Last updated Apr 1, 2024
Wild cats largely prey on rodents, birds, and other small animals, so poultry is an appropriate protein choice. Chicken may be one of the most common ingredients in cat food, but it doesn’t work for every cat. It’s one of the most common triggers for food allergies in cats and some just don’t like the flavor.
Whether your cat has grown tired of his current diet or you’re looking for a novel protein that won’t aggravate his allergies, turkey might be a good choice.
In this guide, we’ll explore the nutritional benefits of turkey for cats and review some factors to consider when shopping for turkey cat food. You’ll also see our recommendations for the best cat food with turkey on the market.
At a Glance: Best Cat Foods With Turkey To Buy
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.
Vital Essentials Freeze-Dried Raw Turkey Mini Patties Entree Cat Food
- Made with a single source of high-quality animal protein
- Contains no added carbohydrate from plant ingredients
- Herring oil provides an animal-based source of omega-3s
Raised Right Original Turkey Recipe
- Contains protein- and nutrient-rich muscle and organ meats
- Made with a single source of novel protein
- Cod liver oil provides a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids
Dave’s Pet Food Naturally Healthy Grain-Free Turkey Formula Canned Food
- Budget-friendly cost under $0.30/ounce in 12.5-ounce cans
- Made primarily with animal ingredients
- Good source of hydrating moisture for cats
Koha Limited Ingredient Diet Turkey Pate for Cats
- Fresh turkey and turkey liver as the main ingredients
- Moisture-rich wet food supports your cat’s hydration
- Limited number of main ingredients, easily digestible
Open Farm Homestead Turkey & Chicken Recipe Dry Cat Food
- First four ingredients are protein-rich animal ingredients
- Made with humanely-raised poultry and sustainably sourced fish
- Free from animal by-products and artificial additives
Blue Buffalo Basics Skin & Stomach Care Grain-Free Natural Indoor Adult Dry Cat Food
- Two animal-based sources of protein as the first ingredients
- Formulated for gentle digestion for cats with sensitivities
- Supplemented with probiotics, antioxidants, and essential nutrients
I and Love and You Variety Pack Grain-Free Canned Cat Food
- Made with a single source of high-quality animal protein
- Rich in moisture to support your cat’s hydration
- Salmon oil provides an animal source of essential fatty acids
Wellness CORE Natural Grain-Free Turkey & Duck Recipe Pate Canned Cat Food
- Made with two high-quality sources of animal protein
- Supplemented with nutrient-rich pork liver
- High moisture content to support your cat’s hydration
Why Should You Trust Us?
Over the last several years, we’ve spent countless hours testing the most popular pet products on the market, including cat food, cat treats, cat litter, and more. We’ve written in-depth reviews of our favorite brands as well as dozens of roundups to help you choose the right product for your cat.
Having reviewed 231 of the world’s most popular cat food brands and hundreds of formulas. We spent hours researching, contacting pet food companies, and analyzing labels. With the help of our cats, we also got hands-on experience with many popular cat foods.
Nutritional Benefits Of Turkey For Cats
Protein should be the primary component of your cat’s diet, but your cat needs other nutrients as well. Healthy fats provide twice the amount of energy as protein in the form of calories, and it helps your cat’s body transport and utilize nutrients. Carbohydrates play no role in a species-appropriate diet for cats.
Because cats are obligate carnivores, animal-based ingredients are best.
These include muscle meat, organ meat, and bone. Turkey is a species-appropriate protein source for cats, and it has the added benefit of being a novel protein for many cats.
Turkey is a type of poultry. Much like chicken, it’s rich in protein but low in fat and calories. Per 20-gram serving, turkey contains just 29 calories with 6 grams of protein and 0.5 grams of fat. In addition to these macronutrients, turkey is rich in phosphorus, potassium, sodium, selenium, and magnesium.
