- The Best Organic Cat Food
- 1. Blue Buffalo Basics Organic Cat Food
- 2. Wysong Optimal Vitality Organic Cat Food
- 3. Castor & Pollux Organic Dry Cat Food
- 4. Rachael Ray Nutrish Zero Grain Natural Dry Cat Food
- 5. Halo Purely For Pets Natural Wet Cat Food
- 6. Tender & True Pet Nutrition Cat Food
- 7. Organix Chicken & Chicken Liver Pate Organic Cat Food
- 8. Stella & Chewy’s Organic Cat Food
We all want the best for our cats – and when it comes to nutrition your choices are especially important. Cats thrive on a diet that’s as close as possible to what they would eat in the wild. But as domestic cats living in an increasingly urbanized world, they also need their nutrition to be optimally balanced. Which is why we have put together our best organic cat food review.
Bringing your feline on board the organic food trend can have real benefits for their condition, nutrition, health, and even happiness. And, as their owner, you can rest easy in the knowledge that you are cutting out any artificial ingredients or chemical nasties from your furry friend’s diet. But getting the right organic cat food can be a little tricky as you need to be sure what you are picking for your pet is the real organic deal. And a little knowledge of organic and natural ingredients can help you make sure the product you are choosing really is the best one for your cat.
The Best Organic Cat Food
1. Blue Buffalo Basics Organic Cat Food
Key Features
Single animal protein source – whitefish
Natural sources of fiber for digestive health
Balance of omega 3 & 6 fatty acids
Enhanced with added vitamins and minerals
No artificial additives, poultry, corn, wheat or soy
Sometimes less is more, and with this natural cat food dry formula from Blue Buffalo, you get a few top-quality ingredients without losing any nutrition or taste. And, as a tempting mealtime treat for a kitty with a sensitive stomach it is an ideal way to keep them nourished.
Based around a single animal protein source – white fish – you know exactly what you are putting in their dish. Although limited in core ingredients, with this Blue Buffalo Basics cat food, you get the ones your sensitive cat will really enjoy – alongside the fish you get potato and pumpkin as natural sources of fiber while the whole formula is enhanced with omega 3 & 6 fatty acids, minerals and vitamins. And to avoid any irritation, this dry cat food is strictly additive, poultry, corn, wheat and soy-free zone. Coming in a large 11-pound bag, you will also get a fair amount of natural meal times for your furry friend.
2. Wysong Optimal Vitality Organic Cat Food
Key Features
Contains fresh/frozen and dried real meat
A spectrum of nutraceuticals, enzymes, probiotics and omegas
Several organic foods, including organic turkey and barley grass
High in protein, low levels of carbohydrates
Free from grains, artificial additives and fillers
Crafted specially for cats, the Wysong Optimal Vitality features an outstanding spectrum of nutrients, including enzymes, probiotics, micronutrients and omegas, all proven to support feline health and wellbeing. Best of all, this natural cat food contains 50% protein thanks to high levels of both fresh/frozen and dried meats and organs. This is great news for your kitty whether they live an indoor our outdoor lifestyle because high protein content equals a healthy body and strong, lean muscles.
While not certified organic, this kibble is of top-quality thanks to an array of premium ingredients it contains, including multiple nutraceuticals. Packed to the brim with real meat, including organic turkey, chicken, crab meal, and dried whey, plus antioxidant-rich veggies and fruits such as chia seeds, organic barley grass, kale, spinach and more, this cat food is undoubtedly one of the best ones on the market.
3. Castor & Pollux Organic Dry Cat Food
Key Features
Man ingredient organic, free-range chicken
Superfood blend of flaxseed, cranberries and coconut oil
Organic peas, barley, oatmeal and brown rice
No artificial additives, pesticides or antibiotics
Suitable for all life stages
USDA certified, Organix Castor & Pollux Dry Cat Food can rightly claim that its dry cat food recipe is 95% organic and if its cat fans are anything to go by, 100% tasty! With Organix, you can be confident that every ingredient has been organically produced and handled and its production has been done in an organically-certified kitchen facility. This means there are no artificial nasties in this natural cat food that could irritate or upset your allergy or digestive-sensitive kit-cat.
