A healthy diet is essential for all cats, but it’s especially important for indoor cats who have limited access to the outdoors. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of the best dry cat foods for indoor cats – so you can be sure your kitty is getting the nutrients and care that they need.
All of the foods on our list are made with high-quality ingredients and are free from fillers, by-products, and artificial flavors and colors. So you can trust that your cat is getting the best possible nutrition no matter which food you choose. Scroll down to see our top 5 picks for the best dry cat food for indoor cats!
We hope you enjoy the following product reviews. All products we evaluate are carefully chosen from among the best currently available. We may, in some cases, receive samples for hands-on evaluation - but all opinions noted in this article are ours alone. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases made by our readers. Thank you for visiting us today!
How We Pick the Best Dry Cat Food for Indoor Cats
Your cat is an important part of your life, and you want to make sure that they are getting the best nutrition possible. Indoor cats need special dietary considerations because they are usually sedentary and have a tendency to have weight gain issues as well as conditions like hairballs. We have evaluated over 100 dry cat foods suited for indoor cats to find the healthiest and tastiest options for your kitty.
Reduces Hairballs + Weight Control
Iams Proactive Health Adult Indoor Weight & Hairball Control
What We Like About It
If your indoor cat is carrying around a few extra pounds, it's time to take a look at this Iams Dry Cat Food. This specially formulated food is designed to help your cat lose weight or maintain a healthy weight, thanks to its l-carnitine content. It also has omega fatty acids and fibers to help promote healthy skin and coat and reduce hairballs.
This indoor cat food is perfect for hairball care as it contains a propriety fiber blend with beet pulp to help reduce hairballs before they even start. Plus, the added fiber will help reduce hairballs. So not only will your cat be healthier, but it will also look and feel great!
One Minute Pet Tips
IAMS recommends acclimating your cat to a new food by gradually mixing it with its existing food over a period of four days. If your indoor cat has a tendency to gain weight, this food can help them lose and maintain a healthier weight.
Weight Management For Adult Cats
Hill's Science Diet Perfect Weight Dry Cat Food
What We Like About It
Looking for dry cat food that will support your feline's lean muscle and help them maintain a healthy weight? This delicious dry food is packed with all the nutrients your cat needs, including high-quality protein to help maintain lean muscle mass.
It also contains a precise blend of antioxidants and vitamins to support a healthy immune system. Plus, the unique mix of roasted chicken meal and vegetables will have your cat begging for more at mealtime. It is specifically designed to meet the nutritional needs of cats, and it contains high-quality ingredients that are essential for your cat's health. Plus, it's highly palatable, so even the pickiest eaters will love it.
One Minute Pet Tips
Use the following feeding guide to help you decide how much to give your pet at each meal, but be aware that every animal is different and may require more or less food depending on its individual needs. Start by mixing a little of the new food with a lot of the old food.
Every day for seven days, increase the amount of new food and decrease the amount of old food until your pet is only eating the new food. Science Diet provides a wide variety of dry foods, canned goods, and snacks that cater to your pet's changing needs.
Helps Decrease Stool Amounts (And Litter Box Odors)
Royal Canin Indoor Adult Dry Cat Food
What We Like About It
This dry food is specially formulated to help cats pass ingested hair through their digestive system, providing hairball relief. The optimal blend of fiber in this food helps keep your cat's digestive system healthy, while the high-quality ingredients provide superior nutrition.
Your indoor cat will love the taste of this delicious dry food, and you'll love knowing that they're getting the nutrients they need. Contains highly digestible proteins to increase nutrient absorption and reduce stool volume (and odor).
Plus, it's enriched with vitamins and minerals to support your cat's overall health. Whether your indoor kitty is a lazy lounger or an active explorer, this nutritiously complete and palatable food will keep them happy, healthy, and thriving.
One Minute Pet Tips
The amount of food you should give your cat each day depends on how much they weigh. As a general guideline, feed them 1/2 to 2/3 cups per 4 to 7 pounds of body weight. To keep your cat healthy and hydrated, always provide them with clean water. If you need to change their food, do it gradually over a period of five to seven days so their digestive system can adjust.
