Best Gluten-Free Cat Food
Updated October 2021
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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. 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 Freedom Grain-Free, Chicken Recipe
Blue Buffalo
Freedom Grain-Free, Chicken Recipe
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Indoor Cat Dry Formula
Bottom Line

The best choice for any indoor cat, featuring a grain-free recipe made to keep your cat nourished, content, and all-around healthy.

Pros

Grain-free. Chicken is the first ingredient. Formulated for a healthy maintained weight, heart, immune system, skin, and digestion. Includes nutritious ingredients like peas and potatoes.

Cons

Intended for indoor cats. Some cats developed dander or flakes on their backs.

Best Bang for the Buck
Merrick Purrfect Bistro Grain-Free, Real Salmon + Sweet Potato Recipe
Merrick
Purrfect Bistro Grain-Free, Real Salmon + Sweet Potato Recipe
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Flavor & Nutrient Balance
Bottom Line

Merrick’s grain-free kibble will grab your cat’s attention because of its 3 tasty high-quality protein sources, but you’ll appreciate its balance of carbs, vitamins, minerals, and fiber.

Pros

Grain-free. Salmon, turkey, and chicken are the first 3 ingredients. 70% of the formula is animal protein. Made for indoor and outdoor cats. High fiber.

Cons

A little pricey. Bottom of bag collects food dust from kibbles that break down.

Nature's Variety Instinct Original, Grain-Free Recipe with Real Rabbit
Nature's Variety
Instinct Original, Grain-Free Recipe with Real Rabbit
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Raw Diet
Bottom Line

If you’re hunting for a raw and grain-free diet, you can’t go wrong with one of the protein-loaded kibble recipes from Instinct.

Pros

Grain-free. Rabbit, turkey, and fish are the first 3 ingredients. The recipe is 80% animal proteins and 20% wholesome ingredients like peas and cranberries. Includes natural antioxidants and probiotics.

Cons

The raw diet isn’t for every cat.

Purina Muse Charmed with Chicken, Natural Chicken, Egg & Pumpkin Recipe
Purina Muse
Charmed with Chicken, Natural Chicken, Egg & Pumpkin Recipe
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Healthy Ingredients
Bottom Line

Purina Muse is a simple solution to the grain-free cat food problem, and it excels by adding pumpkin for natural antioxidants and eggs for extra flavor.

Pros

Grain-free. Chicken is the first ingredient. No chicken by-products. Includes healthy ingredients like egg, pumpkin, and spinach. Flavorful for picky eaters.

Cons

Only one animal protein source.

Nulo Grain-Free Indoor Cat, Duck & Lentils Recipe
Nulo
Grain-Free Indoor Cat, Duck & Lentils Recipe
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Vitamin-Rich
Bottom Line

The combination of 4 high-quality meat sources makes this grain-free food a protein powerhouse, and its overall balance of nutritious ingredients is well worth the high price.

Pros

Grain-free. Duck, chicken, turkey, and cod are the first 4 ingredients. 82% animal proteins. Includes probiotics for strong digestive health. Fortified with vitamins A, C, and E.

Cons

Made for indoor cats. Has an off-putting odor that some finicky cats don't like.

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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30
Models
Considered
60
Consumers
Consulted
26
Hours
Researched
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While a little grain in your kitty’s diet isn’t the worst thing in the world, a grain-free cat food will contain far more of the meaty ingredients that your cat would naturally eat. For instance, by cutting out rice, wheat, and corn, there is that much more room for turkey, beef, and fish in each savory bite of cat food. With so many recipes and brands out there, it’s not always easy to find the perfect grain-free cat food for your furry friend, so we wholeheartedly recommend researching to find out which formulas best match your cat’s health needs and dietary preferences.

Our Top Picks
Blue Buffalo
Best of the Best
Blue Buffalo
Freedom Grain-Free, Chicken Recipe
Bottom Line
The best choice for any indoor cat, featuring a grain-free recipe made to keep your cat nourished, content, and all-around healthy.
Shop Now
Merrick
Best Bang for the Buck
Merrick
Purrfect Bistro Grain-Free, Real Salmon + Sweet Potato Recipe
Bottom Line
Merrick’s grain-free kibble will grab your cat’s attention because of its 3 tasty high-quality protein sources, but you’ll appreciate its balance of carbs, vitamins, minerals, and fiber.
Shop Now
Nature's Variety
Top Pick
Nature's Variety
Instinct Original, Grain-Free Recipe with Real Rabbit
Bottom Line
If you’re hunting for a raw and grain-free diet, you can’t go wrong with one of the protein-loaded kibble recipes from Instinct.
Shop Now
Purina Muse
Top Pick
Purina Muse
Charmed with Chicken, Natural Chicken, Egg & Pumpkin Recipe
Bottom Line
Purina Muse is a simple solution to the grain-free cat food problem, and it excels by adding pumpkin for natural antioxidants and eggs for extra flavor.
Shop Now
Nulo
Top Pick
Nulo
Grain-Free Indoor Cat, Duck & Lentils Recipe
Bottom Line
The combination of 4 high-quality meat sources makes this grain-free food a protein powerhouse, and its overall balance of nutritious ingredients is well worth the high price.
Shop Now