Considering their biological status as obligate carnivores, cats have special dietary requirements. Your cat needs an animal-based diet that is high in protein and supplemented with all the necessary vitamins and minerals.
The best approach to ensure your feline pals live longer and remain healthy and content is to feed them the proper food. Because many cats don’t drink water frequently, canned cat food has the advantage of having a high water content, which helps to keep them hydrated.
However, we recognize that it can be easy to feel overwhelmed with choices and unsure of which brand to select given the hundreds of options on the market. We have your back. Here, we’ll share with you the best-canned cat food to make sure your cat thrives.
What to consider when choosing a quality canned cat food?
1. Animal Proteins
The first ingredient on the label of the best cat food will be an animal protein. The protein source should be identified, such as chicken, turkey, lamb, or beef, rather than simply “meat”. You want to know what you’re feeding your cat and make sure it’s getting the proper animal protein.
2. AAFCO Compliance
The AAFCO Standards should be followed for your cat’s main meal. This is to guarantee that your cat receives the necessary nutrients to grow and live a healthy life.
3. Vitamins & Minerals
Vitamins and minerals are essential for the healthy growth and upkeep of a cat. As a main course, all vitamins and minerals should be listed on the food label. The vitamins and minerals listed below must be listed on your cat food label to guarantee adequate intake.
Vitamins
| Vitamin A | Important for vision, bone and tooth growth, reproduction, and maintenance of skin and mucous membranes |
| Vitamin D | Increases blood calcium and phosphorous levels to support growth and maintenance of bones |
| Vitamin E | An important antioxidant |
| Vitamin K | Necessary for normal blood clotting |
| Thiamine | Plays a role in carbohydrate metabolism |
| Riboflavin | Releases energy from carbohydrates, fats, and proteins |
| Pantothenic Acid | Needed for metabolism of carbohydrates, fats, and some amino acids |
| Niacin | Necessary for processing fats, carbohydrates, and protein |
| Pyridoxine | Helps metabolize amino acids, glucose, and fatty acids |
| Folic Acid | Needed for synthesis of DNA and the amino acid methionine |
| Biotin | Helps make fatty acids, some amino acids, and DNA/RNA |
| Vitamin B12 | Required for fat and carbohydrate metabolism and nerve conduction |
| Choline | Essential as a neurotransmitter, as part of cell membranes, and for lipid transport |
Minerals
| Calcium | Vital for the growth and maintenance of bones and teeth and as an intracellular messenger |
| Phosphorus | Essential for the growth and maintenance of bones and teeth and vital to normal metabolism |
| Potassium | An electrolyte that’s important for nerve function, muscular contraction, and heart rhythm |
| Sodium and Chloride | Electrolytes that help with hydration, acid-base balance, transmitting nerve impulses, and muscle contraction |
| Magnesium | Important for enzyme function and the metabolism of carbohydrates, protein, and fats |
| Iron | Needed for oxygen transport throughout the body |
| Copper | Plays roles in iron absorption and transport, skin pigmentation, and skeletal growth |
| Manganese | Important for metabolism, immune function, and bone formation, as well as acting as an antioxidant and more |
| Zinc | Necessary for carbohydrate, lipid, protein, and nucleic acid metabolism |
| Iodine | Needed to make thyroid hormones |
| Selenium | An important antioxidant that works in conjunction with vitamin E |
4. Calcium – if you’re feeding kittens
Calcium is an important vitamin for cats, especially kittens and nursing mothers. Calcium ads in the development of strong bones and teeth. Rickets is a condition in which the bones become weak and readily fractured due to a lack of calcium.
Cats require calcium in order for their strong bones to allow them to jump, leap, twist, and land correctly.
IMPORTANT: If you feed your cat canned food that does not meet the above aforementioned criteria, you are feeding your cat with a supplementary diet, i.e. snacks. Replace the cat’s regular diet with a full-feed meal that meets the four aforementioned parameters to guarantee healthy growth and maintenance.
BEWARE: Although most canned foods state “ALL LIFE STAGES”, if the label does not match any of the above four criteria, it is NOT FIT FOR ALL LIFE STAGES.
No. 1 Fussie Cat Black Label in Jelly (Most Popular Choice)
Fussie Cat Black Label is made with premium human-grade whole fish tuna. It is a physiologically correct diet with high-quality protein and Omega-3 and Omega-6 to promote soft and healthy fur of your cat.
