Type: Fresh | Life stage: All life stages | Calories: 200 kcal/package | AAFCO-compliant: Yes

What you’ll love:

• Made with at least 80% animal protein to support muscle and bone health
• High moisture content helps keep cats hydrated
• Gently cooked and frozen with no preservatives or artificial fillers

Keep in mind:

• Requires freezer and fridge space for storage
• More expensive than most traditional cat food

Many commercial cat foods rely on fillers and preservatives, but Smalls takes a different approach—one that more closely mirrors what cats are meant to eat. The brand prioritizes high-quality animal protein and natural hydration, gently cooking its fresh recipes to preserve nutrients. The turkey formula, for example, is packed with over 80% animal protein, plus hydrating ingredients like green beans and dandelion greens, which may support digestion and urinary health.

To get started, pet parents take a quick online quiz that asks for information about their cat’s age, weight, activity level and dietary preferences. Smalls then ships a sampler box with 10 packets of fresh food, so you can test different recipes before committing to a recurring delivery schedule. Meals arrive frozen and stay fresh in the freezer until you’re ready to thaw them. Once thawed, they last about a week in the fridge, so meal prep is easy with minimal waste. 

Smalls also meets standards set by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO), a nonprofit organization that regulates the nutritional requirements for pet food. In other words: This food meets all of a cat’s dietary needs, making it a straightforward way to introduce fresh food into your pet’s diet minus dealing with complicated meal prep.

Type: Wet | Life stage: Adult | Calories: 90 kcal/3-ounce can | AAFCO-compliant: Yes

What you’ll love:

• Diverse array of high-quality proteins
• Free from grains and additives
• High moisture content

Keep in mind:

• May not be ideal for sensitive stomachs

If you want a nutrient-rich wet food but aren’t looking for a fresh option like Smalls, Orijen Tuna, Salmon & Beef Entrée is a great choice. Featuring a variety of proteins as the primary ingredients—including tuna, chicken, salmon, whole sardine and chicken liver—this cat food is packed with 95% animal ingredients. “Cats are inherently carnivores,” explains clinical veterinarian and pet nutrition expert Dr. Victoria Carmella, emphasizing they “require a diet rich in high-quality protein.”

This wet food offers 80% moisture, which is highly recommended to ensure your cat is getting the hydration they need. It’s also free from grains and other fillers, helping your pet get the most high-quality nutrients from each meal. 

Keep in mind that although the variety of mixed proteins in this food deliver a range of benefits, it may not be suitable to all cats—particularly those with sensitive stomachs. In that case, it may be better to consider a food with fewer protein sources, like one of Orijen’s alternative paté varieties.

Type: Wet | Life stage: Kitten | Calories: 100 kcal/3-ounce can | AAFCO-compliant: Yes

What you’ll love:

• Real chicken as the first ingredient, for lean protein
• High moisture content supports hydration and digestion
• Soft, shredded texture is easy for kittens to eat
• Free from grains, artificial additives and carrageenan

Keep in mind:

• Kittens may need multiple cans per day to meet calorie needs

A kitten’s early diet lays the foundation for lifelong health, and Weruva’s Kitten Chicken Formula Au Jus is a good source for the nutrition they need as they’re growing. This protein-rich recipe is designed to deliver essential amino acids that help kittens build muscle and maintain their energy levels. Because kittens require higher amounts of protein, fat and key nutrients than adult cats, a well-balanced formula is critical during this stage.

Beyond protein and hydration, this Weruva recipe includes taurine, fish oil and vitamin D3 to support your kitten’s brain development, vision and immune function. The high moisture content may also help with digestion and kidney health, which is especially important for young kittens as they transition to solid food. The soft, shredded texture of the food is meant to be easy for tiny teeth to manage, so they can get the nutrients they need without struggling to eat. And the recipe skips grains, artificial additives and carrageenan, which is helpful if your kitten has a sensitive stomach.

Weruva prepares its food in human-grade facilities, following strict global safety standards to ensure high-quality ingredients and processing. Since kittens burn through calories quickly, the brand recommends feeding one to two cans per 1.5 to 2 pounds of body weight daily, split into three or more meals.

Type: Wet (mousse and shreds) | Life stage: Senior | Calories: 80 kcal/2.4-ounce can | AAFCO-compliant: Yes

What you’ll love:

• Soft mousse and shredded texture is easy for older cats to eat
• High in protein to help maintain muscle mass and a healthy weight
• Low phosphorus to support kidney function
• Includes salmon oil, turmeric and green tea extract to help fight inflammation

Keep in mind:

• Lower in calories than many wet foods
• Some cats may prefer a different texture; Tiki Cat Silver offers other varieties

As cats age, their nutritional needs shift, but one macronutrient remains essential: protein. "The amount of calories they need may lessen, but protein needs can actually increase," says Coger. "It’s vital that older cats get enough protein and the key amino acids for heart health, taurine and carnitine." Tiki Cat Silver Chicken, Salmon And Chicken Liver Mousse And Shreds is designed specifically for seniors, with a high-protein formula to help maintain muscle mass and a soft texture that’s easy to eat.

Since kidney issues are common in older cats, this low-phosphorus formula is designed to be easier on their system. With salmon oil, coconut oil, turmeric and green tea extract, this food includes ingredients that may ease inflammation and support joint health as cats get older. It’s also highly palatable, with chicken liver to entice cats that may have reduced appetites.

