Best Dry Cat Food of 2024: Top 9 Picks
Published on August 16, 2024
Dry food for cats is convenient and affordable. You can leave it out for longer than wet food or use it in an automatic feeder. Ensure your cat always has fresh, clean water available to stay hydrated while eating kibble, and choose the best dry cat food to ensure they receive high-quality nutrition.
If you’re looking for dry cat food for your refined feline but aren’t sure which ones to try, we’ve compiled the following list to help you get started.
Dry Cat Food: Our Top Picks
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- Best Overall Dry Food for Cats: Instinct Original Real Rabbit Recipe
- Best Dry Cat Food for Kittens: Purina Kitten Chow
- Best Dry Cat Food for Sensitive Stomach: Royal Canin Sensitive Digestion Dry Cat Food
- Best Dry Cat Food for Weight Loss: Orijen Fit and Trim Dry Cat Food
- Best Indoor Adult Dry Cat Food: Wellness Complete Health Grain Free Indoor Deboned Chicken
- Best Dry Cat Food for Picky Eaters: Open Farm Pasture-Raised Lamb Dry Cat Food
- Best Hairball Control Cat Food: Hill’s Science Diet Adult Hairball Control Chicken Recipe Cat Food
- Best Grain-Free Dry Cat Food: Blue Buffalo Freedom Grain-Free Indoor Chicken Recipe
- Best Dehydrated Dry Cat Food: The Honest Kitchen Grain Free Turkey Dehydrated Cat Food
9 Best Dry Cat Foods of 2024
You might not know where to begin with so many dry cat food brands, from well-known companies to boutique businesses. To help you find the right one, here’s a list of options for kittens, adult cats, picky eaters, and more.
Best Overall Dry Food for Cats
Our Pick: Instinct Original Real Rabbit Recipe
Instinct makes dry, wet, freeze-dried, and raw cat foods. Their Original Real Rabbit Recipe offers a novel protein for cats who want something different. It’s also an option for incorporating a bit of raw nutrition into your pet’s diet, as the kibble is coated in freeze-dried rabbit. This provides more flavor and nutrients and combines the convenience of kibble with the benefits of raw food. As a bonus, there’s no mess or hassle of feeding frozen raw.
The first ingredient is farm-raised rabbit, followed by turkey meal and menhaden fish. Most of the recipe (80 percent) consists of animal ingredients and oils. This food also contains fruits and vegetables like cranberries, apples, carrots, and live probiotics. These ingredients give your cat the protein, fiber, and fat needed for strong muscles, healthy skin and coat, and digestive health.
| Flavor | Rabbit |
| Life Stage | All Life Stages |
| Form | Dry |
| Protein (Ingredients) | Rabbit, turkey, fish |
| Protein Analysis | 40.5% min |
| Calories | 511 kcal/cup |
| Meets AAFCO Standards? | Yes |
Highlights
- Rabbit is a novel protein for cats who have allergies or prefer variety.
- Kibble is coated in freeze-dried rabbit muscle and organs.
- Available in several flavors.
- Doesn’t contain any grain, wheat, corn, potato, or soy.
- Made in the USA.
Things to Consider
- Contains other proteins, including poultry and fish, so keep that in mind if your cat is allergic to them.
- Higher price point.
- Not suitable for cats who are sensitive to raw or freeze-dried ingredients.
Best Dry Cat Food for Kittens
Our Pick: Purina Kitten Chow
Purina cat food is recommended by veterinarians and comes in a variety of recipes for all the life stages of a cat. Kitten Chow is their dry food for kittens 12 months and under. It’s formulated to help a kitten grow big and strong and also supports their healthy appetite.
This food contains real chicken and 25 percent more protein, which kittens need for their growth. It also provides DHA to support their brain and eyes, antioxidants for a strong immune system, and calcium and phosphorus for teeth and bones. The small kibble has an irresistible liver flavor, so kittens get all the necessary nutrients.
| Flavor | Chicken |
| Life Stage | Kitten |
| Form | Dry |
| Protein (Ingredients) | Chicken by-product meal, corn protein meal, chicken, fish meal |
| Protein Analysis | 40% |
| Calories | 414 kcal/cup |
| Meets AAFCO Standards? | Yes |
Highlights
- High in protein to support a kitten’s growth.
- Contains DHA to support vision and brain development.
- Doesn’t contain artificial flavors or colors.
- Affordably priced.
Things to Consider
- Contains soy and corn, which some pet parents choose to avoid.
- Made for kittens up to 12 months old.