The main protein is organic, free-range chicken, boosted by a ‘superfood’ blend of flaxseed, cranberries and coconut oil, then topped off with peas, barley, oatmeal and brown rice. The result is a delicious organic dry cat food kibble that is gentle on your cat’s tum and is fortified with taurine, minerals and vitamins to keep them in tip-top, natural condition.
4. Rachael Ray Nutrish Zero Grain Natural Dry Cat Food
Key Features
Made with farm-raised chicken
Organic vegetables incl. pea, potato and beet pulp
Added cranberries and whole flaxseed
Vitamin supplemented, incl. A, B, C, E and K
Taurine for healthy muscles
With biscuits small enough for young cats as well as the more senior models, this is a good natural cat food if you need to put your pet on to a more restrictive diet but don’t want to deny them the crunchy kibble taste they love.
Using farm-raised chicken as its single protein source, this cat food is poultry by-product and filler-free, so you know exactly the quality you are putting in your pet’s dish. As one of the best natural cat foods on our list, it is also grain and gluten free so ideal for a restricted diet for a more sensitive pet. Add in organic vegetables such as pea, potato and beet pulp, flaxseed and cranberries you have a gentle balance of the natural good stuff to soothe and satisfy. There’s also a comprehensive vitamin supplement as well as added taurine for healthy muscles, bones and immune system. For extra reassurance, Rachael Ray Nutrish handpick and check all their suppliers so you know you are getting premium ingredients and only the very best natural cat food for your pet.
5. Halo Purely For Pets Natural Wet Cat Food
Key Features
Grain-free, easily digestible wet cat food
Made with whole and not rendered salmon
Non-GMO vegetables, incl. sweet potatoes and carrot
Added non-GMPO fruit such as cranberries
Essential fatty acids for a healthy skin and coat
Treat your house kit to some delicious and natural whole salmon with this easily digestible wet cat food from Halo.
Your cat will love the fish taste and chunky texture of this natural cat food which has only whole not rendered salmon that has been sustainably sourced for a high-quality taste and nutritional value. The natural recipe of this wet cat food is also grain-free and boosted with non-GMO vegetables as well as added cranberry. The whole mix is topped up with added vitamins and essential fatty acids to keep their skin and coat in top condition.
With no artificial ingredients or preservatives, the soft, moist texture of Halo Grain Free Natural Wet Cat Food will really appeal to the indoor cat and a little goes a long way. Find out more about cat food for indoor cats here.
6. Tender & True Pet Nutrition Cat Food
Key Features
Organic chicken and liver recipe
Grain-free – no wheat, corn or soy
Blend of essential vitamins, antioxidants and minerals
No artificial preservatives, colors or flavors
Suitable for all life stages
Another of our best organic cat foods, Tender & True has been USDA certified and comes in a delicious organic chicken and liver recipe your cat will find hard to resist.
This organic dry cat food looks and smells fresh, straight out of the bag and is a grain, corn and soy-free zone. Artificial nasties are also kicked out, as are artificial colors, preservatives and flavors, so you’re left with healthy stuff only. Aside from containing top-quality animal protein, the recipe is also balanced for optimum nutrition for adult cats and has been enhanced with antioxidants, vitamins and minerals for your pet’s all-round glowing and natural health.
7. Organix Chicken & Chicken Liver Pate Organic Cat Food
Key Features
Organic, free-range chicken recipe
Flaxseed, coconut flour, dried egg and cranberries
Added vegetables, including peas and Yucca extract
Fortified with essential vitamins and minerals
No added growth hormones or antibiotics
With a deliciously moist pate style, this organic wet cat food will keep your kitty coming back for more. Made with free-range chicken and liver, combined with flaxseed, coconut, dried egg and cranberry, this is a powerhouse of organic cat food that will help to boost and keep your pet in good health. Cooked in a certified organic USDA kitchen, you can be assured of its natural quality and it is totally artificial additives, chemical pesticides, growth hormones and antibiotics free.
For extra health support, Organix have also fortified their organic food with minerals and vitamins, as well as the heart and vision booster, taurine. If you are serious about going organic with your cat and they love their food moist, then this delicious pate is more than worth a try.
