Top Cat Food Brands: Whiskas, Royal Canin, Blue Buffalo, and Hill's Science Diet.

When it comes to nourishing your feline friend, choosing the right cat food brand is crucial for their health and happiness. There are numerous options available, each offering unique flavors and nutritional benefits tailored to suit different dietary needs and preferences. From organic and grain-free selections to those packed with rich proteins and essential vitamins, finding the best brand can make a significant difference in your cat's well-being. Curious to discover which cat food brands have made the list for the best of the best? Read on to explore our curated selection below.

Illustration of cat food

Best brands of cat food in 2025

Hill's Science Diet

Hill's Science Diet is a leading brand in the cat food market, known for its science-led nutrition that meets the unique needs of cats at various life stages. With over 300 products sold in more than 80 countries, Hill's Science Diet offers a range of formulations, including lifestage foods, weight management options, and digestive health support. The brand saw a 10.5% organic sales growth in the fiscal year, driven by an 11% increase in pricing, and it continues to invest in innovation, digital, and data analytics to enhance its offerings.

Royal Canin

Royal Canin is a leading global brand in the pet food industry, particularly renowned for its high-quality cat food. Founded by veterinarian Jean Cathary in 1968, Royal Canin has been at the forefront of pet nutrition, offering over 100 different varieties of cat food, including specialized diets for specific health issues and breeds. The brand is highly recommended by veterinarians and is known for its scientific approach to pet nutrition, with manufacturing facilities and research centers around the world. Royal Canin is part of Mars, Incorporated, which acquired the brand in 2001, and it continues to innovate with advanced nutritional solutions. With a strong presence in the global market, Royal Canin cat food is trusted by pet owners for its superior nutrition and quality.

Purina Pro Plan

Purina Pro Plan is a leading brand in the cat food market, recognized for its high-quality and science-based formulas. In 2022, Purina Pro Plan achieved the highest sales among Purina's brands, reaching nearly $3 billion USD, and is expected to continue driving growth with its premium products. The brand's EN Gastroenteric Naturals formula, for example, is highly digestible and energy-dense, formulated without corn, wheat, or artificial colors and flavors, and includes select prebiotic fiber to support GI microbiome balance. Purina Pro Plan's strong performance is part of Purina's overall market leadership, with the company holding a 29% market share in the U.S. pet food market. The brand's success is also driven by its commitment to innovation and meeting consumer trends such as human food ideologies and proactive health management.

Blue Buffalo

Blue Buffalo, acquired by General Mills in 2018, is a leading producer of natural and high-protein cat food, known for its strong brand presence and innovative products. The brand's Tasteful wet cat food line has seen nearly 30% retail sales growth despite capacity constraints, indicating a significant market demand for natural cat food options. Blue Buffalo's Life Protection Formula has also resumed volume sales growth in early 2024, increasing by high-single-digits after a period of decline. The brand's commitment to using high-quality, natural ingredients with real meat as the first ingredient has made it a favorite among pet owners. With a wide range of formulas tailored to different life stages and health needs, Blue Buffalo continues to be a top choice in the pet food industry. For more information, you can visit their official website.

Wellness Core

Wellness CORE is a renowned brand in the cat food industry, known for its high-quality, natural, and balanced nutrition. Since 1926, the brand has been committed to crafting recipes that are rich in protein, with some products featuring as high as 42.2% dry matter protein content. Their formulas are free from fillers, by-products, and artificial additives, making them an excellent choice for pet owners seeking healthy and digestible food for their cats. The brand's team includes animal nutrition experts, veterinarians, and scientists, ensuring that each recipe meets the highest standards of nutritional quality. With a focus on primal ancestry, Wellness CORE+ recipes deliver the protein-rich diet that cats crave. For more information on their nutritious offerings, visit Wellness CORE's website.

Orijen

Orijen is renowned as one of the best producers of cat food, offering a range of high-quality, protein-rich recipes that mirror the ancestral diet of cats. Their wet cat food products feature fresh animal ingredients as the first nine ingredients, with no peas, lentils, legumes, carrageenan, or gums, and boast an above-average protein content of 61% and a fat level of 28%. Each recipe is tailored to meet the nutritional needs of cats at different stages of life, and their products are free from artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives. Orijen's commitment to using whole prey animal ingredients and refrigeration as the sole method of preservation sets them apart in the market. Their products have received a 5-star rating from the Cat Food Advisor, highlighting their excellence in pet nutrition. For more information, visit Orijen's official website.

Nutro

Nutro is renowned as one of the best producers of cat food, offering high-quality products that cater to the nutritional needs of felines. Their Wholesome Essentials recipes start with high-quality protein sources, such as real chicken, and are made with non-GMO ingredients, free from corn, wheat, soy protein, and artificial preservatives. This commitment to quality ingredients supports healthy weight, digestion, and skin health for cats. The global cat food market, which includes brands like Nutro, is expected to grow significantly, driven by factors such as the humanization of pets and increasing awareness of pet nutrition, with North America dominating the market with a 45.8% revenue share in 2022. As the market is projected to reach USD 44.32 billion by 2030, Nutro's focus on wholesome ingredients positions it well for continued growth.

Merrick

Merrick cat food is a reputable brand, founded in 1988, known for its commitment to using natural ingredients and avoiding artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives. With a diverse range of products, including dry food, wet food, raw mixers, and treats, Merrick caters to various feline needs and life stages. The brand's Backcountry line, in particular, is praised for its grain-free and freeze-dried raw meat options, which are free of carrageenan and have lower carbohydrate content. Merrick cat food generally receives positive reviews, with an average rating of four to five stars on platforms like Amazon and Chewy. Despite some recalls and customer complaints, Merrick remains a viable choice, comparable to brands like Wellness and Fromm in terms of price and ingredient quality. For a detailed review, visit this Merrick cat food review.

Nulo

Nulo is one of the top cat food brands, renowned for its high-quality, grain-free formulas rich in animal-based proteins and low in carbohydrates. With an overall rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars, Nulo offers a diverse range of products, including wet and dry foods, freeze-dried raw recipes, and limited ingredient diets, all of which are free from artificial ingredients and chemical preservatives. The brand has a perfect recall history, with no reported recalls to date. Nulo's products are manufactured primarily in the United States, with some recipes made in Thailand, and the company has achieved significant sales growth, doubling its sales every year for several years. Nulo's commitment to high-viability probiotics and rigorous ingredient sourcing standards further enhances its reputation. For more details, check out this Nulo cat food review.

Iams

IAMS is a renowned brand in the cat food industry, known for its high-quality ingredients and comprehensive nutritional profiles. Their Proactive Health cat food, for example, features real chicken as the first ingredient, supporting strong muscles, healthy heart, digestion, teeth, and skin. IAMS cat food is complete and balanced, eliminating the need for additional vitamin or mineral supplements. The brand is part of the broader pet food market, which is expected to grow significantly, with the global cat food market projected to reach $60,951.4 million by 2033. IAMS, along with other major brands like Purina, contributes to the market's growth, with Purina brands holding a significant market share on platforms like Amazon.