I’ve always been thinking about how to provide the healthiest and most suitable diet for my cats. Every cat is unique, so finding the right cat food is crucial. In recent years, I’ve gradually leaned toward natural cat food, which typically contains no artificial additives, grains, or chemical ingredients, focusing on a nutritional balance that’s closer to a cat’s natural diet. To help other cat owners make the best choice, I decided to personally test several natural cat food brands, documenting the effects and experiences of each one.
I’ll share my real-life experiences with six natural cat food brands. These brands emphasize high-quality, natural ingredients, rich in animal protein, with few additives and mostly grain-free healthy formulas. I hope that through my sharing, you can learn the pros and cons of each product and find the best option for your cats.
1. Orijen – The Cat’s Natural Diet
Orijen was the first natural cat food brand I tried when I began exploring healthier options. I had heard a lot about its high-protein formula, which is perfect for active cats, so I was eager to try it out for my own cats. This cat food includes chicken, turkey, wild fish, and other animal proteins, making it one of the closest products to a cat’s natural diet.
From the very first time I fed Orijen to my cats, they were hooked. As soon as I put the food in their bowls, they gathered around quickly, eager to eat. I noticed their appetite was much better, and they were eating with enthusiasm, even more so than usual. After using Orijen for a while, my cats’ fur became shinier and softer, which made me really happy because I’ve always wanted to give them healthier food.
- Appetite: My cats eat incredibly fast whenever I feed them Orijen. A bowl of food is typically gone in under five minutes. Every time I serve them this food, they get so excited, almost as if they’re enjoying a gourmet meal. They’ve also become more consistent in their eating habits, with no more picky eating.
- Fur: After a period of using Orijen, I noticed their fur became thicker, shinier, and much softer. It no longer looked dry, and I could see a noticeable shine. Additionally, there was less shedding, and their skin looked healthier.
- Weight: Due to the high protein content in Orijen’s formula, it helps my cats maintain an ideal weight. I’ve noticed that their bodies remain firm, and they haven’t gained any unnecessary weight. They also have more energy and no longer get tired when they run around.
Recommendation: Orijen is a leader in the natural cat food market, with a formula that closely mimics a cat’s natural diet. It’s packed with fresh meats and fish, making it perfect for active cats or those needing to maintain a healthy weight. Its grain-free formula also helps reduce the risk of allergies or digestive issues. The ingredients in Orijen align with a cat’s natural nutritional needs, which is why it’s my top choice. Not only does it make my cats happy, but it also improves their fur quality and overall health.
2. Acana – A Healthy, Balanced Choice
Acana is Orijen’s sister brand, and it’s also known for using high-quality animal protein. However, Acana’s price is slightly more affordable, which caught my attention. I decided to let my cats try Acana to see if it could deliver the same benefits at a lower price.
Although Acana is a bit cheaper than Orijen, its nutritional content is still excellent. Whenever I open the bag, my cats come running, drawn by the smell of the food. I particularly enjoy the fish ingredients in Acana, which have a natural aroma that my cats love. After using it for a few weeks, I noticed that their fur became much softer, and their weight stayed in check.
- Appetite: Acana’s cat food gives off a natural aroma, and every time I serve it, my cats rush over to eat. They devour it quickly, with no leftovers, clearly showing they’re very interested in this food.
- Fur: After some time, I noticed my cats’ fur became softer and shinier, and they shed less. Every time I pet them, I don’t find as much fur on my hands, and their coats look much healthier overall.
- Weight: My cats’ weight hasn’t changed; they’re still at a healthy range. Acana provides enough protein and fat to support active cats without causing weight gain.
Recommendation: Acana offers excellent value for money, delivering on both quality and affordability. It’s a well-balanced formula that works for cats with various lifestyles, from indoor cats to outdoor cats. If you’re looking for a healthy cat food option that doesn’t break the bank, Acana is a great choice. It improves your cats’ fur quality, maintains a healthy weight, and contains no unnecessary additives.
3. Wellness CORE – A High-Protein Nutritional Choice
Wellness CORE is a natural cat food brand that focuses on high-protein, low-carb formulas. It contains quality meats and is ideal for active cats or those that need more energy. I decided to try this brand to see if it could help my cats maintain their healthy weight and energy levels.
Wellness CORE has surprised me in many ways. My cats reacted very positively to this food. Every time I fed them, they quickly finished their meals and seemed to especially enjoy the chicken and fish ingredients. After using it, I noticed my cats were more active, and their fur quality improved—thicker, shinier, and softer.
- Appetite: Every time my cats finish their meal with Wellness CORE, they lick their mouths as if they want more. Their appetite has definitely increased, and they clean their bowls every time, leaving no leftovers.
- Fur: After using this cat food for some time, I saw significant improvement in their fur—shinier, softer, and even denser. During shedding seasons, the shedding has reduced dramatically.
- Weight: Thanks to the high-protein formula, my cats have maintained a healthy weight. They seem more energetic and love to jump and run around the house.
