What are the best quality cat foods you can buy in Canada? Canada is home to some of the best quality cat food brands in the world! In fact, Canadian brands lead the way in innovation and sustainability. We have carefully evaluated dozens of Canadian pet food brands, closely scrutinizing every aspect of the manufacturer and their recipe. Here are just a few of the things we consider:
- Quality and source of ingredients, including how fresh the ingredients are, where they’re sourced from, whether they include antibiotics or hormones, if they’re GMO free, organic, and more.
- Manufacturing practices and transparency. We believe the manufacturers of the foods we feed our beloved pets should be accountable for every step of the manufacturing process.
- Innovation and sustainability. As we move towards a more eco-friendly world, pet food manufacturers should be focused on developing earth-friendly standards and practices as well.
Here are the top 10 best Canadian made cat foods for 2024:
#1: Smack
Smack dog food has earned the #1 spot in our top dog foods list for the last four consecutive years, and their cat foods are no exception.
Since 2008, Smack has made exceptionally high quality pet foods in their Winnipeg, Manitoba facility. Not only are their foods some of the healthiest we’ve ever seen, they’re also extremely convenient to feed.
All Smack products are backed by food engineering, biochemistry, holistic medicine, and a deep love of animals. These are the tools that allow Smack to develop an innovative, industry-leading approach to pet food manufacturing. Smack’s recipes are made mostly from certified organic ingredients, including the best quality cuts of human-grade meat (like whole, bone-in chicken), and a carefully chosen range of organic produce.
Best of all, Smack’s foods are dehydrated in their raw form, ensuring maximum nutrient retention. Because of their high meat content, Smack is highly palatable; perfect for fussy felines.
There are three unique Smack cat formulas to choose from: Pacific Fish Feast, Purrfect Pork, and Very Berry Chicken, and Salmon. Smack’s recipes are loaded with wholesome, nutritiously-dense superfoods, and don’t require any synthetic supplementation. Read our full review of Smack Pet Foods here.
Highlights of Smack Pet Foods:
- Synthetic-free
- 5 formulas: Pacific Fish Feast, Purrfect Pork, and Very Berry Chicken, and Salmon
- Made mostly with certified-organic, human-grade ingredients
- Loaded with nutrient-dense superfoods
- Highly palatable; perfect for finicky cats
- Manufactured in Winnipeg, Manitoba
- Self-manufactured
- Food type: dehydrated raw
- Size options: 250g, 1.5kg bags
- Price: $$$
#2: Carna4
Carna4 is consistently one of our best selling brands year over year, and for good reason; they’re one of the few foods on this list containing absolutely no synthetics of any kind. Unlike most commercial cat foods, Carna4 foods are so nutrient dense, synthetic vitamins premixes are not needed during the manufacturing process.
Since 2010 Carna4’s team of nutritionists, food scientists and engineers have been harnessing the nutritional power of superfoods to make exceptional quality pet foods. Using organic sprouted seeds – one of the most nutrient-dense foods on Earth – combined with 100% fresh, table-grade meats, and whole produce, Carna4 is loaded with nutrition and flavour.
Organic sprouted seeds in Carna4 are an outstanding source of antioxidants, enzymes, and probiotics. All Carna4 formulas are free from hormones, antibiotics and GMO’s. Carna4 offers two cat food recipes: chicken and fish. These formulas are perfectly suitable for cats of all sizes, shapes, and life stages.
Carna4 sets rigorous testing standards for their products, and every batch is tested for safety by a third-party research and laboratory testing firm. This firm specializes in testing foods and health products for major consumer goods companies in Canada. Carna4 is also a big supporter of sustainable ingredient sourcing and humane farming practices.
Highlights of Carna4 Cat Food:
- Synthetic-free
- 2 formulas: chicken and fish
- Made with superfood organic sprouted seeds
- Made in: Quebec, Canada
- Food type: gently-baked kibble
- Size options: 2 LB or 4 LB
- Price: $$$
Oven Baked Tradition is rapidly gaining popularity as a slow-baked, nutrient dense line of kibble, canned foods, and treats. Their natural ingredients come from carefully selected, trusted farms that are primarily found locally. Every recipe is made using a slow baking process that is more similar to air drying than to cooking. This results in a nutrient dense food that is also loaded with flavour. Their recipes are completely free from artificial flavourings, antibiotics, or preservatives. Instead of filler grains, such as wheat, corn, or soy, they use home-milled grains like rye, barley, and oats.
Grain-free, low glycemic foods made with exceptional ingredients are at the core of Oven Baked Tradition’s formulas. They have the perfect food for your cat. Check out unique flavours like quail and boar!
Highlights of Oven Baked Tradition cat food:
- Made in Quebec
- Meat-rich and high in protein
- Food type: dry kibble, cans
- Size options: 2.5 LB, 5 LB, 10 LB
- Price $$-$$$
#4: Orijen
Orijen is consistently one of the best Canadian-made brands on the market. In fact, the manufacturer of Orijen (Champion Pet Foods) has earned an international reputation for their food manufacturing and sourcing practices. Orijen believes firmly in sourcing from fresh, local farms, and virtually all ingredients found in Orijen cat foods are sourced within one-hundred kilometres from their manufacturing facility. As a result, Champion Pet Foods have won more awards than any other pet food maker in the world.
Orijen’s high meat inclusion and subsequent high protein content not only results in an irresistible food choice for fussy cats, it also packs plenty of nutrient-dense ingredients to keep your cat healthy and thriving. There are several unique formulations to choose from. Thinking of trying a unique flavour combination for your kitty? Consider Orijen Tundra, with fresh goat, wild boar, venison, arctic char, free-run duck, and more – all in one kibble!
Highlights of Orijen Cat Food:
- Made in Alberta
- Self-manufactured
- Whole-prey, high meat inclusion
- Grain-free, all-life stage formulas
- Fresh ingredients sourced from local farms
- Food type: dry kibble
- Size options: 1.8kg & 5.4kg
- Price: $$$
#5: CaniSource
CaniSource cat food was founded in 2005 in Quebec, where they still operate. Their foods are made in the CaniSource kitchen, where they aim to replicate the requirements and processes for creating human grade foods in a premium quality cat food. In fact, all of the ingredients that come into the CaniSource kitchen are certified for human consumption, ensuring your cat is eating the best quality ingredients.
Currently, CaniSource offers two formulas for cats; grain free fish, and red meat. CaniSource cat foods are lightly dehydrated to lock-in the original nutrients and vitamins. Best of all, these formulas are Clean Label Project certified.
Highlights of CaniSource Cat Food:
- Made in Quebec
- Self-manufactured, handmade
- Certified human grade ingredients
- Fresh ingredients sourced from local farms
- Food type: dehydrated raw
- Size options: 1 kg, 3 kg
- Price: $$$
#6: Acana
Acana, the sister brand to Orijen, is also made in Alberta by Champion Pet Foods. Using the same quality ingredients, and the same award-winning manufacturing practices, Acana is among the most popular health-food brands for cats today.
