It can be a worry if your cat is a finicky eater, often refusing to eat food or just licking the gravy or jelly around it. So, we have put together a list of recommendations of the best cat food for picky eaters. However, please be aware that sometimes fussiness can be caused by an underlying health condition, such as a dental problem or sensitive stomach. So, if you have concerns, seek advice from a veterinarian first.
Our top picks
- Blue Buffalo Wilderness Jump to review
- Tiki Cat Luau Jump to review
- Smalls Jump to review
- Just Food for Cats Jump to review
- Wellness CORE Tiny Tasters Jump to review
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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, a company owned by 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%.
Made from high-quality natural ingredients such as real chicken and with no artificial flavors or preservatives, this range also includes variants for weight and hairball control.
Read our review of the full Blue Buffalo Wilderness Dry Cat Food range here
Things we like
- Real meat as the main ingredient
- No artificial additives or animal by-products
- Good source of omega-3 fatty acids
Main Ingredients Deboned chicken, chicken meal, pea protein, tapioca starch, peas Texture Dry Type Kibble Protein Percentage 44% AAFCO Standards All Life Stages Best For Kittens/cats & senior cats Get 35% Off
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"My Bengal is the PICKIEST cat ever…. He would rather not eat than eat something new… He ate BlueBuffalo without a hitch… He LOVES IT!! No digestive problems….. NOTHING!!! Our new choice of Bengal chow!!!"
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Tiki Cat Luau
Tiki Cat Puka Puka Luau Succulent Chicken in Chicken Consomme Grain Free received the Cat Food Advisor’s high rating: 4.5 stars.
It is one of 16 recipes in this product range made by Tiki Cat, a company founded in 2005 by husband and wife, Christine and Robert Hackett. Christine had previously worked in research and development for PetCo.
Tiki Cat Puka Puka Luau Succulent Chicken in Chicken Consomme Grain Free 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 80% protein, 13% fat and 0% carbohydrates . . . with a fat-to-protein ratio of 16%.
Tiki Cat Luau is known for its high-quality ingredients. It is made with real, shredded meat or fish as the primary protein source. Common protein options include chicken, fish (such as tuna or salmon), or seafood combinations. These proteins are typically paired with other natural ingredients such as broth and vegetables.
Read our review of the full Tiki Cat Luau Wet Cat Food range hereThings we like
- Low carbohydrates
- High in protein
- No artificial additives
Main Ingredients Chicken, chicken broth, sunflower seed oil, calcium lactate, dicalcium phosphate Texture Wet Type Grain-free Protein Percentage 80% AAFCO Standards Unspecified Best For Adult cats Get 35% Off
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"I LOVE this product, as it’s nothing but beautifully shredded white chicken meat that my two kittens and 14 year old cat love. It’s a great meal topper to pates, or by itself. Highly recommend it."
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Smalls
Smalls Fresh Smooth Fish Cat Food received the Cat Food Advisor’s highest rating: 5 stars.
It is one of seven recipes in this product range made by Smalls, a company founded in 2017 by friends Matt Michaelson and Calvin Bohn. It is now produced with a co-manufacturer in a human-grade commercial facility near Chicago.
Smalls Fresh Smooth Fish Cat Food derives the bulk of its protein from cod, a marine species of fish native to both the Atlantic and Pacific coasts of North America.
Dry matter label analysis reveals a wet recipe containing 55.8% protein, 26.9% fat and 9.3% carbohydrates . . . with a fat-to-protein ratio of 48%.
Using high-quality human-grade ingredients, Smalls’ recipes come in a variety of flavors and textures. High in protein, Smalls cat food contains no fillers or preservatives and is ideal for even the pickiest eaters at all life stages.
Read our review of the full Smalls Fresh Cat Food range hereThings we like
- High protein
- Preservative free
- Ideal for picky eaters
Main Ingredients Cod, salmon, pumpkin, nutritional yeast, peas Texture Smooth Type Fresh Protein Percentage 55.8% AAFCO Standards All Life Stages Best For Kittens/adult cats & senior cats $35 off your first order
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"Just have to pass on that my kittens are thriving on Smalls, and I hope I never have to put them on mass-market food ever again. The reduction in stink alone is worth every penny."
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Just Food for Cats
Just Food For Cats Just Cats Fish & Chicken received the Cat Food Advisor’s high rating: 4.5 stars.
It is the only one recipe in this product range made by Just Food For Cats, the sister company of Just Food for Dogs. The food is made by hand in open-to-public kitchens and is lightly cooked to retain its nutritional value.
Just Food For Cats Just Cats Fish & Chicken derives the bulk of its protein from cod, a marine species of fish native to both the Atlantic and Pacific coasts of North America.
Dry matter label analysis reveals a wet recipe containing 46.2% protein, 17.3% fat and 28.5% carbohydrates . . . with a fat-to-protein ratio of 38%.
It is formulated with high levels of animal protein such as wild-caught Alaska Pacific cod, chicken meat and organs and sardines. As a food with high moisture levels, this food will keep your cat hydrated and is perfect for adult cats of all breeds.
Read our review of the full Just Food for Cats Fresh Cat Food range hereThings we like
- High levels of animal protein
- Moisture rich
- Gluten free
Main Ingredients Wild-caught alaska pacific cod, chicken thighs, chicken hearts, chicken liver, tapioca starch Texture Minced Type Fresh Protein Percentage 46.2% AAFCO Standards Maintenance Best For All cats Get 35% Off
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"My cat goes crazy for this! Her energy is phenomenal and most importantly, her stools are improving slowly but surely."
