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 10 Best Budget Cat Foods in Australia — 2024 Reviews and Top Picks

Nicole Cosgrove Profile Picture

By Nicole Cosgrove

russian blue cat eating dry food in bowl

Pet ownership in Australia is higher than in any other country, and about 27% of these pets are cats. While that seems like a small number, that is still a lot of cats to feed, and you may be the owner of at least one of them.

As cat owners, we want to provide our feline friends with the best diet possible, and naturally, one that they love. High-quality cat foods and special diets can come with a high price tag, and each purchase adds up and can take a chunk out of your budget each month. The good news is, if you are holding onto your penny every month, you can relax a bit, knowing that you can feed your cat well and on a budget. You can meet your cat’s basic nutritional needs by shopping around for the healthiest cat foods at the most affordable prices.

These reviews will acquaint you with the best budget cat foods in Australia, so you can find the best one for your cat and your budget.hepper cat paw divider

A Quick Look at Our Winners in 2024

Rating Image Product Details
Best Overall
Winner
Fancy Feast Wet Cat Food Fancy Feast Wet Cat Food
  • High-quality protein
  • No by-products or fillers
  • Hydrating
  • Best Value
    Second place
    Whiskas Wet Cat Food Whiskas Wet Cat Food
  • Made with real meat
  • Great flavors
  • Affordable
  • Premium Choice
    Third place
    Dine Desire Wet Cat Food Dine Desire Wet Cat Food
  • Pure tuna and prawn
  • High-quality protein
  • Grain free
  • Best for Kittens
    Applaws Wet Kitten Food Applaws Wet Kitten Food
  • Human-grade meat
  • No artificial ingredients
  • Can be used as a topper
  • Purina Pro Plan Adult Sensitive Skin & Stomach Salmon & Tuna Cat Food Purina Pro Plan Adult Sensitive Skin & Stomach Salmon & Tuna Cat Food
  • Fish is the source of protein
  • Complete and balanced
  • The 10 Best Budget Cat Foods in Australia

    1. Fancy Feast Royale Wet Cat Food – Best Overall

    Fancy Feast Adult Royale Fine Flakes of Tuna Wet Cat Food

    Main ingredients:  Tuna, gelling agents, and vitamin E.
    Protein content: 12%
    Fat content: 0.3%
    Calories: N/A

    Fancy Feast Adult Royale Fine flakes of Tuna Cat Food made with real, quality tuna. It is made for occasional feeding, so you won’t have to spend money on this food on a regular basis, making it our best overall budget cat food. This recipe contains no by-products or fillers, is high in omega fatty acids, and provides a good source of hydration. It can be fed as a stand-alone meal or topper; either way, the delectable taste will be irresistible. As tuna dishes go, this brand can have a strong fishy odor.

    Pros
    • High-quality protein
    • No by-products or fillers
    • Hydrating
    Cons
    • Strong odor

    2. Whiskas Selection in Gravy Wet Cat Food – Best Value

    Whiskas Mixed Selection in Gravy Wet Cat Food

    Main ingredients:  Meat by-products & meat, binder, gelling agents, flavors, all essential vitamins & minerals, colors, taurine
    Protein content: 8.0
    Fat content: 4.7%
    Calories: 77 kcal

    Whiskas Cuts In Gravy is our best budget cat food for the money. Their recipes are complete and balanced to provide optimal nutrition for your cat. Real meat provides a source of high-quality protein, and these recipes are available in beef, chicken and turkey, and beef and lamb. They are fortified with calcium to aid in the formation of strong bones and vitamin E and minerals to help support a healthy immune system.

    Some customers have reported their cat’s poop being softer after eating this food, so it could be a good idea to mix it with some kibble which will also save you money.

    Pros
    • Made with real meat
    • Great flavors
    • Affordable
    Cons
    • May change the consistency of your cat’s poop

    3. Dine Desire Tuna Filets and Prawns Wet Cat Food – Premium Choice

    Dine Desire Tuna Filets and Prawns Wet Cat Food

    Main ingredients:  Tuna, Whitefish, Prawn, Gelling Agents, Colour.
    Protein content: 10%
    Fat content: 0.2%
    Calories: N/A

    Dine Desire cat food is a premium recipe made up of succulent tuna filets and prawns in a delicious seafood sauce. Tuna is a high-quality protein and is low in carbohydrates, and it delivers essential fatty acids which can improve overall skin and coat health as well as inflammatory conditions such as allergies, heart disease, certain cancers, and kidney disease.

    Dine’s meals are handmade and so tasty that even a picky eater will love them. For sensitive cats, this recipe is grain-free and made without corn, soy, or wheat. This recipe is intended for occasional feeding only. 

    Pros
    • Pure tuna and prawn
    • High-quality protein
    • Grain-free
    Cons
    • Occasional feeding only

    4. Applaws Tuna Natural Wet Kitten Food – Best for Kittens

    Applaws Tuna Natural Wet Kitten Food Best for Kittens

    Main ingredients:  Tuna, Sunflower Oil, vegetable gelling agent, vitamins & minerals, taurine
    Protein content: 14%
    Fat content: 0.1%
    Calories: 566 kcal

    Applaws Tuna Natural Wet Kitten uses human-grade meat as the first ingredient in its formula so your kitty can have the best start. Tuna is a natural source of taurine, which supports eye and heart health and is a natural source of omega 3. It is also packed with nutrition that comes from the natural ingredients used in their recipe, along with added vitamins and minerals.

