The Best Grain Free Dry Cat Food

Choosing Grain-Free Dry Cat Food is a great choice for cats of all ages. They are made with natural ingredients, such as meats, vegetables, and fruits. Unlike traditional dry food that contains grains, grain-free dry food does not contain any grains, which can be difficult for cats to digest.

Let us help you decide with the most popular diets reviewed so far.

blue wilderness grain free dry cat food
 
Blue Buffalo Wilderness is the best grain free dry cat food based on high level of protein, natural ingredients and complete nutrition.

The Best Grain-Free Cat Food Are…

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Product Details    
blue wilderness grain free dry cat food

 

  • Dry cat food
  • Grain-free
  • AAFCO-approved
  • For adult cats
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grain free dry cat food

 

  • Grain-free
  • Antioxidants
  • For adult cats
  • Dry cat food
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CANIDAE Grain-Free PURE Chicken Dry Cat Food

 

  • In kibble form
  • Grain-free
  • AAFCO-approved
  • For all cats
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Grain free cat food

 

  • Grain-free
  • Dry pet food
  • All natural
  • AAFCO-approved
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Instinct Original Grain Free Cat Food

 

  • Grain-free
  • No Preservatives
  • For all cats
  • AAFCO-approved
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Taste of the Wild Grain Free High Protein Dry Cat Food

 

  • High protein
  • AAFCO-approved
  • Grain-free
  • For adult cats
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Purina Beyond Simply Indoor Grain-Free Dry Cat Food

 

  • High protein
  • Indoor cats
  • AAFCO-approved
  • Grain-free
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Nutro Wholesome Essentials Indoor Chicken & Brown Rice Dry Cat Food

 

  • Grain-free
  • Antioxidants
  • AAFCO-approved
  • For adult cats
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1. Blue Buffalo Wilderness High Protein Grain Free Cat Food

blue wilderness grain free dry cat food

Blue Buffalo Wilderness High Protein Grain Free Cat Food is a premium brand of cat food that is specifically formulated to meet the nutritional needs of cats. It is made with real meat as the first ingredient and does not contain any grains, artificial preservatives, or by-products. This high protein cat food is designed to mimic the natural diet of wild cats, providing them with the necessary nutrients for optimal health and well-being. It promotes lean muscle development, supports a healthy immune system, and helps maintain a shiny coat and healthy skin. Blue Buffalo Wilderness High Protein Grain Free Cat Food is a popular choice among cat owners who prioritize the quality and nutrition of their feline companions’ diet.

Specs

  • Grain-free
  • AAFCO-approved
  • For adult cats

Pros

  • Has real buffalo, bison, beef, and roasted venison as sources of high-quality proteins for healthy muscles
  • Natural recipe fortified with vitamins and antioxidants that promote overall health
  • Includes omega fatty acids for healthy skin and coat
  • Grain-free, corn-free, wheat-free, and filler-free
  • Doesn’t have artificial preservatives, flavors, and colors

Cons

  • Not palatable for some cats

Overall Rating – 4.7

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2. Merrick Purrfect Bistro Grain Free Dry Cat Food

grain free dry cat food

Merrick Purrfect Bistro Grain Free Dry Cat Food is a premium cat food option that does not contain any grains. This cat food is specially formulated to provide a balanced and nutritious diet for your feline friend. It is made with high-quality ingredients such as real deboned meat, fish, or poultry along with a blend of wholesome fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. The grain-free formula ensures that cats with sensitive stomachs or allergies can also enjoy this delicious and healthy food. Merrick Purrfect Bistro Grain Free Dry Cat Food provides essential nutrients, vitamins, and minerals to support your cat’s overall health, immune system, and coat condition. It is available in a variety of flavors and sizes to cater to different feline preferences and needs. Give your cat the purrfect meal with Merrick Purrfect Bistro Grain Free Dry Cat Food!

