Julia Ogden

Written by Julia Ogden

Updated: July 17, 2024

What are the best dry foods for cats?

Updated: July 17, 2024

The advantages of dry cat food are numerous — not only is it generally cheaper than wet food, you can also leave it in your cat’s bowl all day without it spoiling. 

Finding the best dry cat food can be a challenge, however, so we’ve combined the top picks from our team of researchers, pet nutritionists and veterinarians, to create a list of the best dry cat food recipes available today.

All the recipes contain high-quality ingredients and offer a balanced and complete diet for cats. They are formulated to provide all the necessary nutrients, vitamins, and minerals required for optimal feline health. 

Some even cater to specific dietary needs, such as age-specific formulas or those designed for cats with specific health conditions.

  • Open Farm

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    Recommended

    Open Farm dry cat food is made up of five grain-free recipes which all receive the Cat Food Advisor’s second highest rating: 4.5 stars.

    Open Farm was founded in 2014 by Jacqueline Prehogan and is based in Canada. This above-average dry cat food range is formulated with all the macronutrients, vitamins, and minerals a cat needs.

    Open Farm Grain Free Homestead Turkey & Chicken was selected to represent the other products in the line for a detailed recipe and nutrient analysis. This recipe gets the bulk of its protein from chicken, which is naturally rich in the 11 essential amino acids required by a cat to sustain life. 

    The dry matter label analysis reveals a dry recipe containing 41.1% protein, 20% fat and 30.9% carbohydrates, with a fat-to-protein ratio of 49%.

    Read our review of the full Open Farm (Dry) range here
    Main Ingredients Humanely raised turkey, humanely raised chicken, ocean whitefish meal, herring meal, garbanzo beans.
    Texture Dry
    Type Kibble
    Protein Percentage 41.1
    AAFCO Standards All Life Stages
    Best For Senior cats, cats and kittens

    EXCLUSIVE: New customer offer

    20% off first auto-ship order with code CFA20

    Sample buyer review...

    "I’m very happy with the ingredients in this cat food. My cat really enjoys it."

  • Blue Wilderness

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    Highly Recommended

    Blue Wilderness dry product range is made of 11 recipes which all receive the Cat Food Advisor’s highest rating: 5 stars.

    Blue Buffalo is owned by multinational food manufacturer General Mills. This particular range offers cats an excellent source of high-quality protein and essential fatty acids. It is made with natural, wholesome ingredients, free from grains, artificial colors, flavors or preservatives.

    Blue Wilderness Adult Cat Chicken was selected to represent the other products in the line for a detailed recipe and nutrient analysis. It 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 44% protein, 19.8% fat and 28.3% carbohydrates . . . with a fat-to-protein ratio of 45%.

    Read our review of the full Blue Buffalo Wilderness (Dry) range here
    Main Ingredients Deboned chicken, chicken meal, pea protein, tapioca starch, peas
    Texture Dry
    Type Grain-free
    Protein Percentage 44%
    AAFCO Standards Maintenance
    Best For Adult cats

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    Sample buyer review...

    "I have 19 and 10 year old cats. Both are thriving on this cat food. After just two bags the improvement in coat and digestive habits is notable. For the first time in years my 19 year old wants to play in the morning after her feeding time. I wish I would have started buying Blue Wilderness Chicken for adults years ago!"

  • The Honest Kitchen

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    Recommended

    The Honest Kitchen product range is made of three dehydrated recipes which all receive the Cat Food Advisor’s second highest rating: 4.5 stars.

    Created by a vet nutritionist, these grain-free whole food clusters are prepared using human-grade muscle meat and liver, low-glycemic carbs, beneficial fats and live probiotics.

    The Honest Kitchen Chicken & Whitefish Clusters was selected to represent the other products in the line for a detailed recipe and nutrient analysis. This formula 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 dry recipe containing 38% protein, 17.4% fat and 36.6% carbohydrates . . . with a fat-to-protein ratio of 46%.

