As carnivores, cats need proteins as the primary component of their feeding program. You, therefore, have to know how to identify the worst dry cat food. They are mostly composed of corn fillers and animal by-products.
As an ardent cat lover, your primary responsibility is ensuring that your cat is safe and healthy. Whatever the cat eats plays a great role in achieving all these in one go. You can sabotage the efforts you had put in by giving your cat food that lacks the necessary essential nutrients.
In this article, some of these food brands will be highlighted so that you can avoid them at all costs. This will ensure that you raise a healthy and vibrant cat. This will ensure that you raise a healthy and vibrant cat, giving them the best chance at a long and happy life.
What Falls Into The Category Of Worst Dry Pet Food?
Being able to know if a cat food will be bad for its health is a great asset that you need to develop as a loving cat owner. Most, if not all manufacturers indicate the components of a dry cat food on the label of the food package. A quick look at it this label will tell all you need to know.
Low-quality cat food normally has corn fillers, by-products from animals, animal fats and ground wheat. These contents may be rich in carbohydrates, but do not have the much-needed proteins.
Most of these are not always fit for human consumption, so why should you feed them to your cat? If it contains powdered cellulose, chemical preservatives, and artificial flavors and colorings, avoid it like the proverbial plague.
Top 5 Worst Cat Food Brands to Avoid
Here are some of the worst dry cat foods you should avoid giving to your feline friend. The list is in no particular order.
#1. Friskies Indoor Delights Cat Food
Nothing says “worst” than having a one sentence product description. The description mumbles something about promoting healthy weight plus controlling hairballs.
However, take a quick peek at the nutrient list, and you will realize it is a total waste of time. It contains chicken by-products, ground corn, and artificial vitamins. These are not beneficial to your cat at all.
#2. Kit And Caboodle Cat Food
This dry cat meal is marketed as containing chicken, fish flavors and turkey. A close examination of its other components reveals why your cat should not feed on it. Various customers have even complained of hair loss, vomiting and suspect digestive issues from potential consumption of the cat’s food.
Its ingredients, yellow corn, soybean meal, and gluten corn meal, are not very friendly to cats. It contains artificial meat, beef tallow, and preservatives. These are not very good for cats. They should consider switching to a cat food that is more suitable for their pet’s health.
#3. Friskies Wet Food For Cats
Do not let the Veterinarian Recommended phrases on the package fool you. In fact, these phrases could be the drawer of cat owners. The ingredients list disagrees totally with these assertions.
The chicken meat by products can be very suggestive. It could be anything that has been left after humans have used the more useful parts. The whole-grain corn in it presents a challenge to the cat’s digestive mechanism. It may lead to gastrointestinal issues and discomfort for the cat.
#4. Fancy Feast Wet Cat Food
What a nice name for a bunch of crap! As you buy it, you might think it contains filet mignon in it. This is generally associated with pleasure and a show of class. This meal does not contain such component.
It simply has the flavor of animal liver and some sort of fish meal. There are also other colorants besides those containing primarily ground corn. Some people may find it disappointing or misleading.
#5. Reveal Cat Food
This so called natural cat food is curiously more expensive than lots of other cat food brands. You then have to contend with a cat having a stomach upset after consuming it. Natural foods are always good for cats, but not all the times.
Ground corn, chicken meal, and preservatives are some of the ingredients it has. You can mix all these up by yourself at home. Ground corn, chicken meal, and preservatives are some of the ingredients it has, which can lead to a cat having a stomach upset after consuming it.
Top 5 Best Cat Food Brands And Pet Food Companies
Here is a list of the best cat food brands and pet food companies that provide high-quality and nutritious options for your feline companion. These brands have been carefully selected based on their ingredients, reputation, and customer reviews.
Whether you are looking for grain-free options, limited ingredient diets, or specialized formulas for specific dietary needs, these cat food brands offer a wide range of choices to cater to your cat’s unique preferences and health requirements.
#1 Hill’s Science Diet Chicken Cat Food
The chicken meat products used in Hill’s science diet are humanely raised and sourced from trusted suppliers. This ensures that the cats consuming this food are getting high-quality protein that supports their overall health and well-being.
