There's a good reason why high-protein cat food is the most popular choice among pet owners: it helps keep your feline friend fit and healthy, while also ensuring that they remain happy and satisfied.
Most protein sources are meat-based, including chicken, fish, beef, lamb, or turkey meal. However, you can also find plant-based proteins like pea protein or soybean protein in some options. Protein is essential for building muscle tissue as well as repairing cells throughout the body. It helps maintain strong bones and teeth and aids in digestion because it's a part of enzymes that break down nutrients in food.
Whether your furry buddy prefers dry kibble or wet canned food is up to you — either way, works fine as long as it has plenty of protein! But there are plenty of other factors you should consider when choosing the right cat food option for your cat: how many calories per day does he need? Which ingredients do you prefer? Should it be grain-free? We'll cover all these points below so that you can make an informed decision before heading to the pet store aisle or clicking “buy now” on Amazon.
We hope you find your next favorite thing from the list below! Each product was independently selected by our editors. ConsistentReviews may collect a share of sales or other compensation from the links on this page if you decide to buy something (that's how we stay in business). We hope you find your next favorite thing!
How We Choose
We looked at a variety of factors, including ingredient quality and nutritional content. We also considered customer satisfaction ratings from Amazon reviews.
We only included high-protein cat food on our list that met or exceeded minimum protein requirements according to AAFCO guidelines (36%) and contained a high-quality protein source as one of the first two ingredients. This way, you can rest assured your furry friend is getting all the essential nutrients they need to stay healthy and active!
Blue Buffalo Wilderness High Protein, Natural Adult Dry Cat Food
High-Quality Deboned Chicken for Carnivorous Cats
Why We Love It
The Blue Buffalo Wilderness High Protein Cat Food is a great choice if your cat loves meaty kibble. This high-protein kitten food also contains a real chicken meal, which helps keep your cat healthy and strong.
What You Should Know
The bits in this formula are made with Blue's exclusive LifeSource Bits, a blend of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that holistic veterinarians and animal nutritionists have selected to support immune system health. The grain-free formula also has sweet potatoes and peas as healthy carbohydrates for an extra energy boost.
This food does contain some artificial flavors, but it's much less than what you'll find in other brands or even at many pet stores. If you're looking for a high-quality protein option that won't break the bank, we recommend trying out the Blue Buffalo Wilderness High Protein Cat Food.
Purina ONE High Protein Dry Cat Food, Plus Urinary Tract Health Formula
Purina ONE Plus Urinary Tract Health Cat Food with Real Chicken for Strong Muscles and a Healthy Heart.
Why We Love It
The Purina ONE Urinary Dry Food is a great choice for your cat if they have a urinary tract problem. This food has been specially formulated to help prevent urinary tract infections and other problems that can affect male cats.
What You Should Know
It's also packed full of premium quality ingredients like real chicken meal, which helps provide the protein he needs for strong muscles, including a healthy heart. The low magnesium content in this formula also supports urinary tract health by reducing urinary pH, so you don't have to worry about him getting into trouble with his urine too often.
One of the things we liked most about this food was its taste - it's delicious! It's made with real chicken so you know what you're getting there are no artificial flavors or colors added here either.
CRAVE Grain Free Indoor Adult High Protein Natural Dry Cat Food
Specially Formulated for Indoor Cats
Why We Love It
The CRAVE Grain Free Indoor Adult Dry Cat Food is a high-quality grain-free dry cat food that has been designed with the needs of indoor cats in mind. This grain-free cat food contains no corn, wheat, or soy, making it suitable for those who are looking to avoid these ingredients in their cat's diet.
What You Should Know
The protein content of this product is also higher than average, which helps to keep your cat feeling full and satisfied. The real chicken as the No.1 ingredient is a great choice too - it provides your kitty with the flavors they love while providing them with important nutrients such as protein and taurine.
While this isn't necessarily an all-natural option, it does contain some organic ingredients like parsley and rosemary extract, which help to provide additional benefits for your kitty's health. If you're looking for something natural but still packed with premium-grade ingredients then we recommend checking out the below – it's packed full of natural ingredients like quail eggs and venison meal that will make your feline friend feel extra special!
Purina Fancy Feast High Protein Wet Cat Food
The Exceptional Fancy Feast Canned Cat Food Taste They Love, Made Without Artificial Preservatives
Why We Love It
PURINA's Fancy Feast is a great choice for any cat, whether they're looking for a high-protein or low-fat option. This wet food comes in a wide variety of flavors, from seafood to poultry and more, so you can find something that suits their preferences.
