Best Grain Free Cat Food

Grain free cat food is definitely beneficial for your cat’s health, and the best grain free cat food should contain high-quality ingredients and be prepared under the strictest sanitary conditions.

Cat foods without grains and gluten are one of the best options that can offer all these benefits and much more. Grains can upset your cat’s stomach and may trigger allergic reactions because cats are essentially carnivores and need protein more than carbohydrates. Hence, it is important to have a full understanding of the nutritional needs of your feline. Grain-free cat foods are formulated specially to fulfill the cat’s dietary needs and are among best cat food types out there.

But given the wide range of grain-free cats foods available nowadays, shopping for cat food could become challenging. However, we have reviewed the best-selling grain-free canned cat food and dry cat food to make it easier for you to decide. With extreme hard work and research, here is a comprehensive guide to the best grain-free and gluten-free cat food brands and tips on how to select the right food for your cat.

How Do We Review Grain Free Dry Cat Foods?

Extensive research and hand-on testing are the foundation of our reviews. We have had cats that couldn’t digest grains easily which made us look for alternatives to generic products found in convenience stores. We carefully selected the best cat food without grains. Before giving them to our cats, this is what we checked first. Same criteria we have applied to our list of recommended grain-free cat foods.

First, we check ingredients and nutritional value:

An important aspect to check out in grain-free cat foods is the lineup of ingredients. What sort of animal protein sources are used, and how much complete protein does the food offers. Also, are there any such components that may trigger allergies or upset the sensitive digestive system of cats? Moreover, kittens and adult cats both have starkly different nutritional needs. Nutritional value can also indicate how far the food can help in preventing or treating problems like dry skin or hairballs.

We check macronutrients of grain free cat food: 

Macronutrients refer to carbs, fat, and the most significant ingredient in grain-free cat food, protein. Research suggests that cats must be fed a high-protein diet, where protein level should be at least 35 to 45% of their overall calorie intake. Conversely, there mustn’t be a high proportion of carbs, and around 15 to 20% of your cat’s calories should come from fat. Find more information about optimum cat nutrition and best cat food out there. Usually, the guaranteed analysis on the grain-free cat food packaging may not fully align with these percentages but may inform you of the minimum and maximum values of these micronutrients per serving. Ideally, good cat foods without grains must have at least 2-2.5 times higher protein content than fat and minimum carbohydrates, which will be indicated as “fiber” on the guaranteed analysis.

For cats which have issues digesting common animal protein levels, check out novel protein cat food.

Moisture Content for Canned Grain Free Cat Food:

Cats need moisture in their food, unless you feed them dry cat food and provide water on the side. Moisture content is important to keep them well hydrated, and pet owners must ensure that cat food contains enough water. That’s why moisture content was one of the factors we examined while determining the best grain-free cat foods for this guide. Obviously dry grain free cat food is handled differently.

We go into greater detail of each of reviewed grain free cat food product below. We also explain once more what to look for on the packaging so you can recognize good products no matter where you are or which brand you want to buy.

Do Cats Need Grain-Free Cat Food?

It is difficult to categorically claim that all cats do or don’t need a grain-free diet. It is the best diet option for cats that are allergic to specific types of grains or find it difficult to digest grains. Cats with food/grain allergies are not something seen too often, but here are some ways to recognize issues with grains. Please take your cat to a vet if it experiences any of these.

Cats Foods With Grains can cause:

• flatulence
• allergic reactions
• vomiting
• chronic diarrhea
• itchy skin
• loose stool
• cracked paw beans
• weight loss
• excessive grooming and scratching
• rashes
• hair loss
• excessive ear wax
• coughing.

Cat foods with grains can cause allergic reactions in some cats causing them to throw up. Usually, this happens because the cat’s stomach cannot digest carbohydrates quickly or efficiently. 

Grain allergies are quite common in cats, which may lead to other health conditions like chronic diarrhea or itchy skin. A grain-free diet helps in preventing food allergies and offers the cat the necessary dose of animal protein. Grain-free cat food can reduce any accompanying issues of hyperthyroidism as well. In case your cat is very gassy, we have prepared a list of best cat foods for gassy cats, which is also grain free, low in carbs and low in fiber.

Why going low carb – grain free makes sense nutritionally?

Cats are meat-eaters or carnivores, unlike dogs that are omnivores, which means they can survive on both plants and meat. Hence, cats require more protein in their diet than dogs. Cats, like many other mammals, use a large proportion of their consumed protein for body maintenance and energy source. This is why kittens need at least 1.5 times more protein than adult cats.

