What Is The Best Dry Cat Food in Australia (Recommended by Vets)?
This article is written by Pet Circle Veterinarian, and was last updated by
With so many dietary choices for our feline-friends, how do we know which one is the best for our cats? Grain-free, premium, freeze-dried, air-dried, natural, single-protein... it can become overwhelming! Our vets have written the following guide to help cut through the overwhelm and identify the best cat dry foods that you can choose, to support your cat's health and vitality, and so they can not just survive, but thrive!
Why is choosing the right dry cat food important?
Apart from providing water, shelter and love, food is one of the most important ways you can support your cat's health on a daily basis. Just like for humans, what your cat eats has a major impact on their health. The science of nutrigenomics (that is, how nutrients affect DNA gene expression and thereby health) in pets is showing more and more that the old adage "you are what you eat" is the same for our feline friends just as it is for us.
Many pet-owners choose to feed their cats dry food for a number of reasons. For cats who like to graze on their food throughout the day, dry kibble provides a safer option than wet foods that will spoil more quickly. Dry food can also be fed more easily through automatic feeders to satisfy your kitty's hunger cravings during time alone, or through the night! Dry cat food is also be more beneficial for dental health than wet food, as the mechanical action of crunching through the kibble can help to scrape built up plaque from the teeth. Many cats also just prefer dry food!
- Health conditions: Your treating veterinarian should be your first port of call when it comes to dietary advice is your cat has any underlying diagnosed health conditions. In many cases, there may be prescription diets which are the best option to help manage your cat's condition. For health support, there are a range of non-prescription, therapeutic options to help prevent certain conditions, or support your cat's specific needs.
- Complete and balanced: In choosing a food, the most important consideration after any health factors is that the diet is complete and balanced for your cat's stage of life. Ensuring that it meets AAFCO or FEDIAF pet food control guidelines is crucial to ensure that your cat receives all the nutrients they require in the correct ratios.
- Age: Cats of different ages have very different nutritional requirements. Kittens require energy-dense food which meets their intense growth rates, while senior cats are often less active and have a slower metabolism which means that they require fewer calories and less fat, but an easily digestible diet, to help them maintain good body condition.
- Quality: The quality of the ingredients and the digestibility of the nutrients they provide should be a key factor in choosing a food. Premium cat foods are designed to be highly digestible (which means smaller, firmer stools) and do not change ingredients batch to batch like grocery type brands, which means less tummy upsets. They also tend to contain higher levels of added beneficial nutrients, such as omega fatty acids for joint and skin health, and some are backed by testing to ensure they deliver the results they promise. Learning how to read pet food labels and knowing the ingredients in your cat's food is a crucial part of knowing what is the best food for them.
Results:
- Best for Kittens: Royal Canin Mother and Baby Cat and Vetalogica Kitten
- Best for Indoor Cats: Hills Indoor and Pro Plan Live Clear Indoor
- Best for Sensitive Stomachs: Advance Sensitive Skin and Digestion and Wellness CORE Grain Free Indoor Salmon and Herring Dry Cat Food
- Best for Senior Cats: Hills Senior Varieties and Royal Canin Indoor 7+
- Best for Hairballs: Royal Canin Hairball Care and Purina Pro Plan Indoor Hairball Control
- Best for Weight Loss: Pro Plan Adult Weight Loss and Hills Perfect Weight
- Best Air and Freeze Dried: Feline Natural and Ziwi-Peak
- Best Grain-Free: Open Farm and Wellness CORE
- Best for Urinary Health: Pro Plan Urinary and Royal Canin Urinary
- Best Value for Money: Advance Adult
- Highly palatable, and rehydratable
- Softer kibbles for easier chewing
- Contains a patented complex of antioxidants including vitamin E
- Available in a range of bag sizes - 2kg, 4kg and 10kg
- Specifically formulated for kittens between 1-4 months of age. A different formulation is recommended for kittens from 4 to 12 months of age
- Poultry based diet that may not be suitable for kittens with food intolerances or allergies
- Australian made and owned, using 100% Australian meat and animal ingredients
- High meat proportions to suit a cat's naturally carnivorous tastes
- Highly palatable
- Free from potato, tapioca and pea fibre (considered of little nutritional value)
- Contains a range of different proteins (chicken, duck, tuna and mackerel) which may not suit kittens with intolerances or allergies
- Contains natural fibre and highly digestible ingredients to support digestive health, to reduce stool odour and to make litter box clean-up easier
- Available in a range of bag sizes - 2kg, 4kg and 7kg
- Hills is a premium, high end brand which conducts laboratory analyses of their foods to ensure that they are meeting optimum levels of nutrient, and ensure consistency across batches
- Contains fewer calories to suit the less active lifestyle of an indoor cat
