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Pets Cat Food

Best Cat Chow Cat Food

Updated January 2025
Bottom line
Pros
Cons
Best of the Best
Purina Cat Chow Complete Dry Cat Food
Purina Cat Chow
Complete Dry Cat Food
Bargain Pick

The Complete cat chow is ideal for owners who want to know their cat is receiving a balanced diet on a budget.

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Bargain Pick
Bottom Line

The Complete cat chow is ideal for owners who want to know their cat is receiving a balanced diet on a budget.

Pros

High protein content for a grain-based formula. Contains 25 essential vitamins and minerals, plus beneficial fatty acids. Larger 16-pound container more economical than 13-pound competitors. Includes leafy greens and fiber for hairball control.

Cons

Flavor not universally popular among cats. Some complaints of spoiled batches.

Purina Cat Chow Nurture Dry Cat and Kitten Food
Purina Cat Chow
Nurture Dry Cat and Kitten Food
Best for Beginners

This dry kibble is formulated for kittens and young cats, but may also work for older cats with digestive issues.

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Best for Beginners
Bottom Line

This dry kibble is formulated for kittens and young cats, but may also work for older cats with digestive issues.

Pros

Nutritional profile similar to mother's milk. Contains DHA for brain and vision development. Easy for kittens and young cats to digest. No artificial ingredients or colors. Made with real chicken.

Cons

Kibble size varies from bag to bag. Grain and corn-based formula may not be super healthful.

Purina Cat Chow Indoor Dry Cat Food
Purina Cat Chow
Indoor Dry Cat Food
Customer Favorite

Many indoor cats benefit from this lower calorie formula because of lower activity levels.

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Customer Favorite
Bottom Line

Many indoor cats benefit from this lower calorie formula because of lower activity levels.

Pros

Contains 25 essential vitamins and minerals for indoor cats. Lower in calories than the other foods. High fiber content reduces hairball formation. Balanced nutrition profile for active indoor cats.

Cons

Corn-based formula, not healthier meats. Rare concerns about strong fecal odors.

Purina Cat Chow Gentle Dry Cat Food
Purina Cat Chow
Gentle Dry Cat Food
Easy To Digest

Cats with sensitive stomachs and digestive issues should respond well to this gentle, high fiber dry food formula.

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Easy To Digest
Bottom Line

Cats with sensitive stomachs and digestive issues should respond well to this gentle, high fiber dry food formula.

Pros

Contains prebiotic fiber to improve digestion. High fiber content promotes healthy bowel movements. Balanced formula with 25 vitamins and minerals. Suitable for all life stages.

Cons

Corn is a major ingredient. Some reports of severe diarrhea and allergic reactions.

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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 all opinions about the products are our own. About BestReviews  
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.About BestReviews 
How We Tested

We recommend these products based on an intensive research process that's designed to cut through the noise and find the top products in this space. Guided by experts, we spend hours looking into the factors that matter, to bring you these selections.

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First Reviewed
October 30, 2021
36
Models
considered
14
Hours
researched
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Michael Pollick
Written by Michael Pollick

Updated January 2025

The Purina company has successfully marketed various animal feeds for decades, and their Cat Chow line is one of the most popular among cat owners. The dry kibble formula meets the nutritional needs of both domestic and feral cats, including essential vitamins, protein, healthy fats, and fiber. There are specific brands of Cat Chow that are ideal for aging cats, overweight cats, active cats, and even kittens. Some are designed to provide enough nutrition on their own, while others can be used in conjunction with protein-rich wet foods also produced by Purina.

Our Top Picks
Purina Cat Chow
Best of the Best
Purina Cat Chow
Complete Dry Cat Food
Bottom Line
The Complete cat chow is ideal for owners who want to know their cat is receiving a balanced diet on a budget.
Shop Now
Purina Cat Chow
Best Bang for the Buck
Purina Cat Chow
Nurture Dry Cat and Kitten Food
Bottom Line
This dry kibble is formulated for kittens and young cats, but may also work for older cats with digestive issues.
Shop Now
Purina Cat Chow
Top Pick
Purina Cat Chow
Indoor Dry Cat Food
Bottom Line
Many indoor cats benefit from this lower calorie formula because of lower activity levels.
Shop Now
Purina Cat Chow
Top Pick
Purina Cat Chow
Gentle Dry Cat Food
Bottom Line
Cats with sensitive stomachs and digestive issues should respond well to this gentle, high fiber dry food formula.
Shop Now
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