The 7 Best Dry Cat Foods in the UK

#1 Overall Best: Ziwi Peak

Based in New Zealand, Ziwi Peak aims to deliver high-quality pet food made from only free-range, grass-fed animals. They source their ingredients from humane, sustainably-managed local farms to deliver the taste of New Zealand to the rest of the world. Their air-dried cat food is heralded as one of the best on the market, but how will it compare to the rest of our line-up?

What Did Our Test-Cats Think?

Charlotte Fisher / Cats.com

Ziwi Peak was a hit among both taste-testers! I appreciate that a scoop is provided with the food to ensure I’m not over or under-feeding. Ziwi Peak has now become a regular addition to the diet of one of my cats (my other cat isn’t a big fan of dry food) and I have noticed a shinier coat and more energy, which is fantastic.

What Kind Of Food Does Ziwi Peak Offer?

Ziwi Peak offers a range of wet and dry food for dogs and cats. What sets them apart is the unique process involved in making their dry food. Ziwi Peaks air-dried cat food uses a two-step process that eliminates bad bacteria while preserving the natural nutrition in its ingredients.

Air-dried meat improves digestion and gut health, increases energy, and promotes shinier coats. Their recipes contain no rendered meat meal, grains, or fillers.

The recipes include:

• Venison
• Lamb
• Free-range Chicken
• Beef
• Mackerel & Lamb

To get a better understanding of what Ziwi Peak cat food looks like, let’s take a closer look at their popular Air-dried Free Range Chicken cat food recipe.

Charlotte Fisher / Cats.com

The recipe boasts an impressive 96% meat content. Its main sources of protein come from chicken, chicken liver, and chicken heart. 3% green-lipped mussels make a unique addition and provide vitamins, minerals, and essential amino acids. These are all sourced from accredited New Zealand free-range farms.

Chicken bone provides a source of calcium and extra minerals. Insulin from chicory and sea kelp provide valuable sources of fiber. The rest is composed of minerals, vitamins, and natural preservatives (citric acid and Mixed Tocopherols).

While Ziwi Peak is rich in nutrients, it is more calorie-dense than many of its competitors.

Guaranteed Analysis

Crude Protein: 38%

Crude Fat: 30%

Crude Fiber: 2%

Moisture: 14%

Ash: 12%

Dry Matter Basis

Protein: 44.19%

Fat: 34.88%

Fiber: 2.33%

Carbs: 4.65%

Caloric Weight Basis

Protein: 33.08%

Fat: 63.43%

Carbs: 3.48%

Where And How Is It Made?

Ziwi Peak is handmade in small batches each day in their own New Zealand facilities. Their dry food is gently air-dried and only released for sale after approval by the New Zealand government’s regulatory authorities.

How Much Does It Cost?

Ziwi Peak is only available in two sizes – 400g and 1kg. A 400g pack costs £17.09, while 1kg costs 34.49. This puts Ziwi Peak on the expensive side.

Who Should Try Ziwi Peak?

Cat parents who are concerned about the quality of meat in their pet’s diet may want to try Ziwi Peak cat food. This brand also makes a great choice for those who care about responsible sourcing of ingredients.

It is important to note Ziwi Peak’s high-calorie content, so this food may not be suitable for cats susceptible to weight gain. Ziwi Peak is also expensive – 400g will cost £17.09 which is more than most premium competitors.

What We Liked

• Higher meat content than most other dry foods
• Sustainably sourced ingredients
• Air-dried to preserve nutrients

What We Didn’t Like

• Unnecessarily high carbohydrate content
• Expensive

#2 Best Budget Brand: Nood

Nood is a New Zealand-based pet food brand that primarily produces dry dog and cat food, however they also have a wet food range for cats. Their mission is to provide all-natural food that will help your pet live their best life. They claim their recipes are packed with superfoods including real meat, greens, and fish oil.

What Did Our Test-Cats Think?

Charlotte Fisher / Cats.com

If it’s your first time buying Nood, the packaging recommends starting on small amounts with their regular food and gradually increasing the ratio. 25% on days 1 – 3, 50% on days 4 – 6, and so on. Not wanting to give my cats any upset stomachs, I followed their guidelines and they had no problem adjusting to the food and left clean bowls every time.