So what is the difference between Acana and Orijen? Simply put, the difference is meat inclusion. Acana’s cat formulas are made with up to 75% meat, whereas Orijen’s meat content can tip the scales at around 90%. Acana has 8 recipes available for cats: Wild Prairie, Grasslands, Pacifica, and Ranchlands are their classic flavours. Acana’s four newest formulas include First Feast (kitten), Indoor Entree, Bountiful Catch, and Homestead harvest.
Highlights of Acana Cat Food:
- Made in Alberta
- Self-manufactured
- Numerous formulas to choose from
- Fresh, whole ingredients sourced from local farms
- Food type: dry kibble
- Size options: 1.8 kg, 4.5 kg
- Price: $$
#7: FirstMate
The history of British Columbia-based FirstMate is a rich and interesting one with its beginnings in commercial fishing. This family owned and operated company takes great pride in the quality, safety and performance of their products. FirstMate’s Executive Vice President is a Veterinarian and Pet Nutritionist, reinforcing their commitment to quality and nutritional excellence.
FirstMate specializes in both grain-free and also grain-friendly dry kibble formulas. In their grain friendly line, FirstMate offers a chicken-based cat & kitten formula, as well as a lower calorie chicken and fish indoor cat formula. FirstMate’s grain-free kibble options include chicken with blueberries, and pacific fish with blueberries.
Owning their own cannery has it’s advantages, too. FirstMate offers a variety of high quality canned cat foods at an affordable price. Some of FirstMate’s most popular canned formulas include chicken, turkey, tuna, and salmon.
Read our complete review of the FirstMate brand here.
Highlights of FirstMate Cat Foods:
- Made in British Columbia
- Family owned
- Self-manufactured
- Grain-free and three grain-friendly options
- Value-priced, grain-inclusive options
- Food type: dry kibble, cans
- Size options: 5 lb, 13.2 lb
- Price $-$$
#8: GO! Solutions
GO! Solutions is one of three brands made by British Columbia-based Petcurean.
With higher than average meat inclusion, Go! Solutions is a super-palatable option for even the fussiest cat. A higher meat content comes with a slightly higher price tag, but it is well worth it for the quality of this product. Go! Solutions offers a full line of grain free, grain friendly, and limited ingredient options.
All Go! Solutions formulas are uniquely designed to help cat owners manage their cat’s protein, fat, and carbohydrate intake. Plus, their recipes are ideal for solving problems, such as food allergies, skin and coat care, and sensitive tummies. Go! Solution’s unique formulas include lamb & wild boar, and pollock.
Go! Solutions offers complimenting dry kibble recipes as well as canned/ tetra pack recipes.
Petcurean is also an environmentally-progressive company; currently in the process of developing 100% recyclable bags. This can be a complicated process, as the plastic interior lining is essential to keeping their products fresh and safe. Many of the other products that Petcurean makes are completely recyclable, too.
On staff, Petcurean has the backing of their Senior Nutritionist; a Ph.D. in companion animal nutrition, with a master’s degree in human nutrition.
Highlights of GO! Cat Foods:
- Made in Fraser Valley, British Columbia
- Self-manufactured
- Limited-ingredients
- High meat content
- Great choice for fussy cats
- Environmentally-conscious ethics
- Size options: 3 lb, 8 lb, 16 lb
- Price $$-$$$
#9: Boréal
After more than twenty years of manufacturing high-quality pet foods, Boréal has consistently been among the top cat food brands in Canada.
Boréal’s approach to feline health focuses on grain-free and grain-friendly formulas with high-quality meats, using nutritious low-glycemic carbohydrates like peas and beans.
Boreal offers 3 original formulas; chicken with turkey and trout, and fish trio. Additionally, Boreal offers a functional indoor cat and a senior cat recipe.
Highlights of Boreal Cat Foods:
- Made in Ontario
- Most ingredients sourced from Canada
- Affordable, healthy options for the price-conscious consumer
- Food type: dry kibble, cans
- Dry Size options: 5 lb, 12 lb
- Can Size options: 156 gram, 369 gram
- Price $-$$
10. Nutram
Nutram originates from Ontario and has been around since 1993, but the facility where it’s made started producing pet foods back in the 1970s. Nutram takes pride in its own state-of-the-art factory, ensuring that every batch of food is crafted under strict quality control. This is where they create their nutritious recipes for dogs and cats, with a focus on improving health and well-being.
What elevates Nutram’s reputation is its longstanding commitment to using high-quality, wholesome ingredients. They carefully select fruits, vegetables, and proteins that are not only tasty for cats but also packed with essential nutrients. The recipes are designed with digestive health in mind, incorporating ingredients that enhance nutrient absorption and digestion. By maintaining production in their Canadian facility, Nutram ensures that each product meets their high standards, providing pets with balanced and beneficial meals.
Nutram has a wide selection of cat food options. Whether it’s dry food, wet food, or even treats, Nutram is an excellent brand and well deserving of being on this list.
Highlights of Nutram cat food:
- Long history of making pet foods in Ontario
- Emphasis on high-quality, premium ingredients
- Designed for digestive health and nutrient absorption
- Wide range of cat food options
- Strict quality standards
- Food type: dry, wet, treats
- Price $-$$
BONUS: Harlow Blend
Based out of Mississauga, Ontario, Harlow Blend is created by an animal lover, for animal lovers, and has ties in the Canadian pet food industry dating back to 1993.
All ingredients used in Harlow Blend exceed FDA guidelines for human consumption, meaning they are of the highest quality available. Their ingredients are sourced from Canada, USA, and New Zealand.
Harlow Blend cat recipes consist of three tasty formulas: turkey fusion, fish fusion, and chicken and salmon blend. Their formulas are slow cooked at low temperatures, are low in magnesium, and help promote balanced urinary ph. Plus, their recipes are ideal for cats of all ages.
Highlights of Harlow Blend Cat Foods:
- Family-owned
- Ingredients sourced from Canada, USA, and New Zealand
- Three recipes to choose from
- Low magnesium
- Slow cooked at low temperature
- PH balanced for optimal urinary tract health
- Food type: dry kibble
- Size options: 3 lbs, 7.5 lbs, 10 lbs, & 15 lbs
- Price: $$
Also read: The Top 23 Canadian Made Dog Foods for 2024
103 Responses
Hello Brandon,
My 16 year old female cat has developed two large cysts, one on her back, one above one eye. Apparently this is common in older cats. Is there a specific food I can give her (wet and dry) that will help the cysts to reabsorb?
My two males are on special vet food and are happy with that, though one has a small cyst on his neck.
We also have very healthy 6 year old cat who was using Friskies when she arrived here and that seems to be all she likes.
The 16 year old female with the cysts was eating the same prescription food as the two males, even though she didn’t need to. Now she is eating the Friskies as is the 6 year old. I’m realizing that it’s time to change to something healthier for both of the females. My question remains as to what food would best help to bring the cysts down? I’ve heard oils and salmon helps. Which food is best for those?
Hello Linda,
Thank you for reaching out about your 16-year-old cat and her cysts. It’s true that cysts are common in older cats, and while diet alone might not make the cysts reabsorb, providing good nutrition can help support her overall health.
Adding foods rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, such as those found in fish oils and salmon, can be beneficial for her skin and coat health. These nutrients can help reduce inflammation and support overall skin health, which might help with managing the cysts.