Best Dry Cat Food for Sensitive Stomach
Our Pick: Royal Canin Sensitive Digestion Dry Cat Food
If your cat is experiencing digestive issues, consult a veterinarian to determine the cause. Consider options like the Royal Canin Sensitive Digestion Dry Cat Food if dietary modifications are suggested. It contains highly digestible proteins for cats with a sensitive stomach.
This dry food provides prebiotics that support the right balance of intestinal flora, supporting strong digestion.In addition to being easier for the body to digest, this food can help strengthen your cat’s digestive tract. It also has a higher energy density, which means your cat can eat smaller meals but still get all the nutrition they need. This helps decrease the work your cat’s digestive tract must do.
| Flavor | Chicken |
| Life Stage | Adult |
| Form | Dry |
| Protein (Ingredients) | Chicken by-product meal |
| Protein Analysis | 33% min |
| Calories | 469 kcal/cup |
| Meets AAFCO Standards? | Yes |
Highlights
- Royal Canin cat food is vet-recommended.
- Various kibble shapes for variety.
- High digestibility, palatability, and energy density.
- Formulated to help cats with loose stools.
Things to Consider
- Only one flavor is available.
- It is not available in a wet food version but can be paired with Royal Canin Digest Sensitive wet food.
- Higher price point.
Best Dry Cat Food for Weight Loss
Our Pick: Orijen Fit and Trim Dry Cat Food
Work with your veterinarian if you aren’t sure about your pet’s ideal weight and how to safely help them shed extra pounds. If your kitty needs to lose some weight to be healthier, a food like Orijen Fit and Trim can be helpful. The first five ingredients—chicken, chicken liver, whole herring, turkey, and turkey giblets—provide various nutrients, and the freeze-dried liver coating entices your kitty to dig in.
According to the manufacturer, this food is scientifically tested for weight loss. On average, cats fed this dry food lost 22.8 percent of their body weight while improving their lean body condition. This dry cat food contains prebiotics, probiotics, fiber for digestive health, and omega-3 fatty acids from wild-caught fish for skin and coat health.
| Flavor | Chicken, Fish |
| Life Stage | Adult |
| Form | Dry |
| Protein (Ingredients) | Chicken, fish, turkey, eggs |
| Protein Analysis | 42% min |
| Calories | 444 kcal/cup |
| Meets AAFCO Standards? | Yes |
Highlights
- Contains 85 percent animal ingredients, including free-run poultry and wild-caught fish.
- The brand’s WholePrey diet uses muscle meat, organs, and bone to mimic a cat’s natural diet.
- Doesn’t contain wheat, corn, soy, or tapioca.
- Coated with freeze-dried liver for enhanced flavor.
- Made in the USA.
Things to Consider
- Only available in one flavor.
- Not appropriate for cats who need limited ingredient diets.
- Higher price point.
Best Indoor Adult Dry Cat Food
Our Pick: Wellness Complete Health Grain Free Indoor Deboned Chicken
The Wellness Complete Health line of cat foods offers several options, including their Indoor Deboned Chicken dry food. Its ingredients support every aspect of a cat’s health, including digestion, immune system, teeth and gums, and skin and coat. Also, chicken meal provides glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate for joint health, while L-carnitine and fiber help with weight management, making this one of the best dry cat foods for indoor cats.
Indoor kitties tend to be less active. That can lead to unwanted weight gain and health issues associated with being overweight or obese. This crunchy kibble can help boost their energy with natural ingredients like chicken, flaxseeds, cranberries, vitamins, minerals, and probiotics.
| Flavor | Chicken |
| Life Stage | Adult |
| Form | Dry |
| Protein (Ingredients) | Deboned chicken, chicken meal, turkey meal |
| Protein Analysis | 34% min |
| Calories | 469 kcal/cup |
| Meets AAFCO Standards? | Yes |
Highlights
- Available in multiple flavors and recipes, including a senior cat food.
- The recipe was crafted with veterinarians and pet nutritionists.
- Doesn’t contain meat by-products, fillers, grains, artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives.
- A good option for those who prefer grain-free cat food.
Things to Consider
- Not appropriate for pet parents who want to avoid cat foods with potatoes and legumes.
- Some cats might not like the size and shape of this kibble.
Best Dry Cat Food for Picky Eaters
Our Pick: Open Farm Pasture-Raised Lamb Dry Cat Food
Cats who are picky eaters might be interested in a novel protein like lamb. Open Farm’s Pasture-Raised Lamb Dry Cat Food contains humanely raised, grass-fed New Zealand lamb, ocean whitefish meal, and herring meal for some delicious fish flavors. Other ingredients include liver, non-GMO fruits and vegetables, dandelion greens, and coconut oil for various nutrients.
