Does your cat turn their nose up at their dinner bowl more often than not? You are not alone! Walking down the cat food aisle at PetSmart can feel like navigating a maze. So many bags, cans, and pouches promise the best for your furry friend. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed and unsure if you are truly picking the best option for your beloved pet’s health and happiness.
Choosing the right food is a big deal. You want a meal that keeps your cat energetic and their coat shiny. But how do you sort through the premium brands, the budget-friendly choices, and all the different ingredients? This confusion leads to wasted money and, worse, potentially the wrong nutrition for your feline companion.
This guide cuts through the noise. We will break down what to look for on those labels at PetSmart. You will learn how to match specific food types to your cat’s age and needs. By the end, you will feel confident walking into the store, knowing exactly which aisle to head to. Let’s dive in and find the perfect meal your cat will actually eat!
Top Cat Food From Petsmart Recommendations
- DRY CAT FOOD - Our 4 lb bag of cat food contains a specialty entrée with salmon, chicken, and whitefish. Meets the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Cat Food Nutrient Profiles for all life stages.
- FAMILY OWNED & OPERATED - Fromm Family Foods is a fifth-generation family-owned-and-operated pet food company based in Wisconsin. Since 1904, our family has maintained a tradition of quiet innovation dedicated to the health and nutrition of animals.
- HIGH-QUALITY PROTEIN - Our cat kibble contains high-quality salmon and chicken. Very digestible and highly palatable proteins that provide amino acids required for maintaining muscle, tissue repair, hormone synthesis, and other metabolic processes.
- SUITABLE FOR ALL BREEDS & AGES - Our dry food for cats is carefully crafted for cats of all breeds and ages, from Maine Coons to Munchkins, kittens to seniors, and every breed and stage in between.
- INTERCHANGEABLE RECIPES - You can feed our Four-Star Nutritionals Recipes interchangeably so mealtime is unique every day of the week. Four-Star dry recipes for cats are prepared with meat, fish, fruit, and vegetables.
- Complete & Balanced Diet - Dry food for cats delivering optimal nutrition for your favorite feline from wild-caught salmon paired with functional ingredients.
- Supports Healthy Digestion - Keep your kitty's tummy happy with this grain free cat food made up of a nutritious combination of proteins & functional ingredients that helps support healthy digestion.
- Essential Nutrients From Functional Ingredients - Functional ingredients like non-GMO pumpkin and dandelion greens provide the essential nutrients cats need from their diet.
- Know What's In Their Bowl - Formulated without corn, wheat, soy, or artificial flavors, preservatives or additives, just 100% traceable ingredients. No rendered poultry or meat meals either.
- Peace Of Mind For Pet Parents - We use 3rd party certified ingredients, vetted and tested, and you can trace every single ingredient to its geographic origin.
- High protein formula with real salmon as the first ingredient
- Natural prebiotic fiber nourishes specific intestinal bacteria for digestive health
- Fortified with guaranteed live probiotics for digestive and immune health
- Used to be known as SAVOR Salmon and Rice Formula
- Omega-6 fatty acids and vitamin A to nourish skin and coat
- Purina Pro Plan LiveClear Cat Food Weight Management and Cat Allergen Reducer Chicken and Rice Formula reduces the major allergen in cat hair and dander, while helping maintain weight.
- This cat dry food simply and safely neutralizes Fel D1, a common allergen in cat saliva, with a key protein sourced from eggs.
- Kibble for cats fortified with guaranteed live probiotics for digestive health and antioxidants to boost the immune system.
- This weight management cat food helps maintain muscle mass during weight loss.
- Spoil your pet with Purina products. Reward yourself with points on every purchase. Download the myPurina app today.
- I&Love&You XOXOs Mix Pate Wet Cat Food, Variety Pack, Grain Free, Artificial Preservatives Free, 36 Ounces (Pack Of 2)
- Limited Ingredient Recipes: Bursting with delicious flavors and naturally tasty goodness. Applaws Wet Cat Food reicpes are crafted with a thoughtfully chosen selection of premium, natural, limited ingredients that your cat will adore.