- Not Australian made
- Larger kibble size than many dry cat foods (9.5 x 8.4mm) which may not suit all cats
- Slightly more expensive than other Hills adult cat foods
- Contains a specific protein to bind the common allergen in cats saliva responsible for human allergies
- Decreases allergens by 47% by the 3rd week of daily feeding
- Contains natural fibres to reduce hairball formation
- Has a reduced calorie density, to prevent weight gain in less active indoor cats
- More expensive than other indoor formulations
- Contains chicken as the primary protein source which may not be suitable for cats with food allergies or intolerances
- Contains turkey as a novel, single meat protein
- Contains colostrum and beet pulp to maintain a healthy digestive tract and reduce hairball production
- Contains sodium tripolyphosphate to reduce plaque build up and maintain dental health
- On the less expensive end of the range for sensitive stomach diets for cats
- Made in Australia
- Contains chicken fat which may not suit some cats with food intolerances and allergies
- Available only in 2kg bags
- Contains only fish and salmon as the protein sources
- Fish and salmon are naturally high in omega 3 and 6 fatty acids, which support brain, joint, heart and skin health and function
- Completely grain free to prevent digestive upset in cats sensitive to grains
- Contains Yucca Shidigera extract to reduce stool odour
- Not suitable for cats with intolerances or allergies to fish
- Expensive in comparison to other dry foods
- Not made in Australia
- Available in several formulations to match the age and needs of senior cats
- Contains highly digestible protein and antioxidants to meet the needs of ageing cats
- Super-premium brand which conducts laboratory analyses of their foods to ensure that they are meeting optimum levels of nutrient, and ensure consistency across batches
- Aside from the Hills Science Diet Senior 7+, the Hills senior varieties are only available in smaller bag sizes (max 4kg)
- Not made in Australia
- Contains special blend of dietary fibres (including psyllium) to naturally help stimulate intestinal transit and reduce hairballs
- Proven to reduce hairball formation in 14 days
- Formulated with a balance of minerals to help maintain urinary health
- Available in 2kg and 4kg resealable bags
- Available in a complimentary wet food - Royal Canin Hairball Care Pouches
- Contains chicken - may not be suitable for cats with food allergies or intolerances to chicken
- Not made in Australia
- Features a specialised blend of fibres to help minimise the chance of hairballs
- Controlled calorie content to maintain indoor cats at a healthy body weight
- Contains a special ingredient that reduces litter box odours
- Contains added ingredients for skin and coat health
- Available in 1.5kg, 3kg and 8kg resealable bags
- No complimentary indoor wet food available (closest is Pro Plan Adult Fussy and Beauty Pouches which help promote healthy skin and coat, and limit excess shedding)
- Contains chicken - may not be suitable for cats with food allergies or intolerances to chicken
- Contains 31% less fat than regular adult dry foods, as well as L-carnitine to promote fat metabolism to help with weight control
- Contains only salmon and tuna as the meat protein sources, suiting cats with allergies to other proteins e.g. chicken and beef
- Contains probiotics to support digestive health
- Made in Australia
- Contains whole grain wheat which may not suit some cats
- Available only in smaller bag sizes - 1.5kg and 3kg
- Not as effective for weight loss as prescription weight loss diets
- Available in a range of bag sizes - 1.3kg, 3.17kg, 6.8kg
- Helps change a cat's metabolism from fat storage, to fat burning, while maintaining lean muscle mass
- Suitable for weight management programs in multi-cat households
- 2 varieties of kibble shape in the one bag for variety
- Available in wet form also - Hills Perfect Weight Pouches
- Not made in Australia
- Contains chicken as the primary protein source, which may not suit some cats
- Not as effective for weight loss as prescription weight loss diets
- Made from over 98% meat and organs
- Supplemented with green lipped mussel for joint support, skin and coat health
- Suitable for cats of all life stages
- Easy to store and travel with - 320g pack makes up to 1.3kg of food when rehydrated
- Made using sustainable sourced ingredients
- Alternative to raw feeding, while still retaining the benefits of the raw ingredients
- Expensive in comparison to other dry foods
- Freeze-dried foods may not be as safe from bacterial and parasitic contamination as foods cooked with heat
- Very calorie dense, so may contribute more to weight gain if overfed
- Made from over 96% meat and organs
- Supplemented with green lipped mussel for joint support, skin and coat health
- Suitable for cats of all life stages
- Calorie-dense, so smaller portions of food need to be consumed compared to other cat foods
- Made using sustainable sourced ingredients
- Alternative to raw feeding, while still retaining the benefits of the raw ingredients
- Expensive in comparison to other dry foods
- Air-dried foods may not be as safe from bacterial and parasitic contamination as foods cooked with heat
- Very calorie dense, so may contribute more to weight gain if overfed
- Contains only humanely and sustainably sourced ingredients, with a focus on animal welfare in the production process