High in protein, this dry food provides prebiotic fibers to support digestion. It’s a good cat food for kitties allergic to poultry, as it doesn’t contain any! Finding cat foods that don’t have chicken in the ingredients is quite difficult! Plus, it doesn’t contain meat meals or potatoes.
| Flavor | Lamb |
| Life Stage | All Life Stages |
| Form | Dry |
| Protein (Ingredients) | Lamb, ocean whitefish meal, herring meal |
| Protein Analysis | 37% min |
| Calories | 470 kcal/cup |
| Meets AAFCO Standards? | Yes |
Highlights
- Contains humanely raised lamb.
- Doesn’t contain meat meals, rendered poultry, or animal by-products.
- Free of potato, corn, wheat, soy, and artificial flavors and preservatives.
- You can trace the ingredients in this food on the Open Farm website.
Things to Consider
- Contains chickpeas and lentils, so not a good option for those avoiding legumes.
- Higher price point.
Best Hairball Control Cat Food
Our Pick: Hill’s Science Diet Adult Hairball Control Chicken Recipe Cat Food
For cats who vomit hairballs often, a hairball control cat food like Hill’s Science Diet Adult Hairball Control Chicken Recipe can help move the hair through the digestive tract. Hill’s is a veterinarian-recommended brand that has studied how natural fiber can reduce hairballs. This dry food is formulated to do just that.
Chicken is the first ingredient in this food, which contains no chicken by-product meal. It has natural ingredients and antioxidants to support overall health, including the immune system. This food is available as a wet food, so you can provide your cat with extra moisture.
| Flavor | Chicken |
| Life Stage | Adult |
| Form | Dry |
| Protein (Ingredients) | Chicken, chicken meal |
| Protein Analysis | 33.9% |
| Calories | 323 kcal/cup |
| Meets AAFCO Standards? | Yes |
Highlights
- Formulated to avoid hairball formation.
- Provides protein for lean muscles.
- Contains omega fatty acids and vitamin E for healthy skin and coat.
- No artificial preservatives, flavors, or colors.
- Made in the USA.
Things to Consider
- For adult cats, not kittens.
- Only available in chicken flavor.
- Higher price point.
Best Grain-Free Dry Cat Food
Our Pick: Blue Buffalo Freedom Grain-Free Indoor Chicken Recipe
The Blue Buffalo Freedom Grain-Free Indoor Chicken Recipe is for adult cats aged 1-7 years. It’s free of grains and formulated for indoor cats to help them stay at a healthy weight. You won’t find any corn, wheat, or soy in this dry cat food. And it doesn’t contain poultry by-product meals or artificial flavors and preservatives.
Deboned chicken is the first ingredient, followed by chicken meal and fruits and vegetables like sweet potatoes, carrots, cranberries, and blueberries. It also contains the brand’s LifeSource Bits, which provide vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants selected by animal nutritionists and veterinarians.
| Flavor | Chicken |
| Life Stage | Adult |
| Form | Dry |
| Protein (Ingredients) | Deboned chicken, chicken meal, menhaden fish meal |
| Protein Analysis | 32% min |
| Calories | 391 kcal/cup |
| Meets AAFCO Standards? | Yes |
Highlights
- Contains real meat, and no poultry by-product meals.
- Features BLUE’s LifeSource Bits for antioxidants and nutrients.
- Formulated to support digestion, the immune system, and healthy weight.
- Available in other flavors, including for seniors and kittens.
Things to Consider
- Contains potatoes and peas, which some pet parents prefer to avoid.
- It contains menhaden fish meal, so it is not suitable for cats who need to avoid fish for any reason, such as allergies.
Best Dehydrated Dry Cat Food
Our Pick: The Honest Kitchen Grain-Free Turkey Dehydrated Cat Food
The Honest Kitchen’s Grain Free Turkey Dehydrated Cat Food is formulated for kittens and adult cats. It supports overall health, from digestion and energy to skin and coat. Dehydrated food for cats is an alternative to raw food because dehydrating the ingredients retains more nutrients. When ready to serve it to your cat, add warm water and stir to create a wet food consistency.
This food features human-grade ingredients. Formulated with a veterinary nutritionist, the first ingredient is cage-free turkey. Other ingredients include eggs, fruits, vegetables, and probiotics. You won’t find corn, wheat, soy, or artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives.
| Flavor | Turkey |
| Life Stage | Kitten, Adult |
| Form | Dehydrated |
| Protein (Ingredients) | Turkey, eggs |
| Protein Analysis | 40% |
| Calories | 512 kcal/cup |
| Meets AAFCO Standards? | Yes |
Highlights
- Human-grade ingredients rather than feed-grade.
