Pet food has evolved and changed as science is delving more and more into the dietary needs of our domesticated animals. With these advancements, it means our choices as consumers (and devoted pet parents) are rising.
This is a good thing, but it can also be a bit confusing, too.
We know that cats by nature are carnivores, so they won’t usually gravitate towards a diet consisting of pure plant matter. However, pet food manufacturers, do use grains such as corn, wheat, and soy to “bulk up” their food, to keep the costs down.
What does this mean for your feline friend?
If your cat suffers from a food allergy (specifically, a grain), then it could result in itchy, dry skin, excessive hair loss, bald patches, hot spots, and even sores, scabs, and inflamed skin. Your veterinarian can examine your pet and make a diagnosis for food allergies using skin tests and an elimination diet that will zero in on the allergen.
The good news is, if your cat does suffer from a grain allergy, there are plenty of grain-free food options on the market today.
To help you narrow down the “grain-free playing field,” we’ve scoured the world wide web of information to find you the best dry grain-free cat foods and the best wet grain-free cat foods available to you.
Let’s get started!
Best Dry Grain-Free Cat Foods
1. Taste of the Wild Grain-Free Dry Cat Food
Feed your feline companion like the wild cat he is with Taste of the Wild Grain-Free Dry cat food. Made with 42% high-quality smoked salmon and roasted venison this dry kibble is sure to keep your cat in top physical form. Although this brand has eliminated the grains, it has replaced it with healthy legumes, peas, fruits, and sweet potatoes for energy.
features
- Healthy protein in the form of salmon and venison.
- Supports the cat’s immune system with fruits and veggies.
- Sweet potatoes for carbs and energy.
- Round kibble shape is palatable and easy to chew.
- Made in the USA.
- Fatty acid blend for healthy skin and coat.
- No added artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives.
2. Blue Buffalo Wilderness Cat Food
Made with real chicken for long, lean muscles, and sweet potatoes for fuel, Blue Buffalo Wilderness grain-free is an excellent choice for finicky felines and the folks that love them. Made by holistic veterinarians, this recipe incorporates a precise blend of tasty vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants called, LifeSource Bits, made exclusively by Blue Buffalo.
Is your cat picky? No problem as Blue Buffalo Wilderness has plenty of grain-free options to suit any cat’s appetite. More variants;
features
- LifeSource Bits provide added vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
- A recipe for all ages and stages of your cat’s life.
- Made with 40% protein.
- Uses natural grain-free ingredients such as flaxseed, peas, potatoes, and whole carrots.
- Has Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids.
3. Purina Beyond Grain Free Adult Cat Food
Made without corn, wheat, or soy, Purina Beyond Grain is made with 35% real protein in chicken and egg, Pacific tuna, salmon and egg, ocean whitefish, or Icelandic Arctic char. In-house pet nutritionists have worked together to formulate a recipe that is perfectly balanced for your pet’s dietary needs. The crunchy kibble is made from real food, so you know your cat is getting the best.
features
- Recipe is formulated for optimal feline health.
- Kibble contains real meat for muscles, peas and pea protein for energy, and added vitamins and minerals for optimal health.
- Comes in a variety of flavors to satisfy every cat’s palate.
- Available in a variety of package sizes.
4. Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Dry Cat Food
This food goes through nine steps of quality and safety control to ensure each bag is packed full of top kibble for your hungry feline. It’s formulated with limited ingredients, which allows you to eliminate the allergen in your cat’s diet systematically. The premium protein builds strong muscles and promotes a shiny coat. Green peas and a variety of added vitamins and minerals provide your feline with the diet it needs to live a healthy life.
features
- Limited ingredients help eliminate the cause of your pet’s allergies.
- Made from good-quality real meat protein.
- Added vitamins and minerals
- 9-step quality control process.
- No artificial colors, preservatives, or colors.
5. Whole Earth Farms Grain Free Recipe Dry for Cat
Made without corn, wheat, or soy, Whole Earth Farms has taken your cat's nutritional needs to a whole new level. With 35% protein in a variety of flavors like turkey, chicken, salmon, whitefish & tuna, your pet will love every dish full. Plus, Whole Earth Farms Grain Free recipe is formulated with added vitamins and minerals to support your cat's entire body.
features
- Made with good-quality protein (as the first ingredient) in a variety of flavors.