    Read our review of the full The Honest Kitchen (Dry) range here
    Main Ingredients Chicken, peas, lentils, eggs, white fish
    Texture Dry
    Type Grain-free
    Protein Percentage 38
    AAFCO Standards All Life Stages
    Best For Senior cats, cats and kittens

    EXCLUSIVE: New customer offer

    30% off orders $30+ with code CFA30

    Sample buyer review...

    "My cats love this! They have been eating The Honest Kitchen food for years. I am so glad they now have kibble too. It’s a great addition to their diet and keeps them interested. And I love knowing it is healthy for them and not full of processed junk. We add a little to the top of the chicken recipe after mixing. They love it. It’s also a great treat and keeps them from getting bored. They hear the bag opening and they come running."

  • Gather Free Acres

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    Highly Recommended

    Gather Free Acres dry cat food is made up of just one recipe which receives the Cat Food Advisor’s highest rating: 5 stars.

    Made by Petcurean, a Canadian pet food company founded in 1999, Gather Free Acres Organic Free-Run Chicken derives the bulk of its protein from chicken which is rich in the 11 amino acids a cat needs to sustain life.

    Dry matter label analysis reveals a wet recipe containing 33.3% protein, 17.8% fat and 40.9% carbohydrates . . . with a fat-to-protein ratio of 53%.

    This recipe is certified organic and sustainably produced. It includes antioxidant-cranberries and organic flaxseed to support skin and coat health and there are no by-product meals and non-GMO ingredients.

    Read our review of the full Gather Free Acres Organic (Dry) range here
    Main Ingredients Organic chicken, organic dehydrated chicken, organic peas, lentils, chicken fat (preserved with mixed tocopherols)
    Texture Dry
    Type Grain-free
    Protein Percentage 33.3
    AAFCO Standards Maintenance
    Best For Cats & senior cats

    Save up to 35%

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    Sample buyer review...

    "Today the wonderful people at my local pet store gave me a sample of your Gather Free Acres organic cat food. When I gave it to my 11 year old cat Liza, I was surprised at her reaction. SHE ABSOLUTELY LOVED IT! I have never seen her begging for food before today... ever!"

  • Tender & True

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    Highly Recommended

    Tender & True dry product range is made of six recipes which all receive the Cat Food Advisor’s highest rating: 5 stars.

    Tender & True was founded in 2014 and was one of the first to produce certified humanely-raised pet food that meets USDA organic standards.

    Tender & True Organic Turkey & Liver was selected to represent the other products in the line for a detailed recipe and nutrient analysis. This food 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 33.3% protein, 20% fat and 38.7% carbohydrates . . . with a fat-to-protein ratio of 60%.

    Read our review of the full Tender & True (Dry) range here
    Main Ingredients Organic turkey, organic chicken meal, organic tapioca starch, organic dried pea, organic pea flour
    Texture Dry
    Type Grain-free
    Protein Percentage 33.3
    AAFCO Standards All Life Stages
    Best For Senior cats, cats & kittens

    Save up to 35%

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    Sample buyer review...

    "We have mostly senior cats…they are doing so much better on this food! This is the best organic food out there on the market! Our kitties are thriving on the canned organic and organic dry food. Thank you Tender and True Pet Food for making such a great product!"

  • Orijen

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    Highly Recommended

    Orijen dry cat food is made of seven recipes which all receive the Cat Food Advisor’s highest rating: 5 stars.   

    Orijen is produced by Champion Petfoods, a Canadian company, founded by Reinhard Muhlenfeld, a German-born Canadian in 1975.  

    This range includes recipes that are beneficial for immune support, digestive health, healthy skin & coat, muscle maintenance, heart health, joint health, brain & cognitive function, and eye health.

    Orijen Original was selected to represent the other products in the line for a detailed recipe and nutrient analysis. It derives the bulk of its protein from chicken and turkey. Both meats are naturally rich in the 11 essential amino acids required by a cat to sustain life.

    Dry matter label analysis reveals a dry recipe containing 44.4% protein, 22.2% fat and 25.3% carbohydrates, with a fat-to-protein ratio of 50%.