As a lean source of protein, turkey is a great option for cats who need a low-calorie diet. This may be the case for cats who are overweight or obese as well as those struggling with feline diabetes.
Not only is turkey a healthy food for cats, but it has an appealing flavor and aroma. As a carnivore, your cat prefers the taste of animal ingredients. He may eat cheap, high-carb foods but many of these products utilize artificial flavors to make the food more appealing. Real turkey is a much healthier option.
What To Look For In Turkey-Based Cat Food
When shopping for cat food, it’s imperative that you keep your cat’s nutritional needs in mind. Most cat foods in the U.S. are formulated in accordance with AAFCO recommendations which ensures that the product meets your cat’s minimal requirements for essential nutrients.
But you want to find a cat food formula that exceeds those minimal requirements, especially for animal protein. Turkey is an excellent source of protein for cats.
One of the benefits of turkey in comparison to meat like beef and pork is that it has a high protein to fat ratio – this makes it a low-calorie option. Because it is so low in fat, however, you’ll need to look for supplemental sources in your cat’s food.
Animal-based fats are the most biologically appropriate source for cats, so look for things like chicken fat or salmon oil. Make sure the recipe contains plenty of omega-3 fatty acids to support your cat’s skin and coat – omega-3s also help protect your cat’s cardiovascular health.
It’s also worth checking the calorie content of the cat food. It is often a benefit that turkey is very lean, but if your cat doesn’t need to lose weight a diet too low in calories could be problematic. Turkey-based cat foods that contain supplemental fats may be the best option.
Finally, remember that it’s just as important to determine what ingredients are NOT in the recipe as those that are.
Avoid cat foods made primarily with animal by-products or vaguely named ingredients like poultry meal. Foods that contain low-value grains like corn, wheat, and soy should be avoided at all costs, as are foods that contain high levels of carbohydrate.
Look for a recipe that doesn’t contain artificial colors, flavors, or dyes and remember that animal protein should always be the first ingredient.
The Best Turkey Cat Foods: Our Top Picks
Now that you understand the basics of turkey food for cats and some of the cases in which it might be recommended, you’re ready to see our top picks.
Keep in mind as you review these recipes that not all of them are single-protein formulas. If your cat suffers from food allergies or sensitivities, he may benefit from a limited ingredient cat food that is made with a single source of novel animal protein like turkey.
Cats who don’t have food allergies may do just fine with a recipe that contains turkey and other proteins. The most important thing is to choose an animal-based formula that provides all the protein, fat, and essential nutrients your cat needs.
#1 Overall Best: Vital Essentials
- Made In: United States
- Guaranteed Protein: 49% Min
- Age Range: Adult
- Calories Per Ounce: 122
- Typical Cost Per Day: $4.91 per day
The primary source of protein in this recipe is turkey. It’s a high-protein, high-fat wet cat food with no added carbohydrate. It contains 4,310 kcal/kg or about 70 kcal per patty.
Featured Recipe: Vital Essentials Freeze-Dried Raw Turkey Mini Patties Entree Cat Food
Many pet experts agree that a raw diet is best for cats. Because raw food is pricey and less than practical for some cat owners, freeze-dried raw food is an option to consider. These freeze-dried patties from Vital Essentials are packed with animal-based ingredients, making it a very species-appropriate choice for your cat.
Turkey is the main ingredient in this formula and the only source of animal protein. Turkey heart and liver provide supplemental protein and essential nutrients while herring oil delivers energy in the form of calories as well as essential fatty acids. Healthy fats are a necessary part of your cat’s diet because they help the body transport and absorb certain nutrients.
These are the only main ingredients in the formula which makes this recipe highly digestible – great for cats with food allergies or sensitivities. Turkey is a novel protein for many cats which makes it an even better choice in these cases.
One thing to keep in mind with this cat food is that it’s meant to be rehydrated before feeding. Finding the right portion size can be a little tricky as well.