For your older female cat, transitioning to a higher-quality diet that includes these beneficial oils could be helpful. It’s important to choose foods that are balanced and suitable for her age and health condition.
Regarding your younger female cat, although she prefers Friskies, it might be a good idea to gradually introduce a more nutritious option to improve her overall health and potentially prevent future issues.
Let me know if you have any other questions or need further assistance. I’m here to help!
Hello Brandon, I am absolutely beside myself, not knowing what to feed my cat… my oldest cat has irritable bowel syndrome or so they tell me, he is approximately 14 or 15 years old. He was a rescue so I’m not sure.. he is only 6 1/2 pounds now he has lost so much weight it’s unbelievable… I am presently waiting for results to see if it’s his thyroid but somehow I’m not sure that’s what it is. He has a lot of diarrhea, very watery super smelly… although that seems to have settled down a little bit in the last couple of days. I’ve started to give him boiled chicken and just his kibble but he’s eating mostly the chicken right now. I have him on a canned food as well called EN but he doesn’t really like it if he eats a teaspoon full that’s all. I have another cat that is approximately eight years old again a rescue.. and he has what they think, is some kind of auto immune issue where he scratches from his neck up. My biggest concern right now is my oldest cat with the irritable bowel. I would like to change his food so he would eat a more and hopefully gain his weight back…cans would be fine. It doesn’t matter what it is. His biggest concern, is his irritable bowel and his dramatic weight loss. Any suggestions would be so much appreciated, I live in Canada. I am at my wits end. These are my babies. I thank you very much in advance for anything but you might be able to tell me. Patti
Hello, Patti. Thank you for your post. I am confirming that I also received this post from you via email; I have responded to that and look forward to helping you find a solution to your concerns. Thank you!
Hello, I was hoping to see the response to the above post. It is very similar to my senior cat’s issues.
Hello, Rena. I do not see which comment you are referring to. Would you mind pointing me in the right direction, please? I am happy to provide a response. Thank you!
Hello Brandon,
I too am perplexed as what to feed my two recently adopted cats. Despite having cats in the past. My one year old, I got in June was 7 pounds now he’s 13 which I think is too heavy. I switched his food from Purina One to GO. Despite friends mentioning his cost improved.
I switched him back to Purina One to get him eating. GO is expensive and in one review had too many plans.
However, I was feeding him the recommended I cup a day half in the morning and half at night but that seemed like a long time. He was always mewing and searching for food.
Three weeks ago I got a 6 month old kitten who was on canned food in the foster home but on Authority while at the pet store. I have tried to blend Purine One kitten food with Authority but she insists on eating the other cat’s food and vice versa. I don’t want my already big cat eating more calories. Both cats are good drinkers and are active.
I know you shouldn’t keep changing foods with cats but after reading yet again on cat food, I was thinking of changing to Fist Mate. Ideally, I want no fillers, high protein and low carbs. for my cats. I also recently read that grain-free was not good.
I would greatly appreciate any recommendations you may have.
Thank you,
Heather
Hello, Heather. Thank you for your post. I am happy to help you with your situation, but before I do that I think I have some questions. Please contact me at brandon@canadianpetconnection.ca. Thank you.
Hi. About 3 years ago I was told Performatrim was the best for my cat. Now I have 2 with different needs. One senior, one who needs to lose weight. The indoor doesn’t help either and it’s getting outrageously expensive ($50/bag). Is there anything out there?
Hello, Sue. Thank you for posting. I am happy to help.
When it comes to weight loss in cats, the key is proper portion control. Indoor cats should not be free-fed as they will almost always over consume, leading to weight gain issues. No matter which food you choose, follow the feeding guide according to your cats’ ideal bodyweight. Be consistent, and over time, your cats will lose weight (providing there are no underlying health issues). Also, keep in mind that treats and other consumables (ie people food) should also be factored in your cats’ caloric intake. Almost every cat food manufacturer offers a reduced fat formulation, so give that some strong consideration.
I hope this is helpful!
Hello!
I wonder if you could comment on the recent acquisition of Champion pet foods by Mars. I had been feeding my cats Orijen but now I’m concerned about what will happen to the quality with this change.
Thanks!
Hello, Jessica. Thank you for your question.
At this point, there is no reason to worry about Champion Pet Foods. No changes have been made to their products, nor do we expect any changes anytime soon. At this point, all we can do is keep our finger on the pulse of this issue and monitor as it develops.
I have a good source that says, in 2024, Acana and Origen are causing problems with digestive disorders. Its not just these two, but a whole host of other foods. Ones basically owned by Mars. Can you please look into this as there are at least 7 foods that are affecting pets health. I am affected greatly as I was feeding Purina (fancy feast) and 5bof my 9 cats came down with IBS. One of my cats is severely ill. Already had blood work done, its good. This article was written a while back, so can you please research what’s going on with our pet food. Thank you
Hello, Allysa.
Thank you for sharing your concerns pertaining to Acana, Orijen, and others you’ve mentioned. It’s understandably worrying when our pets face health issues, and it’s commendable that you’re seeking answers.
To address your concerns, Champion Pet Foods, the producer of Acana and Orijen, despite now being part of Mars, has not altered their product formulas or compromised their quality standards. Both brands continue to be recognized for their high-quality, biologically appropriate diets.
It’s important to note that digestive issues in pets can arise for various reasons, and while some pets may not thrive on certain diets, this is quite rare for brands like Acana and Orijen. There has been no widespread evidence to suggest that these products are linked to health issues in pets.
If you have specific sources for your information, I’d appreciate more details to further investigate. Misinformation can easily spread.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Hello Brandon,
Thank you for your answer.
I’ll do as you said, and hopefully, in a couple of months, my cat will find something he likes!
Many thanks 🙂
My pleasure!
Hello Brandon,
I just moved to Canada with my cat. He used to eat Royal Canin Beauty or RC Savour Exigent before we move here. He eats only dry food. He doesn’t like wet food, even though I tried many brands. I tried to switch a week ago to Orijen (Original Cat) because I read about it on your top 10 Canadian brands; the pet shop near my place as well recommended it as a food brand that picky cats like, but unfortunately, my cat doesn’t like it; he barely eats from it. I want to try something else, and I’m counting on your advice to do it. I appreciate your help!
Hello, Nabila. Thank you for your post.
When it comes to fussy cats, continuous experimentation is your best approach. We cannot evaluate a cat’s level of interest without offering it to him first. As obligate carnivores, cats are usually most interested in foods with the highest meat inclusion, so that would include brands like Orijen, Go!, Instinct Carnivore, and more.
There are also many dehydrated raw options to consider, too. Consider brands like Smack, Zeal, Ziwi Peak, Orijen/Acana Freeze Dried, etc.
I hope this is helpful! Good luck 🙂
Hello Brandon,
I am curious as to know why Open Farm Cat Food is not listed in the top ten Canadian Cat Foods mentioned above? Thank you!
Hey Christine,
Great question! Open Farm is an excellent quality brand, and is Canadian owned. However, it does not make our “Canadian Made” lists, because it is actually made in the USA.
