Top 6 Grain-Free Cat Foods for Optimal Health

Grain-free cat foods are becoming increasingly popular among cat owners, but separating facts from marketing claims can be challenging. Are grains genuinely harmful to cats? What advantages do grain-free diets offer? In this article, we’ll address these questions and more. We will also provide you with our recommendations for the top grain-free cat foods available today.

At here, we pride ourselves on our skill in feline care. We understand the essential aspects of cat food that matter most to both cats and their owners. This curated list is the result of consultations with feline nutritionists and veterinarians. We also thoroughly reviewed many online opinions. Additionally, it includes our insights as devoted cat parents.

When selecting the right food for your feline friend, grain-free options have gained popularity among health-conscious pet owners. For a comprehensive look at various cat products, including food choices, check out our cat product buying guide. If you’re specifically interested in grain-free options, our article on the Top 6 Grain-Free Cat Foods for Optimal Health provides in-depth reviews and recommendations to help you make an informed decision.

The Best Grain-Free Cat Foods

1) tuft + paw Great Cat Food

2) The Honest Kitchen Grain-Free Chicken Caté

3) Smalls Ground Other Bird Cat Food

4) Koha Limited Ingredient Duck Paté

5) Tiki Cat After Dark Chicken & Quail Canned Cat Food

6) Wellness CORE Grain-Free Chicken, Turkey, Chicken Liver

Everything You Need to Know About Grain-Free Cat Food

Grains in Cat Food Aren’t Necessarily Harmful

A common misconception is that grains in cat food are bad for cats, but this isn’t automatically true. While it’s true that cats are obligate carnivores and don’t need carbohydrates to thrive, grains can still be beneficial when used appropriately. In the wild, cats might consume small amounts of carbs from their prey. In a domesticated diet, grains can offer additional fiber, vitamins, and minerals. What’s important is to consider the quality and the amount of grain in the cat’s diet rather than completely avoiding it.

Grain-Free Doesn’t Always Mean Low-Carb

Many people assume that “grain-free” cat food means fewer carbs, but this can be misleading. Some brands remove grains and then add other starchy ingredients like potatoes, legumes, or tapioca to bulk up the food. These ingredients can lead to even higher carbohydrate content than food that contains grains. Regardless of whether a food is grain-free, a low-carb diet is often better for cats, as it aligns more closely with their natural dietary needs.

Grain Allergies in Cats Are Rare

Grain and gluten allergies are not common in cats. Most cat allergies are linked to proteins, especially from chicken, beef, or fish sources. Signs of allergies include symptoms such as itchy skin, hair loss, and digestive problems. If you suspect your cat may have an allergy, the best course of action is to consult your veterinarian to pinpoint the cause and adjust their diet accordingly.

Grain-Free Diets and Heart Disease in Cats

There has been growing concern over grain-free pet food and its potential connection to heart disease, particularly dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). In 2018, the FDA started investigating grain-free pet foods, especially those high in carbohydrates, after reports of DCM in pets. While the focus has primarily been on dogs, as DCM is more prevalent in canines, it has raised questions about cats as well.

DCM is often associated with taurine deficiency, an essential amino acid for cats. Feline food is generally supplemented with taurine to avoid this issue. While grain-free diets have been linked to heart problems in dogs, there’s no clear evidence that the same is true for cats as of 2023. If you’re worried about this, it’s always best to discuss it with your vet.

Choosing the Best Grain-Free Cat Food

High-Quality Animal Protein

Whether or not a cat food contains grains, its primary ingredient should be high-quality animal protein. Cats thrive on meat-rich diets, so look for foods that list named meats or organs, like chicken or turkey liver, as the first ingredients. Avoid foods that rely heavily on animal by-products or plant proteins, as they can be harder for cats to digest and offer less nutritional value.

Low Carbohydrates

Choose grain-free foods with minimal carbohydrate content. A cat’s diet should mirror what they would naturally eat: high in protein, moderate in fat, and low in carbs. While cats can digest carbs, their bodies are much better suited to processing nutrients from animal protein. Check for filler ingredients like potatoes or gums, as these often increase the carb content.

