Last updated Oct 24, 2023
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The human world consumes over 130 billion pounds of beef each year and the United States accounts for roughly 21% of that figure. Americans love their red meat and you’d be hard-pressed to find a cat who would turn up their nose to it. But is beef healthy for cats?
Here we discuss the nutritional content of beef as well as its pros and cons as part of a feline diet. You’ll also find our top picks for the best beef cat food recipes on the market.
At a Glance: Best Beef Cat Food to Buy in 2023
Smalls Smooth Cow Fresh Cat Food
- Made with a single source of animal protein
- Easily digestible with a smooth texture
- Rich in hydrating moisture
Stella & Chewy’s Bountiful Beef Recipe Freeze-Dried Raw Dinner Morsels
- Species-appropriate blend of muscle meat, organs, and bone
- Made with a single protein source
- Very low in carbohydrates
Weruva Cats in the Kitchen The Double Dip Chicken & Beef Au Jus Grain-Free Canned Cat Food
- Four of five main ingredients are animal-based
- Contains over 60% crude protein on a dry matter basis
- Flavorful gravy may appeal to picky eaters
Meat Mates Beef Dinner Grain-Free Freeze-Dried Cat Food
- Single source of species-appropriate animal protein
- First seven ingredients are all animal-based
- Freeze-dried to preserve nutritional integrity
Dr. Elsey’s cleanprotein Beef Formula Grain-Free Canned Cat Food
- Rich in animal-sourced protein and fat
- Contains plenty of animal-sourced omega-3s
- Good source of hydrating moisture
Ziwi Peak Air-Dried Beef Recipe Cat Food
- Provides a concentrated source of protein and nutrition
- Single source of high-quality protein from meat, organs, and bone
- Lower in carbohydrates than the average dry food
Weruva Truluxe Steak Frites Dinner with Beef & Pumpkin in Gravy Grain-Free Canned Cat Food
- Made with a single source of animal protein
- Rich in moisture to support your cat’s hydration
- Low phosphorus content, may support kidney health
Why Trust Cats.com
Before choosing the products featured in this guide, I performed in-depth research and consulted veterinary experts to determine what makes a beef cat food worthy of putting in your cat’s bowl. In addition to reviewing each brand’s history of recalls and customer satisfaction, I read hundreds of customer reviews and analyzed popular recipes.
In addition to completing a comprehensive analysis of the nutritional information for each product, I tested these foods with my own three cats. While they offered input on the food’s flavor and palatability, I observed its smell, consistency, texture, and general appeal. I also made notes about the packaging and compared the guaranteed analysis for several products to the results of chemical analysis, which was performed by an ISO 17025-certified food testing lab and funded by Cats.com.
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
Is Beef Good For Cats?
The term beef refers to the meat of cattle (Bos taurus). It comes in many different cuts and can be prepared in an unlimited number of ways from steaks and stews to roasts and burgers. Whereas turkey and chicken are considered poultry (or white meat), beef is considered red meat.
The nutritional content of beef varies from one cut to another simply because some parts of the cow are fattier than others. A 4-ounce serving of ground beef (90% lean) contains about 199 calories, with 22.6 grams of protein and 11.3 grams of fat. It also contains notable amounts of iron, zinc, selenium, phosphorus, and B vitamins.
One of beef’s key nutritional attributes is that it is a complete protein—it contains all 11 of the essential amino acids your cat needs. As a complete protein, beef may be an appropriate foundation for a feline diet, but there are a few things to consider before choosing a beef-based cat food.
1. Beef May Trigger Food Allergies
According to the Cornell College of Veterinary Medicine, food allergies are only the third most common type of allergy seen in cats—secondary to flea allergies and inhalant allergies. While food allergies aren’t exceedingly common, they can develop over time with repeated exposure to the same protein.
Allergic reactions to food can cause a wide variety of symptoms in cats, most of which are skin- or digestion-related. Skin symptoms may include itchy skin, redness or lesions, and hair loss. Digestive symptoms may include vomiting, diarrhea, and loss of appetite. Untreated food allergies can also manifest as recurrent ear infections.
The most common food allergens for cats are chicken, beef, fish, and dairy. While beef may be one of the more prevalent food allergens for cats, however, that’s not to say that allergies to beef are common.
