Julia Ogden

Written by Julia Ogden

Updated: May 29, 2024

What are the best organic foods for cats?

Updated: May 29, 2024

Organic cat food must meet AAFCO nutritional regulations and USDA guidelines. 

To be certified organic, the food must contain 95% organic ingredients — crops grown without the use of synthetic pesticides, fertilizers, antibiotics, and genetically modified organisms (GMOs). 

Organic cat food typically uses ingredients that have been grown and produced according to organic standards.

Most organic cat food sold in the US is partially organic, which means it contains varying amounts of organic ingredients.

On this page we share our recommendations of the best organic cat food.

  • Evanger's Organics (Wet)

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    Recommended

    Evanger’s Organics wet cat food is made up of three recipes which all receive the Cat Food Advisor’s second highest rating: 4.5 stars.

    These recipes are made up of a single protein source, which can be beneficial for cats with food sensitivities or allergies, as it allows pet parents to choose a food made from a protein that suits their cat’s dietary needs – organic beef, organic chicken or organic turkey.

    Evanger’s is a family-owned and operated pet food company that was started by Fred Evanger in 1935.

    Evanger’s Organics Beef Dinner 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 beef, which is naturally rich in all 11 essential amino acids required by a cat to sustain life.

    Dry matter label analysis reveals a dry recipe containing 45.4% protein, 22.7% fat and 23.8% carbohydrates . . . with a fat-to-protein ratio of 50%.

    Read our review of the full Evanger’s Organics (Wet) range here
    Main Ingredients Organic beef, water sufficient for processing, organic liver, organic beef kidney, organic guar gum
    Texture Wet
    Type Organic
    Protein Percentage 45.4%
    AAFCO Standards All Life Stages
    Best For Cats, seniors cats, kittens and those with allergies

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    Sample buyer review...

    "Even cats get bored and so having this variety has been nice for them. All four cats like it, and already we can ask them, "Feel like a Cheeseburger tonight?" and they come running! All good ingredients without the crazy additives that harm cats, which we have come to expect from Evangers."

  • Tender & True (Dry)

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    Highly Recommended

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

    Tender & True, a company founded in 2014, is the first to produce certified humanely-raised pet food that meets USDA organic standards.

    This range is formulated to provide complete and balanced nutrition for all cats at different life stages, from kittens to adult cats.

    Tender & True Organic Chicken & Liver Recipe 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 all 11 essential amino acids required by a cat to sustain life.

    Dry matter label analysis reveals a dry 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 chicken, organic chicken meal, organic tapioca starch, organic pea flour, organic dried pea
    Texture Dry
    Type Organic
    Protein Percentage 33.3%
    AAFCO Standards All Life Stages
    Best For Cats, senior cats, kittens

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    Sample buyer review...

    "My kitty Meeka, is a Siamese Mix and she meows for joy every time she sees me opening Tender and True. For a year and a half now, I’ve been feeding it to her and she never has any digestion issues; as well as never getting tired of its flavor."

  • Gather Free Acres

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    Highly Recommended

    Gather Free Acres organic dry cat food received the Cat Food Advisor’s highest rating: 5 stars.

    It is the only product 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, which is naturally rich in all 11 essential amino acids required by a cat to sustain life.

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

    This organic cat food uses certified organic ingredients which are perfectly balanced and nutritious for any pet. There are no added by-products, artificial colors, flavors or preservatives and no wheat, corn or soy.

    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), organic flaxseed
    Texture Dry
    Type Organic
    Protein Percentage 33.3%
    AAFCO Standards Maintenance
    Best For Adult and senior cats

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    Sample buyer review...

    "My cat loves this food! She is high maintenance & loves all the expensive stuff like her mom! Great quality food, organic & a little expensive but I believe you get what you pay for."

  • Wysong (Wet)

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    Recommended

    Wysong canned cat food range is made up of seven recipes which all receive the Cat Food Advisor’s second highest rating: 4 stars.

    Wysong Uretic™ with Organic Chicken is the only recipe which is certified organic. It derives the bulk of its protein from organic chicken, which is naturally rich in all 11 essential amino acids required by a cat to sustain life.

    Dry matter label analysis reveals a dry recipe containing 40% protein, 28% fat and 24% carbohydrates . . . with a fat-to-protein ratio of 70%.

    This recipe offers high quality, animal-based protein as the first ingredient and low carbohydrate content. 

    Read our review of the full Wysong (Wet) range here
    Main Ingredients Organic chicken, brown rice, blueberry, DL-Methionine, cranberry extract
    Texture Wet
    Type Organic
    Protein Percentage 40
    AAFCO Standards All Life Stages
    Best For Kittens, cats & senior cats

    Save up to 35%

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    Sample buyer review...

    "I'm so excited to have found this product! Our cat has urinary tract problems and crystals and this food is not only cheaper and easier to acquire than other veterinary diets, I noticed that other brand rx diets can still contain carrageenan where this one does not. Organic and healthy, it also blends into a perfect consistency with our kitties supplements. I'd give it a 10/10 if I could."