I’m supportive in Canadian made cat foods. And in search for the perfect food that my cat will eat. Not an easy task for my 4 year old.
I bought Farmina (N&D) Rated by “All about Cats” 8/10. Good I thought.
But as months passed, feeding her this food her coat became dull, greasy, and excessive white dry skin flakes causing her to constantly scratch. Even vigorously biting fur patches off her legs.
In my search I found that this food contains Corn Gluten/Meal, Powdered Cellulose and Menadione Sodium Bisulfite Complex. All ingredients harmful to cats.
I changed to Open Farm (dry food)
Rated 9/10 quality.
Within a month her coat became silky and shiny, even the white dry skin flakes disappeared. Great ! But….
she continued to vigorously bite fur patches off her legs. Now What?
I couldn’t find anything negative on this food. Obviously she must be allergic to some ingredient in this food.
So a month later I put her on both Acana and Orijen (dry food)
With relief she stopped biting the fur off her legs. Her coat is gorgeous!
My concern though is the excessive legumes. Green & Red lentils, Pinto Beans, Green Peas, Navy Beans, Chick Peas, Lentil Fiber.
Orijen recalled 2008. Testing by the Clean Label Project found that both Orijen and Acana food contained Arsenic, BPA, Cadmium, Mercury, and Lead. Even though it’s below maximum level set by the FDA. I am not comfortable with these findings.
My cat won’t touch Carna 4, However she is O.K. with First Mate (wet can food not the dry)
“First Mate” rates 7/10 quality No recalls. (According to “All about cats”)
But also high in carbohydrates. Dry food 28.89% And the wet food has a high amount of potatoes?
However I do like the consistency of the wet can food, including the simplicity of ingredients lists. Plus I like the fact that it doesn’t contain any Gums nor Carageenan. (Thank you.)
Periodically my cat will eat “Feline Natural” wet canned food which rates tops at 10/10 quality.
She also eats a teaspoon of boreal twice a day. (Chicken, lamb, beef and or Chicken with turkey)
My aim is to find and feed my cat the healthiest and safest cat food available.
Thank you.
Hello, Vera. Thank you for your post.
I think you may be mistaken. Farmina N&D cat foods do not contain corn, powdered cellulose, or menadione sodium bisulfite. Can you please list the specific Farmina N&D cat formula(s) are you referring to so I can further investigate?
If your aim is to find and feed the healthiest cat foods on the market, then this is the page for you. These are the best of the best. My best suggestion is to continue experimenting with these brands to determine your cat’s level of performance. Rotating diets regularly is something I highly recommend, so switch up the food from time to time.
Please let me know if you have any questions or comments, Vera. Thank you!
Hi Brandon,
My kitty has food allergies. She’s allergic to fish and poultry!! She’s taking Atopica for her allergies. I have been scouring the internet looking for food that she can eat. She’s finicky, which makes things more challenging. I’ve been trying to rotate her food intake, but am running out options, especially with dry food. She’s been eating “Natural Balance L.I.D. Green Pea & Venison” and “Farmina N&D Quinoa Skin & Coat Quail” (she can eat quail).
I stumbled on your site (thank you!!), and have just ordered “Essence Ranch & Meadow” and “CaniSource Grand Cru Grain Free Red Meat”. I’m keeping my fingers crossed that she will like these.
Is there anything else you can recommend in terms of dry food? I have more options with wet food, but would like to provide both wet and dry. I noticed Farmina has a number of dry food for dogs that do not contain fish/poultry. I compared several Farmina dog food vs. cat food, their ingredients are quite similar. Was wondering if I can feed her dog food?
Many thanks!
Hello, Anh. Thank you for posting.
In order for me to give you better answers to your questions, it would be best to start a dialogue, as I have many questions myself.
Please feel free to reach out to me at brandon@canadianpetconnection.ca and we can get started!
I look forward to hearing from you.
I truly appreciate this post. I have been looking everywhere for this info! Thank goodness I found it on Bing. You have made my day! Thank you again
Hi Brandon, thanks for posting this helpful list. I adopted a special needs kitty from the OSPCA. He has kidney disease and he’s 10 now. I was feeding him RC prescription for the disease, but he started losing weight. I read online that cats with kidney disease often die of starvation vs. the disease itself. So I started buying anything he would eat. It worked and he gained weight. Now, I and will focus on the healthy foods on your list. One issue has come up now, he was severely constipated and had to have an enema. I won’t do that again. He didn’t eat or speak to me for days. And, I had to give him lactulose for 7 days. Can you recommend a food that will soften his stool? He now eats Boreal wet food (because I couldn’t find Fancy Feast) and loves it. He grazes on Science Diet Hairball kibble. I bought that thinking it would soften his stool. He does drink quite a bit of water. Any suggestions on softening his stool would be appreciated. Thanks!!
Hello, Heather. Thank you for posting.
I am sorry to hear about your kitty.
To soften your kitty’s stool, you can try the following:
1. Increase water consumption. Feed as much moisture rich food as possible. Canned food is great. You can also add warm water to rehydrate kibble. Also, consider a recirculating water fountain, as moving water will encourage your kitty to drink more. Adding more water stations around the home is helpful, as well.
2. Support the digestive system with a supplement rich in pre/probiotics, digestive enzymes, and dietary fibre.
3. Increase activity. This can help encourage optimal intestinal movement.
4. Minimize stress and anxiety.
5. Over the counter stool softeners, like Miralax (polyethylene glycol) can be used, however it is best to check with your veterinarian first.
I hope you find this information helpful, Heather. I am happy to help if you have any further questions.
Thank you, Brandon! I appreciate your help.
Heather
My pleasure!
Hi Heather, My holistic Vet has recommended adding Psyllium & Slippery Elm to each meal for one of my cats. She had a constipation issue but no longer, since adding these 2 supplements to her meals. Both can be purchased at a health food store… Kathy
Awesome, Kathy! Thanks for sharing … this is a great idea! What food do you feed the one cat, both wet and dry. Thanks again.
Heather
Hi, I have 2 cats on a mix of Go Solutions dry kibble and wet food. I’m very frustrated because the tretrapaks wet foods are increasingly difficult to buy anywhere. Out of stock. I’m looking for a replacement brand that would have similar type of food both dry and wet and reliable whose products won’t be going out of market when you need them.
Hello, Ed. Thank you for posting. I am happy to help.
Unfortunately, no brand is immune to shortages right now. There are so many interruptions to the supply chain, and it is almost impossible to predict which brands will be affected, and for how long.
As an alternative to Go Solutions, consider FirstMate. They make a wonderful line of canned and dry foods. Very high quality, and Canadian made.
I hope this is helpful. Please let me know if you have any further questions.
Hello, My baby girl is 3 years old, DSH about 8lbs.
When I first got here I had her eating Friskies, which I found out is the equivalent to Mcdonalds for humans! She got sick from it and puked often!
I switched her to Authority Pet smart Brand for Sensitive Stomachs Pate Turkey and Rice formula. She loves it and has been eating well, the small can in AM and PM and grazes on kibble in her digger which lasts her about a week! The kibble is also the same formula and brand.
I have had her on it ever since but found obtaining it impossible right now, I know they have had a stock issue getting it over the border due to COVID.