Moreover, cats don’t only need just any protein but also specific amino acids like Taurine, which are found in animal muscle. Amino acids like Taurine are critical for the health and wellbeing of cats; otherwise, it may develop heart or liver diseases. Plant sources or grains cannot provide these specific amino acids. Therefore, cats don’t need as many grains or greens as dogs generally do.

Find cat food with taurine to improve amino acid profile of your cat’s diet.

You must feed your feline, a low-carb and high-protein diet. It is not necessary to accomplish this through a grain-free diet only. However, cat food without grains have considerably lower amount of carbohydrates, and that’s why these are an ideal choice. You don’t need to worry about measuring ingredients or keeping track of food labels because grain-free foods are already well-balanced and offer all necessary nutrients. All cat foods without grains we recommend conform to AAFCO guidelines for best cat food and a lot of them are also high calorie cat food.

Best Grain Free Cat Food Brands:

Nature’s Variety:

Nature’s Variety is a renowned pet food company owned by the Barcelona, Spain-based Argolimen. It is a natural and raw pet food manufacturing brand. Nature’s Variety Instinct cat food is one of the best grain-free and gluten free cat food brands in the US.

All the products of the Instinct range, which include freeze-dried and frozen raw foods, are manufactured in Lincoln, Nebraska. The company is headquartered I St. Louis, Missouri, and offers eight cat food product ranges. Instinct Wet is the company’s signature wet food range, while Instinct Ultimate Protein, Limited Ingredient Diet, and Original and its dry cat food ranges.

Beyond:

Nestlé Purina Petcare-owned Beyond emphasizes on using natural ingredients and traceability in its products. Purina introduced Beyond to meet the growing demand for natural cat foods made from simple and few ingredients.

Purina needs no introduction as the company was established back in 1894 and has remained the global pet food industry leader for a long time. Apart from Beyond, Purina owns other pet food brands, including Fancy Feast, Friskies, Muse, and Kit & Kaboodle. The company operates from St. Louis, Missouri.

Blue Buffalo:

Established in 2002 by Bill Bishop, Blue Buffalo is a world-famous pet food brand. It mostly produces natural and healthy food for cats and dogs with targeted formulas to meet your pet’s nutritional needs at different stages of life. All of its recipes use natural ingredients, including real meat, vegetables, and fruits.

Blue Buffalo emphasizes on using premium-quality ingredients in all of its products and refrains from using animal by-products. Moreover, it enhances the meal’s nutritional value by adding essential minerals and vitamins to offer a well-balanced diet.

Nom Nom:

Founded in 2015 by brothers Zach Phillips and Nate, Alexandria Jarrell, and Wenzhe Gao, Nom Nom is a subscription-based pet food delivery service. Nom Nom has achieved tremendous popularity within America with its fantastic range of customised meals and doorstep delivery facility. Nom nom is also human grade cat food brand, however we couldn’t get proper delivery of their products to review them yet. We did however find other products which are “fit for humans”, so check the linked article.

The company boasts about providing restaurant-quality food for your pet using human-grade ingredients. It started offering cat food recipes since 2018. Its recipes are prepared in small batches in an FDA-compliant kitchen under the supervision of a board-certified nutritionist and vet professor at the University of Florida’s College of Veterinary Medicine, Dr. Justin Shmalberg. Nom Nom is based in California.

Nutro:

Nutro offers a premium yet affordable range of cat foods. John Saleem established the company in 1926 as Nutro Products in Industry, California. From 1976, the company started offering an extensive range of cat food, including Nutro Max.

It became a subsidiary of Mars Inc., in 2007 and started distributing its products worldwide. Currently, it is headquartered in Franklin, Tennessee. The company proudly claims to produce all-natural pet foods without using artificial additives or chemicals.

Nutro offers grain-free cat foods for kittens, adults, and senior cats. It also provides specialized cat foods to tackle food sensitivity, hairball control, and weight management issues.

Natural Balance:

Founded in 1989 with the sole mission to provide pet owners with the finest quality pet food, Natural Balance has been producing foods based on nutritional facts and scientific principles. It offers an extensive range of premium-quality dog and pet foods that top trainers and vets have regarded as top-of-the-line dietary options for pets. Natural Balance produces organic and filler-free foods for pets, which is why the company markets its products as “Food for a Lifetime.”

What is the best grain free cat food?

Here are our top pics for the grain free cat food, based on our nutritional criteria and our cats’ reactions. If you want to find out more about each of the products, please go to the grain free cat food reviews section where we dig deeper in ingredients list and guaranteed analysis.