- Every ingredient is traceable using the lot code on the packaging
- No grain, corn, wheat or soy in any recipe
- Suitable for all life stages from kittens to seniors
- Packaging can be recycled through the Open Farm Pet Food Bag Recycling Program
- Not made in Australia
- On the more expensive side for dry cat foods
- Fish is used in all the Open Farm dry cat food options, so they would not be suitable for cats with sensitivities to fish
- Only available in 3.6kg bags
- Small kibble size may not suit some cats who like to chew
- Protein-rich, natural food
- Contains omega 3 fatty acids for skin and coat vitality
- Enhanced with probiotics to aid digestive health
- Completely grain free to prevent digestive upset in cats sensitive to grains
- Contains novel protein sources (such as salmon and turkey) making those flavours a good choice for cats with food allergies
- Available in 2.27kg and 4.99kg resealable bags
- Complimentary wet foods available - Tiny Tasters, Simply Shreds and Tender Cuts
- Free from artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives
- Expensive in comparison to other dry foods
- Not made in Australia
- Made in Australia
- Reduced magnesium levels, and ingredients to reduce urine pH help to reduce the risk of urinary issues
- On the cheaper end of the premium non-prescription urinary care foods
- Added omega fatty acids for skin and coat health, and probiotics for digestive health
- Also available in the revolutionary new Live Clear Urinary variety to reduce the allergens in your cat's saliva and thereby reduce human allergies
- Contains chicken as the main ingredient, so may not be suitable for cats with sensitivities to chicken
- Not a suitable alternative for cats with existing urinary issues
- Carefully controlled mineral levels, and ingredients to reduce urine pH help to reduce the risk of urinary issues
- Added omega fatty acids for skin and coat health, and probiotics for digestive health
- Available in 2kg and 4kg bags
- Not a suitable alternative for cats with existing urinary issues
- On the more expensive side for non-prescription urinary food
- Not made in Australia
- Psyllium husk and slippery elm bark to aid in hairball reduction
- Antioxidants to support a strong immune system
- Zinc and linoleic acid for skin and coat health
- Controlled mineral levels and high digestibility to support urinary tract health
- Available in 500g, 3kg, 6kg and 20kg resealable bags
- Available in a complimentary wet food - Advance Adult Pouches
- Made in Australia
- Contains chicken - may not be suitable for cats with food allergies or intolerances to chicken
How We Review Our Products
Our Pet Circle Vet Squad comprises 30 vets with over 120 years of collective, independent veterinary expertise. Our Vet team use their health and husbandry knowledge, along with their own personal and clinical experiences to evaluate each product and provide detailed, informative reviews, free of any commercial bias. We then collate this information into our 'best of' recommendations.
Top Dry Cat Foods in Australia
Best for Kittens
Royal Canin Mother and Baby Dry Food
Pros
Cons
Royal Canin are the experts in age specific nutrition to meet the needs of your cat's particular life stage. For kittens, their dry formulations come in Mother and Babycat food (from weaning to 4 months of age), kitten dry food (from 4 to 12 months of age) and Maine Coon and Persian kitten varieties. All varieties are highly palatable, with a complex of antioxidants and prebiotics to support optimal immune and digestive function, as well as omega fatty acids to support brain development in growing kittens.
The Royal Canin Mother and Baby Cat food is ideal for weaning kittens as it is a softer than normal kibble, and also rehydratable (with warm water or kitten formula) to encourage acceptance by young kittens. It comes in a variety of resealable bag sizes so you can choose, and store, the most suitable size for you and your household!
What our customers say: "My kittens and even largest cats prefer this kibble to any others I've tried so far, and I've tried so many. They prefer the small size and textured shape of the kibble because it's easy to eat. It smells pleasant and doesn't cause overly malodorous droppings. I've tried many other kitten kibbles, which are all too big and hard despite supposedly being designed for kittens. By comparison, Royal Canin mother and babycat is the only kibble I've found so far that is small enough to be suitable for kittens. It's also excellent for cats in convalescence recovering from illness or injury when reintroducing dry solids because of the small and easy to eat kibble size. I really like this product and recommend it as a standard staple daily kibble to be available for any kittens/cats. "
What our vets say: "I really like the Royal Canin range of kitten food. This premium kitten food contains highly digestible nutrients to help support healthy bone and muscle development. It includes an exclusive combination of nutrients to maintain optimal digestive health and stool quality, as well as antioxidants and prebiotics to support your kitten's natural immune defences." - Dr. Teagan
Vetalogica
Pros
Cons
Made in Australia, from locally sourced ingredients, Vetalogica kitten foods provide the nutrition for a strong start to life for your cat. High in protein from meat sources, the Vetalogica Biologically Appropriate kitten food meets the instinctive, carnivorous needs of cats.
