10 Best Cat Foods for Indoor Cats in 2020
Best Indoor Cat Food in 2020
If your cat is into fish flavors, consider the recipe from Purina: it contains salmon, chicken meal, and peas, which make up for 33% of crude protein. The formula is also rich in fiber thanks to sweet potatoes, peas, and whole cranberries. The manufacturer has taken care of vitamins and minerals – the formula contains all essential nutrients. Taurine and folic acid are included, as well. The recipe is grain-free and soy-free. It does not include artificial components (flavors, preservatives, etc.), so it can be served to cats with allergy and sensitive reactions. However, a few components raise concerns, for example, powdered cellulose and cassava root powder. They might be bad for the cat’s digestion, so watch your pet’s reaction to this food. The amount of calories is average, which means you should stick to the manufacturer’s guidelines when calculating an optimal portion size for your cat. Pros:
- Optimal calorie content;
- No artificial components;
- Various flavors are available.
Cons:
- Contains questionable components (cellulose, cassava root);
- It does not have Omega fatty acids.
- Type of food: Dry
- Flavors available: Salmon, Chicken & Egg, Pacific Tuna, Ocean Whitefish, Arctic Char
- Protein content: 33%
- Calories: 357 kcal/cup
Hills’ Science offers the best cat food for indoor cats in terms of age appropriateness. This chicken recipe is formulated for cats aged 1-6, and you can also find options for senior cats. It provides enough protein thanks to chicken and chicken meal used and provides all essential nutrients. Minerals, folic acid, L-carnitine – all these elements sustain health and improve well-being. The formula also contains such superfoods as green peas, apples, cranberries, broccoli, dried beet pulp, and carrots. They serve as the source of fiber and improve digestion. No artificial additives are used; the label only mentions a natural flavor. What you should be aware of is wheat and soybean oil – those are far not the safest ingredients. If you own a breed cat or it is prone to allergic reactions, consider another option. Also, the formula is high in calories – make sure the portions are small enough. Pros:
- Age-appropriate;
- No artificial components;
- A high rating in Amazon – most consumers love this product.
Cons:
- Some batches contain spoilt food with mold;
- Contains wheat and corn gluten;
- Too many calories;
- No Omega fatty acids.
- Type of food: Dry
- Flavors available: Chicken
- Protein content: 31%
- Calories: 502 kcal/cup
One of the most well-established indoor cat food brands, CRAVE, offers a high-protein chicken & salmon recipe that contains chicken and salmon meal and is listed in our best cat foods guide. If your four-legged friend is allergic to wheat and gluten, such an option is a safe choice. The manufacturer uses no corn, no soy, and wheat. No animal by-products are added either. The formula provides all essential vitamins (group B, D, C, E), Omega fatty acids and taurine for a healthy heart and skin, and mixed tocopherols. Flaxseed, alfalfa, and dried beet pulp serve as the main source of fiber for good digestion. The calorie content is slightly above average, so make sure to serve normal portions but don’t overfeed your cat. No artificial preservatives and flavors can be found in kibbles, so this food is a great choice for cats with allergies. According to customer reviews, the chicken flavor appeals to finicky cats, and this product helps to solve problems with stinky poop. Pros:
- No artificial components;
- No wheat, soy, or animal by-products;
- It contains all vitamins and minerals.
Cons:
- Expensive;
- The amount of calories is above average.
- Type of food: Dry
- Flavors available: Chicken & Salmon, Chicken, Salmon & Ocean Fish, Turkey, Chicken and Duck
- Protein content: 40%
- Calories: 379 kcal/cup
What dry cat food is best for indoor cats? Blue Buffalo offers a lineup of healthy foods, including this chicken recipe: it contains deboned chicken and turkey meal, as well as peas, which serve as the main source of protein. The formula contains all essential vitamins and minerals, including Omega fatty acids, which improve the health of skin and fur. Folic acid and taurine are added, as well. The label mentions a wide array of fiber-rich ingredients, including blueberries, cranberries, carrots, blackberries, apples, and alfalfa meal. There are no artificial components (flavors, preservatives), so the recipe is optimal for cats prone to allergies and sensitivity to food. For better digestion, the manufacturer added fermentation extracts and probiotics. There are two questionable ingredients though – powdered cellulose and caramel – they are not good for the digestion, but some cats may be tolerant to them. Tapioca starch is mostly safe, but make sure your cat does not react adversely to it. Pros:
- High protein content;
- A lot of fiber-rich components;
- No artificial ingredients.