8. Stella & Chewy’s Organic Cat Food
Key Features
Made with fresh, farm-raised rabbit
Raw dish, should be rehydrated with water
98% single-source animal protein
Fortified with minerals, vitamins, probiotics
L.I.D. suitable for all life stages
If your kitty loves the raw stuff but you don’t like the idea of feeding them actual raw meat for safety reasons, check out Stella & Chewy’s Freeze-Dried Dinner Morsels. Conveniently packed in a re-sealable bag, this mess-free food contains fresh, farm-raised rabbit as the main ingredient, so all you have to do is add water and serve. Aside from tasty and protein-packed rabbit, the formula also contains rabbit liver and a couple of easy-to-digest ingredients including pumpkin seed and olive oil.
Although not certified organic, the recipe is top of the line thanks to all-natural quality ingredients it contains. Needless to say, there are no artificial additives of any kind, including artificial colors, flavors and preservatives, so the food is suitable for sensitive kitties. Furthermore, since this is a limited ingredient diet, it’s perfect for cats who struggle with food allergies and digestive issues. Take a look at our review of cat food for sensitive stomachs for more options.
Best Organic Cat Food Buying Guide & FAQ
What to Look for in Organic Cat Food
Just as they would choose the most natural food for themselves, more and more cat owners are looking to go organic with their pet so they can provide them with optimum nutrition. But before you move your cat over to the organic life, there are certain key things to look out for so you can be sure you’re feeding them the right product:
- Is it really organic?
There can be words on the packaging that indicate the product is organic, but it may not always be the case. ‘Natural’, ‘bio’ and ‘inspired by nature’ all point to a more natural form of cat food but they don’t necessarily mean it is organic. To be organic cat food, all of its ingredients need to be produced in ecologically clean conditions. They also mustn’t contain any chemically produced or artificial additives or preservatives, as well as GMO, hormones, modifiers or other synthetic agents. All store-bought cat food will contain some preservatives, so with an organic cat food product, check for natural forms, such as vitamin C or E.
- Nutritiously balanced
It may have organic credentials, but is the organic natural cat food providing the right balance of proteins, carbs and fats for your cat? The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requires pet food labels to list the ingredients in quantity order, from most to least, as well as label the percentages of protein, fat, fiber and water. Always read the label to ensure that the organic cat food is not only balanced, any grains are wholegrains and it is free of artificial additives, but it also works with your pet and any health conditions or allergies they may have.
- Natural additives
Your cat’s organic meal can also be boosted by a range of natural additives to help their condition, heart, muscles, digestive system and overall health. Added vitamins, minerals and amino acids (such as taurine) as well as probiotics and omega oils are frequently used to fortify cat food so do check the label for their source and to ensure they are appropriate for your particular pet. If your cat has a health condition or a weight issue and you are in any doubt which organic cat food product to choose, do chat to your vet. You may also like our article on the best cat vitamins.
- Your cat’s breed or age
Not all felines are created equal and so they need to be fed appropriately, even if their meal is organic! With product options for kittens, adult and senior cats as well as larger breeds, outdoor active or homely indoor pets, there is a good range to choose from, so you can get the perfect match. For more options, check out our detailed review of the best cat food for older cats.
- Hydration
As will all cat food, you need to ensure your kit is getting enough water for their digestion. This is particularly important when it comes to organic dry cat food or kibble, so if this is your product choice, make sure your cat also has access to water at mealtimes.
Check out our guides on Water Bowls for Cats and Cat Water Fountains.
- How far it has traveled
As quality organic food is not pumped full of artificial preservatives, it won’t necessarily have the longest ‘shelf life’, so if the label shows it has come from overseas, give it a miss. Go local when it comes to the food’s country of origin and you will be getting the best and freshest organic quality for your cared-for cat.
Benefits of Organic Cat Food
Choosing to go natural or organic when it comes to your pet’s mealtimes can provide real benefits for your cat. While you cat will make its own judgement purely based on taste, as a pet owner, you may be swayed by these key pluses you could discover if you feed your kit the organic way:
- No animal by-products or ‘nasties’
Ordinary cat food often contains animal by-products as well as not-always-so-cat friendly gluten as well as fillers to bulk the meal out. And then there’s the artificial preservatives and colors to keep it all looking appetizing for your pet. But while it may look tasty, you can’t always be sure it has the best ingredients or nutrition levels for your furry friend.