I noticed a few reviewers claimed their dry food made their cats sick, so I strongly recommend following this guideline to avoid this.

What Kind Of Food Does Nood Offer?

Nood offers dry dog and cat food, alongside wet food for cats. Their recipes contain no artificial colours or additives and are made from natural ingredients. It’s also worth noting that all of their formulas are gluten-free.

To get a better understanding of what Nood cat food looks like, let’s take a closer look at their popular Chicken with Vegetables cat food recipe.

Charlotte Fisher / Cats.com

Chicken provides the recipe’s main source of protein. However, the meat content is an underwhelming 4% fresh chicken and 14% dried chicken.

Rice, peas, and potato are also included, which is a shame as they offer little nutritional value and serve mostly as filler.

Poultry fat provides sources of Vitamin E and Omega-6, while a plethora of vegetables provide plant-based fibre and vitamins. Salmon oil is also included, which provides valuable essential fatty acids.

Guaranteed Analysis

Crude Protein: 33%

Crude Fat: 13%

Crude Fiber: 3%

Moisture: 8.5%

Ash: 10%

Dry Matter Basis

Protein: 36.07%

Fat: 14.21%

Fiber: 3.28%

Carbs: 35.52%

Caloric Weight Basis

Protein: 34%

Fat: 32.52%

Carbs: 33.48%

Where And How Is It Made?

On the website, Nood states that they “go the extra mile (literally)” to source their ingredients. Most of their ingredients come from Europe, but they will sometimes go farther afield to meet supply and quality standards.

Their dry food is made in France, while their wet food is made in Germany.

How Much Does It Cost?

The minimum weight you can buy is 750g, which costs £3.50. This makes Nood one of the more affordable ‘premium’ brands.

Who Should Try Nood?

Nood would be a great fit for those who want to feed their kitty all-natural dry food for a budget price. Despite its relatively low meat content in comparison to its premium competitors, it’s still a healthier choice than most brands you’ll find on supermarket shelves.

It is worth noting that if you live in a more rural area, you may have to order online as Nood can sometimes be difficult to find in stores.

What We Liked

• No artificial colours, preservatives, or fillers
• Gluten-free
• Affordable

What We Didn’t Like

• Lower meat content than expected
• May be hard to find in stores, particularly in rural areas
• Rice is very high in the ingredients list, which provides little nutrition

#3 Best For Healthy Digestion: Meowing Heads

The cat-equivalent to sister brand Barking Heads, Meowing Heads is a British company that makes wet and dry cat food. Their formulas use all-natural ingredients with no additives and boast high meat content.

Meowing Heads can be found in some pet stores and supermarkets, or directly through their website which offers a subscription service.

What Did Our Test Cats Think?

Charlotte Fisher / Cats.com

My cats tried their Raw Lickin’ Chicken flavour, blended with ocean fish and egg. When I opened the bag I was greeted by a pungent, but not unpleasant smell of the ocean.

While my less-fussy cat cleaned his bowl no problem, my other, pickier cat took a little more convincing. After poking at his meal for a while, he was convinced by the addition of wet food.

What Kind Of Food Does Meowing Heads Offer?

Meowing heads offers a range of all-natural wet and dry foods, but it’s the latter we’ll be focusing on. Their dry food boasts a high meat content, aids healthy digestion and contains an anti-hairball formula.

To get a better understanding of what Meowing Heads food looks like, let’s take a closer look at their popular Paw Lickin’ Chicken cat food recipe.

Charlotte Fisher / Cats.com

The formula’s primary protein source comes from a combination of fresh and dried chicken making up 47% of this recipe. 12% dried fish gives an additional protein boost, as does 11% egg which also provides amino acids.

Salmon oil provides valuable vitamins, minerals, and essential omega-3 fatty acids. The recipe also contains fibre-rich brown rice and oats, which can relieve issues such as diarrhoea and constipation. Fruits and vegetables such as seaweed, tomato, and carrot provide healthy fibres, vitamins, and minerals.

Guaranteed Analysis

Crude Protein: 37%

Crude Fat: 18%

Crude Fiber: 2.75%

Moisture: 8.5%

Ash: 10%

Dry Matter Basis

Protein: 40.44%

Fat: 19.67%

Fiber: 3.01%

Carbs: 25.96%

Caloric Weight Basis

Protein: 35.42%

Fat: 41.85%

Carbs: 22.74%

Where And How Is It Made?