Four Antioxidant Sources For A Strong Immune System
Purina ONE Indoor Advantage Cat Food
What We Like About It
This Purina ONE product is specially formulated to meet the needs of indoor cats and contains four antioxidant sources to support a strong immune system.
Plus, the fiber-rich formula helps reduce hairballs. So you can rest assured that your cat is getting the nutrition it needs to stay healthy and happy.
Made with delicious, crunchy bites, this natural cat food formula contains added vitamins, minerals, and nutrients to support overall health. There are no artificial flavors or preservatives, so you can feel good about giving them the best. Give your indoor cat the advantage with Purina ONE Indoor Advantage Cat Food.
One Minute Pet Tips
For a healthy and well-fed cat, fill their bowl with the recommended amount of food in the morning, letting them have access to it throughout the day instead of one large mealtime feeding. The amount of food your cat needs to consume will depend on various conditions such as age, activity level, and surroundings.
Features Exclusive "LifeSource Bits"
Blue Buffalo Natural Adult Indoor Hairball Control Dry Cat Food
What We Like About It
The unique blend of natural fibers in this Blue Buffalo cat food helps eliminate hairballs without grains that contain gluten. Plus, it's packed with delicious flavor that your kitty will love.
The LifeSource Bits are a precise blend of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that support immune system health. This formula is also rich in protein and fiber to help your cat maintain a healthy weight. Blue Buffalo's dry cat food is sure to keep your feline friend happy and healthy for years to come.
One Minute Pet Tips
This food contains only the best natural ingredients with added vitamins and minerals, so you can feel good about feeding your cat the highest quality nutrition. To ensure your cat is getting enough of all the essential nutrients, be sure to feed them according to age, size, and activity level.
If you're looking for a holistic approach to feeding your kitty, adding wet food supplements can help keep them hydrated and provide added nutrition. Wet foods help support healthy skin, coat, and overall well-being. Consider providing your cat with a mix of wet and dry food for balanced nutrition that's sure to keep them happy and purring.
Indoor Cat Food FAQ
Finding the best dry cat food for indoor cats, particularly for your cat, comes down to choosing a good quality formula to start with, then going by whether your kitty enjoys the taste and seems to thrive on it.
We have researched a number of dry cat foods with an emphasis on those that are tasty and readily available. We go by customer reviews, field tests, and other factors.
Here are some of the most popular questions people ask about food for indoor cats in general. We hope these questions and answers will be helpful.
What is the difference between cat food and indoor cat food?
The main difference between cat food and indoor cat food is that indoor cat food has been specifically designed to meet the needs of cats who live exclusively indoors. Indoor cat food typically contains more fiber than other types of cat food, since cats who live indoors are more likely to become constipated.
It also typically contains fewer calories, since indoor cats are less active than cats who spend time outdoors. And it often includes added nutrients like taurine and vitamin E, which are beneficial for cats who don't get as much exercise as outdoor cats.
Do indoor cats need grain-free food?
Yes, indoor cats need grain-free food because they are not as active as outdoor cats and do not require the same level of protein. Grain-free food is better for them because it is easier to digest and has fewer fillers.
Should dry and wet cat food mix?
There is some debate over whether or not it's a good idea to mix wet and dry cat food. Some people say that it's essential to do so in order to provide your cat with the nutrients they need, while others maintain that it can actually be harmful to their health.
The truth is that there isn't really any right or wrong answer when it comes to this question. It all depends on your cat's individual dietary needs and preferences. You may have to experiment a bit to figure out what works best for them. But as a general rule, it's usually a good idea to mix wet and dry food together in order to give them a well-rounded diet.
Do cats get bored of the same food?
Of course not! Cats are creatures of habit and they love their food. They may get a little stir-crazy if they're eating the same thing all the time, but as long as it's a food they enjoy, they'll be perfectly happy. So feel free to rotate their food options now and then, but don't worry - your cat will always love you, no matter what you put in their bowl!
Do vets recommend grain or grain free?
The veterinary community is deeply divided on the issue of grains in pet food. Some vets swear by grain-free diets, while others claim that grains are an important part of a balanced diet for dogs and cats. The bottom line is that there is no definitive answer to this question.
