Purina has a line of cat food that claims to be the first of its kind. What sets this food apart, you ask? It is designed to reduce the major allergen found in cat hair and dander, making it an interesting option for pet owners who may be extra sensitive to the dander of their beloved fluff balls.

Allergen Reduction

The brand claims that by the third week of feeding Purina Pro Plan LIVECLEAR, the major allergen in cat hair and dander. The brand also claims its decades of research backs this up.

According to Purina, the allergen-reducing effect stems from a protein derived from eggs, which binds to a common allergen Fel d1 in the cat’s saliva and neutralizes it. All cats carry the Fel d1 allergen, so this is an option for any and all cats.

Nutrition and Key Benefits

• Reduces the major allergen in cat hair and dander by neutralizing Fel D 1, a common allergen in cat saliva, with a key protein from eggs
• Discovered through over a decade of research, Purina claims the LIVECLEAR food was shown to reduce the major allergen in cat hair and dander by an average of 47% in the third week of daily feeding.

At the end of the day, the most important aspect of what we feed our pets is nutrition. This food is available in a variety of recipes, including the turkey and rice recipe, chicken, chicken and rice recipe, and salmon and rice recipe. It is fortified with Omega 6 and vitamin A and is available in a formula with added pre and probiotics for digestive health.

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Pure Balance products are especially popular for their natural ingredients, flavors, and recipes that are especially effective in aiding your pet’s health. Some of these cat food products avoid certain ingredients for allergy reasons, whereas others may contain them for those pets who would benefit. Unfortunately, you can’t avoid every allergen. However, our article will break down ingredients and potential allergens and irritants so you won’t have to spend too long reading extensive ingredient lists when trying to find the right cat food.

The 5 Top-Rated Pure Balance Cat Food Recipes

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Allergen Reduction

The brand claims that by the third week of feeding Purina Pro Plan LIVECLEAR, the major allergen in cat hair and dander by an average of 47 percent. The brand also claims its decades of research backs this up.

According to Purina, the allergen-reducing effect stems from a protein derived from eggs, which binds to a common allergen Fel d1 in the saliva and neutralizes it. All cats carry the Fel d1 allergen, so this is an option for any and all cats.

Nutrition and Key Benefits

• Reduces the major allergen in cat hair and dander by neutralizing Fel D 1, a common allergen in cat saliva, with a key protein from eggs
• Discovered through over a decade of research, Purina claims the LIVECLEAR food reduces the major allergen in cat hair and dander by an average of 47% in the third week of feeding

At the end of the day, the most important aspect of what we feed our pets is nutrition. This food is available in a variety of recipes, including chicken, chicken and rice, and salmon and rice. It is fortified with Omega 6 and vitamin A and is available in a formula with added pre and probiotics for digestive health.

PetSmart Treats Rewards members can save 35% off on your first autoship order at PetSmart.com.

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However, buying organic cat food is not that simple. It is important that you know what the term ‘organic‘ means and that you know how to spot organic food. Also, knowing the added benefits of an organic diet for your cat is useful. To help you make an informed decision, here is our quick guide to the best organic cat food.

The Best Organic Cat Food

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Hill’s Cat Food Review

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Additionally, during colder months, they will need a diet that will keep their coats thick and healthy to protect them from harsh weather. So if you’ve been on the lookout for the best cat foods for your outdoor feline, take a look at the guide below where we have broken down some of the highest-rated options. Moreover, we’ve put together a handy buying guide complete with some frequently asked questions so that you understand everything you need to know to feed your adventurous fur friend.

Did You Know?

1. Animal protein is the key ingredient in cat food as they are obligate carnivores. Protein is vital to the development and maintenance of muscle mass. Cats are physically unable to break down protein substitutes so animal protein is the only option!
2. Providing a wet food diet for your cat will ensure they are adequately hydrated as you can’t be sure they will be drinking enough throughout their day.
3. Kittens, outdoor cats, and senior cats will need recipes with a higher protein content to fuel their current lifestyles.
4. Carbohydrates are not necessary for cat foods as their diet should mostly consist of protein. Some argue that carbs are ‘fillers’. This is why you may see packaging stating that their formula contains no potatoes.