Meowing Heads is made in three factories in the UK, Germany, and Spain. While they weren’t clear on where exactly they obtain their ingredients, they try to source as much from the UK as possible.

How Much Does It Cost?

450g of Meowing Heads dry food costs £6.99, or £5.99 on a subscription basis available through their website.

Who Should Try Meowing Heads?

Meowing Heads dry food is a great option for cats who have digestion issues, constipation, or diarrhea. The formula contains no artificial colours, flavours and preservatives, so you know exactly what your cat is eating. It’s important to note the recipe contains brown rice, so I can’t recommend it for cats with grain allergies.

What We Liked

• Made from all-natural ingredients
• Rich in fiber to aid digestion
• Anti-hairball formula
• Rich in meat-based protein

What We Didn’t Like

• Not suitable for cats with grain allergies
• May not be a good choice for fussy eaters

#4 Best From The Supermarket: Lily’s Kitchen

When Henrietta’s dog Lily became ill, she began making homemade recipes to nurse her back to health. Henrietta’s natural recipes were the only thing that worked, and soon Lily was like a new dog. It wasn’t long until the word spread to friends and family, and demand was growing. She collaborated with veterinarians and dietitians to meet demand and develop her recipes, and Lily’s Kitchen was born.

As of April 2020, Lily’s Kitchen is owned by Nestle Purina PetCare.

What Did Our Test Cats Think?

Charlotte Fisher / Cats.com

Lily’s Kitchen played an UNO reverse card on my cats. My usually fussy one appeared visibly excited when I opened the packet and lapped it up, while my often easier-going cat only picked at it for a while before looking up at me with eyes of betrayal. That being said, neither of them eat dry food on its own often, so the story could be very different for cats on a dry food-only diet.

What Kind Of Food Does Lily’s Kitchen Offer?

Lily’s Kitchen offers a range of dry and wet food for cats and dogs. They have recipes tailored to all age ranges and dietary requirements.

The recipes include:

• Chicken Casserole
• White Fish & Salmon
• Chicken & White Fish
• Fish & Turkey

Lily’s Kitchen dry food boasts a high meat content with no artificial ingredients or additives.

To get a better understanding of what Lily’s Kitchen food looks like, let’s take a closer look at their popular Chicken Casserole cat food recipe.

Charlotte Fisher / Cats.com

Lily’s Kitchen’s Chicken Casserole flavour contains 70% chicken. The recipe contains 65% fresh chicken, which is a high-quality protein source. 5% chicken liver delivers an extra boost of vitamins, iron, copper, and protein. Due to the high meant content, I was surprised this recipe has a lower protein content in comparison to some competitors.

Potato acts as this recipe’s source of carbohydrates and is typically easy to digest for most cats. It’s also a source of potassium and vitamins. Egg provides extra protein, and prebiotics help cats maintain a healthy digestional tract.

The recipe also contains cheese. Although cheese contains protein, this is not a natural part of a cat’s diet and could cause stomach upsets if your cat is intolerant to dairy. However, for cats that aren’t, cheese will typically make the food more palatable for fussy eaters.

The rest is made up of herbs, fruits, and vegetables which provide plant-based fibres and vitamins.

Guaranteed Analysis

Crude Protein: 27%

Crude Fat: 17%

Crude Fiber: 3%

Moisture: 7%

Ash: 10%

Dry Matter Basis

Protein: 29.03%

Fat: 18.28%

Fiber: 3.23%

Carbs: 38.71%

Caloric Weight Basis

Protein: 25.89%

Fat: 39.59%

Carbs: 34.52%

Where And How Is It Made?

Lily’s Kitchen wet cat food is made in various locations in the EU and Thailand.

How Much Does It Cost?

Lily’s Kitchen’s cheapest option costs £5 for 350g, so it’s on the more expensive side. Those who use the subscription service via their website can receive 5% off each order.

Who Should Try Lily’s Kitchen?

All of Lily’s Kitchen’s dry food is grain-free, which can be rare to find in other dry food brands. Their recipes make a great pick for owners who want to feed their cats fresh meat if they don’t like wet food. Across the UK, Lily’s Kitchen is widely available, making it one of the more accessible premium brands.

