The 6 best cat foods to buy now

Fad diets have reigned supreme lately, and our lovable furry felines are unfortunately no exception. "Grain-free" pet foods have been garnering as much attention as regular kibble once did, but according to pet experts, it's not necessarily a good thing.

"Although there's not much research on it, fad diets can be dangerous for cats," said Dr. Hyla Gayer, a veterinarian at West Chelsea Vet in New York City. "Grain-free diets have been linked to certain amino deficiencies and heart disease. So, it's always best to be cautious with those foods."

Look for the AAFCO seal of approval

The Association of American Feed Control Officials gives guidelines on what a balanced diet should be for cats and dogs. Gayer says an AAFCO label on any cat food is pretty much all the assurance pet owners need.

"It takes the guess work out of the equation," she said.

Cats might not like all cat food varieties

Cats are also notoriously picky about their food, so Gayer recommends trying out a few different brands before settling on one both you and your pet are happy with. And, as for male cats in particular, Gayer recommends putting them on a wet food diet.

Meeting your new puppy, kitten or any other pet can be an exciting experience. Your pet, however, has some adjusting to do. New sights, smells and sounds can be overwhelming for the little guy and keeping a calm household is important.

"But it all depends on the cat — some only like dry food and some only like wet," said Gayer. "Male cats have a lot of urinary tract issues, so I'd prefer wet food, but some just don't go for it."

And as for those pesky "by-product meal" ingredients? Gayer said they're also totally fine.

"It's just what's left over after the best meat has been taken from the animal, so it's not a bad thing to see that."

Protein-based diets are best

Cats are primarily omnivores, so protein-heavy diets are best (but all in moderation, of course). And according to Gayer, they're also habitual grazers. Keeping your feline on a feeding schedule is best for weight management.

"Treats also can make cats gain weight real quickly," she said. "Using kibble as a treat throughout the day works in its place."

THE BEST WET CAT FOOD

American Journey Grain-Free Canned Cat Food, $23, Chewy

American Journey Grain-Free Cat Food

$23.00

An exception to the "minimal, grain-free food" rule: Cats require lots of protein, so giving them a weekly serving of canned, protein-rich foods only means good things for their skin and overall health, Gayer said.

THE BEST CAT FOOD FOR KITTENS

Hill's Science Diet Kitten Dry Cat Food, $20, Amazon

Hill'S Science Diet Kitten Food, 7 Lb Bag

Instead of buying special Kong stuffing, stuff a Kong with cheese cubes and place in the microwave for five seconds.

$19.99

$19.99

$23.99

$21.59

$23.99

We love this food because of its versatility — use it on kittens and nursing or pregnant mothers as well.

THE BEST FOOD FOR ADULT CATS

Hill's Science Diet Adult Dry Cat Food, $20, Amazon

Hill'S Science Diet Adult Indoor Cat Food, 7 Lb Bag

$19.99

$19.99

$23.99

$19.99

$23.99

We love Hill's Science Diet because it's AAFCO-approved and made with simple ingredients.

THE BEST SENSITIVE STOMACH CAT FOOD

Hill's Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach Cat Food, $27, Chewy

Hill's Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach Cat Food

$27.00

$26.64

Your pet's veterinarian is the only one who should be making recommendations about putting your cat on a special diet, but if they just can't seem to hold their regular food down, we recommend this one by Hill's Science.

Hill's Prescription Diet Digestive Care Cat Food, $22, Chewy

Hill's Prescription Diet Digestive Care Cat Food

$22.00

$22.49

$36.47

If your cat takes better to dry food, this one is a good option for sensitive stomachs.

THE BEST CAT FOOD FOR ALL LIFE STAGES

Life's Abundance All Life Stage Cat Food, $21, Life's Abundance

Life's Abundance All Life Stage Cat Food

$21.00

Although Gayer suggests feeding your cats stage-specific foods — meaning you shouldn't give adult cat food to kittens and vice versa — this one by Life's Abundance is AAFCO approved to be safe for all stages of your pet's life.

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