The 10 Top Rated Cat Foods For Outdoor Cats

Calories

First 5 Ingredients

Pros

Cons

Bottom Line

Rating

Ziwi Peak Rabbit & Lamb Recipe Canned Cat Food

81 kcal/3-oz can

Rabbit Meat, Water Sufficient for Processing, Lamb, Lamb Lung, Lamb Liver

Only 2 protein sources 92% meat, organs, and NZ green mussels

Not the best choice for picky eaters

Uses high-quality protein from only two animal sources

4.2

Buy on Amazon

Instinct Original Kitten Grain-Free Recipe

557 kcal/cup

Chicken, Turkey Meal, Menhaden Fish Meal, Peas, Chicken Fat

Uses cage-free chickenDHA for brain development

Contains more allergens compared to others.

A recipe designed for kittens made with fresh veggies, fruit, and real meats to support growth

4.4

Buy on Chewy

Blue Buffalo Healthy Aging Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe

399 kcal/cup

Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Brown Rice, Barley, Oatmeal

Real meat as the number one ingredientEssential proteins used for mature felines

Not the best choice for picky eaters

The balance of protein, minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants are perfect for the needs of senior cats.

4.6

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Tiki Cat Papeekeo Luau Ahi Tuna & Mackerel

154 kcal/6 oz can

Tuna, Mackerel, Tuna Broth, Sunflower Seed Oil, Calcium Lactate

Fewer allergensDolphin-safe fish

Fewer variations of the product.

A delicious fish-flavored recipe perfect for cats who turn their noses up at chicken and poultry.

4.4

Buy on Amazon

Instinct Original Grain-Free Pate Real Rabbit

147 kcal/5.5 oz can

Rabbit, Pork, Pork Liver, Pork Broth, Ground Flaxseed

Made in the USA95% animal protein

Contains more allergens compared to others

A high-protein, grain-free option to fuel and support the needs of active outdoor cats

4.3

Buy on Chewy

Weruva Cats In The Kitchen Cuties Variety Pack

178 kcal/10.0-oz can

Funk in the Trunk: Chicken Broth, Chicken (Boneless, Skinless Breast), Tuna, Pumpkin, Sunflower Seed Oil

Contains different flavorsAffordable

Allr recipes contain fish

Perfect for owners who want to switch up their cat’s diet to keep them interested.

4.0

Buy on Amazon

Diamond Naturals Active Chicken Meal & Rice Formula

454 kcal/cup

Chicken Meal, Ground White Rice, Chicken Fat (Preserved With Mixed Tocopherols), Natural Flavor, Flaxseed

Contains pumpkin to aid digestionNo corn, wheat, or artificial flavors

Uses only chicken meal and fat

A healthy and fulfilling option suitable for all life stages, including pregnant/nursing cats.

4.7

Buy on Chewy

Go! Solutions Carnivore Grain-Free

473 kcal/cup

Chicken Meal, De-Boned Chicken, De-Boned Turkey, Duck Meal, Turkey Meal

84% animal sourcesNo corn, wheat, or soy

Contians more allergens than other options

Pact with ingredients to protect and support your cat’s immune and digestive system.

4.5

Buy on Chewy

Fancy Feast Tuna Feast In Gravy

75 kcal/can

Fish Broth, Tuna, Wheat Gluten, Chicken, Liver, Meat By-products

Perfect for senior catsAntioxidants to support immune systems

Contains meat by-products

Formulated for mature cats to fuel muscles and prevent weight gain

4.2

Buy on Chewy

Wellness Complete Health Kitten Food

97 kcal/can

Chicken, Chicken Liver, Chicken Broth, Carrots, Natural Flavor

DHA to support brain and vision development. Grain-free

Some brief quality issues in the past.

Specifically catered to the development needs of young kittens

4.4

Buy on Chewy

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Can Cats Be Vegan?