Cons:
- Contains caramel and salt;
- High calorie content.
- Type of food: Dry
- Flavors available: Chicken
- Protein content: 36%
- Calories: 447 kCals/cup
Although it is not recommended to serve a combined diet to domestic pets, some of them don’t drink enough water, which means additional sources of moisture should be found. IAMS offers the best cat food for indoor cat: these morsels in gravy deliver all essential nutrients and stay highly palatable. The formula is based on tuna and chicken – together with dried eggs and meat by-products (the only ingredient I disapprove of) they provide enough protein. The formula contains basic vitamins and minerals, as well as dried beet pulp that serves as the source of fiber. Folic acid is important for the reproductive system, while taurine improves the state of skin and fur. The food can be offered to both adult cats and kittens, with one serving containing as low as 46 kCal. However, the recipe is not 100% safe, and I’d recommend testing the food before you purchase a large pack. According to the label, the formula contains added color, but I found no reviews stating that cats are allergic to this product. Pros:
- The optimal amount of protein and moisture;
- Three flavors available;
- Good ratings.
Cons:
- Contains questionable ingredients (colors, meat by-products);
- Not enough calories for kittens.
- Type of food: Wet
- Flavors available: Chicken, Tuna, Salmon
- Protein content: 10%
- Calories: 46 kCal per serving
This chicken formula offers a well-balanced combination of vitamins and minerals, as well as the optimal calorie content. Chicken and peas serve as the source of protein together with salmon. Blueberries, lentils, dried beet pulp, and other superfoods provide fiber for healthy digestion. It goes without mentioning taurine, biotin, Omega fatty acids, and other crucial nutrients. What makes it one of the best dry cat foods for indoor cats? The recipe from Rachael Ray is formulated to meet the nutrition levels established by AAFCO, so it is more or less safe for cats. No artificial colors and preservatives were added, and the formula does not contain wheat or soy. The manufacturer used corn gluten, so watch your cat’s reaction to this food – start with small portions. There are practically no allergy-provoking components except for salmon, so be aware of it. Pros:
- Formulated to meet AAFCO standards;
- Has a lot of fiber-rich ingredients;
- No artificial components used.
Cons:
- Contains corn gluten;
- Salmon might be allergic to some cats.
- It causes sickness in some cats, according to consumer reviews.
- Type of food: Dry
- Flavors available: Chicken
- Protein content: 34%
- Calories: 354 kcal per cup
One of the best cat food brands for indoor cats, AvoDerm offers a great tuna & chicken recipe that’s formulated to meet the nutritional values established by AAFCO. The food is grain-free; it does not contain wheat, corn, or soy. There are no artificial colors, and preservatives added. The manufacturer added antioxidants which support the immune system. Tuna and chicken serve as the main source of protein, while fish broth provides Omega-3 and -6 fatty acids. There’s the whole gamut of fiber-rich superfoods: carrots, green peas. Avocado and sunflower seed oil provide healthy carbohydrates and improve digestion. Although no artificial flavors are used, this recipe appeals to many finicky cats – they eat the food with pleasure. Generally, this formula is perfect for daily nutrition. Pros:
- Appealing flavor;
- No grains, no artificial preservatives, and colors;
- An optimal amount of moisture helps for the digestion of chunks.
Cons:
- The recipe might do without guar gum;
- Avocado oil might cause sensitivity in some cats.
- Type of food: Wet
- Flavors available: Tuna & Chicken, Tuna & Crab
- Protein content: 10%
- Calories: 118 kcal/can
Why was the recipe from I and Love and You included in the list of best cat food for indoor cats? This is a well-balanced formula that contains everything your four-legged friend needs, and nothing it doesn’t. Chicken, chicken meal, dried eggs, peas, turkey, and lentils provide a generous amount of protein. The manufacturer also uses fiber-rich foods, such as chicory root and whole ground flaxseed. There’s the whole gamut of vitamins and minerals added, as well as biotin, taurine, and Omega fatty acids. Folic acid is also added for supporting the reproduction health. To improve cats’ digestion, the manufacturer uses fermentation products and prebiotics. Please, note that the formula includes dried sweet potato and dried beet pulp: those are generally safe ingredients, but should be served cautiously to cats with sensitivity. All in all, this formula is great for daily nutrition and does not require giving your cats any extra supplements. Pros:
- No artificial components and grains;
- Contains prebiotics;
- Wide choice of appealing flavors;
- It contains all the essential vitamins and minerals.