    Read our review of the full Orijen (Dry) range here
    Main Ingredients Chicken, turkey, whole mackerel, turkey giblets (liver, heart, gizzard), flounder
    Texture Dry
    Type Kibble
    Protein Percentage 44.4%
    AAFCO Standards All Life Stages
    Best For Kittens, cats and senior cats

    Save up to 35%

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    Sample buyer review...

    "This food is very good. My cat is very fussy but he eats everything I give him when I serve him Orijen. Since eating this food, he has better, more shiny fur. Happy cat - happy mummy!"

  • Nulo Freestyle

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    Highly Recommended

    Nulo Freestyle dry cat food is made of six recipes which all receive the Cat Food Advisor’s highest rating: 5 stars.  

    This range includes recipes that are formulated to provide a balanced and complete diet for cats.  It typically features animal-based protein as the first ingredient and is crafted without grains such as corn, wheat, or soy.

    Nulo was founded in 2009 by Michael Landa and Brett Montana after they saw high rates of diabetes and other medical issues in dogs and cats while running their pet-sitting business. 

    Nulo Freestyle Indoor Cat Duck & Lentils was selected to represent the other products in the line for a detailed recipe and nutrient analysis. It derives the bulk of its protein from duck which is naturally rich in the 11 essential amino acids required by a cat to sustain life.

    Dry matter label analysis reveals a dry recipe containing 44.4% protein, 18.9% fat and 28.7% carbohydrates, with a fat-to-protein ratio of 43%.

    Read our review of the full Nulo Freestyle (Dry) range here
    Main Ingredients Deboned duck, chicken meal, turkey meal, deboned cod, whole peas
    Texture Dry
    Type Kibble
    Protein Percentage 44.4%
    AAFCO Standards Maintenance
    Best For Adult cats

    Save up to 35%

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    Sample buyer review...

    "I decided to switch our cat to a healthier food and Nulo has made a difference in our cat. She is more active and her coat is shiny. She loves the food which is a plus."

  • Wysong

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    Recommended

    Wysong dry cat food is made of two recipes which both receive the Cat Food Advisor’s second highest rating: 4.5 stars.

    Wysong corporation is a family run business that was established in 1979 by Dr Randy Wysong. These premium cat foods are designed to mimic the archetypal carnivorous diet and include quality protein ingredients with no fillers.

    Wysong Restore was selected to represent the other products in the line for a detailed recipe and nutrient analysis.

    This recipe derives the bulk of its protein from dried chicken which is naturally rich in the 11 essential amino acids required by a cat to sustain life. Dry matter label analysis reveals a containing 72.2% protein, 22.2% fat and 0% carbohydrates . . . with a fat-to-protein ratio of 31%.

    Read our review of the full Wysong Optimal Line (Dry) range here
    Main Ingredients Dried Chicken, organic chicken, dried natural meat broth, chicken fat, beet pulp
    Texture Dry
    Type Grain-free
    Protein Percentage 72.2
    AAFCO Standards Maintenance
    Best For Senior and adult cats

    Save up to 35%

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    Sample buyer review...

    "Nutritious, and all four of my cats eat it. Even the picky eater. I use this as an addition to other Wysong products. "

  • Tiki Cat Born Carnivore

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    Recommended

     

    Tiki Cat Born Carnivore product range is made of eight grain-free recipes which all receive the Cat Food Advisor’s second highest rating: 4.5 stars.

    Tiki Cat was founded in 2005 by Christine and Robert Hackett. Christine had previously worked in research and development for Petco and decided the pet food market needed a new kind of product — food that was more species-appropriate and had fewer grains and carbohydrates. 

    This dry cat food range is rich in meat and or fish protein and relatively low in carbohydrate content. It also has no processed plant proteins, such as corn gluten, and is gently baked to preserve the nutrients and flavor.

    Tiki Cat Born Carnivore High Protein Herring & Salmon was selected to represent the other products in the line for a detailed recipe and nutrient analysis. This recipe derives the bulk of its protein from herring, a fatty marine fish naturally high in protein as well as omega 3 fatty acids, essential oils needed by every cat to sustain life. 

    Dry matter label analysis reveals a wet recipe containing 46.7% protein, 21.1% fat and 24.2% carbohydrates . . . with a fat-to-protein ratio of 45%.