Furthermore, Fussie Cat Black Label is added with a complete spectrum of Vitamins and Minerals such as Vitamin B6, B12 and phosphorous. Other than its high moisture content, the recipes are packed with FOS (Fructooligosaccharides), a highly beneficial fibre that feeds good bacteria and promotes balance in digestive tract for cats.
It is a bonus that Fussie Cat Black Label offers 13 formulas, which is perfect for food rotation to provide different tastes and excitements to your felines.
Flavours available
- Fussie Cat Black Label Tuna with Chicken Liver Formula in Aspic
- Fussie Cat Black Label Tuna with Clams Formula in Aspic
- Fussie Cat Black Label Tuna with Mussel Formula in Aspic
- Fussie Cat Black Label Tuna Formula in Aspic
- Fussie Cat Black Label Tuna with Ocean Fish Formula in Aspic
- Fussie Cat Black Label Tuna with Chicken Formula in Aspic
- Fussie Cat Black Label Tuna with Threadfin Bream Formula in Aspic
- Fussie Cat Black Label Tuna with Anchovy Formula in Aspic
- Fussie Cat Black Label Tuna with Prawns Formula in Aspic
- Fussie Cat Black Label Tuna with Salmon Formula in Aspic
- Fussie Cat Black Label Tuna with Shrimp Formula in Aspic
- Fussie Cat Black Label Tuna with Small Anchovies Formula in Aspic
- Fussie Cat Black Label Tuna with Smoked Tuna Formula in Aspic
Main Ingredients
Tuna, Water Sufficient For Processing, (*Followed by the flavour of the recipe, such as Chicken Liver, Clams and etc. )
Price
$1.84 per can (80g)
Pros & Cons
? Made with premium whole fish tuna rich in high-quality protein
? Low in saturated fat
? Rich in DHA and Taurine for vision and brain development
? Pack with a complete spectrum of vitamins and minerals
? 13 delicious formulas available
No. 2 Fussie Cat Gold Label (Chicken based)
Fussie Cat recipes are always meat first with high protein, but low in carbohydrates. Recipes by Fussie Cat are physiologically tuned that are as delicious as they are nutritious.
Made with high quality boneless chicken in gravy, Fussie Cat Gold Label provides a physiologically correct diet to our cats. It is low in sodium and carbohydrates, packed with real meat in gravy with high-water content to support healthy urinary tract.
Other than that, the gold label series are rich in Omega-3 and Omega-6 to keep your cat’s fur soft and healthy. Taurine is an added for better eyesight development and maintain healthy heart, while it is also high in vitamin B6, Phosphorus, Niacin and Selenium.
Flavours available
- Fussie Cat Gold Label Chicken Formula in Gravy
- Fussie Cat Gold Label Chicken with Anchovies Formula in Gravy
- Fussie Cat Gold Label Chicken & Beef in Pumpkin Soup Formula in Gravy
- Fussie Cat Gold Label Chicken with Small Anchovies Formula in Gravy
- Fussie Cat Gold Label Chicken with Duck Formula in Gravy
- Fussie Cat Gold Label Chicken with Egg Formula in Gravy
Main Ingredients
Boneless Chicken, Water Sufficient For Processing, (*Followed by the flavour of the recipe, such as Duck, Anchovies and etc. )
Price
$2 per can (80g)
Pros & Cons
? Meat first with high quality protein
? 100% natural ingredients
? Pack with a complete spectrum of vitamins and minerals
? High moisture content to support hydration needed by cats
? Added Taurine for healthy skin and coat
No. 3 Fussie Cat Goat Milk Gravy (Immune System Boost)
Fussie Cat Goat Milk Gravy canned features delicate, tender bites of tuna with creamy goat milk gravy to make up a complete and balanced diet. Each portion featured goat’s milk which acts as a metabolic agent, boosting the absorption and utilisation of vitamins and minerals, reducing intestinal inflammation, and boosting the immune system.
Besides that, the Goat Milk Gravy series is rich in DHA to help support healthy vision and brain development and is fortified with vitamins and minerals. It is perfect for cats who have sensitive stomachs and suffer from any number of digestive issues.
