15 Best Cat Food for Indoor Cats

Cats lead surprisingly diverse lives indoors. They might nap all day in a sunbeam, chase dust motes around a windowsill, or tear around the house on midnight zoomies.

With this in mind, finding the best cat food for indoor cats becomes a crucial part to support their specific lifestyle.

Indoor cats don’t roam and hunt all day, like their outdoorsy counterparts. So, they need a diet that will keep them feeling fit and fabulous without packing in too many calories.

Hairballs, weight gain, and even pungent litter-box odors are more common indoors, and some nutritional research indicates that the right diet can make a significant difference.

It’s for these reasons that we have done the groundwork for you to come up with this reviewed list of 15 best cat food for indoor cats.

When it comes to choosing the best cat food, we did the digging and narrowed down a ton of products to only those with top-notch ingredients and specific benefits for indoor cats.

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What Indoor Cats Need in Their Diet

Indoor cats have different nutritional needs than outdoor cats. Indoor cats are generally more sedentary, so they burn fewer calories over the course of a day.

They are therefore more likely to become overweight. Best indoor cat food generally has fewer calories per cup while still supplying sufficient energy for the needed activity level.

Over time, excess calories may lead to obesity, which is linked to diabetes, joint problems, and other illnesses.

The other big issue with indoor cats is hairballs. The more grooming and less movement mean hair gets backed up in the digestive tract.

The extra dietary fiber moves the fur through the system more easily, which means fewer and smaller hairballs.

The best cat food for indoor cats will often include fiber for hairball control. Moisture is important as well, especially for cats who take dry foods.

Good hydration from the best wet food for cats helps with both digestion and urinary tract health. It’s important for the indoor cat who may be less interested in drinking.

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Choosing the Right Formula for Your Cat

The first step in selecting the best cat food is understanding your cat’s life stage and tailoring the formula accordingly.

This is how to choose cat food effectively, and it’s a vital step in finding the best cat food for indoor cats for your specific pet.

Kittens, for instance, require more calories, protein, and fat to fuel their growth spurts and high energy levels. This makes the best kitten food essential for their development.

Adult cats, on the other hand, need a balanced formula that maintains lean muscle mass without promoting weight gain.

Senior cats benefit from diets with joint support nutrients and slightly reduced calories to match their slower metabolism and decreased activity.

Choosing quality cat food for your kitty’s age will help you prevent both overfeeding and nutritional deficiencies.

Texture also has a surprisingly large impact on whether your feline friend will eat well or not eat at all.

Some cats prefer the crunch of dry kibble, which is good for their teeth, while others like the soft, moist texture of paté or shredded wet food.

If your cat licks all the gravy and leaves the chunks, or won’t even touch dry food, try switching textures rather than brands.

When your cat has an underlying health condition such as kidney disease, allergies, or a sensitive digestive tract, it’s always best to check with your vet before switching foods.

We recommend discussing options like high protein low carb cat food with them to find a suitable solution.

Cats with health problems may require a prescription or vet-recommended diet for controlling symptoms and supporting long-term health.

Your vet can help customize the most appropriate formula that takes into account both nutrition and medical issues.

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15 Best Cat Food for Indoor Cats

1. Applaws Senior Tuna Fillet & Pumpkin Recipe Mousse Grain

• Type: Wet
• Main Protein: Tuna
• Calories: 862 kcal/kg (approx. 73 kcal per pouch)
• Life Stage: Senior

Smooth, straightforward, and senior-friendly, this mousse-style wet food from Applaws has a creamy, soft texture that’s easy for aging cat teeth to chew and swallow.

Tuna fillet is the first item on the ingredients list, so this is a protein-rich recipe that has a fishy texture that should feel familiar to cats.

Pumpkin may also aid digestion, while salmon oil is a source of omega-3s for skin and joint support.

The fish is also a source of glucosamine for cats with creaky joints, although it’s not a therapeutic dose.

For finicky cats who refuse to eat food with thick chunks, the mousse consistency might be the right solution.

It can also be easily stirred into wet food or used as a topping. With few ingredients, it’s a safe choice for cats with ingredient sensitivities and sensitive stomachs, too, since it’s grain-free.

