Last updated Dec 7, 2023
While dry cat food may not provide the moisture your cat needs, it offers a convenient and often affordable solution for cat owners. When shopping for dry cat food, it’s important to consider the carbohydrate content and the quality of the ingredients. Animal-based protein should be a priority with as few plant ingredients as possible.
Canadian cat food manufacturers often utilize human-grade ingredients and nutrient-preserving processing methods which puts them on par with some of the top brands made in the U.S.
Below, we’ll preview some of the factors to consider when shopping for cat food in Canada and take an in-depth look at our top 10 favorite brands of dry cat food in Canada.
At a Glance: Best Dry Cat Food to Buy in Canada
Want a quick look at the best cat foods reviewed in this article? In the comparison table below, we’ve highlighted some of the most important features of each product. You’ll find more detailed information about each product later in the article.
Open Farm Dry Cat Food
- Made from 100% traceable ingredients
- Rich in highly digestible animal protein
- Free from artificial additives
Nutrience SubZero Prairie Red Grain-Free Cat Food
- Made primarily with animal-sourced protein and fat
- Infused with freeze-dried liver for added flavor
- Contains probiotics for digestive support
Purina Pro Plan Kitten Shredded Blend Chicken & Rice Formula
- Packed with animal-based protein
- Salmon oil for omega-3 fatty acids
- Supplemented with probiotics
Smack Raw Dehydrated Cat Food
- Made with all-natural humanely raised meat
- Includes nutrient-rich organ meats
- Dehydrated at low temperatures to preserve nutrition
Dr. Marty Freeze-Dried Raw Cat Food
- Rich in species-appropriate animal protein
- Freeze-dried to retain flavor and nutritional value
- Covered by a 90-day money-back guarantee
FirstMate Dry Cat Food
- Single source of quality animal protein
- Limited list of ingredients
- Free from artificial additives
Orijen Dry Cat Food
- Rich in high-quality animal protein
- Contains nutrient-rich organ meats
- Rich in anti-inflammatory omega-3s
Gather Free Acres Dry Cat Food
- Made with organic ingredients
- Nutrient-rich chicken fat for essential fatty acids
- Free from artificial color, flavor, and preservatives
Canadian Naturals Dry Cat Food
- Made with regional non-GMO ingredients
- Multiple sources of high-quality animal protein
- Supplemented with probiotics for healthy digestion
Amor Human-Grade Air-Dried Cat Food
- Rich in species-appropriate meat and organs
- Free from fillers and artificial additives
- Locally sourced ingredients
Why Trust Cats.com
Over the past four years, I’ve personally tested dozens of cat food brands and evaluated hundreds of products. When selecting products for this list, I leaned on my expertise and the experience of Canadian Cats.com team members who tested some of the products I couldn’t access from the United States.
Before recommending cat food products, we purchase, evaluate, and test the products with our own cats. During testing, we make observations about how the product looks and smells, as well as its texture, consistency, and general appeal. We take notes about the packaging, the ordering process, and how our cats respond to the food. In some cases, we send samples to an independent laboratory for testing.
What You Need to Know About Cat Food Made in Canada
As a cat owner, your cat’s long-term health and wellness are your top priorities. On top of adequate exercise and routine veterinary care, a nutritious diet is the best way to support it.
It’s easy enough to grab a bag of cat food off the shelf at the grocery store or pet store, but quality varies widely among brands. To make sure you choose a nutritious and species-appropriate diet, you have to know what you’re looking for and that involves a little research.
The good news is, if you’re shopping for cat food in Canada you don’t have to learn an entirely different set of nutritional standards. If you’re familiar with the Association of American Feed Control Officials’ (AAFCO) nutritional recommendations, you’re good.
Canada uses the nutritional standards set by AAFCO in the United States, but there are some differences in terms of federal regulations for pet food.
Also Read: The 10 Best Cat Treats In Canada
In the United States, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is responsible for regulating the manufacture and marketing of food for people and pets. In Canada, it’s the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA). While it’s the role of the CFIA to issue and enforce certain standards, experts in the Canadian pet food industry suggest that the organization doesn’t always follow through.
