Top Rated Food for Your Outdoor Cats – Reviews & Guide
Cats can be particularly picky with their food, and this is why you have to try your best to offer them a delicious formula. And, if you find it difficult to choose the best food for outdoor cats due to the multitude of products available on the market, we got you covered. After conducting our thorough research, we have concluded that a reliable option would be the new Hill’s Science Diet Dry Cat. The product offers a delicious recipe of salmon and yellow pea, which is 100% grain-free. It is specifically designed to support your adult cat’s digestive health and is enriched with natural fibers for healthy stools. The formula is made with natural ingredients and features salmon as the number one source of protein to ensure a strong immune system and a luscious fur. If this item is not available for purchase right away, a good alternative could prove to be the Purina Beyond Grain Free.
Comparison table
Our Top Choice
The delicious recipe of salmon and yellow pea is made with natural ingredients and grain-free to support your adult cat’s digestive health. It is enriched with vitamins, minerals, and prebiotic fibers to provide full nutrition and support balanced digestion and healthy stools.
Some customers mentioned the formula has changed lately, which may not be beneficial for cats suffering from certain health affections, including diabetes.
The Hill’s Science cat food contains natural ingredients that ensure a healthy and completely balanced diet for your cat.
2nd Best
The main ingredient is real USDA inspected white chicken meat sourced from the USA and Canada. Along with chicken, there are also other tasty proteins from eggs, chicken meal, and peas. This complete and balanced meal is also grain and gluten-free.
We found that a very small amount of customers have reported the food has caused problems to their felines such as blocked urinary tract, as well as vomiting.
The Purina option is guaranteed to offer your pal all the natural nutrition needed for a very active and happy life.
Also To Consider
For very active outdoor cats, the adjusted calorie content has the ideal protein-to-fat ratio to help your pet maintain the ideal body weight even when playing for the entire day. The powerful antioxidants will boost the immune system and help to defend against free radical damage.
The high price point of this option and the fact that it contains corn, a known allergen for cats, has had many customers feel disappointment with this otherwise great product.
Get your furry pal all the nutrients needed to keep him or her remain healthy and full of energy with the Fit & Active alternative.
5 Best Foods for Outdoor Cats (Reviews) in 2023
While it is true that we can’t decide for you, we can still help you pick from a list of some of the best dry food for outdoor cats. These are the options that have garnered only positive reviews of food for outdoor cats, and that stood out thanks to the use of quality and healthy ingredients.
1. Hill’s Science Diet Dry Cat
If your cat is on a strict diet, this product from Hill’s Science Diet could prove a good choice. It comes in a convenient 13-pound bag, enough to make sure your furry friend enjoys the new formula. It is specifically designed to support your adult cat’s digestive health and is enriched with prebiotic fibers for a healthy stool.
The kibbles are easily-digestible and don’t contain any grains, which makes them a healthier alternative than other products sold for a similar price. It is made locally in the United States with trustworthy global, natural ingredients.
The salmon and yellow pea food is made with real salmon as the number one ingredient, which is an important source of proteins and omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids to support a healthy immune system, improve vision, and help your cat have a soft and luscious fur.
The product also offers specific instructions on how to transition your pet’s food to prevent any problems such as loss of appetite, diarrhea or constipation.
The food is made with natural ingredients, the main one being salmon, which is a powerful source of proteins, vitamin E, and omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids that promote a healthy immune system, strong vision, and soft and shiny fur.
The formula is specifically designed for the needs of adult cats, supporting their digestive system.
It is enriched with natural prebiotic fibers for better stools.
The convenient 13-pound package is enough to satisfy your pet’s hunger for a few days and to ensure a smooth transition from the old food to this new formula.
Detailed information on the food transition can be found on the product’s package.
Although it doesn’t contain any grains, the food does mention potato starch as the third ingredient, which can lead to bloating.
According to some customers, the original formula changed to include chicken and salmon as the main ingredients, while the kibbles became bigger and harder to ingest.
2. Purina Beyond Grain Free
The Purina Beyond Grain Free offers a gluten-free solution that can provide your active feline with the natural nutrition she or he deserves. The nourishing formula utilizes natural and recognizable ingredients that you can trust and none of the artificial flavors or by-products meals that you do not.
The protein-rich white meat chicken and the eggs combine perfectly with the essential nutrients to provide your furry pal with a balanced and complete meal that contains exactly what is needed for a full and healthy life. The added Taurine will help support normal heart muscle function and eyesight.
This model contains no wheat, soy, corn, or poultry by-products meals, meaning that after each serving, your feline will go straight to his or her favorite cat bed to sleep with a happy tummy. To add to that, Purina does not utilize any artificial colors, or preservatives meaning that you can feel even more confident about feeding it to your loved one.
The new cat food is specifically formulated without grains or gluten to meet the specific dietary needs of cats of all ages.
The food is made with real chicken as the number one ingredient, which is a powerful source of proteins to maintain the health of your pet and strengthen the bones and the teeth.