Recommendation: Wellness CORE’s high-protein, low-carb formula is ideal for active cats or those that need more energy. It contains chicken, fish, and turkey, which help maintain muscle mass and support daily activity. If your cat is energetic or has weight management needs, Wellness CORE is a great choice. It ensures your cats get the right amount of nutrients for energy, keeping them active and healthy.
4. Natural Balance – A Perfect Transition Choice
Natural Balance is a brand I recommend to cat owners who are just starting to introduce natural cat food. It has a very gentle formula that’s great for cats with sensitive stomachs. It contains natural ingredients, is grain-free, and doesn’t have any artificial additives—making it perfect for transition periods.
At first, my cats weren’t too enthusiastic about this food, but I could tell the nutritional content was good. After a period of feeding it, I noticed that their digestive systems improved. It helped with constipation issues, especially for cats with slower digestion. What impressed me the most was that their fur became softer, and their skin condition improved.
- Appetite: Initially, my cats weren’t too keen on the flavor, possibly because it was milder than other brands. However, after a few days of adjustment, they started eating more, enjoying the smooth texture and mild aroma.
- Fur: After using it for a while, I noticed that my cats’ fur became much softer and shinier. Their skin problems, like itching, decreased significantly.
- Weight: My cats’ weight stayed consistent, within the healthy range. They ate balanced portions, and their bodies stayed in good shape.
Recommendation: Natural Balance is a great option for cats with sensitive stomachs or those transitioning to natural cat food. Its formula is gentle, grain-free, and contains no artificial additives. It’s especially good for improving digestive issues, and it helps keep your cats’ fur healthy.
5. Instinct Raw – The Raw Food Concept
Instinct Raw offers a “raw food” line of cat food, which focuses on fresh meat and raw ingredients, perfectly suited for a cat’s natural dietary needs. I decided to try this raw food option, hoping to provide a diet closer to what cats would eat in the wild.
When I first started using Instinct Raw, I was a little concerned about whether my cats would adapt to the raw food formula. But to my surprise, they were extremely interested in it, even more so than other brands. The fresh meat quality is excellent, and my cats’ appetite significantly increased. After a few months, I noticed their fur became thicker and shinier, and their weight remained stable, with plenty of energy.
- Appetite: Every time I fed Instinct Raw, my cats seemed to really enjoy the meat’s rich aroma. They ate every meal quickly and seemed very satisfied.
- Fur: Their fur became denser and shinier, no longer dry or brittle. During shedding season, I noticed a significant reduction in hair loss, and their overall coat condition improved.
- Weight: My cats’ weight remained well-managed—not too heavy, but not too thin. They were very active, running around with great energy.
Recommendation: Instinct Raw offers a “raw food” concept that closely mimics what cats would naturally eat in the wild. It’s perfect for healthy, active cats who need plenty of protein and essential fats. If you’re looking to feed your cat a diet that’s closest to nature, Instinct Raw is a fantastic option. Long-term
use can lead to better fur, weight management, and overall vitality.
6. The Honest Kitchen – Pure and Additive-Free
The Honest Kitchen is a brand that focuses on natural, additive-free cat food, with all ingredients being human-grade. I chose this food for my cats because I believe in its pure, high-quality ingredients that meet the highest standards.
The Honest Kitchen’s food aligns perfectly with my philosophy—natural and pure. My cats loved it, and they always finished their bowls quickly. After using it, I noticed their fur became much softer, and their skin condition improved as well. The formula is free of any complicated additives, which makes it great for long-term feeding.
- Appetite: This food has a more subtle aroma, but my cats still really enjoyed it. They ate it quickly, and I noticed they were very satisfied after each meal.
- Fur: After a few weeks, my cats’ fur became softer, shinier, and the shedding decreased noticeably.
- Weight: My cats maintained a healthy weight, eating appropriate portions, and their overall condition improved.
Recommendation: The Honest Kitchen is an excellent choice for those who want a pure, additive-free diet for their cats. All of its ingredients are human-grade, and there are no artificial additives, which ensures my cats are eating high-quality, clean food. I especially appreciate its simplicity, which gave me peace of mind about feeding my cats for the long term.
After several months of testing, I’ve realized that every cat’s dietary needs are unique. Choosing the right natural cat food goes beyond brand popularity and should take into account factors such as your cat’s appetite, digestive health, fur condition, and overall well-being. Through testing these six brands, my cats have gradually entered a diet that’s perfect for them—healthy, active, with beautiful coats and even better litter box habits.
The biggest advantage of natural cat food is that it provides nutrients closer to what cats naturally need while eliminating unnecessary chemical additives. Every cat owner wants the best for their furry companions, and I’m confident that by choosing the right natural food and paying attention to your cat’s needs, you can make the best choice for their health. If you want to invest in your cat’s health, I highly recommend trying the brands I’ve shared. They not only improve fur and weight management but also provide your cat with more energy and vitality.
You can easily purchase these natural cat foods through Amazon, where you can also read reviews from other cat owners to make a more informed choice. I hope my experience helps you provide the best nutrition for your cats, ensuring they stay healthy and happy!
