Kirsten McCarthy / Cats.com
As popular as organic foods have become for people, it is no surprise that pet owners are increasingly interested in feeding their pets organic food as well.
The idea that organic foods are healthier and more environmentally friendly makes these foods very appealing for humans and pets alike. But is organic cat food healthier for your cat?
Let’s find out and take a look at some of the best options you can buy.
At a Glance: Best Organic Cat Food To Buy
Want a quick look at the Best Organic Cat Foods reviewed in this article? In the comparison table below, we’ve highlighted some of the most important features of each product. You’ll find more detailed information about each product later in the article.
Evanger’s Organics Braised Chicken Dinner Canned Cat Food
- All the main ingredients are organic
- Single-protein recipe featuring chicken muscle meat and chicken liver
- Rich in hydrating moisture, also supports digestion
Castor & Pollux Organix Organic Turkey, Brown Rice & Chicken Recipe Canned Food
- Contains four sources of organic animal protein
- Salmon oil provides skin- and coat-supporting omega-3s
- Should be easily digestible for most cats
Purina Beyond Organic Chicken & Sweet Potato Recipe Paté Canned Food
- Made with a short list of organic whole-food ingredients
- Contains a single source of animal protein
- Rich in moisture to support your cat’s hydration
Tender & True Organic Turkey & Turkey Liver Paté Canned Food
- Features organic turkey muscle meat and organic chicken liver
- Salmon oil provides an animal source of omega-3s
- Low carbohydrate content around 10% dry matter
Gather Free Acres Organic Free-Run Chicken Dry Cat Food
- Features organic chicken as the main ingredient
- Relies primarily on animal-sourced fat
- Free from artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives
Wysong Uretic with Organic Chicken Canned Cat Food
- High moisture and low carb content may provide urinary support
- Rich in animal-sourced protein from organic chicken
- Doesn’t contain hard-to-digest peas or starchy potatoes
Why Should You Trust Us?
We’ve reviewed over 200 of the world’s most popular cat food brands and hundreds of different formulas. We’ve spent hours researching, contacting pet food companies, analyzing labels, and reading customer reviews. With the help of our cats, we also got hands-on experience with most of these foods.
Finally, we consulted 7 veterinarians to get their professional opinion on what makes a great cat food.
Our Veterinary Advisors
- Sarah Wooten, DVM, CVJ
- Chris Vanderhoof, DVM, MPH
- Sarah Reidenbach, DVM
- Chyrle Bonk, DVM
- Jamie Whittenburg, DVM
- Albert Ahn, DVM
- Elizabeth Youens, DVM
How We Tested
We personally purchased and tested the products on this list. The entire testing process was funded by Cats.com without direct input or influence from the companies involved.
When researching cat food, we analyze the information on the label including the guaranteed analysis, list of ingredients, and life stage designation. We also consult customer reviews for insight regarding reformulations or issues with product quality and check for product recalls.
During our in-depth testing, we make observations about the product’s appearance, texture, consistency, smell, and packaging. We also feed the food to our cats to get their opinion regarding palatability and general appeal.
The 6 Best Organic Cat Foods
The top four products on this list contain a significant number of organic ingredients – the only exceptions being added fats, flavors, and synthetic supplements. The final two picks feature a source of organic animal protein as the main ingredient with a few other organic ingredients mixed in.
What Should You Know About Buying Organic Cat Food?
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), certified organic foods are “grown and processed according to federal guidelines addressing, among many factors, soil quality, animal raising practices, pest and weed control, and use of additives.”
Organic cat food, then, is cat food made with ingredients that pass organic certification. This includes produce grown without pesticides and herbicides as well as meat and poultry raised in living conditions that accommodate natural behaviors (i.e., free-range chicken or pasture-raised beef).
Just because a cat food product is organic, doesn’t necessarily mean it’s species-appropriate.
In order to earn our recommendation, cat food must be formulated in accordance with your cat’s carnivorous needs. It should be meat-centric, balanced with animal-sourced fat, with plenty of moisture to support your cat’s hydration. It should also be low in carbohydrates.
Keep in mind that some cat foods that use the term organic aren’t 100% organic – they may simply use some ingredients that are certified organic. A quick perusal of the ingredients list on the label will tell you whether this is the case.
The Benefits of Buying Organic Cat Food
According to the Clinical Nutrition Service at Tuft University’s Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, it remains to be seen if organic pet food is more nutritious than non-organic pet food. The benefits of organic cat food that are often touted are listed below:
- Free of antibiotics and synthetic hormones
- Free of toxic pesticides
- Free of allergy-triggering artificial ingredients
In many instances, buying organic versus non-organic is a matter of personal choice. What is most important is that the food is species-appropriate for your cat according to their nutritional needs.
Also Read: The Complete Guide to Feline Nutrition