- Recipe does not use soy, wheat, or corn
- Dried potatoes and peas are used for a balanced diet.
- Added vitamins and minerals.
6. CRAVE Grain Free High Protein Dry Cat Food
Made from real protein sources, with no added by-product meals, CRAVE dry cat food may be the diet your finicky feline loves to dine on daily. This brand is available in four delicious flavor combos including chicken, chicken/salmon, salmon/ocean fish, and turkey/chicken/duck. CRAVE is not only high in flavor and nutrition, but it provides your cat with 40% protein in each piece of kibble.
features
- Made with real meat.
- No artificial colors, preservatives or flavors.
- No chicken by-product meals.
- No corn, wheat or soy.
- Added vitamins and minerals.
7. Instinct Raw Boost Grain Free Natural Cat Food
Do you want to give your cat a boost of flavor and protein in every dish? Then why not try Instinct Raw Boost Grain Free Natural cat food? This recipe has freeze-dried, raw protein bites made from chicken, duck, or salmon for a healthy, flavorful meal. They have also added probiotics, and omegas, as well as non-GMO fruits and veggies for overall excellent health benefits.
features
- Formulated without potato, corn, wheat, soy, by-product meal, artificial colors or preservatives.
- Raw, freeze-dried protein bites provide added flavor and health benefits.
- Made in the USA.
- Added vitamins and minerals.
- Available in three delicious flavors.
8. Muse Natural Grain Free Adult Dry Cat Food
Wholesome goodness is what you will find in every bag of Muse Natural Grain Free cat food. This recipe uses real chicken, or fish as the first ingredient, with the added benefits of pumpkin, spinach, blueberries, yogurt, and eggs. Muse is a balanced diet with no added colors, flavors, preservatives or by-products, so you can feel good every time you fill your cat's dish with this tasty kibble.
features
- Available in four tasty flavors (salmon/chicken, turkey/chicken, salmon and chicken).
- Uses natural ingredients like real meat, yogurt, blueberries, and eggs.
- Made in the USA.
- No nasty additives.
9. Instinct Ultimate Protein Grain Free Natural Food
To say that Instinct Ultimate Protein is loaded with protein is an understatement - 90% of the protein value found in this dry kibble comes from duck, chicken, and eggs! This means a higher nutrient absorption for your feline, which equals better health! Instinct Ultimate Protein has also added probiotics for healthy digestion, and omegas to keep your feline's skin and coat in optimal condition.
features
- No added grain, potato, corn, wheat, soy, by-product meal, artificial colors, or preservatives.
- Made with real protein sourced from duck, chicken, and eggs.
- Uses live natural probiotics for a healthy gut.
- Omegas for the skin and coat.
- Antioxidants for a healthy immune system.
- No additives like artificial colors or preservatives.
- Made in the USA.
10. ACANA Regionals Dry Cat Food
ACANA Regionals is packed full of free-run chicken and turkey, freshwater catfish, and rainbow trout, which has been either delivered fresh or flash-frozen in a raw state. This process ensures your cat is getting the most protein in every crunchy kibble. The recipe is then balanced out with whole fruits (apples, pears) and veggies (spinach, carrots, kale, kelp, etc.) to keep your feline in optimal health.
features
- 50% of the meats used are delivered fresh (refrigerated, without preservatives) or raw (flash-frozen, without chemicals).
- 50% of the meat sources are dried, which provides a concentrated and natural source of animal proteins and fats.
- Uses whole fruits, vegetables, and botanicals for a tasty and healthy recipe.
- Uses five unique sources, sustainably fished and ethically raised on American farms.
- Does not use grains, potatoes, or plant protein concentrates to "bulk" up their kibble.
11. Purina ONE True Instinct Grain Free High Protein Cat Food
Purina is working hard to bring you quality cat food. The recipe in Purina ONE True Instinct contains real chicken or ocean whitefish as the first ingredient. Along with the crunch of the nutrient-loaded kibble, it also contains meaty morsels for an added protein boost. Plus, it's been crafted with zero fillers, poultry by-products, artificial colors, flavors or preservatives, so you can feel good about the foods you put in your pet's dish every day.
features
- Made with real chicken or fish as the first ingredient.
