Best Indoor Cat Food Summary

ImageProductFeaturesPrice
Our Top Pick
Open Farm Homestead Turkey & Chicken

Open Farm Homestead Turkey & Chicken

Made with a blend of humanely raised chicken and turkey, paired with functional ingredients.

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Best Natural
The Honest Kitchen Grain-Free Clusters

The Honest Kitchen Grain-Free Clusters

Made with selected ingredients that support healthy energy levels and lean body mass in indoor cats. 

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Best Gluten-Free
JustCats Fish & Chicken

JustCats Fish & Chicken

This recipe is nutritionally balanced for adult cats and made from real ingredients.

Get on JustFoodForDogs
Best Human Grade
Smalls Cat Food

Smalls Cat Food

Smalls offers human-grade fresh and freeze-dried raw cat food subscriptions delivered to your door.

Get on Smalls
Best for Adult
Raised Right’s Original Chicken Cat Recipe

Raised Right’s Original Chicken Cat Recipe

A high-quality wet food formula that is suitable for your indoor feline.

Get on Raised Right
Best for over 1-Year Old
Hill's Science Diet Adult Indoor Cat Food

Hill's Science Diet Adult Indoor Cat Food

Vet-recommended cat food with chicken, taurine, and natural fiber for health and easy litter box clean-up.

Get on AmazonGet on Chewy
Best Grain-Free
Blue Buffalo Wilderness Indoor Dry Cat Food

Blue Buffalo Wilderness Indoor Dry Cat Food

Grain-free with real chicken and LifeSource Bits that are cold-formed to preserve the ingredients’ potency.

Get on AmazonGet on Chewy
Best for Weight & Hairball Control
IAMS Proactive Health

IAMS Proactive Health

This chicken and turkey recipe is perfect for hairball control and body weight maintenance.

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Best Protein-High
CRAVE Grain Free Natural Dry Cat Food

CRAVE Grain Free Natural Dry Cat Food

High-protein formula with chicken as the first ingredient that satisfies the cat’s dietary needs and taste preferences.

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Most Affordable
Rachael Ray Nutrish Natural Dry Cat Food

Rachael Ray Nutrish Natural Dry Cat Food

Affordable food made to support proper digestion, healthy weight maintenance, and a strong immune system.

Get on AmazonGet on Chewy
Best for Senior Cats
Purina ONE Natural Senior Indoor Dry Cat Food

Purina ONE Natural Senior Indoor Dry Cat Food

This indoor cat food helps support the needs of senior cats and minimizes hairballs.

Get on AmazonGet on Chewy

Why Do Indoor Cats Need Special Food?

The main reason indoor cats require indoor cat food is that an indoor cat’s needs will be different than an outdoor cat’s needs.

They require fewer calories due to a lower activity level, and an indoor formula will be more likely to be formulated for weight control. Also, cat shedding can be slower, which is why indoor formulas help with hairball control.

Best Indoor Cat Food Formulas Reviewed

There are many brands and types of food for indoor cats. With so many choices, it can be hard to pick the right one for your feline friend. To make things easy, we have selected and reviewed the best cat food for indoor cats.

open farm homestead grain free formula

Summary: Open Farm Homestead Turkey & Chicken Dry Cat Food works great wonders on felines, especially indoor cats. This nutritious combination of proteins helps support healthy digestion in your cats, thanks to a blend of humanely raised chicken and turkey, paired with functional ingredients like non-GMO cranberry and dandelion greens. Get 20% off your first auto-ship order with code VET20.

Type: Dry cat formula

Best for: Cats of all life stages

Price: $7.00 per lb (based on a 4lb variant)

Pros
  • 20% off your first auto-ship order with code VET20
  • High in protein and fresh turkey & chicken
  • Includes cranberries and dandelion greens to promote UTI health
  • Source of prebiotic fibers to support healthy digestion
  • Free from potatoes and any rendered poultry or meat meals
  • 100% traceable ingredients
Cons
  • No significant cons

Ingredient Analysis: This recipe contains humanely-raised turkeys and chickens, as well as non-GMO cranberries, non-GMO chickpeas, coconut oil, and pumpkin. All of these are rich in essential nutrients and vitamins that are vital for full immune support. 

