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.
Our top picks
- The Honest Kitchen Jump to review
- Open Farm Jump to review
- Gather Free Acres Jump to review
- Tender & True Jump to review
- Blue Buffalo Wilderness Jump to review
- Hound & Gatos Jump to review
- Orijen Jump to review
- Nulo Freestyle Jump to review
- Wysong Jump to review
- Tiki Cat Born Carnivore Dry Cat Food Jump to review
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The Honest Kitchen
The Honest Kitchen Grain Free Chicken & Whitefish Clusters received the Cat Food Advisor’s second highest rating: 4.5 stars.
It is one of three recipes in this dry product range made by The Honest Kitchen, a premium pet food brand that believes high-quality nutrition is the ultimate recipe for a cat’s health and wellness.
The Honest Kitchen Grain Free Chicken & Whitefish Clusters 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%.
Created by a vet nutritionist, The Honest Kitchen’s grain-free whole food clusters are prepared using human-grade muscle meat and liver, low-glycemic carbs, beneficial fats and live probiotics.
Highly recommended.
Read our review of the full The Honest Kitchen Dry Cat Food range hereThings we like
- Human-grade ingredients
- Live probiotics
- Essential fatty acids
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."
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Open Farm
Open Farm Open Prairie Grain Free RawMix recipe receives the Cat Food Advisor’s second highest rating 4.5 stars.
It is one of two recipes in a range by Open Farm, a company founded in 2014 by Jacqueline Prehogan and based in Canada.
Open Farm Open Prairie Grain Free Raw Mix 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 42.2% protein, 15.6% fat and 34.2% carbohydrates, with a fat-to-protein ratio of 37%.
Open Farm RawMix is an above-average quality cat food. The kibble, coated in a bone broth and freeze-dried raw, contains added chunks of raw meat, so is protein-rich.
Highly recommended.
Read our review of the full Open Farm Dry Cat Food range hereThings we like
- 100% animal welfare certified
- High protein kibble made from nutrient dense organ meats
- No added antibiotics or hormones
Main Ingredients Chicken, turkey, menhaden fish meal, peas, chickpeas Texture Dry Type Freeze-dried Protein Percentage 42.2 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."
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Gather Free Acres
Gather Free Acres Recipe with Organic Free-Run Chicken received the Cat Food Advisor’s highest rating: 5 stars.
Gather Free Acres Organic dry cat food consists of just one recipe. It is made by Petcurean, a Canadian pet food company that has been in existence since 1999.
Gather Free Acres Recipe with Organic Free-Run Chicken derives the bulk of its protein from chicken.
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 uses quality free-run chicken, certified organic and sustainably produced. With added antioxidant-cranberries and organic flaxseed to support skin and coat health. There are no by-product meals and non-GMO ingredients.
Highly recommended.
Read our review of the full Gather Free Acres Organic Cat Food range hereThings we like
- USDA-approved organic chicken
- No antibiotics or added growth hormones
- Antioxidant rich
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 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!"
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Tender & True
Tender & True Organic Turkey & Liver received the Cat Food Advisor’s highest rating: 5 stars.
It is one of six recipes in this product 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 Turkey & Liver derives the bulk of its protein from turkey.
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%.
This premium recipe contains certified organic turkey, 100% balanced with added vitamins, minerals and other nutrients.
Highly recommended.
Read our review of the full Tender & True Dry Cat Food range hereThings we like
- No artificial preservatives, colors or flavors
- USDA certified organic ingredients
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 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!"
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Blue Buffalo Wilderness
Blue Buffalo Wilderness Adult Cat Chicken dry food received the Cat Food Advisor’s highest rating: 5 stars.
It is one of 11 recipes in this product range made by Blue Buffalo, which is owned by multinational food manufacturer General Mills.
Blue Buffalo Wilderness Adult Cat Chicken dry food 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%.
This food 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.
Read our review of the full Blue Buffalo Wilderness Dry Cat Food range hereThings we like
- Natural ingredients
- High levels of protein
- No artificial colors or flavors
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 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!"
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Hound & Gatos
Hound and Gatos Salmon recipe received the Cat Food Advisor’s highest rating: 5 stars.
It is one of three products in a range made by Hound and Gatos which was founded by Will Post in 2010. In 2018, Gott Pet Products purchased the company.
