15 Best Budget Cat Foods In Canada
- May 27, 2023
- By Dr. Deborah Fletcher
How fortunate we are to have cats in our lives! Our animals offer us so much and expect so little in return – except total love.
Keeping a cat on a healthy diet is a vital aspect of caring for them. However, pet food is expensive, and we occasionally need to find food that is affordable.
BestForPets (bestforpets.org) understands how time-consuming and messy it can be to locate a new meal for your cat, so we've compiled a list of the best budget cat foods in Canada.
Hopefully, you'll find a nice new food that your cat will appreciate and won't break the bank.
Reviews
Best Overall: Iams Proactive Health Adult Hairball Care Cat Food
- Chicken, chicken by-product meal, ground whole-grain maize are the main ingredients.
- 32% protein content
- 14% fat content
- 399 kilocalories per cup
Iams Proactive Health Adult Hairball Care Cat Food is the finest overall budget cat food in Canada. Its first and important ingredient is actual chicken, which helps sustain a cat’s muscles.
The inclusion of fibre in the form of prebiotics and beet pulp in this composition also aids in the reduction of hairballs.
Omega-3 and -6 fatty acids have been included for a soft and healthy coat, as well as vitamin E for immune system support. It also lacks any artificial colors or preservatives.
The disadvantages of this diet are that it may not appeal to choosy cats and that it does not help all cats with hairballs.
Pros
- For powerful muscles, the main ingredient is chicken.
- Prebiotics and beet pulp aid in the treatment of hairballs.
- Omega-3 and -6 fatty acids promote skin and coat health.
- Vitamin E promotes a healthy immune system.
- There are no artificial preservatives or colors.
Cons
- Not all cats will consume it.
- Doesn’t work for all cats with hairballs.
Original Choice Cat Food by Meow Mix – Best Value
- Whole ground corn, soybean meal, and chicken by-product meal are the main constituents.
- 30% protein content
- 11% fat content
- 310 kilocalories per cup
Meow Mix Original Choice Cat Food is the greatest value for money budget cat food in Canada. This one has long been a favorite of many kitties!
It has chicken, salmon, turkey, and ocean fish flavors, as well as antioxidants and important vitamins and minerals. Even fussy cats appear to enjoy Meow Mix.
However, beef isn’t the main ingredient; instead, corn and soy are. It also contains synthetic colors.
Pros
- Inexpensive
- Salmon, chicken, turkey, and ocean fish flavors are included.
- Antioxidants and important vitamins and minerals have been added.
- Picky cats appear to enjoy this food.
Cons
- The main ingredient is not meat.
- Contains artificial substances
Premium Purina ONE Dry Indoor Advantage Cat Food
- Turkey, chicken by-product meal, and maize gluten meal are the main constituents.
- 38% protein content
- 9% fat content
- 372 calories per cup
Purina ONE Dry Indoor Advantage Cat Food is our premium recommendation, which means it’s a little more pricey but still reasonably priced.
It’s designed for indoor cats, so it’s high in protein (turkey is the major ingredient), low in fat, and promotes a healthy heart and strong muscles.
It contains four antioxidant sources and a blend of natural fibers to aid in the reduction of hairballs. Overall, this food will benefit indoor cats by lowering hairballs and keeping them at a healthy weight.
Aside from being expensive, it does not benefit all cats with hairballs.
Pros
- So high in protein and low on fat for indoor cats
- Helps to maintain strong muscles and a healthy heart.
- Natural fiber reduces hairballs.
- Four antioxidant sources to support a healthy immune system
- Aids in the maintenance of a healthy weight
Cons
- A little pricey
- Doesn’t work for all cats with hairballs.
Iams Proactive Health Kitten Dry Food – The Best Kitten Food
- Chicken, chicken by-product meal, ground whole-grain maize are the main ingredients.
- 33% protein content
- 21% fat content
- 484 calories per cup
The Iams Proactive Health Kitten Dry Food is an excellent choice for kittens.
It contains the ideal protein-fat ratio for kittens, with chicken as the major ingredient to assist nourish those growing muscles.
It contains DHA, a vitamin found in mother cat’s milk that aids in the development of the brain and vision.
It also contains vitamins A and E, which help to boost the immune system. It has no fillers, artificial flavors, or preservatives and is nutritionally adequate for growing kittens.
The disadvantages of this meal are that, while the firm claims that it does not contain fillers, it technically does, and it may cause stomach distress in certain kittens.
Pros
- The major ingredient is chicken.
- DHA is present for brain and eyesight development.
- Antioxidant-rich vitamins E and A to strengthen the immune system
- There are no fillers or artificial substances.
Cons
- There are a few fillers.
- Some kittens may experience stomach distress.
Vet’s Choice Cat Chow Naturals Dry Cat Food
- Chicken, corn gluten meal, and chicken by-product meal are the main constituents.
- 38% protein content
- 13% fat content
- 430 calories per cup
Because real chicken is the major ingredient, our vet picked Cat Chow Naturals Dry Cat Food for its high protein level. This food is a complete and balanced diet for cats of all ages.
It contains omega-6 fatty acids for a lustrous coat and healthy skin, as well as natural fiber to aid with hairball control. It also lacks any artificial preservatives, colors, or flavors.
It is, however, pricey, and some finicky cats may refuse to consume it.
Pros
- Vet’s preference
- With chicken as the major ingredient, this dish is high in protein.
- Omega-6 fatty acids promote skin and coat health.
- Natural fiber is included for hairball control.
- There are no artificial ingredients.
Cons
- Expensive
- Picky cats may not enjoy it.
Adult Dry Cat Food Iams Proactive Health
- Salmon, chicken by-product meal, and whole-grain maize are the main ingredients.
- 32% protein content
- 15% fat content
- 387 calories per cup
Salmon is the major ingredient in Iams Proactive Health Adult Dry Cat Food, which makes it strong in protein.
It’s also high in fibre, thanks to beet pulp and prebiotics, which help the digestive system. It contains omega-6 for a lustrous coat and healthy skin and is free of fillers, artificial flavors, and colors.
The sole disadvantage of this diet is that it may cause stomach problems in some cats.
Pros
- The main ingredient is salmon.
- High in fiber, beet pulp, and prebiotics for digestive health
- Omega-6 fatty acids provide a healthy coat and skin.
- There are no fillers or artificial substances.
Cons
- Some cats may have gastrointestinal distress.
Wet Cat Food Whiskas Perfect Portions Seafood Selections
- Ingredients: chicken, water, and salmon
- Protein content: 9% and 7%, respectively.
- 5% and 2% fat content
- Calories per serving: 38 and 35.
Whiskas Perfect Portions Seafood Selections Wet Cat Food comes in tuna and salmon flavors.
They come in easy-to-use peel-and-serve trays, so you don’t have to bother about refrigerating leftovers – each tray serves one. It also contains no fillers, artificial colors, or flavors.
However, while the trays are practical, they are not as eco-friendly as most other packaging. Furthermore, some cat owners may find peeling these trays difficult.
You might even sprinkle yourself with cat food gravy by mistake!
Pros
- There will be no leftovers because each tray serves one person.
- There are two flavors.
- Made from genuine flesh
- There are no artificial colors or flavors.
Cons
- Environmentally unfriendly packaging
- Trays may be difficult to open for some owners.
Cat Food Fancy Feast Wet Pâté Variety Pack
- Liver, poultry, and fish broth are the main ingredients.
- 11% protein content
- 5% fat content
- 92 calories per can
You can taste three distinct flavors of Fancy Feast Wet Pâté Variety Pack Cat Food: salmon and shrimp, beef, and liver and chicken.
It comes in pâté form with gravy juice and is appropriate for cats of all ages.
Because the first components in all three recipes include actual meat, they are heavy in protein. It’s a well-balanced meal rich in vitamins and minerals that most cats enjoy.
Fancy Feast contains artificial flavors and colors, which may cause stomach distress in some cats.
Pros
- The variety pack contains three flavors.
- Pâté in the form of gravy juice
- Suitable for cats of all ages
- The first components are actual beef.
Cons
- Artificial substances are included.
- Some cats may have gastrointestinal distress.
Whiskas Meaty Choices Dry Cat Food
- Ground whole-grain maize, poultry by-product meal, and wheat are the main constituents.
- 30% protein content
- 14% fat content
- 383 calories per cup
Whiskas Meaty Selections Dry Cat Food is made up of kibble that includes large crunchy pockets filled with extra meaty goodies.
This food is a well-balanced diet for adult cats that includes elements that promote a healthy immune system. It also does not include any artificial colors or flavors.
However, it has been reported that some cats experience gastrointestinal discomfort, and the first ingredient is ground maize, not meat.
Pros
- Kibble with crunchy pockets added
- Adult cats require a well-balanced diet.
- Aids in the maintenance of a healthy immune system
- There are no artificial ingredients.
Cons
- Some cats may have gastrointestinal distress.
- The first ingredient isn’t meat.
Wet Cat Food Purina Friskies Pâté Greatest Hits
- Fish, animal byproducts, and water are the main constituents.
- 10% protein content
- 5% fat content
- 179 calories per can
Purina Friskies Pâté Greatest Hits Wet Cat Food comes in four varieties: chef’s supper, salmon, turkey with giblets, and seafood supreme.
It is nutritionally balanced since it contains key vitamins and minerals such as taurine and vitamin E. Friskies has long been a popular brand among cats.
Unfortunately, some cats have reported unpleasant waste after eating this food, and it does contain artificial flavors and colors.
Pros
- Pâté in four different flavors
- Taurine and vitamin E are included.
- Many cats enjoy it.
Cons
- This could result in stinky poop.
- Contains artificial substances
Buyer's Guide: How to Select the Best Low-Cost Cat Foods
Check out our buyer’s guide before making a decision. There are a few pointers that may assist you make your ultimate decision.
Price
The lower the price of the food, the more probable it was created with low-quality ingredients. “You get what you pay for,” as the saying goes.
However, not all low-cost foods are of poor quality. Buying online can sometimes save you money because you can locate great bargains and also have it delivered right to your door.
Shopping on Amazon, for example, can wind up saving you money, especially if you are a Prime member, which allows you to get free shipping on practically anything.
However, keep in mind that many things are offered on Amazon by merchants, which explains why prices fluctuate so much. Simply keep an eye out for the best pricing on your favorite food, and compare costs at your local pet or grocery store.
Wet, dry, or both
Many cats prefer canned food because it is sweeter and more meaty. Wet food has the advantage of being high in moisture, which is an important component of a cat’s diet.
It is also an efficient approach to assist cats in losing weight or maintaining a healthy weight. Dry food is also an excellent supplement to a cat’s diet because it aids in the cleaning of their teeth.
As a result, many cat owners prefer to give their cats both.
Ingredients
We are aware that there is widespread concern about by-products, wheat, corn, and soy in cat food.
However, for the most part, pet food makers utilize components that are intended to deliver maximum health advantages to pets.
These ingredients do provide some nutritional value. This is why you should consult with your veterinarian before starting your cat on a grain-free diet. Grain-free diets might cause health problems in some cats.
Cats, on the other hand, are obligate carnivores, which means they must eat flesh from an animal in order to survive.
As a result, it’s preferable to choose cuisine with meat as the first ingredient, although it should be among the first three.
Consult Your Vet
Before switching to new cat food, consult with your veterinarian. This is especially vital if your cat suffers from any medical conditions.
Your veterinarian will be able to offer food that they believe will be the most beneficial to your cat. Just remember to inform them you’re on a tight budget.
They can also advice you on how to introduce new food to your cat. Too rapidly transitioning your cat to a new food can cause gastric distress.
Conclusion
Iams Proactive Health Adult Hairball Care Cat Food is BestForPets‘ (bestforpets.org) overall favorite low-cost cat food for eliminating hairballs because it contains chicken as the main ingredient.
Meow Mix’s Original Choice Cat Food is ideal for picky eaters and is one of the most cheap cat foods available.
Purina’s ONE Dry Indoor Advantage Cat Food is our top recommendation since it contains four antioxidants as well as turkey as the major ingredient.
If you have a kitten, try Iams Iams Proactive Health Kitten Dry Food, which has all of the vitamins and minerals that a growing kitten requires.
Finally, our veterinarian recommended Cat Chow Naturals Dry Cat Food because of its high protein level and lack of artificial preservatives, colors, or flavors.
Hopefully, these reviews of the best budget cat foods in Canada have assisted you in finding a meal that both your cat appreciates and fits within your budget.
Dr. Deborah Fletcher
Deborah R. Fletcher, DVM, is a skilled veterinarian with more than 15 years of experience dealing with companion and exotic animals. She has experience caring for a variety of animals, including household cats and dogs, reptiles, birds of prey, and even primates. Dr. Fletcher is a valuable part of the BestForPets team, where she contributes to their aim of providing pets and their owners with the finest possible treatment and services.
Veterinarian (DVM) Dr. Deborah Fletcher
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