Premium food for cats: list, rating, reviews

Cat food rating

When compiling the rating and selecting nominees, we were guided by responses. They also served as the basis for determining the main characteristics that interested buyers more than others. The most common reviews included the following:

• Type of food – dry, wet, semi-dry;
• Class – holistic, super-premium, premium, economy;
• Granule size – large, small, medium;
• Composition – natural or mixed.

The reviews served as the basis not only for choosing the best foods, but also for determining the strengths and weaknesses of each of the nominees.

Features of dry super-premium food

Super premium food is the best food for cats in taste, nutrition and quality. Dry and wet food is prepared only from natural products, enriched with vitamins and nutrients, and does not contain preservatives. All luxury food manufacturers produce medicinal food that cats need for various serious illnesses.

The cat happily eats first-class food

One of the varieties of super premium products is holistic. This is food suitable for consumption not only by animals, but also by people.

For reference! Holistics are made from 100% natural, fresh ingredients. The name comes from the word Holistic or Holism, which means “whole.”

Premium dry cat food has a light natural smell that is extremely attractive to animals. Several features distinguish such food from lesser quality food:

• Natural protein of animal origin. The composition includes meat, fish, eggs, and offal.
• Does not contain corn gluten.
• The ash content does not exceed 6–7%.
• Rice, oats, potatoes, and barley are used as a source of carbohydrates.
• No flavorings, preservatives, dyes. Rosemary and tocopherol are used instead.
• The packaging indicates the ingredients and their quantity in grams or percentages.
• Vitamins, minerals and percentages of proteins, fats, carbohydrates are indicated.

In many soft foods you can see pieces of meat.

Important! Super-premium cat food should not be labeled “meat products” at all.

Premium feed

The best holistic cat foods

High quality food. Veterinarians take part in the development. The product does not contain artificially obtained additives, dyes, or flavors. Vegetables, meat and other ingredients are exclusively of organic origin. Three brands meet these requirements.

Grandorf hypoallergenic, 4 meats with brown rice

The top is opened by the manufacturer - the company Grandorf (Belgium). Designed for cats that have undergone sterilization. It is a dry low-grain food for animals older than one year. A special feature of the product is the presence of live probiotics: 109 units per kilogram.

The main component of the product is meat. It accounts for 70%. Among the features one can also highlight a reduced content of fat components against the background of an increased amount of protein. L-carnitine is also present. The substance is responsible for maintaining the pet’s optimal weight.

Does not contain grains, by-products, chicken meat and fat, eggs, salt, as well as artificial flavors, colors, fillers, genetically modified products and soy.

The food is enriched with carob flour. The latter is a digestive regulator of natural origin, so your pet will definitely not have problems with the gastrointestinal tract. The composition also contains a complex of natural antioxidants SYNOX 3D and Antarctic krill - a source of Omega-3 and Omega-6 bioelements.

The manufacturer used natural preservatives - tocopherol and ascorbic acid - as well as careful production. The components were dried at temperatures up to +80°C.

Advantages:

• Well absorbed;
• Normalizes the microflora of the intestinal tract;
• Strengthens immune defense;
• Reduces the likelihood of developing food allergies;
• Prevents pathologies of the urinary tract;
• Improves the condition of the skin and coat.

Flaws:

• Small granules.

Animals like it. Buyers note the convenient wide Velcro fastener on the bag. The packaging lasts a long time due to the low daily requirement.

Summit Three Meats with Salmon, Chicken and Turkey

Manufacturer: Petcurean Pet Nutrition, Canada. To manufacture the product, high-quality raw materials from our own farms are used. Available in 1.8 and 6.8 kilogram packages. Allowed for feeding young animals (up to one year), as well as adults (from one year old) and aging cats (from seven years old) - this is indicated by the mark “All Life Stages”.

It is a complete nutrition in dry granule format. There is a choice of taste. The composition, according to customer reviews, is excellent. Dried rosemary is used as a preservative.

The source of the protein component is dehydrated chicken, salmon and turkey. Several ingredients are responsible for the carbohydrate component: brown rice, peas, potatoes and oatmeal. The manufacturer used high-quality ingredients of animal origin - chicken and salmon fat. These are sources of Omega-3 and Omega-6.