Hound and Gatos Salmon recipe derives the bulk of its protein from salmon which is an oily marine and freshwater fish not only high in protein but also omega-3 fatty acids.
Dry matter label analysis reveals a dry recipe containing 32.2% protein, 21.1% fat and 30% carbohydrates, with a fat-to-protein ratio of 66%.
This is a quality dry cat food range packed with animal protein-powered nutrition instead of cheaper plant-proteins such as peas, chickpeas and lentils.
Highly recommended.
Read our review of the full Hound & Gatos Dry Cat Food range hereThings we like
- Good levels of animal protein
- High-quality ingredients
- No recalls
- No fillers
Main Ingredients Salmon, egg, sweet potato, tapioca, turkey fat Texture Dry Type Kibble Protein Percentage 32.2% AAFCO Standards All Life Stages Best For Kittens, cats and senior cats Sample buyer review...
"My cats normally come running for food, but with this they come running and hopping and meowing because they’re so excited! They absolutely love it and I love that it makes them so happy and content. I have to hide the bag in another room so they can’t just tear it open and munch on it! Normally they leave their food bags alone. I really love that it’s grain free which is really great for cats as they are oblique carnivores! Overall I’m really happy with this brand."
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Orijen
Orijen Original Dry Cat Food recipe received the Cat Food Advisor’s highest rating: 5 stars.
It is one of seven products in a range made by Orijen and is produced by Champion Petfoods, a Canadian company. Reinhard Muhlenfeld, a German-born Canadian started the business — Champion Feed Services Ltd — in a small factory in Barrhead, Alberta, in 1975.
Orijen Original Dry Cat Food recipe derives the bulk of its protein from chicken and turkey. Both are considered “the clean combination of flesh and skin derived from the parts or whole carcasses of chicken” 1 and 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%.
Orijen Original Dry Cat Food 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.
Highly recommended.
Read our review of the full Orijen Dry Cat Food range hereThings we like
- Very high in protein
- High quality meat sources provide the majority of protein
- No artificial ingredients
- Good range to choose from
- Low in carbohydrates versus other dry cat foods
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 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!"
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Nulo Freestyle
Nulo Freestyle Indoor Cat Duck & Lentils recipe received the Cat Food Advisor’s highest rating: 5 stars.
It is one of six products in a range made by Nulo, a company 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 recipe derives the bulk of its protein from duck which is considered “the clean combination of flesh and skin derived from the parts or whole carcasses of duck”. 2
Duck 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%.
Nulo Dry Cat Food 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 like corn, wheat, or soy.
Highly recommended.
Read our review of the full Nulo Freestyle Dry Cat Food range hereThings we like
- Contains probiotics
- Grain-free
- Quality protein ingredients
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 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."
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Wysong
Wysong Optimal Line Restore received the Cat Food Advisor’s second highest rating: 4.5 stars.
Wysong Optimal Line product line includes two dry cat foods. Wysong corporation is a family run business that was established in 1979 by Dr Randy Wysong.
Dry matter label analysis reveals a wet recipe containing 72.2% protein, 22.2% fat and 0% carbohydrates . . . with a fat-to-protein ratio of 31%.
Wysong premium cat foods are designed to mimic the archetypal carnivorous diet, this recipe has quality protein ingredients and does not contain questionable ingredients or fillers.
Highly recommended.
Read our review of the full Wysong Optimal Line Dry Cat Food range hereThings we like
- No fillers
- High in protein
- Holistic practices
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 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. "
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Tiki Cat Born Carnivore Dry Cat Food
Tiki Cat Born Carnivore High Protein Herring & Salmon grain-free recipe received the Cat Food Advisor’s second highest rating: 4.5 stars.
It is one of eight products in a range made by Tiki Cat, a company 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.
Tiki Cat Born Carnivore High Protein Herring & Salmon grain-free 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%.
Highly recommended.
This dry cat food 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.
Read our review of the full Tiki Cat Born Carnivore Dry Cat Food range hereThings we like
- Non GMO ingredients
- High in protein
- No artificial additives
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 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."
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Best cat foods
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?
Dry cat food can be better for a cat’s teeth as the friction created by chewing dry food will prevent the build up of tartar.
It is also 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.
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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.