I will be transitioning her to a new brand but am unsure what to give her.
what would you recommend?
She also does not like any cans if I half them and refrigerate them. So I prefer to buy the small cans of wet food so she gets the two in a day.
Hello, Kristina. Thank you for your post.
Rotating diets regularly with cats is something I highly recommend, so there are many recommendations I can make. Ultimately, there may be some experimentation involved, as cats are very individualized and more difficult to predict than dogs – especially when it comes to appetite. I would consider all the brands on this list to be wonderful improvements over the foods your kitty has been on previously. Great alternatives to the Authority brand would include FirstMate and Acana, among others.
Get creative, and try new things!
I hope this is helpful. I am at your service if you have any further questions.
Hi Brandon, happy to see this website! My 11 years old cat has developed a sensitive stomach in last summer. He has tried RC and Hill’s I/d prescription wet/dry food, but only Hill’s I/d digestive care (chicken & veggie) can stop his diarrhoea completely. After reading your articles, I would like to try some “non-prescription” cat food for him. Since I prefer wet food which I can add some water in it, it seems that FirstMate is the only choice. Do you think it’s good for sensitive stomach? I also see a brand called Instinct Original Grain-Free (95% real chicken), is this good? In addition, my cat has joint problem, he is on Synoquin (We came here from Hong Kong). Could you please recommend some joint supplement which is available in Canada? Thanks a lot!
Hello, Maggie. Thank you for posting. I am happy to help.
FirstMate is a great brand for cats with sensitive stomachs. With their high quality ingredients, and simple formulations, FirstMate is gentle on the digestive system, providing you are feeding the correct amount.
Instinct is another excellent brand. The reason it did not make this list is because it is an American-made product, and this list is for Canadian-made brands only. Otherwise, Instinct is among the highest quality brands on the market today.
With regards to joint and mobility supplements, we have several excellent options to choose from. If you prefer a liquid supplement, consider NaturPet Joint Care for Cats, and if you prefer a joint supplement in treat form, consider NaturVet Hemp Joint Health Soft Chews.
I hope this is helpful, Maggie 🙂
Sorry I should add: I just put them on GO! Limited ingredients KIBBLE. Have not tried the wet tetrapak yet. Thanks!
Hi Brandon. I just put my cats (1.5 years and 8 month) on GO! Limited ingredients. Today is the first day and it’s like crack, for lack of better term. Anyway, I am wondering if it is necessary to give them wet food daily in their diet? I have only had them for 2 months and they only got wet food twice a day…about a tablespoon each time. I stopped giving the younger one wet as an experiment because he had really bad diarrhea…it seemed to work and now I’m scared to bring it back. The other one had to go on all wet for a couple days because she was throwing up the dry and vet suspects food sensitivity… but she LOVES DRY FOOD. With a good quality dry food, can I get away with just that and an occasional wet food treat… maybe GO! Wet food?
Hello, Winnie. Thank you for your post.
While cats do not necessarily need wet food in their diet, there is a significant benefit to having extra water in your cat’s diet. As obligate carnivores in the wild, much of a cat’s water consumption comes from the raw meat they ingest. Raw meat can contain upwards of 80% water. Cats are not big natural drinkers, and those domesticated cats that are fed exclusively a dry diet may not be consuming an adequate amount of water. This dehydration can cause stress on the kidneys and urinary system.
To sum it up, the more water you can encourage your cat to consume the better. If you choose to feed a dry food, consider adding some water to it ahead of time. You can also get a recirculating water dish; moving water is far more attractive to a cat compared to standing water.
I hope you find this information helpful.
Hi Brandon, what do you recommend for a cat with skin issues? We are currently using Fresh Mate and I do like it however it does nothing for her overgrooming. She is currently on Atopica but I would love to get her off it. Thanks in advance!
Hello, Nicole. Thank you for your post.
Before I can make any recommendations, I will need more information. Please contact me directly at brandon@canadianpetconnection.ca and we can start a dialogue.
I look forward to hearing from you!
Hi, my two kittens (11 months) have been eating Acana First Feast and Royal Canin Thin slices in Gravy. They seem over weight to me. They are indoor cats. I just had to switch out the Royal Canin wet due product shortages (Covid) to Nulo. I have tried many brands and these ones are the ones they like and have been eating a while. I am wondering if it is the Acana or the RC that has made them over weight. Or am I just feeding them too much? They get one small 85g can of wet a day and 1/2 cup of the dry, which they never finish. When you look at feeding guides, if just wet, it would be 2.5-3 of these small cans each a day or 3/4-1 cup of the dry a day. I am a month away from changing them over to adult food and I want to know if I should be trying a different dry brand than Acana with a lower kcal per cup. Acana is 439 kcal (RC was 78 kcal, Nulo is 74 kcal). I would like to stick with Nulo going forward as they love their wet but I need a dry option for the majority of their diet. Sorry so complex but this is becoming a full time job! Thanks for your help.
Hello, Kelly. Thank you for your post.
When it comes to our kitties maintaining their ideal weight, it is finding the perfect balance of calories and activity. If you feel your cats are overweight, then they either require fewer calories or more activity. In terms of quality, Acana is among the highest quality brands on the market. Nulo is also an exceptional brand that I highly recommend.
Fundamentally, no cat food will help your cats lose or gain weight better than the next because it all comes down to quantity conducive to lifestyle.
I hope you find this information helpful, Kelly. Please let me know if you have any further questions. Good luck with your kitties!
Hi Brandon, this is a great review of different cat food brands! I would very much like to switch my cats off of the vet-prescribed food they have been consuming as I have concerns about the ingredients. I was previously feeding both of my 12-year-old cats Acana Grasslands formula. They both loved it, however, as they are indoor cats, one of them developed a bit of a weight issue that needed to be tended to with a weight management food. Neither of my cats is overweight any longer and I’d like to put them on a food that I am more confident about in terms of sourcing and quality of ingredients. Is there any on this list that you would recommend for a low-calorie or weight management diet?
Hello, Ryan. Thank you for your post. I am happy to help.
When it comes to weight management, weight loss, or weight gain, it is simply a matter of allocating the proper number of calories. This is one of the reason why many manufacturers are making cat food for all life stages, meaning it is the amount you change to achieve your weight goals. However, if your cats are free fed (which I don’t typically recommend), then a low calorie formula would be advantageous. Please keep in mind that even with a low calorie cat food, many cats will still over consume in a free-feeding setting.
I see you have fed Acana in the past. Acana now has a lower calorie formula, called Acana Indoor Entree. This would be an ideal choice. Another popular option is FirstMate’s Indoor Cat formula.
Please have a look at my recommendations and let me know if you have any questions. I am at your service!
Hi Brandon,
I am in the process of adopting two 5 year old brothers. I have had two male cats, who both suffered from crystals in their urine & had to be on a special diet recommended by & purchased from, our Vet. I understand my new cats are currently eating Blue Buffalo kibble supplemented with a tablespoon of wet, twice a day. I would like to transition them to a diet which would be preventative, rather than waiting for crystals to occur. Also, your opinion, please, on fish in a cat’s diet? I have been told, in the past, to avoid by our Vet, as it exacerbates urinary tract issues.
