Grain-free cat foods are gaining serious traction among cat parents, but it can be hard to distinguish facts from hype when researching these foods. Are grains actually bad for cats? Is there a benefit to grain-free foods? We’ll answer these questions and more in this article, plus give you our picks for the best grain-free cat foods on the market today.
Here at tuft + paw, we are cat experts. We're intimately familiar with the cat food features that are most important to cats and cat parents alike. This list is based on consultation with a feline nutritionist, veterinarian, hundreds of online reviews, and our own experience as cat parents.
Tip: If your cat lives indoors, check out our list of the best foods for indoor cats which includes a few grain-free options.
Cheat Sheet: The Best Grain-Free Cat Foods
1) tuft + paw Really Great Cat Food
| 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, affordable price point, high moisture content, human-grade ingredients |
| Cons | not available in pet stores |
| Calories | 138 cal/5.5 oz box = 25 cal/oz |
| Price | $69 for 24 x 5.5 oz box = $0.52/oz |
2) The Honest Kitchen Grain-Free Chicken Caté
| Pros | high quality animal protein, first 3 ingredients are chicken-based, no fillers, high moisture content, human-grade ingredients |
| Cons | mediocre omega-3 supplement |
| Calories | 171 cal/5.5 oz box = 31 cal/oz |
| Price | $75.68 for 24 x 5.5 oz box = $0.57/oz |
3) Smalls Ground Other Bird Cat Food
| 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 |
| Cons | pricey, not available in pet stores, food ships frozen |
| Calories | 200 cal/5 oz pack = 40 cal/oz |
| Price | $4.00 per 5 oz pack = $0.80/oz |
4) Koha Limited Ingredient Duck Paté
| 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 |
| Cons | high fat content, very low fiber |
| Calories | 208 cal/5.5 oz = 38 cal/oz |
| Price | $66.96 for 24 x 5.5-oz cans = $0.51/oz |
5) Tiki Cat After Dark Chicken & Quail Canned Cat Food
| 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 |
| Cons | low caloric density for kittens/mothers |
| Calories | 129 cal/5.5 oz can = 23 cal/oz |
| Price | $27.92 for 8 x 5.5 oz cans = $0.63/oz |
6) Wellness CORE Grain-Free Chicken, Turkey, Chicken Liver
| Pros | high quality animal protein, first 6 ingredients are animal-based, low carbohydrates, salmon oil for omega-3s, high moisture content |
| Cons | contains potatoes and guar, cassia, and xanthan gums |
| Calories | 186 cal/5.5 oz can = 34 cal/oz |
| Price | $83.76 for 24 x 5.5 oz cans = $0.63/oz |
Everything You Need to Know About Grain-Free Cat Food
Grain In Cat Food Isn’t Automatically Bad
Let's start by dispelling a common myth—grains in cat food aren't inherently harmful. While cats are obligate carnivores and don’t require carbs to survive, it doesn't mean grains should be vilified. In the wild, cats might consume small amounts of carbohydrates from the stomach contents of their prey. In a domestic setting, grains can serve as supplementary sources of fiber, vitamins, and minerals. A balanced approach to cat nutrition should consider the quality and quantity of grains in the overall diet.
Grain-Free Does Not Mean Low Carb
The term "grain-free" can be misleading; it doesn't guarantee a low-carbohydrate content. Some cat foods avoid grains to use the term “grain-free” for marketing, but will still add inexpensive starches (e.g. potatoes, legumes, tapioca) to boost food volume and calories.
Tip: Check out our list of the best low carb cat foods.
This can result in higher carbohydrate content than cat foods that include grain. Grains or not, a low carbohydrate content is recommended for a healthy feline diet.
Really Great Cat Food & Dock Bowl and Stand by tuft + paw
Grain Allergies Are Rare In Cats
Grain and gluten allergies are quite uncommon in cats. Allergies in cats are more commonly associated with proteins, such as those found in fish, chicken, or beef. Recognizing allergy symptoms, such as itchy skin, fur loss, or digestive issues, is crucial. If you notice these signs, consulting your veterinarian is the best course of action.
Grain-Free Cat Food & Heart Disease
In recent years, there has been some concern around the potential link between grain-free pet diets and heart disease, specifically dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). In 2018, the FDA initiated an investigation into grain-free pet food with significant carbohydrate content following reports of DCM in pets. Dogs and dog food were the main focus of this investigation, as DCM is a much more common issue for dogs. Feline DCM is still a concern, but it is a much rarer condition.
DCM is believed to be linked to taurine deficiency. Taurine is a known essential amino acid for cats, so it is supplemented in all feline diets. In dogs, taurine has not yet been defined as an essential amino acid, and grain-free dog diets are often low in sulfur amino acids (methionine & cysteine), which are necessary for dogs to produce taurine. This could be why grain-free diets and heart disease are almost exclusively a problem for dogs.
As of 2023, there is no definitive connection identified between grain-free cat food and feline DCM. If this is a concern for you, consult your vet for more guidance.
What to Look for in a Grain-Free Cat Food
High-Quality Animal Protein
Regardless of whether a cat food contains grains or not, the primary focus should be on high-quality animal protein. Cats thrive on diets rich in meat, and the protein content should meet their nutritional requirements. Prioritize foods with clearly named and easily digestible animal meats and organs (e.g. chicken, salmon, turkey liver). Avoid foods that rely on animal byproducts, animal meals, or plant proteins for their protein content, as these can contain less digestible components.
Note: Kittens need even more protein and calories than adult cats. See our list of the best kitten foods if you need food recommendations.
Really Great Cat Food & Dock Bowl and Stand by tuft + paw
Low Carbohydrates
Opt for grain-free cat foods with low carbohydrate content that mirrors the diet cats would consume in the wild: high protein, moderate fat, low carb. Cats are technically capable of digesting carbohydrates, but their digestive systems are far better suited to digesting nutrients from animal protein.
Remember that grain-free does not equal low carb. Check the ingredients list and avoid foods with significant amounts of filler carbs like potato or guar gum. Many of the best high protein cat foods will also have low carb content.
Sufficient Moisture Content
Cats are notorious for not drinking enough water, making moisture content in their food all the more important. Wet cat food, whether grain-free or not, contributes to their overall hydration and may help prevent urinary issues. High moisture content is also a common feature of the best cat foods for sensitive stomachs because it makes digestion easier.
Meets AAFCO Nutritional Standards & Life Stage Requirements
When selecting cat food, always check if it meets the nutritional standards set by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO). This ensures that the food is formulated to provide a complete and balanced diet for your cat. AAFCO compliance is a crucial indicator of the food's quality and suitability for your cat's overall health.
Additionally, check the AAFCO statement on the label to ensure it’s appropriate for your cat's specific life stage. A cat’s different life stages have different nutritional requirements. For example, kittens need more calories than adult cats to support their rapid growth, while senior cats benefit from diets that maintain muscle mass.
Here are the key AAFCO terms you’ll see on a label:
- Complete and Balanced – “Complete” means the product contains all the nutrients required. “Balanced” means the nutrients are present in the correct ratios.
- “Growth” life stage – Early life stage when kittens have greater nutritional needs to fuel their growth and development.
- “Maintenance” life stage – Adult cats who are no longer growing only require nutrition for maintenance of a healthy body weight.
- “Gestation/lactation” life stage – Pregnant/mother cats who need to feed their kittens have greater nutritional needs than non-pregnant, non-lactating adult cats.
- All life stages – This means the food is appropriate for both kittens and adult cats, though feeding directions will vary depending on your cat’s life stage. These foods can help take the guesswork out of switching from kitten to adult cat food.
Really Great Cat Food & Dock Bowl by tuft + paw
Our Criteria for Choosing the Best Grain-Free Cat Food
- Grain-free recipe – Every food on this list is completely grain-free.
- Meets AAFCO Standards – All foods on this list are formulated to meet the AAFCO Cat Food Nutrient Profiles for either adult cats or all life stages.
- High quality animal protein – All foods on this list prioritize animal proteins as their first ingredients rather than animal byproducts.
- Healthy fats – Quality cat food should contain healthy fats from animal sources, such as meat or fish oil.
- Moisture content – High moisture content in food helps cats avoid the health problems associated with dehydration.
- Carbs & plant-based content – Cats are obligate carnivores who should be eating primarily animal protein, so we prefer foods with low carbohydrate content and low plant material content.
- Price
Deep Dive: The Best Grain-Free Cat Foods
1) tuft + paw Really 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
Disclaimer: Yes, we included our own cat food here. This is because we truly think it performs excellently compared to other cat foods on the market. We subjected it to the same scrutiny as every other food on this list and asked for honest opinions from experts and cat parents.
Our pick for the best grain-free cat food is tuft + paw’s Really Great Cat Food. When making this formula, we made sure it had everything we look for in a wet cat food. Of course, it’s grain-free and low carb, with each plant-based ingredient serving a specific nutritional purpose (e.g. pumpkin puree for dietary fiber to prevent hairballs and vitamins A, C, and K). The priority is on easily digestible animal protein with chicken as the primary meat source, and rabbit as a secondary source. Together these two meats provide essential amino acids and fatty acids, in particular taurine and arachidonic acid which are both especially vital to cats. We added salmon oil for the boost of omega-3s to aid immune function, reduce inflammation, and assist in brain and eye health. Finally, Really Great Cat Food is appropriate for all life stages (from kittens to senior cats!) and comes in at an affordable $0.52/oz.
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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. |
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2) The Honest Kitchen Grain-Free Chicken Caté
Credit: The Honest Kitchen
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 runner-up for the best grain-free cat food is The Honest Kitchen’s Grain-Free Chicken Pate Wet Cat Food. It’s a great source of easily digestible animal protein with the first three ingredients all being chicken-based. Every ingredient is human-grade and there are no filler carbs or gums to speak of. Instead, the recipe utilizes pumpkin, carrots, and berries for antioxidants and fiber, and uses agar-agar as a natural thickener, which helps create an appealing texture and supplies fiber to aid digestion. It has a moderate caloric density, reasonable price point, and is suitable for all life stages. It might not be the perfect food for every cat, but we think it’s a great option that will meet the needs of most households.
We have no major issues with this food, however we do wish salmon oil was higher up on the ingredients list as an animal-based omega-3 supplement. On an as-fed basis omega-3s only make up 0.1% of this food, which is a little lacking in our opinion. Omega-3s help control inflammation, support immune health, and are crucial for brain development in kittens. If feeding this food to a kitten, we’d recommend supplementing their diet with other foods high in omega-3s.
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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. |
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3) Smalls Ground Other Bird Cat Food
Credit: Smalls
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 next pick for grain-free foods is Smalls Ground Other Bird. Smalls has gained quite a following for their high quality fresh cat food and human grade-ingredients. This recipe uses turkey as its animal protein, which is an appealing alternative for cats who may not like chicken. It’s high in protein and healthy fats, while still providing a bit of dietary fiber to help with digestion. There are no gums, carrageenan, or filler starches. We appreciate the addition of cod liver oil for a dose of omega-3 fatty acids.
The main drawback is that Smalls is the most expensive food on our list ($0.80/oz). There’s also the minor inconvenience of it only being available on Smalls’ website and shipping frozen. All Smalls foods need to be thawed before feeding to your cat.
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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. |
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4) Koha Limited Ingredient Duck Paté
Credit: Koha Pet
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 conventional meats, we like Koha’s Limited Ingredient Diet formulas. As its main animal protein this formula uses duck, which is biologically appropriate, appealing to cats, and an uncommon allergen. This food is high in animal protein, has minimal carbs, and a high moisture content to keep your kitty hydrated. It’s also the most affordable food on this list at $0.51/oz, which is great value for a high quality food like this. Lastly, we have to shout out the addition of green mussels for—you guessed it—omega-3 fatty acids! This formula for adult maintenance so omega-3s are not required
Overall, this formula meets the nutritional needs of most adult cats, but it does have a high ratio of fat to protein. Duck is a fatty meat so this is understandable. The food still has sufficient protein content, but we prefer to see protein as the dominant macronutrient to meet cats’ needs as obligate carnivores. There’s also very little dietary fiber, which is not a nutritional necessity but can help aid digestion, especially for indoor cats who deal with hairballs.