While enforcement of CFIA regulations is largely done on the honor system in Canada, that isn’t to say that there’s no hope for pet owners to find quality products for their pets.
The Pet Food Association of Canada (PFAC) is a voluntary organization similar to AAFCO in the U.S. This organization doesn’t have any regulatory power, but they exist to help pet food manufacturers comply with federal regulations. PFAC also helps them adhere to AAFCO nutritional guidelines.
The long and short of it is that dishonest pet food manufacturers will always find a way to skirt the rules. If you’re shopping for cat food in Canada, however, you can rest easy knowing that any product that’s PFAC recommended also meets AAFCO requirements and will provide for your cat’s minimum nutritional requirements.
Just remember that your cat deserves more than the bare minimum. It’s up to you do understand your cat’s nutritional needs and to shop smart for a nutritious and species-appropriate diet.
The 10 Best Dry Cat Food in Canada: Our Top Picks
Now that you the basics about Canadian cat food, you may be curious to learn more about some of the specific brands available. Below you’ll find a list of some of our favorite Canadian pet food companies with a quick recipe review from each brand.
#1 Open Farm Dry Cat Food
Founded in 2014, Open Farm was one of the first pet food manufacturers to focus on ethically and sustainably sourced ingredients. They set out with the goal of creating cleaner, healthier, and higher quality pet food and they’ve accomplished that goal through the use of premium ingredients, ethical practices, and complete transparency.
Open farm uses only wild-caught fish and humanely-raised meats in their formulas. They work only with suppliers who adhere to ethical and sustainable standards. Even their packaging is carefully crafted to reduce emissions and minimize the company’s carbon footprint.
This company offers a wide variety of pet foods for dogs and cats including dry food, wet food, freeze-dried raw, and gently cooked frozen food. They also offer an assortment of broths, supplements, and treats.
Featured Recipe: Open Farm Homestead Turkey & Chicken Dry Cat Food
Fresh turkey appears as the first ingredient on this recipe’s list, followed by not one but three other sources of animal protein. Ocean menhaden fish meal appears later on the list as a fifth source.
In addition to five animal proteins, this recipe gets a not insignificant amount of plant protein from garbanzo beans, red lentils, and green lentils. In fact, there’s a fairly long list of plant-based ingredients which puts the overall carbohydrate content higher than we’d like.
We appreciate that this formula is free from artificial additives, however, and the quality of the ingredients appears to be high. We love that Open Farm offers tracing information for their ingredients on the website along with third-party lab test results for safety.
Overall, this appears to be a nutritious dry food with moderate protein and fat content and carbohydrate content on par with the typical dry cat food.
Ingredients
Turkey, Chicken, Ocean Whitefish Meal, Herring Meal, Garbanzo Beans, Red Lentils, Coconut Oil, Ocean Menhaden Fish Meal, Green Lentils, Pumpkin, Natural Flavor, Non-GMO Cranberries, Dried Chicory Root Extract, Apples, Choline Chloride, Salt, Dandelion Greens, Taurine, Turmeric, Potassium Chloride, Dicalcium Phosphate, Dried Yucca Schidigera Extract, Mixed Tocopherols, Calcium Carbonate, Zinc Proteinate, Iron Proteinate, Copper Proteinate, Manganese Proteinate, Sodium Selenite, Calcium Iodate, Vitamin E Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate, Niacin Supplement, D-Calcium Pantothenate, Biotin, Vitamin A Acetate, Riboflavin Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Folic Acid, Rosemary Extract.
Guaranteed Analysis
Dry Matter Basis
Caloric Weight Basis
What We Liked:
- First four ingredients are high-quality animal proteins
- Made with 100% traceable, ethically sourced ingredients
- Free from artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives
What We Didn’t Like:
- Fairly expensive
- Doesn’t provide the moisture your cat needs
#2 Nutrience
Nutrience was founded in 1955 and remains a family-owned pet food company in Canada that utilizes locally sourced, humanely raised, and sustainably harvested ingredients. Their dry food products are made in Vancouver, British Columbia in a jointly held facility.
Though not one of the most widely known Canadian pet food brands, Nutrience prioritizes animal-sourced nutrition in its cat food products. The SubZero line features kibble infused with freeze-dried raw pieces of liver to provide added nutrition as well as flavor.
