Best Canned Cat Food

What is the best Ragdoll cat food?

I get the question, "What is the best food for a Ragdoll cat?" or "What are the best canned cat foods?"  or "What is the best canned cat food?" or "What's the recommended diet for Ragdoll cats?" at least 10 times a week.

What to feed your cat is an essential part of cat ownership and care. 

Therefore, I have compiled the resources here for good reason and update this page often.

My decision to put my cats on wet food came from reading this feline veterinarian's website - Feeding Your Cat: Know the Basics of Feline Nutrition by Lisa A. Pierson, DVM.  If you have not ever read that website - stop reading this one and go read that one!!

If you are looking to transition your kitty from dry cat food to wet cat food or raw food, this is where to start.  We had to transition Charlie and Trigg and this post explains how we did it -Transitioning Charlie and Trigg from Dry Cat Food to Wet Cat Food Only.

Raw Cat Food Diet is Ideal

Please note: After running this site since 2008, I feel strongly that the best food for cats is a raw diet.  If I could get my cats on a raw cat food diet (frozen raw or homemade raw - not freeze dried raw), I would.  I have tried everything, and it didn't work, so we are stuck on wet cat food - which is better than dry. 

Others have had the same struggle with transitioning their kitties to a raw diet, and have told me it took them 6 years to transition their picky eater - so maybe it's possible, but the stress on me and the cats might not be.  You have to decide what will work for you based on your situation, but I definitely think raw food is the healthiest food for cats.

Highlights:

1. Raw Cat Food is Ideal
2. Cat Probiotics are helpful when transitioning
3. Reader Favorite, Canned Cat Food (on Amazon):
   1. Weruva Variety Pack Grain-Free Canned Cat Food (Pack of 12, 3-ounce cans)
   2. Tiki Cat Gourmet Whole Food 12-Pack
   3. 9-Flavor Variety Pack Weruva Cats in the Kitchen
   4. Feline Natural

Homemade Raw Diets

Some readers make their own food for their kitties.  Jamie, a Floppycats' reader submitted this story of her homemade raw journey: Homemade Raw Cat Food for Ragdoll Cats: One Reader’s Journey Another reader explained how she feeds Frankenprey. And we also have this page that features recipes from three reputable sources for homemade raw cat food recipes.

Important Information:

CATINFO.ORG is the HOLY GRAIL OF FELINE NUTRITION.  Please read it before you read the rest of this page.  If you don't have time to read it, then please listen to this video below.  It discusses what is the best food for cats and why.

Here is a more recent interview with Dr. Pierson - there is audio, so you can listen to her reasoning behind not feeding dry cat food.

Do you have Netflix or Amazon?  Be sure to watch the pet food industry documentary Pet Fooled on Amazon.

Holistic veterinarian, Dr. Jean Hofve, who has done a lot of interviews with us, has written an eBook on, What Cats Should Eat: How to Keep Your Cat Healthy with Good Food.  And is another way to learn about feline nutrition and to find the best foods for cats out there.

We also had a great interview with Dr. Jean that you might find helpful - Is Grain Free Cat Food Bad for Cats? An Interview with Dr. Jean Hofve, DVM

I am not a feline nutritional expert and although I have tried, I am unsuccessful in getting into the details of it.  There are some readers that are very knowledgeable, so I hope they will comment!

Liz Eastwood of the Natural Cat Care Blog keeps a Best Canned Cat Food List Bottom line is that dry cat food is not healthy for a carnivore, your cat, and should not be the main diet. However, you might want your cat to like dry food in case of emergency purposes, like hurricanes or boarding situations.

However, an all dry cat food diet can lead to chronic issues (as kidney failure, UTIs, struvite crystals, stones, obesity, diabetes, and the need for frequent dental cleanings and possibly tooth extractions) for your kitty and therefore it is best to avoid those. Also since a lot of dry cat foods have grains and byproducts, your kitty could develop an allergy to one of the foods.

If you need to feed your kitty dry food, then consider one that has no by-products or grains. If it is necessary to feed dry cat food, only do so as a snack, not as a full meal.