Every pet is different, and each pet's nutritional needs will vary depending on its age, activity level, and health status. Grain-free diets can be a good option for some pets, but they're not necessarily right for every animal. If you're unsure about what food to feed your pet, it's always best to consult with a veterinarian or nutritionist.
Do cats need wet food every day?
Cats evolved as desert animals, so they are designed to get most of the water they need from their diet. A diet of wet food is therefore ideal for cats.
Cats that only eat dry food may not be getting enough water, which can lead to health problems such as urinary tract infections and kidney disease. Feeding your cat wet food in addition to their dry food diet is a simple way to help keep them healthy and happy.
Should I put water next to cat food?
You may have seen those little trays of water next to cat food at the store and thought to yourself, "Should I put water next to my cat's food?" The answer is a resounding yes! Water is essential for your cat's health, and providing fresh, clean water next to their food will encourage them to drink more. Plus, the extra hydration will keep their skin and coat healthy and help prevent problems like urinary tract infections.
You can find water bowls made specifically for cats that are designed to keep the water fresh and enhance your cat's drinking experience. These bowls typically have a fresh foam layer that prevents evaporation and helps keep the water cooler.
Can I feed my cat dry food in the morning and wet food at night?
You could try, but it's not ideal. Cats have a natural preference for wet food and they usually eat more when they're fed wet food. Dry food is also more calorie-dense, so your cat would likely gain weight if she only ate dry food. A better solution would be to feed your cat a combination of wet cat foods and dry foods throughout the day.
How much should an indoor cat eat per day?
Indoor cats are typically sedentary, meaning they don't get as much exercise as their outdoor counterparts. As a result, they tend to require fewer calories. The general rule of thumb is that an indoor cat should consume about 20 calories per pound of body weight each day.
However, there are a number of factors that can affect how much food an indoor cat needs, such as age, activity level, and health condition.
For example, a young kitten will require more calories than an adult cat, and an older cat may need less than a younger one. Likewise, a cat who is very active will need more calories than one who is mostly inactive.
If you're unsure about how much to feed your indoor cat, it's best to consult with your veterinarian.
What food can cats not resist?
Cats can't resist the 3D structure of food. This means that when you offer them a treat, they're more likely to be interested if it's in a three-dimensional shape. Include chicken liver in your cat's diet to give them an added boost of nutrients.
This delicious organ meat is packed with animal proteins, vitamins, and minerals, and can help keep your cat healthy and happy. So next time you're looking for a way to get your cat's attention, try offering one of these irresistible foods.
Is it OK to mix different brands of cat food?
According to veterinarians, there is no evidence that mixing different brands of cat food is harmful to cats. In fact, some vets even recommend it! They say that variety is the key to a healthy cat's diet, and that mixing different brands of food can help provide essential nutrients and vitamins. So next time you're at the pet store, don't be afraid to mix and match! Your cat will thank you for it.
What dry foods should a cat avoid?
While there are many cat food brands and formulas on the market, some of them can actually be harmful to a cat's health. For example, dry foods that are high in carbohydrates can lead to obesity and diabetes, while those that are high in protein can cause kidney problems.
In addition, dry foods that contain artificial preservatives and flavorings can also be detrimental to a cat's health. As a result, it is important to choose a dry food that is specifically designed for cats and that contains only natural ingredients.
By doing so, you can help ensure that your feline friend stays healthy and happy for years to come.
How often should you change dry cat food?
Some experts recommend changing it every day, while others say that you can keep the same food in the bowl for two weeks or more. The truth is, there is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question.
The best way to determine how often to change your cat's food is to pay attention to her eating habits and overall health. If she always cleans her bowl and seems happy and healthy, then there's no need to make a change.
However, if she starts leaving food behind or seems to be losing weight, it's time to switch things up. Ultimately, the best way to ensure that your cat is getting the nutrition she needs is to consult with your veterinarian. They can help you create a feeding schedule that meets your cat's individual needs.
One Minute Recommendation
While there are a number of different options for the best cat food brand for indoor cats, we've narrowed it down to the top five. If you're looking for quality dry food that will keep your indoor cat healthy and happy, any of these five choices would be a great option. And remember, when in doubt, always consult with your veterinarian to find out what they recommend for your specific pet.
