Last updated May 29, 2024
Kate Barrington / Cats.com
While outdoor life provides certain opportunities for adventurous cats, it’s not without risk. Outdoor cats have a higher risk of injury and exposure to dangerous pathogens. Keeping your cat indoors helps keep them safe but indoor life comes with its challenges as well.
Because they’re not roaming around and hunting for prey, indoor cats don’t always get as much exercise as their outdoor counterparts. Calorie control is essential for cats who live sedentary lifestyles but all cats have the same basic nutritional requirements.
In this guide, we’ll discuss nutritional considerations for indoor cats and explore some of the best indoor cat foods on the market.
At a Glance: The Best Cat Foods for Indoor Cats
Smalls Smooth Bird Fresh Cat Food
- Rich in protein from chicken and liver
- Good source of hydrating moisture
- Adjustable meal plans good for indoor cats
Nulo Freestyle Turkey & Chicken Recipe Wet Cat Food
- Animal proteins are at the top of the ingredient list
- High in protein and moisture, very low in carbs
- Reasonably priced
Open Farm Harvest Chicken Rustic Blend Wet Cat Food
- Made with 100% human-grade ingredients
- Packed with high-quality animal protein
- Rich in moisture to support hydration
Dr. Elsey's cleanprotein Chicken Recipe Dry Cat Food
- Rich in animal-sourced protein
- Low-carb option for cats who like dry food
- Small kibbles are easy to chew
Wellness CORE Kitten Turkey & Chicken Liver Canned Cat Food
- Rich in animal-sourced protein and fat
- Good source of DHA for kittens
- Prebiotics help support healthy digestion
Weruva Truluxe Steak Frites Dinner with Beef & Pumpkin in Gravy Canned Cat Food
- Low in phosphorus, may benefit kidney health in older cats
- Rich in highly digestible animal protein
- Very low in carbohydrates
Tiki Cat Koolina Luau Chicken & Egg Recipe in Chicken Consomme Wet Cat Food
- Contains over 70% dry matter protein
- Low in calories to help prevent weight gain
- Rich source of hydrating moisture
Why Trust Cats.com
While my cats have enjoyed supervised access to the outdoors over the years, they’ve always been indoor cats. One of my cats was always prone to overeating while the other two were happy to graze. I’ve spent over a decade sampling different cat food products and, over the past five years, have analyzed dozens of brands for in-depth reviews.
To write this review, I ordered the products at full retail price and tested them at home with my cats, Munchkin and Biscuit. My cats let me know what they thought about the products while I performed an objective analysis of their nutritional merits. I also researched the brands to gauge metrics like safety, ingredient quality, and overall customer satisfaction.
Top 7 Best Cat Foods For Indoor Cats
Available in several textures and an array of flavors, Smalls fresh cat food is our top pick for indoor cats. It’s packed with species-appropriate animal protein and low in carbohydrates. With a convenient subscription option, you can customize your cat’s meal plan according to their age, weight, and activity level to help them maintain a healthy body condition.
While Smalls is our top pick for indoor cats, it may not be ideal for every cat. Your cat is unique and it’s important to consider their needs and preferences when shopping for cat food. To help you get started, we’ve included a variety of options in different categories below.
#1 Overall Best: Smalls Smooth Bird Fresh Cat Food
Kate Barrington / Cats.com
- Made In: United States
- Guaranteed Protein: 13% Min
- Age Range: All Life Stages
- Calories Per Ounce: 40
- Typical Cost Per Day: $4.00 per day
With customizable meal plans, Smalls’ fresh cat food delivery service is a great option for indoor cats. When you start a subscription, you provide details about your cat’s age, weight, and activity level. Smalls uses this information to estimate your cat’s calorie needs and provide detailed feeding recommendations. It’s still important to monitor your cat’s weight, but you can adjust your plan at any time if needed.
Smalls Smooth Bird is a chicken-based formula featuring chicken muscle meat and chicken liver. A handful of fresh veggies contribute essential nutrients that complement the synthetic supplements to ensure nutritional balance. Cod liver oil is the primary source of fat, providing plenty of anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acids.
In addition to being high in protein and low in carbohydrates, this formula is rich in moisture which helps support your cat’s hydration, digestion, and total health. Overall, this pate-style chicken recipe is a high-quality source of balanced nutrition, making it not just one of the best cat foods for indoor cats, but for cats in all life stages.