Review: Many dog owners describe this as the best cat food they’ve given to their felines. To quote one great review, “This is a terrific food. High-quality proteins, low carbohydrates, high in essential taurine. My picky eater, who will only eat dry food, loves this food, and goes right to his fountain to drink after eating it, giving him the hydration he needs.”

The Honest Kitchen Grain-Free Turkey and Chicken Clusters

Summary: A family-run business with headquarters in the US, The Honest Kitchen creates nutritious pet food formula using only minimally processed, human-grade ingredients. These vitamin-rich clusters were created in cooperation with a veterinary nutritionist using a variety of natural ingredients, cage-free turkey and chicken, and a probiotic boost to aid with your cat’s digestion.

The Honest Kitchen Grain-Free Turkey and Chicken Clusters are made with excellent ingredients to support your cat’s overall health and wellness. This recipe includes cranberries to support your cat’s urinary health, probiotics to achieve good digestion, and flax seeds to reduce hairballs and keep a healthy coat. This is such a suitable grain-free recipe for indoor cats.

Type: Dry cat formula

Best for: Cats of all life stages

Price: $7.99/lb

Pros
  • All-natural, non-GMO ingredients
  • Has higher protein and fiber content
  • No preservatives, artificial colors, fillers, and meat meals
  • Human-grade quality
  • Boosts energy levels and improves digestion
Cons
  • Rich in carbohydrates and calories

Ingredient Analysis: The recipe contains fenugreek seed, taurine, and dried organic kelp—all of which are rich in powerful antioxidants that aid in the overall well-being of your cat. With cage-free turkey and chicken, along with turkey liver, potatoes, and salmon oil, this dry cat formula is laden with healthy proteins and other nutrients necessary for boosting your feline’s immune system.

Review: Satisfied pet owners report that after their cats’ consistent consumption of The Honest Kitchen Grain-Free Turkey and Chicken Clusters, their energy levels and overall well-being have improved. Their cats have also maintained healthy digestion and optimal skin and coat health. 
JustCats Fish & Chicken

Summary: JustCat Fish and Chicken recipe is nutritionally balanced for adult cats and made from real ingredients. It features Wild-caught Alaskan Pacific cod, whole Atlantic sardines, chicken thighs, chicken hearts, and chicken liver, along with a nutrient blend of vitamins and minerals. Tapioca starch is the only carbohydrate source and the recipe is naturally moisture-rich. This formula meets AAFCO nutrient profile standards for adult cats of any size and breed.

Type: Wet cat food formula

Best for: Adult cats

Price: $14.29

Pros
  • Gluten-free and grain-free
  • Ideal for cats with allergies or sensitive GI tracts
  • Naturally supports hydration
  • Great source of healthy fats and is high in protein 
  • Made with a nutrient blend of vitamins and minerals
Cons
  • Only available in one size

Ingredient Analysis: The first ingredient in this recipe is Wild-caught Alaskan Pacific cod which is naturally hydrating and protein-rich. Since cats are true carnivores this recipe also includes organ meats including chicken thighs, chicken hearts, and chicken liver which help build muscle and maintain good health. Whole sardines are also added to this formula which are high in Omega-3 fatty acids. JustCats cat food also includes a nutrient blend full of vitamins and minerals. 

Review: Cat owners state JustCats is the “best cat food!” Cats love the taste and their owners love how healthy it is. Many pet parents have noticed better stool quality and better digestion since starting their cats on this food.

Smalls Smooth Bird

Summary: Smalls is a cat food subscription service company that opens with a one-minute survey to determine your cat’s needs. From there, they recommend a cat food option that is made fresh with fresh human-grade ingredients or freeze-dried raw and shipped right to your door, making this one of the best cat food brands. It satisfies the cat’s nutritional needs, prevents obesity, and has excellent moisture content. Based on the needs, it can be made as cat or kitten food. Plus, subscribers receive free treats for life on every order. 

