When you buy through our links, Business Insider may earn an affiliate commission. Learn moreVeterinarians and animal nutrition experts shared their advice for choosing healthy cat food for various life stages and needs.Chewy/Business InsiderFinding the best cat food to keep your finicky feline happy is no easy feat. First, you'll need to consider key factors, from your cat's age to whether you prefer the convenience of dry food over the beneficial moisture in wet food. If your cat has specific health concerns, there are also foods formulated to address everything from hairballs to weight management.I've spent the last four years researching hundreds of cat foods and interviewing more than a dozen veterinarians and animal nutritionists to learn how to identify high-quality, nutritious cat foods. While there's no one-size-fits-all food, my top picks are nutritious recipes from top brands. Our best overall picks at a glance: Instinct Original Real Salmon Entree is a wet food for adult cats that contains salmon and pork liver, plus menhaden fish oil, which is a source of beneficial omega-3 fatty acids to support skin, coat, and joint health.Farmina N&D Ancestral Grain Lamb and Blueberry Recipe packs several types of fiber to support gut health, along with omega-3 fatty acids. Beyond my recommendations below, you can find more nutritionally complete and balanced foods in the buying guides linked throughout this article. All of these foods meet the veterinarian-recommended nutrition standards set by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) and the Global Nutrition Guidelines published by the World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA). If you'd like to learn more about these standards, jump to the section on "What to look for in a cat food." Most importantly, always make sure to talk to your vet before making any changes to your cat's diet.How we chose the best cat foodsMy recommendations for the best cat foods are based on over four years of research and testing. I've consulted with more than a dozen veterinary experts, including board-certified nutritionists and those with a doctorate degree in animal nutrition who teach at accredited veterinary colleges. All of my recommendations align with the key factors highlighted in this guide, including the AAFCO standards and the WSAVA Global Nutrition Guidelines. You can read more about how Business Insider Reviews tests and recommends pet products.Our top picks for the best cat foodsBest wet overall: Instinct Original Real Salmon Entree, 3 oz. cans (24 count) - $48 at ChewyBest dry overall: Farmina N&D Ancestral Grain Lamb and Blueberry Recipe, 11 lb. bag - $76 at ChewyBest budget wet: Fancy Feast Turkey and Giblets Feast Classic Pate, 3 oz. cans (24 count) - $23 at ChewyBest budget dry: Nutro Wholesome Essentials Adult Salmon and Brown Rice Recipe, 14 lb. bag - $45 at ChewyBest for indoor cats: Royal Canin Indoor Morsels in Gravy, 3 oz. cans (24 count) - $53 at ChewyBest for kittens: Purina Pro Plan Kitten Salmon and Ocean Fish Entree, 3 oz. cans (24 count) - $47 at ChewyBest for seniors: Purina Pro Plan Adult 7+ Prime Plus Salmon and Tuna Entree, 3 oz. cans (24 count) - $47 at ChewyBest for sensitive stomachs: Royal Canin Digestive Care Thin Slices in Gravy, 3 oz. cans (24 count) - $57 at ChewyBest for weight loss: Hill's Science Diet Perfect Weight Adult Liver and Chicken Entree, 2.9 oz. cans (24 count) - $52 at ChewyBest for hairball control: Hill's Science Diet Urinary Hairball Control Adult Savory Chicken Entree, 2.9 oz. cans (24 count) - $48 at ChewyBest fresh: JustFoodForCats Fish and Chicken Recipe, 18 oz. pouches (7 count) - $112 at JustFoodForDogsBest wet overallCat food should include animal protein as a top ingredient because cats are obligate carnivores who cannot produce essential amino acids on their own. These amino acids, such as taurine, are required for healthy growth and physical well-being. They must be sourced from a meat-based diet, says Dr. Jonathan Stockman, a veterinary nutritionist and associate professor of clinical veterinary sciences at Long Island University College of Veterinary Medicine. Instinct Original Real Salmon Recipe delivers 48% protein from salmon and pork liver.The pate is low in calories, high in fiber, and moderate in fat, which can help manage your cat's weight when served in appropriate proportions. Thanks to its high moisture content, this recipe and our other picks for the best wet cat food also more filling than dry food. The food contains healthy extras, such as antioxidants from cranberries and blueberries, which may help lower a cat's risk of degenerative diseases of the liver, kidneys, and brain. It also includes pumpkin, a fiber source that promotes regularity and may help cats feel fuller for longer.While high-protein foods such as this one can benefit many cats, consult your veterinarian before feeding your cat a high-protein diet if they are a senior o
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