The Vetalogica Kitten food is grain free, and free from carbohydrate sources considered to be of little nutritional value. The poultry ingredients are sourced from producers who do not use hormones in the production of their birds.
Available in 3kg and 6kg zip lock bags, you can feel good about feeding your kitten premium food while supporting local producers.
What our customers say: "Yes, it's expensive, but what I figure is that if you make sure your cat has a healthy diet then it's less trips to the vet and they'll have a better quality of life. When I spoke to the RSPCA about their diet recommendations, they said that feeding your cat supermarket brand kibble is basically like eating junk food every day. If you check the ingredients list on Vetalogica, the first few ingredients are meat, not useless carbs or other fillers. I feel happy knowing my kitten is getting a healthy diet but she also seems to love the taste! "
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For more options, see our full list of the Best Kitten Foods
Best for Indoor Cats
Hills Science Diet Adult Indoor Dry Cat Food
Pros
Cons
Formulated with highly digestible ingredients for smaller stools and reduced odour, the Hills Adult Indoor Cat food makes litter box clean up easy, and living with your cat much less smelly!
Indoor cats tend to be much less active than cats who spend some of their time outdoors, so the Hills Adult Indoor cat food contains a lower calorie density, to prevent weight gain and keep your indoor cat looking fit and trim.
The larger kibble size compared to other Hills standard adult cat foods encourages cats to chew their food, which can help with dental health - the mechanical action of crunching through the kibble helps to scrape plaque from the teeth. However, the larger kibble size may not suit all cats.
This food is available in a range of sizes to suit the needs of different households and storage abilities - the bags also feature a zip lock feature to keep the kibble fresh.
What our customers say: "This food is the best! I have 3 very picky eaters. They all love everything Hills and this particular one is fantastic for the litter box - makes for easy clean up and less smell. "
What our vets say: "One of my most recommended diets to support the slow-paced lifestyle of indoor only cats, where obesity is a common yet preventable issue. This formulation is made from high quality ingredients backed by science, including natural fibre to promote digestive health." - Dr. Susie
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Pro Plan Live Clear Adult Indoor Dry Cat Food
Pros
Cons
A recent revelation in the world of cat foods, Pro Plan Live Clear food is formulated specifically for those family members with allergies to cats. 10-20% of adult world wide are estimated to have cat allergies, and cat dander plays an important role in the release of the allergens into the environment.
Cat dander is very different to cat dandruff. Dander is the microscopic particles from skin and hair that are normally shed by a health animal. The predominant protein involved in cat allergies which accumulates on the fur and skin, and is released in dander, is called Fel D1. Fel D1 is produced by glands in the skin and the salivary glands also. Pro Plan Live Clear Indoor cat uses a specific protein sourced from eggs to bind the Fel D1 in order to reduce it's allergenic ability... meaning goodbye allergies, hello kitty!
Pro Plan Live Clear also contains natural fibres to reduce hairball formation for your indoor cat, and reduced calories in order to prevent excessive weight gain, leading to a happier, healthier cat! Along with being made in Australia, Pro Plan Live Clear helps you and your cat live more contentedly together and support local industry at the same time.
What our customers say: "My cat loves them, but also it reduced my allergies after 3-6 months of continuous use. I changed from daily antihistamine tablets to occasional use of eye drops and nasal spray. Cons: The stool stinks more than with other indoor dry foods."
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Best for Sensitive Stomachs
Advance Sensitive Skin and Digestion
Pros
Cons
Containing a single, novel protein source (turkey), Advance Sensitive Skin and Digestion is my go-to choice for cats with sensitive stomachs. The limited number of proteins can help to reduce intolerances to foods, with the added benefits of sodium tripolyphosphate for dental health, and beet pulp to reduce hairball formation.
Whilst some cats will require a more specialised diet, such as veterinary prescription foods to manage skin and digestive upset, the Advance Sensitive Skin and Digestion is an excellent choice for cats with milder symptoms who need the extra digestive support. It also contains omega 3 and 6 fatty acids, as well as zinc, to maintain a health skin and coat with reduced coat scale. It also contains no wheat, whole corn, soy or beef, to help reduce the risk of dietary intolerances and upset.