Specs

  • Grain-free
  • AAFCO-approved
  • For catsof all ages

Pros

  • Soy-free, wheat-free, and corn-free to avoid stomach upset in food sensitive fur babies
  • Includes nutritious fruits and vegetables enriched with vitamins, phytonutrients, minerals, and antioxidants
  • Rich in amino acids for lean muscle mass
  • Has omega fatty acids for healthy skin and coat
  • Contains long-chain DHA for eye and brain development

Cons

  • Expensive

Overall Rating – 4.6

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3. Canidae Grain Free Pure Real Chicken Cat Food

CANIDAE Grain-Free PURE Chicken Dry Cat Food

The Canidae Grain Free Pure Real Chicken Cat Food is a high-quality cat food made with real chicken and it is free of grains. This nutritious cat food provides a balanced diet for your feline companion, promoting overall health and well-being. It is specially formulated to support healthy skin and coat, as well as a strong immune system. With its delicious flavors, this cat food will surely be enjoyed by your pet. By feeding your cat the Canidae Grain Free Pure Real Chicken Cat Food, you can ensure that their dietary needs are met and provide them with a tasty and wholesome meal.

Specs

  • In kibble form
  • Grain-free
  • AAFCO-approved
  • For adult cats

Pros

  • Easily digestible real smoked salmon for pets with food sensitivities or allergies
  • Includes antioxidants from vegetables and fruits for a healthy immune system
  • Consists of chelated minerals for maximum absorption of essential nutrients
  • Has omega fatty acids for healthy skin and coat
  • Grain-free, corn-free, wheat-free, filler-fee
  • No artificial preservatives, colors, or flavors

Cons

  • Not liked by some cats

Overall Rating – 4.0

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4. Wellness Core Natural Grain Free Dry Cat Food

Grain free cat food

Wellness Core Natural Grain Free Dry Cat Food is a high-quality cat food that is specifically designed to meet the nutritional needs of cats. Made with real meat as the first ingredient, this dry cat food provides a balanced and complete diet for your feline friend. It is free from grains, fillers, and artificial additives, making it a healthy choice for cats with sensitivities or allergies. Packed with protein, vitamins, and minerals, this cat food supports healthy digestion, strong muscles, and a shiny coat. With no added preservatives or artificial colors, Wellness Core Natural Grain Free Dry Cat Food is a wholesome option for cat owners who prioritize their pet’s well-being.

Specs

  • Grain-free
  • Dry pet food
  • AAFCO-approved
  • For all cats

Pros

  • Rich in omega fatty acids for healthy skin and coat
  • Mix of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants for a healthy immune system
  • No artificial preservatives and flavor

Cons

  • Bit Expensive

Overall Rating – 4.7

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5. Instinct Original Grain Free Recipe Natural Dry Cat Food

Instinct Original Grain Free Cat Food

Instinct Original Grain Free Recipe Natural Dry Cat Food is a high-quality cat food made from natural ingredients. This cat food is formulated to provide a balanced and complete diet for your feline friend. It is grain-free, which means it does not contain any wheat, corn, or soy, making it an excellent choice for cats with food sensitivities or allergies.

The Instinct Original Grain Free Recipe Natural Dry Cat Food is specially crafted to meet the nutritional needs of cats of all life stages. Whether you have a kitten, adult, or senior cat, this cat food has the right balance of nutrients to support their specific needs.

Specs

  • Grain-free
  • Kibble form
  • For all cats
  • AAFCO-approved

Pros

  • Without wheat, soy, and corn
  • Nutritious vegetables and fruits packed with antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals
  • Contains omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids for healthy skin and coat
  • Includes long-chain DHA for brain and eye development

Cons

  • Bit Expensive

Overall Rating – 4.6

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6. Taste of the Wild Grain Free High Protein Dry Cat Food

Taste of the Wild Grain Free High Protein Dry Cat Food

Taste of the Wild Grain Free High Protein Dry Cat Food is a type of cat food that is free from grains and contains a high level of protein. This cat food is formulated to provide the necessary nutrients and support a healthy diet for cats. It is designed to mimic the natural diet of cats by including real meat as the main ingredient. It also includes fruits, vegetables, and other essential ingredients to ensure a balanced diet. Taste of the Wild Grain Free High Protein Dry Cat Food is made with quality ingredients and does not contain any artificial additives, fillers, or preservatives. It is a popular choice among cat owners who prioritize the nutritional needs of their pets.

