Best Dry Cat Food For Outdoor Cats

Best Cat Food For Outdoor Cats And Things To Consider

What is the best cat food for outdoor cats?

I have tested top market products and found Purina Pro Plan Chicken & Turkey Favorites Variety Pack Canned Cat Food to be the best cat food for outdoor cats overall.

As a feline Nutritionist and pet owner, I have bought various foods for my cats. My main concern always was how to provide the best nutrition for my pet.

With so many options available on cat food shelves, it is easy to be overwhelmed with the best cat food for outdoor cats.

Today, the cat is the second most typical pet in America, in terms of sheer numbers There are now an estimated 85.8 million in the USA.

What to remember about cat nutrition:

• Cats are obligate carnivores, which means they need their nutrients from animal products.
• As hunters, they consume prey with high amounts of protein, small amounts of fat, and very few carbohydrates.
• They also require other nutrients, including vitamins, minerals, fatty acids, and amino acids.
• Cats in the wild get most of their water intake from their prey, so they are reluctant to drink water. This is important to remember when choosing dry or wet food for your cat.

A balanced and nutritious diet is an excellent start to a long and happy life.

Fussie Cat Premium Tuna With Salmon Formula

First 5 Ingredients: Tuna, Water Sufficient For Processing, Salmon, Sunflower Seed Oil, Calcium Carbonate

If there’s one thing cats crave, it’s the rich taste of pure meat. It makes sense, because they are obligate carnivores.

Fussie Cat uses a simple philosophy: carnivore-friendly, meat-first recipes, in order to provide wholesome meals that are full of the proteins your cat needs to thrive.

The company makes their top-quality foods in an FDA-registered kitchenthe same kitchen that produces canned food that’s fit for people to eat.

The Fussie Cat Premium line is a tuna-based menu that pairs this popular fish with chicken or seafood delicacies.

Lastly, each of their recipe is co-created and taste-tested by cats in order to make sure your own kitty will love it.

Pros

• Grain and potato-free. Great for cats with food sensitivities or allergies.
• Rich in Omegas 3 & 6. These essential amino acids help support skin & coat health in order to keep your cat’s fur soft and healthy.
• Made in a high-quality manufacturing plant. Their canned goods are made in FDA-approved kitchen.

Cons

• A bit pricey compared to other brands.
• Strong smell which is not favorable for most owners.
• Not a hit with most fussy eaters.

How Much Protein Should Your Cat Have

The amount of protein is critical for your cats survival. Of course, nursing and pregnant mothers need a lot more than your everyday Joe Blow cat which is why I tend to favor them in a pinch.

I have only breastfed one baby in my life and that was rough. Could you imagine having to provide nutrients for 6??

Cat protein requirements are as follows:

• Kittens need 10g of crude protein and 4g of fat
• Adult cats need 12.5g of crude protein and 5.5g of fat from 250 calories worth of food
• Nursing and Pregnant Mothers need 41g of crude protein and 12g of fat for 4 kittens
• And Im not sure about you but the cats here can have big litters and some will nurse other kittens as well. Feed them mamas!!

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Supplementing Your Cats Dry Food Diet

Some pet owners prefer to supplement a wet-food diet with a daily allowance of dry cat food for grazing in addition to a regular wet food or . Dry cat food should also be served with plenty of water, as kibble lacks the moisture content of wet food. Some pet parents recommend using a cat water fountain in conjunction with kibble, so you can provide your favorite felines with a more enticing source of hydration..

How Often Should You Feed Outdoor Cats

Outdoor cats should be fed daily, at least, but twice a day is best. If at all possible, it is best to do it at the same time every day. Morning and Evening.

Adult cats eat around 5.5 ounces of wet food per day or about 1/2 a cup of dry food per day according to Alley Cat Allies. Some cats eat more and some eat less.

If after 30 minutes there is still a lot of food left, youre feeding more than you should. If they eat it all within 15 minutes, youre likely feeding too little.

Do not listen to anyone who suggests feeding every other day or not at all for working cats or ferals. Would you eat every other day? Theres no guarantee the cats will be able to catch other food. Its cruel.

As for working cats like barn cats, even the most well-fed pampered ones will hunt mice and other rodents, so depriving them of food does nothing more than cause them to go hungry. It does not help them be better hunters.

Cats are excellent hunters and will kill mice on a full stomach. Plus no cat would stick around a place that isnt offering food, even if there are plenty of mice. Feeding keeps them healthy and in once place.

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Pregnant And Nursing Cats Feeding Tips

Pregnant and nursing cats, if found before being fixed, could benefit from being fed more wet food than normal and more nutritious food like kitten dry food. Another excellent trick is to mix kitten milk replacement in with wet food, as pregnant and nursing queens are eating for many little bodies.