Pros

• Mousse texture is softer to eat and better for older cats
• Contains pumpkin for digestion and salmon oil for coat
• Grain-free and no artificial ingredients

Cons

• No indoor-specific health benefits like hairball control or weight management
• Contains no added vitamins or minerals above what’s naturally in the ingredients

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2. Reveal Entrees Chicken Breast in Broth Pate

• Type: Wet
• Main Protein: Chicken
• Calories: N/A
• Life Stage: All

Chicken Paté from Reveal Entrées is one of the top healthy cat food options you can consider. The texture is soft, hydrating, and appropriate for cats of all life stages.

Chicken breast is the first and main ingredient, and we like that because it provides lean animal protein in a broth-rich paté.

The name paté doesn’t quite fit since it’s made from blended chunks in broth, but could satisfy cats who shy away from smooth patés.

The grain-free formula is free of carrageenan and artificial ingredients that many cat parents are looking to avoid.

The food is also formulated to be complete and balanced, so it could serve as an everyday meal for your cat.

Reviews have shown that even fussy eaters seem to be okay with this one, but it may take a slower transition for cats who prefer a chunkier texture.

Pros

• Real chicken breast as a primary component
• Grain-free, carrageenan-free, additive-free formula
• Moist formula is less dehydrating and more supportive of urinary health

Cons

• Texture will vary from a traditional paté

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3. Tiki Cat Silver Tuna & Mackerel Recipe Grain-Free Pate

• Type: Wet
• Main Protein: Tuna
• Calories: 63 kcal per can
• Life Stage: Senior

The Tiki Cat Silver Tuna & Mackerel Paté is formulated to help support cats as they age, especially those 11 years and older.

As one of the best wet cat food for indoor cats, we love how the paté-in-broth formula is soft and easy on cats with older teeth, and it’s also easily digestible.

Tuna and mackerel provide lean, tasty protein, and added antioxidants support immune system function in senior cats. Pumpkin adds fiber, and coconut oil provides a gentle energy boost.

The recipe is grain-free and made with non-GMO ingredients, so you’ll see that the ingredient list is short and simple.

Reviews are consistently positive, with people mentioning how cats, especially those who are getting fussy in their older years, seem to love the flavor.

Be aware that cats who are used to chunky textures may need a little time to get used to the smoother textures.

Pros

• Formulated specifically for older cats, it has a soft consistency that is easy on mature teeth and gums.
• Contains premium tuna and mackerel to help maintain lean body mass and vitality
• Enriched with antioxidants and vitamins for immune system support and general wellness

Cons

• Cats with a preference for thicker textures may require an adjustment period to the paté consistency.

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4. Fussie Cat Premium Tuna with Threadfin Bream

• Type: Wet
• Main Protein: Tuna
• Calories: 52 kcal per can
• Life Stage: All

Fussie Cat Premium Tuna with Threadfin Bream is a protein-packed meal made for the pickiest eaters.

Tuna is the first ingredient, followed closely by threadfin bream.

The combination of these seafood sources gives this recipe high levels of complete animal proteins, as well as omega-3 and 6 fatty acids.

These omega fatty acids are important for healthy skin and a glossy coat. Being low in saturated fat, this is a lean and light food, which can be especially good for less active indoor cats.

The high-quality cat food is free of grains and potatoes, which are some of the most common food sensitivity culprits.

The aspic (soft gel) texture may also be attractive to cats with specific preferences for a moist meal with more body than a paté.

Customers have mixed opinions, with many cats seeming to like the taste, though some may require time to get used to the gelled texture.

Pros

• Includes high protein seafood formulas that are made with real tuna and threadfin bream
• Grain and potato free for sensitive cats
• Contains omega fatty acids that promote coat shine and overall skin health

Cons

• Contains aspic texture. This may not be good for cats that prefer paté or shredded wet foods.

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5. Meow Mix Original Choice Dry Cat Food

• Type: Dry
• Main Protein: Chicken
• Calories: 308 kcal per cup
• Life Stage: All

Original Choice combines common protein sources like chicken, turkey, salmon, and ocean fish into one dry food to create a simple blend that covers a cat’s basic needs.