Ingredients
Turkey, Turkey Heart, Turkey Liver, Herring Oil, Mixed Tocopherols (Preservative), Vitamin E Supplement, Zinc Amino Acid Complex, Iron Amino Acid Complex, Copper Amino Acid Complex, Manganese Amino Acid Complex.
Ingredients We Liked: Turkey, Turkey Heart, Turkey Liver, Herring Oil
Ingredients We Didn’t Like: None
Guaranteed Analysis
Dry Matter Basis
Caloric Weight Basis
What We Liked
- Made with a single source of high-quality animal protein
- Contains no added carbohydrate from plant ingredients
- Herring oil provides an animal-based source of omega-3s
What We Didn’t Like
- Some cats dislike the texture of the food
- Very expensive
#2 Best Fresh Food: Raised Right
- Made In: United States
- Guaranteed Protein: 21% Min
- Age Range: Adult
- Calories Per Ounce: 44
- Typical Cost Per Day: $3.05 per day
The primary source of protein in this recipe is turkey. It’s a high-protein, moderate-fat fresh frozen cat food with very low carbohydrate content. It contains 1,527 kcal/kg or about 344 kcal per cup.
Featured Recipe: Raised Right Original Turkey Recipe Fresh Cat Food
Freeze-dried cat food is nutritious, but some cats dislike the texture, even after rehydration. If you’re looking for a healthy alternative packed with quality protein and human-grade ingredients, consider Raised Right fresh cat food.
This Turkey Adult Cat formula contains 63% protein on a dry matter basis with just 3.5% carbohydrate. The moisture content helps support your cat’s hydration and the fat content is appropriate for the average adult cat.
Like the previous recipe, this formula contains fresh turkey, turkey heart, and turkey liver. Cod liver oil is the main added source of fat, complemented by flaxseed oil.
The main difference between these top two recipes (aside from being fresh versus freeze-dried) is that this recipe contains added carbohydrate. Again, the carb content is still very low, but plant ingredients are much less species-appropriate for cats than animal ingredients.
Ingredients
Turkey Thigh, Turkey Heart, Turkey Liver, Carrots, Blueberries, Organic Spearmint, Cod Liver Oil, Egg Shell Powder, Flaxseed Oil, Organic Dried Kelp, Taurine, Thiamine Mononitrate.
Ingredients We Liked: Turkey Thigh, Turkey Heart, Turkey Liver, Cod Liver Oil
Ingredients We Didn’t Like: Carrots, Blueberries, Flaxseed Oil
Guaranteed Analysis
Dry Matter Basis
Caloric Weight Basis
What We Liked
- Contains protein- and nutrient-rich muscle and organ meats
- Made with a single source of novel protein
- Cod liver oil provides a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids
What We Didn’t Like
- Contains some unnecessary plant ingredients
- Only sold in 16-pack orders
#3 Budget Pick: Dave’s Pet Food
- Made In: United States
- Guaranteed Protein: 10% Min
- Age Range: Adult
- Calories Per Ounce: 33
- Typical Cost Per Day: $1.64 per day
The primary source of protein in this recipe is turkey. It’s a moderately high-protein, high-fat canned cat food with fairly low carbohydrate content. It contains 1,160 kcal/kg or about 33 calories per ounce.
Featured Recipe: Dave’s Pet Food Naturally Healthy Grain-Free Turkey Formula Canned Food
A healthy diet is the best investment you can make in your cat’s long-term health but you don’t have to bust your budget on cat food. Dave’s Pet Food offers an array of affordable choices, like this grain-free turkey formula.
This turkey recipe from Dave’s Naturally Healthy line features turkey muscle meat as the primary ingredient. It gets additional protein from chicken and chicken liver, contributing to a dry matter protein content of over 45%. The only other ingredients are fruits and vegetables, agar-agar as a thickening agent, and nutrient supplements.