Adequate Moisture

Cats don’t always drink enough water, which makes moisture content in their food critical. Wet cat food, grain-free or not, helps keep them hydrated and may prevent urinary problems. Foods with higher moisture content can also make digestion easier, especially for cats with sensitive stomachs.

AAFCO Nutritional Standards & Life Stage Suitability

Always choose cat food that meets the nutritional standards set by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO). This ensures that the food is complete and balanced, providing all the nutrients your cat needs. The AAFCO statement will also indicate if the food is appropriate for your cat’s life stage—whether they’re a kitten, adult, or senior cat.

For example, kittens require more calories and nutrients to support their growth, while senior cats may need diets that help maintain muscle mass. Foods that meet AAFCO guidelines for “all life stages” can simplify the feeding process, but be sure to follow feeding directions based on your cat’s age and needs.

Key AAFCO Terms to Look for:

• Complete and Balanced: Indicates that the food contains all necessary nutrients in the right proportions.
• Growth: For kittens who need more calories and nutrients for development.
• Maintenance – Suitable for adult cats that no longer require the extra calories of growing kittens.
• Gestation/Lactation: Designed for pregnant or nursing cats, who need more nutrients to support themselves and their kittens.
• All Life Stages: These foods work for both kittens and adult cats, though feeding instructions will vary based on age.

Our Criteria for Selecting the Best Grain-Free Cat Foods

• Grain-Free Recipes: Every food on our list is completely grain-free.
• AAFCO Compliance: All listed foods meet the AAFCO Cat Food Nutrient Profiles for either adult cats or all life stages.
• High-Quality Animal Protein: We prioritize foods that use animal proteins as their primary ingredients.
• Healthy Fats: Quality fats from animal sources like fish or meat are essential for a cat’s diet.
• Moisture Content: High moisture levels in food are important for hydration and preventing health issues like dehydration.
• Carbohydrates & Plant-Based Content: Since cats are obligate carnivores, we focus on foods with low-carb and plant material content.
• Price: We consider the cost of the food while ensuring it still meets our quality standards.

Top Picks for Grain-Free Cat Foods

1. Smalls Ground Other Bird Cat Food

• Price: $4.00 per 5 oz pack = $0.80/oz 
• Calories: 200 cal/5 oz pack = 40 cal/oz
• Life Stage: all life stages

Our first grain-free cat food is Smalls Ground Other Bird. Smalls has become popular for its high-quality fresh cat food made with human-grade ingredients. This recipe features turkey as the primary animal protein, making it a great option for cats who aren’t fond of chicken. It’s rich in protein and healthy fats, with a touch of dietary fiber to support digestion. There are no added gums, carrageenan, or filler starches, and we appreciate the inclusion of cod liver oil, which provides a beneficial source of omega-3 fatty acids.

The biggest downside is that Smalls is the priciest option on our list at $0.80 per ounce. Additionally, it’s only available through the Smalls website, and the food is shipped frozen, requiring thawing before serving to your cat. This adds a bit of inconvenience, but the quality may be worth it.

Ingredients: Turkey, turkey liver, green beans, water sufficient for processing, dried yeast, kale, tricalcium phosphate, choline chloride, salt, magnesium proteinate, dandelion greens, taurine, dried kelp, zinc proteinate, iron proteinate, cod liver oil, niacin supplement, vitamin E supplement, vitamin A supplement, copper proteinate, manganese proteinate, thiamine mononitrate, d-calcium pantothenate, pyridoxine hydrochloride, vitamin D3 supplement, riboflavin, vitamin B12 supplement, folic acid, sodium selenite, biotin.

