What Is the Best Food for Cats? Raw, Wet, Grain-Free or Kibble?

Published: November 21, 2025

Author: Lúcia Fernandes, Certified Feline Behavior & Nutrition Specialist

Choosing the best food for your cat can be a very confusing process. With the choices between raw diets, wet food, grain-free kibble, and commercial dry food, it is hard to tell which food choice really supports your cat's health.

As a certified feline behavior & nutrition specialist, my goal is to help you understand what cats are biologically designed to eat and which diets prevent common health problems such as urinary issues, kidney disease, obesity, and diabetes.

If you'd like to learn more about my certifications and my approach, visit the Better Cat Behavior homepage.

dry cat food kibble in a white cat-shaped bowl on a textured surface

Why Cats Need a High-Protein, High-Moisture Diet

Cats are obligate carnivores: they require a diet based on meat in order to survive.
A natural prey animal contains about 70% water, high protein, healthy fats, amino acids like taurine, and very low carbohydrates.

"Cats should have a diet that is high protein, high fat and low carbohydrate.

— Dr. Deborah Greco, Animal Medical Center, NYC"

High-moisture diets help prevent:
• dehydration
• Urinary crystals
• Chronic kidney disease
• Diabetes

• Obesity and overeating

Learn more about how nutrition affects your cat's overall health through my guide to cat nutrition basics.

Wet Food

Advantages of Wet Food

• Closest to a cat's natural prey
High moisture supports kidney function and urinary health.
• Helps prevent diabetes and obesity
• Ideal for cats with digestive issues
• Easy to chew and digest

• Better for senior cats and cats suffering from constipation or diarrhea

Disadvantages of Wet Food

• Must be refrigerated after opening

• Some brands contain artificial preservatives: BHA, BHT

• Many cans contain BPA

• Must be refrigerated after opening

Always opt for BPA-free pouches or aluminum tins.

Diet and stress are closely intertwined, you might want to check out my guide on preventing behavioral issues related to health and environmental changes.

Orange tabby cat smelling a bowl of wet cat food in gravy, illustrating a high-moisture diet for cats.

Grain-Free Kibble

Advantages of Grain Free Kibble

• No corn, wheat, or soy
• Higher protein than regular kibble
•Better for sensitive stomachs

• Closer to natural cat nutrition

Disadvantages of Grain Free Kibble

• More expensive

• Some brands replace grains with high-glycemic fillers such as potatoes or tapioca.

Always read the ingredient list.

Raw Food (BARF Diet)

Advantages of a Raw Diet

• Extremely close to natural feline nutrition
• Contains enzymes and nutrients lost in cooking
•Improves allergies, digestion, and energy levels.
• Supports dental health

•Helps maintain a healthy weight and muscle mass

Disadvantages of a Raw Diet

• Risk of pathogens: Salmonella, E. coli

• Needs strict hygiene

• Not suitable for homes with babies, elderly, or immune-compromised individuals

Orange tabby cat eating raw meat from a white plate, illustrating a high-protein, high-moisture diet for cats.

So…What Is the Best Food for Cats?

Best Choice

High-quality wet food (BPA-free) or a professionally balanced raw diet.

Good Compromise

Grain-free kibble mixed with grain-free wet food

Avoid

• Cheap supermarket kibble

• Grain-heavy dry foods

• Food containing dyes, sugar, fillers, or meat by-products

Cats do best on moisture-rich, meat-based diets, not carbohydrates.

Professional Recommendation

If you want a simple routine that aligns with feline biology: Feed a mix of grain-free wet food plus some premium grain-free kibble. It ensures a good hydration and proper nutrition.A better diet can also positively change mood and behavior. Food, hydration, and stress are deeply interlinked-especially in cats manifesting anxiety, litter box issues, or territory-related behaviors.

My step-by-step feline psychology course helps you to rebuild trust and restore harmony in cases where cats may be afflicted with various behavioral issues, such as those related to stress, anxiety, or litter box habits.

Having Trouble Picking the Best Food for YOUR Cat? Get a personalized feeding plan based on your cat's age, health, weight, and behavior here or download the free guide available on my homepage.