The best canned cat food is that which does not have any by-products, fillers, or toxins. Always be sure to read the labels of your kitty’s canned food and choose a food with no by-products or grains. Since cats are carnivores, grains are not their friend.

How to Transition a Kitty to New Cat Food

Cat Food Transition Instructions

In most case a 7-day transition is ideal, but in drastic changes 10 days or more is suggested:

• 2-3 days: 75% old food, 25% new food
• 2-3 days: 50% old food, 50% new food
• 2-3 days: 25% old food, 75% new food

Following this plan gives your kitty's digestive tract the needed time to adjust to the new food and minimizes the risk of an upset stomach.

Cat Probiotics and Other Supplements

Whenever switching a kitty to new cat food, you've got to do it slowly, and I also always use cat probiotics to prevent diarrhea.  While I used to always have Purina Fortiflora Feline Nutritional Supplement Box on hand - there was a little issue with them recently, so I went to the readership to see what they used.  

You can read the discussion on Facebook about probiotics. For cat probiotic pills, I take one of the capsules out of the jar (it's refrigerated).  Open it up and then divide the powder inside into two ramekins.  I then cover one of the ramekins and save it for the next day.  Then I add about 1/2 teaspoon or a full teaspoon of water to the other ramekin - mix the probiotics with the water and then offer it to Charlie.  

He usually will just drink/lap it up - but sometimes I have to put it in a syringe and slowly put it in his mouth. In an interview with holistic veterinarian, Dr. Jean Hofve, she mentioned that all geriatric cats should be on an omega 3, probiotics, digestive enzyme, and antioxidant.

Here are the ones she likes:

• Antioxidant: Only Natural Pet Whole Food Antioxidant Blend
• Digestive Enzymes: Only Natural Pet Vital Digest
• Cat Probiotic: Only Natural Pet Probiotic Blend
• Omega-3: MOXXOR - use MOXXOR coupon code "FLOPPYCATS" to get 10% off of your purchase.

Cat Pre & Probiotics:

As of July 2021, I have started using these wonderful products on Charlie and Trigg, and suspect I will use them on them for the rest of their lives. I have seen so many improvements - including gut health, energy, happiness, contentment and more.

They have 3 products that actually combine things:

• Adored Beast Love Bugs has prebiotics and probiotics
• Adored Beast Healthy Gut has prebiotics and probiotics + digestive enzymes
• Adored Beast Gut Soothe has prebiotics and probiotics + inflammatory herbs

This video features Julie Lee of Adored Beast explaining the differences in their 3 products.

Canned Cat Food I Feed My Ragdoll Cats

My favorite wet cat food is a variety of brands and flavors so that they don't get hung up on having the same thing.  And, of course, cat food flavors and brands that they will actually eat because at the end of the day, if they aren't eating, that's a whole other problem.

Updated November 11, 2021  - I feed Charlie and Trigg:

• Farmina N&D Prime Boar & Apple Wet Cat Food 2.8oz
• Farmina N&D Pumpkin Boar & Apple Wet Cat Food 2.8oz
• Farmina N&D Pumpkin Duck Wet Cat Food 2.8oz
• Farmina N&D Pumpkin Quail Wet Cat Food 2.8oz
• Farmina N&D Quinoa Skin & Coat Duck Wet Cat Food 2.8oz
• Farmina N&D Quinoa Skin & Coat Quail Wet Cat Food 2.8oz
• Koha Limited Ingredient Duck Paté Wet Cat Food
• Koha Limited Ingredient Turkey Paté Wet Cat Food - 3oz
• Life's Abundance Pork & Lamb
• Nulo Freestyle Turkey & Duck Grain-Free Shredded / Minced 3oz
• Stella & Chewy's Carnivore Cravings Duck & Chicken Recipe Wet Cat Food Pouch - 2.8oz
• Stella & Chewy's Carnivore Cravings Purrfect Pate - Duck & Chicken Wet Cat Food 2.8oz
• Stella & Chewy's Carnivore Cravings Savory Shreds - Chicken & Chicken Liver Wet Cat Food 2.8oz
• Stella & Chewy's Carnivore Cravings Savory Shreds - Chicken & Turkey Wet Cat Food 2.8oz

Freeze-Dried Raw I Am Trying

I like to buy from companies like our local independent pet food store or Chewy because they will let me return opened food that my cats won't eat while I am working on transitioning them to raw.