What You Should Know
The cans are easy to open and the food is packed with high-quality ingredients. It's also convenient to have on hand when you need it, as it doesn't need to be refrigerated until opened. The cans come in 24 packs which makes them easy to store and transport if you're feeding your cat on the go or want them to eat something other than dry food at mealtime.
While this isn't the cheapest option out there, it does offer the best cat food and great value considering what it contains - 100 percent complete nutrition for adult cats crafted with real ingredients including a real chicken meal with vegetables in gravy. This means they get all the essential nutrients without having to compromise on taste or quality.
ORIJEN® High Protein Dry Original Cat Food Premium
Up to 90%* Premium Animal Ingredients, Providing a Strong Source of Essential Protein
Why We Love It
The Orijen dry cat food is a great choice for any cat that wants to eat a healthy and balanced diet. The brand uses only the highest quality animal ingredients, including fresh and raw organs, cartilage, and bone.
What You Should Know
The dry food contains no grains or fillers like corn or wheat, which can be harmful to cats if they have allergies or other conditions. It also has plenty of protein from fresh chicken and turkey meat as well as wild-caught fish. This helps keep your cat's coat in good condition and strong while also helping them maintain a healthy weight.
The packaging is super easy to open so you don't have to waste time opening it up at the store - just tear off the top portion of the baggie and voila! You're ready to go!
Purina ONE Natural, High Protein, Grain Free Wet Cat Food Pate
Purina ONE Supports Your Cat’s Lifelong Potential with Targeted Nutrition for Her Unique Needs
Why We Love It
The pate format is an excellent choice for those looking to feed their cat with a portion of high-quality wet cat food. The recipe contains real beef as the main ingredient, which provides a taste cats love and helps create a satisfying texture.
What You Should Know
The product also includes added vitamins, minerals, and nutrients that provide 100 percent nutrition for all life stages with 0 percent fillers. The natural ingredients used in this formula contain no artificial colors, flavors or preservatives so you can feel confident about what you're feeding your cat.
It's important to note that this food does not contain any grains, making it ideal for those who are looking to avoid gluten in their diet. However, if you do have allergies or sensitivities to certain foods then this may not be the best option for you.
Purina Pro Plan High Protein Cat Food With Probiotics for Cats
High Protein Cat Food Dry Formula With Real Chicken As The First Ingredient.
Why We Love It
I've been feeding my cat Purina Pro Plan High Protein Cat Food with Probiotics for a couple of months now, and I'm very impressed. The food is high in protein and contains probiotics to keep your cat healthy and happy.
What You Should Know
I was surprised at how well the kibble stayed intact when he ate it dry, but if you prefer wet food then that's an option too. It's expensive compared to other brands, but you are getting a lot of bang for your buck here. This is a great choice if you want to give your cat the best possible nutrition without having to worry about digestive issues or skin problems like allergies.
It may be more expensive than some other options out there, but it will definitely last your cat longer so it's worth considering the cost-per-serving ratio here as well.
IAMS PROACTIVE HEALTH High Protein Adult Dry Cat Food
A High Concentration of High-Quality Protein Helps Maintain Muscles and Nourishes a Healthy Heart
Why We Love It
IAMS PROACTIVE HEALTH cat food is a great choice if you're looking for a high-quality protein that your cat can easily digest. The kibble is made with real ingredients, and it's packed full of chicken and salmon to help support strong muscles and provide healthy energy.
What You Should Know
The fiber blend in this food includes prebiotics to aid digestive health, which will help keep your cat regular. It also contains calcium for strong teeth and bones, so you don't have to worry about your cat lacking important nutrients. One drawback of this food is that the size may be too big for some cats, especially those who aren't very hungry or who prefer smaller kibbles.
However, if your cat loves eating from the bowl but doesn't always finish their portion, we recommend going with the IAMS PROACTIVE CAT NOURISHING Food instead as it has more reasonable-sized pieces that are easier for your cat to eat.
Taste Of The Wild High Protein Real Meat Recipes Premium Dry Cat Food
The Food is Made With Real Meat
Why We Love It
The Taste of the Wild line of cat food is a great choice for those who want to give their feline friends access to high-quality ingredients and a taste of the wild. The food is made with real meat, which makes it a good option if your cat has been avoiding other types of kibble.
What You Should Know
The protein in this kitty meal comes from quail and duck, which are both high-quality proteins that can help support muscle health and keep your cat looking lean and mean. The superfoods in this recipe also add additional vitamins and minerals to help keep your cat healthy throughout its life.
One thing we should note about this product is that it does contain grains, so if you're looking for a grain-free option then you'll have to look elsewhere on our list.
Solid Gold Indigo Moon - Dry Cat Food with Vitamins & High Protein
Solid Gold Indigo Moon is a Grain-Free Cat Food That Supports Gut, Immune, and Coat Health.
Why We Love It
Solid Gold Indigo Moon is a great choice for cats that love to eat dry food. It's packed with high-quality ingredients and digestive probiotics, making it a great option for fussy eaters.
What You Should Know
The protein content is impressive and contains omega fatty acids to support a healthy coat and immunity. The added prebiotic fiber helps keep your cat regular, while the low-carb superfoods help support a healthy metabolism.
This product comes in several flavors including salmon and pollock fish, which we think taste better than the plain varieties. However, if you prefer something more unique then try out the wild boar or venison options too!
Best High Protein Cat Food FAQs
It's important to get your cat the best high-protein cat food possible, but it can be tough figuring out which ones are best for them.
There are so many different brands and varieties of dry and wet food that it can be hard to decide what will be best for your cat. We've created a list of the most Frequently Asked Questions about different types of cat food so that you can make an informed decision when purchasing something new for your furry friend.
What Is The Best Protein Food For Cats?
The best high-protein food for cats depends on your cat's needs. Cats aren't all alike, just like humans aren't. Some cats prefer dry cat food while others like canned better. Some prefer fish flavor while others are more into poultry flavors.
There are lots of factors to consider when choosing the best type of protein for your cat, but we've done the research to make that decision easier for you and your feline friend:
Dry Cat Food – Dry cat food is a great choice if you have multiple cats because it doesn't spoil quickly and can be stored in large quantities without taking up too much space in your home or garage. It's also good if you have a senior cat because this type of kibble has a softer consistency that makes it easy for them to chew through with their weaker teeth. Just remember that even though dry kitty chow is convenient, it does have some drawbacks.
Is Higher Protein Cat Food Better?
There's no question that protein is an essential nutrient for cats, but how much they need depends on their stage of life. Kittens need more protein than adult cats because they're still growing and building muscle mass. Adult cats don't require as much protein compared to kittens but still need it in their diets to support organ function and tissue health.
It's important to note that too much protein can actually be unhealthy for cats, so pet food manufacturers must adhere to strict guidelines when formulating cat food products. The Association of Pet Food Industries recommends a minimum crude protein content of between 12 percent and 15 percent in adult cat foods, depending on the product type (dry versus canned).
Some experts argue that high-protein cat foods may lead to more urinary tract issues in male felines due to excess protein intake, but this theory has been contested by other researchers. In fact, the University of Missouri researchers recently found no evidence supporting the claim that higher-protein cat foods cause feline UTI or kidney disease.
What Are The Top 5 Healthiest Cat Foods?
There is a lot of debate about what constitutes healthy cat food, with some veterinarians arguing that raw diets are best, while others say commercial canned and dry foods are acceptable. If you're confused about what to feed your feline, here's a rundown of the top 5 healthiest cat foods: Canned Semi-Moist If you have checked with your veterinarian and they agree that it is safe for your cat to eat canned or dry food, then, by all means, do so. Many cats love both types and will happily switch back and forth between the two without any health issues. But if you can only afford to buy one type at first, go with canned unless your veterinarian specifically recommends otherwise. Canned foods provide more moisture than dry ones which is important for senior cats in particular.
What Is The Highest Percentage of Protein Dry Cat Food?
There are many different types of protein in cat food, but some are of higher quality than others. Cats need a complete protein profile for optimal health, but it's important to look at the ingredient list and choose a product that lists protein sources high on the page. This ensures your cat is getting the highest quality source of protein possible.
Additionally, finding cat food with high-quality proteins is important because cats are obligate Carnivorous and require animal proteins as opposed to plant proteins. Plant proteins may be less digestible and therefore less beneficial for your feline friend.
Generally speaking, dry cat food that contains at least 30 percent protein is considered high in this nutrient. However, it's important to note certain species of active cats have different nutritional needs. For example, adult cats need about 26 percent protein in their diets while kitten diets should have around 29 percent due to their rapid growth phase.
Is 40% Protein Too Much For Cats?
If you look at the nutritional breakdown on cat food packaging, it might seem like a cat needs more protein than they actually do. Because cats are obligate carnivores, their bodies need a high amount of protein each day to stay healthy. However, most cats don't actually need such a high percentage of protein in their diet.
Cats who eat too much protein can develop health issues like kidney disease or diabetes. It's important to find out how much protein your cat really needs and only feeds them that amount in the appropriate type of food.
Many experts recommend feeding cats 25 percent of their total calories as protein, which is roughly equivalent to 40 grams per day for an average adult cat (about the size of a chubby six-pound human). Some pet food brands even use this guideline when making their canned foods so it will be easy for pet owners to follow.
What Protein Is The Easiest For Cats To Digest?