2. It’s Higher in Fat and Calories than Other Proteins
While protein is the most important consideration in a feline diet, don’t forget about fat and calories. Fat contains more calories per gram than protein and carbohydrates, so it’s the most condensed source of energy in your cat’s diet. According to the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO), both adult cats and kittens require at least 9% crude fat in their diet on a dry matter basis.
But all fat is not created equal. Red meat, like beef, is much higher in fat than poultry and fish. If you’re concerned about your cat’s caloric intake, beef might not be the best choice due to its protein-to-fat ratio. Even if calories aren’t a concern, you may be thinking about the kinds of fat found in beef. Like other red meats, beef is high in saturated fat.
Fortunately, Dr. John Bauer suggests that “although the concept of good and bad fats is appropriate for human health, dogs and cats are able to consume both types of fats in their diets without undue risk of coronary artery diseases, heart attacks, or strokes to which humans succumb. The simplified reason for this is that they have more good cholesterol (HDL) than bad cholesterol (LDL) to begin with, no matter what types of fat they consume.”
That said, beef is not a good source of other fats your cat needs, like omega-3 fatty acids. This problem can be remedied by adding fish oil or other omega-3-rich oils to cat food.
3. Beef Is More Expensive Than Chicken in Cat Food
It’s unwise to shop for cat food by price alone, but affordability is still a valid concern. Chicken is by far one of the most affordable proteins in cat food. Cat food brands can buy it in bulk which makes it more economical for them and for you. Even cat foods that list another protein in the name often have some chicken in them to boost the protein content without significantly affecting the brand’s bottom line.
Beef cat foods tend to be a little pricier than chicken recipes. That largely depends on how much beef is in the food, its quality, and its source.
A single-protein beef recipe is almost certainly going to be more expensive than a recipe that includes beef as one of several proteins. Beef purchased from USDA-inspected human food facilities will be more expensive than beef from less reputable sources. Similarly, cat food made with grass-fed beef may cost more than food made with commercially raised beef.
The Best Beef Cat Foods: Our Top Picks
Our top pick for the best cat food made with beef is Smalls Smooth Cow. Made with 90% lean beef, this fresh food recipe is packed with protein and hydrating moisture. It also contains beef liver which provides biologically appropriate sources of essential vitamins.
While we heartily recommend Smalls fresh food, it isn’t the right choice for every cat. We’ve included a variety of recommendations broken down by type, cost category, and other key considerations. Every cat has unique needs and preferences, so consider your individual cat when making your selection.
#1 Overall Best: Smalls Smooth Cow Fresh Cat Food
- Made In: United States
- Guaranteed Protein: 16.5% Min
- Age Range: All Life Stages
- Calories Per Ounce: 49
- Typical Cost Per Day: $4.00 per day
Featuring fresh beef and beef liver, this Smalls cat food is a single-protein formula. It’s rich in hydrating moisture with a smooth, easy-to-chew texture, and it’s low in carbohydrates. The food is prepared in small batches, cooked at much lower temperatures than the typical commercial cat food.
Aside from the beef ingredients, this food also contains green beans and spinach. Cats have some ability to digest plant foods, so the green beans and spinach may be valuable sources of essential nutrients. Canola oil is the primary source of added fat, though the food also contains omega-3-rich cod liver oil.
Made with human-grade ingredients, this cat food contains over 50% crude protein measured on a dry matter basis and over 37% crude fat. At about 49 calories per ounce, it’s a fairly calorie-dense food which could make it a good choice for cats who need to gain weight. For cats prone to obesity, be sure to follow Smalls’s feed recommendations and monitor your cat’s weight.
Ingredients
Beef, Beef Liver, Green Beans, Spinach, Water Sufficient for Processing, Dried Yeast, Tricalcium Phosphate, Canola Oil, Potassium Chloride, Salt, Magnesium Proteinate, Choline Chloride, Taurine, Dandelion Greens, Dried Kelp, Zinc Proteinate, Iron Proteinate, Cod Liver Oil, Niacin Supplement, Vitamin E Supplement, Copper Proteinate, Vitamin A Supplement, 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: Beef, Beef Liver, Cod Liver Oil.