Ingredients
Chicken, Chicken Liver, Green Beans, Water Sufficient for Processing, Dried Yeast, Tricalcium Phosphate, Kale, Magnesium Proteinate, Potassium Chloride, Choline Chloride, Dandelion Greens, Dried Kelp, Taurine, Zinc Proteinate, Iron Proteinate, Cod Liver Oil, Salt, Niacin Supplement, Vitamin E Supplement, Vitamin A Supplement, Copper Proteinate, Manganese Proteinate, Thiamine Mononitrate, D-Calcium Pantothenate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Riboflavin Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Folic Acid, Sodium Selenite, Biotin.
Ingredients We Liked: Chicken, Chicken Liver, Cod Liver Oil
Ingredients We Didn’t Like: None
Guaranteed Analysis
Dry Matter Basis
Caloric Weight Basis
What We Liked:
- Rich in animal-sourced protein from chicken and chicken liver
- Good source of hydrating moisture
- Adjustable meal plans good for indoor cats
- Smooth pate texture is easy for cats to chew
What We Didn’t Like:
- Only available as a subscription plan
- No phone support (text and email only)
#2 Budget Pick: Nulo Freestyle Turkey & Chicken Recipe Wet Cat Food
Kate Barrington / Cats.com
- Made In: United States
- Guaranteed Protein: 11% Min
- Age Range: Adult
- Calories Per Ounce: 35
- Typical Cost Per Day: $2.39 per day
This Nulo Freestyle canned food is made primarily from animal protein sources, including turkey, chicken, turkey liver, and tuna. In addition to the flavors of these ingredients, the recipe contains an additive called “natural flavor” to increase its palatability. Natural flavor is made from hydrolyzed animal tissues and is a concentrated source of the meaty taste cats love.
The food contains guar gum and agar-agar, both plant-derived gums that thicken and stabilize the paté. It also contains small amounts of pumpkin for dietary fiber and cranberries for urinary health. Menhaden fish oil is a species-appropriate source of omega-3 fatty acids, which help support healthy skin and coat.
Overall, this is a meat-based food with high protein, high fat, and low carbohydrate content. When you buy the 12.5-ounce cans, it costs less than $0.30 per ounce. On a per-calorie basis, this food is even cheaper than some of the most popular recipes from Fancy Feast, making it a surprisingly accessible high-quality option.
Ingredients
Turkey, Chicken, Turkey Liver, Turkey Broth, Tuna, Natural Flavor, Guar Gum, Potassium Chloride, Agar Agar, Choline Chloride, Taurine, Cranberries, Pumpkin, Menhaden Fish Oil (Preserved With Mixed Tocopherols), Tomato, Dried Kelp, Yucca Schidigera Extract, Salt, Iron Proteinate, Sodium Carbonate, Zinc Proteinate, Thiamine Mononitrate, Vitamin E Supplement, Magnesium Sulfate, Copper Proteinate, Manganese Proteinate, Sodium Selenite, Niacin Supplement, d-Calcium Pantothenate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Riboflavin Supplement, Vitamin A Supplement, Biotin, Potassium Iodide, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Folic Acid, Rosemary Extract.
Guaranteed Analysis
Dry Matter Basis
Caloric Weight Basis
What We Liked:
- Animal proteins are at the top of the ingredient list
- High in protein and moisture, very low in carbs
- Reasonably priced
What We Didn’t Like:
- Cranberries and pumpkin are on the ingredient list
- On the dryer side
#3 Best Wet: Open Farm Harvest Chicken Rustic Blend Wet Cat Food
Kate Barrington / Cats.com
- Made In: United States
- Guaranteed Protein: 7% Min
- Age Range: All Life Stages
- Calories Per Ounce: 30
- Typical Cost Per Day: $4.00 per day
While an inactive indoor cat may need fewer calories than an outdoor cat, protein is still important. With humanely raised chicken as the first ingredient, this Open Farm recipe is a rich source of high-quality animal protein.
As a wet food, this formula is rich in moisture, which is important for your cat’s hydration. What we love about this recipe is that it doesn’t contain water or regular broth as the primary source of moisture—it’s made with bone broth. Bone broth is rich in collagen and supports healthy digestion for cats.
Something else we appreciate about this product is the packaging. Each carton contains 5.5 ounces of wet food which, according to Open Farm, is enough to feed a 5-8 pound cat for one day. What makes the packaging so great is that you can fold the top over to keep the food fresh in the fridge.