The food is enriched with additives necessary for the health of the animal. Dried chicory rhizome improves the condition of the gastrointestinal microflora. The manufacturer chose extracted dried yeast to play the role of a prebiotic that strengthens immune defense. Yucca Schidigera extract reduces the unpleasant odor of stool.

Advantages:

• Absence of corn and wheat, which cause allergies;
• Balanced vitamin and mineral composition;
• Use of natural preservatives;
• Nice smell.

Flaws:

• The packaging does not close;
• Large packaging - no possibility to sample.

GO! Carnivore, grain-free, chicken, turkey, duck

Manufacturer: GO brand. The product is part of the Carnivore line, represented by high-protein foods consisting of 70–89% animal protein and optimal fat content. Available in 1.36, 3.63 or 7.26 kilogram bags. Designed for all periods of a pet's life.

The product is completely grain-free, i.e. does not contain grains. This type of food is recommended for animals with individual food intolerance.

The composition is represented by dehydrated meat of chicken, turkey, trout, salmon and duck. The vegetables and fruits included in it contain a large amount of natural antioxidants, which are responsible for the quality of the immune system.

Taurine helps preserve the animal's vision and also improves heart function. Pro- and prebiotics included in the diet improve intestinal health and normalize digestive processes. A small percentage of carbohydrates prevents your pet from gaining weight.

The manufacturer maintains the “holistic” status, so the product does not contain by-products, growth hormones, artificial preservatives, as well as corn, soy, wheat, and gluten.

Advantages:

• Minimum carbohydrate components;
• Improves the functioning of the digestive system and brain;
• Prevents obesity;
• Does not contain hormones, grains;
• Strengthens immune defense.

Flaws:

• The granules are small in size, which is inconvenient for adult cats;
• A specific smell that your pet may not like.

Buyers in reviews indicate that cats like the taste. The condition of the skin and coat improves. Animals become more active and cheerful.

Why choose premium products

These cat foods contain more meat than their cheaper counterparts. If the manufacturer uses additives, then, as we have already said, only natural ones, not synthetic ones. At the same time, the price of food is relatively low, and the range is wide: you can find food for kittens, elderly animals, sick animals, nursing animals, etc.

If your pet has certain digestive habits, sensitivities, or chronic medical conditions, it is best to consult with your veterinarian before purchasing any cat food.

The best super premium cat foods

Includes a large percentage of meat components. Vegetable protein is minimal, but it is allowed. The content of cereals is also acceptable, but in small quantities. Based on the reviews, the VyborExpert team selected three nominees.

Royal Canin 37, prevention of excess weight

Manufacturer: Royal Canin. Dry food is developed taking into account the needs of castrated and sterilized animals. Age – from one to six years. Available in packs of 0.4, 1.2, 2, 4 or 10 kilograms. Cat-friendly kibble size.

Neutered pets do not need excessively high-calorie nutrition, as they quickly gain excess weight. Royal Canin food helps reduce it due to its reduced fat content. Properly selected BJU will not allow the development of obesity, but will preserve the required amount of muscle mass and support the health of the urinary system.

The manufacturer has increased the content of protein components in the product, which helps maintain muscle tone. The optimal mineral composition improves kidney function, reducing the likelihood of stone formation. Due to the L-carnitine included in it, the animal’s body actively processes fat reserves.

If a mixed diet is practiced, then feeding standards must be strictly taken into account.

Advantages:

• Appetizing smell;
• Does not cause allergies;
• Prevents the formation of kidney stones;
• Easily digestible;
• High-quality mineral composition.

Flaws:

• There is no zipper on the bag.

According to customer feedback, animals like the product and eat it with pleasure. Improves the condition of the coat, removes the symptoms of urolithiasis.

Hill's Science Plan, with chicken

Manufacturer: Hill's. Food for sterilized cats is designed taking into account the characteristics of the body. Available in packages weighing 0.3, 1.5, 3 and 10 kilograms. Designed for feeding pets aged one to six years.

It's part of the Science Plan line, which means it contains tasty, easy-to-digest ingredients and high-quality protein. The formula maintains healthy skin, improves coat condition and normalizes stool. It also contains natural antioxidants that enhance the animal’s immune defense.