Ingredients We Didn’t Like: None
Guaranteed Analysis
Dry Matter Basis
Caloric Weight Basis
What We Liked
- Made with a single source of animal protein
- Easily digestible with a smooth texture
- Rich in hydrating moisture
- Low in carbohydrates
What We Didn’t Like
- Only available as a subscription plan
- No phone support (text and email only)
#2 Runner Up: Stella & Chewy’s Bountiful Beef Recipe Freeze-Dried Raw Dinner Morsels
Another single-protein formula, this freeze-dried cat food from Stella & Chewy’s comes in oblong morsels. Because the moisture has been removed from the food as a preservation method, you’ll need to rehydrate it before feeding it to your cat. Fortunately, the morsels are easy to crush and mix with warm water or broth.
This recipe features a species-appropriate blend of muscle meat, organs, and bone, all sourced from antibiotic- and hormone-free beef. The food contains over 41% protein and nearly 40% fat when measured as dry matter. It doesn’t contain any added starch, so it’s a low-carbohydrate recipe and is highly digestible for most cats.
One thing to keep in mind with this recipe is that it is very energy-dense. A single ounce of the dry food contains 142 calories. The average 10-pound cat may need as little as 1 ½ ounces of this food per day. So, while it costs over $2.62 per oz , small portion requirements make it relatively cost-effective.
Ingredients
Beef, Beef Heart, Beef Kidney, Beef Liver, Beef Tripe, Beef Bone, Potassium Chloride, Sodium Phosphate, Choline Chloride, Dried Pediococcus Acidilactici Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus, Dried Bifidobacterium Longum Fermentation Product, Dried Bacillus Coagulans Fermentation Product, Taurine, Mixed Tocopherols (Preservative), Dandelion, Fenugreek Seed, Salt, Dried Kelp, Tricalcium Phosphate, Calcium Carbonate, Zinc Proteinate, Iron Proteinate, Vitamin A Supplement, Vitamin E Supplement, Niacin Supplement, Copper Proteinate, Magnesium Sulfate, Riboflavin Supplement, Sodium Selenite, D-Calcium Pantothenate, Biotin, Manganese Proteinate, Thiamine Mononitrate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Folic Acid, Vitamin B12 Supplement.
Ingredients We Liked: Beef, Beef Heart, Beef Kidney, Beef Liver, Beef Tripe, Beef Bone.
Ingredients We Didn’t Like: None
Guaranteed Analysis
Dry Matter Basis
Caloric Weight Basis
What We Liked:
- Species-appropriate blend of muscle meat, organs, and bone
- Made with a single protein source
- Very low in carbohydrates
- Free from added starch and artificial additives
What We Didn’t Like:
- Very low moisture—must be rehydrated before feeding
#3 Budget Pick: Weruva Cats in the Kitchen The Double Dip Chicken & Beef Au Jus Grain-Free Canned Cat Food
While we all want what’s best for our cats, premium cat food isn’t always in the budget. If you’re looking for an affordable option that still delivers healthy nutrition and animal-based protein, this chicken and beef recipe from Weruva might fit the bill.
This formula starts with hydrating chicken broth, followed by three other animal-based sources of protein from chicken and beef. The total protein content is over 61% on a dry matter basis, with a moderate fat content of around 19% to balance it out. Unfortunately, the main source of added fat is plant-based. It also contains a few starchy thickeners.
In addition to being a high-protein wet food, this recipe is made in a savory gravy even picky eaters seem to enjoy. Just keep in mind that this isn’t a single protein formula. It is not for cats with chicken sensitivities.
Ingredients
Chicken Broth, Chicken, Beef, Beef Lung, Sunflower Seed Oil, Locust Bean Gum, Guar Gum, Xanthan Gum, Potassium Chloride, Tricalcium Phosphate, Fish Oil, Choline Chloride, Zinc Sulfate, Taurine, Vitamin E Supplement, Nicotinic Acid (Vitamin B3), Ferrous Sulfate, Manganese Proteinate, Thiamine Mononitrate (Vitamin B1), Calcium Pantothenate, Vitamin A Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B6), Copper Sulfate, Riboflavin Supplement (Vitamin B2), Vitamin D3 Supplement, Folic Acid, Potassium Iodide, Biotin, Sodium Selenite, Vitamin B12 Supplement.
Ingredients We Liked: Chicken, Beef, Beef Lung, Fish Oil.