- Crunchy kibble and meaty morsels make it more appealing to your cat.
- Added vitamins and minerals for overall health.
- Omega-6 fatty acids for healthy skin and coat.
12. Merrick Purrfect Bistro Grain Free Dry Cat Food
You can't bring Kitty to a real Bistro, but that doesn't mean you can't feed her like she's at one. With real deboned chicken as the first ingredient, Merrick Purrfect Bistro cat food will have your feline running to her dish. Plus, they have added plenty of healthy ingredients like sweet potatoes and peas to energize your pet, and also supplemented the recipe with added fiber, so your cat can eliminate those hairballs naturally.
features
- Uses real meat as the first ingredient.
- Loaded with added vitamins and minerals.
- Tasty kibble keeps cats coming back for more.
- Made in the USA.
- Grain-free, gluten-free, and fish-free for sensitive tummies.
- Added fiber controls hairballs.
13. Orijen Cat & Kitten Dry Food
With a whopping 40% protein sourced from free-run chicken and turkey, wild-caught fish, and cage-free eggs, Orijen cat food will keep your feline friend in tip-top condition. They also incorporate a balance of meat, organs, and cartilage or bone in ratios that mirror whole prey - a diet just like a wild cat would consume. To give your pet vitamins and minerals it needs to thrive, Orijen dry food also uses a variety of berries, greens, and other vegetables to round out its formula.
features
- Made with 85% meat, 15% fruits and vegetables, 0% grain.
- Added Omegas for healthy skin and coat.
- Meat sourced from free-run chicken and turkey, cage-free eggs, and wild-caught herring, flounder, and mackerel
- Ingredients are never outsourced, so there's better quality control.
- Packed with plenty of natural fruits, veggies, and botanicals.
14. Solid Gold - Indigo Moon High Protein & Grain-Free Food
Sustainably sourced protein and a variety of nutrient-rich superfoods are just some of the quality ingredients you'll find packed into the crunchy kibble of Solid Gold Indigo Moon cat food. This holistic, grain-free food contains 42% protein to help your pet maintain healthy muscles, while the rest of the recipe is packed full of natural ingredients like carrots, pumpkin, cranberries, blueberries, broccoli, and lentils. Plus, they've also added those healthy live probiotics and omega oils, so your feline friend will lack in nothing dietary.
features
- Contains no grains.
- Holistic formula.
- Rich in naturally sourced protein.
- Chock full of vitamins, minerals, omegas, and probiotics.
- Formulated with 20 nutrient-rich superfoods.
- Plenty of fresh fruits and veggies.
- Company has been developing pet food for over 40 years.
15. Nulo Adult & Kitten Cat Food with BC30 Probiotic
Proudly made in the USA, Nulo BC30 Probiotic cat food doesn't add any grains, potatoes, or soy in their recipe. Its high meat content (83% animal-based) will ensure your cat maintains those long, lean muscles, while their patented BC30 Probiotic supports healthy gut flora. Nulo has also reduced the carbohydrates in their food to help lower the risk of obesity and high glucose levels, which can cause diabetes.
features
- High in real protein.
- No grains, potatoes, or soy.
- Uses Bacillus Coagulans, which is a lactic-acid producing bacteria that aids in food digestion, metabolism regulation, and healthy immunity.
- Low carbs.
- Small morsels (disk-shape) are more appealing to some felines.
- Meat sourced from duck, turkey, and chicken.
16. Nutro Grain-Free Adult Dry Cat Food Bag
With ingredients sourced only from trusted farmers and suppliers, Nutro’s wholesome recipe is one pet parents will be happy to serve their beloved fur buddies. The non-GMO foods include protein as the first ingredient in chicken or duck, with added Omega-6 fatty acids for healthy skin and coat, natural fiber for digestion, and antioxidants for a strong immune system. Nutro is not only rich in nutrients, but it’s also full of flavor, too.
features
- Real protein as the first ingredient.
- Added vitamins and minerals.
- Omega-6 for skin and coat health.
- No added by-products, colors, flavors, or preservatives.
- No corn, wheat or soy.