This dry kibble is nutritionally complete for adult indoor cats, and has 31% protein and fatty acids to help maintain muscle strength and support skin and coat health.

The primary protein sources are by-product meals, but this formula does have a decent base of vitamins and minerals for daily nutrition.

This cat food is made in the USA, and it has a grain-inclusive recipe that is better for cats that don’t have sensitivities.

We like it because it’s an affordable, every day, cheap cat food for multi-pet families or cats that do well on basic, familiar formulas.

Pros

• Offers a complete and balanced nutrition with protein and essential nutrients for overall health and wellness
• Cost-effective and widely available option that is suitable for adult cats in most indoor settings
• Comes in a variety of familiar poultry and seafood flavors that many cats enjoy

Cons

• Includes artificial colors and by-product meals that may not be preferred by some feeding options
• Not suitable for cats with grain allergies or sensitive stomachs

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6. Fancy Feast Gourmet Filet Mignon Flavor

• Type: Dry
• Main Protein: Fish
• Calories: 513 kcal per cup
• Life Stage: All

Fancy Feast’s Filet Mignon Flavor with Seafood and Shrimp mixes meat and seafood flavors in crunchy kibble that many indoor cats go wild for.

It’s considered by many to be one of the best foods for cats who love crunch. Morsels are lightly basted and cooked to a crisp texture that many cats find irresistible to chew.

Crunchy kibble may help reduce tartar buildup over time, but primary proteins are fish and poultry by-product meals.

Nutritionally, the formula still packs a respectable 34% protein and a very hefty 513 calories per cup, so it’s an energy-dense food for active cats or felines on a mission to gain weight.

Added vitamins and minerals, plus made in the USA under Purina’s manufacturing standards, make this an above-average kibble.

There are grains and artificial flavors, of course, which turn off some pet parents, but many reviewers report their cats ask for more of this one time and time again.

Pros

• Crunchy and basted kibble satisfies texture cravings while chewing promotes oral health.
• Provides a high protein and calorie count to help maintain energy and muscle mass
• Offers a broad selection of familiar flavors for picky or flavor-driven cats

Cons

• Includes grains and by-product meals that may not work for more selective feeders

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7. Blue Buffalo Wilderness Nature’s Evolutionary Diet

• Type: Dry
• Main Protein: Chicken
• Calories: 410 kcal per cup
• Life Stage: All

This pet food is formulated with deboned chicken as the first ingredient and no by-product meals, making it one of the best dry cat foods for indoor cats.

As one of the best high-protein cat food choices, it provides quality nutrients that can help to maintain lean muscle mass that may be at risk due to reduced activity in indoor cats.

Pea fiber and powdered cellulose in the formula help to support healthy digestion and weight control, two common concerns with cats who spend their days indoors.

This formula is also completely grain-free and supplemented with Blue’s proprietary LifeSource Bits.

Bits are a blend of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that are specially selected to support a cat’s immune health and overall well-being.

Note that some cats may need some time to adapt to the LifeSource Bits as their texture and flavor differ from traditional kibble.

Pros

• Formulated with real deboned chicken and no poultry by-product meals to help maintain lean muscle
• Grain-free and made with digestion-friendly fibers that can help promote healthy weight in indoor cats
• Features antioxidant-rich LifeSource Bits for enhanced immune and life-stage support 

Cons

• Some cats may pick around the LifeSource Bits because of their unique taste or texture.

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8. Iams Proactive Chicken Recipe Dry Cat Food

• Type: Dry
• Main Protein: Chicken
• Calories: 399 kcal per cup
• Life Stage: All

IAMS ProActive Health Adult Chicken dry food formula is a complete meal designed to fuel all your kitty does during the day from zooming through the hallways to napping in the sunshine.

Chicken is the main ingredient in the recipe and provides high-quality animal protein to help maintain lean muscles.

It also contains natural fiber and prebiotics which are designed to help maintain regular, healthy digestion in indoor cats.

Omega 3 and 6 help support a shiny coat and healthy skin, and the crunch of the kibble will help to decrease plaque build-up over time.