• Vital Essentials Duck Dinner Patties Grain-Free Limited Ingredient Freeze-Dried Cat Food, 8-oz bag
• Vital Essentials Turkey Dinner Patties Grain-Free Limited Ingredient Freeze-Dried Cat Food, 8-oz bag
• Vital Essentials Pork Dinner Patties Freeze-Dried Raw Cat Food, 8-oz bag

Additionally, I feed them mid-day freeze dried treat - Whole Life Pet Treats.

Sometimes I use the Whole Life Pet treats as a topper and have been known to use Eden Foods Bonito Tuna Flakes on top of their food, if they will not eat it.  I randomly also sprinkle Nutritional Yeast on their food to entice them to eat it. However, in July 2021, Charlie started having allergic reactions to fish and yeast, so I had to stop doing that.

I used to feed them, and might try again (sometimes Charlie and Trigg just stop eating a certain flavor, so I take it out of our rotation and may or may not reintroduce it):

• Tiki Cat (grab a Tiki Cat Gourmet Whole Food 12-Pack 9-Flavor Variety Pack on Amazon to try it out)
• Wellness Signature Selects Grain Free Shredded Chicken & Chicken Liver Natural Wet Canned Cat Food
• Wellness Natural Grain Free Signature Selects Flaked Wet Cat Food Variety Pack Box
• Hounds and Gatos
• Nature's Variety Rabbit
• Ziwi Peak Chicken
• Merrick Purrfect Bistro Chicken Pâté Canned Cat Food
• Merrick Purrfect Bistro Duck Pate Canned Cat Food
• Cornucopia
• Ziwi Peak - you can buy it from their website.
  • Rabbit & Lamb
  • Mackerel & Lamb
  • ZIWI Peak Provenance East Cape Canned Wet Cat Food
  • ZIWI Peak Provenance Hauraki Plains Canned Wet Cat Food
  • ZIWI Peak Provenance Otago Valley Canned Wet Cat Food
• Feline Natural
• Life's Abundance Pork & Lamb
• Weruva (grab a Weruva Variety Pack Grain-Free Canned Cat Food (Pack of 12, 3-ounce cans) on Amazon to try it out)
• Weruva Cats in the Kitchen
• Earthborn Holistic Catalina Catch Mackerel Dinner with Shrimp Wet Cat Food
• and others.
•  There are other cat food brands that I like, like Nature's Logic, but they won't eat it.  My brother's cat will though - so don't eliminate it entirely.  You've gotta find the brands, flavors, etc. that work for you and for your cat.

Changing Cat Food Flavors

When figuring out cat food flavors, I first buy two of every flavor locally (or through websites or stores I can order online or over the phone by the can) to make sure the cats like it enough to get a full case.  I also sometimes go in on an order with my sister to split the cost and number of cans. Transitioning cat food flavors is a slow process. Be patient and don’t rush the process.

Where to Buy Cat Food and Get Help.

Feeling overwhelmed? Want help in figuring out what cat food to buy? Try these awesome stores - and you can talk to a knowledgeable person on the phone!

• Healthy Spot - Reader Kristie reported that you can buy individual cans of cat food here and have them shipped to you.  If you don't have a local store that carries a food and want to try a new one without buying an entire case, this is a great option.
• Luke's All Natural - 1-855-752-5853 - Luke's is a locally owned pet store in south Florida that sells natural pet food and has a staff that is super knowledgeable.
• Only Natural Pet - 1-888-937-6677 - Only Natural Pet is a pet store in Boulder, CO that sells natural pet food and has a staff that is super knowledgeable.

Where to Buy Cat Food in Bulk.