Cons:
- Pebbles are very small, which makes them suitable for kittens mostly;
- It causes constipation in some cats.
- Type of food: Dry
- Flavors available: Chicken & Duck, Chicken & Turkey, Salmon & Trout, Chicken & Pumpkin
- Protein content: 34%
- Calories: 350 kcal per cup
This is a low-calorie chicken recipe that provides a moderate supply of energy and stays safe even for sensitive cats. Diamond Naturals offers a high-protein formula that contains chicken, chicken meal, and peas. To ensure healthy digestion and make the food more nutritious, the manufacturer added pearled barley, ground white rice, and flaxseed. If your cat is not allergic to such grains, the food will be okay for it. Also, there is a vast array of fiber-rich foods: kale, chia seed, blueberries, oranges, spinach, papaya, and many other significant elements. It goes without mentioning vitamins and minerals, folic acid, Omega fatty acids, and taurine – the whole spectrum of these nutrients makes Diamond Naturals the best food for indoor cats. For better digestion, the manufacturer added microorganisms and prebiotics. All in all, this is a healthy formula that’s suitable for adult cats and kittens. Pros:
- Contains a lot of superfoods;
- Breed appropriate and suitable for kittens;
- Formulated to meet AAFCO standards;
- Low calorie content.
Cons:
- Has barley and white rice;
- No choice of flavors.
- Type of food: Dry
- Flavors available: Chicken
- Protein content: 32%
- Calories: 313 kcal per cup
What is the best cat food for indoor cats when you’re running out of budget? Purina offers highly nutritional chunks in gravy and keeps the formula pretty safe. The Seafood Bake recipe contains ocean fish, liver, and meat by-products, which serve as the main source of protein. The formula features essential vitamins and minerals, as well as taurine. According to the consumers, this is an excellent low-calorie option for cats prone to kidney problems. However, I don’t think it is appropriate for cats with sensitivity and allergy since the formula has corn starch-modified, soy flour, and artificial flavors. The majority of customers are content with the product. Pros:
- Non-expensive;
- Contains important vitamins and minerals;
- Different flavors are available;
- Suitable for overweight cats and pets with kidney issues.
Cons:
- Has artificial flavors;
- Some batches come dented or spoilt;
- It contains soy and corn starch.
- Type of food: Wet
- Flavors available: Seafood bake, Turkey, Whitefish, Chicken & Turkey, Chicken
- Protein content: 9%
- Calories: 133 kcal/can
Types of indoor cat food
Dry Indoor Cat Food
Some specialists say that indoor cats should be served dry food only in combination with plenty of water. That helps to sustain proper digestion and a normal metabolism level. Dry kibbles provide a normal amount of protein, as well as essential vitamins and minerals, so this option is enough for daily nutrition without additional supplements. However, you should make sure the calorie content is within optimal limits (300-400 kcal per cup)! Avoid options with grains and soy – they might contribute to poor metabolism and digestion disorders.
If you are in search of a quality cat food indoor formula, consider the following products:
- Purina Beyond Grain-Free, Natural, Adult Dry Cat Food (the ultimate leader that I highly recommend);
- Diamond Naturals INDOOR Real Meat Recipe Dry Cat Food;
- Blue Buffalo Wilderness High Protein Grain Free, Natural Adult Indoor Hairball & Weight Control;
- CRAVE Grain Free High Protein Dry Cat Food.
Wet Indoor Cat Food
When it comes to wet food, it is very important for pets that don’t drink enough water. Thanks to a high moisture level (75-82%), such formulas keep a cat’s body hydrated. Some cats simply adore pate-style food (it is highly recommended for kittens and senior cats with weak teeth) or chunks in gravy – the flavors are pretty appealing. If kibbles are enough for your four-legged friend, you can consider giving it wet food as a treat.