1. Blue Buffalo Wilderness High Protein Grain Free Adult Dry Cat Food
2. Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Diets Dry Cat Food
3. Purina Beyond Grain Free Adult Wet Cat Food
4. Blue Buffalo Wilderness High Protein Grain Free Dry Kitten Food
5. Nom Nom Chicken Chow Meow
6. Instinct Original Grain Free Recipe Natural Dry Cat Food
7. Instinct Grain Free Recipe Natural Wet Canned Cat Food
8. NUTRO Grain Free Adult Natural Dry Cat Food
9. Purina Cat Chow Naturals Grain Free Adult Dry Cat Food
10. Wellness CORE Natural Grain Free Wet Canned Cat Food

How to Recognize The Best Grain Free Cat Food

Whether you are looking for grain-free kitten food or adult cat food, there are certain features that you must consider when purchasing food for your beloved feline. Here is a brief overview of the main features you must check out:

1. The product clearly states it is GRAIN-FREE

Obviously the name should state that it’s a grain free food, but you can always verify the ingredients list and check if there are grains such as wheat or oats. Grain free food for a cat should obviously not contain these ingredients and this needs to be stated and verified. Best products will make this very clear on the packaging.

2. Protein Source

We cannot stress more on checking out the quality and source of protein used in the preparation of grain free cat food. Look for real meat, poultry, or fish as the main protein source. Moreover, meat should be the primary source of protein in grain-free cat food.

3. No Additives or Chemicals

Best grain-free cat food would never contain any artificial flavor enhancers, preservatives, colors, or chemicals since such ingredients can adversely affect your feline’s health.

4. Fillers-free

Just like artificial enhancers, grain-free cat food should not contain filler grains like corn, soy, or wheat. Additionally, it should be free of soybean meal, meat, poultry, or fish by-products.

5. Balanced Nutrition Profile

Grain-free cat food must offer balanced and complete nutrition. This means it should offer an optimal mix of carbohydrates, proteins, fats, essential vitamins, nutrients, and minerals, preferably after AAFCO guidelines as all the products we recommend are.

For high quality low carb cat food alternative try freeze dried cat food which contains almost exclusively best meat sources.

Is Cat Food Without Grains Nutritious Enough?

Many pet owners want to know what is the best grain free cat food. Well, it all depends on the kind and quality of ingredients used in the preparation of cat food. A study published in the Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery compared some ingredients and nutrients used in both grain-containing and grain-free cat foods. They reviewed 77 dry cat diets out of which 42 diets contained grain and 35 were grain-free. Here are the findings of the research:

The amount of carbohydrates was considerably low in the average grain-free diet than the average grain-containing diet.

Poultry (chicken, duck, turkey) fish, and egg were the most commonly preferred animal protein sources in both type of diets.

Peas, carrot, cranberries, and potato were common plant-sourced ingredients in grain-free foods while rice and oats, both of which are high in carbs, were the main plant sources in grain-containing foods.

Both type of diets offered similar number of calories – meaning they have similar nutritional value, however these are not same nutritional profiles. It is better if your cat gets calories from protein, rather than grains, so even with same calories, grain free offers better mix of macronutrients.

Is Grain Free Food For Cats Also Gluten-free And Low Carb?

Yes and no. Sometimes the ingredients list will show that product does contain grains. We have found “grain free” products which have included barley or oats. Obviously we skipped those when recommending grain-free cat food to our visitors. In some instances other types of carbs replace grains so the cat food isn’t so low on carbohydrates as expected. This is why one has to thoroughly check ingredients before buying, ir just check our low carb cat food page.

Cats don’t need to avoid gluten, the kind of ingredients included in grain-free diets, especially meat and fish, make it gluten-free most of the time, but not guaranteed. After all, even though it is not found in meat products, gluten is a protein and not carbohydrate.

Can Cats Digest Grains?

Many carbs can create problems for some cats. Grain allergies are one of the issues. Some problems don’t have true source discovered yet, such as chronic idiopathic gastrointestinal issues. In these situations it makes sense to try changing food patterns to see if grain-free food for cats can help. We assume this is why you are searching for grain-free option. Here are some things that impact cat’s carbohydrate digestion rate.

Cats Age Impacts Carbohydrates Digestion

Age is an important factor that affect your cat’s ability to digest carbs. Age-specific changes usually affect enzyme and lactase activities, which are generally the highest in kittens and lowest in older cats. On the other hand, pancreatic amylase activities increase as the cat grows older. So, we can assume that even in otherwise healthy cats, carbohydrate digestibility usually decreases with age.