Hill's Science Plan helps keep your pet's weight under control due to the presence of L-carnitine, and thanks to its balanced vitamin and mineral formula, supports the health of the genitourinary system. Reduced fat content and increased L-lysine content make the pet more active.

Advantages:

• Easy to digest ingredients;
• Contains L-carnitine, L-lysine;
• Maintaining ideal weight;
• Balanced set of minerals;
• Low fat content;
• Normalizes digestion;
• Convenient snake clasp.

Flaws:

• Low calorie content.

Berkley grain-free, with poultry, with wild berries

The rating of dry and wet cat food includes the manufacturer - Berkley. The products of this brand belong to the super-premium group, so they contain only high-quality natural ingredients. Canned food is intended for kittens under one year of age and fully satisfies the needs of a growing organism. Available in 200 gram cans.

The food consists of 70% poultry meat and is enriched with vitamins and minerals. Cereal and vegetable proteins are absent. A special feature of the product is the presence of forest berries: cranberries and blueberries.

The canned food contains no soy, artificial flavors, chemical preservatives or dyes. The nutrition is characterized by a thoughtful, balanced formula, which was developed by a team of professional nutritionists and veterinarians.

The product belongs to the grain-free group, so it can be recommended for pets intolerant to grains.

Advantages:

• High quality ingredients;
• Natural composition, does not contain grains;
• Fragrant;
• 70% meat composition.

Flaws:

• A bit expensive;
• Big expense.

The best cat foods in the category: holistic

There can be nothing better for your beloved pet than dry food from the Holistic series. These are new generation products that are created by professionals for professionals. The composition of this food is as natural as possible, it contains no preservatives and is as digestible as possible for the animal. In the line of companies producing holistic food, there is an offer for every taste, but not for every budget - such products are very expensive, because they require not only high-quality raw materials, but also special production technology.

Innova Cat and Kitten

Photo: www.catster.com

Average price in the Russian Federation : from 1200 rubles. for 2.7 kg

Why in the rating : this food’s composition is almost perfectly balanced, rich in all necessary substances, and even the protein in it is of animal origin. Thanks to the maximum nutritional value, a cat only needs a small portion to fill up. There are no ingredients in food of this level that could harm the animal.

Disadvantages : Innova Cat and Kitten is one of the most expensive foods and in Russia you can only get it on the Internet. It should be remembered that it contains quite a lot of protein, and therefore it should not be given to castrated animals.

Rating : 10 out of 10

From reviews of cat food Innova Cat and Kitten : “Food with a protein content of about 30% is suitable for extremely healthy and active cats, but will not be very good for neutered animals.”

Acana

Photo: www.tenfingers4paws.com

Average price in the Russian Federation : from 1000 rubles. for 2.27 kg

Why in the rating : this food consists of 80% natural high-quality meat ingredients, in addition, it is additionally rich in lactobacilli and probiotics necessary for animals. But, fortunately, there are no grain crops in it at all. In Russia you can buy both on the Internet and in some veterinary pharmacies.

Disadvantages : Acana's line of food is quite limited, divided by age, and therefore it cannot offer anything for cats with special needs or patients.

Rating : 9 out of 10

From reviews of Acana : “If the animal is healthy and reacts normally to protein, then there will be no problems with nutrition.”

N&D Natural and Delicious

Photo: www.shaggybrown.pl

Average price in the Russian Federation : from 860 rubles. for 1.5 kg

Why in the rating : the food has a very well balanced composition, which contains a maximum of meat ingredients, in addition, it also includes all the substances and vitamins that cats need.

Disadvantages : A couple of herbal ingredients are questionable. It can be difficult to buy in veterinary pharmacies, but the food is sold online in a full range.

Rating : 8 out of 10

From reviews N&D cat food : “Cats do not immediately get used to the taste of the food and are picky at first - it does not contain the usual taste enhancers and flavorings.”

The best premium cat foods

Premium cat food contains natural meat components - most often chicken - and high-quality by-products. The food is easy to digest and safe. The downside is the presence of chemical preservatives.

Brit Premium Family Plate

Manufacturer: Brit. The product is a complete wet food in the format of a set of 12 spiders with different flavors - pieces of chicken, turkey, beef, cod, salmon and trout, filled with delicious jelly. Total weight – 1200 grams, each – 100 grams. Designed for feeding pets aged one to six years.