Compared to many more expensive canned foods, this recipe is a little higher in carbohydrates but it doesn’t rely on refined grains or hard-to-digest beans and legumes. It’s a species-appropriate pick priced under $0.30 per ounce.
Ingredients
Turkey, Chicken Broth, Chicken Liver, Chicken, Guar Gum, Sweet Potatoes, Carrots, Agar-Agar, Potassium Chloride, Salt, Minerals (Iron Proteinate, Zinc Proteinate, Copper Proteinate, Manganese Proteinate, Sodium Selenite, Potassium Iodide), Choline Chloride, Vitamins (Vitamin E Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate, Niacin Supplement, D-Calcium Pantothenate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Riboflavin Supplement, Vitamin A Supplement, Biotin, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Folic Acid), Cranberries, Blueberries, Taurine, Dried Squash, Zucchini, Sodium Carbonate.
Ingredients We Liked: Turkey, Chicken Liver, Chicken
Ingredients We Didn’t Like: None
Guaranteed Analysis
Dry Matter Basis
Caloric Weight Basis
What We Liked:
- Budget-friendly cost under $0.30/ounce in 12.5-ounce cans
- Made primarily with animal ingredients
- Good source of hydrating moisture for cats
- Free from hard-to-digest peas or legumes
What We Didn’t Like:
- Guar gum may contribute to loose stools in sensitive cats
- Could be lower in carbohydrates
#4 Best Wet Cat Food: Koha
- Made In: United States
- Guaranteed Protein: 10% Min
- Age Range: Adult
- Calories Per Ounce: 39
- Typical Cost Per Day: $2.35 per day
The primary source of protein in this recipe is turkey. It’s a high-protein, high-fat wet cat food with very low carbohydrate content. It contains 1,359 kcal/kg or about 212 kcal per 5.5-ounce can.
Featured Recipe: Koha Limited Ingredient Diet Turkey Pate for Cats
A good canned food recipe is a healthy and high-quality alternative to fresh or raw food. It should be made primarily from animal ingredients, rich in protein, and full of hydrating moisture.
Koha is known for using high quality ingredients and formulating their recipes with up to 96% meat, poultry, or fish. This particular recipe features turkey as a single source of animal protein. New Zealand Green Mussels appear later on the list, but these are included for their content of joint-supporting supplements like glucosamine and chondroitin.
Aside from fresh turkey, this recipe contains turkey liver, flaxseed, and pumpkin. There are only a handful of plant ingredients as a whole, so the total carb content is fairly low.
Not only is this recipe made with a simple list of ingredients, but it’s completely free from common fillers like grains and potatoes as well as artificial additives. Koha also makes a point of saying that all their recipes are free from carrageenan.
Carrageenan is an additive used to thicken or emulsify wet pet food. It’s derived from red seaweed which sounds harmless enough, but it has been linked to health problems like ulcers, tumors, and cancer.
Ingredients
Turkey, Water Sufficient For Processing, Turkey Liver, Ground Flaxseed, Pumpkin, New Zealand Green Mussel, Agar Agar, Potassium Chloride, Choline Chloride, Salt, Taurine, Dried Kale, Cranberries, Ginger, Turmeric, Iron Proteinate, Zinc Proteinate, Vitamin E Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate, Copper Proteinate, Manganese Proteinate, Sodium Selenite, Niacin Supplement, D-Calcium Pantothenate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Riboflavin Supplement, Vitamin A Supplement, Biotin, Potassium Iodide, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Folic Acid.
Ingredients We Liked: Turkey, Turkey Liver, New Zealand Green Mussel
Ingredients We Didn’t Like: Ground Flaxseed
Guaranteed Analysis
Dry Matter Basis
Caloric Weight Basis
What We Liked
- Fresh turkey and turkey liver as the main ingredients
- Moisture-rich wet food supports your cat’s hydration
- Limited number of main ingredients, easily digestible
What We Didn’t Like
- Only available on Koha.com
- Contains some unnecessary plant ingredients
#5 Best Dry Cat Food: Open Farm
- Made In: United States
- Guaranteed Protein: 37% Min
- Age Range: Adult
- Calories Per Pound: 1789
- Typical Cost Per Day: $0.69 per day
The main source of protein in this recipe appears to be turkey, but it is supplemented by four other animal protein sources. It is a dry food formula made for all life stages. The primary added fat is plant-derived but the fish ingredients provide some animal-based omega-3s. The food contains 3,840 kcal/kg or about 470 kcal/cup.