Guaranteed Analysis

• Crude Protein (min): 14.5%
• Crude Fat (min): 10%
• Crude Fiber (max): 1.5%
• Moisture (max): 72%

Dry Matter Analysis

• Protein: 51.8%
• Fat: 35.7%
• Fiber: 5.4%
• Carbs (max): 7.1%

Pros

• High quality animal protein
• First 2 ingredients are turkey-based
• Low carbohydrates
• Human-grade ingredients
• Cod liver oil for omega-3s
• Decent moisture content
• Convenient subscription service
• Many formula options

Cons

• Pricey
• Not available in pet stores
• Food ships frozen

2. tuft + paw Great Cat Food

• Price: $69 for 24 x 5.5 oz box = $0.52/oz
• Calories: 138 cal/5.5 oz box = 25 cal/oz
• Life Stage: all life stages

Our best grain-free cat food choice is tuft + Paw’s Great Cat Food. This recipe is crafted with all the essentials we look for in premium wet cat food. It’s not only grain-free but also low in carbohydrates, with each plant-based ingredient providing specific benefits, like pumpkin puree for added fiber to prevent hairballs, along with vitamins A, C, and K. The focus is on easily digestible animal proteins, with chicken as the main source and rabbit as a secondary. These proteins deliver key amino and fatty acids, especially taurine and arachidonic acid, which are crucial for cats. We’ve also included salmon oil to offer omega-3s, which support immune health, reduce inflammation, and promote brain and eye development. Suitable for all life stages—from kittens to seniors—Great Cat Food is a great value at just $0.52 per ounce.

Ingredients: chicken, chicken broth, pumpkin puree, rabbit, carrots, ground golden flaxseed, natural flavor, tricalcium phosphate, agar-agar, salmon oil, dandelion greens, potassium chloride, vitamins , magnesium amino acid chelate, choline chloride, taurine, minerals , sea salt.

Guaranteed Analysis:

• Crude Protein (min): 9.8% 
• Crude Fat (min): 4%
• Crude Fiber (max): 0.6% 
• Moisture (max): 82% 

Dry Matter Analysis:

• Protein: 52.4%
• Fat: 24.2%
• Fiber: 2.4%
• Carbs: 12.4%

Pros

• High quality animal protein
• First 2 ingredients are chicken-based
• Low carbohydrates, no fillers
• Dietary fiber to aid digestion
• Salmon oil for omega-3s
• Lower calories for less active cats
• Affordable price point
• High moisture content

Cons

• Not available in pet stores

3. Tiki Cat After Dark Chicken & Quail Canned Cat Food

• Price: $27.92 for 8 x 5.5 oz cans = $0.63/oz
• Calories: 129 cal/5.5 oz can = 23 cal/oz
• Life Stage: all life stages

For cats that adore chicken but need to keep an eye on their weight, Tiki Cats After Dark Chicken & Quail Egg Cat Food is an excellent choice. The first six ingredients are all easily digestible, animal-based proteins, contributing to its impressive 66.6% protein content (excluding water). From what we can tell, the ingredients list contains virtually no plant-based ingredients and very few carbohydrates. The addition of tuna oil for omega-3s and the 82% moisture content helps keep your cat hydrated, which is another big plus.

While this food is labeled as suitable for “all life stages,” it isn’t as calorie-dense as typical formulas intended for “growth and reproduction” or “all life stages.” With only 23 calories per ounce, kittens or pregnant/nursing cats would need to consume a significant amount to meet their nutritional needs. For this reason, we believe this food is better suited for adult cats, especially those who need to maintain a healthy weight.

Ingredients: Chicken, chicken broth, quail egg, chicken liver, chicken gizzard, chicken heart, tricalcium phosphate, potassium chloride, choline chloride, magnesium sulfate, salt, taurine, ferrous sulfate, thiamine mononitrate (vitamin B1), vitamin E supplement, tuna oil, niacin (vitamin B3), zinc oxide, vitamin A supplement, biotin, vitamin B12 supplement, copper amino acid chelate, manganous oxide, calcium pantothenate, riboflavin supplement (vitamin B2), sodium selenite, pyridoxine hydrochloride (vitamin B6), folic acid, potassium iodide, vitamin D3 supplement

Guaranteed Analysis

• Crude Protein (min): 12%
• Crude Fat (min): 2.4%
• Crude Fiber (max): 0.7%
• Moisture (max): 82%

Dry Matter Analysis

• Protein: 66.6%
• Fat: 13.3%
• Fiber: 3.9%

Pros

• High quality animal protein
• First 6 ingredients are animal-based
• Low carbohydrates, no fillers
• Very high moisture content
• Tuna oil for omega-3s
• Low caloric density for weight management
• Many other formula options