Ingredients
Humanely Raised Chicken, Chicken Bone Broth, Pumpkin, Carrots, Spinach, Red Lentils, Agar Agar, Non-GMO Cranberries, Garbanzo Beans (Chickpeas), Chicory Root, Sunflower Oil, Coconut Oil (preserved with mixed tocopherols), Salt, Vitamin A Supplement, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Vitamin E Supplement, D-Calcium Pantothenate, Thiamine Mononitrate, Riboflavin Supplement, Biotin, Folic Acid, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Zinc Amino Acid Chelate, Iron Amino Acid Chelate, Copper Amino Acid Chelate, Manganese Amino Acid Chelate, Sodium Selenite, Dried Kelp, Potassium Chloride, Dandelion Greens, Choline Chloride, Taurine, Turmeric.
Guaranteed Analysis
Dry Matter Basis
Caloric Weight Basis
What We Liked:
- Made with a single source of animal protein
- Collagen-rich bone broth is the main source of moisture
- Smooth texture is easy for cats to eat
- Made with humanely raised and sustainably sourced ingredients
What We Didn’t Like:
- Contains some beans and legumes
- Primary fat source is plant-based
#4 Best Dry: Dr. Elsey’s cleanprotein Chicken Recipe Dry Cat Food
Kate Barrington / Cats.com
- Made In: United States
- Guaranteed Protein: 59% Min
- Age Range: All Life Stages
- Calories Per Ounce: 113
- Typical Cost Per Day: $0.89 per day
Many cats prefer dry food and if your cat is one of them, Dr. Elsey’s cleanprotein could be a good choice. It’s much lower in carbohydrates than the average dry food. It also relies on animal-sourced protein and fat with gelatin as an animal-derived stabilizer instead of plant starch.
Dr. Elsey’s cleanprotein dry cat food comes in several flavors including classics like chicken, salmon, and turkey. For cats with food allergies, there are also novel protein options like duck and rabbit. Keep in mind, however, that most recipes contain multiple sources of protein.
At around 113 calories per ounce, this dry food is pretty calorie-dense. This makes it especially important to follow the feeding guidelines, but it also helps reduce the per-day cost of feeding. For the average 10-pound cat, you’ll spend about $1 to feed your cat this recipe.
Ingredients
Chicken, Hydrolyzed Pork, Pork Plasma, Gelatin, Chicken Fat (Preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Ground Flaxseed, Natural Flavor, Calcium Carbonate, Salmon Oil, Potassium Chloride, Choline Chloride, Fructooligosaccharides, Vitamins (Niacin, Vitamin A Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate, d-Calcium Pantothenate, Folic Acid, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Riboflavin, Vitamin D Supplement, Biotin, Vitamin B12), Minerals (Zinc Proteinate, Zinc Sulfate, Iron Proteinate, Ferrous Sulfate, Copper Proteinate, Copper Sulfate, Manganese Proteinate, Manganese Sulfate, CalciumIodate, Sodium Selenite), Taurine, Magnesium Oxide, Mixed Tocopherols (Preservative), Salt, Vitamin E Supplement, Rosemary Extract.
Ingredients We Liked: Chicken, Hydrolyzed Pork, Pork Plasma, Gelatin, Chicken Fat, Salmon Oil
Ingredients We Didn’t Like: None
Guaranteed Analysis
Dry Matter Basis
Caloric Weight Basis
What We Liked:
- Rich in animal-sourced protein
- Low-carb option for cats who like dry food
- Small kibbles are easy to chew
- Nutritionally complete for all life stages
What We Didn’t Like:
- Expensive at over $7.00 per pound
#5 Best for Kittens: Wellness CORE Kitten Turkey & Chicken Liver Canned Cat Food
Kate Barrington / Cats.com
- Made In: Canada, United States
- Guaranteed Protein: 12% Min
- Age Range: All Life Stages
- Calories Per Ounce: 36
- Typical Cost Per Day: $3.49 per day
Our top pick for kittens is Wellness CORE’s high-protein wet cat food. It’s a meat-based formula packed with animal-based ingredients, including turkey, chicken, herring, and organ meats.
The inclusions of herring and menhaden fish oil make this food a good source of DHA, an omega-3 fatty acid that contributes to brain and eye development in kittens. With 36 calories per ounce and about 34% dry matter fat, this is an energy-dense diet that will help fuel your kitten’s growth and development.
Though it’s grain-free and contains no potatoes or soy, this pâté contains small amounts of ground flaxseed, dried kelp, chicory root extract, and alfalfa meal. While these ingredients aren’t essential in a carnivorous diet, they have a few benefits for indoor cats. Chicory root extract, for example, is a prebiotic fiber that helps support digestive and immune system health.