Featured Recipe: Open Farm Homestead Turkey & Chicken Recipe Dry Cat Food
Open Farm is known for their humanely and sustainably sourced cat foods. The brand only uses humanely-raised meat and poultry as well as sustainably sourced seafood. This particular dry food features turkey as the main ingredient with supplemental protein from chicken, ocean whitefish, herring, and ocean menhaden fish.
Though not a single-protein recipe, this formula is rich in animal-based protein and fat. It does contain a little over 20% carbohydrates as dry matter, but that’s about average for a commercial dry cat food.
Most of the carbs in this cat food appear to come from garbanzo beans and lentils. The downside of these ingredients is that they contain phytic acid which may interfere with the absorption of certain nutrients like calcium and iron.
Overall, this is a high-protein and high-fat dry cat food with moderate carbohydrate content. As a dry food, it doesn’t provide the moisture your cat needs, so it’s important to supplement your cat’s moisture intake elsewhere in their diet.
Ingredients
Humanely Raised Turkey, Humanely Raised Chicken, Ocean Whitefish Meal, Herring Meal, Garbanzo Beans, Red Lentils, Coconut Oil, Ocean Menhaden Fish Meal, Green Lentils, Pumpkin, Natural Flavor, 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.
Ingredients We Liked: Turkey, Chicken, Ocean Whitefish Meal, Herring Meal, Ocean Menhaden Fish Meal
Ingredients We Didn’t Like: Garbanzo Beans, Red Lentils, Green Lentils
Guaranteed Analysis
Dry Matter Basis
Caloric Weight Basis
What We Liked
- First four ingredients are protein-rich animal ingredients
- Made with humanely-raised poultry and sustainably sourced fish
- Free from animal by-products and artificial additives
What We Didn’t Like
- Contains over 20% carbohydrate
- No dry food provides the moisture your cat needs
#6 Best For Sensitive Stomachs: Blue Buffalo
- Made In: United States
- Guaranteed Protein: 30% Min
- Age Range: Adult
- Calories Per Cup: 403
- Typical Cost Per Day: $0.5 per day
The primary source of protein in this recipe is turkey. It’s a moderate-protein, moderate-fat dry cat food with fairly high carbohydrate content. It contains 3,605 kcal/kg or about 403 kcal per ounce.
Featured Recipe: Blue Buffalo Basics Skin & Stomach Care Grain-Free Natural Indoor Adult Dry Cat Food
Whether your cat has digestive issues or food allergies, an easily digestible recipe is a must. This dry food formula from Blue Buffalo is designed for gentle digestion with supplemental fiber and probiotics.
Deboned turkey and turkey meal are the top two ingredients, both species-appropriate sources of animal protein. Unfortunately, the next six ingredients are plant-based, including starchy ingredients like tapioca, peas, and potatoes as well as pea protein as a sourced of concentrated plant protein.
The total protein content of this recipe is about 33% on a dry matter basis, but it’s hard to tell how much of it comes from plant sources. It’s also worth noting that the fiber content may help with digestion in some cases but could also be much too high for other adult cats.
Blue Buffalo cat food contains LifeSource Bits, a proprietary blend of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals to support immune health.