- Natural Goodness: At Applaws, we believe in only the best for your cat! Our wet cat food is made with natural ingredients, ensuring that every bite is packed with natural goodness. Free from artificial additives, colors, and flavors, each serving includes nothing more than the ingredients listed.
- Protein-Packed: Loaded with real, high-quality protein as the first ingredient, Applaws satisfies your cat’s natural cravings! With irresistible flavors and recognizable ingredients, our wet cat food is is sure to delight your feline friend and keep them coming back for more.
- A Taste Adventure for Every Cat: Turn every mealtime into an exciting adventure and keep their taste buds engaged with a diverse range of irresistible options, so there’s always a new dish for them to discover. From savory broths and rich gravies to smooth mousses, each meal provides a new and thrilling experience that will keep your cat eagerly anticipating their next bite.
- Complementary Cat Food: Applaws Wet Cat Food is the ideal addition to any dry cat food, offering extra moisture, rich flavor, and essential nutrients like omgea-3 to create a well-rounded diet. Packed with high-quality, protein-rich ingredients, this wet food enhances your cat’s daily meals. When paired with dry food, it ensures your cat receives the full range of nutrients necessary for a healthy, active lifestyle. Treat your cat to the best of both worlds, combining the benefits of dry food with the nourishing qualities of wet food for a complete and balanced diet.
- HUMAN GRADE: As the first human grade dry cat food, our recipe features cage free chicken, and beneficial probiotics, providing a complete and balanced meal that supports your cat's overall wellness
- GOURMET INGREDIENTS YOU CAN TRUST: Crafted from a 100% human grade recipe with no fillers, our Whole Food Clusters dry cat food ensures your pup enjoys a nutritious meal made in a facility that meets stringent safety standards
- CONVENIENT AND EASY TO DIGEST: Dry cat food clusters are crafted with human grade muscle meat & liver, oats, beneficial fats & live probiotics, making them not only a delicious choice but also easy on your cat's digestive system, perfect for adult cats.
- NO COMPROMISE ON QUALITY: We prioritize your pet's health by saying no to feed grade ingredients, meat meals, and artificial preservatives. Our human grade chicken cat food is crafted to provide only the best nutrition without compromise
- SUITABLE FOR KITTENS & ADULT CATS: Complete & balanced nutrition for adult cats and kittens of all breeds and sizes, as well as adult mothers (gestation/lactation).
- FOR CATS WITH DIGESTIVE SENSITIVITIES: Royal Canin Feline Health Nutrition Sensitive Digestion Cat Food Dry Formula is made for adult cats with digestive tract sensitivities
- DIGESTIVE HEALTH: Prebiotics and highly digestible proteins support cat sensitive stomach and digestive health
- SPECIALIZED KIBBLE: Unique kibble shapes offer maximum appetite appeal — the ideal cat kibbles sensitive stomach formula
- OPTIMAL STOOL: A higher concentration of nutrients in a small serving size helps support healthy digestion and optimal stool
- COMPLETE AND BALANCED: Dry cat kibble provides 100% complete and balanced nutrition and is the perfect complement to Royal Canin Digestive Care Wet Cat Food formulas
The Ultimate Buying Guide: Finding the Purrfect Cat Food at PetSmart
Choosing the right food for your cat is a big job. PetSmart offers many choices. This guide helps you pick the best food for your furry friend.
1. Key Features to Look For
When you shop at PetSmart, look closely at the labels. Certain features show good quality.
- **Life Stage Appropriateness:** Does the food match your cat’s age? Kittens need different food than senior cats. Look for labels like “Kitten,” “Adult,” or “All Life Stages.”
- **Nutrient Balance:** Good cat food has balanced nutrients. Cats need lots of protein. Ensure the label shows essential vitamins and minerals.
- **Moisture Content:** Wet food has high moisture. This is great for hydration. Dry kibble is convenient but lacks water. Consider a mix!