Please dont feed feral cats without practicing Trap-Neuter-Return ! Get those nursing cats fixed before their next litter. You are causing a LOT more harm than good and you are causing cat and kitten deaths by doing so. Fix them or dont feed them.

If youre in an area with a high feral cat population and shelters forced to euthanize too many animals, you may consider getting the pregnant cat fixed before birth.

But What About The Needs Of Feral Cats

Feral cats have the same basic nutritional needs as house cats, but there are some practical considerations to be made.

Protein is essential for all cats to maintain lean muscle mass, but feral cats tend to need extra fat in their diet to provide calories.

When every meal is a struggle, it is important to maximize the calorie and nutrition content of each meal. Balanced nutrition is also important for feral cats because they often feed on scraps between meals, which may not provide essential nutrients.

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How Much Does Cat Food For Outdoor Cats Cost

The cost of cat food for outdoor cats varies according to brand name, ingredients offered by the product, packaging, etc.

If you go for only meat-based food products then it would be a bit expensive, on the other hand, if you go for products that offer you a combo version of meat and veggies it will cost you lower. As per the market survey, it will cost you under $20 to $59.

Instinct Original Real Chicken Natural Dry Cat Food

Another great brand of cat food to consider for your outdoor feline is Instinct Original Real Chicken natural dry cat food. It is a delicious, nutritious formula with 81% of the ingredients coming from real animals, 19% from healthy fruits and veggies, and essential oils.

This cat meal by Instinct Original contains high protein levels, thanks to the meat derived from free-range chicken incorporated in the formula. It is therefore perfect for active felines like your outdoor kitty.

The meal is also enriched with other essential ingredients such as antioxidants, natural omegas, and probiotics. The antioxidants help eliminate elements that weaken the bodys immune system, while the probiotics promote gut health. Natural omegas, on the other hand, help to stimulate a healthier skin and coat.

Instinct original dry cat food does not have any filler ingredients like corn, wheat, soy, or potatoes, which are useless to the cat and impact its health negatively. It also does not contain any artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives.

In addition, each piece of kibble from this product comes covered in free-dried material to help enhance its taste and maintain its nutritional value. The material is natural and comes from minimally processed whole foods and real meat.

The only downside to this product is that it contains peas which could cause kidney and bladder stones in some felines.

Pros

Cons

• It contains peas which could potentially lead to bladder and kidney stones.`

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Best For Weight Loss: Blue Buffalo Weight Control Natural Adult Dry Cat Food

Weight: 1 pound| Form: Dry | Flavor: Chicken & Brown Rice | Life Stage: Adult

• Bag isn’t resealable

If you’re looking for dry cat food to support weight loss, we suggest Blue Buffalo Weight Control. It’s developed with an optimal blend of animal protein and calories, which helps your pet achieve and maintain an ideal body mass. Real deboned meat is the first ingredient. After that, you’ll find brown rice, omega-3, and omega-6 fatty acids, vegetables, fruit, and vitamins. The round kibble contains a blend of specially-formed bites that are processed with less heat, which the manufacturer says helps preserve the nutritional value of the ingredients.

The Spruce Pets / Jordan Provost

“The food is entirely free of corn, wheat, soy, artificial flavors, and preservatives. It also meets the nutritional standards established by the Association of American Feed Control Officials , meaning that its a well-balanced and complete meal.” Nick Ingalls, Product Tester

Is It Safe For Cats To Live Outdoors

Generally speaking, we dont recommend letting your pet cats live outdoors. There are just too many threats out there. Sure, there are pros and cons in living outdoors, as in staying indoors. But when your cat is inside your home, you dont have to worry about scary possibilities she may encounter outdoors.

Most vets will tell you to keep cats indoors for obvious reasons. But they will also recommend other ways to compromise, like building a special outdoor enclosure or leash walking them a few times a week.

Studies show that indoor cats live a lot longer than outdoor cats. When fed and cared for well, house cats can normally live up to 12 years or more. In contrast, feral cats have an average lifespan of just 2 to 4 years.

Many feral and stray cats dont even reach the adult stage due to the many perils they face the moment they are born. Many outdoor kittens are killed in their first few months alive.

Depending on where you live, you can more or less evaluate the risks to your domestic cats if you decide to let them out of your home. If you live in a city or busy town, the risks are naturally greater.

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Best Dry Food For Overweight Cats

According to the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention survey, a whopping 60 percent of American cats are overweight or obese. Too much of even the best dry foods for cats could be contributing to those overstuffed fluffy bellies. Excess weight can cause serious health issues like diabetes. Dr.VanDuzer recommends Royal Canin Feline Weight Care . Most cats love to eat so the reduced fat and special blend of L-carnitine and fiber help to make your cat feel more full with a reduced volume of food. And adding some fun physical activity could help her shed some weightheres how to train your cat to walk on a leash.

Royal Canin Feline Cat Food Best Food For Feral Cats

The Royal Canin food has an active and fit formula designed for cats that love playing outside. This cat food has all the ingredients your cat will need to continue thriving outside.