Ingredients
Deboned Turkey, Turkey Meal, Pea Protein, Peas, Tapioca Starch, Pea Starch, Potatoes, Canola Oil, Pea Fiber, Flaxseed (source of Omega 6 Fatty Acids), Natural Flavor, Fish Oil (source of Omega 3 Fatty Acids), Choline Chloride, DL-Methionine, Calcium Sulfate, Potassium Chloride, Dicalcium Phosphate, Taurine, Pumpkin, Dried Chicory Root, Salt, L-Lysine, Alfalfa Nutrient Concentrate, Calcium Carbonate, Calcium Chloride, Vitamin E Supplement, preserved with Mixed Tocopherols, L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate (source of Vitamin C), Vegetable Juice for color, Ferrous Sulfate, Niacin (Vitamin B3), Iron Amino Acid Chelate, Zinc Amino Acid Chelate, Zinc Sulfate, Blueberries, Cranberries, Barley Grass, Parsley, Turmeric, Dried Kelp, Yucca Schidigera Extract, Copper Sulfate, Thiamine Mononitrate (Vitamin B1), Copper Amino Acid Chelate, Biotin (Vitamin B7), Vitamin A Supplement, Manganese Sulfate, Manganese Amino Acid Chelate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B6), Calcium Pantothenate (Vitamin B5), Riboflavin (Vitamin B2), Vitamin D3 Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Folic Acid (Vitamin B9), Dried Yeast, Dried Enterococcus faecium fermentation product, Dried Lactobacillus acidophilus fermentation product, Dried Aspergillus niger fermentation extract, Dried Trichoderma longibrachiatum fermentation extract, Dried Bacillus subtilis fermentation extract, Calcium Iodate, Sodium Selenite, Oil of Rosemary.
Ingredients We Liked: Deboned Turkey, Turkey Meal, Fish Oil
Ingredients We Didn’t Like: Pea Protein, Peas, Tapioca Starch, Pea Starch, Potatoes, Canola Oil
Guaranteed Analysis
Dry Matter Basis
Caloric Weight Basis
What We Liked
- Two animal-based sources of protein as the first ingredients
- Formulated for gentle digestion for cats with sensitivities
- Supplemented with probiotics, antioxidants, and essential nutrients
What We Didn’t Like
- Contains a significant number of plant ingredients
- Fiber content may be too high for some cats
#7 Best Kitten Food: I and Love and You
- Made In: United States
- Guaranteed Protein: 10% Min
- Age Range: Adult
- Calories Per Cup: 86
- Typical Cost Per Day: $2.40 per day
The primary source of protein in this recipe is turkey. It’s a moderate-protein, low-fat wet cat food with fairly low carbohydrate content. It contains 1,181 kcal/kg or about 100 kcal per 3-ounce can.
Featured Recipe: I and Love and You Variety Pack Grain-Free Canned Cat Food
A healthy diet gives your kitten a strong start in life. It should be built on high-quality animal proteins in a digestible format kittens find easy to eat.
This turkey recipe from I and Love and You is a good option because it contains a single source of animal protein as well as a nutritious animal-based fat (salmon oil). In addition to helping increase the calorie content of this recipe to support your kitten’s growth, salmon oil is rich in omega-3 fatty acids which supports healthy skin and coat.
In addition to these animal ingredients, this formula contains a handful of plant ingredients. Sweet potatoes are on the list, but none of the low-value fillers like grains and potatoes. The recipe appears to be easily digestible and, as a wet food, it’s rich in moisture to support your kitten’s hydration.
Ingredients
Turkey, Turkey Liver, Turkey Broth, Cranberries, Spinach, Carrots, Natural Flavor, Sweet Potatoes, Guar Gum, Alfalfa Meal, Ground Flaxseed, Salt, Potassium Chloride, Choline Chloride, Taurine, Dl-Methionine, Cassia Gum, Xanthan Gum, Salmon Oil (Preserved With Mixed Tocopherols), Iron Proteinate, Zinc Proteinate, Magnesium Sulfate, Vitamin E Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate, Copper Proteinate, Manganese Proteinate, Sodium Selenite, Niacin Supplement, D-Calcium Pantothenate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Riboflavin Supplement, Vitamin A Supplement, Biotin, Potassium Iodide, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Folic Acid, Rosemary Extract.