Advance is made locally in Australia, and is one of the most affordable foods in the premium range, however it is available only in smaller bag sizes of 2kg.
What our customers say: "One of my cats used to vomit every few days, whether it's food or a hairball, so decided to change her diet & tried this. I'm happy to say (& she too!) that she hasn't vomited since & she seems to love the taste as well. I get extra happy meows from her when I prepare her meal :)"
What our vets say: "Advance Sensitive Skin and Digestion is a great choice for adult cats with sensitive skin or digestive problems. It reduces digestive upsets by containing highly digestible ingredients, natural colostrum and fermentable prebiotic fibre to support a healthy gut microbiome and improve stool quality. This premium diet is formulated with high levels of omega fatty acids, zinc and additional skin barrier nutrients to support a healthy skin and coat, and help manage skin sensitivities. As an added bonus, it also helps to reduce tartar formulation by containing an active ingredient that binds to calcium in saliva, to keep your feline's dental health in check." - Dr. Jacqui
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Wellness CORE Grain Free Indoor Salmon and Herring Dry Cat Food
Pros
Cons
Containing only marine sources of protein, and completely grain free, the Wellness CORE Grain Free Indoor Salmon and Herring Dry Cat Food is a highly digestible diet for cats with sensitive stomachs. It boasts high levels of omega 3, 6 and 9 fatty acids to aid in heart, brain, joint, skin and coat health.
With no chicken, beef, dairy, wheat or corn, the Wellness CORE Grain Free Indoor Salmon and Herring Dry Cat Food is free from many of the common food allergens which contribute to skin or digestive upset. However, it does contain salmon, menhaden fish and herring meal, so will not be suitable for cats with allergies or intolerances to fish.
This Wellness CORE recipe also contains probiotics for digestive support, which is provides extra benefit for cats with sensitive stomachs.
What our customers say: "Looking at the bag, it looks fancy and I like the shiny blue colour, makes it stand out. Opening the bag was very easy, and it didn't rip in an annoying way. So that was good. Pouring the food into the cat bowl worked well. Was able to use the bag to control the direction of the pour. I really like the size of the pellets. It makes me think it would be easier for the cats to eat. While I was pouring it out, the cats were putting their head in the bowl. They started eating straight away, even my most fussy cat. The bag seal worked well. The pellets looked a little bit unappealing, but that's just from years of seeing greens, yellows, reds and oranges (fake colours I guess). I would recommend this to my family and friends, because it is so healthy for the cats, and natural and all around better for them - and my cats still eat it!"
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Best for Senior Cats
Hills Science Diet Senior Cat Foods
Pros
Cons
Dominating the senior cat food market with their range of premium foods for our ageing feline friends, Hills Science Diet provides an option for several life-stages and conditions. Available in specific formulations including the standard adult senior 7 years plus dry food, 7+ Youthful Vitality, 7+ Hairball Control, 7+ Perfect Digestion and a 7+ indoor variety, Hills also make a specific line for cats of 11 years and older.
The Hills Senior cat foods contain a precise balance of nutrients, including controlled phosphorus levels and reduced sodium, to support kidney and other vital organ function required for senior cat health support. As animals age, less energy but more free radicals are produced from mitochondria in the body cells. The Hills Science Diet senior cat foods address these changes with high quality, highly digestible protein for energy, and increased levels of antioxidants in their foods to support a health immune system. They also contain L-carnitine to support lean muscle mass, glucosamine and chondroitin for joint support and omega 3 fatty acids for brain, heart and joint health.
What our customers say: "We have 3 old cats who enjoy this product. Even the next doors cat comes for them, and my neighbour says he won't eat dried food at all at home. My vet said don't bother with supermarket varieties of dried food as they are poor quality and at the time I had a diabetic cat, so she needed a specialised Hill's food for her. She has long gone but we kept to Hill's products because we want the best for our pets, sure it costs more, but at least I am not harming their health."
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Best for Hairballs
Royal Canin Hairball Care
Pros
Cons
Royal Canin Hairball Care is a great choice for kitties prone to hairballs as it contains a specially formulated Hairball Hair complex composed of a specific blend of natural dietary fibres (including psyllium) to double the amount of hair that naturally passes through the digestive tract, helping to reduce hairball formation. A study by Royal Canin showed that this dry food reduced hairball formation in 14 days. This diet is also formulated to be gentle on digestion, and contains balanced minerals to support urinary health.
The Royal Canin Hairball Care Dry Food is suitable for adult cats 1-7 years old and comes in a handy resealable bag. It is available only in small bag sizes - 2kg and 4kg.