• Amazon.com - Prime members get free and quick shipping on many canned and dry cat foods, including freeze dried raw.
• Chewy.com - So many pet owners love and know about Chewy for their free shipping and quick shipment (usually arrives in 2 days).
• Luke's All Natural - 1-855-752-5853 - Luke's is a locally owned pet store in south Florida that sells natural pet food and has a staff that is super knowledgeable.
• Only Natural Pet - 1-888-937-6677 - Only Natural Pet is a pet store in Boulder, CO that sells natural pet food and has a staff that is super knowledgeable. Use Only Natural Pet Promo Code "CANLOVE" 20% OFF all Cases of Canned Dog & Cat Food. This coupon is valid for one-time use and expires on 12/31/2019.
• Petflow.com - A lot like Chewy, PetFlow carries most major brands -  FREE shipping on orders over $49. I order from PetFlow.com monthly for the price, free shipping (no tax in my state of Kansas), and quick shipment (usually arrives in 2 days)
• Pet360 and other sites - I am subscribed to sites like Pet360 - they sometimes offer promo codes that make buying from them cheaper.
• How Floppycats' readers get their cat food - be sure to read the comments!

List of Best Canned Cat Foods:

• Best Canned Cat Foods According to Liz Eastwood of the Natural Cat Care Blog
• Feeding Your Cat: Know the Basics of Feline Nutrition by Lisa A. Pierson, DVM
• Susan Thixton's TheTruthAboutPetFood.com's The List

Many Ragdoll breeders and cat aficionados do not recommend food made by Iams, Eukanuba (same company as Iams), Hills (Science Diet), Nutro, Purina, etc.You might be interested in the Cat Food CARBOHYDRATE & CALORIE CALCULATOR

Raw Food for Cats

As I mentioned above, I believe a raw cat food diet is the best food for a cat. There are many companies that make raw cat food that is pre-packaged so that you do not have to do it yourself.

• Big Bear Pet Company Makers of KatManFood and Hoo-RAW! Use the Big Bear Pet Coupon Code “FLOPPY20” to get 20% off your first order.
• Raw Paws Pet Food - Save 10% On All Orders on Raw Paws Website  - Code RAWTAKE10
• Nature’s Variety (easiest to find)
• Stella & Chewy’s (each batch tested for bacteria and salmonella)
• Bravo (usually cheapest)
• Primal (usually most expensive)
• Rad Cat (Higher priced, use free-range meat)
• Darwin's Natural Pet Food

If you decide to go the raw cat food diet route be sure to avoid feeding dry food and raw food at the same time. Since dry cat food has many ingredients that aren’t needed, it takes longer for your kitty to digest.

However, with raw cat food, kitties use all the nutrients and therefore they have fewer stools, less volume, and no smell!

Also, when considering the raw cat food diet, be sure to never feed your kitty cooked bones. Raw bones are soft and easy to digest, whereas cooked bones will splinter and will cause choking and/or death.

Cat Water Fountains:

An important part of the feeding process is plenty of freshwater. Be sure to refresh your kitty’s water bowl on a daily basis if not more frequently. Cats like to have fresh clean water; in fact, many cats like to have ice cubes in their water dish because the ice cubes keep the water as fresh as possible. You might consider using a pet fountain because the water gets filtered and recycled. Read our review here.

Ceramic Cat Water Fountains:

• Glacier Point Fountains
• IPETTIE Ceramic Pet Drinking Fountain
• Pioneer Pet Raindrop Ceramic Drinking Fountain for Pets

Metal Cat Water Fountains:

• Drinkwell 360 Multiple Pet Drinking Fountain
• Pioneer Pet Stainless Steel Fountain Raindrop Design

• NautyPaws Cat Water Fountain Stainless Steel

Plastic Cat Fountains (don't recommend these for kitties with acne problems):

• Catit Design Senses Fountain with Water Softening Cartridge
• Petmate Drinking Fountain
• Cat Mate Pet Fountain

I should mention that when my Ragdoll cats were transitioned to wet only, they no longer had interest in drinking water now that they are on wet food only.  Therefore, I don't find fountains as important for wet food only feeders.

Be sure to feed your kitty in a glass, ceramic, or a stainless steel dish. The reason for this is because plastic dishes tend to hold bacteria and can cause cat acne.

Further Reading on Feline Nutrition

• The Natural Cat: The Comprehensive Guide to Optimum Care
• Compassion for Pets
• What Cats Should Eat: How to Keep Your Cat Healthy with Good Food

More Cat Food Reading: