What's the best natural cat food?

Qual é a melhor ração natural para gatos?

Diet is one of the most important pillars of a cat's health, and more and more guardians are looking for options that go beyond conventional feed. Interest in natural feed has grown significantly, but the offer is vast, and the differences between products are not always easy to discern. This article helps you understand what it means for a feed to be "natural," what it should contain, and how to choose the most suitable option.

What is natural cat food?

Contrary to what would be desirable, the concept of "natural" in animal feed does not have a single, uniform legal definition. Generally, natural cat food is one that uses recognizable animal and plant-based ingredients, without artificial colorings, synthetic flavorings, or chemical preservatives like BHA, BHT, or ethoxyquin.

The goal is to bring the cat's diet closer to what its instinctive diet would be – rich in animal protein, with quality fat, and low in unnecessary carbohydrates. This clearly distinguishes it from conventional feed, which often uses unidentified animal by-products, large quantities of cereals as fillers, and synthetic additives.

Cats are obligate carnivores, and that changes everything

Unlike dogs, who are omnivores, cats are obligate carnivores. Their bodies are designed to obtain energy and nutrients primarily from animal protein and fat. They do not produce enough taurine, arachidonic acid, or vitamin A on their own – they need to obtain them directly from their diet, from animal tissues.

This means that, for a cat, a quality natural feed must have animal protein as its absolute base. Any product that places cereals or legumes at the top of the ingredient list, or uses "vegetable protein" as a substitute for real meat, is failing in the essence of feline nutrition.

What should good natural cat food contain?

Identified animal protein should be the first ingredient – chicken, turkey, salmon, tuna, duck, lamb, quail, among others. Quality brands indicate the percentage of meat used and distinguish between fresh and dehydrated meat.

The carbohydrate content should be low. Cats have no physiological need for large amounts of carbohydrates, and feed with excessive cereals can contribute to obesity, diabetes, and urinary problems in the long term.

Taurine is an essential amino acid for cats and should always be listed in the ingredients or analytical composition of the feed. Its absence or insufficiency can cause heart and vision problems.

Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, especially DHA and EPA from marine sources, contribute to skin, coat, and immune system health.

The absence of synthetic additives is another central criterion. Natural feed preserves food with vitamin E (tocopherols) or rosemary extract, instead of chemical preservatives.

Is natural feed necessarily grain-free?

No, it's important not to confuse natural feed with grain-free feed. A feed can be grain-free and still have questionable quality ingredients. On the other hand, some feeds with small amounts of good quality ancient grains – such as spelt, oats, or brown rice – can be considered natural and perfectly suitable for most healthy cats.

What truly matters is the quality of the ingredients and the proportion of animal protein in the formula.

Best Natural Cat Foods

Product Name	Description	Price per kg
Schesir Cat Adult with Chicken - 10 kg	Dry food with chicken as the first ingredient, without artificial colorings or preservatives. Source of omega fatty acids for healthy skin and coat.	€4.14/kg
Schesir Cat Sterilized & Light with Chicken - 10 kg	Formulated for sterilized cats prone to overweight. Reduced fat content and controlled calories, with chicken as the main protein.	€4.31/kg
Weego Cat Food Chicken & Eggs - 7 kg	Food with chicken and eggs as high-quality protein sources. Grain-free, no artificial colorings or preservatives. Suitable for kittens and adult cats.	€4.56/kg
Weego Cat Food Chicken & Tuna - 7 kg	Combination of chicken and tuna for a meal rich in animal protein. No artificial additives, with omega-3 from tuna to support coat.	€5.71/kg
Weego Cat Food Salmon & Green Tea - 7 kg	Food with salmon rich in omega-3 and green tea with antioxidant properties. Grain-free, no artificial preservatives, suitable for adult cats.	€5.71/kg
Weego Cat Food Turkey & Mint - 7 kg	Turkey as a lean protein source, with mint to support oral hygiene and digestion. Grain-free formula and no artificial additives.	€5.71/kg
Natures Variety Cat No Grain Sterilized Turkey - 7 kg	Grain-free with free-range turkey as the first ingredient. Developed for sterilized cats, with high protein content and low glycemic index.	€6.50/kg
Natures Variety Cat Healthy Grains Sterilized Salmon - 7 kg	Salmon as the first ingredient with healthy whole grains. Rich in omega-3 to support skin, coat, and immune system of sterilized cats.	€6.60/kg
Carnilove Grain-Free Adult Cat Sterilized Fresh Carp & Trout - 6 kg	Grain-free with fresh carp and trout. Developed for sterilized cats, with high animal protein content and low carbohydrate content.	€6.83/kg
Natures Variety Cat Healthy Grains Sterilized Chicken - 7 kg	Chicken as the first ingredient with slow-digesting whole grains. Controlled calories for sterilized cats, with taurine and natural antioxidants.	€6.86/kg
Carnilove Grain-Free Cat Adult Hairball Control Duck & Pheasant - 6 kg	Grain-free with duck and pheasant, enriched with natural fibers to reduce hairball accumulation. No grains or artificial ingredients.	€6.88/kg
Taste of the Wild Canyon River Feline Recipe - 6.6 kg	Grain-free with trout and smoked salmon as protein sources. Grain-free, with probiotics and essential fatty acids for shiny skin and coat.	€6.93/kg
Carnilove Grain-Free Cat Adult Sensitive & Long Hair Salmon - 6 kg	Grain-free with salmon for cats with sensitive skin or digestion. Enriched with omega-3 and omega-6 for a long and healthy coat.	€6.95/kg
Natures Variety Cat No Grain Norwegian Salmon - 7 kg	Grain-free with wild Norwegian salmon as the sole protein ingredient. Rich in omega-3 DHA and EPA for cardiovascular, joint, and coat health.	€7.87/kg
Acana Cat Bountiful Catch - 4.5 kg	65% animal-sourced ingredients, with 5 types of fresh or raw fish. Grain-free, with prebiotics and freeze-dried vegetables for digestive health.	€10.35/kg

Note: Prices may vary depending on package size and promotions.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if the natural cat food is good for my cat? Positive signs include a shiny coat, firm and moderately odorous stools, stable weight, good energy, and regular appetite. Dull coat, frequent loose stools, weight loss, lethargy, or food refusal are signs that something may not be right – and warrant a vet visit.

Is natural cat food more expensive? Generally, yes, but the comparison should be made based on the cost per meal, not just the package price. These foods have higher nutritional density, meaning the cat needs to eat less to meet its daily needs.

Can I change my cat's food overnight? It is not recommended. The transition should be gradual over 7 to 10 days, progressively mixing the new food with the old. An abrupt change can cause digestive upset such as diarrhea or vomiting, especially in cats with more sensitive digestive tracts.