Ingredients
Turkey, Chicken Liver, Turkey Broth, Chicken, Herring, Chicken Hearts, Natural Flavor, Fish Oil (Preserved With Mixed Tocopherols), Ground Flaxseed, Dried Chicory Root, Tricalcium Phosphate, Guar Gum, Potassium Chloride, Taurine, Cranberries, Sunflower Oil, Choline Chloride, Dried Kelp, Yucca Schidigera Extract, Cassia Gum, Xanthan Gum, Salt, Magnesium Sulfate, Vitamin E Supplement, Zinc Proteinate, Iron Proteinate, Thiamine Mononitrate, Copper Proteinate, Manganese Proteinate, Sodium Selenite, Niacin Supplement, d-Calcium Pantothenate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Riboflavin Supplement, Vitamin A Supplement, Biotin, Potassium Iodide, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Folic Acid.
Ingredients We Liked: Turkey, Chicken Liver, Chicken, Herring, Chicken Hearts, Fish Oil
Ingredients We Didn’t Like: Guar Gum, Cassia Gum, Xanthan Gum
Guaranteed Analysis
Dry Matter Basis
Caloric Weight Basis
What We Liked:
- Rich in animal-sourced protein and fat
- Good source of DHA for kittens
- Prebiotics help support healthy digestion
- Soft pate texture is easy for kittens to eat
What We Didn’t Like:
- Fairly expensive, over $0.50 per ounce
#6 Best for Seniors: Weruva Truluxe Steak Frites Dinner with Beef & Pumpkin in Gravy Canned Cat Food
Kate Barrington / Cats.com
- Made In: Thailand
- Guaranteed Protein: 10% Min
- Age Range: Adult
- Calories Per Ounce: 21
- Typical Cost Per Day: $6.29 per day
This food from Weruva’s TruLuxe line has several qualities that make it a good option for senior cats. With beef as its primary ingredient, this food has plenty of nourishing animal-sourced protein to keep your senior strong and lean. It’s also rich in hydrating moisture.
With plenty of protein and a primarily animal-sourced ingredient list, this food adheres to a carnivorous dietary model. Meanwhile, it manages to keep phosphorus at 1.0 mg per 1,000 calories—a rare treat among high-protein foods. With its relatively low phosphorus content, this food is a good option for people who want to keep their cat’s kidneys in the best condition possible.
This recipe comes in a finely shredded form which many cats find appealing. It’s a popular choice among picky eaters.
Ingredients
Beef Broth, Beef, Pumpkin, Sweet Potato, Potato Starch, Carrot, Sunflower Seed Oil, Tricalcium Phosphate, Xanthan Gum, Potassium Chloride, Choline Chloride, Salt, Taurine, Zinc Sulfate, Vitamin E Supplement, Nicotinic Acid (Vitamin B3 Supplement), Ferrous Sulfate, Manganese Proteinate, Calcium Pantothenate, Thiamine Mononitrate, Vitamin A Supplement, Riboflavin Supplement (Vitamin B2), Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B6), Vitamin D3 Supplement, Folic Acid, Copper Sulfate, Potassium Iodide, Sodium Selenite, Biotin, Vitamin B12 Supplement.
Guaranteed Analysis
Dry Matter Basis
Caloric Weight Basis
What We Liked:
- Low in phosphorus, may benefit kidney health in older cats
- Rich in highly digestible animal protein
- Very low in carbohydrates
- Shredded texture many cats find appealing
What We Didn’t Like:
- Fairly expensive, over $0.60 per ounce
#7 Best for Hairballs: Tiki Cat Koolina Luau Chicken & Egg Recipe in Chicken Consomme Wet Cat Food
Kate Barrington / Cats.com
- Made In: United States
- Guaranteed Protein: 15% Min
- Age Range: All Life Stages
- Calories Per Ounce: 24
- Typical Cost Per Day: $4.6 per day
If your cat’s hairballs are caused by digestive issues, you might appreciate the simplicity and digestibility of this recipe. Unlike other foods that emphasize low-value plant protein, this Tiki Cat recipe is all about the meat.
Chicken takes center stage and dwarfs all other inclusions, offering a species-appropriate source of protein and nutrients. Dried egg provides supplemental protein and acts as a source of choline and lecithin—two ingredients that may help prevent hairballs. Measured as dry matter, this formula contains over 70% protein.
On the negative side, this recipe uses sunflower seed oil instead of animal-sourced fats. It may also be inappropriate for cats with food allergies since it’s made with chicken and processed on shared equipment with products that contain fish.