Cons

• Low caloric density for kittens/mothers

4. Koha Limited Ingredient Duck Paté

• Price: $66.96 for 24 x 5.5-oz cans = $0.51/oz
• Calories: 208 cal/5.5 oz = 38 cal/oz
• Life Stage: adult maintenance

For adult cats with allergies to common meats, Koha’s Limited Ingredient Diet formulas are a great option. This recipe features duck as the primary animal protein, which is not only biologically suitable for cats but also a less common allergen. It’s rich in animal protein, low in carbs, and contains a high moisture content to help keep your cat hydrated. At $0.51 per ounce, it’s the most affordable option on our list, offering excellent value for such a high-quality food. Additionally, the inclusion of green mussels provides a healthy dose of omega-3 fatty acids. Since this formula is designed for adult maintenance, omega-3s are not mandatory, but they’re a welcome bonus.

Overall, this formula meets the nutritional needs of most adult cats, though it has a higher fat-to-protein ratio due to duck being a fatty meat. While the food still provides adequate protein, we prefer protein to be the dominant macronutrient for obligate carnivores like cats. The formula also contains very little dietary fiber, which isn’t essential but can support digestion, especially for indoor cats prone to hairballs.

Ingredients: Duck, Water Sufficient For Processing, Ground Flaxseed, Pumpkin, New Zealand Green Mussel, Agar Agar, Potassium Chloride, Choline Chloride, Salt, Taurine, Dried Kale, Cranberries, Ginger, Turmeric, Iron Proteinate, Zinc Proteinate, Vitamin E Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate, Copper Proteinate, Manganese Proteinate, Sodium Selenite, Niacin Supplement, D-Calcium Pantothenate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Riboflavin Supplement, Vitamin A Supplement, Biotin, Potassium Iodide, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Folic Acid.

Guaranteed Analysis

• Crude Protein (min): 8%
• Crude Fat (min): 8%
• Crude Fiber (max): 1%
• Moisture (max): 78%

Dry Matter Analysis

• Protein: 40.1%
• Fat: 42.9%
• Fiber: 0%
• Carbs: 4.6%

Pros

• High quality animal protein 
• 96% duck (exclusive of water)
• Novel protein for cats with food allergies
• Minimal carbohydrates, no fillers
• High moisture content
• Green mussel for omega-3s
• Affordably priced
• Many other formula options

Cons

• High fat content
• Very low fiber

5. Wellness CORE Grain-Free Chicken, Turkey, Chicken Liver

• Price: $83.76 for 24 x 5.5 oz cans = $0.63/oz
• Calories: 186 cal/5.5 oz can = 34 cal/oz
• Life Stage: all life stages

Wellness CORE Grain-Free Chicken, Turkey & Chicken Liver Cat Food is packed with high-quality animal protein and, as the name implies, contains no grains. The first six ingredients are sourced from either chicken or turkey, with only one being a meal or byproduct. This suggests that the majority of the crude protein is easily digestible. On a dry matter basis, the carbohydrate content is low, and the addition of salmon oil for omega-3s, along with the high moisture content, adds to its nutritional value.

While this is a strong grain-free option, we aren’t fans of the inclusion of dried potatoes and guar, cassia, and xanthan gums. These ingredients mainly serve as fillers and thickeners, which are not essential to a cat’s diet. Though not a major deal-breaker, these components keep the food from being ranked even higher in terms of quality.

Ingredients: Chicken, Turkey, Chicken Broth, Chicken Liver, Chicken Meal, Turkey Liver, Dried Ground Potatoes, Natural Flavor, Cranberries, Guar Gum, Ground Flaxseed, Potassium Chloride, Salmon Oil (preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Choline Chloride, Taurine, Cassia Gum, Xanthan Gum, Dried Kelp, Chicory Root Extract, Yucca Schidigera Extract, Magnesium Sulfate, Iron Proteinate, Zinc Proteinate, Thiamine Mononitrate, Vitamin E Supplement, Copper Proteinate, Manganese Proteinate, Sodium Selenite, Niacin, d-Calcium Pantothenate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Riboflavin Supplement, Vitamin A Supplement, Biotin, Potassium Iodide, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Folic Acid, Rosemary Extract.