    Read our review of the full Tiki Cat Born Carnivore (Dry) range here
    Main Ingredients Deboned chicken, chicken meal, dehydrated chicken, dried egg product & tapioca
    Texture Dry
    Type Freeze-dried
    Protein Percentage 46.7
    AAFCO Standards All Life Stages
    Best For Senior cats, cats & kittens

    Save up to 35%

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    Sample buyer review...

    "My kitties go crazy for this food. I add a little hot water and let it sit for a minute to make a gravy, and the dry kibble softer. My kitties absolutely LOVE the gravy part! Their fur is silky smooth and shiny."

  • Halo Holistic (Dry)

    Halo Holistic dry cat food range is made up of seven recipes which all receive the Cat Food Advisor’s highest rating: 5 stars.

    Fresh meats and fish are used in these recipes made by Halo, a company set up in 1980 and now owned by Best Choice Company Inc. No corn, wheat, wheat gluten or rice are added and and it does not include any artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives.

    Halo Holistic Wild-Caught Whitefish Cat Food (Sensitive Stomach Support) was chosen to represent the other products in the line for a detailed recipe and nutrient analysis. This food derives the bulk of its protein from whitefish, a marine or freshwater species native to Canada and the California coast.

    Dry matter label analysis reveals a wet recipe containing 36.3% protein, 18.7% fat and 37.1% carbohydrates . . . with a fat-to-protein ratio of 52%.

    Main Ingredients Whitefish, brewers rice, pork, brewers dried yeast, pork fat
    Texture Dry
    Type Kibble
    Protein Percentage 36.3%
    AAFCO Standards Maintenance
    Best For Adult and senior cats

    Sample buyer review...

    "My cat was having lots of rashes over 6 months time. Vet recommend we try cutting out chicken in his food of any kind. This food tastes great and he flipped from his old diet to new in just one week. And non is feeling much better without chicken or by products of such for his allergy. Thank you"

Why feed your cat dry food?

Dry cat food is more calorie dense than wet food. It is easier to store and can be left out for longer without fear of it becoming contaminated with bacteria.

It is ideal for cats that prefer to snack throughout the day, rather than those that eat at set times.

However, it does need to be stored in a cool area and in a sealed, air tight container to keep it fresh.

Do vets recommend dry food for cats?

Vets often recommend dry food because it is easier to control the portion size of dry food to make sure your cat is getting the calories they need and are not overeating.

Kibble can also be put in slow-feeders which mentally stimulates your cat by allowing them to ‘hunt’ and complete tasks to get their food.

How much dry food should I give my cat?

As a general rule of thumb, if you are feeding your cat high-quality dry food, such as those recommended by the Cat Food Advisor, 1/2 cup of food or between 167–250 calories a day is the ideal amount.

Do cats on a dry food diet need water?

Yes, it is very important that cats on a dry food diet have access to clean drinking water.  It may seem obvious but dry food contains a lot less water than wet food.

Interestingly, cats often prefer their water to be kept in a different location to their food bowl.  This is a natural instinct to ensure their water is not contaminated from any potential bacteria.

If you are worried that your cat is not drinking enough water, you can add water to their dry food. (About a quarter of a cup of water to one portion of dry food should be plenty).

However, wet kibble should not be left out for longer than about 30 minutes as it can attract flies and grow bacteria which could make your cat sick. Once your cat has finished eating, put the food in the fridge or throw it away.

Can you feed your cat a mix of wet and dry food?

The short answer is, of course, yes, but . . . . it can lead to over feeding, so you need to regulate the amount of each food you give your cat to ensure they are getting the right amount of calories.

First, you need to determine the daily recommended amount of dry food your cat should be eating depending its size, age and weight. The measurement table on the side of each bag of kibble should help.

You can choose your own ratio of dry to wet food, but we recommend two thirds dry to one third wet. Each food type has a different number of calories per gram, so take the weight of dry food you’re not feeding your cat, and multiply this by 2.5 to get the right weight of wet food.

Sources

Cat Food Advisor

Protect Your Cat