Best raw cat food

• The author of the webpage has done a lot of independent research on different food options for adult cats (1-10 years old).
• The author looked at brand recall history, association with DCM report published by the FDA, and consulted several cat food databases and resources.
• Supplementing with wet food is recommended for adult cats due to its moisture content, which can be up to 80%, and to reduce the risk of UTIs especially in male cats.
• Free-feeding dry food is not recommended for adult cats as it increases the risk of obesity, particularly indoor-only cats.
• Supplementation of diets with pumpkin is recommended to regulate cat bowel movements.
• A basic understanding of label literacy is always recommended when choosing cat food.
• Grain-free diets remain controversial due to their fairly recent popularity.
• The author recommends avoiding any food found at the grocery store/general supermarket (if possible), including popular brands like Iams, Whiskas, 9Lives, and Fancy Feast, as well as foods formulated for kittens and those with recall/problems history.
• The author recommends avoiding popular brands like Royal Canin, Purina, and Hill’s Science Diet due to poor ingredients compared to other brands.
• The author provides a list of recommended best wet and dry cat food options for adult cats within different price ranges: budget, mid-range, and premium.
• The best wet budget cat food according to the author is Nutrience Prairie Red Pâté, followed by Simply Nourish Tender Salmon Morsels in Gravy and FirstMate Limited Ingredient Diet Cage-Free Chicken Formula.
• The best wet mid-range cat food according to the author is Canada Fresh Red Meat Formula, followed by Nulo medalseries Limited Ingredient Diet Chicken and Chicken Liver Recipe and Halo Holistic Chicken, Shrimp, and Crab.
• The best wet premium cat food according to the author is Farmina Pumpkin Feline Venison, followed by Tiki Cat.
• The best dry budget cat food according to the author is Simply Nourish SOURCE Adult Cat Food, Rabbit and Chicken Recipe.
• The best dry mid-range cat food according to the author is Nutrience Grain-Free SubZero Freeze-Dried Beef and Wild Boar (Prairie Red).
• The best dry premium cat food according to the author is Dr. Elsey’s cleanprotein Chicken Recipe.
• The author mentions honorable mentions worth considering, including Nulo medalseries Indoor Adult Cat Food, Acana Grasslands/

• The article recommends high-quality protein sources and nutritious animal protein by-products like liver for cat food
• Grains and corn aren’t bad for cats. They are a good source of vitamins, minerals, essential fatty acids, and fiber, though cats are obligate carnivores.
• Dry cat food helps in dental concerns like tartar control and is convenient and less expensive than wet cat food.
• Wet cat food has a higher moisture content and is beneficial for cats who need more hydration in their diets (for example, cats with diabetes, chronic kidney disease, or lower urinary tract disease), and is easier to chew for cats with fewer teeth.
• Wet and dry cat food can be mixed.
• Raw cat food shouldn’t be fed to cats as they can lead to nutritional deficiencies and food-borne illnesses.
• Ask a veterinarian for a recommendation.
• Hill’s Science Diet comes in AAFCO and WSAVA compliant foods and employs over 200 scientists at its Global Pet Nutrition Center.
• Royal Canin’s in-house team of veterinarians and nutritionists put all its meals through an extensive development process before presenting them to customers. It offers kitten food and meals made especially for older and senior cats, as well as recipes rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids for shinier coats.
• Purina Pro Plan is an excellent choice for science-backed recipes packed with healthy proteins and carbs that won’t put a huge dent in your wallet. It has an option for every stage of a cat’s development and for specific needs like hairballs prevention, weight control, or a balanced diet.
• Merrick has a team of nutritional experts, company-run canneries and factories, and its Purrfect Bistro line of cat foods contains all the necessary vitamins, antioxidants, minerals, and fiber that a happy, healthy cat needs. Its salmon, beef, and chicken recipes are made to promote hairball control and healthy skin and coats.
• Farmina’s Vet Research team works with independent vets to develop its recipes. It contains ingredients sourced from heavily vetted farms and producers, so you can trust your cat is enjoying healthy, high-quality meals.
• VetDiet makes meals that prioritize a cat’s health and wellness. Its 25-year-old, family-run company offers delicious meals made for all life stages (from kittens to older cats), and for specific needs like immune system support and weight control. It even makes healthy cat treats.
• Nature’s Logic’s products don’t contain added synthetic ingredients. Across the board, its foods feature

