People who keep cats at home think about the issue of their proper nutrition. It has long been known that ordinary food is not suitable for these animals, so a large number of specialized foods have long appeared on the shelves of specialized stores. They have a beneficial effect on the health of your pet, the condition of its coat, normalize digestion, and so on. However, choosing food for an animal is not as simple as it might seem at first glance. In this regard, before proceeding with a direct review of the types of feed, we decided to provide some recommendations related to the choice of these products.
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What cat food should you not buy?
Let's remember what names of cat food we hear? Of course, the first to come to mind are Whiskas, Kitekat, Friskies, Darling. Their advertising is noisy, noticeable, and has become familiar... but is it worth believing all the manufacturers’ assurances? In this case, no. Cheap economy-class food (we’ll talk about food classes in general a little further) are the enemies of pets’ health. Only in emergency cases, when there really is nothing else at hand, can you give your cat such food. And even in this case, no one is immune from the prospect of poisoning. And the worst thing is that a constant diet of such food asymptomatically harms the cat, destroying its liver and kidneys.
How to choose the right one
Cats are very picky eaters and will not eat anything that does not appeal to them. Before purchasing food, you need to familiarize yourself with its composition.
Read about the composition of industrial cat food.
Read the information on the packaging
Reading will be a useless exercise if the owner does not know which components will be beneficial for the health of cats.
| Benefit | Harm |
| Protein always comes first (meat: rabbit, beef, poultry: chicken, turkey, fish). It is important that there are at least two sources and that the percentage of the total composition is indicated, at least 25%. | Bone meal or offal instead of meat. |
| Preservatives - vitamins A, C, E or rosemary. | Flavorings, dyes. Chemical preservatives: butylated hydroxytoluene or E321 (BHT), beta hydroxy acid (salicylic acid, BHA), propyl gallate or E310 (antioxidant, propyl gallaty), ethoxyquin or E324 (antioxidant, ethoxyquin). |
| The content of taurine (an amino acid that affects the heart, reproductive system and vision), Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids (supports hearing, vision, smell, stimulates brain function) and other beneficial substances (vitamins, minerals, macro- and microelements). | The cat's body does not digest carbohydrates well; excess can lead to serious diseases (diabetes, obesity, hormonal imbalances, etc.). Therefore, their quantity should be minimal and presented in the form of raw vegetables and fruits (low-glycemic carbohydrates). Instead of cereals (which can cause an allergic reaction), legumes are added. To avoid harm to the gastrointestinal tract, preference is given to rice or processed grains. Grain fillers (wheat, corn) should not exceed the 50% mark, or better yet, none at all. |
The label should read:
| You should refuse food if a large daily portion is indicated. This means the food is low in calories. |
Features of breeds
To choose the optimal diet, you should pay attention not only to the composition of the feed, but also to the state of health and the specifics of the breed. After all, representatives have different characteristics that are unique to them.
In any case, if an illness is detected, you should not self-medicate; you should consult an experienced doctor and prescribe a diet.
| Breed | Diseases, nutritional recommendations |
| Maine Coon | Very energetic and resilient. Health problems are inherited, these include: hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (requires consuming a small amount of salt), urolithiasis (exclude fish from the diet, save granules, ensure plenty of drinking), joint diseases (feed includes chondroitin sulfate, glucosamine) . |
| Scottish | Straight-eared animals are less susceptible to diseases than lop-eared ones. This is explained by a mutational gene. Most often they are overcome by: ICD, arthrosis, allergies. |
| British | Prone to hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (reduce salt intake), urolithiasis (drinking regimen), obesity (low-calorie foods). |
| Siamese | Allergic reactions (hypoallergenic granules), inflammation of the oral cavity (inclusion of dry food in the diet for prevention) and respiratory system (calcivirosis, rhinotracheitis - natural food composition). |
| Exotic | Diseases: hereditary (for example, polycystic kidney disease), oral cavity (eating granules), excess weight (diet food). |
| Persian | Problems with the urinary system that are inherited. |
| Siberian | Obesity (diet, low nutritional value), dental diseases, parasites (appear from natural food, switch to a mixed diet, but after examination by a veterinarian). |
| Bengal | Diseases of the gastrointestinal tract associated with shortened intestines (diarrhea, constipation, dysbiosis). |
| Abyssinian | They are naturally in good health, but lifestyle and an unbalanced diet can be detrimental. Prone to weight gain, problems with the gastrointestinal tract, kidneys, liver, allergic manifestations. |
| Thai | All diseases are acquired (urolithiasis, oral diseases, obesity). |
| Sphinx | Susceptible to intestinal upset, have a sensitive digestive system (control of protein levels, elimination of components that cause diarrhea). |
| Russian blue | Weight gain, dental diseases. Spayed or neutered cats may develop gallstones. |
Which brand of cat food is best?
Cat food is usually divided into classes: holistic , super-premium , premium and economy . You should consider food options starting from premium, but the best option, of course, would be super-premium or holistic. Companies of this level offer a variety of lines, where there is sure to be an option for even the most sensitive and picky pet. What you should pay attention to when choosing quality food is the country of origin, because it can be argued that the food is German, for example, but in fact this particular batch was produced in Russia.
Gemon
Price for dry food, 400 g: 227 rub.
Price for wet food, 100 g: 61 rub.
Gemon is a line of food containing everything necessary for the excellent well-being of pets. Gemon dry and wet food is produced in Italy by Monge & CSpA
Even the most picky cats and kittens eat the food. The composition is much better than Felix, Whiskas, Kitekat, in addition, cats eat it with pleasure and it does not cause allergies.
The food is suitable for those who are looking for a good composition at a low price. All food is made from high quality products rich in vitamins, proteins and minerals.
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.”
Top 10. Best Dinner soufflé with veal
Rating (2021): 4.58
338 reviews from resources were taken into account: Yandex.Market, OZON, Unizoo, Sber Megamarket
Lowest price Contrary to popular belief, not all grain-free foods cost a fortune, as Best Dinner diets prove. With a price at the economy level, the food is devoid of grains and rich in meat.
Original format Despite its availability, the diet is distinguished by a unique presentation method. It is prepared in the form of a caramelized soufflé delicacy with a light consistency.
- Characteristics
Average price: 41 rub. for 85 g
- Country Russia
- Type of food: wet, pate
- Age: cats and kittens from 6 months
- Packing options, kg: 0.085
- Flavor: veal
- Proteins: 8%
- Fat: 6%
- Ash: 2%
Best Dinner souffle for kittens and adult cats is without a doubt the best option for your money. While similar products are loaded with grains, this diet is completely grain-free and contains only veal and other animal products, such as organ meats and blood plasma, as well as gelling additives and caramel for a perfectly smooth texture without lumps. No corn, no potatoes. The composition is very decent for a pouch for 41 rubles. Thanks to its good consistency and natural taste, many purrs like the food. The balanced, laconic composition makes it suitable for most cats.
However, the manufacturer did not describe the components in detail, which is why it is impossible to predict how suitable the food will be for each allergy sufferer, just try it. At the same time, not every store offers Best Dinner at retail. Packs of 12 and 24 spiders are more common. But the food is consistently sold in Russia, since the brand and production are domestic.
Advantages and disadvantages
- Decent grain-free composition
- Delicate texture without bones or lumps
- Suitable for most cats
- Domestic company
- Not the most detailed composition
- It's hard to find 1 piece.
The best cat foods in the category: super premium
A food of this level is not so far removed from holistic in composition, but still contains natural preservatives and a little more ingredients of plant origin. This food is absolutely safe for cats if it is chosen correctly depending on the needs of the animal. As in the holistic category, there are also veterinary foods that are suitable for cats with illnesses or after operations. The cost of super-premium products is quite high.
Hills Science Diet (Prescription Diet)
Photo: www.petco.com
Average price in the Russian Federation : from 900 rubles. for 1.5 kg
Why in the rating : the brand has a wide selection of food varieties aimed at very specific requirements: anti-obesity, heart and kidney health, for allergy sufferers, post-operative feeding, and so on. Finding food on sale is not difficult if you go to a veterinary pharmacy, but you can also find it in regular pet stores.
Disadvantages : Hills has been produced in Russia for a long time, which causes felinologists to worry about the quality of the products. When buying this food, you should pay attention to the country of origin - pay attention to European factories.
Rating : 8.8 out of 10
From reviews of Hills Science Diet : “An excellent solution for a diet after surgery, but for the right choice it is better to consult a veterinarian.”
Eukanuba
Photo: www.petzilla.co.uk
Average price in the Russian Federation : from 1200 rubles. for 2 kg
Why in the rating : the company has both a veterinary and a daily series, and both belong to the super-premium class - and this does not happen so often. The food has a very well-balanced composition with a maximum of meat ingredients, and the daily portion of food will be quite small due to its nutritional value.
Disadvantages : the food contains vegetable protein. In addition to the fact that the assortment cannot be called very wide, it may not be available in most pet stores.
Rating : 8.5 out of 10
From reviews of Eukanuba : “When choosing the type of food, you should consider how well the cat tolerates plant protein.”
1st Choice
Photo: www.cty-fish.com
Average price in the Russian Federation : from 1200 rubles. for 2.27 kg
Why in the rating : the food is produced in Canada, which means it undergoes a very strict quality assessment. Proteins and carbohydrates are perfectly balanced in the composition, but there is also a completely safe hypoallergenic food option.
Disadvantages : the choice of food types is not very large. In addition, the composition contains a couple of undesirable ingredients: cellulose and so-called “poultry meal”. The problem with the last component is that it is impossible to determine what such flour consists of - you can only hope for the integrity of the manufacturer.
Rating : 8 out of 10
From reviews of 1st Choice : “Very small portions are enough for a cat to be satisfied.”
The best cat foods in the category: premium
Affordable, high-quality premium food can now be purchased at most pet stores, both in bags and in bulk. The composition of this food is quite decent, natural preservatives are used, but the amount of corn can be too large. However, premium food is a fairly good daily nutrition for a healthy animal. The lines also include offers for kittens, sterilized cats and aging cats.
Hills Science Plan
Photo: images.vet-medic.com
Average price in the Russian Federation : from 790 rubles. for 2 kg
Why in the rating : the range of food is very wide and there is an option for even the most picky cat. The composition is very carefully selected and balanced, and you can choose meals with different amounts of protein. There is also food for dental health, which is very important to monitor throughout the cat’s life.
Disadvantages : there is a risk of buying a batch produced at a Russian plant - the standards are completely different here. Contains vegetable protein and grains.
Rating : 7.9 out of 10
From reviews of Hills Science Plan : “It is important to choose nutrition based on the age of the animal.”
Royal Canin
Photo: static.shop033.com
Average price in the Russian Federation : from 650 rubles. for 2 kg
Why in the rating : food is available in almost every pet store, at a price slightly higher than economy class, and the composition is much more balanced and nutritious. The choice of food types is very large, and the specialized veterinary series even belongs to the super-premium class. There is food for dental health - it is not so often found in the lines of well-known companies.
Disadvantages : there has been a plant in Russia for a long time, and felinologists, as already mentioned, prefer European or American production. Contains ingredients of plant origin.
Rating : 7.5 out of 10
From reviews of Royal Canin : “The series for kittens and older cats are especially good.”
Purina ProPlan
Photo: nt.petplanet.co.uk
Average price in the Russian Federation : from 650 rubles. for 1.5 kg
Why in the rating : the composition of the food is perfectly balanced and does not require any dietary supplements; in addition, it contains the probiotics and enzymes that cats need. The price is very affordable and there is a fairly large assortment on sale everywhere.
Disadvantages : it contains a lot of herbal ingredients, liver (cats are allergic to it), animal fat of unknown origin.
Rating : 7 out of 10
From reviews of Purina ProPlan : “Under no circumstances should it be mixed with natural food, otherwise it will end in allergies.”
Rules for choosing a grain-free diet for a cat
Choosing a grain-free diet is no different from choosing any other food. So, how to choose grain-free cat food:
- Consider age. Manufacturers offer brands of food for kittens, adults and older animals.
- Consider your physiological state. There are brands for pregnant and lactating, spayed and neutered pets.
- Don't forget about your physical activity level. For sedentary animals and cats prone to gaining excess weight, there are their own diets.
- Be especially careful when selecting menus for cats with allergies. Mono-protein formulas are best suited for such pets.
- Consider your taste preferences. Manufacturers have taken care of a varied diet for your cats; choose the one that your pet will like the most.
- Be sure to consult your veterinarian. Any food, even the most expensive and good one, must be approved by a veterinarian.
Important
If an animal is diagnosed with an allergic reaction to gluten, an exclusively grain-free diet is recommended. All the others are not suitable for a cat!
The best cat food in the category: economy
It is very difficult to say something good about economy class food. It can only be noted that they have a very affordable price. However, their quality is often so deplorable that it is better to save on at least natural food, if not premium food. Giving such food to sick or weakened animals will only cause harm. Moreover, in fact, the financial side of the issue here is questionable, since this food is absolutely not nutritious, and the cat is forced to eat much larger portions than if its food were well balanced. In case there is absolutely no way out, there are still a couple of more or less tolerable economical options.
Purina One
Photo: src.discounto.de
Average price in the Russian Federation : from 250 rubles. for 750 g
Why in the rating : a fairly popular food in an affordable price range, which can be purchased even in regular supermarkets. Meets the nutritional requirements of most healthy cats under 8 years of age.
Disadvantages : Lots of herbal ingredients and no options for animals with serious medical conditions or very specific needs.
Grade: 5
From reviews of Purina One : “Over time, the cat simply refuses the food, although at first it requires supplements.”
Purina Cat Chow
Photo: f1.ds-russia.ru
Average price in the Russian Federation : from 100 rubles. for 400 g
Why in the rating : it comes in a very small package, which allows you to take the food “for testing” or as a temporary measure for 1-2 days.
Disadvantages : poorly balanced composition with a small amount of meat ingredients of questionable quality. Cases of allergies to Cat Chow are not uncommon.
Grade: 4
From reviews of Purina Cat Chow : “Cats are often picky and refuse this food completely.”
Whiskey Special
Photo: povodok-shop.ru
Average price in the Russian Federation : from 90 rubles. for 400 g.
Why in the rating : it offers a food option for cats with sensitive digestion, which guarantees at least relative harmlessness to the animal’s body. Cats eat this food with gusto.
Disadvantages : the composition is the same as regular Whiskas, except with a couple of new ingredients. The choice is quite small and allergies are not uncommon.
Grade: 3
From reviews of Whiskas Special : “The portion for satiating a cat turns out to be very large compared to premium food, and therefore even the financial benefit here is very doubtful.”
Top 5. Animonda Carny pate for kittens (Baby Pate)
Rating (2021): 4.77
57 reviews from resources were taken into account: Yandex.Market, OZON, Otzovik, Sber Megamarket, Four Paws, OtzyvKorm, Unizoo
The best start for the little ones Animonda Carny Baby pate is one of the best solutions for babies from 4 weeks. Thanks to its delicate texture and natural taste, even the smallest kittens are eager to feed themselves.
Reasonable price-quality ratio Despite the price being adequate for its volume, Animonda pate pleases with its high quality and excellent grain-free composition without cheap vegetable fillers.
- Characteristics
Average price: 150 rub. for 200 g
- Country: Germany
- Type of food: wet, pate
- Age: kittens from 4 weeks
- Packaging options, kg: 0.2 g
- Flavor: Beef and Chicken
- Proteins: 10%
- Fat: 6.5%
- Ash: 1.8%
It is very important to start complementary feeding correctly, because during this period the health and taste preferences of a young cat are established. Unlike most other kitten foods, Animonda pate contains only meat, including by-products, calcium and water. Simple and useful. Natural grain-free food helps strengthen the kitten’s immunity, avoid allergies and allows it to develop properly. This pate can also be praised for its better texture, which is of particular importance for the little ones. The absence of lumps and cartilage ensures that the kitten will not choke and will willingly feed on its own.
The owner will be pleased with the healthy activity of the pet and the favorable amount of food of 200 grams. For pets under 2 months old, this is enough for a couple of days. Kittens are 1-1.5 days older. At the same time, a jar costs the same as many grain-free canned foods of 85-100 grams. But, like everything natural, once opened, the pate does not last long.
Advantages and disadvantages
- Ideal consistency
- The most simple and useful composition
- Favorable volume
- Convenient packaging
- Doesn't last long after opening
Kitekat
Price for dry food, 400 g: 58 rub.
Price for wet food, 85 g: 15 rub.
Kitekat brand produces cat food in the form of dry and wet food and canned food. The food contains different flavors: rabbit, chicken, fish, etc., according to the manufacturer, Kitekat contains all the necessary additives and vitamins.
Many consumers are unhappy with this food, believing that it caused the death of their animals. Cats that eat this food for a long time begin to get sick, but maybe the reason is poor nutrition? After all, cats need to be fed not only with dry food, it should consist of 50% homemade food and 50% store food, then everything will be fine.