Featured Recipe: Nutrience SubZero Prairie Red Grain-Free Cat Food
Formulated with the carnivorous needs of cats in mind, this Nutrience dry food relies heavily on animal-sourced proteins and fats. With an assortment of fresh muscle meats, meat meals, and whole fish, this formula provides over 44% protein, measured as dry matter. The 22% dry matter fat content appears to come primarily from whole fish and fish oils.
While the top dozen ingredients in this recipe are animal-based, the carbohydrate content is still a little high—over 21% measured as dry matter. Digestible plant ingredients like sweet potatoes, butternut squash, and spinach are nutritionally valuable. Peas and legumes (like lentils and chickpeas), however, are not ideal for cats. They can be difficult to digest and contain anti-nutrients that may inhibit the uptake of essential vitamins and minerals.
Though not ideal for its significant carbohydrate content and low moisture level, this Nutrience formula is still a protein-rich choice that cats seem to enjoy.
Ingredients
Deboned Beef, Deboned Lamb, Deboned Wild Boar, Beef Liver, Lamb Liver, Wild Boar Liver, Deboned Bison, Pork Meal, Lamb Meal, Salmon, Herring, Cod, Cod Liver, Peas, Pork Fat (Preserved With Mixed Tocopherols), Whole Eggs, Red Lentils, Sweet Potatoes, Chickpeas, Natural Pork Flavor, Sun-Cured Alfalfa Meal, Freeze-Dried Beef Liver, Freeze-Dried Pumpkin, Freeze-Dried Green Mussels, Freeze-Dried Cod Liver, Freeze-Dried Kelp, Salmon Oil, Herring Oil, Coconut Oil, Pumpkin, Butternut Squash, Carrots, Spinach, Broccoli, Apples, Blueberries, Cranberries, Pomegranate, Juniper Berry Extract, Ginger, Fennel, Chamomile, Peppermint Leaf, Licorice Root, Turmeric, Valerian Root, Vitamins [Vitamin E Supplement, Vitamin A Supplement, Niacin, Calcium Pantothenate, Riboflavin, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Thiamine Mononitrate, Biotin, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Folic Acid], Minerals [Zinc Sulfate, Zinc Proteinate, Iron Proteinate, Ferrous Sulfate, Copper Proteinate, Copper Sulfate, Manganese Proteinate, Manganous Oxide, Calcium Iodate, Sodium Selenite], Potassium Chloride, Choline Chloride, Salt, Taurine, Dl-Methionine, L-Lysine, Chicory Root Extract, Yucca Schidigera Extract, Yeast Extract, Thyme Extract, Glucosamine Hydrochloride, Rosemary Extract, Chondroitin Sulfate, L-Carnitine, Dried Lactobacillus Acidophilus Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus Casei Fermentation Product, Dried Bifidobacterium Bifidum Fermentation Product, Dried Enterococcus Faecium Fermentation Product.
Ingredients We Liked: Deboned Beef, Deboned Lamb, Deboned Wild Boar, Beef Liver, Lamb Liver, Wild Boar Liver, Deboned Bison, Pork Meal, Lamb Meal, Salmon, Herring, Cod, Cod Liver, Pork Fat, Freeze-Dried Beef Liver, Freeze-Dried Green Mussels, Freeze-Dried Cod Liver, Salmon Oil, Herring Oil
Ingredients We Didn’t Like: Peas, Red Lentils, Chickpeas, Sun-Cured Alfalfa Meal
Guaranteed Analysis
Dry Matter Basis
Caloric Weight Basis
What We Liked:
- Made primarily with animal-sourced protein and fat
- Infused with freeze-dried liver for added flavor
- Contains probiotics for digestive support
What We Didn’t Like:
- No dry food contains the moisture your cat needs
- Contains over 20% dry matter carbohydrate
- Peas and legumes can be hard for cats to digest
#3 Purina Pro Plan
One of the most recognizable names in pet food, Purina launched the Pro Plan line after having already accumulated sixty years of experience in the industry. Purina Pro Plan pet foods are formulated by veterinary experts to emphasize key aspects of health or performance.