Ingredients We Didn’t Like: Sunflower Seed Oil, Locust Bean Gum, Guar Gum, Xanthan Gum
Guaranteed Analysis
Dry Matter Basis
Caloric Weight Basis
What We Liked
- Four of five first main ingredients are animal-based
- Contains over 60% crude protein on a dry matter basis
- Flavorful gravy may appeal to picky eaters
What We Didn’t Like
- Not a single-protein recipe
- Contains a few starchy thickeners
#4 Premium Pick: Meat Mates Beef Dinner Grain-Free Freeze-Dried Cat Food
Made from New Zealand grass-fed beef, this freeze-dried formula is our premium pick. You’ll pay a pretty penny for it at nearly $2.64 per oz . But all the moisture has been removed, so your cat doesn’t need large servings at a time. And because it’s a dried food, you’ll need to rehydrate it or supplement your cat’s moisture intake in other ways.
Fresh beef is the first ingredient in this food, supplemented by five beef organs. This is a single-source protein recipe which makes it a great option for cats who are allergic to other proteins. It’s also highly digestible, given the limited list of simple ingredients.
Fish oil acts as the primary source of added fat, though flaxseed flakes provide some in addition to dietary fiber. Overall, the carbohydrate content is very low (well under 10%) and the food offers a species-appropriate source of healthy protein and fat.
Ingredients
Beef, Beef Tripe, Beef Heart, Beef Kidney, Beef Spleen, Beef Liver, Fish Oil, Flaxseed Flakes, Dried Kelp, Dipotassium Phosphate, Salt, Magnesium Oxide, Vitamin E Supplement, Zinc Proteinate, Taurine, Copper Proteinate, Manganese Proteinate, Thiamine Mononitrate, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Folic Acid.
Ingredients We Liked: Beef, Beef Tripe, Beef Heart, Beef Kidney, Beef Spleen, Beef Liver, Fish Oil.
Ingredients We Didn’t Like: Flaxseed Flakes.
Guaranteed Analysis
Dry Matter Basis
Caloric Weight Basis
What We Liked
- Single source of species-appropriate animal protein
- First seven ingredients are all animal-based
- Completely free from by-products, fillers, and artificial additives
- Freeze-dried to preserve nutritional integrity
What We Didn’t Like
- Expensive, about $2.64 per oz
- Doesn’t contain the moisture your cat needs unless rehydrated
#5 Best Wet Cat Food: Dr. Elsey’s cleanprotein Beef Formula Grain-Free Canned Cat Food
Best known for its popular cat litter products, Dr. Elsey’s also offers a variety of low-carbohydrate cat foods. This canned food features beef and beef liver as the primary proteins, though it also contains dried egg product. Cats with allergies to eggs may not tolerate this food well.
In addition to plenty of animal protein, this recipe is rich in animal-sourced fat. Salmon oil provides plenty of omega-3 fatty acids to support your cat’s skin and coat health. New Zealand green mussels contain some omega-3s as well but are more notable for being a natural source of joint-supporting glucosamine and chondroitin.
As a high-moisture food, this recipe helps support your cat’s hydration. It’s also free from artificial additives and very low in carbohydrates. At about 33 calories per ounce, it’s a fairly calorie-dense recipe.
Ingredients
Beef, Beef Broth, Beef Liver, Dried Egg Product, Natural Flavor, Tricalcium Phosphate, Salmon Oil, Agar-Agar, Barley Grass, Choline Chloride, Taurine, Potassium Chloride, Salt, Turmeric, Dried New Zealand Green Mussels, Zinc Proteinate, Iron Proteinate, Magnesium Proteinate, Niacin Supplement, Vitamin E Supplement, Copper Proteinate, Sodium Selenite, Thiamine Mononitrate, Manganese Proteinate, Vitamin A Supplement, Calcium Pantothenate, Riboflavin Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Biotin, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Ethylenediamine Dihydroiodide, Folic Acid.
Ingredients We Liked: Beef, Beef Liver, Dried Egg Product, Salmon Oil, New Zealand Green Mussels.
