14 Best Cat Foods In Australia
- May 27, 2023
- By Dr. Deborah Fletcher
It can be difficult to determine the best cat food for your pet. After all, there are so many different brands and variations available these days. But don't worry—we're here to assist you!
In this piece, BestForPets (bestforpets.org) will look at %product_count% of the best cat foods in Australia right now, each of which has received rave ratings.
So, if you're looking for advice, you've come to the perfect place!
Reviews
Purina Cat Chow Natural Cat Food – Overall Winner
- Protein: 34%
- Fat: 9%
- 371 calories per cup
- Ingredients include chicken, corn, and rice.
The fact that this cat food is manufactured with natural ingredients is one of its main selling factors. The first component is actual chicken, and no artificial flavors or preservatives are used.
This is great news for fussy eaters or cats with sensitive tummies. Purina Cat Chow Natural also contains no fillers or wheat gluten, which can be difficult for cats to digest.
On the flipside, some cat owners have discovered that Purina Cat Chow Natural does not appeal to their kitties as much as other brands.
It is also more expensive than some other solutions on the market because it is produced with natural ingredients.
Purina Cat Chow Natural, on the other hand, is a high-quality meal that may offer your cat with the nourishment they require.
Pros
- The first component is real chicken.
- Fiber levels that are adequate for hairball control
- There are no artificial additives.
Cons
- Chicken by-products are present.
- Expensive alternative
Best Value IAMS Proactive Health Cat Food
- Protein: 32%
- Fat: 15%
- 399 kilocalories per cup
- Chicken (whole, by-product, and meal), corn, and beet pulp are the main ingredients.
IAMS Proactive Health was our top choice for the best value cat food in Australia. This is a well-known brand of cat food that claims to give all of the nutrients your cat requires to live a healthy life.
The cuisine contains no artificial tastes or colors and is created with real chicken and other natural components.
IAMS Proactive Health cat food also contains omega-3 fatty acids for healthy skin and coat, as well as antioxidants to help your cat’s immune system.
IAMS Proactive Health cat food has a lot of positive attributes. First and foremost, the utilization of actual chicken as the main ingredient is a huge plus.
Second, including omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants is good for your cat’s health. Finally, there are no artificial flavors or colors, which is a plus.
However, there are a few things to consider before opting on IAMS Proactive Health for your cat. Other substances, such as corn, gluten, and wheat, may be unpleasant to the stomach and difficult to digest in some cats.
Overall, IAMS Proactive Health is a fine choice for many cats, but do your research before choosing a meal for your feline friend.
Pros
- Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids have been added for a healthy coat.
- Prebiotics to aid digestion
- Excellent value for money.
Cons
- Common allergies are present.
Premium Choice Royal Canin Feline Health Cat Food
- Protein: 27%
- Fat: 15%
- 325 calories per cup
- Ingredients include chicken, corn, and rice.
Feline Health Nutrition by Royal Canin It’s simple to see why indoor cat food is a popular choice for indoor cats. The kibble is compact and easy to chew, and food contains all of the nutrients that an indoor cat requires.
It is also carefully developed to assist control weight and decrease hairballs. One of the key ingredients of this dish is chicken meal, which is high in protein.
The price is higher because this is our premium option. There are some other disadvantages of eating this meal. To begin with, it contains a lot of fillers (such grains and soy), which might cause gastric issues in some cats.
Furthermore, the kibble is quite hard, making it difficult for senior cats or those with dental issues to consume. Overall, Royal Canin Feline Health Nutrition is a good choice. Indoor cat food is a good option for indoor cats, but it isn’t perfect.
Pros
- Aids in the weight management of indoor cats
- Hairball control fiber blend
- Proteins that are easily digested
Cons
- Hard kibble is tough to chew for senior cats.
- Expensive
Purina Pro Plan Dry Cat Food – Kitten Formula
- Protein: 41%
- Fat: 21%
- 543 kilocalories per cup
- Ingredients: chicken, rice, and salmon
Purina Pro Plan Chicken Formula is an excellent choice for kitten parents looking for a high-quality diet option. This food contains DHA for brain and eye development and is created with real chicken as the first component.
