Hill’s Science Diet

It’s no coincidence that foods from Hill’s Science Diet—and?Hill’s Prescription Diet, the brand’s arm that addresses health concerns like sensitive stomachs, urinary tract issues, and maintaining a healthy weight—regularly appear on the shelves at vets’ offices. This brand is a standard-bearer when it comes to AAFCO- and WSAVA-compliant foods, and it employs over 200 scientists at its Global Pet Nutrition Center.

Royal Canin

Another favorite among veterinarians, Royal Canin’s in-house team of veterinarians and nutritionists puts all of its meals through an extensive development process before presenting them to customers. Among its special offerings you can find kitten food and meals made especially for older and senior cats, plus recipes rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids for shinier coats.

Purina Pro Plan

For science-backed recipes packed with healthy proteins and carbs that won’t put a huge dent in your wallet, Purina Pro Plan is an excellent choice. From indoor cats to senior cats to cats that are prone to hairballs, this brand’s offerings have an option that’ll keep your cat well-fed and healthy. Purina One, a less expensive alternative from the same brand, doesn’t offer as many health-specific recipes, but will still provide your cat with a balanced diet.

Merrick

Merrick is a standout among pet food brands for its team of nutritional experts, company-run canneries and factories, and its enduring dedication to making foods free of artificial flavors, preservatives, or fillers. Its Purrfect Bistro line of cat foods contains all the necessary vitamins, antioxidants, minerals, and fiber that a happy, healthy cat needs. And the line features salmon, beef, and chicken recipes that are made to promote hairball control and healthy skin and coats.

Farmina

This brand isn’t on the same name-recognition level as, say, Purina, but its nutritional chops put it on the map all the same. In the name of continued advancement in pet nutrition, Farmina’s Vet Research team works with independent vets to develop its recipes. Said recipes contain ingredients sourced from heavily vetted farms and producers, so you can trust your cat is enjoying healthy, high-quality meals.?

VetDiet

With premium ingredients packed and an ever-expanding in-house Health and Nutrition Advisory Board, VetDiet’s mission is true to its name, producing meals that prioritize your cat's health and wellness. This 25-year-old, family-run company has delicious meals made for all life stages (from kittens to older cats), and for specific needs like immune system support and weight control. It even makes?healthy cat treats, for when your cat has been an especially good girl or boy (in other words, always).??

Nature’s Logic

Nature’s Logic was founded on the value of whole-food nutrition, meaning its products don’t contain added synthetic ingredients—all the vitamins, minerals, and nutrients your cat needs come from meats, veggies, and healthy carbs. For quality control and contamination prevention, the brand directly purchases or approves all of its ingredient sources, and it tests every batch of food that come out of its U.S.-based manufacturing locations.?

Earthborn Holistic

Earthborn Holistic’s cat foods are made in the U.S. out of its own kitchens and factories, which have been family-run for almost 100 years, since the brand’s founding. It offers both whole-grain and grain-free dry cat food, as well as grain- and gluten-free wet food made with hearty proteins like chicken liver. Across the board, its foods feature animal protein sources like salmon, chicken, duck, and beef as their first ingredient.?