Ingredients We Didn’t Like: None
Guaranteed Analysis
Dry Matter Basis
Caloric Weight Basis
What We Liked:
- Rich in animal-sourced protein and fat
- Contains plenty of animal-sourced omega-3s
- Good source of hydrating moisture
- Low carbohydrate content
What We Didn’t Like:
- May not be appropriate for cats with egg allergies
#6 Best Dry Cat Food: Ziwi Peak Air-Dried Beef Recipe Cat Food
While dry cat food may not provide the moisture your cat needs, some cat owners find kibble more convenient and often more affordable than fresh or canned alternatives. This Ziwi Peak beef recipe air-dried cat food is our top pick in this category. It’s a single-protein dry cat food formula made with beef, beef organs, and beef bone.
This air-dried cat food is lower than the average dry food in carbs and offers a concentrated source of animal protein. In addition to fresh beef, you’ll find five beef organs and beef bone on the list. This recipe also contains glucosamine- and chondroitin-rich green mussels sourced from New Zealand.
Ziwi Peak always uses grass-fed or free-range meats and wild-caught fish that is sustainably sourced. This recipe is nutrient-dense and grain-free, providing a concentrated source of energy and protein for your cat. Because it is a dry food, however, we recommend supplementing it with a high-quality wet food or wet food topper.
Ingredients
Beef, Beef Heart, Beef Kidney, Beef Tripe, Beef Liver, Beef Lung, New Zealand Green Mussel, Beef Bone, Lecithin, Inulin from Chicory, Dried Kelp, Minerals (Dipotassium Phosphate, Magnesium Sulfate, Zinc Amino Acid Complex, Copper Amino Acid Complex, Iron Amino Acid Complex, Manganese Amino Acid Complex, Sodium Selenite), Salt, Preservative (Citric Acid, Mixed Tocopherols), Vitamins (Choline Chloride, Thiamine Mononitrate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Folic Acid, Vitamin D3 Supplement), DL-Methionine, Taurine.
Ingredients We Liked: Beef, Beef Heart, Beef Kidney, Beef Tripe, Beef Liver, Beef Lung, New Zealand Green Mussel, Beef Bone.
Ingredients We Didn’t Like: None
Guaranteed Analysis
Dry Matter Basis
Caloric Weight Basis
What We Liked
- Provides a concentrated source of protein and nutrition
- Single source of high-quality protein from meat, organs, and bone
- Lower in carbohydrates than the average dry food
- Made from sustainably sourced ingredients like grass-fed beef
What We Didn’t Like
- No dry food provides the moisture your cat needs
- Fairly pricey, around $2.11 per oz
#7 Best for Senior Cats: Weruva Truluxe Steak Frites Dinner with Beef & Pumpkin in Gravy Grain-Free Canned Cat Food
As your cat gets older, their risk for kidney disease goes up. Increasing your cat’s moisture intake while reducing their dietary phosphorus intake can help protect kidney function. This Truluxe Steak Frites recipe from Weruva is a good option for senior cats because it contains lower-than-average phosphorus—about 1.0 mg of phosphorus per 1,000 calories.
Not only is this a low-phosphorus recipe, but it’s rich in animal-sourced protein and hydrating moisture. Beef provides the sole source of animal protein, yielding a dry matter protein content of over 70%. One thing to keep in mind is that the food is very low in fat—only about 9.3% measured as dry matter. Because the food is low in calories, your cat may need larger portions to meet their energy needs.
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.
Ingredients We Liked: Beef
Ingredients We Didn’t Like: None
Guaranteed Analysis
Dry Matter Basis
Caloric Weight Basis
What We Liked:
- Made with a single source of animal protein
- Rich in moisture to support your cat’s hydration
- Contains over 70% protein (measured as dry matter)
- Low phosphorus content, may support kidney health
What We Didn’t Like:
- Low calorie content may necessitate large portions
- Relies primarily on plant-sourced fat
When shopping for beef cat food, it’s important to know whether you’re looking for a single-protein recipe or not. If your cat has allergies to other proteins, a multi-protein formula might not be the best choice. Single-protein recipes are generally more expensive, but they’re typically made with high-quality ingredients and can be more digestible for cats with tummy troubles.
If your cat has trouble tolerating beef, consider an alternative protein source like turkey, fish, or lamb.
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The Association of American Feed Control Officials—AAFCO. AAFCO. Published December 4, 2023.
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Cook R. World Beef Consumption: Ranking of Countries (USDA). Updated December 2023.
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U.S. Department of Agriculture. FoodData Central. Published April 2019. Accessed October 21, 2023.