Kind regards,
Caroline
Hello, Caroline. Thank you for posting. Congratulations on your new kitties!
When it comes to a urinary health preventative diet, please see my article on Feline Urinary Health.
With regards to fish in a cat’s diet, the type of fish can make a big difference. Larger fish are more likely to have higher levels of contaminants compared to smaller fish. With all cats, their diet should be rotated regularly. You can split time between a fish-based cat food and non fish-based alternatives.
I hope this helps answer your questions. I am at your service if you need anything else! 🙂
Our cat had severe urinary tract and bladder issues last summer. He had been eating high-quality dry food, but I switched him to wet food as soon as he got home from the veterinary specialty hospital. They recommended Royal Canin Urinary SO vet diet, which he hated. He literally starved rather than eat it. Eventually. after many false starts, we found Merrick Limited Ingredient Chicken wet food, which he’s been happily eating for a year. Unfortunately, it comes from Texas and is thus at the mercy of Louis DeJoy’s assault on the U.S. Postal Service. In other words, almost no Merrick Limited Ingredient Chicken wet food is to be found in the LowerMainland of British Columbia. The Merrick customer support rep I talked to managed to scare up 22 cans at a nearby Petsmart, but who knows when more will arrive in our area. Can you recommend a made-in-Canada alternative wet food that’s similar to Merrick Limited Ingredient Chicken? Thanks very much!
Hello, Carmen. Thank you for your post.
We are also having issues sourcing that product here in Ontario. As far as a Canadian-made alternative to the Merrick Limited Ingredient Chicken canned food, consider Canada Fresh Chicken.
I hope this is helpful. Please let me know if you have any further questions, Carmen 🙂
Hi Brandon. I just googled best Canadian cat foods and got your top ten list. We just adopted a 6 year old long haired male. I stood in cat food isle at Walmart for 20 minutes overwhelmed with all the brands. Ended up choosing IAMS Healthy Adult with chicken. He loves it but is it a good brand??? Thanks in advance for your input.
Hello, Dianne. Thank you for your post.
Iams is not one of my approved brands. Unfortunately, the Iams Healthy Adult formula uses several low-quality ingredients such as chicken by-product meal, and a ton of corn, among other things.
Instead, consider a human-grade alternative such as FirstMate’s Indoor Cat formula.
I hope you find this information helpful. I am at your service if you have any questions.
Hey Brandon, I have four cats and two do not have any dietary requirements but the lone female is supposed to be on a dental food which she will no longer eat. She’s also regurgitates pretty much every time she eats but is still a bit chunky. The oldest male (3 years old) has digestive issues and takes two supplements, one for fibre and one to soften his stool both get mixed in soft food along with his Prozac. Unsure now on what to feed them all as the female is the princess and the choice revolves around her and her dental issue.
Hello, Susan. Thank you for your post. I am happy to help. Let’s get into your questions.
With regards to a dental care, I am generally not a big fan of dental-specific cat foods. The reason being is they are typically lower in quality than super-premium alternatives. Additionally, dental kibbles may only provide benefit to the teeth doing the chewing, so ultimately there will always be areas of the mouth that do not receive adequate cleaning. In my opinion, feline dental health and diet are two separate components. I would suggest feeding a rotation of high quality cat foods and using a dental supplement like Plaque Off. Taking this approach will allow you to feed your kitty a nutritious diet with all the dental support she needs. Virtually none of my highest ranked cat foods in Canada make dental-specific formulas, simply because dental-specific cat foods are a result of clever marketing.
With regards to your cat regurgitating food, there are several things you can do to help reduce this or eliminate it completely:
– try more frequent, smaller meals
– try softening the dry food in warm water ahead of time
– try a slow-feed bowl, or use a muffin tray (spread her meal among the cups)
As I mentioned above, I recommend rotating diets from time to time. Naturally, there will be some experimentation to find the foods your cats perform best on. For starters, some of our most popular foods for cats with sensitive stomachs include FirstMate Indoor Cat, Carna4, and Acana Indoor Entree.
I hope you find this information helpful. I am at your service if you have any questions. Thanks, Susan!
Hi, I have 4 cats. Ages 12, 10, 1 and 5 months. 3 have long hair so hairballs are an issue. Also would love something to help their teeth. Would like to keep the cost semi low if possible. What would you recommend? I love that all these brands are Canadian
Hello, Charleen. Thank you for your post.
When it comes to dental health in pets, care extends beyond the food itself. Among our most popular dental health supplements are Plaque Off. Products like these will help freshen breath and clean teeth.
With regards to hairballs, there are many excellent remedies to pick from. Supplements like these will help resolve hairball issues easily and safely.
With regards to the diet itself, consider brands like FirstMate Indoor Cat. This is an exceptional food at a competitive price.
Please have a look at my recommendations and let me know if you have any questions or comments. I am always happy to help!
I bought Acana sea food mix for my finicky cats and they are not keen on it. I want to know what other Acana kinds did other people’s cats like. These cats are 5 year old sisters, and just recently became very fussy. I tried many brands, so far they like Whiskas Indoor cat food the best, but I want to give them a better quality food.
Hello, Louise. Thank you for your post.
Cats definitely go by a beat of their own drum, especially when it comes to food! When it comes to fussy felines, trying a wide variety of high quality products is essential to determine which ones they like best. Unfortunately, there is no way to evaluate a cat’s level of interest in any food until you offer it to them.
With that said, as obligate carnivores, meat content is a big factor when it comes to taste. Consider Acana’s sister brand, Orijen, containing the highest meat inclusion in any kibble. This brand is among our most popular lines for the most finicky kitties.
I hope this is helpful. Good luck!
Hi,
I have a Selkirk Rex cat who constantly has hair balls, but refuses all of the various hair ball “treats” I’ve tried giving her. What dry food would you recommend?
Thanks
Hello, Karen. Thanks for your question.
One of the most popular foods for hairball-prone kitties is FirstMate’s Indoor Cat formula. To help further eliminate hairballs, consider adding soluble fibre, or a skin and coat oil (like fish oil, flax oil, etc) to your cat’s diet.
I hope this helps! I am at your service if you have any further questions.
Hi,
I have been feeding my cat royal canin fiber in dry and canned from my vet. I am looking to purchase a Canadian brand instead. What would you recommend?
.
Hello, Estelle. Thank you for your post.
Before I make a recommendation, can you please expand on why your cat is on a high fibre diet? Does your cat have a pre existing health problem? Any information you can provide will help me present a better recommendation.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Hi I am looking for a dry cat food for my Scottish Fold cat that has problems with his gums. I have had him on Science Diet Dental from the Vet, and was wondering if there is a better or at least equal one on you list. Science Diet is very expensive, and as I have two cats that eat the same dry food, I would like to find a good tooth kibble for them both. Thanks
Hello, Jackie. Thank you for your post. I am happy to help.
Personally, I do not believe dental-specific cat foods work well enough without additional support; cats do not chew with all their teeth, so while a dental kibble may offer some benefits to some teeth, what happens to the rest of the mouth that receives no cleaning? There will ultimately always be areas of the mouth that receive little to no cleaning. Moreover, the vast majority of dental-specific foods on the market are of lower quality; none of my highest rated Canadian cat foods make dental-specific cat foods. For the most part, dental-specific pet foods are a product of excellent marketing, with quality being a secondary consideration.
