Best High Protein Cat Food of 2025

Janie Foster Avatar
Janie Foster
Last Updated: Jan 7, 2025

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High Protein Cat Food is a top-quality option for cat owners who prioritize their feline friends' health and well-being. Made with the finest ingredients, this cat food is specially formulated to provide a high protein content, which is essential for a cat's overall growth and development. With a balanced blend of nutrients, vitamins, and minerals, it supports a healthy immune system, promotes muscle growth, and maintains a glossy coat. This high protein formula ensures that cats receive the necessary fuel to thrive and stay active throughout their lives.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Purina ONE True Instinct Grain Free With Real Chicken Dry Cat Food Cover #TOP 1
Purina ONE True Instinct Grain Free With Real Chicken Dry Cat Food
ftb score rating icon 9.9
Purina ONE High Protein, Healthy Weight Dry Cat Food Cover #TOP 2
Purina ONE High Protein, Healthy Weight Dry Cat Food
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Purina ONE Natural Grain Free Dry Cat Food Cover #TOP 3
Purina ONE Natural Grain Free Dry Cat Food
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 10 High Protein Cat Food

#TOP 1

Purina ONE True Instinct Grain Free With Real Chicken Dry Cat Food

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Purina ONE True Instinct Grain Free With Real Chicken Dry Cat Food Cover
Purina ONE Natural, High Protein, Grain Free Dry Cat Food, True Instinct With Real Chicken - 6.3 Lb. Bag

Give your furry friend the high protein, grain free cat food they crave with Purina ONE True Instinct Grain Free With Real Chicken natural adult dry cat food. This premium cat food is made with real chicken as the number 1 ingredient and provides 35% protein to help promote strong muscles, including a healthy heart. The omega-6 fatty acids in this food support healthy skin and a radiant coat, and four antioxidant sources promote immune health. The crunchy bites and tender, meaty morsels provide textural variety, and the added calcium helps support strong teeth and healthy gums. With added vitamins, minerals, and nutrients, this natural dry cat food is crafted by a veterinarian-recommended brand in Purina-owned, U.S. facilities.

What We Like
Real chicken as the number 1 ingredient
35% protein to help promote strong muscles, including a healthy heart
Omega-6 fatty acids for healthy skin and radiant coat
Four antioxidant sources promote immune health
Highly digestible SmartBlend of high-quality ingredients
#TOP 2

Purina ONE High Protein, Healthy Weight Dry Cat Food

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Other
Purina ONE High Protein, Healthy Weight Dry Cat Food Cover
Purina ONE High Protein, Healthy Weight Plus Ideal Weight With Chicken Dry Cat Food Weight Control Formula - 16 lb. Bag

Purina ONE High Protein, Healthy Weight Dry Cat Food is a dry cat food with turkey as its main ingredient. It helps cats burn fat with a SmartBlend of high-quality ingredients, including L-carnitine. This cat food also supports strong muscles, teeth, gums, and immune system with added calcium and four antioxidant sources. With no artificial flavors or preservatives, this easily digestible cat food delivers great taste and crunch for overweight cats.

What We Like
Real turkey as the number one ingredient
Supports healthy weight and burns fat with L-carnitine
Supports strong muscles, teeth, gums, and immune system
#TOP 3

Purina ONE Natural Grain Free Dry Cat Food

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Purina ONE Natural Grain Free Dry Cat Food Cover
Purina ONE Natural, High Protein, Grain Free Dry Cat Food, True Instinct With Real Chicken - 3.2 lb. Bag

Purina ONE Natural Grain Free Dry Cat Food is a high protein cat food that comes in four 3.2 lb bags. Made with real chicken as the number one ingredient, this cat food provides 35 percent protein for strong muscles, including a healthy heart. Omega-6 fatty acids and four antioxidant sources help promote healthy skin, a radiant coat, and a strong immune system. Highly digestible, the SmartBlend of high-quality ingredients comes in tasty, crunchy cat food bites and tender, meaty morsels.

What We Like
High protein content promotes strong muscles, including a healthy heart
Omega-6 fatty acids and four antioxidant sources promote healthy skin, a radiant coat, and a strong immune system
Highly digestible SmartBlend of high-quality ingredients in tasty, crunchy cat food bites and tender, meaty morsels
#TOP 4

Tiki Cat Born Carnivore Dry Food

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Tiki Cat Born Carnivore Dry Food Cover
Tiki Cat Born Carnivore High Protein, Chicken, Herring & Salmon Meal, Grain-Free Baked Kibble to Maximize Nutrients, Dry Cat Food, 2.8 lbs. Bag

Tiki Cat Grain-Free Dry Food is a high-protein, non-GMO, and grain-free baked kibble designed to provide your cat with the nutrition they need. With 47% guaranteed protein, this cat food mimics your cat's natural prey diet, which means your feline friend will get the meat they need and not plants. This dry cat food is baked to preserve nutrients and enhance flavor, making it deliciously crunchy and nutritious. Tiki Cat Grain-Free Dry Food is made without animal by-products, corn, wheat, and soy, ensuring your cat gets only the best ingredients. With its high-protein, high-fat, and meat-based ingredients, your cat will thrive on this minimally processed cat food.

