Feline Picks

What to look for in cat food?

Cats need a lot of protein, a moderate amount of fat, and very little carbohydrate. AAFCO sets the floor at 26% protein for adult maintenance and 30% for growth, but recent research suggests higher is better. Adult cats eating less than 40% protein tend to lose lean body mass over time, and senior cats need even more because their digestion gets less efficient.

How much wet food to feed a cat?

Most adult cats need roughly 24 to 35 calories per pound of body weight per day, which usually works out to about 2 to 3 standard 3-oz cans, depending on the food’s calorie density. Always check the calories per can and the feeding chart on the label, since they vary widely. A 5.5-oz Tiki Cat After Dark can, for example, is only 129 calories.

How to choose, in short?

Match the food to your cat’s life stage first, then their needs: Adult indoor cat, no issues: Hill’s Science Diet Adult Indoor, or ORIJEN if you want high protein and grain-free. Kitten: Pro Plan Kitten dry, paired with the wet version for hydration. Senior (7+): Royal Canin 7+, especially with vet-flagged kidney or digestion concerns. Sensitive stomach or skin: Hill’s Sensitive Stomach & Skin.