Different Cat Breeds

There are breeds-related differences in metabolic pathways, which impact the carb digestibility in cats.

Type or Source of the Carbs:

Additionally, carbs or starch digestibility is affected by the type, source and processing degree of the carbohydrates, such as the amount and type of non-absorbable carbohydrate, e.g., fiber, in the diet will impact the cat’s post-prandial glycemic response.

If there are fermentable, highly soluble fiber content present in the cat’s food, it will slow down the carbohydrate absorption and digestion process. Undigested and resistant starches can further be fermented by intestinal bacteria and contribute to clinical symptoms of bacterial overgrowth. Malabsorption and maldigestion of dietary starch can cause inflammatory bowel disease.

Are Grain-free Cat Foods High in Protein?

By definition grain free cat food should be high in protein, however, as mentioned, one has to always check the guaranteed analysis and see before buying. Fillers or other, non-grain type of carbs might be reducing the share of meat, which also reduces the share of protein.

Protein is a significant part of a cat’s diet because it is felines’ primary energy source. As per the PetMD survey, around 57 % of cat parents aren’t aware of their pet’s fundamental dietary requirements.

Cats, however, need protein from animal sources. It doesn’t mean that their system cannot process plant-based protein. However, they need to consume meat to obtain all essential amino acids, e.g., taurine, arachidonic acid and vitamin A and B12, which aren’t adequately available in plant-based foods. Amino acids deficiency can lead to heart and liver diseases, which could be detrimental to the kitty’s well-being.

Wet grain free canned cat food and dry cat food are an excellent dietary choice for cats because they offer a balanced mix of animal and plant-based proteins. If you feed your cat a grain-free, low-carb diet, you won’t be compromising upon anything as they will receive a wholesome diet.

Pros and Cons of Grain Free Diet for Cats

Let’s have a look at the main pros and cons of grain-free cat food:

Grain Free Cat Food – Pros

• Reduces Allergies:

Cats suffering from grain allergies benefit the most from food without grains. It can make a massive difference in the overall health of your pet, as they will be more energetic and happier. Moreover, they will be able to keep the food down and attain the ideal body weight.

• Easy Digestion = Longer Lifespan:

Feeding your cat foods that are easy to digest is good for their wellbeing. Grain-free cat foods offer the right blend of vital nutrients and get digested easily, so they don’t vomit it out or develop vitamin or nutritional deficiencies. A balanced diet can eliminate a lot of health problems, and your feline friend will be able to live longer.

Grain Free Food For Cats – Cons

• Cost

The best no grain cat food obviously comes with a high price tag. Grain-free food is made with high-grade ingredients and mostly contain expensive meat products. Therefore, they are slightly pricier than regular cat foods,

• Sometimes too much carbs

This is the reason why we started reviewing grain-free cat foods. We noticed that many of them still had certain grains included or even worse, fillers and other carbohydrates like peas and sweet potatoes were making a large chunk of the total weight, lowering the nutritional benefits. To avoid this make sure to check the ingredients list on the product, or buy the products we reviewed below.

There are so many grain-free foods available that it becomes difficult for pet owners to make the right selection. All foods contain different ingredients, and none offers similar nutrients or benefits. Therefore, without extensive research and understanding of your cat’s specific nutritional needs, you cannot always easily pick the right grain-free food.

Best Grain Free Cat Food Reviews

Best Grain Free Dry Cat Food:

Blue Buffalo Wilderness High Protein Grain Free Adult Dry Cat Food

Blue Buffalo Wilderness is one of the company’s best adult cat food ranges currently available in the market. The company is well-known for creating highly nutritious recipes for the grown-up feline. This food is no exception. It contains easy-to-digest protein and is 100% grain-free. The share of other carbs is low, too.

Blue Buffalo products are manufactured in North America under stringent quality control measures and follow all recognized hygiene standards. We really liked how Blue Buffalo has mixed proteins, antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and Omega fatty acids in a single food to offer your feline complete meal. It is free from artificial flavorings or colors and doesn’t even contain poultry by-product meals, which is another amazing aspect of this product.