- Can help with allergies and other ailments
If your feline suffers from allergies, a switch to natural or organic food could do them the world of good. The best organic or natural cat food will typically have fewer ingredients and what it does contain will be of a higher quality. By being free of chemical additives, harmful pesticides and a host of other artificial elements that could be aggravating your pet’s allergy, organic cat food can help to calm and heal his stressed-out system. Natural ingredients and added vitamins and minerals can also help to boost their immunity and overall health. Head over to our review of hypoallergenic cat food for more alternatives.
- Easier on their digestion
By switching to the organic life, you may also see your cat experience fewer digestive problems as the higher quality grains and proteins make organic cat food easier to eat and digest. And, at the ‘other end’, their poop could also be firmer and less smelly.
- Can help in weight management
If weight is an issue for your beloved feline, moving them over to organic cat food brands could make a difference to maintaining a healthy weight. By the high-quality nature of the product, both in content, consistency and taste you should find your cat will need less food at each mealtime, so not only making the organic food go further, but also helping to keep their furry waistline trim. And it doesn’t stop there…with the right level of quality, natural nutrition you should see an increase in their energy levels and an active, happy cat will work of any excess pounds! For a wider selection of choices, check out our cat food for weight loss guide.
- Kinder on nature
And last, but not least, a good quality organic cat food will ultimately not only be better for your pet, but by the way it is sourced and produced, it will be better for the environment. Now that’s a ‘win/win’.
Our Top Pick
With organic chicken as its protein source blended with organic grains, vegetables and tasty brown rice, the delicious recipe behind Newman's Own Premium Adult Cat Dry Formula makes it our review’s top pick. The quality and taste of this natural dry cat food will appeal to even the fussiest of felines and its packed with enough vitamins, minerals and totally good stuff to keep them healthy and happy. This is a versatile and long-lasting bag of dry cat food that will sustain your cat, at all stages of his life.
FAQ
Q: What is organic cat food?
Organic cat food has been made from ‘organic’ ingredients that pass the US Department of Agriculture’s defined terms for the products used. According to the USDA, organic crops must be grown on land that has been free from pesticides for at least three years. And when it comes to the meat used, the livestock must have only been fed on organic feed, has outdoor access and has not been given any antibiotics or growth hormones. For a cat food to be totally made from organic ingredients, the label will read ‘100% organic”. Other distinctions are also accepted with the ‘organic’ label – 95%, 70% and less than 70%. If you are keen to go down the natural route for your cat, always look for the USDA organic seal.
Q: Is organic cat food better for my cat?
There’s no denying organic cat food could benefit your feline friend by reducing the number of artificial nasties he eats and upping his daily intake of quality protein, along with essential nutrients to boost his health. As with any food, it will ultimately be your pet who decides because if it doesn’t taste good, he won’t eat it. It is usually as simple as that! For older cats or cats with certain health conditions, organic or natural cat food may not work so well but for most felines, a switch to something more natural and organic protein based will certainly do him no harm. And the investment you make in buying one of the best organic cat food brands could well reap the rewards in a slim, happy, healthy and shiny-coated cat.
Q: Should I feed my cat organic raw cat food?
Your cat is a straight up carnivore and would not actually need vegetables or carbs if he was out in the wild. This means that even as a domesticated animal, his digestive system can still only tolerate small amounts of carbohydrates in his meal. A high-protein, high-moisture diet rich in amino acids, fatty acids and other essential vitamins and minerals would be his optimum meal. And in this way, an organic raw diet for your cat could well be an attractive addition to his daily menu.
But if you are looking at going raw, you do need to exercise caution. Not least due to safety concerns about the quality of the meat and potential adverse effects on your cat and their stomach as bugs which would be killed through cooking may still be present. Such a high protein natural diet may also not be for all cats, especially if they have certain health conditions such as kidney problems or they are on the senior cat spectrum. If you would like to consider a raw organic cat food diet for your pet, consult your veterinarian for further advice.
Sources
- Gretchen Verheggen, DVM, What Is Organic Dog Food?, Pet MD
- Julie Edgar, Homemade Cat Food and Raw Cat Food, WebMD