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10 Best Cat Foods at PetSmart – 2024 Reviews & Top Picks

Nicole Cosgrove Profile Picture

By Nicole Cosgrove

A Norwegian Forest Cat eating food from a bowl

If you are a long-time cat owner or you just recently added one to your family, you will need a reliable pet store for your feline’s nutritional needs. PetSmart has a vast selection of food to choose from. Whether your feline is a new kitten or a grumpy old man, PetSmart has a food option for you. We have done some research and compiled a list of cat foods that will meet your cat’s needs, fit into your budget, and appeal to your furry friend’s palate.

Here are our choices for the best cat foods at PetSmart this year.

Disclaimer: The foods reviewed here were chosen because they have certain characteristics that might help with some of the causes or consequences of this medical condition. However, they are not a medical treatment or a substitute for medical treatment. Keep in mind that each medical case is different and what works for some pets may not work for others. Your veterinarian is the right person to advise you on the best diet for your pet’s individual case.

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A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites in 2024

Rating Image Product Details
Best Overall
Winner
Tiki Cat Born Carnivore Cat and Kitten Food Non-GMO, Chicken & Egg Tiki Cat Born Carnivore Cat and Kitten Food Non-GMO, Chicken & Egg
  • Quality ingredients
  • Cats love the taste
  • No recall history
  • Best Value
    Second place
    Purina Beyond Simply Indoor Adult Cat Dry Food-Salmon, Natural, Omegas Purina Beyond Simply Indoor Adult Cat Dry Food-Salmon, Natural, Omegas
  • Cats like the flavor
  • Supports immune health
  • Good quality at a good price
  • Premium Choice
    Third place
    Royal Canin Indoor Adult Cat Food Royal Canin Indoor Adult Cat Food
  • Controls hairballs
  • Reduces tartar buildup
  • Manages weight
  • Best for Kittens
    Royal Canin Mother and Babycat Ultra-Soft Mousse Royal Canin Mother and Babycat Ultra-Soft Mousse
  • Good for kittens and pregnant cats
  • Mousse-like texture
  • Kittens like the taste
  • Wellness Core Indoor Adult Cat Food Wellness Core Indoor Adult Cat Food
  • Main ingredient is chicken
  • Grain-free
  • Formulated for indoor cats
  • The 10 Best Cat Foods at PetSmart

    1. Tiki Cat Born Carnivore Cat & Kitten Food – Best Overall

    Tiki Cat Born Carnivore

    Main Ingredients Deboned chicken, chicken meal, dehydrated chicken, dried egg product, tapioca
    Protein Content 43.0%
    Fat Content 19.0%
    Calories 482/cup

    Our choice for the best overall cat food at PetSmart is Tiki Deboned Chicken and Egg Recipe since it contains high-quality ingredients, and cats love the taste. The Tiki brand has a variety of recipes available in wet and dry foods. The wet foods are available in stews, broths, and pates.

    For cats that require a special diet for issues like weight management or stomach sensitivities, the brand has some recipes that address those issues. They also have diets that are specific to senior cats and kittens.

    Since pet owners have become skeptical of pet food produced outside of the United States, it is important to mention that the Tiki brand is based in the U.S. The food is produced in facilities in Thailand, and they have not had any recalls in over 15 years.

    The overall customer reviews for the Tiki brand are positive. Cats like the taste and pet owners are satisfied with the price and the quality of ingredients. Some reviews complain of stinky cat litter, however.

    Pros
    • Quality ingredients
    • Cats love the taste
    • No recall history
    Cons
    • Made outside the U.S.
    • Stinky litter box

    2. Purina Beyond Simply Indoor Adult Cat Dry Food – Best Value

    Purina Beyond Simply Indoor Wild-Caught Salmon, Egg & Sweet Potato Recipe Grain-Free Dry Cat Food

    Main Ingredients Salmon, pea starch, chicken meal, pea protein, canola meal
    Protein Content 33.0%
    Fat Content 10.0%
    Calories 322/cup

    We chose Purina Beyond Simply Indoor Adult Cat Dry Food for the best value for the money. The cat food provides your cat with above-average nutrition for a budget-friendly price. The recipe contains salmon as the main ingredient. The food is rich in antioxidants to help support your feline’s immune system, probiotics for digestive health, and natural fiber for hairball control.

    The beyond brand also includes a wet food that includes a small quantity of liver which is an excellent source of vitamins and minerals. The recipe does not contain any artificial preservatives, colors, or flavors, and provides your cat with nutrition that is complete and balanced.