Most cats can digest most proteins just fine, but some may upset their stomachs and cause diarrhea. Chicken and turkey are among the easiest types of protein for cats to digest, so it's a good idea to have some cans of water-based or broth-based cat food in your emergency kit as well as canned cat food that is high in protein but low in fat.
It's also important to note that many pet parents believe that fish-based foods are easier for cats to digest than other types of animal proteins. If your cat has a sensitive stomach, it might be worth trying an all-fish diet from time to time if you've had problems with diarrhea in the past. It may take some trial and error before you find something that works best for your kitty, but it could be worthwhile if you're concerned about digestive issues during an emergency situation.
How Can I Add More Protein To My Cat's Diet?
Cats are obligate carnivores, which means they must eat meat to get all the amino acids their bodies need. Cats don't produce certain essential amino acids like taurine, so these nutrients must come from chicken liver or animal sources, not plant sources.
If you're concerned about your cat's protein intake, talk to your veterinarian about how you can ensure your cat is getting enough of this vital nutrient. There are several ways you can add more protein to your cat's diet:
1. Buy high-protein food. Many commercial pet foods claim to contain high-quality proteins that will benefit cats and dogs in several different ways, including promoting muscle health, supporting digestion, and helping maintain healthy blood vessels and organs. 2. Serve animal-based treats alongside plant-based treats or other nonmeat snacks such as cheese or eggs. Animal treats may be high in fat or salt compared with vegetable-based treats (but check the label), but they'll also provide cats with some much-needed protein — especially if they're adult cats whose dietary needs may change over time depending on factors such as age and physical activity level. 3. Add canned fish or poultry meats to dry kibble meals throughout the day using a special treat dispenser toy. 4 . Scramble whole eggs for breakfast — then freeze them in ice cube trays so you have convenient little frozen bites of egg protein for later in the day when you're away from home and need to give Fido his dinner bowl refill. 5 . Sneak small amounts of meat into other dishes whenever possible by adding chunks of the chicken liver spread thinly over spaghetti sauce, blending cooked hamburger into homemade dog biscuits, mixing turkey bacon bits into scrambled eggs, sprinkling tiny pieces of ham onto pizza crust while shaping it … You get the idea!
Can You Give A Cat Too Much Protein?
Cats are naturally carnivores, so they need high-protein diets to maintain their muscle mass and stay healthy. However, too much high protein diet can actually be harmful to your cat. Cats are limited to digesting high amounts of protein, so if they're given too much in one meal it can cause stomach issues like constipation, diarrhea, and vomiting.
It's important to monitor the amount of protein your cat is getting through their diet and treats. Most cat owners tend to overfeed cats dry food because it's more convenient than measuring out canned food throughout the day. If you have multiple cats, avoid giving them similar-tasting foods as this can lead to competition and aggression.
The recommended amount of protein for adult cats is 40 grams per day unless they're pregnant or lactating; in that case, they'll need 60 grams per day.
What Is The Best Protein For Male Cats?
Cats are obligate carnivores, which means their bodies are designed to consume predominantly protein from animal sources. Cats can't digest plant-based protein as effectively as animal-based protein and most commercial cat foods contain large amounts of processed corn or other grains so that the cat's stomach can break down the food.
Cats also lack the necessary enzymes to digest raw meat, so they don't get all the nutrients they need from a diet of raw meat alone. The easiest way for cats to get their fill of protein is through specially formulated canned cat food and dry kibble.
All cats should be getting high-quality animal-based proteins in their diets, but senior cats may benefit most if they're getting more eggs and dairy products in their food than lean meats like chicken or turkey. Cats with kidney issues may need special diets low in phosphorus (usually called DM), which often require lower levels of egg and dairy products compared with typical feline diets that include higher levels of meat and fish. These types of specialized cat food typically list their primary ingredient first on the label, followed by any secondary ingredients in descending order by volume (not weight). This will help you identify if there's a main source of animal protein your pet is primarily consuming.
What Has More Protein Wet Or Dry Cat Food?
The answer to this question depends on your definition of protein. If you think of protein as the sum total of all amino acids present in a pet food, then technically speaking, wet cat food contains more protein than dry cat food because water is an essential component of any wet food.
On the other hand, if you consider protein only in terms of its digestibility, then dry cat food has more because it contains less water. In this case, we're talking about what's referred to as crude protein versus digestible or metabolizable protein.
The best high-protein cat food is a nutritious choice that will help keep your feline friend healthy. Look for options with premium ingredients and minimal fillers or additives so your cat can enjoy all the benefits of a protein-rich diet. Read reviews and do research to find the perfect match for your furry companion. With so many great choices, it's easy to get top-quality high-protein cat food that meets your and your kitty's needs!