Tiki Cat’s Silver line offers a variety of textures beyond mousse and shreds, including all-mousse, shredded-only and options with broth, so you can choose what best suits your pet’s preferences. Smalls is another great option for senior cats, especially if hydration is a concern or they need an even softer texture. But if your cat prefers a specific texture or you want a more budget-friendly option, Tiki Cat Silver is a great pick—particularly since it supports muscle and kidney health. (If your cat has kidney disease or elevated kidney levels, however, you should discuss with your vet whether a prescription diet option is a better choice.)

Type: Dry | Life stage: All life stages | Calories: 470 kcal/cup | AAFCO-compliant: Yes

What you’ll love:

• Made with wild-caught salmon, a natural source of omega-3s and DHA
• Limited-ingredient formula with no unnecessary fillers
• Includes pumpkin, dandelion greens and cranberries for digestion and immune support
• Transparency of ingredients; consumers can trace each one’s origin

Keep in mind:

• Veterinarians recommend adding water or broth to kibble for better hydration
• Some holistic vets argue that kibble does not actually help clean teeth

Every vet we spoke with stressed how important moisture is for cats, since they don’t naturally drink much water—so hydration from food is essential. But cats can be extremely picky, and some simply prefer dry food. If kibble is part of your cat’s diet, choosing a high-quality, limited-ingredient option matters, and we think Open Farm Wild-Caught Salmon is one of the best.

Open Farm starts with wild-caught Pacific salmon, packed with omega-3s and DHA to support a healthy coat, skin and brain function. The formula also includes ocean whitefish and herring meal for additional protein, plus pumpkin, cranberries and dandelion greens, which are ingredients that may aid digestion and immune health. While kibble is more processed than fresh or wet food, Open Farm keeps its ingredients recognizable compared to many traditional brands.

The veterinarians we consulted had differing opinions on dry food—one holistic vet told us it’s “a myth” that kibble cleans teeth, while others say dry food still has a place in a balanced diet. What they all agreed on, however, is that hydration is key. Many recommend rehydrating kibble with water or broth to improve moisture intake. (Also, if you’re worried about your cat’s water intake, you can always invest in a cat water fountain to entice them to drink more.) Ultimately, the best diet is whatever works for your cat. If that includes kibble, this is a trustworthy option with responsibly caught fish and fully traceable ingredients.

Type: Wet (flaked in consommé) | Life stage: All life stages | Calories: 71 kcal/2.8-ounce can, 151 kcal/6-ounce can | AAFCO-compliant: Yes

What you’ll love:

• Single-protein formula with wild-caught Alaskan salmon
• No grains, potatoes or gums
• Hand-packed to preserve quality and texture

Keep in mind:

• Low in fat, which may not be ideal for cats needing extra calories
• Transitioning slowly is key for cats with sensitive stomachs

If your cat has a sensitive stomach, you know how frustrating it can be to find a food that doesn’t upset their digestion. Tiki Cat Luau Wild Salmon Recipe keeps things simple with just one protein source—wild-caught Alaskan salmon—plus a short list of recognizable ingredients. There are no grains, no potatoes and no gums—just flaked fish in a light consommé that’s meant to be easy to eat and even easier to digest.

Some cats struggle with rich or highly processed foods, which is why a single-protein and low-fat formula like this one can be a good fit. Salmon is naturally high in omega-3s, which may help with inflammation and gut health, and the extra moisture supports digestion and hydration. "A low-carb, moisture-rich diet with real protein is much easier on digestion than one packed with unnecessary fillers," say feline nutrition experts Jae Kennedy and Adrienne Lefebvre.

If you’re switching foods, take it slow—especially with a cat who already has stomach issues. Dr. Liza Cahn, DVM, recommends mixing in small amounts of the new food with their old diet and increasing the portion gradually over the course of a week. That way, their system has time to adjust, making the transition smoother and less stressful for both of you.

What the editors say: “My cat has always had a sensitive tum, and there’s nothing more frustrating than watching him throw up an entire can of nice wet food,” says former senior home and kitchen editor Amanda Arnold. “With this Tiki Cat formula, he gets sick much less often and seems to be more energetic, which I could not appreciate more—I spend much less time cleaning my floors and worrying about his diet.”

Type: Wet | Life stage: All life stages | Calories: 131 kcal/5.5-ounce carton | AAFCO-compliant: Yes

What we love:

• Wholesome ingredients like salmon, pumpkin and turmeric
• High moisture content for hydration
• Free from corn, wheat and soy

Keep in mind:

• Packaging is large and not resealable

If your cat needs to lose a little weight, switching to a high-protein and moisture-rich diet can make a big difference. Veterinarians often see kibble contributing to weight gain because it has more carbohydrates than cats actually need. "Dry kibble almost always leads to gradual weight gain in cats," says Coger, who notes that many dry foods rely on starches that don’t align with a cat’s natural diet.

Open Farm Wild-Caught Salmon Blend is a great option for cats who need to slim down, without leading to them feeling deprived. It’s made with wild-caught salmon as the first ingredient, giving cats the high-quality protein they need to maintain muscle while losing excess fat. The addition of pumpkin and carrot provides fiber, which can help with digestion and keep cats feeling full longer. (Read: No more begging between meals.)

Because this recipe is wet food with plenty of moisture, it also supports hydration and overall health, so it’s a better choice than dry food for weight management. While every cat’s metabolism is different, feeding a high-protein and low-carb diet like this one makes it easier to manage your cat’s weight without leaving them hungry. And of course, you should always consult with your vet to ensure you’re working toward an appropriate goal weight for your pet.