Ever look at your cat and wonder what’s truly fueling their playful pounces and long naps? We all want our feline friends to live long, happy lives, right? That desire often leads us straight to the pet food aisle, but then the confusion sets in. Suddenly, you are staring at bags filled with confusing labels: “natural,” “organic,” “grain-free”—what does it all actually mean for your beloved pet?
Choosing all-natural cat food feels like a big responsibility. You want the best nutrition, but the sheer volume of choices, marketing jargon, and varying price points can feel overwhelming. Many pet owners worry they are accidentally picking foods loaded with fillers instead of the high-quality ingredients their cats need to thrive.
This article cuts through the noise. We break down exactly what “all-natural” means in the context of cat nutrition. You will learn to spot the real gems on the shelf, understand what ingredients truly benefit your cat’s health, and feel confident every time you fill that food bowl. Keep reading to transform your selection process from a headache into a simple, rewarding choice for a healthier cat.
Top All Natural Cat Food Recommendations
- Natural nutrition with high-quality ingredients like real chicken as the #1 ingredient for a taste your cat will enjoy
- Purina indoor cat food made with real salmon and whole grains formulated for all life stages
- Weight control cat food containing 25 essential vitamins for cats and minerals to support your cat’s overall health
- Adult cat food delivering 100 percent complete and balanced nutrition including omega-6 fatty acids for skin and coat health
- Formulated for all life stages
- Natural Purina dry cat food nutrition with high-quality ingredients like real turkey and real chicken as the #1 ingredient for a taste your cat will enjoy
- Hairball control cat food features a natural fiber blend to help control hairballs
- 25 essential vitamins for cats and minerals to support your cat’s overall health
- Weight control cat food delivering 100 percent complete and balanced nutrition specially formulated to promote your cat’s healthy weight
- Special formulation helps promote your cat's healthy weight
- Fish is #1 Ingredient - Since the dawn of time, cats have loved their protein—so that’s why this dish is packed with delicious, crunchy bites of the good stuff: sustainably-sourced salmon and trout.
- Protein-Rich - Packed with 34% protein! This bag of kibble boosts your pet’s energy and helps them maintain lean muscle mass.
- Pre & Probiotics for Easy Digestion - Nature’s mighty little biotics work hard to ensure your pet’s gut is in tiptop shape.
- Holistic Nutrition - Added with care and approved by our in-house holistic vet, Dr. Angie. These handpicked, balanced ingredients nourish the body from head to paw.
- Filler Free - We don’t use fillers to bulk out your pet’s food to help us save a buck or two. There’s no nutritional value and it can contribute to obesity and lethargy. #Nope
- REAL CHICKEN FIRST: This Blue Buffalo dry cat food is made with real, high-quality chicken as the #1 ingredient
- PACKED WITH FLAVOR AND NUTRITION: This dry cat food for adult cats contains the finest natural ingredients enhanced with vitamins, minerals, and nutrients to support your cat's health and wellness
- IMMUNE SYSTEM SUPPORT: High-Protein cat food contains exclusive, antioxidant-rich LifeSource Bits
- HEALTHY, WHOLESOME INGREDIENTS: This natural cat food is made with no chicken (or poultry) by-product meals, and no corn, wheat, or soy
- Contains: One (1) 6-lb bag of BLUE High-Protein and Grain-Free Wilderness Natural Adult Dry Cat Food, Chicken Recipe
- Limited, Whole Ingredients: Reveal Wet Cat Food is a Grain Free, truly limited ingredient recipe that focuses on high-quality, whole ingredients your cat will love. This carefully crafted, simple recipe ensures your feline receives pure, delicious flavor in every bite.
- Delicious, Naturally: Made with 100% natural ingredients, Reveal canned wet cat food is free from artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives. This premium cat food offers pure, high-quality protein in a hydrating broth creating a tasty recipe your cat will love and a difference you can see.
- Real Protein First: At Reveal, our first ingredient is always high-quality, prime cuts of protein. Our carefully crafted, limited ingredient recipe provides cats with a natural meal bursting with flavor.
- Delicious Variety: Reveal Wet Cat Food offers a wide range of enticing flavors and textures, including hydrating broth, savory gravy, seafood, and poultry options. This premium, High Protein cat food is designed to satisfy even the fussiest of felines, providing a flavorful meal that promotes hydration, and keeps mealtime exciting.
- Quality Without Compromise: Every ingredient is carefully selected to ensure it meets the highest standards of quality, supporting your cat’s health with every bite. Trust in the goodness of Reveal, knowing you're giving your pet a clean, natural, and delicious meal every time.
- Contains one (1) 14 lb. bag of premium dry cat food with chicken, lentils and salmon
- Whole Health Blend formula helps support an active mind, healthy digestion and playful lifestyle
- Dry cat food formulated with omega-3 fatty acids, natural prebiotics and protein for holistic nutrition
- Natural cat food with added vitamins, minerals and other nutrients
- Every purchase helps support animals in need through The Rachael Ray Foundation
- 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.