Type: Fresh and freeze-dried raw

Best for: Cats of all life stages

Price: $9/11.5 oz unit

Pros
  • Made with human-grade, natural ingredients
  • Carefully formulated for optimal health
  • Personalized meals and plans
  • Lifetime treat supply with every subscription 
  • Safe, for kittens, adults, and senior cats
Cons
  • It is more expensive than other options on the list

Ingredient Analysis: The ingredients are sustainably sourced from the United States and Canada to ensure premium-grade products with each order. Ingredients like chicken thigh, chicken breast and liver, green beans and peas, and only enough water to be sufficient for the production process make this one of the best and cleanest sources of nutrition for your cat on the market today.

Review: Reviews on this product are excellent, and customers are satisfied with both the product and the service. You can read more about the positive feedback for this food on ConsumerAffairs and TrustPilot. Overall, cat owners are raving about the food and would recommend it. 

Raised Right Original Chicken Adult Cat Recipe

Summary: Raised Right’s Original Chicken Cat Recipe is a high-quality wet food formula suitable for your indoor feline. At Raised Right, safety food standards are highly valued and food is prepared at minimal temperatures, which are hot enough to eliminate pathogens like salmonella and E. coli while remaining cool enough to preserve moisture and nutritional content. Before shipping, each batch is lab-tested to make sure it is pathogen-free, and the findings of each test are made available online. Moreover, Raised Right does not only produce human-grade, grain-free cat formula—each menu comes in compostable packaging, hence adhering to their plastic neutrality and sustainability missions. 

Type: Wet cat formula

Best for: Cats of all life stages

Price: $10.99 per bag

Pros
  • A human-grade wet formula perfect for indoor cats
  • Grain-free and limited-ingredient
  • Made with 100% whole foods and real meat
  • Free from synthetic vitamins and minerals
  • High-protein and rich in complex B vitamins
Cons
  • Needs to be defrosted before serving

Ingredient Analysis: This recipe contains the following real food ingredients: chicken thigh, chicken heart, chicken liver, carrots, organic spearmint, blueberries, cod liver oil, eggshell powder, organic dried kelp, flaxseed oil, taurine, and thiamine mononitrate. All of these contain essential vitamins and nutrients necessary for healthy immune function and overall feline wellness. 

Review: Many pet owners loved Raised Right’s Original Chicken Recipe for their cats. They reported that this formula smells great and their cats don’t hesitate to munch it. They also praised the product’s quality ingredients and excellent packaging.

Hills Science Diet Indoor cat food

Summary: Using high-quality protein sources, like chicken, this indoor cat formula is formulated to fit the energy demands of an indoor cat’s day-to-day life and contains fibers to control hairballs and make litter box cleaning easy. It comes in dry and wet cat food varieties and offers a selection of flavors to keep your cat excited and engaged at mealtime.

Type: Dry cat food

Best for: Adult cats

Price: $1.75/lb

Pros
  • Chicken as the first ingredient
  • With natural fiber for digestion support
  • No by-product meals and artificial ingredients
  • Excellent quality at an affordable price
  • Made in the USA with global ingredients
Cons
  • Contains grains that may cause allergies

Ingredient Analysis: Using a blend of high-quality protein sources from chicken, chicken liver, and fish, this dry cat food offers support for healthy muscle function and a high overall dietary quality. However, the addition of grains, with grains being two of the first three ingredients, can be cause for concern as cats sometimes do not respond well to gluten or grains.

Review: Reviews on Amazon are widely in favor of the food. With 85% of over 10,000 reviews being five stars, it is clear many consumers are satisfied with their purchase. A common theme in critical reviews, however, is customers who receive “bad batches” when ordering on Amazon, and they recommend buying in-store over online.

Blue wilderness Indoor cat food

Summary: The high-protein kibble recipe Blue Buffalo uses in this grain-free adult cat food is geared for your indoor cat by providing the necessary amino acids and carbohydrates it needs to be healthy. They use chicken as the first ingredient, meaning it is the most common ingredient in the product and includes what they call “life source bits,” which are made of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals to support your cat’s immune system, bones, and teeth.