  • Primal Nuggets (Freeze-Dried)

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    Highly Recommended

    Primal Freeze-Dried cat food range is made up of seven recipes which all receive the Cat Food Advisor’s highest rating: 5 stars.

    Primal Pet Foods Inc. is based in Fairfield, California. It was founded in 2000 by Matt Koss and acquired by Kinderhook Industries, LLC. in 2021.

    This freeze-dried cat food range is made with real, human-grade meat such as duck, chicken and pork and organic vegetables. Recipes are high in protein and free of grain and synthetic vitamins. 

    Primal Pet Foods Freeze-Dried Nuggets Chicken & Salmon 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 all 11 essential amino acids required by a cat to sustain life.

    Dry matter label analysis reveals a dry recipe containing 51.1% protein, 34.8% fat and 6.1% carbohydrates . . . with a fat-to-protein ratio of 68%.

    Read our review of the full Primal Nuggets (Freeze-Dried) range here
    Main Ingredients Chicken (with ground bone), chicken liver, salmon, organic kale, organic squash
    Texture Freeze-dried
    Type Organic
    Protein Percentage 51.1%
    AAFCO Standards All life stages
    Best For Kittens, cats and senior cats

    Save up to 35%

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    Sample buyer review...

    "I have been buying Primal for years now for my cats. I’m so pleased with this quality product line."

What is organic cat food?

Organic cat food refers to cat food made from ingredients that have been produced and processed according to organic farming standards.

Organic farming involves the use of natural methods and prohibits the use of synthetic pesticides, fertilizers, genetically modified organisms (GMOs), antibiotics, and growth hormones.

Organic cat food consists of organic ingredients such as meats, fruits, vegetables, and grains grown without the use of synthetic pesticides, fertilizers, or GMOs. It typically avoids the use of artificial preservatives, flavors, and colors.

The use of filler products such as corn, wheat, and soy, are minimized and instead, healthier alternatives such as organic sweet potatoes or peas are used.

It’s important to note that while organic cat food may have certain benefits, not all cats necessarily require an organic diet. Each cat has unique dietary needs, and it’s essential to choose cat food that suits your pets individual health requirements. Consulting with a veterinarian can help you determine the best diet for your cat.

Why do people feed their cat organic food?

People choose to feed their cats organic food for several reasons:

Organic cat food is often perceived as healthier because it is made from high-quality ingredients free from synthetic pesticides, fertilizers, and GMOs.

Like humans, cats can develop allergies or sensitivities to certain ingredients. Organic cat food may be chosen as an alternative to conventional cat food that contains common allergens such as grains, artificial additives, or meat from animals treated with antibiotics or hormones. Organic options often use hypoallergenic ingredients, which may be gentler on cats’ digestive systems.

Some pet parents choose organic cat food due to their personal environmental and ethical beliefs. Organic farming practices aim to minimize environmental impact by avoiding the use of synthetic chemicals, supporting biodiversity, and promoting sustainable agriculture. By choosing organic products, pet owners can align their values with their purchasing choices.

Organic cat food is often associated with higher food safety standards. Since organic farming prohibits the use of certain synthetic chemicals, pet owners may feel more confident that the ingredients in organic food have undergone fewer chemical treatments or processing steps that could potentially introduce contaminants.

Do vets recommend organic food for cats?

Veterinarians have varying opinions on organic cat food. Some vets may recommend organic food for cats, others may not. The primary concern for veterinarians is ensuring that cats receive a well-balanced and nutritionally complete diet that meets their individual needs.

When it comes to choosing cat food, veterinarians typically focus on factors such as:

  • Nutritional content: Vets prioritize cat foods that are nutritionally balanced and formulated to meet the specific life stage and health needs of the cat. They look for appropriate levels of protein, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals.
  • Ingredient quality: Veterinarians may advise selecting cat foods with high-quality ingredients, such as named meat sources, whole grains (if appropriate for the cat’s diet), and limited fillers. The focus is on ensuring the food provides necessary nutrients rather than solely on whether the ingredients are organic.
  • Safety and testing: Vets emphasize the importance of feeding cats food that has undergone rigorous testing and meets industry standards for safety and quality control. This includes proper handling, processing, and adherence to regulatory guidelines.
  • Individual cat’s needs: Vets consider any specific dietary requirements or health concerns a cat may have. For instance, if a cat has a food allergy or sensitivity, the focus would be on identifying and avoiding the specific allergens rather than solely on whether the food is organic.

It’s worth mentioning that organic cat food can be a viable choice for pet owners who prioritize organic products or have specific reasons for seeking them. Ultimately, the decision on what type of cat food to feed should be made in consultation with a veterinarian who can provide tailored advice based on the individual cat’s health, dietary needs, and any specific considerations.

Sources

Cat Food Advisor

Protect Your Cat