What our customers say: "This has worked wonders with my kitty! She is birman so her long hair was giving her hairballs twice a week or so, as soon as i put her on this food and the wet food pouches of the same product she hasnt had a hairball since. Its been about 3 months now without one. one happy fur mumma"
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Purina Pro Plan Indoor Hairball Control
Pros
Cons
This diet is formulated with real chicken as the primary ingredient, to support lean muscle development and maintenance for your indoor cat. It is also fortified with probiotics to support digestive and immune health, as well as the addition of omega 6 fatty acids and vitamin A ensures your feline friendâs skin and coat will be looking lush.
The Purina Indoor Hairball Control Dry Food is suitable for adult cats aged 12 months and over and is available in handy resealable bags of varying sizes - 1.5kg, 3kg and 8kg.
What our customers say:
"I was very pleased to be able to buy Pro Plan Adult indoor Hairball Control Dry Cat Food, as it suits my cat well, and gets rid of all the hairballs. I highly recommend it."
What our vets say: "Pro Plan Indoor Hairball Control is a great choice for indoor cats that struggle with hairballs. The blend of oat fibre and psyllium seed husk helps to encourage the hairballs to pass safely through the digestive tract. Its also an excellent premium diet with added extras such as omega-6 fatty acids for coat health - its one of my top recommendations for long haired cats." - Dr. Samantha
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Best for Weight Loss
Pro Plan Adult Cat Weight Loss
Pros
Cons
From Purina's premium pet food line, the Pro Plan Weight Loss Adult is formulated with 31% less fat content and lower caloric density than it's standard adult cat foods. It also contains L-carnitine to promote fat metabolism while maintaining lean muscle mass, to help your cat lose weight but maintain a fit and trim body condition.
With salmon and tuna as the only meat protein sources, it is suitable for cats who have intolerances to other meat proteins such as chicken and beef (however it does contain a source of glucosamine and chondroitin from dehydrated chicken, most likely from dehydrated chicken cartilage, so may not be suitable for cats highly sensitive to chicken products).
The Pro Plan Adult Weight Loss Cat food is made in Australia, is suitable for adult cats over 12 months of age and comes in a handy resealable bag. It is available only in small bag sizes - 1.5kg and 3kg.
What our customers say: "Have been feeding this to my 2/3 year old boy who's been getting a bit chunky for a few months now, it's definitely stabilised his weight gain, and he absolutely loves it. My 8 month old kitten is also nuts about it! Though he eats different biscuits especially for his growth stage, he has become fixated on trying to steal these biscuits specifically from his big brother's bowl! So they must be tasty."
What our vets say: "This is perfect for any cats that have a bit of pudge to budge! I love that it also has urinary benefits as well - a common issue in overweight, desexed kitties." - Dr. Emilee
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Hills Science Diet Adult Perfect Weight Dry Cat Food
Pros
Cons
Hills Perfect Weight utilises groundbreaking nutrigenomics to help cats lose weight. By activating a cat's unique metabolism using specific nutrients in the food, their natural ability to burn fat is stimulated, while maintaining their lean muscle mass. Along with a specific fibre blend to keep your cat feeling full, it is suitable for adult cats of all breeds and weights.
With two kibble shapes in the one bag (heart-shaped and disc-shaped), Hills Perfect Weight offers variety for those fussy eaters. It is a great choice for less active cats who are prone to weight gain, cats who are only slightly above their ideal weight, and also for cats who have lost weight on prescription foods and need to maintain their current weight.
For cats with significant amounts of body weight to lose, the prescription weight loss diets are more effective, however they do need to be used only on the recommendation of your vet. For more tips on weight loss, check out our article on How to Help Your Cat Lose Weight. We also recommend learning how to tell if your cat is overweight.
What our customers say: "I came across this product purely by chance as I was after a good quality weight maintenance dried food that I could rely on to stop my cat gaining weight unnecessarily because she is very lazy. I haven't turned back since! Not only is this product manufactured by Hill's with the veterinarian's tick of approval, my cat loves it and would probably eat more than the recommended dose if I went ahead and let her - it's just awesome!"
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Best Air and Freeze Dried
Feline Natural
Pros
Cons
Feline Natural foods are made with 'whole prey' ingredients and a very high meat and organ content, designed to suit the instinctive diet of carnivorous cats. It is complete and balanced for all life-stages so provides an excellent option for both kitten and adult cat owners looking for a more natural option for their cat.