- Contains no by-products, corn, wheat, soy, GMO ingredients, or fillers.
- Available in multiple flavors.
- Made in the USA.
Things to Consider
- Need to add water to provide moisture to your cat’s food.
- Some cats may not care for the food’s consistency.
Dry Cat Food Buyer’s Guide
Once you have a few options that you’re considering for your feline companion, narrow them down to the best one for your kitty by considering the following:
Your Cat’s Health
When shopping for food for cats, remember their health conditions, says Dr. Rhiannon Koehler, DVM, MPH, and founder of Evergreen Medical Writing, LLC.
For example, if your cat has allergies to any particular ingredients, read labels to ensure no allergens are present.
Also, if your cat has a chronic condition, carefully select a food that will support their well-being and consult your veterinarian for guidance.
Nutritional Adequacy
Check labels to ensure dry foods are complete and balanced. Many foods on the market are meant to be fed as treats or supplemental meals, so read labels carefully.
“Pet parents should look for the nutritional adequacy statement on the package, usually near the nutrition label, that states the diet completed animal feeding tests or is formulated to meet AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials) standards for your cat’s specific life stage,” says Dr. Koehler. “If there is no AAFCO statement, the food is not complete and balanced and should not be used as your cat’s regular diet.”
It’s important to know what the AAFCO statement means. “People frequently, but incorrectly, believe that AAFCO tests and certifies food, but this organization only establishes nutrient guidelines for pet food,” says Dr. Renee Rucinsky, DVM, Diplomate, American Board of Veterinary Practitioners, and owner of Mid Atlantic Cat Hospital and Mid Atlantic Feline Thyroid Center.
Brand Quality
These days, new pet food brands are always entering the market.
“I try to emphasize using companies that spend time and money on feline-specific nutrition research, and who employ board-certified veterinary nutritionists,” says Dr. Rucinsky.
Dr. Koehler also recommends brands that employ board-certified veterinary nutritionists and follow World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA) nutrition guidelines.
Research any pet food brand that you’re considering. See if they’ve had any food recalls, learn about their production process, and find out how they craft their recipes. Many businesses will answer questions if you contact them for clarification.
What to Look for In Dry Cat Foods
In addition to confirming that the cat food is complete and balanced according to AAFCO standards, consider the following:
Ingredients: Reading ingredient lists can be tedious, but it’s the only way to know exactly what you’re feeding your cat. Dr. Rucinsky says there aren’t any particular ingredients to avoid.
“Grain is not inherently bad, and you’re not necessarily buying something better if it’s grain-free,” she says. “The other ingredient that people get upset about is by-products. Reputable companies see by-products as things that are not suitable for widespread human consumption but still have nutritional value (e.g., liver, kidneys, heart, etc.). By-products do not equal beaks and feathers.”
Guaranteed analysis. This information should be on a pet food label. It includes various nutrients, including protein, fat, fiber, and moisture. “I recommend choosing a dry food that is as high in protein as possible, preferably as close to 40% or over,” says Dr. Rucinsky.
Life stage. Healthy cat food will be nutritionally complete and balanced for your pet’s age. AAFCO’s life stages for cats are: gestation/lactation, growth, maintenance, and all life stages. If you have a kitten or a pregnant or nursing mother cat, shop for foods made for them. There are also senior cat foods to meet their specific needs.
Feeding requirements. A cat food label should be clear about how much to feed your cat based on their body weight. Following these guidelines will ensure your cat gets the right calories each day. Talk to your veterinarian to determine how many calories your cat needs.
Dry Cat Food: How We Made Our Selections
To make our picks for this list, we looked at:
- Ingredient quality: We chose foods that contain quality ingredients that provide balanced nutrition. We also considered foods with novel proteins for picky eaters or cats with allergies.
- Consumer reviews: We considered customer reviews to find top-rated dry cat foods. All foods on this list have a 4-star or higher rating on Amazon and other retailer websites.
- Brand quality and reputation: We selected a variety of brands, from well-known companies to newer brands offering options like human-grade pet food. We also chose companies that use veterinary nutritionists and brands recommended by veterinarians.
- Price: Some dry foods are pricey. We selected foods to suit all budgets.
Choosing the perfect dry cat food for your kitty may require some experimentation, but with the right approach, you can find one or more options that your cat will love.