A serving contains up to 82% meat components. Wet food contains all the vitamins and minerals necessary for the development of the animal. Additionally, taurine is included, which is responsible for maintaining vision and a healthy heart and blood vessels. Pauchi can be considered as a complement to a dry diet.

Advantages:

• Excellent price-quality ratio;
• Taste variety;
• Pleasant aroma;
• Natural composition without preservatives.

Flaws:

• Not suitable for all cats.

The food reacts very sensitively to violation of storage conditions. Therefore, it is important to strictly follow the manufacturer's recommendations.

Bozita with chopped chicken

Manufacturer: Bozita. Complete wet food with chicken flavor in the “meat pieces in jelly” format. Available in convenient Tetra Recart packaging from Tetra Pak weighing 370 grams. Designed for feeding pets aged 1 – 6 years.

The product is designed taking into account the needs of the animal during the most active period of its life. The food is satisfying: the pieces contain up to 93% natural meat. The raw materials are produced on the company’s farms and are not pre-frozen.

The pieces contain a small amount of fat, so your pet will maintain optimal weight, even against the background of decreased physical activity. But he will receive the full amount of fatty acids he needs. Taurine strengthens and protects the nervous system, improves the functioning of the heart muscle and visual analyzer.

The product contains the natural immunostimulant MacroGard. It helps improve your pet's immunity and stress resistance. Vitamin A is a natural antioxidant that improves the quality of vision. The food is additionally enriched with vitamins D and E.

Advantages:

• Fresh, unfrozen meat is used;
• Content of meat components up to 93%;
• Does not contain chemical components, sugar, wheat gluten;
• Includes a natural immunostimulating complex;
• Low fat content;
• Contains taurine.

Flaws:

• Not all cats like it.

Cat owners indicate in their reviews that the animals like the food. Although sometimes cats refuse it. Does not cause intestinal upset, satisfying. The variety of flavors offered is noted. On average, a package is enough to feed a pet of average weight and size for two days.

ProBalance

Manufacturer: ProBalance. Complete dry food intended for sterilized animals. Since the nutrition is balanced, it is suitable for daily feeding. Available in 0.4, 1.8 or 10 kilogram packages. Designed for pets aged 1 – 6 years.

Practicing veterinarians took part in the development of the food formula, so it fully takes into account the characteristics of the body of sterilized cats. After the loss of reproductive function, animals become lazy, eat a lot and move little. This causes weight gain and the formation of kidney stones.

Among the features of Probalance Sterilized, it is worth highlighting the optimal nutritional and calorie levels. The product includes the herbal collection “Fitocare for cat” - a patented development of the manufacturer - that strengthens the immune system and improves overall tone.

Contains L-carnitine, which accelerates fat burning processes. Lysine helps strengthen the immune system, and taurine maintains the cat’s vision at a decent level. The food does not contain artificial additives or preservatives that are dangerous to animals.

The source of Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids that cats need are flax seeds. The substances ensure the pet’s good physical well-being.

Advantages:

• Complete, suitable for daily feeding;
• Reduces the unpleasant odor of feces;
• Good, balanced composition;
• Medium size granules;
• Improves the condition of the coat.

Flaws:

• There is no fastener to ensure the packaging is sealed;
• Strong specific aroma.

Rating of premium kitten food: tables of release forms

Next, we will look at food from the premium segment, talk about dry and wet options, their composition and price. Interestingly, Acana food is often classified as premium, although in fact it is holistic.

1st Choice

Healthy Start kitten food contains enough protein to help your baby grow and develop well.

In the first place in the composition are natural chicken and flour from this bird, occupying 17% each. The carbohydrate component is represented by rice, barley, and oats. The food also contains grass and natural preservatives – tocopherols.

Reviews from cat owners and veterinarians are positive. The food is hypoallergenic, it does not cause digestive problems, and improves the condition of the coat and skin. Calorie content: 376.2 kcal per 100 g.

For kittens, 1st Choice only has a dry option, no wet option, and it can only be given from 2 months.

There are different packaging options, from 350 grams to 10 kg. If you buy a medium one, 5 kg, the feed will cost 630-650 rubles. per kg.