Guaranteed Analysis

• Crude Protein (min): 12%
• Crude Fat (min): 8%
• Crude Fiber (max): 1%
• Moisture (max): 78%

Dry Matter Analysis

• Protein: 49.6%
• Fat: 31.4%
• Fiber: 1.2%
• Carbs: 7.9%

Pros

• High-quality animal protein
• First 6 ingredients are animal-based
• Low carbohydrates
• Salmon oil for omega-3s
• High moisture content
• Many other formula options

Cons

• Contains potatoes
• Contains guar, cassia, and xanthan gums

6. The Honest Kitchen Grain-Free Chicken Caté

• Price: $75.68 for 24 x 5.5 oz box = $0.57/oz
• Calories: 171 cal/5.5 oz box = 31 cal/oz
• Life Stage: all life stages

Our next choice for the best grain-free cat food is The Honest Kitchen’s Grain-Free Chicken Pate Wet Cat Food. It offers a high-quality source of digestible animal protein, with chicken being the main component in the first three ingredients. The recipe features human-grade ingredients and avoids filler carbs or gums. Instead, it includes pumpkin, carrots, and berries for added antioxidants and fiber, with agar-agar as a natural thickener to create a pleasant texture while aiding digestion. This food has a moderate calorie content, is reasonably priced, and is appropriate for all life stages. While it may not be ideal for every cat, it’s a solid choice that fits the needs of many households.

While we don’t have any significant concerns about this food, we would prefer if salmon oil was more prominent on the ingredient list as an animal-based omega-3 source. Currently, omega-3s only account for 0.1% of the food on an as-fed basis, which we find somewhat low. Omega-3s play a vital role in controlling inflammation, supporting the immune system, and promoting brain development in kittens. If you’re feeding this to a kitten, we recommend supplementing it with other foods rich in omega-3s.

Ingredients: Chicken, chicken broth, chicken liver, pumpkin, carrots, blueberries, cranberries, natural chicken flavor, calcium carbonate, agar-agar, dandelion greens, potassium chloride, choline chloride, vitamins , magnesium proteinate, taurine, minerals , kelp, yucca schidigera extract, salmon oil.

Guaranteed Analysis

• Crude Protein (min): 10%
• Crude Fat (min): 6.5%
• Crude Fiber (max): 1%
• Moisture (max): 78%
• Carbs (as fed): 3%

Dry Matter Analysis

• Protein: 45%
• Fat: 29.5%
• Fiber: 4.6%
• Carbs: 13%

Pros

• High quality animal protein 
• First 3 ingredients are chicken-based
• No fillers
• High moisture content
• Human-grade ingredients
• Many other formula options

Cons

• mediocre omega-3 supplement

Grain-Free Cat Food FAQs

Is grain-free cat food better for my cat’s health?

Grain-free doesn’t always mean healthier. While it might help cats with grain sensitivities, the focus should be on high-quality animal protein. Some grain-inclusive foods are nutritious, and some grain-free options can be high in carbs that cats don’t need.

Do all grain-free cat foods have low carbs?

Not always. Just because a food is grain-free doesn’t mean it’s low in carbohydrates. Many grain-free formulas include other starches, so it’s essential to review the ingredient list for added carbs.

Are grain allergies common in cats, and what are the signs?

Grain allergies are uncommon in cats. It’s more likely for a cat to have an allergy to proteins like chicken or fish. Symptoms such as itchy skin, hair loss, or digestive troubles can suggest an allergy. A visit to the vet is important if these symptoms appear.

Can cats digest grains, and do they offer nutritional benefits?

Cats can digest grains and other carbohydrates, but their bodies are primarily designed for processing meat-based nutrients. Grains can provide small amounts of fiber, vitamins, and minerals, but they shouldn’t make up a large part of your cat’s diet.

Is there any connection between grain-free diets and heart disease in cats?

As of 2023, no direct link has been found between grain-free diets and heart disease in cats. In 2018, the FDA investigated a potential connection between grain-free pet diets and dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), but no concrete link was established. DCM remains rare in cats.