Flavours available
- Fussie Cat Tuna with Anchovy Formula in Goat Milk Gravy
- Fussie Cat Tuna with Chicken Formula in Goat Milk Gravy
- Fussie Cat Tuna with Ocean Fish Formula in Goat Milk Gravy
- Fussie Cat Tuna with Salmon Formula in Goat Milk Gravy
- Fussie Cat Tuna with Small Anchovies Formula in Goat Milk Gravy
Main Ingredients
Tuna, Water Sufficient For Processing, (*Followed by the flavour of the recipe, such as Chicken, Salmon and etc. )
Price
$2 per can (80g)
Pros & Cons
? High in Calcium with Goat Milk
? Rich in DHA to support healthy vision and brain development
? Promoting a healthy gut with Prebiotics
? High moisture content increased hydration in your cat
? Perfects for cats with lactose intolerance & sensitive stomach
No. 4 Fussie Cat Black Label in Gravy (Great Alternative to Jelly)
Fussie Cat Black Label in Gravy canned is created and made with the goodness of carefully selected natural ingredients which contain no added colours or preservatives. Formulated with a 100% grain-free diet offers your cats a pH level balance and wholesome nutrition to support healthy lifestyles, reducing the risk of kidney stones, and urinary tract infections.
With selected quality tuna containing essential vitamins, black label series are rich in DHA to help support healthy vision and brain development. The moisture-rich recipes increase hydration which is vital to your cat’s health. Black label canned loaded with vitamins and minerals and provides your cat with complete and balanced nutrition.
Flavours available
- Fussie Cat Tuna with Chicken Formula in Gravy
- Fussie Cat Tuna with Ocean Fish Formula in Gravy
- Fussie Cat Tuna with Prawn Formula in Gravy
- Fussie Cat Tuna with Salmon Formula in Gravy
- Fussie Cat Tuna with Small Anchovies Formula in Gravy
Main Ingredients
Tuna, Water Sufficient For Processing, (*Followed by the flavour of the recipe, such as Prawn, Small Anchovies and etc. )
Price
$1.84 per can (80g)
Pros & Cons
? Meat first with juicy shreds of wild caught tuna
? 100% natural ingredients
? Loaded with vitamins and minerals
? Moisture rich and high protein
? Helps to support healthy vision and a strong heart with Taurine
No. 5 Catwalk in Jelly (Premium White Tuna Meat)
Catwalk is inspired by the bold personalities of the cats we know and love, and is made with wholesome nutrition, healthy ingredients, and just a sprinkle of Cattitude. Catwalk is made fresh and high-quality skipjack tuna to provide an excellent source of protein, Omega-3 and Vitamin B.
Moreover, Catwalk offers a complete set of nutrients to fuel daily cattitude needs, with 9 Minerals and 12 Vitamins, to bring the best out of your cat. All recipes are added with Taurine to improve brain function, maintain healthy heart, and strengthen immune system of your cat.
In addition to being nutritious with only selected ingredients, Catwalk is stunningly delicious. With 11 unique recipes made with wholesome nutrition, Catwalk has been a new favourite in town.
Flavours available
- Skipjack Tuna with Salmon Entrée
- Skipjack Tuna with Mackerel Entrée
- Skipjack Tuna with Chicken Entrée
- Skipjack Tuna with Small Anchovies Entrée
- Skipjack Tuna with Anchovies Entrée
- Skipjack Tuna Entrée in Aspic
- Skipjack Tuna with Mussel Entrée
- Skipjack Tuna with Baby Clam Entrée
- Skipjack Tuna with Bream Entrée
- Skipjack Tuna with Shrimp Entrée
- Skipjack Tuna with Chicken Liver Entrée
Main Ingredients
Water Sufficient For Processing, Tuna, (*Followed by the flavour of the recipe, such as Salmon, Chicken and etc. )
Price
$1.00 - $1.37 per can (80g)
Pros & Cons
? Made with fresh and high-quality Skipjack Tuna
? Affordable and complete with essential Minerals and Vitamins
? Only the selected ingredients for nutrition for your cats
? Added Taurine to support healthy development of brain, heart and immune system
? Not widely available at retail stores
No. 6 Fancy Feast Gravy Lovers
Your fancy feline deserves a fancy feast! Fact Feast Gravy Lovers will put a smile on every cat's face. This formula features small bites of chicken covered in a succulent grilled chicken-flavoured gravy. It is a 100% complete and balanced nutrition for adult cats.
This formula is crafted with real meat, featuring slow-cooked and thick gourmet gravy that your cat will love. It is a complete and balanced diet for adult cats.