Animonda (wet only)

Only wet rations are produced. Carny and Vom Feinstein have an excellent line-up, the Rafiné spiders have a worse lineup. It is not worth feeding only such foods all the time; the first two do not contain any sources of carbohydrates, which cats still need.

Pro Plan

Pro Plan food from Purina is one of the most popular in Russia. In addition to the main meat ingredients, Pro Plan contains corn and wheat gluten, which is bad. The food has a good content of microelements, and probiotics are added for better digestion.

From the editors of the portal Mister Cat . We would like to note that corn, wheat, etc. These are not the best feed components, as they are poorly digested by animals. But in almost all premium food they are present in one quantity or another. If you want to completely exclude grains from your cat’s diet (which will only benefit your pet), you will have to choose food from the more expensive category, i.e. super premium or holistic, or switch the animal to natural food, which we often recommend.

The manufacturer produces various lines of food intended for adult cats, small kittens, and animals suffering from any diseases or undergoing surgical interventions. There are wet and dry foods for kittens in a variety of flavors. Overview in the table:

Royal Canin

Royal Canin is on the list of the most popular brands in Russia. This name is familiar to almost everyone, even those who do not have pets, since the company advertises its products quite widely. In terms of composition, this food is far from the best in its category. It contains dehydrated poultry protein, hydrolyzed animal protein and plant protein isolate. Also contains animal fats and soy. Therefore, the owner should consider whether he wants to feed his pet this food. It contains potentially allergenic components, and there is no great benefit to speak of. Although, it should be noted that many people choose the products of this brand and are satisfied: both cats and owners.

Options for food from the manufacturer for kittens are presented in the table:

Hill's

The Hills brand also produces a line of kitten food. The product contains chicken and poultry meal, vegetable (pea) protein, tapioca starch, wheat flour, cellulose, dried whole egg, dried protein, corn starch. There are quite a few sources of carbohydrates and they are not the best. True, the fatty component in wet food is represented by fish oil, which is beneficial for cats. According to reviews from veterinarians and owners, the composition of the food is clear and balanced. Most cat babies fed Hill's products do well.

However, in some individuals, such nutrition can provoke digestive problems of varying severity, hair loss, and acne. Therefore, it is necessary to give food to a kitten for the first time with caution and then carefully monitor its condition.

Brit

A Czech brand of food for cats that is not very widely known in Russia. Kitten food is not the worst among premium ones, it contains 38% chicken meat, the fat component is chicken and salmon fat. The source of carbohydrates in the feed are corn and rice, potential allergens. The food also contains valerian, but the amount is so small that it can only attract the cat, but not provoke an excessive craving for food, cause overeating or inappropriate behavior - not.

Brit Care belongs to the super premium category, the composition is better than Brit Premium (instead of corn and wheat there is rice). Among the super premiums you can find better food, but the price of the Care line is affordable.

Bozita

This is a fairly expensive food, which is often classified as super premium. Contains 35% protein from chicken and salmon. The second item in the composition is corn flour - a product that is not only useless for kittens, but can also provoke allergic reactions and digestive disorders. However, reviews of this food are mostly positive.

Eukanuba

Dutch Eukanuba products for kittens were developed taking into account all the needs of a growing organism and the manufacturer itself classifies the food as super premium. However, not so long ago, food began to be produced in Russia and, according to reviews from many veterinarians, its quality has deteriorated greatly, which forced them to downgrade the food level to premium.

From the editors of the portal Mister Cat . The composition of wet food does not make it clear the exact origin of the ingredients; it contains a lot of grains, by-products of unclear quality, and fish oil (which is healthy) comes in last place. The composition of dry food is better, but not everything is clear about it either; in the first place are proteins of animal origin (43% - poultry, a natural source of taurine), i.e. What occupies the remaining 57% of these proteins is not clear. Also among the ingredients are barley, wheat, wheat flour, rice, dried whole egg, hydrolyzed animal protein, sugar beet pulp, fish oil, fructooligosaccharides, dried brewer's yeast, minerals. Barley is the best grain that is used in ready-made food, but wheat is also present among the ingredients, which can cause allergies in pets. In general, kittens do not need the amount of carbohydrates contained in this food.

