Being a cat parent can be expensive but you can still find many 4 and 5 star rated cat foods on the Cat Food Advisor which are significantly cheaper than premium recipes.
See our best budget-friendly cat foods list below, offering inexpensive products, designed to meet the needs of cat parents who want great quality food for their pet that won’t break the bank.
Since our researchers are always discovering new budget-friendly brands, make sure you visit this page regularly to find out about any future savings.
Our top picks
- IAMS Perfect Portions Jump to review
- Wellness Complete Health Paté Jump to review
- American Journey Jump to review
- B.F.F OMG! Gravy Jump to review
- Tender & True Jump to review
- Purina ONE Jump to review
- Dave's Naturally Healthy Grain-Free Wet Jump to review
- Fancy Feast Gems Jump to review
- Rachael Ray Nutrish Wet Cat Food Jump to review
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IAMS Perfect Portions
IAMS Perfect Portions, Healthy Adult Chicken Paté recipe received the Cat Food Advisor’s second highest rating: 4 stars.
It is one of 13 recipes in this product range made by IAMS, which was set up by animal nutritionist Paul F Iams in 1946, and is now manufactured by Spectrum Brands.
IAMS Perfect Portions, Healthy Adult Chicken Pate recipe derives the bulk of its protein from chicken, which is naturally rich in the 11 essential amino acids required by a cat to sustain life.
Dry matter label analysis reveals a wet recipe containing 40.9% protein, 22.7% fat and 28.4% carbohydrates . . . with a fat-to-protein ratio of 56%.
This food provides cats with an excellent source of quality protein and essential fatty acids. It comes in two different textures — a pate as well as meat and fish cuts.
Read our review of the full IAMS Perfect Portions Wet Cat Food range hereThings we like
- Chicken is the number one ingredient
- Contains antioxidant vitamin E
- Grain free
Main Ingredients Chicken, water, poultry liver, chicken broth, dried egg product, guar gum Texture Paté Type Grain free Protein Percentage 40.9% AAFCO Standards Maintenance Best For Adult and senior cats Sample buyer review...
"After trying a million foods, we finally found this one and our senior boy loves it. We have two cats and one likes pate and the other one likes chunks. But this one hit the jackpot!"
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Wellness Complete Health Paté
Wellness Complete Health Chicken Paté recipe received the Cat Food Advisor’s second highest rating: 4 stars.
It is one of 11 recipes in a range made by Wellness Pet Company from its Farm Fresh Kitchen manufacturing facility in Minnesota and manufacturing plant in Indiana.
Wellness Complete Health Chicken Paté derives the bulk of its protein from chicken, which is naturally rich in the 11 essential amino acids required by a cat to sustain life.
Dry matter label analysis reveals a wet recipe containing 47.7% protein, 31.8% fat and 12.5% carbohydrates . . . with a fat-to-protein ratio of 67%.
Wellness Complete Health Paté wet cat food features real, high-quality proteins as the primary ingredient. The protein sources include chicken, turkey, beef, fish, or combinations of these meats. The ingredients are blended into a smooth pate texture, making it easy for cats to consume and digest.
In addition to the protein source, Wellness Complete Health Paté contains other wholesome ingredients such as vegetables, fruits, and grains.
Read our review of the full Wellness Complete Health Paté Wet Cat Food range hereThings we like
- Rich in species-appropriate animal ingredients
- Moisture-rich food promotes healthy hydration
- Free from artificial ingredients
Main Ingredients Chicken, chicken liver, turkey, chicken broth, carrots Texture Paté Type Wet Protein Percentage 47.7% AAFCO Standards Maintenance Best For Adult & senior cats Sample buyer review...
"I had my now 17 year old cat on this food. He was diagnosed as diabetic nearly two years ago. His last two labs showed his blood sugar in the normal range. No more insulin."
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American Journey
American Journey Turkey & Chicken Grain Free recipe received the Cat Food Advisor’s second highest rating: 4 stars.
It is a dry product range made by American Journey Pet Food, an exclusive brand owned by Chewy.com. It was launched in 2017, and the products are sold almost exclusively through Chewy’s website.
American Journey Turkey & Chicken Grain Free derives the bulk of its protein from turkey, which is naturally rich in the 11 essential amino acids required by a cat to sustain life.
Dry matter label analysis reveals a wet recipe containing 44.4% protein, 16.7% fat and 30.9% carbohydrates . . . with a fat-to-protein ratio of 38%.