Flavours available
- Fancy Feast Gravy Lovers Chicken Feast
- Fancy Feast Gravy Lovers Salmon Feast
- Fancy Feast Gravy Lovers Ocean Whitefish & Tuna Feast
- Fancy Feast Gravy Lovers Beef Feast
Main Ingredients
The first two ingredients of each recipe is always the meat broth, followed by animal protein of the recipe
Price
$1.30 - $1.70 per can (85g)
Pros & Cons
? Affordable as a complete and balanced diet
? Complete with Vitamins and Minerals
? Contain by-products
? Contain artificial flavour and added colour
No. 7 Fancy Feast Chicken Feast Canned Cat Food
Fancy Feast Chicken Feast series is crafted with real and high-quality chicken, surrounded by a savoury glaze. It is AAFCO compliance, making it a complete and balanced diet for adult cats.
In addition to delicious, high-quality in every detail, Fancy Feast provides complete vitamins and minerals that are essential for cats to thrive.
Flavours available
- Fancy Feast Chicken Feast Chunky
- Fancy Feast Chicken Feast Roasted
Main Ingredients
Chicken broth, Chicken
Price
$1.20 - $1.70 per can (85g)
Pros & Cons
? Affordable with a complete and balanced diet
? Complete with Vitamins and Minerals
? Contain by-products
? Contain artificial flavour and added colour
No. 8 Wellness CORE Signature Selects
Wellness CORE wet recipes combine natural, premium proteins to deliver a balanced diet full of the nutrients your cat needs for a lifetime of well-being, no matter her life stage or unique nutritional needs. CORE Signature Selects gourmet canned cat food naturally delivers the variety your cat craves. Each protein-rich recipe features delicate flakes of high-quality meat or seafood in a delicious sauce.
CORE Signature Selects recipes are hand packed with real meat shreds and provide the daily nutrition and hydration your cat needs to thrive. Each recipe combines carefully sourced ingredients to deliver the energy and nutrition your cat needs for a happy life and never contains any by-products, wheat, corn, or soy.
Flavours available
- Shredded Chicken & Turkey
- Shredded Chicken & Chicken Liver
- Shredded Chicken & Beef
- Flaked Skipjack Tuna & Shrimp
- Flaked Skipjack Tuna & Salmon
- Chunky Chicken & Turkey
- Chunky Chicken & Salmon
- Chunky Beef & Chicken
Main Ingredients
Boneless Chicken, Chicken Broth / Tuna, Tuna Broth
Price
$3.80 - $4.80 per can (156g)
Pros & Cons
? Made primarily from animal protein sources
? Low carbohydrate content
? Doesn’t contain fillers, by-products, or artificial additives
? Contains a small amount of plant-based proteins
No.9 Instinct Original Grain Free
Instinct makes high protein, grain free recipes guided by our belief in raw nutrition. Each wet cat recipe starts with responsibly sourced real meat and is made with 95% real animal ingredients & nutritious oils, and 5% vegetables, fruits and other wholesome ingredients. Instinct Original packed with animal protein for strong, lean muscles, and make without grain, potato, corn, wheat, soy, by-product meal, artificial colors or preservatives. Canned food is complete and balanced nutrition for all cat life stages.
Flavours available
- Chicken
- Duck
- Lamb
- Rabbit
- Salmon
- Venison
Main Ingredients
Meat, Meat Broth
Price
$5.50 - $6.90 per can (156g)
Pros & Cons
? Made primarily from animal protein sources
? Contains a mix of muscle meat and organs
? Low carbohydrate content
? Cost is above market average
No. 10 Tiki Cat After Dark in Broth
Tiki Cat featured real and natural ingredients in their recipes. Tiki Cat after Dark is formulated with high meat protein including real organ meats, such as chicken, beef, duck and more. With non-GMO ingredients, the recipes are high in moisture for important supplemental hydration for our feline friends.
In addition, they are also packed with essential amino acids, antioxidants, vitamins, minerals and taurine to support the overall health of your cat. There is no animal by-products, corn, white potatoes, wheat, artificial flavours, colours or preservatives.
Flavours available
- Chicken recipe in broth
- Chicken & beef recipe in broth
- Chicken & duck recipe in broth
- Chicken & lamb recipe in broth
- Chicken & pork recipe in broth
- Chicken & quail egg recipe in broth
Main Ingredients
The first ingredient of each recipe is always the animal protein of the recipe
Price
$3.05 per can (80g)
Pros & Cons
? Made with high-quality animal protein
? Rich in moisture to support your cat’s hydration
? Free from artificial colours, flavours, and preservatives
? Expensive
? Not easily available
Share this Post:
