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Pets Cat Food

Best High Protein Cat Food

Melinda Harris
Written by Melinda Harris
Updated June 2023
Bottom line
Pros
Cons
Best of the Best
Blue Buffalo Wilderness High Protein High Protein Dry Cat Food Grain-Free (12 lbs.)
Blue Buffalo
Wilderness High Protein High Protein Dry Cat Food Grain-Free (12 lbs.)
Customer Favorite

Surpasses its competitors in almost every way – quality ingredients with nothing artificial and a flavor most cats devour.

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Customer Favorite
Bottom Line

Surpasses its competitors in almost every way – quality ingredients with nothing artificial and a flavor most cats devour.

Pros

Popular, wholesome recipe that doesn't include grain, artificial ingredients, or by-products. Has fruits, vegetables, probiotics, and antioxidants, plus extra nutrients not found in other foods.

Cons

It's expensive, and caused some cats digestive upset. Several reports of cats not eating it.

Best Bang for the Buck
Purina Cat Chow Naturals with Chicken and Salmon
Purina
Cat Chow Naturals with Chicken and Salmon
Bargain Pick

Affordable cat food is full of nutrients and fibers that help prevent hairballs.

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Bargain Pick
Bottom Line

Affordable cat food is full of nutrients and fibers that help prevent hairballs.

Pros

Available in 3.15-, 6.3-, and 13-pound bags. Food sits at a quality price point. Contains natural ingredients like chicken, salmon, and spinach. Rich in fiber to control hairballs. No artificial dyes or preservatives. 38% protein.

Cons

Grains and corn account for much of the protein content.

Iams Proactive Health Chicken and Salmon
Iams
Proactive Health Chicken and Salmon
Creates a Healthy Coat

Real chicken and salmon provide a healthy coat and a burst of energy your cat will love.

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Creates a Healthy Coat
Bottom Line

Real chicken and salmon provide a healthy coat and a burst of energy your cat will love.

Pros

Real chicken and salmon account for 80% of the food’s protein. Contains no artificial dyes or preservatives. Available in 3-, 6-, or 13-pound bags. Keeps fur thick and shiny. Food provides a noticeable energy boost. 38% protein.

Cons

Food has a rather strong odor.

Wild Frontier True To The Hunt with Chicken
Wild Frontier
True To The Hunt with Chicken
Best for Metabolism

Packed with nutrients, vitamins, and beet pulp to improve your cat's metabolism.

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Best for Metabolism
Bottom Line

Packed with nutrients, vitamins, and beet pulp to improve your cat's metabolism.

Pros

Available in 2-, 5-, and 11-pound bags. Grain-free food is packed with natural ingredients like chicken, peas, potatoes, and beet pulp that contribute to a healthy metabolism. Free of wheat, grains, corn and soy. 40% Protein.

Cons

Food sits at a higher price point than it's competitors.

Simply Nourish Source Chicken and Turkey Recipe
Simply Nourish
Source Chicken and Turkey Recipe
Best for Kittens

The best way to provide your kitten with all the nutrients required for strong and healthy development.

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Best for Kittens
Bottom Line

The best way to provide your kitten with all the nutrients required for strong and healthy development.

Pros

Available in 6-pound bags. Packed with natural, recognizable ingredients like chicken, turkey, fish, potatoes, and tomatoes. Fatty fish acids (DHA) contribute to kitten brain and eye development. Grain-free recipe is easy on digestive system.

Cons

Only available in one small-sized bag, not ideal in multi-cat homes.

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BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. About BestReviews  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. About BestReviews  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.About BestReviews 
HOW WE TESTED

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First Reviewed
October 30, 2021
30
Models
considered
20
Hours
researched
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Melinda Harris
Written by Melinda Harris

Updated June 2023

A high-protein diet will provide your cat with the energy, healthy hair, and strong muscles essential to lead a happy, healthy lifestyle. Low-carb, protein-rich foods are also easier for cats to digest. Difficult to process carbs in some cat food increase your cat’s risk of getting diabetes. Many cat food brands rely on plant-based proteins like grains, corn, and other vegetables. While these are still high in protein, the vegetables and grains are less beneficial and harder on the digestive system. Instead, try to find foods that list meat as one of the top ingredients.

Our Top Picks
Blue Buffalo
Best of the Best
Blue Buffalo
Wilderness High Protein High Protein Dry Cat Food Grain-Free (12 lbs.)
Bottom Line
Surpasses its competitors in almost every way – quality ingredients with nothing artificial and a flavor most cats devour.
Shop Now
Purina
Best Bang for the Buck
Purina
Cat Chow Naturals with Chicken and Salmon
Bottom Line
Affordable cat food is full of nutrients and fibers that help prevent hairballs.
Shop Now
Iams
Top Pick
Iams
Proactive Health Chicken and Salmon
Bottom Line
Real chicken and salmon provide a healthy coat and a burst of energy your cat will love.
Shop Now
Wild Frontier
Top Pick
Wild Frontier
True To The Hunt with Chicken
Bottom Line
Packed with nutrients, vitamins, and beet pulp to improve your cat's metabolism.
Shop Now
Simply Nourish
Top Pick
Simply Nourish
Source Chicken and Turkey Recipe
Bottom Line
The best way to provide your kitten with all the nutrients required for strong and healthy development.
Shop Now
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