FaunaHub

Choosing food Nutrition & feeding

How to Choose Cat Food

In short

Cats are obligate carnivores with specific needs — including taurine, an amino acid they must get from their diet. The most useful starting signal on a product is its nutritional-adequacy statement (often citing AAFCO) confirming it is complete and balanced for a life stage. From there, match the food to your cat's life stage and individual needs with veterinary input. This page explains how to compare options — it does not rank brands.

Why cat food is not just smaller dog food

  • Cats are obligate carnivores and need a meat-based, protein-rich diet.
  • They require certain nutrients from animal sources, such as taurine, that complete cat foods are formulated to supply.
  • Cat foods are formulated specifically for cats — dog food is not a substitute.
  • Many cats benefit from some wet food for moisture, as cats can have a naturally low thirst drive.

What to check on the label

Front-of-bag words like 'premium' or 'gourmet' are marketing, not nutritional standards. Focus on the parts that are defined.

  • A nutritional-adequacy statement (often referencing AAFCO) for the right life stage — kitten/growth, adult, or all life stages.
  • Whether it suits your cat's life stage and any veterinary recommendations.
  • Calorie content and the feeding guide, so you can portion sensibly.
  • Wet, dry, or a mix — based on your cat's preferences, hydration, and your vet's advice.

Choosing checklist

  • Confirm a complete-and-balanced statement for your cat's life stage.
  • Choose food formulated for cats, not dogs.
  • Decide on wet, dry, or a mix with hydration in mind.
  • Introduce any new food gradually over several days.
  • Confirm the choice with your veterinarian, especially for kittens, seniors, or health conditions.

What not to assume

  • Do not feed cats dog food — it lacks nutrients cats specifically need.
  • Do not assume grain-free is healthier for cats; most do not need it.
  • Do not assume a vegetarian or vegan diet suits a cat without veterinary supervision — cats are obligate carnivores.
  • Do not switch foods abruptly.

When to ask a veterinarian

Nutrition is individual, and this page cannot assess your specific pet. Ask a licensed veterinarian — ideally before major changes — especially in these situations.

  • Puppies, kittens, pregnancy or nursing, or seniors — life stages with particular needs.
  • Weight concerns, a changing body condition, or any recommended weight-loss or weight-gain plan.
  • Any diagnosed condition or prescription diet (for example kidney, urinary, diabetic, or allergy diets).
  • Vomiting, diarrhoea, appetite loss, or refusal to eat that lasts or keeps coming back.
  • Before a major diet change, or if you are considering a raw, vegetarian, or home-prepared diet.

How to Choose Cat Food — Frequently Asked Questions

What makes cats different from dogs nutritionally?
Cats are obligate carnivores and depend on nutrients found in animal tissue, such as taurine, which complete cat foods are formulated to provide. This is why cat food is formulated specifically for cats and dog food is not a substitute.
Wet food, dry food, or both?
There is no universal answer. Many cats do well on a mix, and wet food adds moisture, which can help cats that drink little. Preferences, dental factors, weight, and health all matter — discuss the balance with your veterinarian. See our wet vs dry guide for cats.
Do you recommend specific cat food brands?
No. FaunaHub does not rank or recommend brands and carries no affiliate food links. We explain how to read labels so you can choose with your veterinarian.

Sources and further reading

Authoritative references used for general educational context. External links open in a new tab and these organisations do not endorse FaunaHub. Specific feeding amounts and diet choices depend on the individual animal and should be confirmed with the food label and a licensed veterinarian.