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If you have an indoor cat, you might be wondering what kind of food is best for them. Indoor cats have different nutritional needs than outdoor cats, because they tend to be less active and more prone to weight gain, hairballs, and urinary issues. Choosing the right food for your indoor cat can help them stay healthy, happy, and comfortable.
In this article, we will review some of the best cat foods for indoor cats on the market, based on their ingredients, quality, price, and customer reviews. We will also give you some tips on how to feed your indoor cat properly and what to look for when buying cat food. By the end of this article, you will have a better idea of how to choose the best cat food for your indoor cat.
Why Do Indoor Cats Need Special Food?
Indoor cats have different dietary needs than outdoor cats for several reasons. First of all, indoor cats tend to be less active than outdoor cats, which means they burn fewer calories and need less energy. If they eat the same amount of food as outdoor cats, they can easily become overweight or obese, which can lead to various health problems such as diabetes, arthritis, heart disease, and more.
Secondly, indoor cats tend to groom themselves more often than outdoor cats, which means they swallow more hair and can develop hairballs. Hairballs can cause vomiting, constipation, or even intestinal blockage if not eliminated properly. Indoor cat food usually contains more fiber or special ingredients that help prevent or reduce hairballs.
Thirdly, indoor cats are more likely to suffer from urinary tract infections or crystals, especially if they don't drink enough water or have a low-quality diet. Urinary problems can cause pain, inflammation, blood in urine, or even life-threatening blockages. Indoor cat food usually has a lower level of magnesium and phosphorus, which are minerals that can contribute to urinary crystals. Indoor cat food also has a higher moisture content or encourages water intake to keep your cat hydrated and flush out toxins.
What to Look for When Buying Cat Food for Indoor Cats?
When buying cat food for indoor cats, there are some things you should look for to ensure you are getting a high-quality product that meets your cat's needs. Here are some of the most important factors to consider:
- Protein: Protein is the most important nutrient for cats, as they are obligate carnivores that need animal-based protein to thrive. Protein provides essential amino acids that support muscle growth, tissue repair, immune function, and more. Look for cat food that has a high percentage of protein (at least 30%) and lists meat or meat meal as the first ingredient. Avoid cat food that has plant-based protein sources such as corn gluten meal or soybean meal.
- Fat: Fat is another essential nutrient for cats, as it provides energy, supports skin and coat health, and helps absorb fat-soluble vitamins. However, too much fat can also lead to weight gain and obesity in indoor cats. Look for cat food that has a moderate amount of fat (around 15%) and contains healthy sources of fat such as chicken fat or fish oil. Avoid cat food that has low-quality sources of fat such as animal by-products or generic animal fat.
- Fiber: Fiber is not an essential nutrient for cats, but it can help with digestion and hairball prevention in indoor cats. Fiber can help move hair through the digestive tract and prevent constipation. It can also help your cat feel fuller and eat less calories. Look for cat food that has a moderate amount of fiber (around 5%) and contains natural sources of fiber such as beet pulp, oatmeal, or pumpkin. Avoid cat food that has too much fiber (more than 10%) or artificial sources of fiber such as cellulose or powdered cellulose.
- Carbohydrates: Carbohydrates are not an essential nutrient for cats, but they can provide some energy and help bind the ingredients together in dry cat food. However, too many carbohydrates can also lead to weight gain and obesity in indoor cats, as well as diabetes and other health issues. Look for cat food that has a low amount of carbohydrates (less than 20%) and contains complex carbohydrates such as brown rice, barley, or quinoa. Avoid cat food that has too many carbohydrates (more than 30%) or simple carbohydrates such as corn, wheat, or potatoes.
- Moisture: Moisture is very important for cats, especially indoor cats, as it helps keep them hydrated and prevent urinary problems. Cats have a low thirst drive and may not drink enough water from a bowl, so they need to get most of their moisture from their food. Look for cat food that has a high moisture content (at least 70%) and contains natural sources of moisture such as broth, gravy, or water. Avoid cat food that has a low moisture content (less than 10%) or contains artificial sources of moisture such as propylene glycol or glycerin.
- Vitamins and minerals: Vitamins and minerals are essential for cats, as they support various bodily functions and prevent deficiencies. Indoor cat food usually contains added vitamins and minerals to meet your cat's needs. Look for cat food that has a balanced and complete profile of vitamins and minerals, and contains natural sources of antioxidants such as cranberries, blueberries, or green tea. Avoid cat food that has too many or too few vitamins and minerals, or contains synthetic or artificial additives such as colors, flavors, or preservatives.