Type: Dry, cold-formed cat food

Best for: Adult cats

Price: $3.20/lb

Pros
  • Chicken is the first ingredient
  • Cold-formed and with the brand’s LifeSource Bits
  • Includes antioxidants and vitamins for immune support
  • Made grain-free and without by-products
  • Contains no artificial flavors or preservatives
Cons
  • Higher in calories than other indoor cat foods

Ingredient Analysis: With chicken as the first ingredient and the inclusion of omega fatty acids, this dry pet food is a great choice for those looking to use a grain-free food. The largest cause of concern is the use of oil of rosemary, however, it is in such small portions and is the last ingredient on the list that it is unlikely to cause adverse reactions.

Review: With 85% of the 6,800 reviews on Amazon rating this five stars, it is a fan favorite. Consumers claim it has helped with their cat’s vomiting and helped their cat’s litter box become easier to clean. The most common complaint is an apparent lack of quality control, with some buyers describing the food as “dusty” or saying it is” not what it used to be.”

Iams indoor cat food

Summary: Whether you’re buying the salmon or chicken recipes of this indoor cat food, you will be buying a product made with zero fillers that will help reduce hairballs and maintain a healthy weight. A reasonable price combined with high-quality ingredients and a focus on natural protein sources makes this dry cat food one of the best choices out there.

Type: Dry cat food

Best for: Adult cats, weight management, hairball control

Price: $1.54/lb

Pros
  • Helps with weight and hairball control
  • Supports healthy heart, skin, and coat
  • Increase metabolism with the use of L-carnitine
  • Fish oil for omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids
  • Made in the USA with World’s finest ingredients
Cons
  • Not suitable for grain-sensitive cats

Ingredient Analysis: The formula’s first ingredient is chicken. It is specifically formulated to give your cat complete nutrition with no fillers. The food is made with by-products, however, and grains. Both of which may turn off some potential buyers.

Review: Out of the 27,000 reviews, 85% were five stars. The five-star reviews often noted how their finicky cats would actually eat the food, and even owners of senior cats claimed it helped their aging feline eat more than what they would prior. Critical reviewers were quick to point out the use of grains and by-products.

crave indoor cat food

Summary: A variety of flavor options ensure your cat will not get bored with this food. It is made with chicken or salmon as the first ingredients and is free from by-products and grains. The food is also free from artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives. With over 40% of meat-derived and high-quality proteins, the food is suitable for adult cats of all breeds and sizes.

Type: Dry cat food

Best for: Indoor adult cats older than one year

Price: $3.00/lb

Pros
  • Grain-free, and made without animal by-products
  • High-protein formula for lean muscle and healthy body
  • With flaxseed and pea, and potato proteins
  • Ingredient analysis on the back of the packaging
  • Provides healthy carbs without the use of grains
Cons
  • Relatively high in carbs when compared to other high protein foods

Ingredient Analysis: When the first product is animal proteins, it generally means the ingredients have been thought out to cater to your cat’s dietary needs. Most people will be able to recognize the majority of the ingredients in the first half of the list, which is usually a good sign. The inclusion of rosemary extract can have some consumers concerned, as it did with the other foods on this list containing rosemary extract, but overall this is a very well-rounded list of ingredients.

Review: Thousands of people rated this food 5 stars, with some even telling stories about how their cats will break into the cabinets in which they store the food to get to it in between meal times. While the majority of positive reviews were less story-based, they still praised the food for helping to solve stool and skin issues. The critical reviews seemed to be more about the delivery or the quality control regarding the 10-pound bag rather than the food itself, but those who did complain about the food were mostly confused about their cat’s reaction to the food and why they wouldn’t eat it.

Rachel Ray Nutrish Indoor cat food

Summary: Using a “superfood blend” of animal proteins, cranberries, pumpkin, and lentils, this food is geared to provide all of the nutrition and energy your indoor cat needs to live a healthy life. The use of brewers rice in the food offers a healthy form of carbohydrates for energy and animal proteins as the first ingredients ensure total nutritional coverage for your adult cat into their senior years.

Type: Dry

Best for: Indoor adult cats

Price: $1.47/lb

Pros
  • Excellent protein content with added superfoods
  • Supports healthy weight loss and control
  • Rich in natural prebiotics for healthy digestion
  • Antioxidant-rich berries for immunity
  • Contains amino acids and omega fatty acids
Cons
  • Includes gluten which may be an issue with some cats

Ingredient Analysis: While ingredients such as animal protein, cranberries, pumpkin, and lentils are the priority of this food, the “superfood blend” is fantastic as it offers antioxidants and micronutrients that may be difficult for your cat to get from other food. It is rich in mineral and vitamin supplements (vitamin A and vitamin E). However, the use of corn gluten can concern some cat owners as it is not ideal for a cat’s diet.