This food provides an excellent source of quality protein and is made in open-to-public kitchens. The home-made food is lightly cooked to retain its nutritional value.
Read our review of the full American Journey Grain-Free Dry Cat Food range hereThings we like
- No artificial colors or flavors
- No animal by-products
- Packed with vitamins and minerals
Main Ingredients Deboned turkey, turkey meal, chicken meal, tapioca starch, dried egg product Texture Dry Type Grain free Protein Percentage 44.4% AAFCO Standards All Life Stages Best For Kittens/cats/senior cats Sample buyer review...
"Our cat stopped eating over a period of months. She became so finicky. The pet store clerk recommended Just Food For Cats. Well, I guess we found what she likes. She gobbles it up, crawls up our legs as we prepare it and is back to her old self again. Her coat is shiny and she has more energy and is playful. We are so happy and relieved. Thanks for making this great food!"
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B.F.F OMG! Gravy
B.F.F OMG! Gravy Tuna & Salmon Sweet Cheeks recipe received the Cat Food Advisor’s highest rating: 5 stars.
It is one of 32 products in a range made by B.F.F — a line of cat food created by Weruva.
B.F.F OMG! Gravy Tuna & Salmon Sweet Cheeks derives the bulk of its protein from tuna, an oily marine fish not only high in protein but also omega-3 fatty acids, essential oils needed by every cat to sustain life.
Dry matter label analysis reveals a wet recipe containing 64.3% protein, 10% fat and 17.7% carbohydrates . . . with a fat-to-protein ratio of 16%.
This food is formulated to provide balanced nutrition for cats. It typically contains a mix of proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals to meet a cat’s dietary needs.
Read our review of the full B.F.F. OMG! Gravy Wet Cat Food range hereThings we like
- Animal proteins
- Grain & gluten-free
- Hydration focused foods
Main Ingredients Tuna broth, tuna, salmon, tapioca starch, sunflower oil, guar gum Texture Shreds Type Wet Protein Percentage 64.3% AAFCO Standards Unspecified Best For Adult & senior cats Sample buyer review...
"The Weruva BFF OMG! Gravy is some of my cat's favorite wet foods. It also helps that these foods are great nutritionally. I cannot recommend this product enough as it is a perfect cat food for a cat to get the moisture that they need along with a tasty meal."
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Tender & True
Tender & True Organic Chicken & Liver recipe received the Cat Food Advisor’s highest rating: 5 stars.
It is one of six products in a range made by Tender & True, a company founded in 2014 and one of the first to produce certified, humanely raised, pet food that meets USDA organic standards.
Tender & True Organic Chicken & Liver recipe derives the bulk of its protein from chicken, which is naturally rich in the 11 essential amino acids required by a cat to sustain life.
Dry matter label analysis reveals a wet recipe containing 38.6% protein, 25% fat and 28.4% carbohydrates . . . with a fat-to-protein ratio of 65%.
This food is an independently owned certified organic product using humanely raised animal protein. Tender & True has formed relationships with fisheries and growers to provide quality ingredients at an affordable price.
Highly recommended.
Read our review of the full Tender & True Dry Cat Food range hereThings we like
- USDA certified organic ingredients in two of the recipes
- Grain free
- No artificial preservatives, colors or flavors
Main Ingredients Organic chicken, organic chicken broth, organic chicken liver, organic pea protein Texture Wet Type Organic Protein Percentage 38.6% AAFCO Standards All Life Stages Best For Kittens/cats/senior cats Sample buyer review...
"All seven of my kitties actually LIKE this brand. It smells and looks good. Finally a BIG HIT after a few misses!"
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Purina ONE
Purina ONE Grain-Free Chicken Recipe Premium Pate recipe received the Cat Food Advisor’s high rating: 4 stars.
It is one of 16 products in a range made by Purina. Nestlé Purina PetCare is an American subsidiary of the Swiss corporation Nestlé, based in St. Louis, Missouri. It produces and markets pet food, treats, cat and dog litter.
Purina ONE Grain-Free Chicken Recipe Premium Pate recipe derives the bulk of its protein from chicken, which is naturally rich in the 11 essential amino acids required by a cat to sustain life.
Dry matter label analysis reveals a wet recipe containing 50% protein, 22.7% fat and 19.3% carbohydrates . . . with a fat-to-protein ratio of 45%.
The food is made from natural ingredients and added vitamins, minerals and nutrients at an affordable price.
Highly recommended.
Read our review of the full Purina ONE Wet Cat Food range hereThings we like
- Grain free, no corn, wheat or soy
- Recognizable, high-quality ingredients
- No artificial colors, flavors or preservatives
Main Ingredients Chicken, liver, chicken broth, pork lungs, fish Texture Wet Type Grain-free Protein Percentage 50% AAFCO Standards All Life Stages Best For Kittens, cats & senior cats Sample buyer review...
"All three of my cats love it. One cat had fur issues a few years ago and once I started him on this food all his fur grew back and it’s helped with all three's digestive systems."
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Dave's Naturally Healthy Grain-Free Wet
Dave’s Pet Food Naturally Healthy Grain Free Tuna Entrée in Gravy received the Cat Food Advisor’s second highest rating: 4.5 stars.
It is one of 21 products in this range. Dave’s Pet Food was founded by Dave Ratner, an independent retailer and the man behind a chain of pet stores in New England.
Dave’s Pet Food Naturally Healthy Grain Free Tuna Entrée in Gravy derives the bulk of its protein from tuna.
Dry matter label analysis reveals a wet recipe containing 72.7% protein, 6.8% fat and 12.5% carbohydrates . . . with a fat-to-protein ratio of 9%.
This food has good levels of animal-based protein and low carbohydrate content. It offers a well balanced diet at an affordable price.
Highly recommended.
Read our review of the full Dave’s Naturally Healthy Grain-Free Wet range hereThings we like
- Low in carbohydrates
- High in animal-based proteins
- Affordable
Main Ingredients Tuna, tuna broth, ground tapioca, sunflower oil, natural flavors Texture Wet Type Grain-free Protein Percentage 72.7 AAFCO Standards All Life Stages Best For Kittens, cats & senior cats Sample buyer review...
"I have a four-year-old cat who has NEVER EVER liked ANY other wet cat food! One of my other cats was sick and not eating and my vet gave me a few of these to try. As soon as I popped open the can, picky eater one started chirping, meowing and rubbing my leg. I couldn’t believe it! She loves it and eats it every day"
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Fancy Feast Gems
Fancy Feast Gems Mousse Paté With Chicken and a Halo of Savory Gravy Wet Cat Food recipe received the Cat Food Advisor’s high rating: 4 stars.
It is one of four products in this range by Fancy Feast which is owned by Purina. Fancy Feast was created in 1982 and was one of the first cat food brands to capitalize on the gourmet concept, although it is now one of the cheaper brands on the market.
Dry matter label analysis reveals a wet recipe containing 47.1% protein, 17.6% fat and 27.3% carbohydrates . . . with a fat-to-protein ratio of 38%.
This food is high in protein, rich in fat and moisture, and has added vitamins and minerals to make a good diet option for cats.
Read our review of the full Fancy Feast Gems range hereThings we like
- High in animal protein
- Rich in fat and moisture
- Affordable
Main Ingredients Chicken broth, chicken, liver, meat by-product, tapioca starch-modified Texture Wet Type Gravy Protein Percentage 47.1 AAFCO Standards Maintenance Best For Cats & senior cats Sample buyer review...
"My cat Camo devoured this food. She loves the gravy and starts licking up the juices before I get it out of the container."
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Rachael Ray Nutrish Wet Cat Food
Rachael Ray Nutrish Tuna Purrfection Wet Cat Food receives the Cat Food Advisor’s high rating: 4 stars.
It is one of nine products in this range founded by Food Network favorite Rachael Ray. Rachael joined up with Ainsworth Pet Nutrition in 2008 to develop dog food. The cat food element of the business began in 2014.
Dry matter label analysis reveals a wet recipe containing 42.9% protein, 23.8% fat and 25.3% carbohydrates . . . with a fat-to-protein ratio of 56%.
Made from high quality natural ingredients and named meat and fish sources, this product range is highly recommended.
Read our review of the full Rachael Ray Nutrish Wet Cat Food range hereThings we like
- High in protein
- Number one ingredient is fish
- Affordable
Main Ingredients Tuna, water, vegetable oil, powdered cellulose, tricalcium phosphate Texture Wet Type Flaked Protein Percentage 42.9 AAFCO Standards Maintenance Best For Cats & senior cats Sample buyer review...