What We Liked

• High fresh meat content
• Grain-free
• No cheap fillers
• Widely available

What We Didn’t Like

• Lower protein content than expected
• Expensive
• Cheese can be an allergen for some cats

#5 Best Sustainable Brand: Lovebug

The most exotic of the line-up, UK brand Lovebug is interesting because it’s made primarily from insects. Formulated by leading pet nutrition experts, LoveBug’s mission is to offer cats a nutritious, sustainable option where they won’t be missing out on animal meat.

Lovebug has a higher fibre content than the rest, which it gets primarily from beet pulp. This natural ingredient aids in gut health and feline digestion, so if your cat has stomach sensitivities, this is a reassuring ingredient to see on the list.

What Did Our Test-Cats Think?

Charlotte Fisher / Cats.com

This one caused a mixed reaction – one cleared his bowl while the other just stared at me accusingly, so Lovebug could make a great choice for some cats who aren’t so keen on wet food. The kibbles are on the larger side compared to other brands, so might not be suitable for kittens or cats with dental health issues.

What Kind Of Cat Food Does Lovebug Offer?

Unfortunately, flavour choices are non-existent when it comes to buying from Lovebug. There is only one variety available, their original Insect-Based Dry Cat Food. The only choice you really have is the weight of the bag.

The food is made primarily from natural ingredients, although it has been artificially fortified with additional vitamins and minerals. LoveBug are transparent about this, and a full list of ingredients including additives can be found on their website.

To get a better understanding of what Lovebug cat food looks like, let’s take a closer look at their insect-based dry food.

Charlotte Fisher / Cats.com

Lovebug’s primary source of protein comes from dried insect meal. The recipe isn’t grain-free as it contains maize, wheat, and dried cereal protein, which also makes Lovebug high in carbohydrates.

Lovebug’s main source of omega-3 comes from vegetable oil. Animal fat would have been preferred here, but it’s understandable why it’s not included due to the sustainable nature of the brand.

Lovebug has a relatively high fibre content compared to some other brands, which it gets primarily from beet pulp. This natural ingredient aids in gut health and feline digestion, so if your cat has stomach sensitivities, this is a reassuring ingredient to see on the list.

Additives such as taurine and zinc complete the recipe to make it nutritionally balanced, resulting in a dry food that’s rich in protein, fat, and vitamins.

Guaranteed Analysis

Crude Protein: 28.9%

Crude Fat: 12.1%

Crude Fiber: 5.6%

Moisture: 10%

Dry Matter Basis

Protein: 32.11%

Fat: 13.44%

Fiber: 6.22%

Carbs: 48.22%

Caloric Weight Basis

Protein: 28.42%

Fat: 28.9%

Carbs: 42.68%

Where And How Is It Made?

Although a UK brand, Lovebug is produced by Mars Petcare in collaboration with sustainability brand Futerra, with the goal of creating environmentally friendly, nutritious cat food.

Producing Lovebug takes up only 20% of the land per kilo of protein compared to beef, and emits zero harmful methane. The bugs used in the kibble are fed on surplus vegetables, and sourced from a farm powered solely by solar energy.

How Much Does It Cost?

The cheapest one-time purchase is fairly well-priced at £12.99 for 1kg, making Lovebug a reasonably budget-friendly option.

For subscribers, you’ll need to order at least 2kg to benefit from the 5% subscription discount, which comes to £21.59.

Who Should Try Lovebug?

Lovebug is a great choice for those wishing to reduce their carbon foot (or paw) print or for cats with sensitive tummies. It provides sustainable, complete nutrition, but unfortunately doesn’t come in any other varieties, so you may want to consider rotating Lovebug with other foods.

What We Liked

• Environmentally friendly
• High in protein
• Nutritionally balanced
• Great for sensitive stomachs
• Handy portion-control scoop included

What We Didn’t Like

• No flavour variety
• No customisation
• Only available online

#6 Best Premium Brand: Farmina

Farmina is an Italian-English collaboration that marries science-backed research and natural ingredients. Pet nutrition specialists The Russo Mangimi Company was founded in 1965, and teamed up with Farmina in the late ’90s to create innovative, nutritious pet food.