Featured Recipe: Purina Pro Plan Kitten Shredded Blend Chicken & Rice Formula
Packed with over 47% dry matter protein, this Purina Pro Plan recipe is formulated to support kitten growth and development. Fish oil provides DHA, an omega-3 fatty acid necessary for healthy brain and eye development, while antioxidants promote immune health.
While this recipe packs a punch with protein and energy-dense fat, it’s difficult to say how much of it comes from biologically appropriate animal sources. The food contains several corn and soy ingredients which serve as inexpensive protein sources, not to mention concentrated plant proteins like pea protein and soy protein concentrate. The carbohydrate content of this food is also very high.
Though this Purina Pro Plan recipe isn’t ideal, it’s incredibly popular among cat owners and appears to be well-liked by kittens.
Ingredients
Chicken, Corn Gluten Meal, Rice, Beef Fat Preserved with Mixed-Tocopherols, Soybean Meal, Chicken By-Product Meal, Poultry By-Product Meal, Soy Protein Isolate, Dried Egg Product, Cassava Root Flour, Pea Protein, Soy Protein Concentrate, Sodium Caseinate, Natural Flavor, Glycerin, L-Lysine Monohydrochloride, Fish Meal, Calcium Carbonate, DL-Methionine, Fish Oil, Salt, Caramel Color, Phosphoric Acid, Soybean Oil, Potassium Chloride, Taurine, Choline Chloride, Vitamins [Vitamin E Supplement, Niacin (Vitamin B-3), Vitamin A Supplement, Calcium Pantothenate (Vitamin B-5), Thiamine Mononitrate (Vitamin B-1), Riboflavin Supplement (Vitamin B-2), Vitamin B-12 Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B-6), Folic Acid (Vitamin B-9), Vitamin D-3 Supplement, Biotin (Vitamin B-7), Menadione Sodium Bisulfite Complex (Vitamin K)], Minerals [Zinc Sulfate, Ferrous Sulfate, Manganese Sulfate, Copper Sulfate, Calcium Iodate, Sodium Selenite], Powdered Cellulose, L-Cysteine, Sodium Bisulfate, Dried Bacillus Coagulans Fermentation Product.
Ingredients We Liked: Chicken, Beef Fat, Dried Egg Product, Fish Meal, Fish Oil
Ingredients We Didn’t Like: Corn Gluten Meal, Soybean Meal, Soy Protein Isolate, Pea Protein, Soy Protein Concentrate, Soybean Oil
Guaranteed Analysis
Dry Matter Basis
Caloric Weight Basis
What We Liked:
- Contains over 47% dry matter protein
- Fish oil provides DHA for brain and eye development
- Kittens appear to enjoy the flavor
What We Didn’t Like:
- Relies heavily on plant-sourced proteins
- High carbohydrate content
- No dry food provides the moisture your cat needs
#4 Smack Raw Dehydrated Cat Food
A Canadian-based pet food company founded in 2008, Smack produces raw dehydrated cat and dog foods. The brand’s story began with a family dog named Zorro who passed away from cancer. Zorro’s life and passing inspired his family to create a line of wholesome and nutritious raw foods that support optimal health so other families don’t have to experience the same heartbreak.
Smack foods are made using a gentle, low-temperature air-drying method. This process preserves more nutrition than freeze-drying and also retains maximum flavor.
Every Smack formula features a limited list of high-quality ingredients including Canadian-grown USDA organic free-range chicken, humanely raised pork, and bone-in wild BC salmon.
Featured Recipe: Smack Purrfect Pork Raw Dehydrated Cat Food
This raw dehydrated recipe from Smack features a single source of high-quality animal protein: pork. In addition to fresh bone-in pork, it contains a handful of pork organs including heart, liver, and kidney.
Aside from these animal-based ingredients, this raw dehydrated food contains several plant-based ingredients. Pumpkin provides dietary fiber to support digestion while an assortment of fruits and vegetables provide essential nutrients to negate the need for synthetic supplements.
This is a high-protein, high-fat formula that contains a limited number of whole-food ingredients. Unfortunately, it doesn’t contain the moisture your cat needs and it is fairly high in carbohydrates.