Furthermore, the formula is intended to be highly digestible, allowing cats to get the most out of their diet. The price of this cuisine is higher than that of certain other brands on the market.
However, many business owners believe that the high quality of the ingredients justifies the high price.
Overall, Purina Pro Plan Chicken Formula is a nutritious choice that can aid in the growth and development of kittens into healthy cats.
Pros
- The first component is real chicken.
- DHA is included for brain and ocular development.
- Formula that is easily digested
Cons
- Pricier than some other brands
Wet Cat Food Purina Fancy Feast
- Protein: 11%
- Fat: 2%
- Calories per can: 85
- Seafood (cod, salmon, tuna, and whitefish), fish broth, and water are the main ingredients.
Fancy Feast cat food is a well-known wet food that comes in a range of flavors. Most formulations use chicken, fish, or liver as the main ingredients, and the food is often given in small cans or pouches.
One of the most appealing aspects of Fancy Feast Gravy cat food is its low cost in comparison to other wet feeds on the market. Another advantage is that there are no artificial colors or flavors in the meal.
The gravy is also a good source of hydration for cats that don’t drink enough water on their own.
Some reviewers stated that their cats refused to consume dry food after trying Purina Fancy Feast Gravy, so be prepared to switch if you decide to try this product.
Pros
- When compared to other wet foods, it is less expensive.
- There are no artificial colors or flavors in this product.
- Excellent source of hydration
Cons
- After trying Fancy Feast Gravy, some cats may refuse to eat dry food.
Dry Cat Food Purina Fancy Feast
- Protein: 34%
- Fat: 17%
- 471 kilocalories per cup
- Rice, chicken byproducts, and beef are the main ingredients.
Purina Fancy Feast is a nutritious and delicious dry food that you should consider for your feline friend. This well-known brand has a wide range of tastes and formulae to meet any cat’s preferences.
Purina Fancy Feast, however, has some possible drawbacks. Some formulations, for example, are heavy in calories, which might contribute to cat weight gain.
Purina Fancy Feast is also one of the more expensive brands on the market. Overall, Purina Fancy Feast is a fantastic choice for anyone looking to feed their cat a nutritious and tasty diet.
Just make sure to select the proper formula for your pet’s needs.
Pros
- Provides a wide range of tastes and formulations
- Picky eaters love it.
Cons
- Some formulations contain a lot of calories.
- The first ingredient is rice.
Cat Food Nutro Wholesome Essentials
- Protein: 33%
- Fat: 16%
- 414 kilocalories per cup
- Salmon, chicken meal, and rice are the main ingredients.
Nutro Wholesome Essentials cat food claims to be free of fillers, preservatives, and artificial flavors. Instead, it claims to employ only natural ingredients that will give your cat the nutrients it requires.
While this seems great, Nutro Wholesome Essentials does have some downsides. For starters, it is one of the more expensive brands available.
Furthermore, some reviewers stated that their cats did not appear to love the taste of the food. Overall, Nutro Wholesome Essentials is a good alternative for people who wish to feed their cat a natural diet, but it is not for everyone.
Pros
- There are no fillers, preservatives, or artificial flavors in this product.
- Only natural substances are used.
Cons
- Expensive
Indoor Health Natural Adult Dry Cat Food by Blue Buffalo
- Protein: 32%
- Fat: 15%
- 415 kilocalories per cup
- Salmon, chicken meal, rice, and oats are the main ingredients.
This quality food is produced with fresh fruits and vegetables, as well as real meat and seafood. It is also free of artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives.
Furthermore, the extra vitamins and minerals keep your cat healthy and energetic. The only disadvantage is that it is significantly more expensive than other competing brands.
However, with this high-quality meal, you definitely get what you pay for. One of this food’s main selling features is that it has no artificial additives, flavors, or preservatives.
This is critical for many cat owners who want to avoid giving their pets anything that could hurt them. Furthermore, the formula is strong in protein and low in carbs, making food suitable for overweight cats.
It also contains omega-3 fatty acids, which can assist improve the health of your skin and coat. On the negative side, several reviews have stated that this meal does not appear to agree with all cats.
Some people have reported digestive troubles after moving to this diet, so if you decide to make the switch, keep a close eye on your pet.
Pros
- The first ingredient is salmon.
- There are no artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives in this product.
- Protein-rich and low in carbs
- Omega-3 fatty acids for healthy skin and coat
Cons
- Some cats may experience stomach problems after switching.
Cat Food Saucy Morsels
- Protein: 8%
- Fat: 5%
- Calories: 80kcal/portion
- Ingredients: meat, fish, and a binder
Dine Saucy Morsels is a limited ingredient, pre-portioned cat food with a higher moisture content. The recipe uses only a few ingredients, making it ideal for cats who are sensitive to grains.
We also enjoyed how it was pre-portioned for simplicity of use; however, this does result in more packaging waste.
The recipe also included a high moisture content for hydration, however this made the food watery and difficult to serve.
Overall, the advantages outweigh the disadvantages, and we would suggest this food to cat owners.
Pros
- Ingredients are few.
- Pre-portioned
- Greater moisture content
Cons
- Messy
- There’s a lot of packaging.
Recipe for Ziwi Canned Lamb
- Protein: 9.5%
- Fat: 6%
- Calories per 3-oz can: 113 kcal
- Lamb (whole and organs), green-lipped mussels are the main ingredients.
The canned Lamb Recipe from Ziwi Peak is created with 95% grass-fed lamb, organs, and bone, with a little portion of New Zealand green-lipped mussel for extra nutrition.
The first thing you’ll notice about this cuisine is the exceedingly limited ingredient list, which consists of only lamb, lamb organs, and bone, plus a few green-lipped mussels for extra nutrients.
The company takes care in using only ethically and sustainably sourced New Zealand products, which is evident in the food’s quality.
One thing to keep in mind about this meal is that it has a lot of calories, making it unsuitable for cats who are overweight or obese. It’s also worth noting that this food has no grains, fillers, or artificial additives.
Overall, Ziwi Peak’s Lamb Recipe is a high-quality, grain-free food that is ideal for cats seeking an alternative to the traditional dry kibble diet. However, because of the high calorie content, this item should be fed in moderation.
Pros
- Grain-free
- Ingredients of superior quality
- Sourced ethically and responsibly
- There are no artificial additives.
Cons
- A lot of calories
- Not recommended for overweight or obese cats.
How to Choose the Best Cat Food in Australia: A Buyer's Guide
Cat Food Nutritional Analysis
Protein
Cats are obligate carnivores, which means they must consume animal protein to thrive.
Protein is required for muscle growth and repair, as well as for the immune system to function properly. Adult cats require the least quantity of protein in their cat diet.
Fat
Fat is a crucial source of energy for cats, and it also contributes to a healthy, lustrous coat. Certain nutrients, such as vitamins A, D, E, and K, require fat for absorption.
Chicken fat, fish oil, and flaxseed oil are all fat sources in cat food. For adult cats, the minimal amount of fat in cat food is 3 grams/100 kcal.
Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates are not required in the diet of cats, however they can provide energy and fiber. Rice, wheat, and corn are all carbohydrate sources in cat chow.
For mature cats, the maximum amount of carbs in a cat diet should be 5 grams/100 kcal.
Fiber
Dietary fiber is essential for digestive health and can aid in blood sugar regulation. Pumpkin, psyllium husk, and flaxseed are fiber sources in cat food.
For mature cats, the minimum amount of fiber in cat food should be 0.5%.
Minerals and vitamins
To keep healthy, cats require a range of vitamins and minerals in their food, including vitamins A, B, C, D, and E, as well as minerals like phosphorus, potassium, and magnesium.
These nutrients can be found in both animal-based ingredients like meat, organs, and fish and plant-based ingredients like fruits and vegetables.
Taurine is an essential amino acid that is naturally contained in animal proteins. It is essential for cardiovascular health, eye health, and reproduction.
Some synthetic vitamin supplements contain taurine as well. Taurine levels in cat food should be as low as 0.1% in dry meals and 0.2% in wet foods.
Water
Water is a necessary nutrient for all cats and should be readily available at all times. The minimum amount of water in cat food is 78% for wet meals and 10% for dry foods.
Cat Food Regulations in Australia
The Australian government has established guidelines for the production and labeling of cat food. The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission regulates these requirements (ACCC).
The Australian Standard for the Manufacturing and Marketing of Pet Food (AS5812-2017) specifies the criteria for pet food manufacturing, packaging, storage, and labeling. The regulation applies to all pet foods, including cat food.
The guideline specifies that all cat food items be safe to consume and suit the nutritional needs of cats. Food must also be made in sanitary conditions and labeled precisely and correctly.
All cat food items supplied in Australia must meet the standard’s specifications.
The ACCC is in charge of enforcing the standard, and it has the authority to take action against corporations that do not comply.
How Much Should You Feed Your Cat?
The amount of food you should feed your cat is determined by its age, weight, and level of activity.
Kittens (up to 12 months old)
Kittens require more calories than adult cats since they require a lot of energy to grow and develop. Kittens need to be fed four times every day.
A kitten requires approximately 20 calories per pound of body weight per day.
Cats in their adulthood (1-6 years old)
Adult cats require two to three feedings per day. Every day, an adult cat requires roughly 15 calories per pound of body weight.
Senior felines (7 years and older)
Cats become less active and have a slower metabolism as they age, so they require fewer calories. Senior cats should be fed twice daily.
A senior cat requires approximately ten calories per pound of body weight each day.
Cats who are overweight
If your cat is obese, feed it fewer calories to help it lose weight. You should also consult with your veterinarian about a suitable weight-loss strategy.
Cats Who Are Underweight
If your cat is underweight, you should increase its caloric intake to help it acquire weight. You should also consult with your veterinarian about a suitable weight-gain strategy.
How to Choose the Best Cat Food for Your Cat
It is critical to consider your cat’s particular needs while selecting cat food. Age, activity level, and health condition will all influence the optimal food for your cat.
Stage of Life
When it comes to cat food, the first thing to consider is your cat’s life stage. Kittens, adult cats, and senior cats all have unique nutritional requirements.
To maintain their quick growth and development, kittens require more calories and protein than adult cats. They also require a lot of particular nutrients, including taurine, to stay healthy.
Adult cats require fewer calories than kittens, but they still require high-quality protein to stay healthy. They also require specific nutrients, such as taurine, to maintain their health.
Senior cats require fewer calories than adult cats. They may also require more of certain nutrients, such as omega-3 fatty acids, to maintain their health.
Level of Activity
The second factor to consider is your cat’s degree of activity. Active cats need more calories in their diet since they expend more calories than inactive cats. Inactive cats may require fewer calories to avoid getting overweight.
Medical Conditions
Certain medical issues can also influence the optimal food for your cat. Cats with diabetes, for example, may require high fiber, low sugar food.
Cats with renal problems may require low-protein food. Consult your veterinarian about your cat’s specific dietary requirements.
Intolerances and allergies
Certain substances cause allergies or intolerances in some cats. If your cat has a food allergy or intolerance, you must avoid foods containing the offending ingredient.
Conclusion
Purina Cat Chow Natural was BestForPets‘ (bestforpets.org) top overall recommendation for cat food in Australia.
This meal is produced with high-quality ingredients and has all of the nutrients that cats require to stay healthy.
Our greatest value selection was IAMS Proactive Health. This food is an excellent choice for cat owners on a tight budget who want to provide their cats with a high-quality diet.
All of the best cat foods in Australia come with a slew of great testimonials from pleased pet owners, so you really can’t go wrong with any of these foods!
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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