How to Feed Your Indoor Cat Properly?
Besides choosing the right cat food for your indoor cat, you also need to feed them properly to ensure they stay healthy and happy. Here are some tips on how to feed your indoor cat properly:
- Measure the portions: One of the main causes of weight gain and obesity in indoor cats is overfeeding. To prevent this, you need to measure the portions according to your cat's weight, age, activity level, and health condition. You can use a measuring cup or a scale to measure the exact amount of food your cat needs per day, and divide it into two or three meals. You can also use a puzzle feeder or a slow feeder to make your cat work for their food and eat slower.
- Adjust the calories: Another factor that affects your cat's weight is the number of calories they consume per day. Indoor cats need fewer calories than outdoor cats, because they burn fewer calories due to their lower activity level. You can check the calorie content of your cat food on the label or online, and adjust the portions accordingly. You can also choose a low-calorie or weight-control formula for your indoor cat if they need to lose weight.
- Provide fresh water: Water is essential for your cat's health, especially for their urinary health. Indoor cats are more prone to dehydration and urinary problems than outdoor cats, so you need to provide them with fresh water at all times. You can use a water fountain or a bowl to provide water for your cat, and change it daily. You can also add some water to your cat's wet food or mix some broth or tuna juice with water to encourage them to drink more.
- Vary the flavors and textures: Cats are notorious for being picky eaters, especially indoor cats who have fewer options than outdoor cats. To prevent boredom and loss of appetite in your indoor cat, you can vary the flavors and textures of their food from time to time. You can choose different flavors of wet or dry food, such as chicken, turkey, beef, fish, etc., and different textures such as pate, chunks, shreds, etc. You can also mix wet and dry food together or add some toppings such as cheese, yogurt, or eggs to make their food more appealing.
- Consult your vet: The best way to feed your indoor cat properly is to consult your vet regularly. Your vet can assess your cat's health condition and nutritional needs, and recommend the best type of food and feeding schedule for them. Your vet can also help you monitor your cat's weight and body condition score, and adjust the portions or calories accordingly. Your vet can also advise you on any supplements or special diets your cat may need due to medical issues such as allergies, diabetes, kidney disease, etc.
Best Cat Food for Indoor Cats: Our Top 7 Picks
Now that you know what to look for when buying cat food for indoor cats and how to feed them properly, you might be wondering what are some of the best cat foods for indoor cats on the market. To help you with your decision, we have selected and reviewed the top 7 cat foods for indoor cats, based on their ingredients, quality, price, and customer reviews. Here are our picks:
1. Smalls Human-Grade Fresh Cat Food Subscription – Best Overall
If you want to give your indoor cat the best of the best, you might want to try Smalls human-grade fresh cat food subscription. Smalls is a fresh cat food delivery service that uses human-grade ingredients and customizes the recipes according to your cat's profile and preferences. You can choose from a variety of wet and dry food options, such as chicken, turkey, beef, or fish, and get them delivered to your door every two weeks. Smalls cat food is high in protein and moisture, very low in carbs, and free of grains, fillers, or artificial additives. Smalls cat food is also highly palatable and digestible, and can help your indoor cat with weight management, hairball prevention, urinary health, and more.
Pros:
- Human-grade ingredients
- Customized recipes
- High in protein and moisture, very low in carbs
- Grain-free and filler-free
- Highly palatable and digestible
- Helps with weight management, hairball prevention, urinary health, and more
Cons:
- Expensive
- Requires refrigeration or freezing
- May not be suitable for cats with allergies or sensitivities
Click here to get 35% off your first order of Smalls cat food.
2. Rachael Ray Nutrish Indoor Complete Natural Dry Cat Food – Best Value
If you are looking for a budget-friendly option that still offers good quality and nutrition for your indoor cat, you might want to try Rachael Ray Nutrish Indoor Complete Natural Dry Cat Food. This dry cat food is made with real chicken as the first ingredient, along with a superfood blend of cranberries, blueberries, pumpkin, lentils, and more. It is high in protein and fiber, low in fat and calories, and free of grains, gluten, or artificial additives. It also contains added vitamins and minerals to support your indoor cat's overall health and wellness. Rachael Ray Nutrish Indoor Complete Natural Dry Cat Food is also highly rated by customers who say their cats love the taste and have improved digestion, coat quality, and energy levels.