Ingredients
Bone-In Pork, Pork Heart, Pork Liver, Pork Kidney, Pork Tongue, Pork Spleen, Pumpkin, Kale, Apple, Celery, Blueberry, Cranberry, Turmeric, Tocopherols.
Guaranteed Analysis
Dry Matter Basis
Caloric Weight Basis
What We Liked:
- Packed with species-appropriate animal protein
- Limited number of main ingredients
- Single-source protein recipe, highly digestible
What We Didn’t Like:
- Fairly expensive
- Contains several unnecessary plant ingredients
- Doesn’t contain the moisture your cat needs
#5 Dr. Marty Freeze-Dried Raw Cat Food
Developed by Dr. Martin Goldstein, Dr. Marty pet food is focused on supporting healthy digestion through a macrobiotic diet. With over 40 years of experience in veterinary medicine, Dr. Marty created a line of pet products that support comprehensive wellness including pet foods, supplements, and treats.
Dr. Marty cat food is freeze-dried and made without any artificial ingredients. All ingredients are sourced fresh and gently frozen to preserve the nutrition and flavor.
While Dr. Marty isn’t a Canada-based brand, their production facilities are located in North America, and they ship to Canada for a $9.95 fee.
Featured Recipe: Dr. Marty Nature’s Feast Freeze-Dried Raw Cat Food
Gently freeze-dried to preserve the nutritional value and natural flavor of the raw ingredients, this formula is packed with species-appropriate animal protein. Not only is fresh salmon the first ingredient, but the following five ingredients are animal-based proteins as well.
The ingredients list for this product is fairly short, though there are a significant number of plant ingredients included. In fact, the overall carbohydrate content of the formula is fairly high, around 25% on a dry matter basis.
Like all dehydrated foods, this product doesn’t contain the moisture your cat needs for proper hydration. You could try to rehydrate it with water, but some cats dislike the texture.
Overall, this is a moderately high protein, high-fat dehydrated formula with low moisture and moderately high carbohydrate content.
Ingredients
Salmon, Turkey, Whitefish, Chicken Liver, Chicken Heart, Chicken Gizzard, Sweet Potato, Flaxseed, Egg, Pumpkin Seeds, Peas, Carrot, Apple, Blueberry, Cranberry, Ginger, Salt, Kelp, Sunflower Seeds, Spinach, Broccoli, Kale, Mixed Tocopherols (preservatives).
Guaranteed Analysis
Dry Matter Basis
Caloric Weight Basis
What We Liked:
- First six ingredients are high-quality animal proteins
- Freeze-dried to retain nutritional value and flavor
- Free from fillers, by-product meals, and artificial additives
What We Didn’t Like:
- Fairly expensive
- Contains unnecessary plant ingredients
- Doesn’t contain the moisture your cat needs
#6 FirstMate Dry Cat Food
Founded in 1989, FirstMate was originally a dog food company. The company is family-owned and operated, based out of British Columbia. The FirstMate brand includes product lines under the names KASIKS and Skoki.
FirstMate sources the majority of their ingredients from North America, the primary exception being their Australian lamb. This brand uses only wild-caught fish and humanely-raised meats to ensure the quality and sustainability of their products.
When it comes to their dry food selection, FirstMate currently offers five recipes for adult cats, indoor cats, and kittens.
Featured Recipe: FirstMate, Chicken Meal with Blueberries Formula Dry Food
Formulated with chicken meal as the first ingredient, this recipe is a single-source protein dry food. Not only does it contain a single source of animal protein, but it has a limited list of main ingredients which makes it a good option for cats with food allergies or sensitivities.
This FirstMate dry cat food only contains two plant ingredients – potato and blueberries – but the carbohydrate content is still fairly high. This is likely due to the fact that potato is the second ingredient and there are no other added sources of protein.
While blueberries provide antioxidants and essential nutrients, they don’t seem to prevent the need for synthetic supplementation to ensure nutritional balance.
Overall, this food appears to provide a moderate source of animal-based protein and fat with a limited list of ingredients but the carbohydrate content is higher than we’d like.