Almo Nature

Almo Nature canned food is made from chicken meat using a unique technology. The manufacturer reports that all ingredients are placed in a jar and sealed, and only then undergo heat treatment, which helps preserve all the beneficial substances. The food contains meat, chicken broth, rice, and some fat. It contains a vitamin complex, minerals, and beneficial microelements. The manufacturer classifies its food as super premium and holistic, but not all veterinarians agree with this. Dry food contains grains, it is specified that rice is 14%, which takes up another 86% is not entirely clear.

Happy Cat

German food for kittens Happy Cat. The sources of carbohydrates are rice and corn. The product contains a complex of vitamins necessary for the growth and development of the kitten. The downside, in addition to the corn in the composition, is that all the manufacturer’s food for kittens is dry.

Advance

For kittens, we produce food with chicken and rice. Can be given for two months. Available in packages of 400 grams (250 rubles) and 1.5 kg (800 rubles).

The best economy class cat foods

The content of meat components is no more than 4%. There must be aromatic additives and artificial colors. It is better not to use for constant feeding. Based on numerous positive responses, the VyborExpert team selected three nominees.

Friskies prevention of ICD, with chicken, with liver, with meat

Manufacturer: Purina. Inexpensive food for cats, it is a balanced complete diet in dry granule format. Sold in packages weighing 0.4, 2 or 10 kilograms. Designed for feeding adult pets aged 1 – 6 years. Prevents the development of urolithiasis.

The packaging is designed in eye-catching yellow tones. The overall design is recognizable - a ginger cat happy with life from different angles.

The composition for economy class food is not bad. Includes meat and meat products. But the main component - this is confirmed by the order of its location - is cereals. Additionally, it includes proteins of plant origin, artificial preservatives, dyes, thickeners, and antioxidants.

Advantages:

• Low price;
• Good volume;
• Average granule size;
• Prevention of the development of urolithiasis.

Flaws:

• Strong smell of feces;
• Flatulence.

Cats like the food. Reviews of dry cat food indicate that the cat's coat improves. Pets do not have problems with digestion and stool. Adequate price-quality ratio for economy-class food. Even purebred cats like it.

Whiskas with chicken, with turkey

Manufacturer: Whiskas. Available in the format of crispy pillows filled with delicate pate. Sold in bags weighing 0.35, 0.8, 1.9, 5 and 13.8 kilograms. Intended for feeding adults aged 1 – 6 years. The manufacturer recommends combining dry food with wet spiders from the same line.

The product formula is well optimized. Offers a good combination of nutritional components and nutrients, which ensures the maintenance of metabolic processes at the required level. As in other economy-class feeds, the main ingredients are cereals. In second place on the list of ingredients is chicken and turkey flour.

The composition includes tocopherol and zinc to support immunity, as well as Omega-3 fatty acids for a beautiful coat and healthy skin. Vitamin A and taurine are responsible for the quality of vision, and the incoming fiber improves the digestion process.

Advantages:

• Possibility to select packaging volume;
• Nice smell;
• Improved digestion;
• Normal composition.

Flaws:

• Contains many chemical components.

Animals generally like the food. The smell is pleasant, not aggressive. The packaging, if you take a large volume, lasts a long time.

Kitekat Meat Feast

Manufacturer: Kitekat. The manufacturer positions the food as complete. Designed for feeding adult cats during the most active period of their life - from the first to the sixth year inclusive. Available in bags of different weights - 0.35, 0.8, 1.9 or 15 kilograms.

The composition is not bad, it includes all the components necessary for the animal - meat components, vegetables, vegetable oils, cereals. Contains taurine, which is responsible for vigilance and also supports good functioning of the heart muscle. The manufacturer refused to use flavorings and flavor enhancers.

Feed is given on demand. To ensure that the recommendation is followed, the daily amount is poured into a bowl. The cat eats itself when it has an appetite. With this feeding option, the animal must have free access to water.

Advantages:

• Improves the condition of the coat;
• Inexpensive;
• Possibility to select packaging volume;
• Does not contain flavorings or flavor enhancers.

Flaws:

• Sometimes causes indigestion.