With that said, my advise would be to feed any high quality cat diet (any food on this list would be ideal), and support long-term dental health with a supplement like Plaque Off. Supplements like these provide cleaning support for the entire mouth.
I hope you find this information helpful. Please let me know if you have any further questions. Thank you.
Hi,
I have an 11 yr old Rag Doll who will not eat wet food at all. I thought I was giving him a good cat food with Blue Wilderness but at times he will eat it and immediately throw it up again. No hairballs in the upchuck, so it is not hairballs. I would like to try something else for him what do you suggest? I would also like him to eat some wet food but so far he won’t have anything to do with it….any suggestions there.
Hello, Linda. Thank you for your post. I am happy to help.
From your description of your cat throwing up immediately after eating the Blue Wilderness, that sounds like a consumption problem, not a problem with the food itself. If a cat eats their food to quickly, they will oftentimes regurgitate their food. This is very common among pets. Keep this in mind, as I am inclined to think the issue was not the food itself, but rather the rate of consumption. Odds are, if you were able to feed smaller portions throughout the day, or use a slow-feed bowl, then the regurgitation should correct itself.
With that said, some of our most popular canned cat foods include Canada Fresh, FirstMate, and Schesir.
Variety is important for many cats. Try experimenting with different brands/flavours to determine which ones your kitty likes most.
I hope you find this information helpful, Linda.
Hi Brandon,
I know about Origen, Acana and Now because I have used them in the past. For the past few years I have been using Blue Buffalo for my 13 year old cat. Blue is not on your list probably because it’s made in the USA. What do you think about Blue? My cat’s healthy but maybe a bit overweight even if I follow the guidelines. Thanks for your input.
Hello, Yves. Thank you for posting.
You are correct in assuming Blue Buffalo is not on this list because it is manufactured in the USA. With regards to quality, Blue is regarded as a super premium brand, thus competing with the highest quality brands on the marketplace. While my personal experience with Blue Buffalo is somewhat limited, my main concern with them is their recall history; Blue Buffalo has had 3 sizeable recalls since 2007.
Just wondering if you do any testing for mercury, pcbs and other toxins found in fish, considering the human grade tuna and salmon can be high, I imagine that pet foods which don’t have to meet the same standards, is even worse
Hello, Joe. Thank you for your post.
The brands on this list maintain the highest levels of testing standards and practices in the industry. Information about each brand’s safety standards can be found on their websites.
For example, Champion Pet Foods, manufacturer of Acana and Orijen, have a great white paper entitled ORIJEN AND ACANA FOODS IN COMPARISON TO PET FOOD SAFETY STANDARDS.
All of the brands on this list test rigorously for contaminants, toxins, mold, heavy metals, and more; the majority of this testing is conducted by third party laboratories.
I hope this information helps, Joe. Please let me know if you have any other questions.
I feed my 8yr old cat hills science diet perfect weight. We got another rescue who is now just over a year old and Im now looking to feed them both the same kibble.
What would you suggest as an affordable (and easy to find) kibble for both cats.
Hello, Bonnie. Thank you for your post. I am happy to help.
All of the brands on this list are widely available throughout Canada. We ship Canada wide, as well, so please consider supporting our small, family-owned business.
With regards to suggestions, I believe rotating cat foods regularly is very beneficial. Consider switching up the food every so often. As far as a human-grade equivalents to the Hill’s Science Diet goes, consider brands like FirstMate Indoor Cat formula.
Otherwise, consider all the brands on this list as your highest quality options. They are all worth trying!
I hope this helps, Bonnie. I am here to help if you have any further questions.
Hi! I have a 5 month old ragdoll and I’ve been feeding him what was recommended by the breeder (1 scoop of wet food per day and free feeding dry food – both Nutrience Infusion). Since I buy it at Petsmart I’m thinking it’s probably not the healthiest. He’s also sadly had the runs since we got him. What do you recommend for a 5 month old kitten? And should I continue with the wet food in addition to the dry food? He goes absolutely crazy for the wet stuff. Thanks!!
Hello, Alyssa. Thank you for posting. I am happy to help.
With regards to recommending a diet suitable for your kitty, every food on this list would be worth consideration. I am a firm believer in rotating diets regularly, so consider switching it up as often as needed. Try some new foods and see how your kitty does on them!
You can certainly continue feeding high quality canned cat foods. The extra water found in canned food is very beneficial for your kitty.
I hope you find this information helpful, Alyssa. I am here to help if you have any further questions.
Thank you for informative article what do you think of made in Ontario ‘natuRAWls’ for cats?
And do you think I need to add a probiotic or omega-3 if it’s just raw chicken, chicken organ meats bones and trout (at 10%)?
She is a junk food lover and other than that just wants to eat grocery store wet food that is fish, and cat crack -Temptations! (I inherited her w bad habits…)
Trying to introduce her to Naturawls as recommended By a cat breeder (with 15 animals)
But there isn’t any supplementation in the food and I notice the site recommends it for dogs… thank you for any expertise.
Thank you for posting your questions.
This list does not include frozen raw foods. I do not have any personal experience with natuRAWls brand.
To ensure your kitty is getting all the nutrition she needs, consider a supplement like Flora4. This sprouted seed supplement will bridge any nutritional gaps.
I hope you find this information helpful. Please let me know if you have any questions or comments.
What are your thoughts on Rayne Nutrition – specifically Rabbit Maintenance wet food? My cat is on for possible food sensitivity – (licking, scratching, chewing) – likely to chicken anything. It’s a bit pricy but I think it’s made in BC and he likes it. Unfortunately you can only get through a veterinarian so I find costs are widely varied between vet clinics. Thanks
Hello, Margo. Thank you for your post.
As far as prescription veterinary diets in Canada go, Rayne is among the highest quality options. Most prescription pet foods in Canada are, in my opinion, fairly low quality compared to other non-prescription alternatives. I do not have any personal experience with this brand, however after reading the ingredients list on their website, it seems comparable to the many mid-level dog foods on the market. Their formulas seem to be fairly limited ingredient, which is beneficial for reducing variables for food trials, hypoallergenic diets, and more.
In my opinion, there would be higher quality, less expensive alternatives to pick from that are not exclusively sold through vet clinics.
I hope you find this information helpful, Margo.
Hey Brandon thank you for the recommendation. My cat loves Orijen dry food but she’s very picky when it comes to wet canned food . She use to love trulex by werna but then she suddenly stopped eating that. The only thing she likes now is beyond brand i get that from loblaws. What’s your thought on that? Is that any good or what other brands would you recommend for cats who are really picky with their food, could
You name few so I can experiment with them . Thanks any help would be really appreciated !!
Hello, Hasan. Nice to hear from you again.
With regard to the Beyond canned food you have been buying from Loblaws, is made by Purina. Purina is not one of my recommended brands.
The best approach to finding a new food is to continue to experiment with new products. The only way we can evaluate a cat’s level of interest is to try it first. Consider trying brands like Canada Fresh, FirstMate, and Ziwi Peak.