Pros:
- Affordable
- Real chicken as the first ingredient
- High in protein and fiber, low in fat and calories
- Grain-free and gluten-free
- Added vitamins and minerals
- Highly palatable and digestible
- Helps with weight management, hairball prevention, urinary health, and more
Cons:
- Contains some plant-based protein sources such as pea protein or potato protein
- Contains some controversial ingredients such as caramel color or dried yeast
- May not be suitable for cats with allergies or sensitivities
3. Iams ProActive Health Indoor Care Dry Cat Food – Best for Hairballs
If your indoor cat suffers from frequent hairballs, you might want to try Iams ProActive Health Indoor Care Dry Cat Food. This dry cat food is specially formulated to reduce hairballs in indoor cats by providing a blend of natural fibers that help move hair through the digestive tract. It also contains high-quality chicken as the first ingredient, along with other wholesome ingredients such as brewers rice, corn meal, beet pulp, fish oil, and more. It is high in protein and fiber, low in fat and calories, and enriched with vitamins and minerals to support your indoor cat's overall health and wellness. Iams ProActive Health Indoor Care Dry Cat Food is also highly rated by customers who say their cats have fewer hairballs, better digestion, and softer coats.
Pros:
- Affordable
- High-quality chicken as the first ingredient
- High in protein and fiber, low in fat and calories
- Enriched with vitamins and minerals
- Highly palatable and digestible
- Helps reduce hairballs in indoor cats
Cons:
- Contains grains and gluten
- Contains some plant-based protein sources such as corn gluten meal or soybean meal
- Contains some controversial ingredients such as caramel color or BHA
- May not be suitable for cats with allergies or sensitivities
Click here to see the latest price of Iams ProActive Health Indoor Care Dry Cat Food on Amazon.
4. Hill's Science Diet Indoor Kitten Dry Cat Food – Best for Kittens
If you have an indoor kitten, you might want to try Hill's Science Diet Indoor Kitten Dry Cat Food. This dry cat food is specially formulated for kittens up to one year old who live indoors. It contains high-quality chicken as the first ingredient, along with other wholesome ingredients such as brown rice, oat groats, fish oil, and more. It is high in protein and fat, low in carbs, and balanced with vitamins and minerals to support your kitten's growth and development. It also contains natural fibers to help with digestion and hairball prevention, and DHA to support brain and eye health. Hill's Science Diet Indoor Kitten Dry Cat Food is also highly rated by customers who say their kittens love the taste and have healthy weight, coat quality, and energy levels.
Pros:
- Affordable
- High-quality chicken as the first ingredient
- High in protein and fat, low in carbs
- Balanced with vitamins and minerals
- Natural fibers to help with digestion and hairball prevention
- DHA to support brain and eye health
- Highly palatable and digestible
- Helps support growth and development in indoor kittens
Cons:
- Contains grains and gluten
- Contains some plant-based protein sources such as soybean meal or pea protein concentrate
- Contains some controversial ingredients such as caramel color or BHT
- May not be suitable for kittens with allergies or sensitivities
Click here to see the latest price of Hill's Science Diet Indoor Kitten Dry Cat Food on Amazon.
5. Blue Buffalo Indoor Health Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe Adult Dry Cat Food – Best for Adults
If you have an adult indoor cat, you might want to try Blue Buffalo Indoor Health Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe Adult Dry Cat Food. This dry cat food is specially formulated for adult cats who live indoors. It contains high-quality deboned chicken as the first ingredient, along with other wholesome ingredients such as brown rice, oatmeal, flaxseed, cranberries, blueberries, and more. It is high in protein and fiber, moderate in fat and calories, and free of grains, gluten, or artificial additives. It also contains Blue Buffalo's exclusive LifeSource Bits, which are a blend of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that support your cat's immune system, life stage needs, and oxidative balance. Blue Buffalo Indoor Health Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe Adult Dry Cat Food is also highly rated by customers who say their cats love the taste and have improved weight management, coat quality, and urinary health.
Pros:
- Affordable
- High-quality deboned chicken as the first ingredient
- High in protein and fiber, moderate in fat and calories
- Grain-free and gluten-free
- LifeSource Bits to support immune system, life stage needs, and oxidative balance
- Highly palatable and digestible
- Helps with weight management, hairball prevention, urinary health, and more
Cons:
- Contains some plant-based protein sources such as pea protein or potato protein
- Contains some controversial ingredients such as caramel color or dried yeast
- May not be suitable for cats with allergies or sensitivities
6. Nulo Turkey and Chicken Recipe Grain-Free Canned Cat and Kitten Food – Best for Seniors
If you have a senior indoor cat, you might want to try Nulo Turkey and Chicken Recipe Grain-Free Canned Cat and Kitten Food. This wet cat food is specially formulated for cats of all life stages, including seniors who live indoors. It contains high-quality turkey and chicken as the first two ingredients, along with other wholesome ingredients such as turkey broth, chicken liver, cranberries, blueberries, and more. It is high in protein and moisture, very low in carbs, and free of grains, gluten, or artificial additives. It also contains Nulo's patented BC30 probiotic, which is a strain of beneficial bacteria that supports your cat's digestive and immune health. Nulo Turkey and Chicken Recipe Grain-Free Canned Cat and Kitten Food is also highly rated by customers who say their cats love the taste and have improved digestion, coat quality, and energy levels.
Pros:
- Affordable
- High-quality turkey and chicken as the first two ingredients
- High in protein and moisture, very low in carbs
- Grain-free and gluten-free
- BC30 probiotic to support digestive and immune health
- Highly palatable and digestible
- Suitable for cats of all life stages, including seniors
Cons:
- Contains some plant-based protein sources such as pea protein or potato protein
- Contains some controversial ingredients such as carrageenan or guar gum
- May not be suitable for cats with allergies or sensitivities
7. Open Farm Harvest Chicken Rustic Blend Wet Cat Food – Best for Hydration
If you want to keep your indoor cat hydrated and prevent urinary problems, you might want to try Open Farm Harvest Chicken Rustic Blend Wet Cat Food. This wet cat food is made with 100% human-grade ingredients, including high-quality chicken, chicken bone broth, chicken liver, pumpkin, spinach, cranberries, and more. It is packed with high-quality animal protein, rich in moisture to support hydration, and free of grains, gluten, or artificial additives. It also contains functional ingredients such as coconut oil, turmeric, and chicory root to support your cat's skin, coat, joints, and digestion. Open Farm Harvest Chicken Rustic Blend Wet Cat Food is also highly rated by customers who say their cats love the taste and have improved hydration, digestion, coat quality, and urinary health.
Pros:
- Premium quality
- 100% human-grade ingredients
- High-quality chicken as the first ingredient
- Packed with high-quality animal protein
- Rich in moisture to support hydration
- Grain-free and gluten-free
- Functional ingredients to support skin, coat, joints, and digestion
- Highly palatable and digestible
- Helps prevent urinary problems in indoor cats
Cons:
- Expensive
- Requires refrigeration after opening
- May not be suitable for cats with allergies or sensitivities
Click here to get 20% off your first order of Open Farm Harvest Chicken Rustic Blend Wet Cat Food.
Conclusion: What Is the Best Cat Food for Indoor Cats?
In conclusion, the best cat food for indoor cats depends on your cat's individual needs, preferences, and budget. However, based on our research and reviews, we recommend Smalls Human-Grade Fresh Cat Food Subscription as the best overall cat food for indoor cats, because it offers high-quality, human-grade ingredients, customized recipes, high protein and moisture, low carbs, and no grains, fillers, or artificial additives. It also helps with weight management, hairball prevention, urinary health, and more.
However, if you are looking for a more affordable option that still offers good quality and nutrition for your indoor cat, you might want to try Rachael Ray Nutrish Indoor Complete Natural Dry Cat Food as the best value cat food for indoor cats. It offers real chicken as the first ingredient, a superfood blend of cranberries, blueberries, pumpkin, lentils, and more, high protein and fiber, low fat and calories, and no grains, gluten, or artificial additives. It also helps with weight management, hairball prevention, urinary health, and more.
Ultimately, the best cat food for your indoor cat is the one that meets their nutritional needs, suits their taste buds, fits your budget, and makes them happy and healthy. We hope this article has helped you find the best cat food for your indoor cat, or at least given you some ideas on what to look for when buying cat food for indoor cats. Remember to always consult your vet before changing your cat's diet or feeding them any new food. Happy feeding!