    Applaws’ recipes contain no fillers or artificial ingredients, and there are no added colors, flavors, or preservatives. Because it is a wet food, it is a good source of hydration for your kitty and can be added to dry food to make it last an extra meal. While tuna is a cat’s favorite, some customers have noted that Applaws can have an overwhelming odor.

    Pros
    • Human-grade meat
    • No artificial ingredients
    • Can be used as a topper
    Cons
    • Bad odor

    5. Purina Pro Plan Adult Sensitive Skin & Stomach Salmon & Tuna Dry Cat Food

    Purina Pro Plan Adult Sensitive Skin & Stomach Salmon & Tuna Dry Cat Food

    Main ingredients:  Salmon and tuna, brewer’s rice, corn protein, oats, vitamins & minerals
    Protein content: 7.5%
    Fat content: 2.0%
    Calories: 74 kcal

    Does your cat have a sensitive stomach? Finding foods that are made with that issue in mind can get a bit expensive. However, we have an option for you! Purina Pro Plan Adult Sensitive Skin and Stomach Salmon and Tuna Dry Cat Food has protein-rich ingredients which aid in the maintenance of lean muscles, and key nutrients provide a complete and balanced meal with antioxidants and vitamins C and E for a strong immune system. 

    The first ingredient is a blend of salmon and tuna, which many cats seem to enjoy. Some cat owners who tried this recipe wished that it did not have corn protein. Some other people felt the food’s smell was a bit strong

    Pros
    • Fish is the source of protein
    • Complete and balanced
    Cons
    • Strong fish smell

    6. Purina Friskies Adult and Senior 7 Cat Food

    Purina Friskies Adult and Senior 7

    Main ingredients:  Wholegrain cereals and/or cereal by-products and/or vegetable by-products, meat and meat by-products (poultry and/or beef and/or fish and/or lamb and/or pork) and/or poultry by-products, food colors, natural flavors
    Protein content: 30%
    Fat content: 10%

    Purina Friskies Adult and Senior 7 consists of kibble biscuits in a variety of meat and seafood shapes and flavors, including chicken, beef, turkey, salmon, tuna, shrimp, and cheese. It’s packed with protein to support your cat’s muscles, essential fatty acids for a luscious coat, antioxidants for a strong immune system, vitamin A and taurine for optimal eye health, and dental protection to keep your cats’ gums and teeth strong and healthy.

    This complete and balanced formula is tasty and nutritious, perfect for your adult cat. While this recipe tastes great, some cat owners have commented that the size of the kibble is a little too big.

    Pros
    • Complete and balanced
    • 7 flavors in one
    • Affordable and long-lasting
    Cons
    • Kibble too big for some cats

    7. Fancy Feast – Tuna, Prawn, Mackerel & Crab Cat Food

    Fancy Feast - Tuna, Prawn, Mackerel & Crab Cat Food

    Main ingredients:  Meat and meat-by-products (chicken, beef, and lamb), fish and fish by-products (salmon and tuna), whole grain wheat and rice, corn gluten meal, whole grain corn, soybean meal, animal tallow (beef and lamb)
    Protein content: 30%
    Fat content: 15%

    Fancy Feast dry cat food is a delicious combination of tuna, prawn, mackerel, and crab served in fun but delectable shapes made from real seafood and quality ingredients. The savory taste, delicate crunch, and enticing aromas will have even the pickiest eaters meowing for more.

    This recipe is complete and balanced, and you can feed your cat Fancy Feast kibble with confidence.

    Even though the flavors of this dry cat food are a favorite for most cats, like all foods, not every cat will enjoy it. Some cat owners have reported their cats turning their noses up to it and have had to try something else.

    Pros
    • Delicious flavor combinations
    • Fun shapes
    • Complete and balanced
    Cons
    • Some cats don’t like it

    8. Dine – Daily Variety – Beef and Liver Cuts in Gravy Cat Food

    Dine - Daily Variety - Beef and Liver Cuts in Gravy

    Main ingredients:  Meat selected from chicken &/or beef, gelling agents; Binder (derived from beef or sheep and pork or cereal) flavors, colors, vitamins & minerals, taurine
    Protein content: 8.0%
    Fat content: 5.5%
    Calories: 80 kcal

    Dine Cuts in Gravy is an Australian-made recipe that is delicious, complete, balanced, and formulated with premium ingredients. Your cat will love the saucy, deluxe variety of tender meat with beef and liver. The liver contains important nutrients such as vitamins and iron. It is responsible for the production of hormones, proteins, and energy, as well as the removal of waste products from the blood.

    The adult range of wet cat food is designed to meet the nutritional requirements of the AAFCO Nutrition Profile for adult cat maintenance. Liver is both tasty and nutritionally beneficial, but the taste can be a bit rich for some cats.