The product doesn’t contain any corn, wheat or soy which means there won’t be any empty calories in your cat’s food that will make it gain weight and become obese. Besides, there are no added flavors, preservatives or artificial colors so you can rest assured the formula is specifically designed for sensitive felines.
If you’re worried about your kitty not receiving all the necessary vitamins and minerals, you should rest assured as this formula is enriched with vitamins A, B-12, D-3, E, zinc, folic acid, and biotin.
The product does contain starch, an ingredient that might cause bloating, so we suggest a smooth transition to the new Purina formula and see how your cat tolerates it.
3. Royal Canin Fit Active Dry Cat Food
The Fit & Active formula is specifically designed for active adults cats that have access to the outdoors. The diet is made using all the natural ingredients they need to keep thriving. Since outdoor cats have higher energy and nutritional requirements, this option is based on 40 years of science and observation to provide precise nutrition.
The highly delicious and nutritious diet is designed for adult cats between the ages of 1 and 10 years. It features an adjusted calorie content with an ideal protein-to-fat ratio meant to help cats maintain the ideal body weight. The powerful antioxidants will boost the immune system and defend against free radical damage.
With an outstanding combination of 52 ingredients, this option is formulated to achieve the best diet for your feline. Customers have reported that this unit is excellent even for picky pets since it features a taste and smell that will conquer even the most spoiled cats.
The new formula is specifically created for moderately active adult cats to help maintain the ideal weight while remaining delicious and nutritious.
This balanced and complete food contains all necessary vitamins and nutrients to keep your kitty healthy and in good shape even when running around and hunting all day long.
It is made with poultry meat and rice as the main ingredients to ensure a healthy and clean source of proteins for strong teeth and bones.
The label comes with specific instructions on how much to feed your beloved feline, according to its weight but the amount of food can be adjusted if your cat is struggling with overweight or obesity problems.
The product contains gluten, additives, and preservatives, which may not be suitable for cats with sensitive stomachs or poor health. Before feeding this food, make sure your pet is not allergic to gluten or any other ingredient from this product.
4. Instinct Original Grain Free Recipe with Real Chicken Natural Dry
With the Instinct Original, you can fill your new cat food bowl with a tasty and healthy formula that is made with 81% real animal ingredients and nutritious oils, while the other 19% consists of healthy vegetables, fruits, and other wholesome ingredients. The chicken meat is sourced responsibly only from cage-free chicken.
Because it is high in protein, it is an ideal diet for an active outdoor pet. It features probiotics, natural omegas, and antioxidants to support a healthy digestion, skin, and coat. It does not use grains, corn, potatoes, wheat, soy, by-product meals, nor artificial preservatives and colors. It is one of the only kibbles that utilizes only pure and real nutrition in every piece.
Each piece of kibble comes covered in freeze-dried raw matter for increased nutrition and an irresistible taste. The raw matter is natural and it is made only from real meat and whole food ingredients and protein that are minimally processed.
Proudly made in the United States with selected ingredients from around the world, this cat food formula doesn’t contain any grains, corn, wheat, soy, by-products or artificial colors and preservatives, meaning it is an excellent choice for all kitties, even the most sensitive ones with stomach or intestine problems.
The food provides a balanced formula with 81% real animal ingredients and nutritious oils, and 19% delicious fruits, and veggies.
Responsibly-sourced and cage-free chicken is the number one ingredient, ensuring a clean source of proteins for strengthening the teeth and bones and promoting healthy growth.
The product is available in bags of various sizes, ranging from 2.2 pounds to 10 pounds. If your cat is transitioning to the new formula, it would be best to start with the smaller bag.
Some customers mentioned that the new formula can cause diarrhea, while peas, which are listed as the fifth ingredient, might cause kidney and bladder stones.
5. Wellness Complete Health Natural Dry Cat Food
The balanced nutrition of the Wellness Complete will nourish your kitty from nose to tail and give it all the energy that an outdoor pet requires. Salmon is the first ingredient, with wholesome, fiber-rich grains such as rice and barley coming in second. It manages to pack plenty of protein to support lean muscles and enough fuel for all those furry adventures.
The formula also utilizes complex carbohydrates designed to support daily energy, and flaxseeds as a natural source of omega-6 fatty acids to help maintain a healthy coat and skin. It is also packed with cranberries, vitamins, antioxidants, minerals, and taurine to support immune and urinary health, as well as overall well-being.
Your cat will also enjoy the benefits of prebiotics and probiotics, as well as healthy fibers which will support healthy digestion as well as prevent hairballs with every bite. The ingredients are all natural and premium, and you will not find any traces of wheat, soy, corn, meat by-products, or artificial flavors, colors, and preservatives.
The food comes in packages of various sizes, ranging from 2.5 pounds to 12 pounds, so all you have to do is pick the most convenient size for your pet’s needs. If your cat is adjusting to the new diet, we suggest sticking to the smaller packages until it fully accepts the new food.
The formula is specifically designed for adult cats and provides complete and balanced nutrition.