They still operate under the Russo Mangimi Company and are partnered with the Chair of Animal Nutrition at the University of Naples Frederico II. This allows them to access and publish clinical data and research and adjust their formulations according to new findings.

What Did Our Test-Cats Think?

Charlotte Fisher / Cats.com

Farmina was an absolute hit with one of my cats, even passing up his regular wet food to go back to the kibble! My other cat wasn’t as enthusiastic, but he didn’t turn his nose up which is a big positive for him!

What Kinds Of Food Does Farmina Offer?

Farmina offers a wide variety of wet and dry pet food under different lines.

• Vet Life offers formulations that will target specific health issues, such as liver conditions, hairballs, and intestinal disorders. These recipes are on a prescription-only basis.
• N&D Quinoa also hones in on specific health conditions but replaces traditional grains with quinoa. Unlike Vet Life, these formulations do not require a prescription.
• N&D Prime contains the highest meat content at 98%. The range features a 70/30 meat to vegetable matter ratio and contains no grains.
• N&D Ocean is largely the same as N&D Prime, except the formulation’s primary source of protein comes from fish. This line is also grain-free.
• N&D Pumpkin states that 96% of their recipes’ protein content comes from animal sources. Unsurprisingly, the formulas contain pumpkin, which lends a source of fiber. Great for constipation and keeping your kitty fuller for longer.
• N&D Ancestral Grain uses ancestral grains (spelt and oats) instead of traditional grains such as rice or wheat. Farmina emphasise that these recipes are designed to meet the carnivore nature of cats.

For the purpose of this review, I will be focusing on N&D Prime for its high meat content and grain-free formulation.

The recipes include:

• Chicken & Pomegranate
• Boar & Apple
• Lamb & Blueberry

To get a better understanding of what Farmina cat food looks like, let’s take a closer look at their popular Chicken & Pomegranate cat food recipe.

Charlotte Fisher / Cats.com

Boneless chicken and dehydrated chicken protein make up 58% of the ingredients and act as this recipe’s primary source of protein. The formulation also contains protein from other animal sources, including herring and eggs.

Sweet potato is the third ingredient on the list. Despite claims that the high rates of anti-oxidants and fibre are beneficial to cats, sweet potato is not species-appropriate and offers little to benefit cats.

The recipe’s main fat sources are chicken fat and herring oil. These are valuable sources of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids which support healthy skin and shiny coats.

The rest of the formula comprises various fruits, herbs, and veggies. Apple contributes fibre, Vitamin A, and Vitamin C. Psyllium is derived from the seeds of the Plantago ovata plant and aids in healthy digestion.

Guaranteed Analysis

Crude Protein: 44%

Crude Fat: 20%

Crude Fiber: 1.8%

Moisture: 8%

Ash: 8.5%

Dry Matter Basis

Protein: 47.83%

Fat: 21.74%

Fiber: 1.96%

Carbs: 19.24%

Caloric Weight Basis

Protein: 39.9%

Fat: 44.05%

Carbs: 16.05%

Where And How Is It Made?

Farmina source their ingredients primarily from Italy, alongside other countries in Europe. They prepare their food using a unique vacuum system to ensure the food doesn’t get too hot and fewer nutrients are lost.

How Much Does It Cost?

Farmina is available in 3 sizes: 300g costs £4.79, 1.5kg costs £17.99, and 5kg costs £49.99. Farmina is expensive, but not more so than its other premium competitors.

Who Should Try Farmina?

Farmina is a fail-safe choice for those looking to upgrade to a nutrient-rich dry food. Their formulas are rooted in scientific research and made from high-quality ingredients. However, those wanting to feed their kitty a low-carb diet may want to look elsewhere. The addition of sweet potato makes their recipes higher in carbs than most other premium brands.

What We Liked

• Several sources of high-quality animal protein
• Scientifically research-backed ingredients
• Wide range of lines to choose from

What We Didn’t Like

• Disappointingly high carbohydrate content

#7 Best Subscription Service: The Cool Cat Club

The Cool Cat Club is a small, independently owned cat food subscription service from the UK. Their story began when the founders came across a stray cat in a car park, who eventually moved in with them. They began feeding him regular supermarket cat food, but the cat, named ‘Parky’ wasn’t happy and his coat was lackluster.