Chicken liver can boost your fur baby’s immune system and provide essential vitamins and minerals. Additionally, the inclusion of antioxidants in Hill’s Science Cat Food helps to promote a strong and healthy immune system for your feline friend.
#2 Royal Canin Turkey Dry Cat Food
This particular turkey meal is made with high-quality ingredients that are specifically formulated to meet the nutritional needs of cats. It contains a balanced blend of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates to support healthy growth and development.
Additionally, it is enriched with essential vitamins and minerals to promote a strong immune system and overall well-being for your feline friend. The Royal Canin cat food brand is known for its commitment to producing high-quality pet food that is backed by scientific research.
They have a team of veterinarians and nutritionists who work together to create formulas that are tailored to meet the unique needs of different cat breeds and life stages.
Turkey broth and turkey liver also contribute to the nutritional value of Royal Canin cat food, providing a rich source of high-quality protein. These ingredients are not only delicious for your cat, but also help to support their muscle development and maintain a healthy weight.
Additionally, the inclusion of turkey liver adds essential vitamins and minerals that are necessary for your feline friend’s overall well-being. Royal Canin is known to produce grain-free products that are not only nutritious but also flavorful for your cat.
#3 Blue Buffalo Canned Cat Food
These Blue Buffalo canned foods are a popular choice among cat owners due to their high-quality ingredients and variety of flavors. They are made with real meat as the first ingredient, providing cats with the protein they need for a healthy diet.
Additionally, these canned cat foods are free from artificial preservatives, colors, and flavors, ensuring that cats are getting a natural and nutritious meal. Most cats love them because they are packed with delicious flavors that satisfy their taste buds. The texture of the food is also appealing to cats, making mealtime enjoyable for them.
#4 Petcurean Go Fit + Free Wet Cat Food
Petcurean canned food is a high-quality option for cat owners looking to provide their feline friends with a balanced and nutritious diet. Made with premium ingredients, such as chicken, turkey, and salmon, this wet cat food is packed with protein to support your cat’s overall health.
Furthermore, it is free from grains, gluten, and artificial preservatives, making it an excellent choice for cats with dietary sensitivities or allergies. Most of the cat food produced by Petcurean has high-quality ingredients that are sourced from trusted suppliers.
#5 Wellness Core Canned Pet food Manufacturers
The Wellness core canned food manufacturers are dedicated to providing high-quality and nutritious options for pets. They prioritize using premium ingredients and follow strict quality control measures to ensure the safety and well-being of animals.
With a wide range of flavors and formulas, this canned pet food is a trusted choice for pet owners looking to support their furry friends’ overall health and vitality. These pet food manufacturers produce quality cat food at scale to meet the growing demands of pet owners worldwide.
How to Choose Pet Foods For Your Feline Friends?
Most cat parents avoid doing research and simply buy whatever pet food is readily available or recommended by friends and family. However, it is important to understand that each cat has unique dietary needs based on their age, breed, and health condition.
Taking the time to research and choose the right pet food can greatly contribute to your feline friend’s overall well-being and longevity. According to the USDA, you should limit the amount of human food that cats consume to prevent health issues such as obesity and nutrient imbalances.
There are some human foods that can be safe and beneficial for cats in moderation, such as cooked chicken or fish. However, it is crucial to avoid feeding them foods like onions, garlic, chocolate, or caffeine, as these can be toxic to cats.
Read the cat food label
Pet food companies add wheat flour and corn gluten to some of their pet foods to increase the protein content. These ingredients are often used as fillers and can help reduce production costs for companies. However, it’s crucial for pet owners to be aware that cats are obligate carnivores and have unique dietary requirements that may not be satisfied by these plant-based ingredients alone.
Look for the BPA-free sticker on the cat food label, as BPA (bisphenol A) is a chemical commonly found in plastics and can be harmful to cats if ingested. Additionally, consider consulting with a veterinarian to ensure that the cat’s diet is balanced and meets their nutritional requirements.
Discard low quality ingredients
The ingredient quality of the cat food is going to play a significant role in the overall health and well-being of your cat. It is important to choose cat food that is made with high-quality ingredients, as low-quality ingredients can be detrimental to your cat’s health.