Being one of the best cat food brands, the recipe is made in the USA, and we love that it has a good balance between nutrition and what you pay.

The formula contains grains and by-products, but is still a good, accessible option from a trusted brand that prioritizes digestibility and coat health.

Pros

• Real chicken is the first ingredient. Protein-rich chicken is included to help support strong, healthy muscles.
• The recipe includes prebiotics and sources of fiber that help support healthy digestion and easy litter box habits.
• Added omega fatty acids help maintain healthy skin and a soft, shiny coat. 

Cons

• Contains grains and by-products, which some cats may not tolerate well if they have dietary restrictions.

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9. ORIJEN Dry Kitten Food, Grain-Free

• Type: Dry
• Main Protein: Chicken
• Calories: 515 kcal per cup
• Life Stage: Kitten

ORIJEN’s Grain-Free Dry Kitten Food offers growing kittens the nutrient-dense fuel their little bodies are hungry for.

Being one of the healthy cat food choices for young cats, the protein-rich recipe begins with chicken, turkey, wild-caught salmon, and whole herring, to mimic a kitten’s natural cat diet.

The first five ingredients are fresh or raw, and the recipe is formulated using ORIJEN’s WholePrey ratios, so it contains organs and bones to provide extra vitamins and minerals.

The kibble is small enough for tiny mouths, and coated in freeze-dried liver for a blast of raw flavor kittens go crazy for.

Formulated with as much as 90% animal ingredients and free of grains and fillers, this formula supports healthy muscle growth, brain development, and digestion.

It is one of the most protein-packed and carefully crafted kitten foods available, but the richness of the recipe may require a slow transition for sensitive kittens.

Pros

• Up to 90% animal ingredients provide strong growth and natural muscle tone in kittens.
• Top five ingredients start with fresh or raw animal protein in a biologically appropriate beginning to life.
• The freeze-dried liver coating gives raw flavor which entices picky kittens to enjoy their meals.

Cons

• Rich formula may need to be introduced slowly to more sensitive kittens to avoid digestive upset.

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10. Wellness CORE Tiny Tasters Kitten Paté

• Type: Wet
• Main Protein: Chicken
• Calories: 70 kcal per pouch
• Life Stage: Kitten

Wellness CORE Tiny Tasters Kitten Paté features highly-digestible, nutrient-dense wet food made with real chicken as the first ingredient for those early months of growth and development.

This easy-to-serve, single-serving wet food is packed with solid protein for lean muscle and includes taurine for vision development.

It also has DHA and EPA for cognitive development with the help of marine microalgae oil for added omega-3 support.

The super-smooth paté texture is especially easy on kittens’ smaller mouths and is a good option for picky eaters.

This superfood wet food is grain-free and includes sunflower oil to help maintain a glossy, healthy coat.

Tiny Tasters Kitten Paté is an especially good option for kitten parents who want to get the most out of quality ingredients.

The portions are easy to serve and, coming in single-serving pouches, minimize waste, making it both quick and clean, with no need for can openers or mess.

Pros

• Made with real chicken and includes tuna and duck for a nutritious blend of protein sources to help growing kittens thrive
• Enriched with DHA and EPA for optimal brain and eye health as kittens develop
• Pouch formula means single-serve portions, easy cleanup, and no leftovers to spoil.
• Cons
• Kitten food may have a mixed-protein taste that some kittens find slow to acquire the taste.

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11. IAMS Perfect Portions Cuts Wet Cat Food

• Type: Wet
• Main Protein: Chicken
• Calories: N/A
• Life Stage: Adult

IAMS Perfect Portions Cuts in Gravy offer convenient, pre-portioned wet food meals for adult cats.

We love that the individual trays are already divided into two serving sizes for easier meal preparation.

You will find three flavors available: chicken, salmon, and tuna. With such a choice, you can rotate flavors to make mealtime more enticing for your feline friends.

The meals also offer chunks of meat in gravy rather than a ground-up paté, which is a hit with cats who like more texture in their food.

These trays are grain-free and made in the USA, and are nutritionally complete and balanced with added antioxidant vitamin E to support your cat’s immune system.

We found them to be good options for indoor cats who need the extra moisture and benefit from pre-measured portions.