Freeze-dried foods like Feline Natural provide an alternative to raw feeding whilst still retaining the nutritional qualities and tastes of the raw products. Freeze-dried foods are typically a little softer and crunchier than air-dried foods, and are typically rehydrated prior to serving to enhance digestibility. However, freeze-dried foods can be fed dry, straight from the packet, as long as you ensure that your cat has free access to fresh water at all times.
Feline Natural is an excellent choice where storage is limited, as the stored product can be rehydrated into a much larger volume of food when required. Freeze-dried foods generally have excellent shelf-stability, and should be stored in a cool, dry place - not in the fridge. There is a potentially increased risk of food borne bacterial and parasitic contamination from freeze-dried foods compared to foods manufactured with heat. If you do choose to feed freeze-dried foods, they should be kept separate from other foods, and proper hygiene procedures (washing hands, sanitising surfaces) should be followed.
What our customers say: "Both our young cat and our 18yr old cat love this. Particularly good for the old cat as when hydrated with hot tap water, the food is warm and stinky which encourages him to eat. "
What our vets say: "I like using a freeze-dried option of cat food for my cat as it is so versatile. I can use it as a topper on other food, as a meal itself, or rehydrate it with some warm water to add some moisture into the food. My cat enjoys fishy flavours so the lamb and salmon is a great option and is rich in omega fatty acids to support a healthy and shiny coat. It is also highly palatable so I know my cat will always enjoy meal times!"- Dr. Angie
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Ziwi-Peak
Pros
Cons
Air-dried to retain raw nutrition, all Ziwi recipes are high in meat, organs and bones with beneficial inclusions like green-lipped mussel. With complete and balanced recipes, they are also grain free and all ingredients are sourced sustainably. Ziwi recipes are highly palatable, making them a great choice for fussy eaters.
Ziwi-Peak dry foods have a firm jerky texture, so are an excellent choice as treats, for training or as a topper to provide variety to other foods.
Ziwi-Peak dry foods should be stored in their original packaging after opening, and away from direct sunlight and high temperatures.
Like freeze-dried foods, the air-drying process is not an equal substitute for cooking with heat in terms of bacterial and parasitic control, so extra caution must be taken in the handling of air-dried foods and hygiene control.
What our customers say: "The healthiest and most convenient cat food you can buy. Raw and dehydrated with real ingredients, my cat loves it!"
What our vets say: "I recommend the Ziwi Peak dry food for cats because they are a complete and balanced natural diet suitable for cats of all life-stages, sizes and breeds. It contains a variety of protein sources and is rich in omega fatty acids to support joint function and a healthy, shiny coat."- Dr. Maree
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Best Dry Grain Free Foods for Cats
Open Farm
Pros
Cons
Every Open Farm product is proudly produced with a focus on transparent sourcing and traceability, humane production animal welfare standards, ethically sourced ingredients, and sustainable fishing practices in line with Ocean Wise Standards. For an environmentally friendly, grain-free food, you can't go past this one.
Alongside their environmentally friendly values, Open Farm foods are made with the most premium proteins and superfoods, providing the highest quality ingredients for your kitty. Their recipes are free from grain, corn, wheat and soy.
On the down side, the Open Farm foods are expensive options, though you do 'get what you pay for'. All of the dry cat food recipes contain fish protein, so they would not be suitable for cats with sensitivities to fish.
What our customers say: "I have 3 cats, all of whom are very fussy eaters, especially when it comes to dry food (if they don't like it, they just won't eat it). The dry food I usually buy was out of stock, so I thought I'd try this and I'm so glad I did. I have never seen my cats so excited and happy to eat dry food before! Each time I feed them this, they won't even leave a crumb behind - I've never seen them do that. This is by far their favourite dry food and I love that it's such a humane and sustainable option. This is now the go-to dry food for my cats!"
Wellness CORE
Pros
Cons
Wellness Pet Food are passionate about providing natural foods that are of the highest quality. Their diets are all-natural, grain-free and protein-rich.
The Wellness CORE Grain-Free Cat Dry Food range is available in a variety of different dry food flavours including Chicken, Turkey & Duck, and Salmon & Herring. They also have specific dry foods available for indoor cats, as well as kittens.
What our customers say: "Wellness CORE cat food has met my expectations with the look of the pack, ease to open and reseal and has not disappointed with the size of each piecebeing beneficial to my older cat who struggles with bigger pieces and to my other cat who can be quite fussy, but has enjoyed the taste of this dry food. I will definitely buy this product again."
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To find out more, read all about the Best Grain Free Cat Food.
Best for Urinary Health
Pro Plan Adult Urinary Care
Pros
Cons
Formulated to support the urinary health of cats with reduced dietary magnesium and by lowering urine pH, Pro Plan Urinary is a premium choice for cats to reduce the risk of urinary problems.