Ingredients We Liked: Turkey, Turkey Liver, Turkey Broth, Salmon Oil
Ingredients We Didn’t Like: Cranberries, Spinach, Carrots, Sweet Potatoes, Alfalfa Meal, Ground Flaxseed
Guaranteed Analysis
Dry Matter Basis
Caloric Weight Basis
What We Liked
- Made with a single source of high-quality animal protein
- Rich in moisture to support your cat’s hydration
- Salmon oil provides an animal source of essential fatty acids
What We Didn’t Like
- Contains unnecessary plant ingredients
- Fairly expensive, about $2.40 per day
#8 Best For Senior Cats: Wellness CORE
- Made In: United States
- Guaranteed Protein: 12% Min
- Age Range: Adult
- Calories Per Cup: 38
- Typical Cost Per Day: $3.17 per day
The primary source of protein in this recipe is turkey. It’s a high-protein, moderate-fat dry cat food with very low carbohydrate content. It contains 1,359 kcal/kg or about 212 kcal per 5.5-ounce can.
Featured Recipe: Wellness CORE Natural Grain-Free Turkey & Duck Recipe Pate Canned Cat Food
As your cat gets older, he may develop dental problems. These problems can make it difficult for your cat to chew kibble, but he still needs a steady influx of calories. In fact, older cats often have a hard time keeping on weight, so a recipe that provides a concentrated source of calories and nutrition is ideal.
This wet food formula from Wellness features turkey, pork, and duck as animal-based sources of protein. Aside from these and turkey broth, you’ll only find three other main ingredients aside from thickeners and supplements.
The total carbohydrate content of this recipe is fairly low, and it is rich in moisture to help keep your older cat hydrated. It doesn’t contain any meat by-products or artificial additives and it comes in both 3-ounce and 5.5-ounce cans.
Keep in mind that this recipe isn’t a single-protein formula, so it may not be appropriate for cats who have food allergies.
Ingredients
Turkey, Pork Liver, Turkey Broth, Duck, Cranberries, Guar Gum, Ground Flaxseed, Potassium Chloride, Choline Chloride, Taurine, Cassia Gum, Xanthan Gum, Dried Kelp, Chicory Root Extract, Yucca Schidigera Extract, Alfalfa Meal, Salt, Iron Proteinate, Zinc Proteinate, Thiamine Mononitrate, Vitamin E Supplement, Copper Proteinate, Manganese Proteinate, Sodium Selenite, Niacin Supplement, d-Calcium Pantothenate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Riboflavin Supplement, Vitamin A Supplement, Biotin, Potassium Iodide, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Folic Acid.
Ingredients We Liked: Turkey, Pork Liver, Turkey Broth, Duck
Ingredients We Didn’t Like: Cranberries, Ground Flaxseed
Guaranteed Analysis
Dry Matter Basis
Caloric Weight Basis
What We Liked
- Made with two high-quality sources of animal protein
- Supplemented with nutrient-rich pork liver
- High moisture content to support your cat’s hydration
What We Didn’t Like
- Not a single protein recipe
- Contains some unnecessary plant ingredients
Final Thoughts
Providing a nutritious diet is the best thing cat owners can do to keep their cat healthy and well. When it comes to choosing a cat food, there is an endless array of options to choose from. A great way to narrow the field is to shop based on protein.
Turkey is a high-quality protein that is animal-based, making it species appropriate for cats. It’s also a novel protein for many cats, simply meaning that many cats haven’t tried it yet. If your cat is allergic to common proteins like chicken or beef, turkey might be a good choice.
No matter what kind of protein you choose for your cat, take the time to evaluate the individual recipe to make sure it meets your cat’s nutritional needs in a safe and healthy way.