Choosing the right food for your kitten

Choosing the right foods should be done carefully, especially at an early age. There are several reasons to choose food wisely for your small pet. First of all, the diet must contain the nutritional elements the baby needs for the proper formation of organs and systems, good growth; along with food, the cat’s body must receive everything it needs. At an early age this is more important than ever as the animal grows and develops.

Also read the article about what and how to feed a kitten.

It is necessary to think about the choice of food immediately also because veterinarians categorically do not recommend switching the animal to another diet. This should only be done if absolutely necessary, and keep in mind that this is serious stress for the cat.

Every person, when getting a kitten, must immediately determine what he will feed the pet: ready-made food produced industrially, or natural food.

Many experts favor the latter option, since natural food is as close as possible to what a cat can eat in natural conditions. But today more and more people give preference to store-bought food, as it significantly saves time, and often turns out to be more profitable financially.

Ready-made food for cats is divided into categories:

• economy;
• premium;
• super premium;
• holistic.

The cheapest food is economy class. They are often chosen by cat owners. You need to understand that products in this category are made from cheap, often not very high-quality raw materials. They contain almost no meat, but a lot of grains, soy, flavorings, aromas and preservatives. This set can hardly be called useful for a cat’s body.

Premium kitten food is a good choice in terms of price-quality. Manufacturers select the composition more carefully, try to exclude harmful and useless substances, and do not save much on raw materials. Products in the super premium and holistic categories are, of course, of higher quality, but can scare the consumer with the price. Knowing this, retail chains and stores prefer to sell more affordable products. For this reason, food of the highest quality categories can be difficult to find.

When choosing food for your pet, you should also take into account its age, weight, breed, and individual characteristics. You should not feed your cat food intended for dogs. These are other animals. And even if a cat's weight is comparable to that of a small dog, nutrients and their balance vary greatly in products for different types of animals.

Industrial foods are formulated to meet your cat's needs for minerals, vitamins and nutrients. This applies to both dry and wet food of acceptable quality. Manufacturers of economy class products do not pay much attention to a balanced and rich composition. But companies that produce premium products develop pretty good food.

Experts recommend feeding your pet mostly dry food. It does not spoil and can be left in a bowl so that the cat can have a little refreshment at any time. Wet food is recommended to be given approximately once a day.

A caring owner should also take into account the preferences of the kitten itself. Everyone has individual tastes, and different cats like foods with different flavors.

We recommend reading the article-review of Holistic class food.

How to choose cat food

Studying reviews when choosing the best feed manufacturer, experts identified several characteristics that were most often mentioned by customers. They are the ones who act as leaders when purchasing a product. This is the class and type of food, the age of the cat, composition, and the special needs of the animal.

Feed class

Classes of cat food differ in the percentage of meat or fish components.

The product classification is as follows:

• Economy The basis is by-products, cereals, soybeans. Low-calorie food. The percentage of meat components is up to 4%.
• Premium It has a close to optimal ratio of macro- and microelements. Minimum vegetable protein.
• Super premium. Balanced product. Contains only ingredients of natural origin - meat fillet, vegetables, eggs, rice.
• Holistic. Completely natural composition, including substances necessary for full growth and development. The share of meat components accounts for more than 50%.

Type of feed

Depending on the consistency of the feed, they are divided into three groups. This:

• Canned. It has a long shelf life and a large selection of flavors. Contains less carbohydrates and almost 70% water. Recommended for convalescent and aging pets.
• Dry. Allows you to feed your cat on a flexible schedule. Prevents the formation of dental plaque. Sold in bags and boxes of various sizes. Provided the packaging is sealed, it can be stored for several months. Contains a large amount of sugar and only 10% water.
• Semi-dry. Available in the form of multi-colored pieces of soft consistency. The smell is less pronounced compared to canned ones. Contains more sugars than all other foods.

Animal age

When choosing food, it is necessary to take into account the age of the pet. The recommendations are as follows:

• For kittens, it is necessary to choose food whose formula takes into account the needs of a growing organism.
• Inactive cats that are prone to gaining excess weight are given foods with a light composition.
• Pregnant and lactating women need to buy food that takes into account the characteristics of their current condition.
• Aging cats need senior food.

Compound

Before purchasing, study the composition of the product. The components are listed in descending order. The food may include meat - natural or dehydrated - by-products, and also have a mixed composition.