Despite the arguments of some vegans who are cat owners, cats cannot and should not be forced onto a vegan diet. A plant-based diet will not provide your cat with the nutrition that they need to be active every day and stay healthy in the long term.

One of the major reasons that a vegan diet is unsuitable for cats is the lack of taurine. Taurine deficiency is very harmful, taurine is an essential amino acid for your cat and helps care for their eyesight while also looking after their immune system. Taurine isn’t the only reason your cat needs to eat meat, but it’s certainly a crucial thing to make note of.

Vegan cats on a plant-based diet

Cats can eat some plant-based foods, but they shouldn’t make up the bulk of their diet. If you are attempting to make your cat “vegan”, we seriously recommend still allowing your cat to have a couple of servings of meat in their diet.

Pet owners that just want to include more plant-based products in their cat’s diet should know which fruits and vegetables are suitable for cats to eat. There are vegan and plant-based cat foods, too, which we’ll look at in the next section.

Any fruit or vegetable that you feed your cat should be without seeds, leaves, stems, or other parts of the plant. You should peel the fruit or vegetable to help your cat digest them better, and limit the amount of fruit because of its naturally occurring sugar content.

Fruits that cats can eat

• Apples
• Bananas
• Blueberries
• Mango
• Peaches
• Strawberries
• Watermelon (seedless only)

Vegetables that cats can eat

• Asparagus
• Broccoli
• Cucumber
• Green Beans
• Peas
• Potato
• Pumpkin

Other vegan human food suitable for cats

• Bread (in small amounts)
• Oats (oatmeal, oat milk in moderation)
• Rice

Vegan cat foods

Wyson Vegan dry cat food – added taurine, includes probiotics and prebiotics.

Ami Cat Love dry cat food – added taurine, vitamins, and nutrients.

Benevo vegan dry cat food – meat-free, added taurine, only uses natural ingredients.

Evolution Diet Gourmet Fondue vegan dry cat food – free of animal products and by-products, provides a balanced diet.

These four products are also considered some of the best vegetarian cat foods. You aren’t likely to find a vegetarian cat food that isn’t also vegan.

Cat Vegan Diet Issues

The problem with putting your cat on a vegan diet is that cats eat meat for their health. Cats are obligate carnivores, which means that they depend on the meat that they eat for survival.

A cat’s body isn’t made to digest plant material, though they can push small amounts of fruits and vegetables through their digestive system, which is why so many cat food brands include plant products.

By themselves, plants do not provide enough nutrients for companion animals like cats. The essential nutrients that your cat gets from their meat-based diet are an aid to their health. Without meat, a cat’s health will steadily decline. Cats are not humans. They cannot digest many of the food products that we can.

Study on Vegan Cat Food

A study published in JAVMA (the Journal of American Veterinary Medical Association) looked at the nutritional adequacy of vegan diets for cats. They used commercially available cat food products and examined them to find out whether they were suitable for cats to eat.

The study showed that two of the cat foods were deficient in several nutrients that are necessary to include ina cat’s diet. Both vegan diets were compared to the Association of American Feed Control Officials nutrient requirements, and they didn’t meet them.

Why Cats Need Animal Protein

In addition to the study outlined in the last section, there have been numerous other pieces of research detailing why cats need to eat animal products. At the very least, as we’ve already mentioned, they need taurine in their diet.

The Animal Poison Control Center states that, while it is possible, though challenging, to keep dogs healthy on a plant-based diet, a vegan diet is not appropriate for cats. As obligate carnivores, cats have not adapted to being on vegan or vegetarian diets. They won’t thrive as well as cats that are enjoying the benefits of the meat industry, and may suffer from health problems.

Cats need taurine and high levels of protein. Vegan diets are often rich in carbohydrates, which aren’t appropriate for cats.

The Animal Welfare act in the UK

The Animal Welfare Act in the UK states that pet owners are under the obligation to feed their animals with food on an appropriate diet. Daniella Dos Santos, president of the British Veterinary Association, says that “If your personal belief system means you don’t want to eat any animal protein… that diet is not designed to meet the welfare standards of your pet.”

