Food guide

Cats food: the complete PetFoodRate 2026 guide

Cats are obligate carnivores. Unlike dogs, they require meat to survive and cannot synthesise key nutrients like taurine, arachidonic acid, and vitamin A from plants. Choosing the right cat food is therefore even more critical than for dogs. PetFoodRate grades every cat food from A to E based on animal protein content, taurine and amino acids, absence of undesirable additives, and species adaptability.

What to look for

  • At least 32 percent crude protein, ideally over 35 percent (a cat is built for protein)
  • Named animal protein in first position (fresh chicken, salmon, turkey, white fish)
  • Added taurine on the label (essential for heart and vision health)
  • Wet food in the diet at least a few times a week (cats are poor drinkers and prone to urinary issues)

What to avoid

  • Cereals (corn, wheat, rice) in the top 3 ingredients - cats lack the enzymes to digest carbs efficiently
  • Vague meat by-products without species identification
  • Added sugars, caramel, food colorants (especially common in cheap pouches)
  • 100 percent dry diets without any wet food rotation

Our PetFoodRate top 5 cats

  1. #1 A Orijen Cat & Kitten 94/100 dry food
  2. #2 A Applaws Kitten 90/100 dry food
  3. #3 A Acana First Feast Kitten 89/100 dry food
  4. #4 A Applaws Natural Tuna Fillet 87/100 wet food
  5. #5 A Wellness CORE Indoor Adult Cat 86/100 dry food
See all 57 products graded for cats

Selections by type for cats

Top Best dry food Top Best wet food Top Best treats

Recommended brands for cats

Orijen 1 products graded · 94/100 Applaws 2 products graded · 89/100 Acana 1 products graded · 89/100 Wellness 1 products graded · 86/100 Tiki Cat 1 products graded · 84/100 Schesir 1 products graded · 83/100

Frequently asked questions

Is dry food bad for cats?

Dry food is not bad per se, but a 100 percent kibble diet is risky. Cats originated as desert animals and get most of their water from prey. With kibble at 8 to 10 percent moisture (vs 70 to 80 percent in wet food), cats fed only kibble are chronically under-hydrated, which strongly correlates with kidney disease and urinary crystals. Best practice: rotate kibble and wet food, or feed mostly wet with kibble as topping.

Why do cats need taurine?

Taurine is an essential amino acid for cats. Without enough taurine, cats develop dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), retinal degeneration leading to blindness, and reproductive failures. Dogs can synthesise taurine from cysteine and methionine, cats cannot. Every quality cat food adds taurine on top of the natural taurine in animal tissue, and reputable brands list it on the label.

How much should I feed my cat per day?

An average 4 kg adult indoor cat needs about 200 to 250 kcal per day. With dry food (around 380 kcal per 100g), that is 55 to 65g per day. With wet food (around 80 kcal per 100g), that is 250 to 300g per day. Adjust based on weight, activity, neuter status, and age. Always follow the feeding guide on the bag and weigh the food rather than eyeballing.

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