It has a unique protein-to-fat ratio that can help your feline pal play outside while maintaining its body weight. The food is also rich in powerful antioxidants that can boost your cats immune system. Therefore, you dont have to lose sleep over free radicals wreaking havoc in their system.

The Royal Canin food was created for adult cats aged between 1 and 10 years. With a combination of about 52 ingredients, this cat food was designed to improve your cats health.

The only disadvantage is that it has corn. Corn can be an allergen for some cats. This cat food is a perfect option for cats that are not allergic to corn.

Specs

• Contains perfect protein-to-fats-ratio to help the cat play around while maintaining its ideal weight
• Powerful antioxidants to boost your cats immune system
• Balanced diet formulated for an adult cat between the ages of 1 and 10 years old.

Cons

• This cat food contains preservatives, additives, and gluten, which are not ideal for felines with sensitive stomachs.

Overall rating 4.7 out of 5

The Royal Canin Feline cat food has a perfect formula that will keep your cat healthy while maintaining its ideal weight. The powerful antioxidant in this cat food helps improve your cats immunity, which is a bonus.

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Buying Guide For Best Dry Cat Food

Your feline friend deserves the very best, and that includes a quality dry cat food to keep her healthy and well-nourished.

But with the hundreds of dry cat food brands available on grocery store shelves, in pet stores, and online, how do you choose the right one? It can be tricky, because there’s no single best cat food out there though some are definitely better for your cat than others.

Wellness Complete Natural Grain Free Cat Food

If your outdoor feline friend loves seafood then this natural grain-free food by Wellness is a great choice, the food contains fresh fish flavors which is perfect for seafood lovers.

This grain-free dry cat food includes vital ingredients, formulated to support your kittys welfare that include energy booster for playtime, adventurous activity, glowing skin, shiny coat, clean teeth and mouth, digestive function, etc.

The Wellness complete health natural dry cat food is a U.S-based product, that includes all the natural high-quality ingredients only to meet your outdoor kittys diet needs for the proper development of her body.

Pros:

• Salmon is the main ingredient of this dry food, it works as a protein supplier to your kittys body that gives her energy to play and carry out adventurous activities.
• Rosemary ingredient helps to antioxidant your cats body and improve the immunity system for better wellbeing.
• Minerals present in this food for outdoor cats regulate the urinary function of your kitty.
• Apart from health benefits, the ingredients of food like flaxseed give your kitty a shiny coat and glowing skin, which add an extra touch to her beauty.

Cons:

• The newly formulated kibbles may not be acceptable to most of cats as they might face digestive issues.

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Best Dry Food For Indoor

If your cat isnt allowed past the front door, Dr. VanDuzer often recommends Iams Proactive Health Indoor Weight and Hairball Care Dry cat food . Indoor only cats often have weight issues and this formula helps control weight. This formula also decreases vomiting due to hairballs with the addition of beet pulp, a natural laxative that doesnt cause diarrhea. Indoor only cats tend to develop hairballs more often than their outdoor counterparts. Longer hair that sheds in the spring, over-grooming, digestion dysfunction or deficiencies in the diet are some causes. Find out the reason why your cat is afraid of cucumbers.

Best Cat Food For Outdoor Cats

Our top choice for the best cat food for outdoor cats in the dry food category is Taste of the Wilds Rocky Mountain grain-free recipe.

It has all the qualities we want for your outdoor kitty, including a very generous 42% minimum protein load as well as 18% minimum fats.

Made with outstanding ingredients led by chicken meal, this kibble also features other novel animal proteins like roasted venison, smoked salmon, and ocean fish meal that adult cats adore.

Aside from the aforementioned , other protein sources include pea protein & potato protein.

The Rocky Mountain Feline Recipe also contains peas, sweet potatoes, chicken fat, dried chicory root, tomatoes, yucca schidigera extract, blueberries, and raspberries, which provide vitamins and minerals to your kittys diet.

To top things off, it also has probiotics that aid in keeping your pets digestive tract running smoothly and healthy. Amino acids, like taurine, are also present which keeps eyes and heart, healthy.

Pros

Cons

• A few long-time consumers noted that some bags of this recipe smelled funny and their furry friend won’t eat it.

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Best Dry Food For Mama Cat And Kittens

Nourish mama and her kitten with Iams Proactive Health Kitten food . Even though the label says kitten, this food has the whole kit and kaboodle of healthy ingredients for a momma cat and her kittens. Chicken is the primary ingredient in this protein-rich food which helps support pregnancy and kitten development. Omega-3 DHA and vitamin E support strong immune systems, skin and bones, as well as brain development, says Dr. VanDuzer.This tasty, small bite food can be continued during nursing and until she has weaned her kittens and the kitten can also eat the food.Heres what you need to know about essential oils and your pets.