It is made with only premium and natural ingredients and doesn’t contain wheat, soy, meat by-products, artificial colors, flavors or preservatives, meaning it represents a safe choice for all felines, even those that have digestive problems or deal with irritable bowel syndrome.
The delicious chicken recipe contains real chicken as the main ingredient which is an important and clean source of proteins to ensure your feline’s immune system health.
Some customers mentioned the formula changed lately, meaning cats fighting different diseases may find the new kibbles harder to eat and digest.
Our Comprehensive Buying Guide
Unlike indoors cats that have far less energy to burn, an outdoor pet requires a protein-heavy diet which can make finding good food for outdoor cats more difficult. Still, that does not mean that you face an impossible task, as with proper research you can learn which factors are worth considering.
If you feel that you don’t have the time or energy to research, we have prepared a buyer’s guide that will show which are the features one should consider when looking to purchase quality food for outdoor cats. Take a quick look below if you want to learn more.
Learn how to read a cat food label
The label of the food you intend to purchase can give you answers to some of the essential questions an owner can have. You can learn what the purpose of the food is and if it is intended for adult felines, kittens, or perhaps pets with certain health conditions.
The net weight is also crucial since it can give you an idea of just how many servings each product can provide and that will help you get the best value for your money. Ingredients on the label are listed in order of weight so you should make sure that the first ones listed are animal meat, organs, or boneless meat. Avoid anything that mentions by-products.
The origin of the ingredients can also help you ascertain the quality. We recommend you choose companies that source their ingredients from sustainable suppliers and farmers. You should avoid food that comes from Asia since it tends to be quite low-quality. Similarly, try to avoid grains, soy, corn, and other carbohydrates since they can promote weight gain.
The recommended ingredients
As we’ve mentioned above, the best brands on the market use sustainable manufacturing processes, and they source the ingredients from parts of the world that are well known for the ethical and humane methods of raising and farming.
If you want to get something that will taste good for your cat while also providing him or her with the nutrients needed, look for real animal protein, vegetables and fruits, and good fats. The real animal protein should be clearly listed so that you know exactly what the origin is. This includes beef, chicken, eggs, venison, lamb, salmon, duck, or organ meat.
Carbohydrates in your cat’s diet should be mainly veggies and fruit that you too might have in your fridge. Look for foods that contain sweet potatoes, zucchini, carrots, apples, and berries. Good fats are naturally present in animal protein but can be supplemented with omega-3 fatty acids.
The harmful ingredients that you should avoid
One of the main ingredients that you should avoid as much as possible is meal. You’ve probably heard this term many times while reading cat food labels and it stands for “meat by-product” that is sourced from chicken, pigs, cattle, goats, and other animals.
It is not inherently bad, but if you have a picky eater or a cat that has allergies, it can be impossible to know what triggered the allergy. That’s especially because the FDA cannot and usually does not verify the ingredients in most pet foods on the market.
Similarly, we recommend that you avoid options that contain artificial preservatives, flavorings or colors. Artificial flavors are added to compensate for lack of quality ingredients, and they too can lead to allergic reactions.
Unavailable products
Blue Buffalo Wilderness High Protein Grain Free
This option is made using a 100% grain-free recipe that starts with protein-rich salmon as the first ingredient designed to support healthy muscle development and growth so that your pet can have all the energy to play with her or his favorite cat toys. It comes packed with amino acids, omegas, and an exclusive blend of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
The blend is called LifeSource Bits, and it will help support a healthy and robust immune system, as well as overall well-being. The prebiotic fibers and probiotics will aid with the digestion and nutrient absorption so that your pal can maintain an ideal weight with a balanced intake of proteins, calories, and fats.
It is loaded with Taurine, which is an amino acid essential to kitty health that will promote eye and heart health, as well as superfoods such as kelp, turmeric, blueberries, and more. Customers have reported that pets love this option so much that even the largest cat bowls are always left empty.
Bibliography:
2) Keep Outdoor Cats Safe and Healthy
3) Feeding Your Cat – Necessary Nutrients
4) Your cat’s nutritional needs
April 5, 2019 at 5:41 pm
I don’t know why cats who hunt and live outdoors would need high protein cat food, when they get fresh meat from mice and birds. It would be a huge waste of money to buy expensive cat food for such cats. They regularly supplement their diet with fresh meat.
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April 6, 2019 at 8:55 am
It makes sense to supplement their diet with high protein food if it’s the winter and they don’t go outside to hunt or the amount of food that they would get from the outdoors is just insufficient. There’s this incorrect assumption that all cats are great hunters — some are deaf, some are blind, some are just too scared of going outside the perimeter of your yard, but that doesn’t mean that they don’t love getting out and exploring; they just do it within the boundaries of a limited space.
Also, outdoor cats are exposed to internal parasites significantly more than indoor ones because those mice and birds you’ve mentioned are jam-packed with parasites (especially the mice). In other words, they just require a different type of care compared to cats that live indoors.
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