The food contains meat by-products in the ingredients, but nutritionally the recipes are a good value and there’s no waste because the package has no leftovers.

Pros

• Easy-to-use, portion-controlled trays help make clean, convenient feeding without messy leftovers or waste.
• Three different flavors to help combat mealtime boredom for finicky cats
• Helps support a healthy immune system with antioxidants like vitamin E

Cons

• Includes meat by-products, which some consumers may prefer to avoid

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12. Wellness CORE Tiny Tasters Tuna & Salmon Paté

• Type: Wet
• Main Protein: Tuna
• Calories: 52 kcal per pouch
• Life Stage: All

Wellness CORE Tiny Tasters Tuna & Salmon Paté offers convenient wet food that’s easy to serve and just as easy for your cat to eat.

Made with real tuna and salmon as the first two ingredients, this savory paté is rich and smooth with a soft, moist texture.

This food is perfect for felines who enjoy a smooth meal or need a little extra hydration assistance.

These single-serve pouches are grain-free and designed to be gentle on sensitive tummies, offering complete and balanced nutrition.

The pack of 12 small pouches helps to minimize waste and keep portions fresh.

While most cats love the taste, it’s worth noting that felines who prefer chunky or shredded textures may not be initially tempted by the paté style.

Pros

• Made with tuna and salmon to offer a high-quality protein source for maintaining energy and muscle tone
• Grain-free formula with a smooth texture that is easy on sensitive stomachs and appealing to picky eaters
• Available in no-mess, easy-squeeze pouches for convenient feeding and less cleanup

Cons

• Cats that prefer textured or shredded food may not care for the paté consistency.

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13. ZIWI Peak Chicken with Whole Mackerel Air-Dried Cat Food

• Type: Dry
• Main Protein: Chicken
• Calories: N/A
• Life Stage: All

ZIWI Peak Chicken with Whole Mackerel is an air-dried, nutrient-rich alternative to the normal best dry cat food.

We love that this recipe is made with 90% animal ingredients like free-range chicken, wild-caught mackerel, and nutritious organ meats that provide a more natural, raw diet.

The two-step cooking process of gentle steaming followed by air drying locks in nutrients while offering the convenience and texture of a dry cat food formula.

It is grain-free, contains no fillers, and is free of artificial preservatives, making it a great option for cats with food sensitivities or allergies. Some consider it the best dry cat food available.

The use of cartilage and bone as a complete protein source also provides a natural way to deliver glucosamine and chondroitin for healthy joints.

The formula can be served as a complete and balanced meal or used as a high-value topper for cats who need an extra boost of flavor or protein.

It is great for cats who need to gain weight, aren’t eating as much due to pickiness, age, or another medical condition.

Cats may need to be gradually introduced to this more nutrient-dense and rich formula if they are used to traditional dry kibble.

Pros

• Formulated with 90% animal-based ingredients, this biologically appropriate, high-protein food is complete and balanced for all life stages.
• Slow air-dried to preserve nutrients and maintain a crunchy texture without artificial preservatives
• Formulated with omega-rich wild fish and naturally-sourced supplements for joint, skin, and heart health

Cons

• May need to be transitioned slowly for cats who aren’t used to high-meat or air-dried diets

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14. Hill’s Science Diet Kitten Dry Cat Food, Chicken Recipe

• Type: Dry
• Main Protein: Chicken
• Calories: N/A
• Life Stage: Kitten

Hill’s Science Diet Kitten Chicken Recipe works from the inside out to help your kitten grow up healthy and strong.

We love the special combination of protein, fiber, and key nutrients because they support growth at this critical stage.

Chicken is the first ingredient in the formula to provide lean protein, which can help fuel muscle development in the kitten’s most active months.

DHA from fish oil supports brain and eye development, while natural fibers support digestion and can make litter box cleanup easier.

Hill’s Science Diet Kitten Chicken Recipe is made in the USA from globally sourced fresh ingredients.

This recipe has strong veterinary support and is kibble to be eaten every day. It is gentle on young digestive systems.

It does contain grains, but it is easily digestible and can be a good choice for the majority of kittens.