What We Like
Non-GMO ingredients
High protein content
Grain-free recipe

Purina ONE High Protein, Healthy Weight Dry Cat Food

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Brown
7 Pound (Pack of 1)
Purina ONE High Protein, Healthy Weight Dry Cat Food Cover
Purina ONE High Protein, Healthy Weight Plus Ideal Weight With Chicken Dry Cat Food Weight Control Formula - 7 lb. Bag

Purina ONE Healthy Weight Cat Food is a high-quality dry cat food that helps cats burn fat and maintain a healthy weight. Made with real turkey as the number one ingredient, this high protein cat food supports strong muscles and a healthy heart. The SmartBlend of ingredients includes L-carnitine, which aids in fat burning. The crunchy kibble and added calcium support strong teeth and healthy gums, while four antioxidant sources promote a strong immune system. This easily digestible cat food is great-tasting and contains no artificial flavors or preservatives.

What We Like
Real turkey as #1 ingredient
SmartBlend includes L-carnitine
Crunchy kibble for strong teeth and gums

Purina Pro Plan Gravy, High Protein Wet Cat Food Variety Pack, Complete Essentials Chicken and Turkey Favorites

038100174871
Variety Pack
Purina Pro Plan Gravy, High Protein Wet Cat Food Variety Pack, Complete Essentials Chicken and Turkey Favorites Cover
Purina Pro Plan Gravy, High Protein Wet Cat Food Variety Pack, Complete Essentials Chicken and Turkey Favorites - (Pack of 24) 3 oz. Cans

Purina Pro Plan Variety Pack is a high protein wet cat food that comes in a pack of twenty-four 3 oz. cans. It is formulated with antioxidants to support a healthy immune system, and linoleic acid and vitamin A to nourish the skin and coat of your cat. This adult cat food with gravy is made with real chicken or turkey, providing a taste that cats love. It does not contain any artificial colors or preservatives. Additionally, it contains vitamin A and taurine to support healthy vision. Purina Pro Plan Variety Pack provides 100 percent complete and balanced nutrition for adult cats, and its high protein content helps to maintain muscle.

What We Like
High protein
No artificial colors or preservatives
Supports healthy vision
#TOP 7

CRAVE Grain Free High Protein Cat Food

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natural
CRAVE Grain Free High Protein Cat Food Cover
CRAVE Grain Free Indoor Adult High Protein Natural Dry Cat Food with Protein from Chicken & Salmon, 2 lb. Bag

CRAVE High Protein Cat Food is designed to meet your cat's natural dietary needs. With real chicken and salmon as the primary ingredients, it offers an irresistible flavor that cats love while providing a protein-rich diet essential for their health. This grain-free formula ensures that your cat gets energy from high-quality carbohydrates, along with vital vitamins and minerals. The impressive 40% protein content supports muscle development, aids in digestion, and promotes a healthy immune system, making it an excellent choice for indoor adult cats.

What We Like
High protein content
Grain-free recipe
Real ingredients
Supports muscle development
#TOP 8

Purina ONE True Instinct With Real Ocean Whitefish Dry Cat Food - 6.3 lb. Bag

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Purina ONE True Instinct With Real Ocean Whitefish Dry Cat Food - 6.3 lb. Bag Cover
Purina ONE Natural, High Protein, Grain Free Dry Cat Food, True Instinct With Real Ocean Whitefish - 6.3 lb. Bag

Purina ONE Whitefish Cat Food is a high-protein, grain-free dry cat food featuring real ocean whitefish as the main ingredient. With 35% protein, it helps in building strong muscles and maintaining a healthy heart. This cat food includes omega-6 fatty acids for skin and coat health, along with antioxidants like vitamins A and E for a robust immune system. Crafted by a trusted brand, this kibble is easily digestible and contains essential nutrients for adult cats, with no fillers added.

What We Like
High protein content
Omega-6 fatty acids
Antioxidant sources

Purina ONE High Protein, Grain Free Pate Wet Cat Food Variety Pack

017800178150
Purina ONE High Protein, Grain Free Pate Wet Cat Food Variety Pack Cover
Purina ONE High Protein, Grain Free Pate Wet Cat Food Variety Pack, Grain Free Formula - (Pack of 24) 3 oz. Cans

The Purina ONE High Protein, Grain Free Pate Wet Cat Food Variety Pack contains 24 cans of 3 oz. each, featuring real meat, poultry or fish as the first ingredient, providing high protein cat food recipes that support strong muscles. The grain free wet formulas offer complete and balanced nutrition for all life stages and no fillers. The variety pack includes four recipes, Grain Free Turkey, Grain Free Chicken, Grain Free Ocean Whitefish and Grain Free Beef, with added vitamins, minerals and nutrients, approved by veterinarians as natural cat food.