Specs

  • AAFCO-approved
  • Grain-free
  • For adult pets

Pros

  • High-quality beef and chicken for healthy muscle growth and energy
  • No corn, gluten, soy, and by-product meals
  • Doesn’t contain preservatives and artificial flavors

Cons

  • Not liked by some cats

Overall Rating – 4.5

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7. Purina Beyond Simply Indoor Salmon, Egg & Sweet Potato Grain-Free Dry Cat Food

Purina Beyond Simply Indoor Grain-Free Dry Cat Food

Purina Beyond Simply Indoor Salmon, Egg & Sweet Potato Grain-Free Dry Cat Food is an excellent option for cats who need a grain-free diet. This food is specially formulated with high-quality proteins like salmon and egg, plus a variety of vitamins and minerals to help support a healthy, active lifestyle. The sweet potato provides dietary fiber for digestive health, while the fish oils help to keep coats and skin looking and feeling their best. The food is also free of corn, wheat, soy, and artificial colors and flavors, making it a great choice for cats with allergies or sensitivities.

Specs

  • AAFCO-approved
  • Grain-free

Pros

  • Premium sources of protein for lean muscle and easy digestion
  • Complete and balanced nutrition
  • Natural vegetable fibers for healthy digestion
  • Omega fatty acids for healthy skin and coat

Cons

  • Bit expensive
  • higher carb content

Overall Rating – 4.4

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8. Nutro Wholesome Essentials Indoor  Dry Cat Food

Nutro Wholesome Essentials Indoor Chicken & Brown Rice Dry Cat Food

Nutro Wholesome Essential Grain Dry Cat Food is a high-quality, nutritious cat food that is made with real meat as the first ingredient. It is specifically formulated to meet the dietary needs of adult cats, providing them with essential nutrients and promoting optimal health. This grain-free formula excludes grains like wheat, corn, and soy, making it suitable for cats with food sensitivities or allergies. The natural ingredients in this cat food contribute to a healthy digestion system and support a shiny coat and healthy skin for your feline friend. With no artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives, Nutro Wholesome Essential Grain Dry Cat Food is a wholesome choice for your cat’s nutrition.

Specs

  • Grain-free
  • AAFCO-approved
  • For indoor cats

Pros

  • A specialized formulation for healthy muscle growth
  • Includes real chicken & rice
  • Gluten-free, corn-free, soy-free, and wheat-free
  • Doesn’t contain by-product meals, preservatives, and artificial flavors

Cons

  • large kibble

Overall Rating – 4.3

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Are Grains Harmful To All Cats?

Grains are not inherently harmful to all cats. In fact, most cats can digest grains and starches without any problems. However, a small percentage of cats may be allergic to grains, and in these cases, a grain-free diet may be necessary.

Here are some of the potential benefits of feeding your cat a grain-free diet:

  • Reduced risk of allergies: If your cat is allergic to grains, a grain-free diet can help to reduce the symptoms of allergies, such as itching, skin irritation, and ear infections.
  • Improved digestion: Some cats may digest grains better than others. If your cat has digestive problems, such as diarrhea or constipation, a grain-free diet may help to improve their digestion.
  • Weight loss: Grain-free diets are often lower in carbohydrates than grain-inclusive diets. This can be helpful for cats who are overweight or obese.

However, there are also some potential risks associated with feeding your cat a grain-free diet:

  • Nutritional deficiencies: Some grain-free diets may not be as nutritionally balanced as grain-inclusive diets. This is because grains are a good source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
  • Taurine deficiency: Taurine is an essential amino acid that cats need to maintain their health. Some grain-free diets may not contain enough taurine, which can lead to taurine deficiency.
  • Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM): There is a possible link between grain-free diets and dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), a heart disease in cats. However, the research on this is still ongoing, and it is not clear whether grain-free diets are the only cause of DCM.

If you are considering feeding your cat a grain-free diet, it is important to talk to your veterinarian. They can help you to determine if a grain-free diet is right for your cat and recommend a diet that is nutritionally balanced.

Here are some tips for choosing a grain-free cat food:

  • Look for a food that is labeled as “complete and balanced” by AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials).
  • Choose a food that has a good source of protein, such as chicken, beef, or fish.
  • Make sure the food contains taurine, an essential amino acid for cats.
  • Avoid foods that contain high levels of carbohydrates or artificial ingredients.

It is also important to transition your cat to a new food gradually to avoid any digestive upset. Start by mixing a small amount of the new food with your cat’s old food and gradually increase the amount of new food over a period of 7-10 days.

If you have any concerns about feeding your cat a grain-free diet, be sure to talk to your veterinarian.

About the author

Ryan Rose

Pet lover with 24 years of veterinary experience catering for dogs, cats and other domestic pets.