Ingredients
Chicken Meal, Potato, Chicken Fat, Whole Blueberries, Phosphoric Acid, DL–Methionine, Minerals (Zinc Proteinate, Iron Proteinate, Calcium Carbonate, Manganese Proteinate, Copper Proteinate, Sodium Selenite, Calcium Iodate), Vitamins (Vitamin E Supplement, Niacin, Thiamine Mononitrate, Vitamin A Supplement, D-Pantothenic Acid, Riboflavin, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Biotin, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Folic Acid) Choline Chloride, Potassium Chloride, Calcium Propionate, Taurine, Yeast Extract, Kale, Rosemary Extract.
Guaranteed Analysis
Dry Matter Basis
Caloric Weight Basis
What We Liked:
- Single source of high-quality animal protein
- Limited list of ingredients
- Chicken fat as a nutritious, animal-based fat source
What We Didn’t Like:
- Doesn’t contain the moisture your cat needs
- Fairly high carbohydrate content
#7 Orijen Dry Cat Food
Orijen is the flagship brand of Champion Petfoods and it is the largest pet food manufacturer in Canada. The company was originally founded in 1985 by Reinhard Muhlenfeld as an animal feed company catering to local Alberta farmers. As of 2018, however, Orijen had become a major brand with over 500 employees and manufacturing facilities in both the U.S. and Canada.
Headquartered in Alberta, Canada, Orijen aims to create pet foods that provide biologically appropriate nutrition. Their formulas are designed with WholePrey ratios in mind and the first five ingredients are always fresh or raw.
Featured Recipe: Orijen Original Grain-Free Dry Cat Food
This dry food formula begins with a long list of animal ingredients. In addition to fresh chicken, turkey, and mackerel, this formula contains an assortment of poultry organ meats including turkey giblets and chicken liver. From there, the list goes on to include eggs and an assortment of dehydrated meats.
While this formula is certainly rich in animal protein and contains several sources of animal-based fats, there are a significant number of plant ingredients. In fact, the carbohydrate content of this formula is pretty high, around 30% on a dry matter basis.
For a brand that supports biologically appropriate nutrition, it’s a little surprising that Orijen doesn’t offer any wet cat food formulas. No dry food can provide the moisture your cat needs, so it’s important to provide your cat with plenty of fresh water.
Overall, this formula provides a concentrated source of animal protein and fat with low moisture and above-average carbohydrate content.
Ingredients
Chicken, Turkey, Whole Mackerel, Turkey Giblets (Liver, Heart, Gizzard), Flounder, Chicken Liver, Whole Herring, Eggs, Dehydrated Chicken, Dehydrated Turkey, Dehydrated Mackerel, Dehydrated Chicken Liver, Dehydrated Egg, Chicken Fat, Whole Red Lentils, Whole Pinto Beans, Whole Peas, Whole Green Lentils, Whole Chickpeas, Natural Chicken Flavor, Whole Navy Beans, Pollock Oil, Lentil Fiber, Pea Starch, Chicken Heart, Choline Chloride, Dried Kelp, Mixed Tocopherols (Preservative), Vitamin E Supplement, Zinc Proteinate, Whole Cranberry, Whole Pumpkin, Whole Butternut Squash, Collard Greens, Whole Apples, Whole Pear, Freeze-Dried Chicken, Freeze-Dried Turkey, Copper Proteinate, Thiamine Mononitrate, Niacin, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Dried Chicory Root, Turmeric, Sarsaparilla Root, Althea Root, Rosehips, Juniper Berries, Citric Acid (Preservative), Rosemary Extract, Dried Lactobacillus Acidophilus Fermentation Product, Dried Bifidobacterium Animalis Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus Casei Fermentation Product.
Guaranteed Analysis
Dry Matter Basis
Caloric Weight Basis
What We Liked:
- Packed with species-appropriate animal protein
- Contains plenty of nutrient-rich organ meats
- Supplemented with animal sources of omega-3 oils
What We Didn’t Like:
- Fairly expensive
- Contains unnecessary plant ingredients
- Doesn’t contain the moisture your cat needs
#8 Gather Free Acres Dry Cat Food
Another brand under the Petcurean umbrella, Gather is one of the company’s newest additions. Featuring sustainably produced, certified organic ingredients, Gather is one of Petcurean’s more premium lines of pet products.
What makes this brand unique is that Gather provides detailed information about their suppliers. For this recipe, Miller Acres provides the organic, free-range chicken which acts as a single source of species-appropriate animal protein.
Featured Recipe: Gather Free Acres Organic Free-Run Chicken Recipe for Adult Cats
When it comes to high-quality ingredients, this Free Acres recipe from Gather won’t leave you wanting. Not only is this formula made with certified organic free-run chicken as the main ingredient, but there is an assortment of other organic and whole-food ingredients as well.
This recipe is made with non-GMO fruits and veggies, though there are more of them than we’d like. These ingredients contribute to a high carbohydrate content around 30% as fed.
While this formula may have more plant ingredients than we’d like to see, it is free from artificial flavors, colors, and preservatives. The ingredients are also free from antibiotics and added growth hormones.
Overall, this is a moderate protein, low fat dry cat food formula low in moisture with above-average carbohydrate content.
Ingredients
Organic Chicken, Organic Dehydrated Chicken, Organic Peas, Lentils, Chicken Fat (Preserved With Mixed Tocopherols), Organic Flaxseed, Natural Chicken Flavor, Blueberries, Cranberries, Egg Shell Meal, Vitamins (Vitamin A Supplement, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Vitamin E Supplement, Niacin, Inositol, L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate (A Source Of Vitamin C), Thiamine Mononitrate, D-Calcium Pantothenate, Riboflavin, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Folic Acid, Biotin, Vitamin B12 Supplement), Minerals (Zinc Proteinate, Iron Proteinate, Copper Proteinate, Manganese Proteinate, Calcium Iodate, Sodium Selenite), Dl-Methionine, Taurine, Dried Rosemary.
Guaranteed Analysis
Dry Matter Basis
Caloric Weight Basis
What We Liked:
- Rich in species-appropriate animal protein
- Contains a number of organic ingredients
- Free from artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives
What We Didn’t Like:
- Fairly expensive
- High overall carbohydrate content
- Doesn’t contain the moisture your cat needs
#9 Canadian Naturals Dry Cat Food
A well-trusted brand among pet owners in Canada, Canadian Naturals is a 100% family-owned company. The family has more than 50 years of experience in the pet industry and the company is headquartered in Fraser Valley in Abbotsford, British Columbia.
Canadian Naturals owns their own manufacturing facilities on the West Coast, and they use regionally sourced farm-fresh ingredients. In fact, you can view the information about many of their local suppliers on the company website.
Not only does Canadian Naturals offer a generous selection of premium pet food formulas, but they put the safety of pets first with their Safe Quality Food program. This brand is also devoted to keeping their products affordable for pet owners who seek high quality and great value.
Featured Recipe: Canadian Naturals Turkey & Salmon Cat Recipe
Packed with protein from high-quality animal sources, this recipe starts off strong with turkey meal as the main ingredient. Salmo meal appears later on the list along with egg.
Chicken fat is the primary source of added fat, a nutritious option for cats and full of essential fatty acids. Both salmon meal and flaxseed provide some omega-3 fatty acids which support your cat’s skin and coat health.
The downside of this formula is that it contains a significant number of unnecessary plant ingredients, some of which may contribute to the total protein content of the formula (like peas). The estimated carbohydrate content is around 40% on a dry matter basis which is much higher than the average dry cat food formula.
Overall, this appears to be a moderate protein, moderate fat formula with high carbohydrate content that lacks moisture.
Ingredients
Turkey Meal, Peas, Potatoes, Chicken Fat, Salmon Meal, Natural Flavor, Tomato Pomace, Egg, Flaxseed, Choline Chloride, Phosphoric Acid, Potassium Chloride, DL-Methionine, L-Lysine, Apples, Blueberries, Carrots, Spinach, Tomato, Sweet Potatoes, Cranberries, Broccoli, Pumpkin, Bananas, Brewer’s Yeast, Sodium Chloride, Vitamin A Supplement, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Vitamin E Supplement, Niacin, Calcium Pantothenate, Riboflavin, Thiamine Mononitrate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Folic Acid, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Zinc Sulfate, Ferrous Sulfate, Zinc Proteinate, Iron Proteinate, Copper Sulfate, Manganous Oxide, Copper Proteinate, Manganese Proteinate, Calcium Iodate, Sodium Selenite, Rosemary Extract, Taurine, Yucca Schidigera Extract, dried Lactobacillus acidophilus Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus casei Fermentation Product, Dried Bifidobacterium Fermentation Product, Dried Enterococcus faecium Fermentation Product, Peppermint, Garlic, Parsley, Green Tea Extract, Turmeric, Thyme, Rosemary, Cayenne, Cinnamon, Chamomile.
Guaranteed Analysis
Dry Matter Basis
Caloric Weight Basis
What We Liked:
- Several sources of high-quality animal protein
- Made with regionally sourced non-GMO ingredients
- Supplemented with probiotics for healthy digestion
What We Didn’t Like:
- Contains unnecessary plant ingredients
- Doesn’t contain the moisture your cat needs
#10 Amor Human-Grade Air-Dried Cat Food
Founded by Barbara Fellnermayr in Vancouver, Canada, Amor pet foods was inspired by a life of volunteering with local pets. Fellnermayr spent the majority of her career managing the first Vancouver City Pound and then worked at the Coquitlam City Pound.
During her time at the Vancouver City Pound, Fellnermayr worked with the City of Vancouver to release the city’s first no-kill policy. Coquitlam soon followed suit.
Through Amor pet foods, Fellnermayr continues to work for the health and wellness of pets in her local community and throughout Canada. This brand offers a variety of locally sourced, human-grade, air-dried foods made with premium animal proteins and ingredients sourced from regional farms.
Featured Recipe: Amor Cat MEGA Morsels Beef Recipe Air-Dried Cat Food
This air-dried cat food formula features beef as a single source of premium-animal protein. In addition to beef muscle meat, it contains beef liver and beef heart. It’s worth noting that the formula contains eggs as a supplementary source of protein as well, so it might not be truly single-source and could be an issue for cats sensitive to chicken.
All the ingredients included in this Amor recipe are human grade, including the non-medicated beef. The beef is purchased whole and ground in-house to ensure quality.
While beef makes up the majority of this formula, it does contain some unnecessary plant ingredients and contribute to a higher-than-average carbohydrate content. Unfortunately, the product information on the package and the Amor website is a little lacking, so we don’t have exact values.
It’s also worth noting that while this is an air-dried recipe that contains very little moisture, Amor says it can easily be rehydrated with equal parts cold water.
Ingredients
Free-Range Non-Medicated Beef, Beef Liver, Beef Heart, Carrots, Squash, Yams, Kale, Parsley, Parsnips, Free-Range Eggs, Salmon Oil, Kelp.
Guaranteed Analysis
Dry Matter Basis
Caloric Weight Basis
What We Liked:
- Rich in species-appropriate animal protein sources
- Gently air-dried to preserve nutrition and natural flavor
- Made with locally sourced ingredients, meat ground in-house
What We Didn’t Like:
- Contains unnecessary plant ingredients
- Doesn’t contain the moisture your cat needs
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re shopping for cat food in the United States, in Canada, or elsewhere the most important thing to keep in mind is your cat’s nutritional needs.
Cats are obligate carnivores which means they are biologically adapted to a meat-based diet. Animal protein should always be the first ingredient in your cat’s diet food. Plant ingredients should be kept to a minimum (or avoided entirely) with animal-based fats for nutritional balance.
Dry cat food, unfortunately, tends to be higher in carbohydrates than wet food and it doesn’t provide the moisture your cat needs. That being said, it’s a more affordable and convenient option for many cat owners.
If you simply prefer dry cat food, look for a recipe that’s as high in protein and low in carbohydrate as possible and supplement your cat’s moisture intake elsewhere in his diet. We recommend the ten dry cat food formulas reviewed above.
Should you have a little wiggle room in your budget to upgrade your cat’s diet or to supplement it with something a little more species appropriate, consider one of our top picks for the best wet cat food in Canada.
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Orijen in Canada does make wet food now so you should probably update your description. I would not mind a review of their food.
Hi, why is the breakdown for the orijen cat food different here than on the orijen review page?
Thanks for asking, Sue! It looks like the information in this article was outdated, so I’m correcting it!