17. Wellness Complete Health Grain Free Cat Food
They are supporting the five areas of wellness in your cat (skin/coat, energy, digestion, immunity and eyes/teeth/gums). Wellness Complete Health cat food also supplies balanced nutrition for your feline friend. It's proudly made in the USA, as the recipe uses real meat as the first ingredient in chicken, or salmon and herring. If your cat is purely indoors, Wellness Complete Health has two formulas for those kitties, too. Plus, you’ll never have to worry about any of those other additives like wheat, corn, soy, or by-products.
features
- Real meat as the first ingredient in chicken or fish.
- Has added vitamins and minerals.
- Indoor recipes are available.
- No added grains or by-products.
- Made in the USA.
- Supports five areas of your cats wellness.
18. WELLNESS CORE Natural Grain Free Dry Cat Food
If your cat loves deboned turkey and deboned chicken, then he’ll be head or paws for the Wellness Core Natural dry cat food - this food is a “protein powerhouse!” Made without grains and animal by-products this cat food will give your cat the taste and the nutrients he craves. Plus, it’s loaded with all those good things like antioxidants, probiotics, and omega fatty acids to support your cat’s whole body and mind health.
features
- Made with deboned turkey and chicken as the first ingredient.
- Added vitamins and minerals for total body health.
- Grain-free.
- Simple ingredients for an authentic flavor.
- Company has excessive quality controls in place.
19. Hill's Science Diet Sensitive Stomach & Skin Dry Cat Food
Does your cat have a sensitive stomach or skin? Then you will want to provide her with a food formulated for those conditions. Thankfully, Hill’s Science Diet makes one. However, it hasn’t sacrificed nutrition, as this recipe is stuffed full of vitamins, minerals, and natural flavors. It even has the benefits of fresh fruit (apples, and cranberries) and veggies (carrots and broccoli).
features
- Uses protein as the first ingredient.
- Added prebiotics for a proper digestion.
- Formulated with natural ingredients.
- Veterinarian recommended.
- Loaded with vitamins and minerals.
20. WholeHearted Grain Free Turkey Formula
The delicious taste of real turkey is what will keep your cat coming back for more WholeHearted Grain Free kibble. But this recipe doesn't stop there. They have went ahead and supplemented this dry cat food with fresh fruits, berries, vegetables, and added vitamins and minerals. The wholesome goodness is packed into every delectable morsel with no added grains of any kind.
features
- Made with real turkey as the number one ingredient..
- Added fruits and vegetables for a balanced diet.
- No wheat, corn, or grains of any kind.
- Supplemented with vitamins, minerals, and feline probiotics.
- Flaxseed and salmon oil help with a healthy coat and skin.
Best Wet Grain Free Cat Food
1. Purina Fancy Feast Grain Free Pate Wet Cat Food
Don’t feed your cat a wet food loaded with fillers, when Purina Fancy Feast has grain-free recipes that every cat will love. With savory flavors, textures, and aromas, your pet will dance with delight every time you pop the top of one of these delicious meals. Made with real meat and chocked full of added vitamins and minerals, this wet food will make a healthy and tasty addition to any cat’s diet.
features
- Made with real meat.
- Plenty of added vitamins and minerals.
- Tasty.
- Grain-free.
- Available in several flavors and textures.
2. Sheba Perfect PORTIONS Wet Cat Food
Made with real protein, with added vitamins and minerals, your cat will love the taste, and texture of Sheba Perfect Portions wet cat food. The delectable recipe has been formulated without grains (no wheat, soy, and corn) or artificial flavors, or colors - it’s the perfect blend of nutrition and flavor for your finicky feline. Plus, with the perfect portions packaging, you just have to snap, peel, and serve. No more messy leftovers to spill or dry out in the refrigerator.
features
- Available in a variety of grain-free flavors to choose from.
- Individual servings stay fresh.
- No messy cans to contend with.
- Made with delicious signature gravy.
- Responsibly sourced fish.
- Uses premium cuts of meat.
3. IAMS Perfect PORTIONS Grain Free Wet Cat Food Pate
Rich in antioxidants and vitamin E, Iams Perfect Portions Grain Free wet food is a burst of flavor and nutrition in every bite - your cat will love it! This recipe is made from real meat in a savory broth with added vitamins and minerals for complete grain-free meals. If you have a kitten, this brand also has a specially formulated recipe with added Dha, which aids in a kitten’s brain development.
features
- Perfect portions allow you to feed your cat without those messy leftovers.