Please have a look at my recommendations and let me know your thoughts. I’m always happy to help!
Thank you, Hasan.
I BOUGHT GAGNON SUPREME MY KITTY LOVES IT. IS IT A GOOD CHOICE OF FOOD FOR MY 3 MONTH OLD KITTY.
Thank you for your post, Nadia!
My 5 year old female cat grooms constantly and occasionally vomits hair balls. I have been feeding her Acana for indoor cats. Is this a good choice for her?
Hello, Jackie. Thank you for your post.
Acana is among the highest quality foods on the market. To solve your cat’s hairball issue, a hairball supplement would be the perfect solution.
I am happy to help if you have any other questions. Thanks, Jackie.
My cats stopped eating their cat food when I changed my dog to new dog food and only ate that. So I figured new cat food would be good. Instead they have lost weight and condition, my beautiful Siberian is about 1 lb lighter. Help don’t know what they would eat.
Hello, and thank you for your post.
When it comes to cats and their appetite, it is very much an individualized situation as all cats like different flavours and textures. Experimenting is required here as you will need to try new foods to evaluate things like level of interest, digestion, skin and coat quality, and more. Regularly rotating among high quality foods will also help keep your cat’s interest piqued. Consider keeping a food journal and record which foods your cat likes and dislikes. Over time you will have a great short list of foods to rotate among.
When it comes to the tastiest foods for cats, meat content is king. The higher the meat inclusion, the greater the interest (usually). Dehydrated raw brands like Smack, Zeal, and Orijen Freeze Dried are among your best best. When it comes to dry kibbles, Orijen, Carna4, Go!, and others are worthy considerations.
I hope you find this information helpful. I am here to help if you need anything!
Hey Brandon
Two of my cats are eating ID Hill prescription dry food that the vets sell. Based on the list you provided what would be the equivalent dry food to go for.
Hello, Samantha.
As an alternative to the Hills I/D feline, I would recommend FirstMate Indoor Cat. Please have a look and let me know if you have any questions 🙂
Hi Brandon
I was hoping you could suggest a food product that would be good for my 2 cats who both has health issues. (Both will not eat the recommended vet food) my 13 year old has pancretitis and my mane coon aged 8 is diebetic and hungry all the time and needs something to keep him full and help loose weight. Right now they eat fancy feast. I tried the vet food that they should be on but they will not eat it and is wasting my money tring. Also tried other higher priced like Hills, royal canin, 3 to 4 others all with failure. I also tried Fresh pet which is a raw food nope first day was ok but not now. Any suggestion ? Do you offer trial size bags to see which one they will eat ?
Thank you so much
Hello, Linda. Thank you for your post. I am happy to help.
Considering the information you have provided, I feel you will have to consider feeding each cat different foods as their health problems require uniquely different dietary criteria.
For an insatiable diabetic cat, feeding a high protein, low glycemic, grain-free diet is optimal. Brands like Orijen and Go! would be worth consideration. However, these kind of diets are generally not recommended for cats with pancreatitis as the fat and protein content may be too high, potentially making the problem worse. For cats with pancreatitis, it is wise to look for a diet containing low-moderate fat and protein as to not upset the pancreas. Acana Indoor Entree is a popular option. You should also consider a digestive enzyme and probiotic supplement for your pancreatic cat, as well.
I hope you find this information helpful. Linda. I am happy to help if you have any other questions.
Hello Brandon, I have 4 cats, fed 3 different kinds of food. 1 who eats Pro Plan Veterinary Diets for a urinary problem, one with an allergy problem (Hills, prescription diet z / d) and a metabolic eat for overweight problem. I did a lot of research to find a food that could be suitable for the 4 depending on their conditions. To date I have found ACANA Pacifica but it is a little high in Calcium, Phosphate and Magnesium for urinary problems. Thanks for your good advice. Sorry for the text, I am French (Quebec)
Hello, Guylaine. Thank you for posting.
I understand how difficult it can be to have multiple pets with different nutritional requirements. I am happy to help if you have any questions.
Can you please tell me if Now Fresh ( salmon) has been rated? It’s a wet food, a petcurean product.
Thanks.
Hello, Constance. Now is among the best manufacturers in Canada. Very good choice!
Hi Brandon, my cat Trouble, has digestion issues (ultrasound & best guess IBS) and is on RC hypoallergenic hydrolyzed food consisting of Brewers rice, hydrolyzed soy protein, chicken fat, powdered cellulose etc. He had a skin rash which means Atopica (allergy drops) for life. I love my kitty and I don’t want him to suffer (or cost more than my daughter’s university education) therefore I’m hoping you can recommend something that is extremely easy to digest from Canadian top 10 list that may help us get him back to a more natural diet & hopefully a healthier cat.
Thank you so much for your opinion.
Leah
Hello, Leah. Thank you for posting.
When it comes to optimal digestion, you cannot go wrong with dehydrated raw. Consider trying something like Smack or Orijen. As far as kibbles, go, Carna4 is arguably the most easily digestible option by virtue of the organic sprouted seeds.
You may have to experiment a little to determine which products work best for your kitty, however these are among our most popular products for cats with sensitive stomachs and digestive issues.
I hope that helps, Leah!
Hi Brandon,
I highly approve of your list! I’ve been intensively researching cat food for the past 3 years and have come to the same conclusions, especially smack and Carna4 being the top two! I looove the ingredients list of Smack best but Carna4 contains twice more fibre so it won in terms of digestion. I’m wondering if you have a list like this one for canned cat food?(Canadian or otherwise) If not a list, then a couple recommendations? Based on your current dry food list and level of criteria, I completely trust your suggestions!
Hello, Anisa. Thank you for your comments and questions. I appreciate your vote of confidence!
We currently do not have a top canned cat food list, however we do sell a wide variety of the highest quality canned cat foods in the industry.
Among our most popular Canadian canned cat foods include Canada Fresh, and FirstMate.
I hope you find this information helpful, Anisa. I am at your service if you have any questions.
So glad to see FirstMate on your top 10 list. My Pet food store in town recommend it as I was looking for a Canadian made quality cat food with a good price. My cats love the food and had no digestive issues that others on the list caused that I had tried. I love everything about this company. I had forgot the name when I threw the bag out and thought I’d see if it came up if I googled top pet foods in Canada and Walla!! 🙂 Thanks for the reviews.
Just picked up our first bag of Acana, new to me, for our 5 month old kitten. As with any new food you never know how your pet will like it. Let me just say she Devoured it and kept going back to the bowl for one more nibble!
I was convinced this was a good choice when I read the ingredient list, I also liked that it was all Canadian and locally sourced. Hands down win for us and our furry little girl!
Thank you for your comments, Camilla! I am glad to hear your kitty is doing well on Acana.
Hi Brandon, I loved this! I am currently looking for new cat food and this was really helpful. One quick question: has Valens ever made your list? What do you think of it?
Hi Debbie, thank you for posting. Valens is not a brand I have had any personal experience with at this time. We are always re-evaluating our rankings, so I will be sure to have a closer look at the Valens brand. Thank you for bringing this to my attention!