• The webpage provides a comprehensive list of the best cat food brands in 2023 for wet, dry, fresh, kitten food, and more.
• Categories for different cat foods included are:
  • Best dry food for adults
  • Best budget dry food
  • Best wet food for adults
  • Best budget wet food
  • Best fresh food
  • Best dry food for kittens
  • Best wet food for kittens
  • Best dry food for seniors
  • Best wet food for seniors
  • Best organic
  • Best limited ingredient
• Nutrient adequacy, calorie content, guaranteed analysis, and ingredients are the key factors to consider while evaluating cat food.
• The picks in the guide were evaluated according to the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) standards.
• Wet cat food tends to be costlier than dry food. It contains significantly more moisture, typically 75% to 78%, versus 10% to 12% in dry food.
• Wet food is more filling and may be a good choice for cats who love to eat too zealously.
• Several affordable AAFCO complete and balanced dry foods are as nutritious as more expensive kibble.
• Some cat foods are prominently marketed as grain-free, but these diets have no proven benefit. Grains are a source of carbohydrates which can be helpful if included at moderate levels. Fiber can help minimize hairballs, maintain a healthy body weight, and aid in bowel movements.
• Fresh pet food is a relatively new trend in which whole meats, vegetables, essential vitamins, and minerals are combined, then frozen to maintain freshness.
• Fresh foods, such as “justFoodForCats” check all the boxes for a complete and balanced fresh cat food.
• Whole meats and fishes should be included in cat food along with protein and fat which exceeds AAFCO minimums.
• Wet food for adult cats, wet food for kittens and senior dry food options are also provided on the webpage.
• The page features “what to look for in the best cat food,” “how to read a cat food label,” “what to avoid in cat food” and “what are AAFCO standards?”
• The article suggests that anyone considering changing their cat’s diet should consult their veterinarian or a veterinary nutritionist first.
• The webpage emphasizes that overfeeding your cat with dry food can lead to weight gain among other health problems.
• Puzzle feeders are suggested for feeding cats instead of a regular bowl as it provides cats with

• The webpage discusses the author’s recommendations for the best cat foods based on nutrition education and experience as a veterinarian.
• The author suggests feeding cats a mixture of both wet and dry food, with 75% of the diet’s calories being from wet cat food and the other 25% from dry food.
• The author advises avoiding vegetarian or vegan cat foods, as cats are carnivores.
• The author suggests avoiding cat food brands that focus more on marketing than nutrition and recommends following the guide in the article for the best veterinarian-recommended cat food brands.
• The webpage includes a list of the best wet cat foods as recommended by veterinarians, including:
  • Smalls Fresh Raw Cat Food Subscription: a subscription-based cat food that uses human-grade meats and contains up to 54% protein.
  • Purina Pro Plan Focus Adult Weight Management: a wet cat food with 79 calories per can, high protein content, and recommended for cats with weight loss goals.
  • Hill’s Science Diet Urinary & Hairball Control Cat Food: a wet cat food with balanced minerals to avoid urinary tract issues and high moisture content.
  • Purina Pro Plan Critical Nutrition Cat Food: a high-calorie wet cat food with a smooth consistency for cats that need to gain weight, only available with veterinary authorization.
  • Hill’s i/d Cat Food: a highly digestible wet cat food that is designed to reduce food sensitivities.
  • Royal Canin Kitten Thin Slices in Gravy: a palatable wet cat food developed to provide optimal nutrition for growing kittens.
  • Purina Pro Plan Savor Adult Cat Food: a value wet cat food that is high in protein and contains added omega-3 and 6 fatty acids.
• The webpage includes a list of the best dry cat foods as recommended by veterinarians, including:
  • Hill’s Prescription Diet t/d Dental Care Cat Food: a clinically-proven dry cat food that reduces plaque and tartar buildup, only available with veterinary authorization.
  • Hill’s Prescription Diet Metabolic: a scientifically-proven dry cat food that helps cats lose weight and contains ingredients to activate natural fat-burning mechanisms.
  • Acana Meadowland Dry Cat Food: a dry cat food made with 75% animal protein and no artificial preservatives.
  • Orijen Cat and Kitten Dry Cat Food: a biologically appropriate dry cat food with 40% protein, grain-free, and no artificial preservatives.
  • Wellness Complete Health Adult Deboned Chicken and Chicken

• The webpage provides a list of the best cat foods of 2023.
• The cat foods were chosen based on a combination of first-hand experience, vet recommendations, AAFCO approvals, customer reviews, ingredient quality, and price.
• The list contains 12 products, with a brief description and key features for each.
• Best Overall - Smalls Human-Grade Fresh Cat Food:
  • offers human-grade quality, USDA certified recipes,
  • made with sustainable protein sources,
  • available in four different recipes: Bird (Chicken), Cow, Other Bird (Turkey and Chicken Liver), and Fish,
  • lightly cooked and delivered to the customer’s home as part of a cat food subscription service.
• Best Dry Cat Food - Hill’s Science Diet Adult Chicken Recipe Dry Cat Food:
  • Chicken-based, with lean protein to help build muscle mass,
  • contains essential taurine to support heart health,
  • veterinarian formulated,
  • made in the USA.
• Best Wet Cat Food - Tiki Cat Emma Luau Variety Pack:
  • contains a higher moisture content to help cats stay hydrated,
  • made with pure ingredients and are free from grains, wheat, corn, soy, GMO ingredients, MSG, and carrageenan,
  • variety pack with six different flavors to rotate to prevent strong food preferences.
• Best Limited-Ingredient Cat Food - Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Adult Selected Protein PR Dry Cat Food:
  • if a cat is experiencing a food sensitivity, finding a limited-ingredient option could help to cut back on the discomfort,
  • this food is specifically formulated for cats with adverse food reactions and doesn’t contain any allergens,
  • manufactured under strict parameters that prevent cross-contamination with any other ingredients,
  • made with rabbit meal and pea protein, offers EPA and DHA to help the cat’s skin and coat.
• Best Eco-Friendly Cat Food - Open Farm Homestead Turkey & Chicken Grain-Free Dry Cat Food:
  • made from ethically sourced proteins raised on family farms,
  • includes superfoods like cranberries and dandelion greens for UTI health,
  • herring and whitefish oils provide omega-3 fatty acids,
  • free of fillers, by-products, or unnecessary preservatives,
  • offers a free, nationwide recycling program for its Open Farm Homestead pet food bags.
• Best High-Protein Cat Food - Orijen Original Recipe High-Protein Cat Food:
  • features real chicken, turkey, and mackerel balanced with