Review: Many of the thousands of reviews were glowing. They made claims about improvements in their senior cats, overweight cats, and cats with sensitive stomachs. Overall, this is one of the best dry cat foods for owners on a budget. Some customers complained about the dishonest corn-free label on the front of the bag. They stated it was clearly noted there was no corn, yet on the back, there was corn gluten in the ingredients.

Purina One Indoor cat food

Summary: Chicken is the first ingredient in this formula made specifically for senior cats. As your cat ages, it can have issues digesting as much protein as it used to when it was younger, and this food reflects that with its inclusion of brown rice and a larger amount of crude fiber than you will find in most foods formulated for younger cats. This will help aid the digestive system. The diet supports overall health and helps prevent hairball issues.

Type: Dry

Best for: Adult cats older than 7 years

Price: $1.78/lb

Pros
  • Supports strong muscles and a healthy heart
  • Promotes optimal energy levels
  • With added vitamins and minerals for older cats
  • No fillers and harmful additives
  • Made in the USA for senior cats
Cons
  • This product contains grains that may not be suitable for some cats

Ingredient Analysis: This food is specifically designed for older cats who need digestion support, and the inclusion of a higher amount of crude fiber and gluten is there to aid the digestive system as well as animal protein to provide your cat with all of the amino acids it needs to live an active life. Overall, this is a good fit for most adult cats reaching into their later life stages, although corn gluten and whole wheat gluten may be seen as a downside in the ingredients list.

Review: There were zero one-star reviews on Amazon and zero one or two-star reviews on Chewy. This is a good indication cat owners are pleased with this product by Purina. Chewy even states on their site that 100% of buyers would recommend it to a friend.

Best Seller
PETLIBRO Granary Camera Monitoring Feeder
9/10Our Score
  • Easy-to-clean, food-grade stainless steel bowl
  • Smart app control and 1080P HD Camera
  • Built-in advanced microphone and speaker 
  • Motion detection, smart notifications, and indicators
  • Use the code Vets15 for 15% off

What is the Healthiest Cat Food for an Indoor Cat?

Smalls Cat Food is our top pick as the best cat food for indoor cats.

The brand uses human-grade whole foods and offers fresh and freeze-dried raw options that ship directly to your door, so you always have the highest quality food at the ready for your feline friend.

Best Seller
Open Farm Cat Food
9.6/10Our Score
  • Ingredients are 100% obsessively sourced and cooked to perfection.
  • Dry cat food: healthy high meat, and low carb to appeal to any picky palate.
  • Wet cat food: 100% human-grade, ethically sourced meat for vital moisture.
  • Freeze-dried cat food: 92%-98% meat, organ, and bones for high protein.
  • Bone broths and probiotics elevate your cat's meal.
  • Get 20% off your first auto-ship order with code VET20

What Should I Look for in Food for Indoor Cats?

When looking for the best cat food for indoor cats, you need to consider several factors such as:

  • First Ingredient. High-quality cat foods must have animal proteins as their first ingredient. As obligate carnivores, cats thrive on meat-based protein sources.
  • Ingredient Quality. All ingredients in the best cat food for indoor cats must be of premium quality and carefully blended into the optimal mix for the cat’s nutritional needs.
  • Micronutrients. The ingredient list should include nutrients like vitamins, minerals, probiotics, prebiotics, fatty acids, and antioxidants. They are found in fruits, veggies, and fish oils.
  • Nutritional Value. The best cat food for indoor cats will be high in meat proteins and low in carbohydrates. This is because indoor cats are prone to obesity.
  • Life Stage. You need to make sure the food you are getting is suitable for your cat’s age. The adult cat’s needs are different from those of kittens and senior cats.
  • Food Type & Taste. It is also important to check what type of food your cat likes best – dry or wet cat food. The taste is also an essential factor to consider.