- **Brand Reputation:** Trusted brands often mean better quality control. PetSmart stocks many well-known names.
2. Important Ingredients and Materials
What goes into the food matters most. Cats are strict carnivores, meaning they need meat.
The first ingredient should always be a named meat source. Look for things like “Chicken,” “Salmon,” or “Turkey.” Avoid foods where the first ingredient is a vague term like “Meat By-Products.”
Protein Sources: The Foundation
- **High-Quality Proteins:** Real meat provides the necessary amino acids, like Taurine, which cats need to stay healthy.
- **Fats:** Healthy fats, like fish oil, give your cat energy and keep their coat shiny.
- **Carbohydrates:** Cats do not need many carbs. Some fillers like corn or wheat are common, but too much can cause weight gain. Look for lower carbohydrate options if your cat is sensitive.
3. Factors That Improve or Reduce Food Quality
Not all foods are made equal. Some ingredients boost nutrition, while others lower the quality.
Quality Boosters:
Foods that include whole vegetables (like carrots or peas) or added prebiotics improve digestion. Foods made in facilities that follow strict safety rules are also higher quality.
Quality Reducers:
Artificial colors and flavors are unnecessary. They just make the food look better to you, not your cat. Heavy use of artificial preservatives can also reduce the food’s overall health benefits.
Sometimes, the best food for your cat might be more expensive. Higher-priced foods often use better cuts of meat and skip cheap fillers. This improved quality usually leads to better health outcomes for your pet.
4. User Experience and Use Cases
How your cat reacts to the food tells you a lot. User experience often comes down to palatability and digestive results.
Palatability (Does your cat eat it?):
Some cats refuse to eat new food. If your cat turns its nose up at a specific flavor or texture, you must switch. Wet food is usually more appealing than dry kibble.
Digestive Health:
Watch your cat after introducing a new food. If your cat has soft stools or seems itchy, the food might not agree with them. Good food results in firm, regular waste and a happy, energetic cat.
Use Cases:
- **For Picky Eaters:** Try single-serving wet food toppers available at PetSmart to encourage eating.
- **For Weight Management:** Look for “Weight Control” formulas that are lower in fat but high in protein.
- **For Sensitive Stomachs:** Grain-free or limited-ingredient diets might work best. Always introduce these slowly.
10 Frequently Asked Questions About Cat Food From PetSmart
Q: What is the best type of cat food sold at PetSmart?
A: The “best” type depends on your cat. Generally, wet food is better for hydration, while high-quality dry food offers convenience.
Q: Should I buy grain-free food?
A: Not necessarily. Many cats do fine with grains. Only choose grain-free if your veterinarian suggests it due to a specific allergy.
Q: How often should I switch my cat’s food?
A: Switch foods very slowly over seven to ten days. Mix small amounts of the new food with the old food to prevent stomach upset.
Q: Can I feed my adult cat kitten food?
A: No. Kitten food has too many calories and nutrients for adult cats, which can lead to obesity.
Q: What does “By-Products” mean on the ingredient list?
A: By-products are edible parts of the animal that are not muscle meat, like organs. While some are nutritious, they are lower quality than whole meats.
Q: Are PetSmart store brands (like PetSmart’s own brands) good quality?
A: Many PetSmart house brands meet good nutritional standards, but always check the first five ingredients for real meat sources.
Q: How long can I leave wet cat food out?
A: You should only leave wet food out for about two hours at room temperature. After that, bacteria can grow, so you must discard the leftovers.
Q: Is food made in the USA always better?
A: Not always. Many excellent cat foods are made in Canada or Europe. Look at the ingredient quality more than just the country of origin.
Q: How do I know if my cat is getting enough protein?
A: A healthy cat with enough protein will maintain good muscle mass and have a shiny coat. Low energy can signal a protein deficiency.
Q: Should I buy prescription food from PetSmart?
A: Prescription diets are usually sold only through a veterinarian’s office, even if PetSmart carries the brand. Always follow your vet’s specific instructions for these specialized foods.