Domestic cats are the small furry, carnivorous mammals that can also establish a precious companionship with its parent. Kittens and adult cats are the cutest creatures that mostly keep to themselves. They are adorable to play with and bring happiness into the lives of their parents. However, it is our responsibility to care for and look after these innocent, furry animals by providing them with every cat essential. Hands down, cat food is the most crucial cat essential that we can provide to these little balls of joy. The best cat food in India should contain loads of healthy ingredients, proteins, and other key nutrients for the growth, development, health, and well-being of these little creatures.
If you have recently bought home your best companion or you are a long time parent, the most vital and must-have cat essential is some well-balanced cat food with proper nutrients. Just like dog food, there are too many options to choose from, which can get you confused. But the correct food not only helps in their growth but also prevents the risks of life-threatening diseases like obesity, cancer, and many more. In this article, we will help you to make the right decision by providing a detailed insight on what to look for when you buy cat food, the types of cat foods available, and also discuss the 10 best cat food in India.
How to choose the best Cat Food in India?
It is of utmost importance to look out for the below factors while purchasing the best cat food in India for the overall growth and health of your best companion.
Avoid fillers and artificial ingredients
Cats, being a carnivore in nature, do not require unnecessary ‘fillers’ like carbohydrates and starch in their diet. Foods containing corn, potato, wheat do no good for them. It is always better to avoid such carbohydrates in disguise. It is also recommended to avoid any additional preservatives and artificial colors or flavors in their diet which not only annoys them but also takes a toll on their health.
Ingredients and proper Nutrition
It is always advisable to check the ingredients’ list at the back of the pack before buying cat food. Make sure the cat food you buy consists of quality protein and high-quality ingredients. Instead of looking for the food-type like fish, look for the actual name such as Tuna or ocean fish. Sardines, Salmon, Chicken, Turkey, Mackerel, and similar schools of fish contain the highest amount of protein and nutrients. These not only help to improve their health but also is responsible for easy digestion and shiny coat.
The correct Quantity in Diet
Cat food is available in pouches, can, or similar containers of different sizes and quantity. Feeding your cat the correct portion assures that he/she is getting the correct amount of food at every meal with the required nutrient-level. Make sure to make adjustments with the quantity if you buy smaller or larger pouches or cans depending on your cat’s needs.
Focus on the breed, age, and weight
Few cat food is similar for all kinds of the breed. Few cat foods specialize in different breeds. Also, for the same breeds, food quantity or type differs for kittens, adult cats, and seniors. Kittens tend to need more calories for immunity development whereas seniors need more taurine in their diet for the proper functioning of the heart. Food packs generally have feeding instructions at the back for cats depending on their size and weight. It is extremely important to feed your cat accordingly, keeping in mind their age, weight, or breed for good health.
Added Vitamins and Minerals
The presence of additional vitamins and nutrients in the cat food can prove vital for the overall health of your cat. Look for foods with that extra vitamin, minerals, taurine, and healthy fats. These ingredients will boost your cat’s digestion, overall development, coat, heart, and eyesight.
The perfect blend of flavors
Cats being carnivores have an unending love for fish and meat. It is our responsibility to provide them a complete balanced diet which is tasty and flavorful. Look out for foods containing natural flavor of fishes like salmon, tuna, or ocean fish which add to its taste and even attract the fussy eaters.
Special dietary requirements
The good cat foods available have a generalized and balanced diet for the well being of your cats and can be consumed by most of the cats. However, your cat might have some special dietary requirements like if they are allergic or suffering from urinary tract issues or simply can be prone to allergies due to the presence of certain ingredients. In such cases, you need to consult your vet before settling for the cat food you want. For such special cases, there are a lot of options available starting from limited ingredients to grain-free food, from renal support to healthy coats.
Food that is Digestible
Your cat deserves tempting and easy-to-digest food. If the food is too tough or hard for his stomach or difficult for him to digest it can lead to severe digestive issues which in turn can cause vomiting and other health problems. So wisely choose the food you want to feed your cat. Make sure the ingredients are suitable for your cat to digest easily.