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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. |
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5) Tiki Cat After Dark Chicken & Quail Canned Cat Food
Credit: Chewy
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 who love chicken but may need to, ahem, watch their weight, Tiki Cats After Dark Chicken & Quail Egg Cat Food is a great option. The first six ingredients are all easily digestible animal-based proteins, which contribute to the impressive protein content of this food: 66.6% excluding water! As far as we can tell from the ingredients list, there are virtually zero plant ingredients and minimal carbohydrates. We also like the inclusion of tuna oil for omega-3s and the 82% moisture content for keeping your cat hydrated.
This food is labeled as appropriate for “all life stages”, but it’s not nearly as calorically dense as most foods designed for “growth and reproduction” or “all life stages”. At only 23 calories per ounce, a kitten or pregnant/mother cat would have to eat a very large volume of this food to meet their nutritional needs. Considering this, we think this food is best suited to adult cats, particularly those who need to manage their weight.
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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 |
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6) Wellness CORE Grain-Free Chicken, Turkey, Chicken Liver
Credit: Chewy
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’s Grain-Free Chicken, Turkey & Chicken Liver Cat Food is full of high quality animal protein and, as the name suggests, totally grain-free! The first six ingredients are all derived from either chicken or turkey, and only one of them is a meal/byproduct. This suggests most of the crude protein is easily digestible. On a dry matter basis, the carbohydrate content is low. We also like the added salmon oil for omega-3s and high moisture content.
Overall this food is a solid grain-free option, but we don’t love the inclusion of dried potatoes and guar, cassia, and xanthan gums. These ingredients function more as fillers and thickeners and aren’t nutritionally required by cats. Not a complete deal-breaker, but these ingredients prevent this food from being ranked higher.
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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. |
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Grain-Free Cat Food FAQs
Is grain-free cat food healthier for my cat?
Grain-free doesn't automatically mean healthier. While cats with grain allergies may benefit from it, the key to a healthy feline diet is to prioritize high-quality animal protein. Some great cat foods include grain, and some grain-free cat foods are filled with unnecessary carbs.
Do all grain-free cat foods have low carbohydrates?
Not necessarily. Grain-free doesn't mean low carb; additional starches can be present. Check the ingredients list to see if there are added carbohydrates.
Are grain allergies common in cats, and how do I recognize them?
Grain allergies in cats are rare. Protein allergies (e.g. fish, chicken) are slightly more common. Look for symptoms like itchy skin, fur loss, or digestive issues. If these symptoms persist, visit your veterinarian to figure out the problem.
Can cats digest grains, and do they provide any nutritional value?
Cats can digest carbohydrates, including grains. However, their digestive systems are not optimized for absorbing nutrients from plants. Small amounts of grains and certain plant-based ingredients can offer some dietary fiber, vitamins, and minerals as a supplementary source, but should not be a significant portion of your cat’s diet.
Is there a link between grain-free diets and heart disease in cats?
At the time of writing (2023), there is no established link between grain-free diets and heart disease in cats. In 2018, the FDA began an investigation into potential connections between certain grain-free diets and dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) in pets. No definitive link was discovered. It’s also worth noting that DCM is quite rare in cats.
Conclusion
If your cat has a grain allergy, choosing the right grain-free cat food is a super important step in ensuring their future health. Thankfully, there are plenty of excellent options to choose from. For most cats, tuft + paw’s Really Great Cat Food or The Honest Kitchen’s Grain-Free Chicken Paté will cover all their bases and not break the bank for cat parents. For a slightly pricier subscription option we like Smalls Ground Other Bird for its high quality ingredients. If your cat suffers from meat allergies too, a single protein food like Koha Limited Ingrediet Diet Duck Paté could be just the thing for managing their symptoms. Tiki Cat’s After Dark Chicken & Quail Egg and Wellness CORE Grain-Free Chicken, Turkey and Chicken Liver cat foods are also worth exploring. Try out a few different foods and see which one your cat likes best. Good luck!