Additionally, low-quality ingredients may not provide the necessary nutrients and vitamins that your cat needs for optimal growth and development. Some cat food brands use fish broth to enhance the flavor of their products, but it is important to ensure that the fish broth used is of high quality.
Low-quality fish broth may contain additives or preservatives that can be harmful to your cat’s health. Therefore, it is crucial to carefully read the ingredient list and choose cat food that prioritizes high-quality ingredients throughout its formulation.
Folic acid and vitamins A and B are minerals that are essential for your cat’s overall health and well-being. These nutrients play a crucial role in maintaining a strong immune system, promoting healthy skin and coat, and supporting proper digestion. It is important to choose cat food that includes these essential minerals to ensure your cat receives the necessary nutrition for optimal growth and development.
Prevent a digestive upset
Before your switch brands you should ask your veterinary nutritionist what other brands you should consider and if there are any specific factors to consider for your pet’s digestive health.
They can provide guidance on which brands may be better suited for your pet’s individual needs and help prevent any potential digestive upsets that may occur from switching brands without proper guidance.
Check the quality of the water that your cat is drinking to verify if it could be a contributing factor to any digestive issues. Poor water quality can lead to gastrointestinal problems in pets, so ensuring that your cat has access to clean and fresh water can help maintain their digestive health.
Additionally, monitoring your cat’s eating habits and gradually introducing the new brand can also minimize the risk of digestive upsets during the transition period. If your cat is used to eating dry food, you can start by mixing a small amount of the new brand with their current food. y if
Check the fat content
Chicken fat can vary depending on how the chicken is prepared. Grilled or roasted chicken typically has less fat content compared to fried or breaded chicken. Additionally, removing the skin before cooking can further reduce the fat of chicken.
Some meat by products can cause an increase in the fat content, such as using fatty cuts or adding high-fat sauces or marinades. It is important to be mindful of these factors when considering the fat content of deboned chicken in your diet.
High protein levels
A diet rich in proteins is used to treat feline diabetes because proteins help regulate blood sugar levels and promote weight loss in cats. Also, a high protein diet can also improve insulin sensitivity and reduce the need for medication in diabetic cats.
Moreover, chicken meal is proven to be an excellent source of high-quality protein for cats. It contains essential amino acids that are necessary for maintaining muscle mass and supporting overall health. Hence, the digestibility of chicken meal makes it easier for cats with diabetes to absorb and utilize the nutrients effectively.
Dry food vs Wet food For Cats
Dry foods can improve the dental health of cats by helping to reduce tartar and plaque buildup. They also tend to have a longer shelf life and are more convenient for pet owners to store and serve.
On the other hand, wet foods provide cats with a higher moisture content, which can be beneficial for their overall hydration and urinary tract health. Additionally, wet foods often have a stronger aroma and taste, making them more appealing to picky eaters.
Wet foods are known to increase cats’ water intake, which can help prevent dehydration and promote healthy kidney function. Furthermore, the soft texture of wet food can make it easier for cats with dental issues or missing teeth to eat and digest.
However, it is important to note that wet food can spoil more quickly and may require refrigeration after opening. A wet food diet decreases the chances of chronic kidney disease in cats compared to a dry food diet.
Wrapping up
The list of worst dry pet food is long and contentious. There are certain ingredients that should not feature in any cat food though. Carefully read the ingredients label first before making any purchase.
Prioritize the health and well-being of your cat and avoid any dry cat food that may contain any harmful components. Dog food is very different from cat food because they have different nutritional needs and requirements.
Avoid giving your cat junk food from the streets or leftovers from your own meals, as these can be harmful to their health. Instead, opt for high-quality cat food that is specifically formulated to meet their dietary needs.
Last Updated on 16/03/2025 by Karen Snow
Hi! I’m Karen and a certified dog lover. As a freelance writer and blogger, I do my best to squeeze in some time with my dogs, learning more about the way they act and how I can make sure that they continue to stay well-cared for by yours truly.
My dogs have helped me through a lot, and this is my way of giving back to them! Besides animals, I also love to travel and cook, having explored my country’s restaurants and unique places. Follow me as I show you all the amazing tips and bits of information I learn along the way about our furry friends!