Finding the best cat food for indoor cats can be harder than you think. Indoor cats need a properly balanced diet that will keep them lean and healthy even though they are usually less active. From kittens to seniors, your indoor cats will need food rich in proteins that will offer them all the nutrients needed to live healthy, happy lives.
Cat Food for Indoor Cats Quick Links
- The best canned food for indoor cats
- Dry foods fit for your indoor cat
- Wet cat foods for indoor cats
- Top dry foods to feed your senior indoor cat
- The best high protein food for your indoor cat
- Kitten food for indoor cats
Have you decided that your cat should be an indoor-only pet? Many cat owners are weighing the pros and cons of keeping their cats strictly indoors.
Your choice of cat food can be especially important if you want to keep your cat within the confines of your house or apartment. A more sedentary lifestyle combined with free-feeding can lead to obesity.
In this article, we will provide you with an overview of the best cat food for indoor cats.
Benefits of Indoor cat Food
There are many benefits to keeping your kitty indoors.
Studies of free-roaming cats have shown that they are at increased risk of getting hit by a car, fighting with other cats, and getting stuck in dangerous places like sewers and crawl spaces.
But there are some health issues common to indoor cats too.
These issues are mostly related to eating too much and exercising too little!
Before we look at good cat food for indoor cats, it’s important to note that environmental enrichment is key to an indoor cat’s well being.
Environmental enrichment includes simple things like providing your cat with scratching posts and cat trees, window perches, interactive toys, food puzzles, and of course, daily play sessions with you!
All of these things will contribute to keeping your cat healthy. But the most important factor here will be your kitty’s dinner.
So what is the best cat food for indoor cats?
Unlike dogs that can eat a wide range of foods, cats are obligate carnivores.
This means that all felines—big and small—need meat to survive. All cat food should have high-quality animal protein as the primary ingredient, but this is especially true for indoor cat food.
A low carbohydrate diet is a key way to keep your indoor cat happy, fit, and healthy.
A poor diet can lead to health problems such as obesity and diabetes, as well as issues with the skin, teeth, and urinary tract.
What is the best diet for indoor cats? Let’s look at some healthy options for your feline friend!
Best Cat Food for Indoor Cats
To be sure you are choosing the healthiest cat food for indoor cats, consider trying food that is specifically created for indoor or low-activity cats. What does the best indoor cat food contain?
Look for brands with labels that say “indoor cat” or feature quality protein, no grains and fillers, and some (non-grain) vegetable fiber that mimics the grass cats sometimes eat in the wild.
Because indoor cats can be prone to obesity, remember to read all ingredient labels carefully, even ones that say “indoor cat.” There are many indoor cat food brands, and some are higher quality than others.
Here are some of our top choices when it comes to the best cat food for indoor cats, both wet and dry.
Canned Cat Food For Indoor Cats
Many vets recommend wet food diet for indoor cats.
Studies have shown that two of the biggest risk factors for feline obesity are an indoor lifestyle combined with a dry food diet.
This is especially true if you allow your cat to free-feed on dry food throughout the day.
Given these facts, you may decide to feed your indoor cat canned food.
What is the best canned cat food for indoor cats? Check out these favorites.
Wellness CORE Natural Grain Free Wet Canned Cat Food
Wellness Core Natural is a quality brand that makes low-calorie, grain-free canned food for indoor cats.
This food features a high amount of quality animal protein plus other nutrients like peas and cranberries that will keep your kitty lean and healthy. Of course, make sure to portion it according to your cat’s size and age!
Halo Grain Free Natural Wet Cat Food
The Halo Spot’s Pate is a grain-free indoor cat formula that contains whole turkey and duck, complete with low-carb veggies great for your indoor kitty.
It also contains cranberries and vegetables like spinach and carrots for added fiber and nutrients.
Many owners report their kitties love Halo’s pate, and some cats with vomiting issues have improved with this food!
BLUE Freedom GGrain-FreeWet Cat Food
BLUE Buffalo’s line of BLUE Freedom indoor canned cat food is high in protein and grain free.
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It comes in kitten, adult, and senior formulas. This formula ensures your kitty is getting all the nutrients they need at every stage of their life, while the added non-meat ingredients are designed to promote urinary health.
Many owners state this food also helps to minimize hairballs and litter box odor, so it’s a win for both you and your cat!
Dry Cat Food for Indoor Cats
Your vet may recommend dry cat food to maintain your indoor cat’s dental health.
Dry food is a popular and convenient option for many cat owners.
If you choose to feed an indoor cat dry food, be sure to control the amount your cat is eating, as unlimited feeding on dry food can lead to obesity and other major health conditions.
Here are our top picks for the best dry cat food for indoor cats:
IAMS Proactive Health Specialized Care Adult Dry Cat Food
The well-known IAMS Proactive Health makes a dry food formulated especially for indoor cats.
It has 10% less fat than the regular IAMS and is designed to maintain a healthy weight and control hairballs thanks to the extra fiber.
Kitty owners say that it does help with hairballs and even finicky cats are pleased to eat it.
Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Dry Cat Food
The Natural Balance Limited Ingredient blend is a quality indoor cat formula, available in either salmon and chickpea or turkey and chickpea.
It contains a single animal protein source, and is designed to control hairballs, improve digestion, and maintain a healthy weight.
Because it has limited ingredients, it helps cats with food allergies and intolerances. Cats and their owners approve!
NUTRO Indoor Cat Adult Dry Cat Food
NUTRO’s indoor cat food comes in either chicken or fish, with brown rice.
It’s a low-calorie protein formula to maintain an indoor cat’s healthy weight, with added vegetable fiber for your cat’s digestive health.
Many owners also report their kitties now have soft, shiny coats!
Best Wet Cat Food for Indoor Cats
Vets often recommend a wet food diet for cats because of its high moisture content.
Added moisture is good for your cat’s urinary tract health, and cat owners know that felines aren’t usually fans of drinking water.
If that’s your case, maybe you should give wet cat food a try. Here are our top picks for the best wet cat food for indoor cats.
Nature’s Variety Pride by Instinct Grain Free Flaked Canned Cat Food
The Nature’s Variety Pride cat food is a natural grain free formula that is a good choice for an adult indoor cat that also happens to be a finicky eater!
They offer novel protein choices if your cat turns up her nose at the usual meats.
You can tempt your cat with duck, lamb, and rabbit.
Weruva TruLuxe Grain-Free Canned Cat Food
The TruLuxe line from Weruva is a great option for indoor cats.
It is formulated to be high in quality animal protein, with low fat and carbs.
You can choose from a variety of fish, chicken, duck, and beef flavors to entice your picky cat’s appetite.
Pro Plan Focus Indoor Care Canned Cat Food
The popular Purina Pro Plan makes an indoor cat wet food formula with salmon and rice.
It is designed to maintain lean muscles and a healthy weight, as well as control hairballs.
Best Dry Cat Food for Senior Indoor Cats
Senior cats sometimes have special dietary needs. Some may need low calorie food if they are less active and prone to obesity, while others might need a more calorie rich diet because their systems are less able to absorb and digest nutrients as they age.
Some senior cats are also more prone to constipation. What is the healthiest dry cat food for indoor cats that are also 7+ years of age? Here are a few options.
Purina Pro Plan Prime Plus Senior Adult Dry Food
Filled with chicken and rice, Purina claims their recipe improves and extends the life of cats aged 7 and older.
This kibble is filled with antioxidants and prebiotic fiber that help your kitty stay healthy and happy throughout his golden years.
Some cat owners report their senior cats regaining their energy and strength after aving this food on a regular basis.
Halo Holistic Dry Cat Food for Senior Cats 7+, Chicken and Liver Recipe
This Halo Holistic senior option is grain free and made with whole chicken as the main protein, plus chickpeas and other vegetables to support your mature indoor cat’s digestion.
It’s low in fat and carbs, but higher in protein and fiber, making it ideal for older indoor cats in need of a balanced diet.
Cat and owners love their all-natural ingredients without fillers, and many seniors are fans of the chicken recipe.
Hill’s Science Diet Indoor Dry Cat Food
Hill’s Science Diet makes two senior indoor cat formulas, one for cats 7+ years of age and one for cats 11+ years of age.
The 7+ Science Diet cat food has fiber for digestive health and antioxidants for the immune system.
The 11+ Science Diet cat food has ingredients that supports eye, kidney, heart, and joint health in elderly cats.
Both of these recipes are beloved by cats and owners alike. They are a great option if your senior cat can still eat dry kibble.
High Protein Cat Food for Indoor Cats
As we have already mentioned, cats are carnivores and need their diet to be very high in protein. Many available cat food doesn’t offer the nutritional components felines need to live happy, healthy lives.
Unless otherwise stated by your vet, your indoor cat also needs a diet high in protein. Check out our top picks!
Purina Beyond Wild Grain Free Cat food
Made with real turkey as the main ingredient, this wet food also features liver and quail, offering the nutrient-rich food your indoor cat needs.
This one is also one of our best cat food for overweight indoor cats, because of its high protein content and low carbs.
This food is also grain-free, ensuring your kitty doesn’t have any extra gas and limiting food allergies and vomiting.
Many owners report seeing great improvements in their cats with Irritable Bowel Syndrome. Even picky eaters are enjoying the recipe!
Instinct Ultimate Protein Grain-Free Wet Cat food
Made with cage-free chickens, Instinct canned food is high in protein and low in carbs, making it ideal for indoor cats of all ages.
Cat owners state their underweight seniors have started gaining a bit of healthy muscle and some cats with thyroid issues have had great results with this as their main food.
Kitties eating Instinct wet food also have shiny coats and more energy than before.
Nutro Wild Frontier Grain Free Cat food
This wet cat food has everything your indoor cat needs in a properly balanced diet.
With a variety of protein sources available, your kitties will get to choose which flavor they like the most: chicken, beef, salmon or trout.
With high protein, this grain-free wet food has no additives and comes in perfectly portioned packages to feed one cat.
Kitten Food for Indoor Cats
Once they stop nursing, kittens need nutrient-rich food, and owners shouldn’t be overly concerned about indoor kittens becoming overweight.
Some vets prefer wet food for very young kittens, others leave the choice of wet or dry up to you.
What is important is to choose a high protein, low carb food and feed your kitten (especially very young ones) small meals 3-4 times per day.
Some indoor cat food brands make kitten formulas as well as adult formulas.
BLUE Freedom Grain-Free Kitten Dry Cat Food
Blue Freedom indoor kitten dry food that’s grain free and made with real deboned chicken.
It also contains DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) to support brain development in your kitten.
Royal Canin Feline Health Nutrition Kitten Instinctive Thin Slice in Gravy Canned Cat Food
The vet-recommended Royal Canin Feline Health Nutrition Blend makes a canned kitten food that has small chunks in a texture that’s easy for kittens to eat.
It also contains antioxidants to boost the immune system of kittens in the 4-12 months of age growth period. The perfect choice for a growing feline!
Instinct Grain Free Recipe Natural Wet Canned Cat Food by Nature’s Variety
The kitten recipe Instinct for indoor cats is made with real chicken, plus beef liver and salmon for healthy exposure to multiple proteins.
It’s grain free and contains DHA for brain development. Your kitten will thrive with this high-protein, grain-free food.
Choosing the Best Cat Food for Indoor Cats
You have many choices when it comes to the healthiest cat food for indoor cats.
The best cat food brands for indoor cats offer both wet and dry food options, as well as specially-designed formulas for adults, kittens, and seniors.
Whatever indoor cat food you choose, keep in mind that all cats require a diet that’s high in animal protein and low in fat and carbs.
If you have a less active or overweight indoor cat, be sure to reduce portion size and choose a moderate calorie food.
Some indoor cat foods contain added ingredients to improve digestion and reduce hairballs. Choose foods with added special ingredients based on the needs of your individual indoor cat.
And remember that in addition to the right food, play and exercise are key elements in keeping your indoor cat happy and healthy!
For another useful guide, check out how much to feed a cat!
References and Further Reading
- Loyd, K.A.T., Hernandez, S.M., Abernathy, K.J., et al. “Risk Behaviours Exhibited by Free-Roaming Cats in a Suburban US Town.” Veterinary Record, 2013.
- Scherk, M. “Optimizing an Indoor Lifestyle for Cats.” Veterinary Focus, 2016.
- The Ohio State University Indoor Pet Initiative (https://indoorpet.osu.edu/cats)
- Dantas, L., Delgado, M.M., Johnson, I., et al. “Food Puzzles for Cats: Feeding for Physical and Emotional Wellbeing.” Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery, 2016.
- Ohlund, M., Egenvall, A., Fall, T., et al. “Environmental Risk Factors for Diabetes Mellitus in Cats.” Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, 2016.
- Rowe, E., Browne, W., Casey, R., et al. “Risk Factors Identified for Owner-Reported Feline Obesity at Around One Year of Age: Dry Diet and Indoor Lifestyle.” Preventive Veterinary Medicine, 2015.
- Öhlund, M., Palmgren, M., & Holst, B. S. (2018). Overweight in adult cats: a cross-sectional study. Acta veterinaria Scandinavica, 60(1), 5. doi:10.1186/s13028-018-0359-7.
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I have a Rescue Maine coon. Indoor only. What do you recommend?
The healthiest food for any animal of the feline species is what they would normally eat in the wild – raw meat. Look online. Make your own and freeze them in batches to feed daily. This is what will keep your beautiful Maine Coon cat’s coat silky and teeth healthy for the rest of his/her life.
I have a medium hair black domestic six month old cat what food do you recommend and treats so that he will maintain a healthy diet I gave him food freely in the bowl daily I alternate and give him wet food mixed in with the dry food sometimes not all the time but sometimes he eats a lot sometimes he doesn’t I just don’t want him to get fat and lazyHe’s very active though
My 14yr old cat has lost some weight after we moved to a new place roughly 3-5lbs. Any of these foods able to help him gain back the weight he lost from stress of moving? He’s still extremely fiesty if you try to play so bladder infection isn’t a concern and if he has parasites they’d have to be invisible as his poop is visually worm free and I’m sure he’d show some of the more major symptoms of parasitosis. He right now eats crave by the bowl full with a calorie booster and still wants more but I think it’s all lean fats in crave that are defeating the purpose of a little extra food in his bowl. He also is drinking normal for him a couple mouth fulls then rubs his face all over one of us to dry his face. Other kicker is he does have a mild grain allergy that causes him to throw up.
Please take your cat to the vet. Two of our cats lost weight due to overactive thyroids. Treatment was simple but the cat won’t get better on its own if that is the issue. Our girls, Skittles & Erin, hated pills and we didn’t know about Pill Pocket treats at the time, so we had the medicine compounded into “ear goop.” Basically a lotion-like cream that we rubbed on the inside of their ears twice a day. Chances are if your cat needs pills, though, some Pill Pocket treats will do the trick! My cat Riley takes an acid reducer to prevent vomiting before each meal and she eats it right up with the Pill Pocket! She has only realized the pill was in there two or three times in years of giving it to her twice daily.
I have 2 girls (sisters) indoor only. I got them at 7 weeks old & they are 7 years old now. I tried to give them wet food especially when they were little, but they both get sick time after time. I get the best kinds I can too. I’ve waited a few years & tried again, but again, they both get sick. (They love it too, but can’t keep it down) They’re not overweight & vets always give them good check ups (teeth, weight, coats…) They’ve been only on dry food since they were kittens. What should I do to help them start incorporating wet food into their diets since it is recommended?…but is it necessary? They get plenty of water from what I see.
Have u tryed lick em. That’s the only kind my cat seams to like i don’t know why. Tryed all kinds she only likes the juice in them. Crazy cat that i have.
Some cats have allergies to foods. My cats can stomach Hills Chicken but throw up the fish flavored dry food.
Try giving them raw meat
hello, we have just got two rag doll kittens and would like to know what is best to feed to them, only wet, only dry, mix, free feed dry, etc. expense is also a concern, the cost of the food is a factor to take into consideration.
I feed my body free feed on the dry and 2 times a day on the wet. They love Earthborn Holistic cat food for dry and a variety of wet. Earthborn,bff, and anything that has bits not pate.
I HAVE RAGDOLL CATS…I LOVE THEM THEY ARE GREAT…THEY ARE ALMOST 15 YEARS OLD NOW..I FEED THEM SHEBA PATE BEEF WET FOOD.. MIXED IN WITH GERBER BEEF BABY FOOD…I ALSO GIVE THEM A LITTLE FANCEY FEAST DRY FOOD WITH REAL CHICKEN ONLY…MAKE SURE YOU BUY ..NOW..TAURINE AND MIX A FLAT TEASPOON OF TAURINE IN THE SHEBA PATE BEEF…I USUALLY PUT A TABLESPOOON OF WATER IN THE WET FOOD…WATER IS VERY IMPORTANT FOR ALL CATS…THE REASON I USE SHEBA PATE CAT FOOD…THEY NEVER HAD RECALLS LIKE MOST OTHER BRANDS…SAME GOES FOR FANCEY FEAST DRY FOOD WITH REAL CHICKEN..THEY NEVER HAD RECALLS..IF YOU NEED ANY HELP LET ME KNOW..
Thank you for your advice .. I have a Ragdoll male inside cat 18 months and feed him Purina Dry food and will change to Royal Canin Soon he weighs 4.6 kilo I just don’t know what meat or wet food I need to vary the diet or just do dry food ?? Confused as I want to feed him the very best
I have an 8 year old cat .Only got her a month ago. The only food she will eat is Purina cat chow, chicken flavor.Is this healthy enough for her? I tried other foods but she will not eat them
Congrats on taking in an older cat. I did that that last year (4yo) who was only fed cat chow. Took me over 6 months to change her to an all wet diet, but I did it! I started by putting about 5-6 pieces of Instinct (later Nourish) chicken dry with her “corn” (that’s what cat chow is). I increased it by a few pieces every day. If she noticed, I went back a step. I also gave her Nourish chicken pate in a bowl next to the dry and left it there about 3 hours (cool house) – morning and night (sometimes Fancy Feast chicken). After a month or so (yes, lots of waste), she started testing the wet. By end of 5 months I had her almost off the corn and she was eating 50-50 dry and wet. Then she went in for an almost full mouth extraction and I only offered her wet (she was on a fentanyl patch so wasn’t entirely with it). She ate the wet like crazy. I never went back to the dry. But, she did taste another cat’s Fancy Feast beef and now she wants that more often than the Nourish chicken. Just be patient and keep trying to sneak in the good dry – piece at a time. An older cat takes a ton more time.
After I find out I was just giving my cat 20% of meat on his food and 80% of grains and junk I changed his food to Applaws! It’s a complete dry cat food specially formulated for the health and wellbeing of cats. Applaws is made with 80% protein-rich chicken and salmon and is 100% grain free, making it low in carbohydrate encouraging the development of lean muscle tissue and promoting healthy weight for your cat.
No more junk food for my beauty 🙂
I have 6 indoor rescued cats that I got as kittens and they’re now between 2.5 – 3.5 years old. They don’t eat any table food! For the last 1.5 years they all have become very picky about their dry food. Over time I’ve purchased about over a dozen different good quality indoor dry brands and they still don’t like them. I’ve invested a lot of money to find something healthy and tasty that they will eat. I have a VCA vet that has made many suggestions, but it’s still not working. I need HELP!
TRY SHEBA PATE BEEF WET FOOD….ALSO TRY FANCEY FEAST CHICKEN DRY FOOD….BOTH THE ABOVE FOODS ARE SAFE AND NEVER HAD RECALLS…
They are both very high in salt
I really don’t believe it is wise to recommend people “make” their own cat food at home.
For a dog that is all well and good but cats need very specific minerals (ex. Taurine) in their diets and will become unwell without them. In addition to being hard to find the exact measurements are difficult to define within the parameters of home made food.
It was not an easy choice for me to go with commercial cat food but knowledge is power and I would feel awful if something I did made him sicker.