Types of Best Cat Food in India
Cat foods are available in various types and consistencies. Every individual type has its own benefits, ingredients, and reasons for choosing one. Not all cats like a similar type of food. Also, based on your cat’s needs, preferences, and conditions, the choice of food for them may differ. The possible types of cat food available in India are listed below.
Wet Cat Food
Wet Cat food retains a high level of moisture in them. Alongside this, they contain high-quality proteins, amino acids, minerals, and some essential vegetables containing vitamins. They are generally cooked under higher temperature and then sealed under high pressure. Wet cat foods have a much higher level of nutrition and provide them with water content in the form of gravy through their food and additionally helps in good digestion. They come in the form of chunks dipped in gravy and then packed. They are a bit on the expensive side but the benefits and taste make it up for the money spent. They can be used as a daily food for your cats.
Dry Cat Food
These contain the least amount of water ranging between 3 to 10%. They are cooked under high temperature & pressure and sealed in pouches or cans. They generally come in the form of dry kibble, biscuits, dry chunks of flaked cereals. They are cheap, widely available, and very convenient to feed if compared to any other type of food. They can be stored for more than a year without the food getting rotten. They can be fed to your cats on-the-go to be chewed any time of the day or served as treats. It is advisable to mix dry food with some gravy or water to promote better digestion as they are too dry and dehydrated.
Semi-Dry or Semi-Moist Cat Food
The water content in this type of food is somewhat between that of dry and wet food ranging between 30 to 50%. They are generally available in sachets or pouches. They are expensive if compared to dry food. They are appetizing and can be digested easily. This type of food is available in the form of moist chunks or chewy pallets and cannot be stored for a longer period. However, the percentage of sugar and salt content in this type of food is high. They also have a higher percentage of artificial preservatives and chemicals making them not a very suitable option for your cats on a regular basis. They can be fed sometimes in the form of treats.
Complete Cat Food
Complete cat food is the perfect choice for daily feeding as this type of food is nutritionally complete and balanced. This is specially formulated to provide your cat with all the essential nutrients in the appropriate proportions. It contains a high amount of proteins, the required amount of carbohydrates, taurine, and vitamins, especially vitamin A for proper growth, heart, and immune system.
Homemade Cat Food
This type of food consists of all the ingredients that the parents lovingly prepare for their cats at home. They can be either cooked meals or the raw form of meat depending on the needs of your cat. In such type of food, all that needs to be done is to add the correct ingredients in the right ratio. A high source of protein like chicken, Tuna, Salmon, or ocean fish should constitute the main part of the meal. A required quantity of carbohydrates like oatmeal or rice should form another part of the meal. Healthy fats like fish oil or canola oil and a little amount of fiber should comprise the remaining amount of the food. Water content should be balanced for convenient digestion.
Raw Cat Food
They usually comprise of meat, fish, and vegetables in their raw form and that are uncooked. This type of food is widely available in the market. They are a good source of nutrients and can be fed as daily food. They are available as fresh raw food, freeze-dried raw food, and frozen raw food.
Complimentary Cat Food
This type of food is not for providing your cat with all the essential nutrients and are not regular food. Complementary foods are generally cat treats for pampering your cats and promoting their taste buds with occasional yummy treats. This is never your cat’s entire diet but just a part of their diet occasionally.
Pro Tip: When you plan to buy cat food, it is recommended to go for wet food as they contain a balanced level of all the required ingredients and are easy to digest. Also, they are tastier and flavourful which will be loved by your cat. These essentials make wet food a preferred choice among the parents thus making it the best cat food in India. If you prefer dry food, it is advisable for you to not shift to dry food completely as the nutrient value is quite less.
Top 10 Cat Food in India
There are tons of brands that you will find across the internet with numerous users sharing their mixed reviews for each individual product. The types of cat food available can also make your head go for a spin with the ample of variety on offer. However, the tough task of selecting the top 10 best cat food in India available in 2021 has been performed by our team to help you make your purchase decision a lot simpler by walking you through the benefits and downsides (if any) of every single inclusion in the list.
1. Sheba Rich Premium Wet Cat Food, Fish with Sasami
This premium product from Sheba is a wet cat food that contains 10% quality protein and around 85% of water content. This pack comes with 12 pouches of 35 grams each. It is available in four flavors: Fish with dry Bonito flakes, Fish with Sasami, Maguro and Bream, Skipjack, and Salmon. It contains a special fish-mix in a soft and succulent jelly form with alluring textures that contains proteins, vitamins, and minerals proving your cat all the necessary nutrients without compromising on the taste.
It contains a high calorific value of 20Kcal for each pouch. However, this being a complementary food, it should be fed to your cat along with a mix of dry cat food. A single pouch must be the daily dose for your cat for each day. This product is suitable for all types of breeds from Persian cats to British Shorthair and Siamese cats. It can be fed to both adult cats and kittens. The only downside of the product is that the price is slightly on the higher side.
- Premium cat food for your special furry friend
- Rich fish mix with Sasami in Gravy, an ideal
- Min. 10% Protein in each pouch for cat’s complete nutrition
- The high-quality meal offers a tantalizing texture
- for cat with a pleasing consistency, ideal for adult cats
2. Purina Fancy Feast Natural Variety Pack Cat Treats
This superior product from Purina is a cat treat that can be offered to your cat occasionally but not as daily food. The complete pack contains 10 fresh pouches of 30 grams each. Each pouch contains 25% quality protein, 75% moisture content, 1% healthy fat, and 0.5 % essential fiber. It is available in 3 flavors: Chicken, Tuna, and Salmon.
They are handpicked, real cuts of natural ingredients, and flaked to perfection. This is devoid of unwanted fillers, artificial preservatives, and chemicals. Each pouch is freshly packed with the correct amount of portion and the perfect blend of nutrition. However, it is expensive but the incomparable taste and goodness are sure to make your cat fall in love with this treat. Make sure to go through the feeding instructions at the pack.
- Five (5) 10-Count Pouches - Purina Fancy Feast Purely Natural Cat Treats Variety Pack
- Purely Fancy Feast Natural Treats Variety Pack
- Just one ingredient – chicken, tuna or salmon
- Crafted from select cuts of real, whole fish or natural chicken
- Never any by-products or fillers
3. Royal Canin Persian Adult
Royal Canin consists of premium quality ingredients: quality proteins, borage oil, psyllium husks, chicory pulp, fibers, animal fats, meat. This is a 2 kilograms pack suitable for adult Persian cats. 400 grams, 4 kilograms, and 15 kilograms packs are also available. Similar packs are available for Persian kittens, regular fit, and second age kittens. It comprises of healthy fats like fish oil and soya oil for healthy skin and a lustrous coat.
Fructooligosaccharides and manno-oligosaccharides together with antioxidants like lutein, taurine, vitamin E & C promote proper digestion and helps to maintain the well being of the digestive system. The presence of L-lysine restricts the chances of virus transmission and reduces illness caused by herpes viruses. Also, the correct balance of minerals maintains the urinary tract of your cat. With numerous benefits, this is the best cat food in India available for Persian cats.
- Country of Origin: India
- Persian Chicken Pellet, house-cats, Adult 40, 2 kg
- It is durable and long lasting
- breed_recommendation: persian cat
- item_form: pellet
4. Meo Sea Food
Meo seafood is not only healthy and nutritionally balanced but also tasteful. The flavor of seafood is going to be loved by your cat. The health benefits are uncountable. It is specially designed to reduce the risk of Feline Lower Urinary Tract Diseases. The presence of Omega-3 and 6 along with the combination of Zinc helps to promote healthy skin and fur. Vitamin C boosts their immune system and reduces the detrimental effects of stress. It contains amino acids like taurine to improve your cat’s eyesight.
The teeth and bones are strengthened by the presence of Calcium, Phosphorus, and Vitamin D. The highlighting factor of this food is its low sodium formula that helps to reduce the risks of kidney and heart diseases and decreases the risk of high blood pressure. This comes in a 3 kilograms pack. Easy to digest and the inclusion of real fish, meat and shrimps make it a popular choice among cat parents. Being budget-friendly Meo seafood is the best cat food in India within the price range.
- Vitamin C boots cat's immune system and helps reduce the detrimental effects of stress on your cat's health
- Calcium, Phosphorus and Vitamin D help strengthen teeth and bones
- Omega 3 and Omega 6 from quality oil in combination with Zinc will help nourish the cat's hair and skin
- Low-sodium formula helps decrease the risks of high blood pressure, kidney and heart disease in cats
- Country of Origin: Thailand
5. Whiskas Kitten Ocean Fish Flavored Dry Cat Food
Whiskas being a reputed brand is known to produce quality and balanced cat food globally. This is rich in quality proteins, minerals, and vitamins that promote health, coat, skin, teeth, and immunity for the growth of your kitten. Thus making it a 100% complete cat food and the best cat food in India available for kittens between 2 and 12 months. It contains high-quality ingredients: 30% proteins, 12% healthy fats, 12% water content, and 5% fiber.
The protein and calcium help in the development of lean muscles and bones. Also, the goodness of vitamins, minerals, and over 40 nutrients promotes a healthy immune system. With no artificial preservatives and chemicals, this is a pack of 1.1 kilograms. Similar packs are available in smaller and larger sizes. The taste of ocean fish in milk is loved by the playful kittens. Just remember as this is dry food, you need to mix water to make it easy for your kitten to chew it down.
- 100 percent complete and balanced
- Made with high quality ingredients
- No artificial flavourings or preservatives
- A perfect balance of vitamins and minerals
- We believe that cats know what they like when it comes to food
6. Let’s Bite Active Adult Ocean Fish Flavored Dry Cat Food
Let’s Bite is a dry cat food that has sardines, mackerel, and eggs as the key ingredients. Omega-3 and 6 fatty acids help to keep the coat shiny and maintain healthy skin. The presence of taurine, an amino acid promotes a healthy heart and eyesight. The organic minerals maintain the pH balance reducing the risks of urinary tract diseases.
The presence of prebiotics and natural fibers protects cats from hairball formation, and keep their digestive system healthy. It has the absolute blend of quality protein, antioxidants, fatty acids, minerals, and essential nutrients for your cat to remain happy and healthy. Alongside, Being pocket friendly, this is definitely worth a try. However, it might not suit all cat breeds, so it is crucial you check before your purchase.
- Taurine for healthy heart
- Promotes healthy skin & glossy coat with omega 3 and 6 fatty acids
- Control urinary pH and provides hair fall protection
- Natural fiber and Prebiotics support your cat’s healthy digestion
7. Bellotta Wet Food for Cats and Kittens, Tuna and Salmon
This product from Bellotta has Tuna and Salmon as the key ingredients as loved by cats the most. The appealing smell and taste will be loved by your cats. This pack consists of 12 fresh pouches of 85 grams each. The presence of taurine help improves the eyesight of your cat. The food is specially formulated to reduce the chances of urinary tract infections.
The presence of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants strengthens the immune system and weakens the chances of heart issues. It has no added preservatives and flavors. The perfect combination of the balanced ingredients, nutrients, and natural flavor ensures the optimum health of your cat. Furthermore, this pocket-friendly product and the fact that it can be fed to both cats and kittens make this the best cat food in India among the wet foods available.
- 100 Percent complete and balanced
- 100 Percent complete and balanced food which is ideal for all age and all breeds of cats
- Quality product
8. Drools Ocean Fish Dry Cat Food
This product from Drools contains 32% of quality protein, 12% healthy fat, 2.5% essential fiber, and 10% moisture ensuring balanced nutrition for your cat. The amino acids, like taurine, promotes a healthy heart and eyesight. Omega-3 and 6 fatty acids keep the coat polished. The blend of organic minerals and other nutrients maintain the pH balance to prevent urinary tract infections. Natural fiber along with prebiotics prevents hairball formation along with the digestive tract and maintains a healthy digestive system.
It comes in the form of crunchy chunks in a pack of 1.2 kilograms. Bigger sized packs are also available. Sardine, mackerel, and eggs being cat favorites are the primary ingredients of this product. The ocean fish flavor smell and the taste are loved by cats. The combination of such high-quality ingredients, nutrients, and other minerals make Drools a healthy and balanced diet for your loving cats. This being a dry food can be hard for a few cats and might be difficult to digest. Also, go through the feeding recommendations to give your cat the right quantity of food.
- Crunchy chunks packed with real mackerel and sardine
- Provides complete nutrition for cats
- Enriched with essential nutrients
- Provides better vision and shiny coat
- No artificial flavours or preservatives
9. Purepet Mackerel Adult Dry Cat Food
This Purepet Dry cat food comes in a pack of 1.2 kilograms of crunchy kibbles. Larger sized packs are also available online. This complete and balanced food is designed for all cat breeds. The pack consists of the finest mackerels for the wellness of your cat. The taste and flavor of mackerels are loved by all cats. The optimal level of Omega-3 and 6 fatty acids reduces inflammation in the skin and helps to maintain a shiny coat. Also, this improves the kidney and joints. The presence of taurine promotes a healthy heart and eyesight. The combination of various nutrients and natural minerals helps to maintain urinary pH.
Prebiotics and probiotics prevent hairball formation, therefore, improving the digestive system. Cats being an obligatory carnivore needs quality proteins, appropriate vitamins, and minerals, balanced nutrients for the overall development of teeth, muscles, and health. This pack contains all that your cat needs. The pack contains a feeding guide and instructions based on your cat’s weight and age. Being extremely budget-friendly is a very popular choice. Considering all the positives, this is the best cat food in India when it comes to dry cat food. The only thing you should keep in mind is that as it is dry food, do keep an additional bowl of fresh and clean water for easy consumption.
- Enriched with Vitamins, Minerals and other nutrients promote the health benefits of cat
- Prebiotics and Probiotics improve the digestive system and keep the immunity strong
- The blend of organic minerals along with the essential ingredients help to control urinary pH
- All the ingredients get thoroughly checked to maintain the safety; Quality and the nutritional value of the food is absolutly great
- Breed Recommendation: All Breed Sizes; Flavor Name: Seafood
10. Meat Up Ocean Fish Dry Food for Kittens
These crunchy kibbles from Meat Up are super easy to store for a long period of time. This is suitable for kittens of all breeds. Sardine, mackerel, and eggs form the primary ingredients for enriched taste and nutrition your growing kitten needs. With quality ingredients and high protein content make this perfect for the growth of your kitten. Amino acids, such as taurine which is naturally present in ocean fish is a perfect source for your heart and eyesight improvement.
Healthy fats help in the growth of the hair and keep the coat sparkling. Natural nutrients and minerals reduce urinary tract infections. Prebiotics and probiotics eliminate the risks of hairball formation improving the overall digestive system. Other high-quality ingredients include corn gluten meal, soya refined oil, essential vitamins, zinc, iron, copper, magnesium, selenium for that extra health benefits. This in balance contains all that is responsible for a growing kittens body tissue development and growth. However, few fussy eaters might not like the taste and flavor of this product.
- Made with high-quality ingredients and nutrition for kittens
- Specially formulated blend of nutrients that support the kitten's vital system and overall well-being
- Provides kittens with shiny coat, better eye sight and high growth and energy levels.
- No artificial flavours or preservatives added
Conclusion
It is natural to be stressed about your loved little kittens, with whom you spend your smiles and laughs. Their nutrition quotient must be a thing to consider. But with the detailed analysis of the best cat food in India that we have discussed above, you must be in a better place to pick one for your cat, to think about his/her diet.
Just keep in mind about the things that your cat might be allergic to, and carefully read about the ingredients that are present in the packet that you buy. And that’s that! You won’t have to stress about anything else. Pick one that suits your needs from the above-researched list, and get your cat, loving you back even more!