Flavor-wise, it seems to work well for growing cats, but it may not be the best choice for kittens with grain sensitivities and may require a grain-free diet.

Pros

• Made with chicken, a high-quality protein source, for healthy growth and play
• Formulated with DHA from fish oil for brain and vision development in kittenhood
• Contains natural fibers to aid in digestive health and litter box use

Cons

• Contains grains, which may not be appropriate for kittens with sensitivities or specific dietary requirements

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15. Fromm Four-Star Nutritionals Game Bird Dry Cat Food

• Type: Dry
• Main Protein: Turkey
• Calories: N/A
• Life Stage: All

This recipe from Fromm’s Four-Star Game Bird series contains a blend of turkey, duck, pheasant, goose, and quail.

As one of our healthy cat food options, we love that it has salmon oil for skin and coat health and is supplemented with pumpkin, carrots, apples, and broccoli.

Probiotics like Lactobacillus are also present for a healthy digestive system. This food is easily chewable pellet-style kibble that is also very palatable.

Being one of the few low-carb cat food brands, and in its fifth generation of family ownership, Fromm is based in Wisconsin and focuses on quality ingredients and small batch production.

This recipe contains a good amount of novel proteins that can be good for cats that need dietary variety or extra nutritional depth.

Some cats with sensitive stomachs might require a slower transition period when it comes to this option because of the variety of proteins present.

Pros

• Formulated with a variety of animal proteins, such as turkey, duck, and game birds, to provide complete amino acid support
• Includes fruits, vegetables, and probiotics to support digestion and overall wellness
• Produced in small batches by a family-owned business that has been focused on nutrition for over 40 years

Cons

• May need to be transitioned gradually for cats who are not accustomed to multi-protein or richer formulas

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Ensuring Complete Nutrition

Outdoor cats may hunt and scavenge, but an indoor cat is 100% dependent on the food in their bowl.

This puts special importance on indoor cat nutrition, as a complete diet can prevent common issues like weight, hairballs, and dips in activity energy.

Here are some cat nutrition tips for owners. Animal-sourced protein is the most important nutrient for an indoor cat’s food.

Dry food should meet or exceed the AAFCO’s adult cat nutritional profile of a minimum of 26% protein and 9% fat from high-quality animal sources.

On the other hand, carbohydrates are not essential, but a small amount of digestible carbs can provide energy.

Taurine is important because it maintains normal heart function and vision, and cats cannot produce it by themselves.

Vitamin A promotes healthy skin and immune systems, while omega-3 fatty acids help support the reduction of inflammation and maintenance of coat health.

Most indoor cats do well on 200 – 275 calories per day, with the amount depending on the cat’s size and activity level.

Ingredients like beet pulp or psyllium are often added to indoor formulas to help reduce hairballs and promote regular digestive transit.

There are also times when cats benefit from vet-approved supplements, particularly in the case of age and health problems. Following cat food safety tips is crucial when adding anything new.

Fish oil capsules are a source of omega-3s that help joints and can reduce itchy skin, improve heart health, and kidney health, among many other benefits.

Probiotic powders can help restore healthy intestinal flora if they have been disrupted, such as by illness or antibiotic treatment.

Joint support liquid with glucosamine and chondroitin can help alleviate stiffness in aging or sedentary cats. As always, consult with your vet before putting your kitty on any supplements.

Always go for food brands that bear the AAFCO ‘complete and balanced’ statement on their labels.

This means the formula provides all the required nutrients and does not need to be supplemented.

If you are thinking of adding a supplement, your veterinarian can assist you in determining the safest option.

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Conclusion

The right formula can help maintain a healthy weight, decrease hairballs, and even help reduce odors in the house by promoting regular, efficient digestion.

As you review the many options available, make sure to consider your cat’s age, way of life, and any special health issues.

Selecting the best cat food for indoor cats designed to meet their age and activity level is a great starting point for a strong lifestyle.

As always, be sure to check with your veterinarian before making any changes to your cat’s diet, particularly if your cat has special health considerations.

Feel free to bookmark this page so that you can easily reference it when you are ready to reorder the best cat food for indoor cats.

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Further Reading:

6 Easy Homemade Cat Food Recipes