"My Siamese cat Flurry absolutely LOVES this food. We switched him from dry food due to his dislocated hip which happened prior to us adopting him. It creates pressure on his intestines which blocks his stool excretion. With this wet food he is more content, happy & has more energy! More importantly his stool function has improved dramatically! We tried over 45 brands of cat food before we found this & it's the only one he would eat!! Both our cats prefer tuna purrfection!"
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What to consider when choosing a budget-friendly cat food
When choosing a budget-friendly cat food, it’s important to prioritize both affordability and the nutritional needs of your cat. Here are some factors to consider:
Ingredient quality: While you may be looking for a more affordable option, it’s still important to choose cat food with quality ingredients. Look for foods that list high-quality protein sources, such as chicken, turkey, or fish, as the primary ingredients. Avoid foods that contain excessive fillers, by-products, or artificial additives.
Complete and balanced nutrition: Ensure that the cat food you select provides the necessary nutrients for your cat’s life stage. Look for a statement on the packaging indicating that the food meets the nutritional requirements set by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO).
Avoid unnecessary extras: Some cat foods may include unnecessary extras such as artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives. These additives are not essential for your cat’s health.
Consider different formats: Wet cat food, such as cans or pouches, tend to be more expensive than dry kibble. However, it can offer higher moisture content and additional hydration for your cat. If your budget allows, consider incorporating some wet food into your cat’s diet too..
Look for sales and promotions: Keep an eye out for sales, discounts, or promotions offered by pet food manufacturers or retailers. These can help you save money while still providing your cat with a nutritionally adequate diet.
Consult with your veterinarian: Your veterinarian can provide guidance on selecting a budget-friendly cat food that meets your cat’s specific nutritional needs. They can recommend affordable options or suggest appropriate alternatives based on your cat’s health condition.
What can you do to save money on cat food?
In addition to choosing a budget-friendly cat food, there are other ways you can save money on cat food expenses. Here are some suggestions:
Buy in bulk: Purchasing cat food in larger quantities or in bulk can often result in cost savings. Look for larger bag sizes or multi-packs of canned food to get a better price per serving.
Subscribe and save programs: Some pet food manufacturers or online retailers offer subscription programs that provide discounts on regular deliveries of cat food. This can help you save money and ensure you never run out of food.
Compare prices: Take the time to compare prices at different stores, both physical and online, to find the best deals. Look for discounts, promotions, or loyalty programs that can help you save on your cat food purchases.
Store brand options: Consider trying store brand cat food options, which are often more affordable than premium brands. Look for store brands that still meet the nutritional requirements for your cat’s life stage.
Use coupons and discounts: Keep an eye out for coupons, online promo codes, or special discounts offered by pet food manufacturers or retailers. These can provide additional savings on your cat food purchases.
Minimize waste: Avoid overfeeding your cat to reduce food waste. Follow the feeding guidelines provided on the cat food packaging and monitor your cat’s weight to ensure they are receiving the appropriate amount of food.
What budget-friendly foods do veterinarians recommend?
While specific recommendations may vary depending on individual cat’s needs and health conditions, here are a few budget-friendly cat food brands that are often recommended by veterinarians in the United States:
Purina One: Purina One offers a range of affordable cat food options that provide balanced nutrition. Their formulas include real meat as the primary ingredient and are formulated to meet the nutritional needs of cats at different life stages.
Hill’s Science Diet: Hill’s Science Diet offers a variety of cat food options that are often recommended by veterinarians. Their formulas are designed to address specific health concerns while providing balanced nutrition. They have options for different life stages and special needs.
Royal Canin: Royal Canin offers a wide range of cat food formulas that cater to specific nutritional needs and health conditions. While some of their specialized formulas may be pricier, they also offer more affordable options, such as their regular adult maintenance diets.
IAMS: Iams is known for offering cat food options at a reasonable price point. They have formulas that provide complete and balanced nutrition for cats at different life stages.
Nutro: Nutro offers cat food options that focus on using natural ingredients and providing balanced nutrition. They have a variety of formulas to meet the needs of different cats, including those with sensitive stomachs or food sensitivities.
Sources
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Article reviewed by
Veterinarian
Dr Georgia Jeremiah has a first class honors degree in comparative pathology with field experience in anatomic and clinical pathology, studying disease processes in a multitude of species.