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Wellness CORE Tiny Tasters
Wellness CORE Tiny Tasters Pate Tuna received the Cat Food Advisor’s high rating: 4 stars.
It is one of 12 recipes in this product range made by Wellness Pet Company.
Wellness CORE Tiny Tasters Pate Tuna 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 50% protein, 27.3% fat and 14.7% carbohydrates . . . with a fat-to-protein ratio of 55%.
Made from natural ingredients, this range is high in protein and contains essential fatty acids to help maintain your cat’s healthy coat.
Read our review of the full Wellness CORE Tiny Tasters Wet Cat Food range hereThings we like
- Low carbohydrate content
- High moisture content
- Free from artificial additives
Main Ingredients Tuna, chicken, fish broth, water, sunflower oil Texture Wet Type Paté Protein Percentage 50% AAFCO Standards All Life Stages Best For All cats Get 35% Off
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"I have two cats. One has terrible allergies. She loves TINY TASTERS Tuna and Salmon Recipe. If she leaves anything in her bowl, the other cat without allergies will eat it as well. I love the fact that I don't have to dig in the pouch to get all the products."
What to feed a cat that’s a picky eater?
It’s challenging having a cat that is a picky eater. Here are some tips to help encourage your cat to eat:
Your cat may have a preference for certain flavors and textures, so experiment. Try offering a variety of wet and dry foods with different flavors to determine what your cat prefers.
Warm up the food: Heating the cat’s food can enhance its aroma and make it more appealing. Cats have sensitive tongues so warm it through and do not overheat it.
Introduce new brands: Some cats may have brand preferences. There is a huge variety of brands and formulations to choose from, see which your cat responds better to.
Add toppers or mix-ins: Pet food toppers can make food more palatable to picky eaters. Add on top of your cat’s regular food. You can also try mixing a small amount of wet food into dry kibble to add more flavor and moisture.
Establish a routine: Leaving food out all the time may contribute to your cat’s picky eating behavior. Instead, stick to a feeding plan of meals at a set time of the day rather than free-feeding, this will help establish a routine.
Offer interactive feeding toys: Some cats enjoy the challenge of hunting for their food. Interactive feeding toys, such as puzzle feeders or treat balls, can make mealtime more engaging and encourage your cat to eat.
Consult your veterinarian: If your cat is refusing food after 24 hours or eating less than usual you should consult your vet. This could possibly be an indication of an illness or disease.
Why do cats become picky eaters?
Cats can be picky eaters for various reasons, including instinctual, behavioral, and health-related factors. Here are some possible explanations for their finicky eating habits:
Cats are natural hunters, and in the wild, they have a diverse diet consisting of different types of prey. This can make them more selective when it comes to their food preferences. Some cats may have a preference for certain flavors, textures, or smells based on their innate instincts.
Cats can be fussy eaters and surprisingly picky about their diet. With only 470 taste buds compared to a human’s 9,000, a cats’ sense of taste in food is very selective. So you may find your cat will turn their nose up at food that doesn’t tempt their taste buds or lacks nutrition.
Previous negative experiences could be a big factor in your cat becoming a picky eater. If a cat becomes ill after eating a particular food, they may develop an aversion to it and refuse to eat it again.
Texture is important for cats. Some cats prefer wet food because it has a higher moisture content and a softer texture, while others may prefer the crunch of dry kibble. Each cat will have their own preference.
Health problems are another major factor in your cat becoming a picky eater. Anything from dental issues, gastrointestinal discomfort, or underlying medical conditions can affect their appetite. It’s important to rule out any underlying health issues if your cat’s picky eating persists or if you notice other concerning symptoms.
Cats are very sensitive to change, if your cat has become a picky eater it could be their environment that is affecting this not the food you are serving them. They are creatures of habit. Stress, anxiety, or changes in their routine, such as moving to a new home or the addition of a new pet, can affect their appetite and make them more selective with their food
Understanding the reasons behind a cat’s picky eating behavior can help you address their needs and find ways to encourage them to eat a balanced diet. If you have concerns about your cat’s eating habits, it’s always advisable to consult with a veterinarian for a thorough guidance.
What do vets recommend if your cat is a picky eater?
Veterinarians may recommend several strategies to address picky eating in cats. Here are some common recommendations:
Ensure a balanced diet: It’s crucial to ensure that your cat’s nutritional needs are met. Vets may suggest offering high-quality, balanced cat food that provides all the necessary nutrients. They may recommend both wet and dry food options to cater to different preferences.
Food trials: This involves introducing different brands or flavors of cat food in small quantities to identify what your cat prefers. This will help determine which specific food your cat prefers.
Variety and rotation: Providing a variety of cat food flavors and textures to stimulate your cat’s interest in mealtime could increase the chance of finding a food that your cat likes. Rotating between different brands or protein sources can also prevent boredom.
Feeding schedule: Establishing a regular feeding routine can help encourage your cat to eat. Vets may suggest offering food at specific times and to remove the food after a certain time, typically 15-20 minutes. This helps create a routine and motivates your cat to eat when food is available.
Feeding environment: Create a calm and comfortable feeding environment. Vets may recommend feeding your cat in a quiet area away from any distractions. Providing a clean and appropriate-sized bowl can also enhance the eating experience.
Consultation and monitoring: If your cat’s picky eating behavior continues or is accompanied by other concerning symptoms, it’s important to consult with a veterinarian. Your vet will conduct a thorough examination, assess your cat’s health, and provide advice and recommendations.
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.