- Special formula for kittens.
- Added vitamin E support your cat’s immune system.
- Dha supports your kitten’s brain growth.
- Available in several delicious flavors.
4. "I and love and you" Essentials Grain Free Can Cat Food
Clever names aren't the only thing this wet cat food has going for it. It’s made with real meat as the first ingredient! Not only that, they round out the recipe with fresh spinach, cranberries, apples, and carrots. Plus, I and Love and You have also provided your feline with plenty of vitamins and minerals in each tasty morsel.
features
- Made with meat as the first ingredient.
- No grains.
- Some flavor varieties have broth for extra deliciousness.
- Recipe includes fruit and veggies.
5. Weruva Best Feline Friend Oh My Gravy!
High-quality protein covered in even more delicious gravy, Weruva Best Feline Friend is bringing wet food to a whole new level. Each fish recipe is certified dolphin and sea turtle safe, using only line-caught tuna that has been sustainably sourced with modern fishing practices. This recipe is delicious and never contains any grains, soy, gluten, MSG, wheat, or artificial colors and flavors.
features
- Protein meets hydration in every can.
- Eco-friendly tuna.
- Wheat, soy, gluten-free.
- Available in a variety of flavors.
- Made from human-grade food.
- All proteins are ethically sourced.
6. Purina Pro Plan Natural Wet Cat Food
Fine-tune your cat’s health with the Purina Pro Plan Natural wet cat food. Made with meat as the first ingredient, this brand leaves out the grains, while adding in plenty of protein, vitamins, and minerals. It’s available in several flavor choices, so your finicky feline will always have options when it comes to his 100% complete and balanced diet.
features
- Uses real meat protein in every recipe.
- Available in both pate and gravy formulas.
- Available in several flavor choices with chicken, and a variety of fish.
- Food is optimized for lean muscles and energy.
7. Crave Grain Free High Protein Wet Cat Food
Crave is exactly what your cat will be doing with this grain-free wet cat food. Made with recipes inspired by a cat’s ancestral diet, your pet will devour every tasty morsel. You will love the flavor choices this company has to offer, as well as the quality protein and added essential vitamins and minerals, so you can feel good about feeding your furry buddy Crave wet cat food.
features
- No grains or chicken by-products have been added.
- Single-serve trays are convenient to feed.
- Several varieties to suit every palate.
- Protein-rich.
- Made in the USA.
- Tasty broth for added flavor.
8. Purina ONE Natural Adult Canned Wet Cat Food
Your cat will be begging for more of Purina ONE Natural canned food - it contains real meat as the first ingredient! But that's not all. This recipe has eliminated the grain fillers and has added Omegas for your pet's coat and skin, as well as minerals, vitamins, and nutrients for a balanced diet every day.
features
- Available in a variety of flavors (chicken, turkey, beef, fish).
- Grain-free.
- Added omegas, vitamins, and minerals.
- Moisture-rich to help keep your cat hydrated.
9. Wellness Complete Health Natural Wet Canned Cat Food
It's important to feed a kitten a healthy diet from the get-go, that's why Wellness Complete Health Natural canned food as a recipe just for them. Made with naturally sourced lean meats, added fruits, and vegetables, as well as omegas and flaxseed for skin and coat health, your kitten will be thriving. Plus, the Wellness Complete Health wet food is available in five delicious textures (sliced, minced, gravy, pate, and morsels).
features
- Contains real meat as the first ingredient.
- Made specifically for kittens.
- Contains added fruits and vegetables.
- Available in a variety of flavors and textures.
10. NUTRO Perfect PORTIONS Grain Free Wet Cat Food
If you have a picky cat when it comes to food, then you will be delighted by Nutro Perfect Portions wet food - it comes in 16 different varieties of meat and fish/seafood! This recipe always contains real meat as the first ingredient, then is rounded out by the addition of those essential vitamins and minerals. Plus, each meal is conveniently packed in their perfect portions container, so you won't have to deal with any messy leftovers.
features
- Contains real meat as the first ingredient in 16 flavor varieties.
- Formulated with added vitamins and minerals.
- Grain-free.
- Tasty recipes with meat combinations for variety.
- Convenient packaging cuts down on waste.