Mind the size of portions and calorie content: large cans have around 100 kCal, and they should be divided into two servings. One serving with 40-50 kCal is enough for a domestic cat with a low level of activity.
I recommend the following wet food:
- AvoDerm Natural Grain-Free Tuna & Chicken Entrée with Vegetables;
- IAMS Perfect Portions, Cuts in Gravy and Pate, Grain Free Adult Wet Cat Food;
- Hill’s Science Diet Wet Canned Cat Food (this one is rather good for active cats).
Indoor Cat Food for Weight Loss
If a cat is overweight, it is important to mind several aspects. First, you should limit the size of portions and try not to exceed the limits. Secondly, the amount of tasty treats should not exceed 10% of the daily nutritional value received. Thirdly, you should serve cat food of medium-class or even holistic recipes – economy formulas won’t do.
The best indoor cat food for weight loss should have a low calorie content (not more than 380 kCal per cup), contain a lot of fiber, 32-38% of protein, L-carnitine, and vitamins B, C, A, E. All that will boost metabolic processes and contribute to muscle development in combination with physical activity.
I recommend the following recipes for healthy and efficient weight loss in cats:
- Purina Beyond Grain-Free, Natural, Adult Dry Cat Food;
- Hill’s Science Diet Dry Cat Food, Adult, for Weight Management;
- Purina Pro Plan FOCUS Weight Management Adult (dry and wet).
Furthermore, we have separate guides on the topic:
Indoor cat food for long-haired cats
If you own a long-haired cat, your fluffy friend needs a high amount of taurine, Vitamin E, and Omega fatty acids. Make sure those are included in the cat food formula you serve. Additionally, you can serve fresh grass, germinated oat, and eggs to your pet – they will also contribute to skin and fur health.
Consider the following options:
- Purina Beyond Grain-Free, Natural, Adult Dry Cat Food;
- Hill’s Science Diet Wet Cat Food, Adult, Urinary & Hairball Control;
- IAMS PROACTIVE HEALTH Adult Hairball Control Dry Cat Food.
Indoor cat food for all ages
In fact, the majority of cat food formulas are claimed to be suitable for all ages. That means the recipes contain all necessary vitamins and minerals, Omega fatty acids, taurine, and folic acid. The amount of calories in such food should be average (370=420 kCal per cup in dry food). Ideally, the consistency should be suitable for cats with weak teeth, i.e., it must be a pate-style food or small kibbles.
The following formulas are suitable for cats of all ages:
- I and Love and You Naked Essentials Dry Cat Food;
- Canidae Life Stages Dry Cat Food For Kittens, Adults & Seniors;
- Lucy Pet Formulas for Life – Sensitive Stomach & Skin Dry Cat Food, All Breeds & Life Stages.
However, it should be mentioned that cats have different nutritional needs on different life stages: kitten food is best for kittens and nursing moms because it contains more carbs; senior cats need the food that should be easy-to-digest. An optimal solution here is to feed the cats separately.
And if you don’t know how to prevent cats from eating each other’s foods – you should definitely read about automatic pet feeders for multiple cats, automatic cat doors and a feeding box. Read more here.
Indoor cat food for senior cats
Since older cats are less active than adults and kittens, they need low-calorie food which provides vitamins and minerals for sustaining overall health and organs. Thus, the diet for senior cats should be aimed at sustaining a normal weight & hormonal level and prevention of chronic diseases. Avoid foods with sugar and sweet components, gluten and grains, or artificial additives. Make sure the formula you select includes beta-carotene, vitamins B, E, C, and glucosamine.
I recommend these formulas:
- Hill’s Science Diet Dry Cat Food, Adult 11+ for Senior Cats, Indoor, Chicken Recipe;
- Blue Buffalo Healthy Aging Natural Mature Dry Cat Food;
- Iams Proactive Health Healthy Senior Dry Cat Food, Chicken Flavor.
How to choose the best indoor cat food?
What is the best food for an indoor cat? You can follow a simple algorithm and ask yourself a few questions to figure out a proper solution:
- What is the cat’s life stage? If you own kittens, they need a highly nutritious diet with raised levels of calories and vitamins. If you’ve got a pregnant cat, it can either be served the food for kittens or the regular middle- or premium-class food for adults. Senior cats need a special lineup of food with an abundance of vitamins and a slight shortage of calories.