• The article aims to list the ten best cat foods available in 2023 that have been lab tested.
• It suggests that the best cat food for obligate carnivores is rich in animal-sourced protein but does not have excessive carbohydrates or additives that could harm cats in the long term.
• The article analyzed customer feed, the life stage designation of each product, and its list of ingredients, among other things, when determining its top ten feed products.
• The website worked with seven veterinarians to understand what makes a great cat food and then personally tested each product on the list for observations related to palatability, general appeal, packaging, texture, smell, and appearance.
• The article submits several recipes for analysis at a food chemistry lab to determine the exact macronutrient and micronutrient content of each feed. This testing looks at microbial content, yeast, mold, and heavy metals, among other things.
• There’s a hyperlink that allows you to check out the lab reports for each feed reviewed.
• The top cat food product is Smalls Cat Food, which provides a combination of high-quality animal protein content, emphasizes animal-sourced ingredients, and avoids additives that could harm your cat over time.
• Smalls delivers its cat feed frozen, has no direct input or influence from the companies involved, and provides detailed feeding recommendations based on the number of calories your cat needs.
• The second-best wet cat food is Nulo Freestyle, which is grain-free, made with a meat-based recipe featuring fresh turkey, chicken, and chicken liver and provides a species-appropriate source of omega-3 fatty acids to help support your cat’s skin and coat. However, it is a bit expensive and can cause soft stools in some cats due to the presence of guar gum.
• The third-best wet cat food is RAWZ Turkey Recipe, which is a single-protein wet cat food that may be helpful for cats with food allergies, is made of 96% turkey and turkey liver and rich in moisture to support hydration, and is lacking carrageenan or gums that could cause upset stomachs.
• The fourth-best wet cat food is Ziwi Peak Lamb Recipe, which is a high-protein wet food inclusive of muscles, organs, and ground bone, contains just one added carbohydrate, and provides a species-appropriate source of nutrition for your cat, especially those with food allergies.
• The article highlights various other types of feeds suited for cats with sensitive stomachs, weight problems, and other specific needs.
• There’s a hyperlink that

• Wet food is significantly better for cats than dry food in terms of hydration and nutrient absorption.
• Wet food can reduce certain health conditions in cats like obesity, diabetes, and chronic kidney disease.
• The three best cat food brands are Purina, Hill’s, and Royal Canin, and they employ R&D and veterinary nutritionists on their teams.
• High moisture content and high protein are the healthiest food variables for cats.
• Wet food can increase the water intake of cats and promote adequate hydration, reducing the risk of urinary tract infections and other problems.
• The chart in the website breaks down the protein, fat, carb, and phosphorus contents of various cat food brands and can be used as a reference tool.
• Limited-ingredient diets may be helpful for cats with food allergies.
• Gradual transitioning to a new food brand is essential to cater to cats’ finicky eating habits.
• Cats with health issues should be on a vet-recommended diet.
• Dry food helps to clean cats’ teeth, but wet food can also help by decreasing the amount of tartar buildup.
• High-quality nutrition with a balanced diet can address all the nutritional requirements essential for cats’ well-being.
• Excessive feeding of low-quality food can lead to health issues in cats such as obesity, diabetes, and heart disease.
• Feeding cats expensive high-end cat food without meeting the nutrient requirements may not be effective or necessary.
• Biodegradable and eco-friendly litter options can save money in the long run.
• Feeding cats the best suitable food can potentially reduce future vet bills.

Overall, the webpage offers tips and advice on how to feed cats the best diet possible while still being cost-effective. Wet food is emphasized as better than dry food as it promotes hydration and has a healthier nutrient profile. Specific brands, such as Purina, Hill’s and Royal Canin, are recommended as they are scientifically researched. The chart on the webpage offers a reference for cats’ nutritional needs and provides information on the contents of different food brands. Additionally, the article points out the importance of gradual transitioning to cater to cats’ picky eating habits and suggests dietary options for cats with allergies or health issues.

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Health benefits of a diet consisting of raw cat food versus dry cat food or canned cat food

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Top-rated raw cat food products for a limited budget