- One (1) 4 lb bag of ORIJEN Original Cat Food with Fresh and Raw** Ingredients
- ORIJEN dry cat food helps supports digestion, shiny coat, healthy skin and heart health for cats of all life stages
- Biologically Appropriate high protein recipe made with 90 percent animal ingredients* to deliver the nutrition cats need to thrive
- First five ingredients of this ORIJEN cat food are fresh or raw** free-run*** chicken and turkey, whole mackerel, turkey giblets and flounder, providing a strong source of essential protein, vitamins, and minerals
- Cat food kibble freeze-dried coated for a burst of raw flavor your cat instinctively craves, containing ORIJEN WholePrey ingredients that feature the most succulent parts of the prey
The Ultimate Buying Guide: A Purrfect Choice for Your Feline Friend
Choosing the right food for your cat is a big job. You want them to be healthy and happy. “All Natural Cat Food” sounds great, but what does it really mean? This guide helps you look past the labels and find the best food for your cat.
1. Key Features to Look For
When shopping for all-natural cat food, look for specific signs that show quality. These features tell you the food supports your cat’s natural needs.
- Real Meat as the First Ingredient: The very first ingredient listed must be a named meat source, like “Chicken,” “Salmon,” or “Turkey.” Cats are obligate carnivores; they need meat to thrive.
- No Artificial Additives: Good food avoids artificial colors, flavors, and chemical preservatives (like BHA or BHT). Natural preservatives, such as Vitamin E (mixed tocopherols), are better choices.
- Complete and Balanced Nutrition: The bag should state that the food meets the nutritional levels set by the AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials). This means it has all the necessary vitamins and minerals.
2. Important Ingredients: What Should Be Inside
The ingredients list tells the whole story. Focus on what is included and what is left out.
Protein Power
Cats need high levels of animal protein. Look for whole meat sources. Avoid foods that list generic “meat meal” or large amounts of plant proteins like corn gluten.
Healthy Fats and Oils
Fats provide energy and help keep your cat’s coat shiny. Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids are very important. Fish oils are excellent sources.
Carbohydrates (Keep them Low)
Cats do not need many carbohydrates. While some natural sources like sweet potatoes or peas are fine in small amounts, foods heavy in grains (like corn, wheat, or soy) are generally lower quality for cats.
3. Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Not all “natural” foods are created equal. Some processing methods keep nutrients locked in, while others strip them away.
Quality Boosters:
- Gentle Cooking Methods: Foods cooked at lower temperatures often retain more vitamins and natural flavor.
- Added Probiotics: These beneficial bacteria support healthy digestion, which is a big plus for many cats.
Quality Reducers:
- By-products: These are lower-quality animal parts. While some by-products can be nutritious, whole meat is always preferred.
- Excessive Fillers: If you see lots of corn, wheat, or rice listed high on the ingredient list, the quality is likely reduced, even if the food is labeled “natural.”
4. User Experience and Use Cases
How your cat reacts to the food shows if it is working well. Pay attention to your cat’s behavior and physical state after switching foods.
Signs of a Good Fit:
A happy cat often shows improved energy levels. Their coat will look shinier, and they will have smaller, firmer stools. Many owners notice less itching or scratching after switching to high-quality, natural food.
Transitioning is Key:
Never switch your cat’s food overnight. Cats have sensitive stomachs. You must mix the old food with the new food slowly over seven to ten days. Start with a small amount of new food and gradually increase it. This prevents stomach upset.
Top 10 FAQs About All Natural Cat Food
Q: What does “All Natural” really mean on a pet food label?
A: “All Natural” generally means the food does not contain artificial ingredients, colors, or preservatives. However, the term is not strictly regulated by the FDA, so always check the ingredient list yourself.
Q: Is natural cat food always better than regular cat food?
A: Not always. A food labeled “natural” can still be low in meat protein. You must check the ingredient quality, not just the label claim.
Q: How much protein should my cat’s food have?
A: For adult cats, aim for at least 30% protein on a dry matter basis, but higher is often better, especially if the protein comes from named meat sources.
Q: Should I feed my cat wet or dry all-natural food?
A: Wet food is usually better because it has much higher moisture content, which supports kidney and urinary tract health. Dry food is convenient but lacks necessary hydration.
Q: Are grains completely bad for cats?
A: Cats do not need grains. While small amounts of certain grains are not harmful, they offer little nutritional value for a cat and take up space that could be used for meat.
Q: How long does it take to see results after switching to natural food?
A: You might see small changes in energy within a week. However, it can take four to six weeks to see real improvements in coat health and digestion.
Q: Can I save money by making my own natural cat food?
A: Making homemade food is possible, but it is risky. You must consult a veterinary nutritionist to ensure you balance all essential vitamins and minerals, like taurine.
Q: What is taurine and why is it important?
A: Taurine is an essential amino acid that cats cannot produce enough of on their own. They need it from animal protein for good heart and eye health.
Q: What is the best way to store opened natural canned food?
A: Cover the opened can tightly with a lid or plastic wrap and keep it in the refrigerator for no more than three to four days. After that, nutrients can start to break down.
Q: Is it okay if the natural food is more expensive?
A: Higher quality ingredients cost more to source and process. Often, the higher price reflects better meat content and fewer cheap fillers, which is a worthwhile investment in your cat’s long-term health.