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Your furry friend has a pretty sweet deal when you think about it. You love your cat even though they don’t pay rent, love to break expensive things, and only snuggle with you when they feel like it. Jokes aside, felines are pretty adorable and while they’re not as high maintenance as movies like to portray, raising a moody pet is never easy. You want your little buddy around for as long as possible, and a great way to ensure that is feeding them the right diet. With this in mind, we’ve curated a list of some of the leading dry cat foods for 2022. So, let’s get that fur baby something to eat.

Made of a signature fiber blend, this option from Iams provides some rich nutrient content. It packs a punch of protein thanks to the included chicken and turkey. To top it off, the formula includes l-carnitine which is known to help combat obesity in domesticated animals. Whether it’s as a snack or lunch, this product can be a great addition to a balanced diet. And the 7-pound bag can last your hungry pet for a long time. Plus, the manufacturer claims that cats accustomed to this dry food can enjoy a healthier coat and reduced shedding — thanks to the beet pulp and other healthy ingredients. The formula and possible health benefits helped us pick this as the best overall product on this list.

Contains Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids

Suitable for almost all breeds

Contains Niacin and ascorbic acid

The Purina One Dry Cat Food is geared toward weight control and helps this by using natural ingredients. This product relies heavily on its turkey content for a high protein percentage. Since only white meat is used, it is mostly lower in terms of fat, too. The brand even claims this particular food is 10% less fattening compared to other products from the same company. Other ingredients include chicken and a hefty dose of fiber to help maintain gut health. The brand also claims the formula helps boost immunity by including antioxidants. And vitamins, nutrients, and minerals have also been added, too.

Helps promote more radiant coats

If you don’t really subscribe to that whole nine-lives thing, you should check out this pick from Daily Essentials. It comes in whopping 28-pound containers, and this product is rich in omega-3 fatty acids alongside other ingredients. The included antioxidants can help nourish skin and add some more natural fluff to your cat’s coat. And this is coupled with taurine for helping strengthen heart function and enhance vision. Some added protein also helps build muscle and boost energy levels. The greatest part? You don't even have to worry about ditching it once your kitten grows up since this dry food is suitable for all life stages of life.

Meets the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) standards

Derived from this brand’s coveted superfood blend, this product from Rachel Ray is as crunchy as it gets. This pick can be perfect for cats with allergies or a sensitive tummy, too. For one, no wheat, soy, or corn is added. So, if your feline doesn’t take well to those ingredients, this food can be a good option. In terms of protein, this pick knocks it out of the park with a stellar combination of real turkey, chickpeas, and salmon. And you can be confident that no poultry byproducts are included. Besides meat, a unique addition of berries helps amp up the antioxidant count, helping your kitty can run, jump and chase like a champ. And the greatest part? This product includes some live probiotics that can help maintain a healthy digestive system and can enhance resistance to infections.

Tasty, filling, and super nutritious — Blue Buffalo puts its name to good use with this option. Made with real chicken and brown rice, this food can be great for helping build feline muscle. And it also includes various vegetables and fruits. Although the recipe is pretty nutritious, it is still low in calories — which is great for when you’re watching your cat’s weight. The included omega 3 and 6 fatty acids can also help fight pesky skin issues, thicken coats and help boost the immune system. Overall, this product offers a pretty clean ingredient profile — no artificial flavors or byproducts are used either. And if there’s one drawback, it’s that the label suggests that this pick is better suited for indoor adult cats, rather than kitties of all ages.

No cornmeal or wheat added

Enhanced potency and cold formed

Still haven’t gotten your cat’s meals right? You don’t want to be one of those pet owners who feed their animals the wrong things. Choosing dry cat food isn’t always an easy decision, especially when you’re a first-time cat parent. As more and more people adopt pets, the animal food industry continues to expand. Naturally, this means that there’s an overwhelming amount of options to choose from. While some are great, others are nothing but a bag of empty claims. Let us help you find the one that's just right for your furry friend.

Just like humans thrive on protein, cats do too. This isn’t to say that both species have the same nutritional needs, but both can do pretty well by eating protein in moderate quantities. When shopping for dry food, don’t buy anything with less than 30% protein. Healthy muscle function and strong immunity aren’t a given, which is why great dry cat food should always include enough protein. Don't forget though, that protein isn’t just derived from meat sources. Many vegetables, grains, and legumes can also provide plenty.

Not all dry foods are suitable for kittens. Unfortunately, many newbie cat owners forget to make this distinction. It’s better to invest in dry cat food that is suitable for all phases of a cat’s life. Contrary to popular belief, this isn’t hard to find either. Many manufacturers keep their formula safe for both kittens and adult cats.

You don’t have to be a cat expert to know that certain seemingly harmless foods can wreak havoc on your cat’s health. Surprisingly though, some of them are perfectly safe for humans. This list includes onions, shallots, garlic, and more. A quick internet search can help reveal some of the big no-nos in terms of dry cat food. This can help you to make a more informed decision when you’re hunting for some delicious treats for your precious ball of fur.

The Association of American Feed Control Officials is a recognized body that sets standards for the safety and quality of animal foods. The agency also determines whether products available on shelves are nutritious enough. Pretty much anything with an AAFCO label is worth a purchase. Why? Because a group of educated researchers is basically telling you which dry foods deserve your attention.

There’s no clear winner between wet and dry cat food. A balanced diet that incorporates both is ideal, but that’s not always possible for busy working adults. The biggest drawback of wet food is that it can go bad pretty quickly. It does have a higher water content though, which is great if you and your feline friend live in a hotter climate. On the other hand, some studies link dry cat food to obesity in cats. But don’t stress too much since this research is largely based on poor-quality dry foods with higher fat content. As long as you stick to one with high fiber content, it shouldn’t be too much of a concern.

As resilient as the species is, cats can be allergic to a lot of stuff in the food chain. On average, the same kitty won’t have a broad spectrum of food allergies — and that’s a relief. But it’s important to check if your special kitty reacts to certain ingredients. The most common food allergies to look out for are corn, dairy, soy, fish, eggs, chicken, and beef.

Q: How long will my dry cat food last?

A: Dry cat food can last up to a year from its manufacturing date if it’s sealed. An opened bag of dry cat food does lose its nutritional value much faster though — in up to three months or less. If you think your kitty’s favorite snacks have gone bad, toss them, it’s not worth the risk.

Q: Will buying dry cat food for my cat be expensive?

A: Yes, good-quality animal food generally tends to be more expensive.

Q: How much dry food should my cat eat every day?

A: Depending on the age, weight, and size of your cat, anywhere between one to two cups should be okay.

Q: If my cat is sick, should I feed them dry food?

A: Dry cat food with probiotics can help your cat recover faster — as long as the ingredients don’t aggravate any existing allergies.

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