They moved onto premium brands, but found these too expensive, and so decided it was time for change. They spent 18 months working with a leading vet and nutritionist to develop species-appropriate, nutritious cat food. All their recipes are grain-free, hypoallergenic and boast a high meat content.

What Did Our Test-Cats Think?

Charlotte Fisher / Cats.com

To try this food I ordered the taster box, which arrived with a selection of wet pouches, trays of pate, and dry food. The box also included a handy checkbox list so that owners can keep track of flavours their cat likes or doesn’t like. They also included a handwritten thank you card, which was a nice, personalised touch.

One of my cats is already fond of dry food, and predictably wolfed it down. The real test was my other boy who regularly snubs anything that isn’t meaty and covered in gravy or jelly. I was delighted to find a clean bowl, so the taste test was a success on both counts! I also noticed their dry food pouches are 100% biodegradable, something I don’t see often in pet food packaging.

What Kind Of Food Does The Cool Cat Club Offer?

The Cool Cat Club offers wet food in chunks or pate form, alongside nutritionally complete dry food. Their wet pouches contain 50% real meat, the pate trays contain 60%, and the dry kibble contains 75%. All their recipes are grain-free and hypoallergenic, so are great for cats with sensitive tums or allergies.

For the purposes of this round-up, I will only be focusing on their dry food.

The recipes include:

• Chicken
• Chicken (Kitten)
• Turkey
• Salmon

To get a better understanding of what The Cool Cat Club cat food looks like, let’s take a closer look at their popular Chicken cat food recipe.

Charlotte Fisher / Cats.com

36% dried chicken and 30% fresh deboned turkey act as this recipe’s main protein source. Turkey fat is listed third on the ingredients list and is a healthy, animal-based fat. Potato is listed next, which is disappointing as potato is not part of a cat’s natural diet, however, does provide a source of potassium and is easily digested. Peas, lentils, and chickpeas replace traditional grains, and offer little nutritional value.

Hydrolyzed liver gravy is a welcome addition; it’s hypoallergenic and aids in dietary sensitivities, healthy digestion, and palatability. Salmon oil is a high-quality source of omega-3 and omega-6. The recipe also contains 1% cellulose, an ingredient that acts to bind the hairs that cats ingest while grooming and reduce hairballs.

Fructooligosaccharides and mannanoligosaccharides are both healthy prebiotics for cats. The former is a soluble source of fibre that also increases the absorption of minerals. The latter limits the ability of unhealthy bacteria to stick to the intestinal wall.

Cranberries contain healthy vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin K and manganese. Finally, yucca extract helps support joint health and prevent bone inflammation.

Guaranteed Analysis

Crude Protein: 40%

Crude Fat: 16.5%

Crude Fiber: 2.5%

Moisture: 5%

Ash: 9.5%

Dry Matter Basis

Protein: 42.11%

Fat: 17.37%

Fiber: 2.63%

Carbs: 27.89%

Caloric Weight Basis

Protein: 37.53%

Fat: 37.6%

Carbs: 24.87%

Where And How Is It Made?

Although the website doesn’t specify exactly where their ingredients are sourced, they state that they’re a Cheshire-based company and develop all their own recipes. They gently steam their wet food to preserve nutrients, and they claim their dry food contains over 5x more freshly prepared meat than most supermarket brands.

How Much Does It Cost?

The pricing depends on the type of subscription you choose. Dry food only is the cheaper option, and 1.6kg (roughly 2 servings a day) will cost 37.99, approximately £1.26 per day. Wet food will cost £39.99 for 2 pouches a day, while a combination could typically set you back around £50. This puts The Cool Cat Club in the midrange pet food market.

Who Should Try The Cool Cat Club?

The Cool Cat Club is a great choice for eco-conscious owners who value the convenience of a subscription service. Owners can be reassured their cat is getting a generous meat content with no hidden additives or sugars. The kibble is great for cats with sensitive stomachs or allergies, however, potato being so high on the ingredients is disappointing. Overall, The Cool Cat Club is great for those who want to upgrade their cat’s food without paying premium prices.

What We Liked

• Eco-friendly packaging
• Cats love the taste
• No artificial additives or sugars
• Cheaper than most premium brands

What We Didn’t Like

• Subscription-only
• Limited flavours
• Potato, peas, and lentils provide little nutritional value