    Pros
    • Contains liver
    • Made in Australia
    • Complete and balanced
    Cons
    • Liver may be too rich

    9. Purina Friskies Seafood Sensations Cat Food

    Main ingredients:  Wholegrain cereals and/or cereal by-products and/or vegetable by-products; meat and meat by-products (poultry and/or beef and/or fish and/or lamb and/or pork) and/or poultry by-products; vitamins, minerals and amino acids; food colours; antioxidants
    Protein content: 30%
    Fat content: 11%
    Calories: 388 kcal/cup

    Your seafood-loving kitty can enjoy its favorite flavors on a budget with Friskies seafood Sensations. It is packed with protein to support your cat’s muscle growth and is made with salmon, tuna, and shrimp, which supplies vitamins and minerals and antioxidants to boost your cat’s immune system.

    Fatty acids promote a healthy coat and skin, and your cat will thrive on this complete and balanced recipe. This food contains grains that could be genetically modified.

    Pros
    • Made with seafood
    • Complete and balanced
    • High in protein
    Cons
    • Contains GMO grains

    10. Felix – As Good as It Looks Cat Food

    Felix - As Good as It Looks

    Main ingredients:  Meat & meat derivatives (poultry, beef, and lamb), cereal, fish, vitamins & minerals, flavor, thickeners, sugars
    Protein content: 12.0%
    Fat content: 2.8%

    Felix meat menus are a range of delicious recipes of succulent meat pieces in jelly that your cat will love. The flavor assortment includes chicken, beef, and lamb, all providing 100% of your cat’s daily needs. These formulas are a rich source of omega-6 fatty acid, vitamin D and E, and a healthy balance of minerals and vitamins. Feed your cat this recipe as a meal on its own, or add it as a topper to kibble, which is kinder on your budget. Some users have reported that the consistency is a little too thick and sticky.

    Pros
    • Variety of flavors
    • Rich in Omega fatty acids
    • Complete and balanced
    Cons
    • May be too sticky and thick
    hepper-cat-paw-divider

    Buyer’s Guide — Buying Cat Food on a Budget

    It can be difficult to strike a balance between what is best for your cat and what is best for your budget, and unfortunately, that is the case for a lot of families. Finding good quality food at an affordable price is possible if you follow these guidelines.

    Price isn’t Everything

    Cheap is kind on your budget, but long term, it may not be so kind on your cat. A long period of eating the cheapest food may end up with unintended problems1 such as unhealthy weight gain and vitamin and mineral deficiencies. Furthermore, these health problems may lead to urgent medical care, which can be heavy on your finances.

    Do your homework before deciding on the most cost-effective food brand to ensure you’re getting the best formula at the best price.

    Cutting Costs

    It may be worthwhile to spend time looking for the best deals on the web as some may provide discounts or free shipping for big orders.

    Cutting costs doesn’t always have to mean settling on the lowest price. Wet cat foods are typically more expensive than dry foods and alternating or cutting it out completely can save you money. Some cats can go without wet food, and you can transition them out or use wet food as a topper for kibble. If you decide to cut out wet food, make sure your cat is getting enough water.

    himalayan persian cat eating hepper nom nom bowl

    Reading Labels

    Generally speaking, your cat needs food that has a high amount of protein and some fat. Ingredients listed on various brands will differ and ideally, the first ingredient listed should be a source of animal protein. Good sources of fat include tallow, lard, and oils.

    It is critical to remember that cats are carnivorous and do not require carbohydrates or grains to be healthy. If fed grain and carbohydrate-rich formulas, a cat can suffer significantly. A lot of cat food manufacturers will add carbohydrates such as barley, rice, and berries. Your cat will be hungrier if the carbohydrate content exceeds the protein content because it will need to eat more to get the required amount of protein.

    In the end, the lower-priced, carb-rich cat food is not a cost-effective option. It is all about proper research and understanding labels.

    Consult with Your Vet

    Our vets always know best. If you are thinking of changing your cat’s diet, speak to your vet for advice. If your cat is on a prescription diet, consult with your veterinarian to see if another brand can be substituted to reduce your costs.

    Cats require taurine, arginine, niacin, vitamin A, and specific types of essential fatty acids. They may develop serious health issues if they are lacking nutrients That is why leftovers are not a great option for your cat, even if your cat enjoys the taste.

    Your vet can be more helpful than you realize. They can suggest a budget-friendly, healthy option for your cat and may even know contacts for food assistance.hepper cat paw divider

    Conclusion

    Our best overall choice for budget cat food is Fancy Feast Royale Flakes of Tuna, which is a highly nutritious and cost-effective recipe. We chose Whiskas gravy pouches as the best budget cat food for the money for its many choices at a great price. Dine Desire Tuna and Prawn is our premium choice for its high-quality ingredients. Fourth on the list is Purina Pro Plan Adult Sensitive Skin and Stomach Salmon and Tuna Dry Cat Food, and our best budget cat food for your growing kitty is Applaws Tuna Cuts, a great recipe that is high in protein.


    Featured Photo Credit: Felice Wölke, Unsplash

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