In the UK, animal owners can face jail time and fines of up to £20,000 for the offence of not feeding their pet appropriately.

Can Cats be Vegetarian?

Though there is a stark difference between vegan and vegetarian diets for humans, the difference between the two for cats basically doesn’t exist.

Cats are known to be lactose intolerance and pet owners are often warned against feeding them any type of dairy. One of the main food groups that separates vegetarians and vegans is dairy food. This includes animal milk and cheese, but the food group also (technically) includes eggs.

None of these three food items are very good for cats. Cats certainly shouldn’t be fed milk or cheese because of their lactose intollerance.

Vegetarian Diet for Cats

Though your cat cannot have milk or cheese, they may be given a small amount of boiled egg. The egg must be boiled and unseasoned. It cannot be cooked in any fats, oils, or butter.

Alongside egg as the only source of animal protein in your cat’s vegetarian diet, the rest of their food intake would be considered vegan or plant-based.

It should be said that cats cannot have soy/soya, and they should avoid nuts, too. That rules out a huge amount of the vegetarian food available to humans. They can have oat milk and oats, but in moderation, as previously mentioned in the vegan diet section.

Can Cats Eat Dog Food?

An interesting question and one that is often asked alongside this subject because vegetarian dog food is more widely available. Dogs make better vegetarians than cats. Their digestive system can handle more plant matter, and they don’t need taurine as an essential amino acid.

However, no, cats can’t eat dog food. The essential nutrients that both species need is different. A cat will eat dog food if you put it in front of them, but they won’t gain the properly nutritional benefits from it, and that may affect their health.

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Good dry cat food is rich in protein and low in carbs yet provides sufficient amounts of hydration to address your cat’s water needs.

Unfortunately, choosing the best cat food may not be easy since there will always be unscrupulous manufacturers that undermine high-quality food manufacturing at the expense of your fur baby’s health. Don’t worry, though, as we’re here to share with you the result of our research on the ten best dry cat foods on the market. So let’s take a look.

Key Takeaways

1. Cats depend on high-protein diets that are simultaneously low in carbohydrates.
2. If your cat doesn’t drink a lot, it’s important to consider wet food instead of dry to help them stay hydrated.
3. However, dry food contains more nutrients since wet food is comprised mostly of water – a topper can be an easy solution in this case.
4. Learning and understanding the ingredients in cat food is vital.
5. Manufacturers MUST declare what is and isn’t contained in their products – always check the labels.
6. Age-appropriate foods are necessary for your cat as kittens, adults, and seniors have different nutritional needs.

A Quick Overview of the 10 Top Rated Dry Cat Foods

Editor's Pick

Allergens

Calories

First 5 Ingredients

Dry Matter Basis

Pros

Cons

Bottom Line

Rating

ZIWI Peak Air-Dried Cat Food

Best Air-Dried

None

273 kcal/scoop

Mackerel, Lamb, Lamb Heart, Lamb Tripe, Lamb Liver.

Protein: 50% Fat: 29% Fiber: 2%

Limited ingredients Highly digestible

Contains a strong smell Expensive

Provides a great alternative to raw diets, is easily digestible, and is considered safe for sensitive stomachs.

4

Buy on Amazon

Blue Buffalo Indoor Hairball Control & Weight Control

Best For Weight Control

Barley, Chicken

363 kcal/cup

Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Barley, Brown Rice, and Pea Starch.

Protein: 33% Fat: 11% Fiber: 10%

Made with wholesome grains Includes gut-friendly probiotics

Previous customers recommend checking with a vet before feeding this to your feline.

Made with a controlled balance of protein, healthy fruits, and veggies to help cats maintain a healthy weight.

4.5

Buy on Amazon

Wellness Complete Health Chicken & Rice

Best For Joint Problems

Gluten

458 kcal/cup

Chicken Meal, Brewers Rice, Deboned Chicken, Pea Fiber, Turkey Meal.