Ingredients
Chicken, Chicken Broth, Sunflower Seed Oil, Dried Egg, Tricalcium Phosphate, Choline Chloride, Potassium Chloride, Taurine, Magnesium Sulfate, Zinc Sulfate, Iron Sulfate, Vitamin E Supplement, Niacin (Vitamin B3), Biotin, Copper Sulfate, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Sodium Selenite, Thiamine Mononitrate (Vitamin B1), Calcium Pantothenate, Manganese Sulfate, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Vitamin A Supplement, Riboflavin Supplement (Vitamin B2), Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B6), Potassium Iodide, Folic Acid, Vitamin K3 Supplement.
Guaranteed Analysis
Dry Matter Basis
Caloric Weight Basis
What We Liked:
- Contains over 70% dry matter protein
- Low in calories to help prevent weight gain
- Rich source of hydrating moisture
What We Didn’t Like:
- Relies primarily on plant-sourced fat
- Expensive, costs over $0.60 per ounce
How To Choose the Best Cat Food for Indoor Cats
Like human outdoor enthusiasts, outdoor cats tend to spend more time exercising by climbing trees, hunting, and exploring. While activity levels vary from one cat to another, cats who live indoors tend not to get as much exercise as those who live outside. The best food for indoor cats balances your cat’s energy requirements against their activity level to help them maintain a healthy body weight with more lean muscle mass than fat.
That said, all cats have the same general nutritional requirements. Here are some tips for shopping for cat food for indoor cats.
Make Sure It’s Biologically Appropriate
Your indoor cat may not hunt for their food but their nutritional needs remain similar to their wild ancestors. Cats are obligate carnivores, so a meat-based diet is what they’re designed to process most efficiently. Choose a cat food that relies on animal-sourced protein and fat with limited carbohydrates. High-moisture diets are ideal to support your cat’s hydration.
Look for a Moderate-Calorie, Low-Carb Option
Decreased activity means decreased calorie needs. Excess calories combined with high-carb commercial diets can increase an indoor cat’s risk of becoming overweight or obese. Choose a moderate-calorie, low-carb cat food and follow the feeding guidelines or your vet’s recommendations to help your indoor cat maintain a healthy body weight.
Consider the Fiber Content
Because indoor cats have more free time to spend grooming themselves, they tend to suffer more from hairballs compared to cats who live outside. Hairball issues are directly linked to poor digestive health—something that can be improved through a biologically appropriate diet.
A meat-based diet is ideal for all cats, but some indoor cats with digestive issues may benefit from supplemental fiber in their diets to help hairballs pass through smoothly. Too much fiber in your cat’s diet can cause problems as well, so aim for something with less than 5% fiber measured as dry matter.
Every cat is different. On top of considering your cat’s nutritional requirements, take their personal preferences into account as well. Don’t be afraid to try out different types of food and various flavors and textures to see what your indoor cat likes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is indoor cat food really better for indoor cats?
It depends on the formula. Indoor cat foods are often lower in calories than standard formulas which may help prevent weight gain related to low activity. That said, many indoor formulas are high in carbs with excessive levels of fiber. All cats can benefit from a meat-based, low-carb, high-moisture diet.
Is dry food or wet food better for indoor cats?
Wet food is generally better for all cats. The moisture in the wet food supports hydration which in turn lowers the likelihood of developing urinary tract disease and renal failure. For cats who prefer dry food, it’s important to encourage moisture intake elsewhere in the diet. Cats, in general, have a low thirst drive. It can be challenging to track their water intake and wet food helps eliminate that guesswork.
How much should I feed my indoor cat?
Calorie requirements vary according to your cat’s age, weight, and activity level. The average indoor cat needs 20–30 calories per pound of body weight. If you’re not sure how much you should be feeding your cat, talk to your vet. They will determine your cat’s body condition score and recommend the exact daily calorie count needed.
if you are going to feed your cat both dry and wet food how many time a week should you mix the two. someone said that goats milk or some kinda oil helps reduce hairballs is any of this true. i have not had a cat in 45yrs. now i am retired so i have the time needed to care for animals again
My cat only likes tuna treats , will not eat any kind of,raw food at all
Watched video on Marty’s catfood. Have emailed them twice, asking what the fiber-like thread of plastic looking material is in some of the pieces of their catfood. There was NO explanation. Only got offer to replace the food. I have pictures. It’s very disturbing. Anyone else see this?
Kelly, that is disturbing indeed. I’m going to email you, as this is something we’d like to be aware of and potentially share in our review of this brand. – Mallory