Main Ingredients:

• Deboned Chicken
• Chicken Meal
• Menhaden Fish Meal (rich in Omega 3 Fatty Acids)
• Chicken Fat (preserved with Mixed Tocopherols)
• Dried Egg Product
• Flaxseed (rich in Omega 6 Fatty Acids)
• Potatoes and Sweet Potatoes
• Carrots
• Vegetable Juice for color
• Yucca Schidigera Extract

Guaranteed Analysis:

• Crude Protein: 38% min
• Crude Fiber: 5% min
• Crude Fat: 16% min
• Moisture: 9% max

Pros

• It is a 100% all-natural, grain-free food.
• Suits cats of all ages from young kittens to adult feline.
• Available in many different flavors.
• Offers balanced daily nutrition for the cat.
• Contains sweet potatoes as a source of complex carbohydrates.

Cons

• If you don’t balance this food with wet food and other supplemental diets, it may make your cat vulnerable to the risk of bladder stones.

Cheapest Grain Free Dry Cat Food:

Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Diets Dry Cat Food

(Green Pea and Duck Formula)

We have selected this food because it offers wholesome nutrition to adult cats without using a variety of meat sources to extract protein. Since it is the limited ingredient range, a single animal protein source is used to create recipes.

The green pea and duck formula contains duck as its primary and only protein source. It is an ideal food for grown-up cats because it is designed to aid healthy digestion and promote healthier skin and coat.

This grain-free food contains a balanced mix of two primary sources of carbohydrates and one animal protein source, which offers essential minerals, fiber, and vitamins. Cats with sensitive stomachs can digest it more easily as there are just a few ingredients.

Duck is always a hit with cats, and the addition of taurine, omegas, and essential nutrients allows your pet to consume a balanced diet without compromising on the flavor. Another great thing is that this product is 100% grain-free and free from artificial flavoring, color, or preservatives.

Main Ingredients:

• Green Peas
• Duck
• Canola Oil and Salmon Oil (Preserved with Mixed Tocopherols)
• Flaxseed

Guaranteed Analysis

• Crude Protein: 37.0%
• Omega-3 Fatty Acids: 0.30%
• Omega-6 Fatty Acids: 1.0%
• Moisture (Max.):10.0%
• Taurine: 0.15%

Pros:

• Price
• Complete and well-balanced meal for adult feline.
• Supports coat and skin health.
• Contains single animal protein source and free from wheat, potatoes, soy, and corn.
• Excellent for cats with sensitive tummies, allergies, or food sensitivities.
• It doesn’t have the common allergenic protein ingredients like beef and chicken and contains duck and pea protein.
• Contains Salmon oil, which is a great source of Omega-3 Fatty Acids.

Cons:

• It has a higher proportion of plant protein from different sources.
• Its carbohydrate content is higher than other foods we tested

Best Grain Free Wet Cat Food:

Purina Beyond Grain Free Adult Wet Cat Food

Purina Beyond Grain Free wet cat food has the goodness of natural vegetable fiber, which helps in preventing or controlling hairballs formation. It’s a high-quality wet cat food offering balance and complete daily nutrition for grown-up cats.

This food doesn’t contain any grains and is fully gluten-free as there are no traces of corn, soy, wheat, or poultry by-product meal. Purina Beyond is a trusted brand in grain-free cat foods, as the company guarantees to avoid using artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives in any of its recipes.

Main Ingredients:

• Chicken
• Liver
• Chicken Broth
• Fish
• Sweet Potatoes
• Carrots
• Egg Product
• Taurine
• Vitamins A, B12, D3, and E Supplement

Guaranteed Analysis:

• Crude Protein: 10% min
• Crude Fiber: 1.5% min
• Crude Fat: 5% min
• Moisture: 78% max

Pros

• Excellent source of natural vegetable fiber.
• Rich in protein as it contains deboned chicken.
• Doesn’t contain artificial flavors or preservatives.
• Offers controlled proportion of phosphorus per serving, which reduces the risk of kidney disease.
• Amazing texture that cats love to consume.
• Can reduce the likelihood of IBD and IBS in some cats.
• (Our) cats love the texture.
• Reasonable price.

Cons:

• We received a few damaged packages, we are not sure if this is a manufacturing or postal service error. Thankfully our provider has generous return and cancel policy in these situations
• Not for picky eaters if you buy in bulk – leftover food gets too thick and requires water or broth to be mixed to fix the taste.

Best Grain Free Kitten Food

Blue Buffalo Wilderness High Protein Grain Free Dry Kitten Food

Blue Buffalo Wilderness high-protein grain-free dry kitten food is an excellent meal for growing cats. It is stacked with an amazing lineup of nutritious ingredients clinically proven to promote the wholesome development of kittens.

We loved this dry kitten food primarily because it has a balanced mix of premium-quality protein, complex carbohydrates, and fat, offering optimal nutritional value per serving. Furthermore, the food contains a unique blend of vitamins, antioxidants, and minerals that support your kitty’s health.

It is 100% grain-free cat food and doesn’t contain any poultry by-products, wheat, corn, soy, or artificial flavors/preservatives. Its quality is top-notch and surpasses many other brands offering similar products. Blue Wilderness high-protein dry cat food is inspired by the legendary hunter lynx’s diet and offers a healthy dose of delicious meats that cats will instantly like.

Main Ingredients:

• Deboned Chicken
• Chicken + Turkey Meal
• Tapioca Starch
• Chicken Fat
• Menhaden Fish Meal (for Omega 3 Fatty Acids)
• Flaxseed (for Omega 3 and 6 Fatty Acids)
• Pea Protein
• Potatoes
• Fish Oil (for DHA-Docosahexaenoic Acid and ARA-Arachidonic Acid)
• Nicotinic Acid (Vitamin B3)
• Vitamin A, E Supplement
• Riboflavin (Vitamin B2)

Guaranteed Analysis:

• Protein: 40.0 %
• Fat: 20.0 % (min)
• Fiber: 3.5 % (min)
• Taurine 0.2 % Min
• Moisture 9.0 % (max)

Pros and Cons:

Pros:

• It is formulated specially to meet the nutritional needs of growing kittens.
• The formula’s nutritional value is further enhanced with the addition of minerals, antioxidants, and vitamins.
• It doesn’t contain any additives, artificial flavors, or preservatives, and is free of poultry by-product meals.
• Excellent source of fiber.
• Comes in 12lbs. package.
• High-quality chicken cuts are used in this food.
• Stacked with vital nutrients to support firmer skin and healthier coat.

Cons:

• It is a little bit on the expensive side.
• Available in the USA only.

Best Grain-Free Cat Food Delivery Service:

Nom Nom Chicken Chow Meow

Nom Nom Chicken Chow Meow is one of the finest-quality, grain-free cat food listed on this guide. We couldn’t resist including it on our list simply because it offers an ultra-convenient way to feed grain-free food to your cat.

It is not a specific product but a cat food delivery service. Nom Nom delivers homemade-style grain-free cat food right at your door. Interested customers can choose between a weekly and monthly food delivery schedule, as per their convenience.

Nom Nom’s chicken formula contains chicken thigh, liver, and breast, and offers a healthy dose of protein. It also contains small amounts of vegetables and fruits. The best thing, in our opinion, is that all the ingredients are human-grade and nominally processed.

Moreover, Nom Nom prepares its recipes in human-grade kitchens, which are designed exclusively for the preparation of fresh pet food. However, they only offer two meal recipes for the feline, which we believe is the only downside of this service.

Main Ingredients:

• Chicken thigh, breast and liver
• Asparagus
• Carrot
• Spinach
• Cantaloupe

Guaranteed Analysis:

• Crude Protein: 18% min (66% of dry mass)
• Crude Fiber: 0.8% min (2% of dry mass)
• Crude Fat: 4% min (15% of dry mass)
• Moisture: 73% max

Pros:

• An excellent high protein low-carb, high-moisture food.
• It is human-grade food made from highly-digestible protein.
• Pre-portioned meals conveniently shipped at your doorstep.
• Made freshly using all-natural ingredients.
• Two different protein-rich recipes for your feline.
• Free from artificial flavors, preservatives, or grains.
• Packaging is fully recyclable.
• An exclusive 30-day money back guaranteed offered to every customer.

Cons:

• It is quite expensive.
• Just two recipes available.
• Not always practical because meals need to be refrigerated.

Best Grain Free Dry Cat Food Recipe

Instinct Original Grain Free Recipe Natural Dry Cat Food (Chicken)

Instinct Original grain-free recipe contains 81% real animal ingredients, while the remaining 19% are utilized with vegetables and fruits. This amazing recipe offers the goodness of nutritious oils and is free from any kind of artificial colors, flavorings, enhancers, or preservatives.

Most kitties would love its meaty flavor as it is made with real chicken and is an excellent meal option for felines having sensitive stomachs. You won’t have to deal with issues like upset tummy or throwing up, which generally happens with cats with digestion issues because they can keep it down. Since it doesn’t contain grains, it never triggers allergic reactions. 

We found it to be a wholesome food that comprises a healthy mix of chicken, chicken meal, menhaden fish meal, and turkey meal and doesn’t contain more starches and legumes. That’s why it is one of the best low-carb, grain-free cat foods on this list.

Chicken is its primary source of fat, and tapioca serves as the secondary binder. Moreover, it is enhanced with a well-balanced proportion of live, natural probiotics, which your feline can get around 3.5 million CFU per serving.

Main Ingredients:

• Chicken
• Chicken Meal
• Turkey Meal
• Menhaden Fish Meal
• Peas
• Chicken Fat
• Tapioca
• Natural Flavor
• Dried Tomato Pomace
• White Fish Meal (Pacific Whiting, Pacific Sole, Pacific Rockfish)
• Carrots
• Apples
• Cranberries
• Taurine
• Freeze Dried Chicken Liver
• Freeze Dried Chicken Heart

Guaranteed Analysis:

• Crude Protein: 43% min
• Fiber: 3.0% max
• Crude Fat: 19.5% min
• Moisture: 9.0% max

Pros:

• Real chicken recipe is excellent for the sensitive stomachs of your kitty.
• Made with finest quality ingredients, it is completely safe and nutritious for the cat.
• It doesn’t contain any artificial flavors and preservatives.
• 100% grain free and free from fillers like soy, potatoes, and corn.
• Cats receive 81% animal ingredients along with nutritional oils.

Cons:

• Costly
• Too much fruit content in our opinion

Best Grain Free Canned Cat Food:

Instinct Grain Free Recipe Natural Wet Canned Cat Food (Chicken Recipe)

Nature’s Variety Instinct range offers food formulated to mimic your feline’s ancestral diet with the added benefits of all the necessary vitamins and minerals. It is a high-protein, 100% gluten-free, and grain-free meal for your cat.

Nature’s Variety is known for offering well-balanced formulas with wholesome cat-friendly foods that they are naturally inclined to eat. Such as it contains real meat, poultry as well as healthy fibers. Its unusual combination of fruits, vegetables, and real meat creates a delectable pate texture.

This recipe is amazing for kittens as its high-protein content supports the nutritional requirements of growing kittens. With real chicken, this wet canned food is tasteful and helps the cat develop strong and leaner muscles.

The inclusion of natural DHS supports the kitty’s eye and brain development while it is a healthy meal since it doesn’t contain artificial preservatives, enhancers, or grains like corn, potatoes, or soy. You can confidently feed it to your young kitty as it provides complete nutrition with each serving.

Main Ingredients:

• Chicken
•  Turkey
• Chicken Liver
• Chicken Broth
• Ground Flaxseed
• Egg Product
• Peas
• Carrots
• Minerals (Iron Proteinate, Copper Proteinate, Zinc Proteinate, Manganese Proteinate, Potassium Iodide, Sodium Selenite)

Guaranteed Analysis:

• Crude Protein: 10% min (50% of dry weight)
• Crude Fiber: 3% min (15% of dry weight)
• Crude Fat: 7.5% min (35% of dry weight)
• Moisture: 78% max

Pros:

• It is rich in fiber and proteins as it contains 95% meat ingredients, including chicken, liver, and turkey, and 5% vegetable.
• Made with all-natural ingredients.
• Excellent source of vital nutrients, vitamins and minerals.
• Contains healthy Omega Fatty Acids and high moisture levels.
• The food is prepared with premium-quality ingredients, which is why it is of the same quality as raw food.
• Supports maximum digestibility.

Cons:

• We found it to be slightly expensive than other products on our list.
• This recipe offers limited number of protein options, and contains more common proteins that could trigger food allergies in cats.

Best Grain Free Cat Food Tray Pack

Nutro Perfect Portions Grain-Free Cuts (Chicken Recipe Adult Cat Food Tray)

Nutro is a brand you can always trust for perfectly prepared cat food recipes. If you want to feed your cat real meat without the mess of cans, the Nutro Perfect Portions Grain-Free Cuts in Gravy variety pack is your best bet.

This package contains three meat varieties, tuna, chicken, and beef. It provides all the necessary nutrition without compromising on the taste. Nutro’s delicious meat recipes are prepared in sauces featuring high-quality protein, vitamins and minerals, and other vital ingredients.

The tray contains 24 twin packets, which means you get 48 servings in three different meat types. Unlike canned cat foods, Nutro has introduced a snap-and-peel package that is easy to open and portioned ideally to serve one proper meal to your cat.

The recipes are free from wheat, soy protein, or chicken by-products. That’s why we think it is worthy of featuring on this list.

Ingredients

• Chicken Broth
• Chicken
• Chicken Liver
• Tapioca Starch
• Potassium Chloride
• Sunflower Oil
• Dried Tomatoes
• Taurine
• Folic Acid

Guaranteed Analysis:

• Crude Protein: 7.0% min (39% of dry mass)
• Crude Fiber: 1.0% max (5.5% of dry mass)
• Crude Fat: 3.5% min (20% of dry mass)
• Moisture: 82.0% max
• Taurine: 0.06% min

Pros:

• Three delectable recipes providing wholesome nutrition with variety of meat options.
• Nutrient-rich wet grain free cat food offered in hassle-free packaging.
• Food stays fresh and fragrant with amazing new tray packaging.
• High-quality ingredients sourced from trusted farmers.
• 100% grain-free and free from artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives.

Cons:

• Many buyers complain about the small portions and containers. Each container is divided into two meal portions, which pet parents have found to be insufficient quantity of food.
• The containers are hard to open as you have to pull it back, which someone with arthritis may find it a challenge to open.

Best Adult Dry Cat Food:

Purina Cat Chow Naturals Grain Free Adult Dry Cat Food

Purina Cat Chow dry food is among the best adult dry cat foods in the market currently. This 100% grain-free dry cat food offers balanced nutrition for the grown-up feline. It is made with real chicken and is free of artificial flavorings, colors, or preservatives. 

Apart from chicken, it contains 25 essential minerals and vitamins to support your kitty’s overall health. Your furry pal will most certainly like this crunchy, gluten-free kibbles delight that is an excellent source of good quality protein.

It is the ideal food for making your feline’s muscles stronger and to support his or her bodily growth and development. The recipe is formulated for optimal maintenance of adult cats’ ideal body weight.

Its unique, natural taste and availability in different shapes make it the favorite meal of every cat. The presence of Omega-6 fatty acids encourages a healthier coat and skin and helps in avoiding the shedding process. Moreover, a healthier coat protects the cat from skin diseases and harsh weather conditions. In short, it is a complete and balanced meal for adult cats.

Main Ingredients:

• Chicken By-Product Meal
• Cassava Root Flour
• Soy Flour
• Pea Starch
• Chicken
• Pea Protein
• Beef Fat Preserved Naturally with Mixed-Tocopherols
• Lentil Flour
• Canola Meal
• Natural Liver Flavor
• Dried Yeas

Guaranteed Analysis:

• Crude Protein: 38.0% min
• Crude Fiber: 3.0% max
• Crude Fat: 13.0% min
• Moisture: 12.0% max
• Taurine: 0.18% min

Pros:

• Offers 25 essential vitamins and minerals
• Very palatable and digestible cat food.
• Promotes healthier coat and skin with the presence of Omega-3 fatty acids.

Cons:

• Some cats may not like the flavor or recipe.
• It is only good as an adult cat food.

Cheapest Grain Free Cat Food

Wellness CORE Natural Grain Free Wet Canned Cat Food

If you are looking for affordable grain free cat food for a grown-up cat, Wellness Core Natural Grain Free Wet Canned food is the right option. It contains high-quality, all-natural ingredients, which are perfect for a full-grown cat.

This food is considered the best option for cats with dry skin problems because this wet can food contains premium-quality protein. In our research, we identified that this is a wholesome meal option for grown-up cats because not only is it an ideal mix of omega-3 fatty acids, greens, potatoes, and botanicals, which support feline health.

You will notice an improvement in your pet’s skin and coat, as it will become healthier. As your cat consumes this satisfying meal, it will be absorbing vital nutrients, vitamins and minerals that will support their immune system. It is an ideal food for adult cats between 1 and 10 years of age.

Main Ingredients:

• Chicken
• Turkey
• Chicken Broth
• Chicken Liver
• Chicken Meal
• Turkey Liver
• Dried Ground Potatoes
• Ground Flaxseed
• Salmon Oil
• Dried Kelp
• Vitamin D3 and B12 Supplement
• Folic Acid

Guaranteed Analysis:

• Crude Protein: 12% min (60% of dry mass)
• Crude Fiber: 0.5% min (2.5% of dry mass)
• Crude Fat: 7% min (35% of dry mass)
• Moisture: 78% max

Pros:

• This food doesn’t contain unhealthy fillers.
• It is 100% grain-free cat food.
• Offers balanced nutrition for adult cats.
• One of the affordable brands in the market.

Cons:

• The packaging is somewhat misleading. The can is bigger in size compared to the weight of food inside.
• Won’t suit younger cats.
• Contains a little bit of fillers

Grain Free Cat Food FAQ