What We Like
Real meat, poultry or fish is the first ingredient
Provides high protein cat food recipes that support strong muscles
Grain free wet formulas offer complete and balanced nutrition for all life stages and no fillers

Purina ONE +Plus Urinary Tract Health Formula Dry Cat Food - 16 lb. Bag

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Purina ONE +Plus Urinary Tract Health Formula Dry Cat Food - 16 lb. Bag Cover
Purina ONE High Protein Dry Cat Food, +Plus Urinary Tract Health Formula - 16 lb. Bag

Make your cat's urinary tract health a priority with Purina ONE +Plus Urinary Tract Health Formula adult dry cat food. This high protein cat food kibble reduces urinary pH and provides low magnesium which supports urinary tract health. The easily digestible SmartBlend in this urinary care cat food includes four antioxidant sources for a strong immune system. The deliciously crunchy bites deliver great taste with no artificial flavors or colors. The high protein formula supports strong muscles, and omega-6 fatty acids help promote healthy skin and a soft, luxurious coat to keep her looking her best. Additionally, the added calcium helps support her strong teeth and healthy gums.

What We Like
Contains real chicken for a taste your cat will love
Reduces urinary pH and provides low magnesium for urinary tract health
Includes four antioxidant sources for a strong immune system
High protein formula supports strong muscles
Omega-6 fatty acids promote healthy skin and a soft, luxurious coat
Buying Guide Image

How to Select High Protein Cat Food: The Comprehensive Guide

When it comes to feeding our feline friends, providing them with a high-quality and nutritious diet is essential for their overall health and wellbeing. One important aspect of a cat's diet is ensuring they consume an adequate amount of protein. Cats are obligate carnivores, which means that they require a diet rich in animal-based protein to thrive. Therefore, it is crucial to choose the best high-protein cat food to meet their dietary needs.

Why is Protein Important for Cats?

Protein serves as the building blocks for various tissues, organs, muscles, and enzymes in a cat's body. It plays a vital role in maintaining healthy skin, a shiny coat, strong muscles, and a robust immune system. Additionally, protein provides the necessary energy for cats to stay active and playful.

Factors to Consider when Choosing High-Protein Cat Food:

Protein Source

Look for cat food that lists high-quality animal protein sources, such as chicken, turkey, beef, fish, or lamb, as the primary ingredients. These sources are rich in essential amino acids that cats need for optimal health. Avoid products that contain fillers, meat by-products, or artificial additives.

Protein Percentage

Check the guaranteed analysis on the cat food label to determine the protein percentage. Ideally, the cat food should have a protein content of at least 30%, but a higher percentage is even better. However, it is essential to consult with your veterinarian to determine the appropriate protein level for your cat's specific needs.

Digestibility

Cats possess a shorter digestive tract, which means they require highly digestible protein sources. Look for cat food that states it is easily digestible, as this ensures that your cat can absorb and utilize the protein effectively.

Nutritional Balance

High-protein cat food should not only be rich in protein but also provide a balanced and complete nutrition profile. It should contain other essential nutrients, such as fats, vitamins, minerals, and fiber, to meet your cat's overall dietary requirements.

Allergies and Dietary Restrictions

Some cats may have allergies or dietary restrictions, such as grain sensitivities or specific protein intolerances. If your cat has any known allergies or dietary restrictions, choose high-protein cat food that meets their specific needs. There are several grain-free and limited ingredient options available in the market.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the highest protein food for cats?

The highest protein food for cats is typically raw or cooked meat, such as chicken, turkey, beef, or fish. However, it is important to ensure that the meat is cooked thoroughly to avoid any potential bacterial contamination.

2. Is a high-protein diet OK for cats?

Yes, a high-protein diet is generally considered to be healthy for cats, as they are obligate carnivores and require a diet that is high in protein. However, it is important to ensure that the protein comes from high-quality sources and is balanced with other nutrients to meet the cat's nutritional needs.

3. Why get high protein cat food?

High protein cat food can provide a number of benefits for cats, including improved muscle development, increased energy, and better weight management. Additionally, high-quality protein sources can help support a cat's overall health and well-being.

4. Is high-protein bad for kidneys in cats?

Contrary to popular belief, there is no evidence to suggest that high-protein diets are bad for cats' kidneys. However, cats with pre-existing kidney disease may require a special diet that is lower in protein to help manage their condition. It is important to consult with a veterinarian to determine the best diet for a cat with kidney disease.

Editor's Notes

During our high protein cat food research, we found 24 high protein cat food products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 246,618 customer reviews through our big data system to write the high protein cat food list. We found that most customers choose high protein cat food with an average price of $20.19.

The high protein cat food are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of high protein cat food, including Purina ONE, TIKI PETS, Purina Pro Plan, CRAVE. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 385 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.

Written by
Janie Foster Avatar

Janie Foster is a writer & pet blogger from Los Angeles, she enjoys living with her two cats and three dogs. She owned her first dog 10 years ago and then started her personal blog to record her dog's daily life. Throughout her personal life, she has developed specialized knowledge in pet care, pet nutrition, feeding habits, and more.