Beyond this, it's really about what your individual pet likes the taste of and how much you are willing to spend. Wet vs dry cat food Cats are strict carnivores. In other words, their diet must consist primarily of animal proteins such as meat, poultry, fish, and include a small portion of vegetables or fruit. It is estimated that protein should make up 40% of a cat's daily diet . Giving your cat cereal-free dry food means staying very close to the natural diet of felines because such cat food contains more protein and essential amino acids. In addition, grain-free kibbles are generally very digestible and are suitable for sensitive cats with food allergies or intolerances. The fibres and minerals in these grain-free dry cat foods provide relief for animals suffering from digestive problems such as diarrhoea and constipation. Grain-free cat food vs. natural cat food: what is the difference? Pet obesity is the top welfare concern for vets. According to Cats.org.uk, overweight cats are usually defined as being more than 15% over their ideal weight. We've compared the monthly cost of the most popular brands of cat food, as well as the best and worst scoring brands from our survey, based on an average 4kg cat on a simple dry food diet. Cat food monthly costs compared

Log in now to compare monthly costs between Royal Canin, Purina One, James Wellbeloved, Meowing Heads and Whiskas cat food. Here's what animal charity PDSA suggests you look for and what to avoid when choosing the right cat food. Look for: Some pets appear to be sensitive or intolerant to certain ingredients and additives and this can cause a variety of problems. Ensure you're feeding your feline the correct amount by measuring out each meal on a set of weighing scales. A few extra bits of kibble or jelly might not seem like a lot, but they can massively contribute to weight gain. If you think your four-legged friend might be overweight, book in a visit with your local vet for advice and an action plan. How much should I feed my cat?

Don't forget to find out the best pet insurance for your cat. Also a dog owner? See the best dog food brands. How to choose the best cat food Our unique survey reveals how popular cat food brands, including Iams, James Wellbeloved, Royal Canin, Purina One and Whiskas were rated by customers. Commercial cat food is classed as either complete or complementary: complete foods provide a balanced array of vital nutrients and are a one-stop solution, while complementary foods need to be combined with other foods to form a complete balanced diet. During their first month, kittens feed on their mother's milk. After the first month, they can be fed dry food specially designed for kittens. In other words, as soon as the kittens are weaned, they can be given grain-free dry food for kittens. However, certain feeding practices are recommended. For example, it is advisable to vary the diet until the age of six months by offering fresh or canned food as well as kibble. Where do I buy grain-free food for my cat? In the UK, thousands of cat owners trust Lifelong because the food is affordable, available and the best bulk option with dry and wet options. Also, a complete and balanced diet for every breed of cats and kittens.

There is some debate regarding whether one is better than the other. The BVA says 'there's not enough evidence to recommend one over the other, there are advantages to both. A vet will be able to recommend the most suitable diet.' Raw pet food has become more popular over the past few years (particularly for dogs), but experts don't generally recommend it, particularly DIY versions. Wet cat foods are very popular and are generally very appetising to cats. However, they are more expensive as the recommended feeding amounts are generally higher. In our member survey, 92% of cat owners said they feed a dry diet. Owners who feed their cat wet food should also monitor their pet's teeth, as wet foods tend to predispose them to dental disease.Cats choose their food based on smell, texture and how they feel once they start to digest it. They also like to 'graze' eating small amounts throughout the day, so it's best to leave food out for them (unless they are eating too much and putting on weight). Any commercially manufactured pet food in the UK labelled 'complete' that meets PFMA (Pet Food Manufacturing Association) guidelines will contain all the nutritional requirements for your pet. Justine Shotton of the BVA told us there is a risk of nutritional deficiencies with feeding raw food (eg low taurine in cats or high vitamin A), and risks associated with handling raw meats – both for pets and members of the household.

Dry foods are usually the most economical and easiest for you to feed and store. Dry cat food can be left out all day for your cat to nibble on and is beneficial for their teeth and gums. What's key is the amount you feed your furry companion, as pet obesity is rapidly on the rise. The most common food intolerances appear to be colourings, sugars, wheat, milk and soya. Obviously not all pets are sensitive to these things, but if the effects keep re-occurring it’s best to consult your vet. My cat's not eatingCommon symptoms include, lethargy, aggressive or hyperactive behaviour, chronic skin and ear problems, slime and jelly being passed with the stools, and flatulence, bloating and weight gain or loss. Which? customer scores are based on how satisfied customers are with the brand overall, and whether or not they’d recommend it if asked. Though, Justine Shotton, BVA President, does say that diets 'should be adapted to the cat's lifestyle, age, breed and any health conditions.' So it's worth speaking to a vet when you get a new cat. Cat food brands rated by customers Perhaps another animal or a new baby has been introduced to the family? Or you've recently bought a bowl or changed their feeding area? If a cat’s surroundings change suddenly, this can cause behaviour like going off their food. Give your cat a quiet, comfortable place to eat, away from noise and distraction if possible. Some manufacturers produce frozen and freeze-dried raw cat food in both complete and complementary varieties, and the PFMA states that commercially prepared raw cat food marked as ‘complete’ has been formulated to provide the nutritional balance a cat needs in its daily diet, so if you are keen to switch, this is a safer bet.

Lifelong gives a premium feel when you open it and the foods stored are beautiful with different tastes and flavors. Want more detail on how popular cat food brands compare? See our dedicated guides to Royal Canin, Purina One, Iams, James Wellbeloved and Whiskas cat food. Best cheap cat food Cats are hyper-carnivores, which means that they feed largely on animal proteins. Cereal-free cat food is the closest thing to a natural cat diet. It contains a high level of animal protein and provides a sufficient supply of amino acids, which are essential for your cat's vitality and maintaining muscle mass. It also has small amounts of vegetables and special nutrients that aid digestion. Well, known cat parents judge what their cat wants in food. So, it is good to try Lifelong cat food after analyzing ingredients, quality, and price. We recommend Lifelong cat food because it’s quite better than other cat food brands that are made with poor and harmful ingredients. Also, the best bulk option for your cat. Lifelong Complete Cat Food Review – mixed in jelly selection To find out which are the best and worst cat food brands, in November 2021 we surveyed 3,122 Which? members who'd bought pet food recently and asked about their experiences with their chosen brand.If you are considering changing your cat's diet, it is important to take a step-by-step approach to avoid the digestive problems that might occur during the transition, such as diarrhoea. You should create a transition phase between your cat's old food and their new grain-free kibble. Be patient, as this transition will take several weeks. We recommend mixing the old kibble with the new grain-free dry cat food, gradually increasing the proportion of the new one. On the first day, your cat's bowl should have 80% old kibble and 20% new one. Increase the amount of the new food every day until it completely replaces the old kibble. At what age can I start giving grain-free kibble to my cat?