adult cat food.
There’s no best. The best cat food is what’s best for your cat. Your cat may have special dietary needs, it may be sterilized or it might venture outside. Another big factor is what your cat prefers. You’ll never really know unless you buy a can or bag and try it out.
Again, it really depends on a number of factors. Does your cat have a health problem? If so, they’ll need a cat food that addresses the specific health problem (like Royal Canin’s Urinary/Gastrointestinal formulas). Is your cat sterilized? Most sterilized cats have hormone spikes after the procedure, which may cause them to gain weight, so a less-caloric cat food would be recommended.
If you’re concerned about overall nutrition (a good balance of macro/micro nutrients), rest assured that all cat food brands include vitamins and minerals in their formulas. For the best balance of high-quality ingredients and accurate labelling, look for an AAFCO statement. The AAFCO is a private organization that takes pet food seriously and that’s why veterinarians recommend buying AAFCO-approved pet foods.
Some cat breeds are more prone to certain health problems. And just like in humans, genetics plays a role in cat health. So, if your cat has growth issues, high energy needs, kidney problems, oral hygiene issues, poor skin and coat, high stress or problems with their urinary or gastrointestinal systems, a special needs diet is a must. Each diet is formulated to address the problem and are well-tolerated and in no way unappetizing. Royal Canin has one of the largest selections of vet formulas we’ve come across.
Indoor cats aren’t as active as their outdoor counterparts. This means they require less fuel. Cat food manufacturers may label food for indoor cats differently (for example, weight control or calorie control food) so a clearly labelled “for indoor cats” shouldn’t turn you off from the brand. However, we’d like to reiterate that every cat is unique and the nutritional requirements of your cat may differ from other cats.