Pro Plan foods are backed by nearly 100 years of pet food research, and all apart from the wet cat foods are made in Australia. Real meat is the first ingredient in the recipes, satisfying the carnivorous needs of cats. All the adult dry cat food formulas are fortified with probiotics to support immune and digestive health.
Non-prescription urinary foods like the Pro Plan Urinary are not designed to manage existing urinary issues, or for cats with a history of urinary issues - the prescription urinary foods are more suitable in these situations, but must only be used under the direct recommendation of your vet.
What our customers say: "In 13 years our 4 cats have eaten these biscuits everyday & never looked back. One of our cats needs them & has never had any signs of cystitis return. They are all healthy & happy. It's good it's also meat based rather than grain. It's always a better price through PetCircle & their customer service is the best. Thanks."
What our vets say: "Pro Plan Adult Urinary Care Dry Cat Food is a great choice for adult cats because not only is it formulated to support urinary health by lowering urine pH and magnesium levels, it also supports kidney and joint health. I like to recommend it for cats with sensitive stomachs as it is formulated with live probiotics for digestive health. Along with all of that, it is made right here in Australia." - Dr. Jenny
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Royal Canin Urinary
Pros
Cons
From the premium Royal Canin range, the Urinary dry food helps to maintain a healthy urine concentration by regulating the mineral balance and maintaining a low urinary pH. A Royal Canin study showed that feeding Urinary Care reduced the risk or urinary stone formation by 2 times after 10 days of exclusive feeding.
Non-prescription urinary foods like the Royal Canin Urinary are not designed to manage existing urinary issues - the prescription urinary foods may be more suitable in these situations, but must only be used under the direct recommendation of your vet.
What our customers say: "I mixed it with other royal canin food initially for them to get used to the taste. The boys now love it on its own. First step in preventing urinary problems from happening in the future."
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Best Value For Money
Advance Adult Chicken with Rice
Pros
Cons
Advance is Australian made, and is one of the most affordable foods in the premium range. The Advance Adult Chicken and Rice Dry Food is specifically designed to suit the nutritional needs of adult cats. It contains a fermentable prebiotic fibre which helps support a healthy gut microbiome, promotes a healthy digestive system and reduces litter box odours. It is also formulated to reduce the frequency of hairballs, and contains added omega fatty acids to support your cat's skin and coat health. This premium diet is also free from any artificial colours or flavours, and contains no added wheat, whole corn, soy or beef.
The Advance Adult Dry Food is suitable for adult cats aged 12 months and over and is available in handy resealable bags of varying sizes - 500g, 3kg, 6kg and 20kg.
What our customers say: "This is the best cat food i have found for my picky cats and value for money, it lasts me ages before i need another one and its delivered to my door"
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Find out more about How to Prevent Urinary Issues in Your Cat.
What to look for in dry cat foods
High-quality protein source
Cats are obligate carnivores, which means they require a diet high in animal protein. Look for a dry cat food that lists a high-quality protein source, such as chicken, turkey, beef, or fish, as the main ingredient. The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) guidelines state that cat food should contain (on a dry matter basis), a minimum of 26% crude protein for adult cats and 30% crude protein for kittens.
Complete and balanced
In choosing a food, the most important consideration after any health factors is that the diet is complete and balanced for your cat's stage of life. Ensuring that it meets AAFCO or FEDIAF pet food control guidelines is crucial to ensure that your cat receives all the nutrients they require in the correct ratios.
Digestibility
Look for dry cat food that is highly digestible. Higher digestibility also means your cat is able to extract greater quantities of nutrients from the food, and less waste is expelled, which also means less waste to remove from the litter box! Good digestibility is often indicated by high-quality ingredients and the absence of excessive fibre content. Learn more about the ingredients in your pet's food.
Consider your cat's specific needs
Choose a food that is specific for your cat's lifestage (eg kitten, adult, senior) and activity level (indoor vs outdoor). Kittens require energy-dense food which meets their ongoing growth rates, while senior cats are often less active and have a slower metabolism which means that they require fewer calories and less fat, but an easily digestible diet, to help them maintain good body condition. Meanwhile, indoor diets typically contain lower calories and fat, to support the less active lifestyle of an indoor cat. Also consider other criteria that your cat may benefit from such as weight control, hairball control, skin/coat health and digestive health. If your cat has a diagnosed health condition, your veterinarian may recommend a veterinary prescription diet to help manage their condition.
Further Reading
How Much Should You Feed Your Pet?
Want to know more? Check out our Discover Page for more tips from our expert vets on keeping your pets happy and healthy.