In holistic and premium foods, only natural meat or fish is allowed. A prerequisite is to indicate the percentage of the product on the packaging.

The first to be listed in the food composition is the base product – meat or fish. Natural meat can be replaced with dehydrated meat, i.e. devoid of liquid. Added to feed in ground form. The quality is not inferior to natural.

The composition may contain by-products. The specific type of the latter must be indicated. You should refuse to purchase if the composition does not contain specific ingredients.

Economy class food has the poorest composition. It does not contain pure meat, so the animal will need to be supplemented.

Special Needs

When choosing food, you need to take into account not only the period of your pet’s life, but also the individual characteristics of the body. Depending on this, food can be of the following varieties:

• lightweight;
• everyday;
• medicinal;
• for pregnant / lactating women;
• for sterilized ones.

Advantages and disadvantages of premium kitten food

Holistic food for cats: what is it, rating of the best

According to veterinarians, cats need to be fed super-premium food. Many cats do not do well with holistic foods, so it is best to give them a slightly simpler cat food.

Advantages:

• balanced composition;
• natural ingredients;
• abundance of nutrients;
• variety of lines and tastes;
• availability of a therapeutic diet;
• The composition is indicated in detail on the packaging.

Flaws:

• very high price;
• elite food is difficult to find in a store, so it is better to order it online;
• Counterfeits are common.

The veterinarian will prescribe a diet for the cat and select the appropriate food

The health and longevity of your pet depends on feeding quality food. First-class cat food will delight your pets with a wonderful taste and provide them with all the beneficial substances.

XXI CENTURY Candy Fudge Scented water

266 ₽ More details

Video baby monitor Motorola MBP36S (white)

12900 ₽ More details

Business card holders

Which cat food is best?

You can determine which cat food is the best, but only after purchasing and taking a “sample” from your pet. The animal will either start eating with pleasure or refuse. And it is impossible to predict in advance what kind of reaction it will give.

The VyborExperta.ru team would like to draw your attention – as a recommendation only – to the following nominees:

• Grandorf hypoallergenic, 4 meats with brown rice - holistic for sterilized cats, does not cause allergies;
• Berkley grain-free, with poultry, with wild berries - canned food for kittens, does not contain grain components;
• Brit Premium Family Plate – complete wet cat food, a set of 12 pouches with different flavors in the format of pieces in jelly;
• Whiskas with chicken and turkey - economy class dry food in the form of pillows with pate inside.

You decide for yourself which dry cat food to choose and buy. But during the search process, it is necessary to take into account the special needs of the pet, as well as the age.

Rating of the best domestic manufacturers

Dry cat food: rating of the best according to veterinarians

The most popular brands, such as Royal Canin, are produced in Russia using foreign technologies or using imported equipment. But there is excellent food produced domestically:

• Blitz;
• Our Brand;
• ProTail;
• Meal;
• ProBalance;
• Faithful friends;
• Stout;
• Safari.

Important! If the owners decide to sterilize the cat, then they need to transfer it to a new diet in advance and gradually.

All medicinal food belongs to the super-premium class

Pros and cons of dry food

The great advantage is that these foods do not need to be cooked. Just pour it into a bowl. Disadvantages include the lack of sufficient fluid. Which often leads to problems with the excretory system. There must be water in the bowl.

Pros of dry food

Keeping a pet on dry food, even premium class, is cheaper than on natural food. At the same time, there is no need to spend money on purchasing vitamin complexes, which will be required if the pet receives natural food.

Cons of dry food

The disadvantages include the lack of moisture in food. Not every composition is safe; some components may cause allergies.

What is the difference between kitten food and adult cat food?

The kitten should not be fed food intended for cats older than one year. This food does not meet the biological needs of the baby, which means it can cause harm. Food for adult animals differs from food produced for kittens in terms of processing technology, composition of vitamins and minerals, and the amount of proteins, fats and carbohydrates.

The energy value of food also varies, and the energy needs of a kitten are much greater than those of an adult cat. Baby food is higher in calories. The size of granules for adult animals is larger and harder. That is, it will be very difficult for the baby to chew them.

If you feed a kitten food that is not appropriate for its age, it can cause indigestion and other problems.