Best High Protein Cat Food

Updated September 2020
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BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and we never accept free products from manufacturers. Read more  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.Read more 
Bottom Line
Pros
Cons
Best of the Best
Blue Buffalo Wilderness Chicken Recipe
Blue Buffalo
Wilderness Chicken Recipe
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Best for Digestion
Bottom Line

A protein-rich cat food that promotes healthy eating and regular digestion.

Pros

Available in 2.5-, 6-, or 12-pound bags. Contains prebiotic fibers to help with digestion. Ideal for indoor and outdoor cats. Life-source bits add plenty of vitamins and antioxidants. Grain-free recipe includes natural ingredients like chicken, blueberries, cranberries, and kelp. 40% protein.

Cons

Kibbles are smaller than most, and may not appeal to all cats.

Best Bang for the Buck
Purina Cat Chow Naturals with Chicken and Salmon
Purina
Cat Chow Naturals with Chicken and Salmon
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Bargain Pick
Bottom Line

Affordable cat food is full of nutrients and fibers that help prevent hairballs.

Pros

Available in 3.15-, 6.3-, and 13-pound bags. Food sits at a quality price point. Contains natural ingredients like chicken, salmon, and spinach. Rich in fiber to control hairballs. No artificial dyes or preservatives. 38% protein.

Cons

Grains and corn account for much of the protein content.

Iams Proactive Health Chicken and Salmon
Iams
Proactive Health Chicken and Salmon
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Creates a Healthy Coat
Bottom Line

Real chicken and salmon provide a healthy coat and a burst of energy your cat will love.

Pros

Real chicken and salmon account for 80% of the food’s protein. Contains no artificial dyes or preservatives. Available in 3-, 6-, or 13-pound bags. Keeps fur thick and shiny. Food provides a noticeable energy boost. 38% protein.

Cons

Food has a rather strong odor.

Wild Frontier True To The Hunt with Chicken
Wild Frontier
True To The Hunt with Chicken
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Best for Metabolism
Bottom Line

Packed with nutrients, vitamins, and beet pulp to improve your cat's metabolism.

Pros

Available in 2-, 5-, and 11-pound bags. Grain-free food is packed with natural ingredients like chicken, peas, potatoes, and beet pulp that contribute to a healthy metabolism. Free of wheat, grains, corn and soy. 40% Protein.

Cons

Food sits at a higher price point than it's competitors.

Simply Nourish Source Chicken and Turkey Recipe
Simply Nourish
Source Chicken and Turkey Recipe
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Best for Kittens
Bottom Line

The best way to provide your kitten with all the nutrients required for strong and healthy development.

Pros

Available in 6-pound bags. Packed with natural, recognizable ingredients like chicken, turkey, fish, potatoes, and tomatoes. Fatty fish acids (DHA) contribute to kitten brain and eye development. Grain-free recipe is easy on digestive system.

Cons

Only available in one small-sized bag, not ideal in multi-cat homes.

Why trust BestReviews?
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and we never accept free products from manufacturers. Read more  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and we never accept free products from manufacturers. Read more  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.Read more 
How we decided

We purchase every product we review with our own funds — we never accept anything from product manufacturers.

19 Models Considered
6 Hours Researched
1 Experts Interviewed
273 Consumers Consulted
Zero products received from manufacturers.

We purchase every product we review with our own funds — we never accept anything from product manufacturers.

A high-protein diet will provide your cat with the energy, healthy hair, and strong muscles essential to lead a happy, healthy lifestyle. Low-carb, protein-rich foods are also easier for cats to digest. Difficult to process carbs in some cat food increase your cat’s risk of getting diabetes. Many cat food brands rely on plant-based proteins like grains, corn, and other vegetables. While these are still high in protein, the vegetables and grains are less beneficial and harder on the digestive system. Instead, try to find foods that list meat as one of the top ingredients.

Other Products We Considered
The BestReviews editorial team researches hundreds of products based on consumer reviews, brand quality, and value. We then choose a shorter list for in-depth research and testing before finalizing our top picks. These are the products we considered that ultimately didn't make our top 5.
Natural Balance
High Protein Dry Cat Food
Purina ONE
True Instinct Grain Free High Protein Cat Food
Instinct
Ultimate Protein Cat Food
Taste of the Wild
High Protein Premium Dry Cat Food
Solid Gold
Indigo Moon High Protein Grain-Free Holistic Dry Cat Food
The team that worked on this review
  • Amber
    Amber
    Writer
  • Melinda
    Melinda
    Web Producer
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Blue Buffalo

Wilderness Chicken Recipe

Blue Buffalo

Wilderness Chicken Recipe

A protein-rich cat food that promotes healthy eating and regular digestion.
$36
×

Iams

Proactive Health Chicken and Salmon

Iams

Proactive Health Chicken and Salmon

Real chicken and salmon provide a healthy coat and a burst of energy your cat will love.
$24
×

Purina

Cat Chow Naturals with Chicken and Salmon

Purina

Cat Chow Naturals with Chicken and Salmon

Affordable cat food is full of nutrients and fibers that help prevent hairballs.
$18
×

Wild Frontier

True To The Hunt with Chicken

Wild Frontier

True To The Hunt with Chicken

Packed with nutrients, vitamins, and beet pulp to improve your cat's metabolism.

$15

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