- Does my cat have any health issues or specific needs? It will never hurt to figure out a special indoor recipe for cats with kidney issues/long hair/digestion problems and a sensitive stomachs/weak immune system. If you have an obese cat, serving weight loss formulas is a must. Companies offer a lot of different recipes that address particular problems and needs.
- How many calories are contained in the recipe? I recommend selecting dry food with 320-400 kCal per cup, and wet food with ~50 kCal per serving. On average, an adult cat needs 20 calories a day per pound. For pregnant cats and kittens, you can find somewhat more calorie-packed options but make sure the level of activity stays normal.
- Which ingredients are used? I keep telling the owners of my patients to avoid such components as meat by-products, words ‘meat’ or ‘fish’ on the label – the type of meat and its origin must be specified. Avoid plant-derived oils and grains (oatmeal, barley, white rice) since they won’t improve the digestion system. If you have a breed cat, it might be sensitive to such components as dried eggs, vegetables, and soy.
- Are all vitamins and minerals included? This is the primary aspect when you select the food for daily nutrition. Make sure the formula has arachidonic acid, folic acid, taurine, Omega-3, and -6 fatty acids, vitamins A, B, C.
- What’s the consistency? While adult cats may eat pretty large kibbles and meat chunks, kittens and senior cats need softer foods, such as pate and small pallets, or freeze-dried meat cooked with water.
Features to consider when choosing the best indoor cat food
When in search of suitable food for domestic cats, you should mind a few important aspects:
- Calorie content. Make sure the dry food contains around 350 kCal per cup. If the kibbles contain over 400 kCal per cup, serve small portions and don’t let your cat overeat. When it comes to dry food with over 500 kCal per cup, those are most appropriate for kittens or pregnant cats rather than adults living indoors.
- The amount of fats and carbs. Do not let those exceed 10% (especially fat), otherwise, even high-quality formulas might lead to overweight issues.
- Are all vitamins and minerals included? Even though domestic cats don’t move much, they need the whole spectrum of nutrients to sustain the health of organs and develop properly. Make sure nothing is missing. Pay attention to such nutrients as Omega fatty acids, taurine, folic acid, and vitamins B, C, E, A.
- Is there enough fiber? As far as metabolism is not sustained by activity levels, it should be boosted by the food. Prefer the formulas with superfoods, such as blueberries, apples, carrots, flaxseed, and so on. They will improve digestion and prevent constipation.
Also, it is better to avoid allergy-provoking ingredients, but everything depends on the cat’s sensitivity levels.
FAQ’s
How is indoor cat food different?
Contrary to regular cat food formulas, indoor variants have a lower amount of calories, and a bit less protein (32-37%). Besides, such foods usually have a lot of fiber (fruits, vegetables, berries) and prebiotics. Thus, formulas are aimed at the maintenance of healthy weight and proper digestion.
Does my indoor cat need indoor food?
Indoor cats can be served simple adult cat food recipes, but the one-fits-all approach isn’t good when it comes to such an important thing as daily nutrition. Using indoor formulas is more appropriate because they help to maintain a cat’s health and contribute to normal weight and boost metabolism.
How much indoor food should I feed my cat?
A healthy, active 8-pound adult cat needs to consume ~30 calories per pound per day. This means the average 8-pound cat needs ~240 calories per day – this is 4/5 of a cup of dry food (300 kCal per cup).
Read our guide on how much to feed a cat, follow the directions on the label, and don’t forget to visit a veterinarian to figure out the individual diet for your cat.
In a word
Most of us have purely indoor cats, which means our beloved pets are in danger of being overweight and may have problems caused by poor metabolism. As a caring owner, you should not only play with your cat keeping it active but also make its diet healthy. There’s a huge array of indoor cat food formulas available, both premium and economy-class, so why not choose one?
In this guide, I have gathered reviews of only ten well-rated cat foods – in fact, the amount of options available is way larger. By using the recommendations and guidelines mentioned above, you can make an informed decision and buy the worthiest products on the market. They will keep your furry friend happy and well-fed.