Protein: 42% Fat: 20% Fiber: 3%

Great omega fatty acid balance Few allergens

Higher in calories compared to other brands featured here. Some fussy eaters may not take to this formula

The perfect pick for kittens as it utilizes DHA to help brain function and development.

4.5

Buy on Amazon

Stella & Chewy's Chick Chick Chicken Dinner Morsels

Best Freeze-Dried

Chicken

182 kcal/cup

Chicken (Ground With Bone), Chicken Liver, Chicken Gizzard, Pumpkin Seed, Potassium Chloride.

Protein: 47% Fat: 26% Fiber: 5%

Low in calories 98% chicken, bone, and organs

Can be expensive

This grain and gluten-free option provides ample nutrition for cats. All you have to do is add water.

4.3

Buy on Amazon

Nature’s Variety Instinct Grain-Free Kitten Food

Best For Kittens

Eggs and chicken

557 kcal/cup

Chicken, Turkey Meal, Menhaden Fish Meal, Peas, Chicken Fat, Egg Product.

Protein: 46% Fat: 24% Fiber: 3%

Real chicken Includes ingredients to support healthy digestion

Kibble pieces are not safe for larger breed cats Higher in calories

If your kitten is in need of a high-protein diet, this contains at least 43.5% of real chicken to entice your kitty.

4.4

Buy on Amazon

Wysong Epigen Starch-Free Chicken Formula

Best High-Protein

Chicken

435 kcal/cup

Organic Chicken, Chicken Meal, Turkey Meal, Potato Protein, Meat Protein Isolate.

Protein: 67% Fat: 17% Fiber: 4%

Can be used as a meal or topper Can aid weight loss

Cats with sensitive stomachs may not react well

Not only can this be a standalone meal, but it can also be a topper or protein booster to aid weight loss, strength enhancement, and more.

3.8

Buy on Amazon

Dr. Elsey's CleanProtein Chicken Formula

Best For Immune Support

Chicken and Eggs

554 kcal/cup

Chicken, Dried Egg Product, Pork Protein Isolate, Gelatin, Chicken Fat.

Protein: 67% Fat: 20% Fiber: 4%

95% animal-based protein Low in carbs

Kibble pieces may be too large for smaller cats/breeds

A low-priced, low-carb, but high-protein option best suited for active, outdoor cats.

4.4

Buy on Amazon

Natural Balance L.I.D. Salmon & Chickpea Formula

Best Hypoallergenic

Fish

329 kcal/cup

Salmon, Chickpeas, Peas, Salmon Meal, and Pea Protein.

Protein: 32% Fat: 9% Fiber: 11%

Few food allergens Perfect for indoor cats

Food can spoilt easily

This option is perfect for less-active, indoor cats that require less protein or limited ingredients due to sensitivities.

4.3

Buy on Amazon

Primal Chicken & Salmon Formula Raw Nuggets Freeze-Dried

Best For Picky Eaters

Chicken

128 kcal/oz

Chicken, Chicken Necks, Chicken Gizzards, Salmon, Chicken Livers.

Protein: 54% Fat: 33% Fiber: 1%

Can be used as a meal or topper No hormones

Can be expensive

These raw nuggets can entice the pickiest of eaters with a combined chicken and salmon formula.

4.1

Buy on Amazon

Hill's Science Diet Adult Indoor Chicken Recipe

Best For Indoor Cats

Corn, Gluten, Wheat, Chicken

319 kcal/cup

Chicken, Whole Grain Wheat, Corn Gluten Meal, Powdered Cellulose, Chicken Fat.

Protein: 34% Fat: 14% Fiber: 13%

DHA to support brain function Suited for indoor cats

Contains filler ingredients Not recommended for cats with sensitive stomachs

This recipe contains more allergens than others but can be beneficial for those that aren’t vulnerable to sensitivities.

4.3

Buy on Amazon

*Ratings are from Amazon at the time of publication and can change

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This Natural Balance cat food review looks at the variety of cat food available by this well-established brand. It delves into the history, development, ingredient, recall history, and overall quality.

Quick Overview of The Best Natural Balance Cat Food Recipes

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