Cats require a good balance of healthy fats, animal protein, and essential nutrients. However, with so many options on the market, it’s hard to know which options actually offer your pets what they need while also not breaking the bank.
Not sure where to start? Not a problem. We’ll walk you through popular items below (along with prices and ways to save money).
Best Wet Food
Animal experts and veterinarians recommend wet food because of the higher water content. This fact helps your cat stay hydrated and prevent urinary tract infections or urinary crystals forming, which is common among felines. It is also more beneficial for cats with particular chronic diseases.
Last but not least, if you have a picky eater, wet food can be a heaven-send: wet varieties tend to taste better for cats, which encourages them to finish their meals. Besides, wet food is a great alternative for cats with difficulties chewing or with dental issues.
Wag Wet Cat Food
It has five flavor combinations that all include real meat proteins as well as no artificial colors or flavors, no corn, wheat, soy, and chemical preservatives.
Pricing
Prices on Amazon:
- Salmon & Chicken in gravy ($0.28/oz)
- Shredded Salmon in Gravy ($0.19/oz)
- Turkey & Salmon ($0.19)
Purina Fancy Feast Wet Cat Food
Purina’s wet cat food is crafted with real, high-quality protein like chicken, turkey, beef, salmon, shrimp, and tuna.
Pricing
Prices at Walmart:
- 24 packs range from $11.64 – $15.36
- 12 packs range from 7.79 – $9.96
Meow Mix Wet Cat Food
Made with a blend of premium quality protein from real tuna, chicken, beef, salmon, tuna, and crab, it contains vitamins and minerals such as vitamin K, taurine, and copper. However, it also contains wheat gluten, so you need to know if your cat has a gluten allergy.
Pricing & Discounts
Prices and deals on Chewy.com:
- A case of 12 ranges from $5.22 – $6.29
- A case of 24 ranges from $8.97 – $10.71
- Save 5% if you Auto-ship and save on Chewy.com
- Save 30% on your first Auto-ship on Chewy.com
Sheba Perfect Portions Paté
Sheba uses real proteins that are easily digested. It also contains vitamin supplements like vitamin D3 and minerals like fish oil. This paté type of food comes in a tray with two portions that you can snap in half; there are three varieties that do not contain corn, soy, or wheat fillers.
Pricing
Price on Amazon:
- $21.35
Purina Pro Plan Focus Urinary Tract Health Formula
Purina made this to keep your cat’s urinary tract in good shape, as it is formulated with high moisture (78%) and low magnesium to maintain a neutral pH level. This formula helps your cat stay hydrated and pee on a healthy schedule to prevent crystals from forming in the bladder.
Pricing & Discounts
Prices and deals on Chewy.com:
- Purina Pro Plan Focus Adult Urinary Tract Health Formula Chicken Entree in Gravy Canned Cat Food, 3-oz, case of 24 costs $23.28
- Save 5% if you Auto-ship and save on Chewy.com
- Save 30% on your first Auto-ship on Chewy.com
Best Dry Food
Dry cat food is more reliable and convenient than wet food. Kibble has a long shelf life, and it can be left out for the cats to eat whenever they want. You’ll also be saving money when you opt for this variety. For starters, the initial cost is already less expensive than wet cat food. Additionally, most cats consume less dry food, which makes it more economical.
Purina Beyond Grain-Free Dry Cat Food
Purina has an all-natural and grain-free formula with probiotics that promote healthy digestion.
Pricing & Deals
Prices and deals on Chewy.com:
- 3lbs: $10.24
- 5lbs: $18.49
- 11lbs: $29.90
- Save 5% if you Autoship and save at Chewy.com
- Save 30% on your first Auto-ship on Chewy.com
Rachel Ray Dry Cat Food
Rachel Ray Cat Food focuses on natural ingredients with vitamins and minerals that pack real flavor. It has high-quality protein that comes from farm-raised animals. It is rich in fiber and prebiotics for aided digestion with several flavors to choose from.
Pricing & Discounts
Prices and deals on Chewy.com:
- 3lbs: $6.44
- 6lbs: $7.25
- 14lbs: $19.97
- Save 5% if you Autoship at Chewy.com
- Save 30% on your first Auto-ship on Chewy.com
American Journey Grain-Free Dry Cat Food
American Journey provides 40% protein made from real meat, like salmon, chicken, turkey, and duck. It is rich in omega fatty acids, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals to promote the overall health of your cat. Best of all, it does not contain grains, corn, wheat, and soy.
Pricing & Discounts
Prices and discounts on Chewy.com:
- A 12-lb bag ranges from $24.99 – $27.99
- Save 5% if you Autoship at Chewy.com
- Save 30% on your first Auto-ship on Chewy.com
Nulo Dry Cat Food
Nulo Freestyle is a grain-free cat food that stays fresh, and 80% of the protein comes from real chicken, salmon, turkey, lamb meat, or cod. Nulo uses carb alternatives and low glycemic ingredients to keep your cats active. That means there are no filler ingredients like gluten, wheat, or soy. Lastly, it contains levels of patented BC30 probiotics that benefit your cat’s health.
Pricing & Discounts
Prices at Wal-Mart:
- A 5-lb costs $23.15
- A 12-lb bag costs $42.09
Prices and deals on Chewy.com:
- A 5-lb costs $23.15
- A 12-lb bag costs $42.09
- Save an extra $0.10 if you Autoship and Save on Chewy.com
- Save 5% if you Autoship at Chewy.com
- Save 30% on your first Auto-ship on Chewy.com
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, whether you are worried about which wet or dry cat food to buy, this list narrows it down for you. Mix it up and try to get both varieties of cat food to see what suits your feline friend best.