Compare Cat Food Side by Side

The reality is that more often than not the lower quality cat foods have a better score of customer ratings, but why is that?

Customer ratings for cat food, especially on major retail platforms like Amazon, provide valuable insights into whether cats enjoy the food. Most high ratings indicate that cats tend to like the taste and texture, making it a popular choice among pet owners. However, a small percentage of reviews might address other issues, such as problems with the food’s packaging, occasional spoilage, or instances where a cat had an unexpected reaction. When interpreting customer ratings, keep in mind that the majority focus on palatability and general satisfaction, while a few may reflect logistical or individual health-related concerns.

When looking at minerals, carbs, and plant proteins in cat food, it’s important to remember that while cats are obligate carnivores and thrive on meat, certain non-meat ingredients play a useful role in commercial cat food. To achieve the right texture or boost fiber and protein, manufacturers often use ingredients like legumes, especially in dry foods. This means that the presence of plant proteins isn’t necessarily a negative—what matters is the overall balance of the recipe. Ideally, the main protein source should be animal-based, with plant proteins there to complement, not replace, it.

For mineral levels, as well as protein, fat, and fiber, the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) provides guidelines that set healthy ranges. So, when comparing foods, it’s not about any one ingredient being “good” or “bad,” but about the recipe as a whole meeting cats' nutritional needs according to these balanced standards. (Link to AFFCO file)

A good cat food is one your cat enjoys consistently and provides a balanced mix of nutrients that align with AAFCO guidelines, ensuring your cat receives essential proteins, fats, and other nutrients for long-term health. In contrast, a "bad" cat food is often high in carbohydrates, which can increase the risk of health issues like diabetes, or low in moisture, which is important for hydration and urinary health. Foods high in certain minerals can also contribute to urinary blockages, especially in male cats.

Note: If your cat has a pre-existing medical condition, such as kidney disease, diabetes, or urinary tract issues, they may require a special diet tailored to address those health needs. Consult your veterinarian for diet recommendations specific to their condition.

Not all by-products in cat food are necessarily bad. Named by-products like chicken by-product meal, turkey by-product meal, or beef by-product meal specify the animal source and often contain nutrient-rich organs like liver and kidney, as well as calcium and phosphorus which are natural and beneficial for cats. These labeled by-products are more transparent, giving pet owners a clearer idea of what’s included.

In contrast, generic labels such as meat meal, meat and bone meal, or animal by-product meal lack this specificity. Without identifying the animal source, these ingredients may contain lower-quality components and vary widely in nutritional value. This difference in labeling can affect the quality of the food, and unless the manufacturer discloses the exact contents, it’s hard to know if the food includes higher-grade pet food by-products or lower-grade feed-grade by-products.

While carbs aren’t traditionally viewed as species-appropriate for cats, recent studies show that cats can digest carbohydrates to a certain extent, especially when they are processed, like in most commercial cat foods. For example, studies indicate that cats can efficiently digest and absorb starch, with digestion rates over 90% when carbs are properly processed and included in moderate amounts. This carbohydrate digestion is possible because cats have certain enzymes that allow them to use carbs as an energy source, although they still rely heavily on protein due to their carnivorous nature.

In moderation, carbohydrates don’t necessarily cause issues for healthy cats, but excessive amounts could potentially lead to problems like obesity and diabetes if paired with a high-fat diet or overfeeding. Therefore, while carbs are not inherently harmful, the balance and quality of ingredients in a cat’s diet play a crucial role in their overall health and should align with AAFCO nutrient guidelines to support a healthy lifestyle.

Related studies:

• Cats and Carbohydrates: The Carnivore Fantasy?
• Effects of Five Carbohydrate Sources on Cat Diet Digestibility, Postprandial Glucose, Insulin Response, and Gut Microbiomes

We calculate the price per day based on a daily feeding of 200 kcal, which is a common standard for assessing cat food costs.

To do this, we:

1. Find the caloric content of the food in kcal per kilogram.
2. Convert the product weight from pounds or ounces to kilograms.
3. Determine the price per kcal by dividing the product’s price by its total kcal content.
4. Finally, we multiply this price per kcal by 200 kcal to estimate the cost per day.

This gives you a practical idea of daily feeding costs based on average caloric needs.