    The Purina Beyond cat food brand also carries a line of wet foods and toppers so you can focus on your cat’s unique needs and appeal to its individual palate.

    Customer reviews are mostly positive and report that their cat loves the food. There are some that claim that their cat won’t eat it and one reported that her two cats had a significant weight gain from this brand.

    Pros
    • Cats like the flavor
    • Wet food and toppers for customized meals
    • Supports immune health
    • Good quality at a good price
    Cons
    • Possible weight gain
    • Finicky cats may not eat it

    3. Royal Canin Indoor Adult Cat Food – Premium Choice

    Royal Canin Indoor Adult Dry Cat Food

    Main Ingredients Chicken meal, corn, brewers rice, corn gluten meal, wheat
    Protein Content 27%
    Fat Content 11%
    Calories 325/cup

    Royal Canin Indoor Adult Cat Food is our premium choice of the best cat food at PetSmart. Royal Canin is a high-quality and popular cat food brand that provides your pet with a complete and balanced diet. The indoor recipe is formulated for the specific needs of an indoor cat. The food is made to help your feline control hairballs, manage weight, and aid in digestion. Mix the kibble with some wet food for added hydration and a texture your cat is sure to love.

    The kibble is formulated with minerals to reduce tartar buildup and plaque.

    Customer reviews are mostly positive. They find that the cats like the food and their poop no longer smells.

    Unfortunately, the food is formulated for indoor cats ranging in age from one to seven and is on the costly side.

    Pros
    • Controls hairballs
    • Reduces tartar buildup
    • Manages weight
    Cons
    • Higher priced
    • Ages 1 to 7 years only

    4. Royal Canin Mother & Babycat Ultra-Soft Mousse – Best for Kittens

    Royal Canin Mother & Babycat Ultra-Soft Mousse in Sauce Wet Cat Food for New Kittens and Nursing or Pregnant Mother Cats

    Main Ingredients Water sufficient for processing, chicken, chicken liver, port by-products, wheat gluten
    Protein Content 9.0%
    Fat Content 4.0%
    Calories 133/cup

    For our top pick for the best food for kittens at PetSmart, we chose Royal Canin Mother and Babycat Ultra-Soft Mousse. The formula provides kittens with the nutrition needed for healthy growth. The food is formulated with vitamins and antioxidants to give support to the kitten’s immune system so it can grow healthy and strong.

    The texture is mousse-like and can be served alone or with dry kibble to help your kitten transition from its mother’s milk to solid food. Royal Canin does recommend a 7-day transition period, however.

    The food is not only appropriate for kittens. The formula provides excellent nutrition for pregnant or lactating adult cats.

    Customer reviews state that kittens love the taste. One reviewer feeds it to her older cat to help her keep weight on. Others are unhappy with the high price, however.

    Pros
    • Good for kittens and pregnant cats
    • Mousse-like texture
    • Kittens like the taste
    Cons
    • Costly

    5. Wellness Core Indoor Adult Cat Food (Grain Free)

    Wellness Core Indoor Adult Cat Food

    Main Ingredients Deboned chicken, turkey meal, chicken meal, peas, potatoes
    Protein Content 38.0%
    Fat Content 12.0%
    Calories 445/cup

    Wellness Core Indoor Adult Cat Food is one our picks for the best cat food at PetSmart. It is a grain-free recipe with deboned chicken and turkey as the two main ingredients. The food is specially formulated with grain-free ingredients and less fat than the original recipe. It is a complete and balanced diet that provides the nutrients needed for your indoor cat’s health.

    The Core Wellness Indoor Cat formula is available in wet and dry varieties that are easily digested and promote a healthy coat and skin. Your cat is sure to love this grain-free, high-protein meal that is packed with flavor from the chunks of chicken and turkey. Although, some customers report that their felines are not impressed with the taste, and they will not eat it.

    Pros
    • Main ingredient is chicken
    • Grain-free
    • Formulated for indoor cats
    Cons
    • Some cats won’t eat it

    6. Hill’s Science Diet Sensitive Stomach & Skin Adult Dry Cat Food

    Hill’s Science Diet Sensitive Stomach

    Main Ingredients Chicken, brewers rice, corn gluten meal, whole grain corn, chicken fat
    Protein Content 29.0%
    Fat Content 17.0%
    Calories 524/cup

    For our review, we picked Hill’s Science Diet Sensitive Stomach and Skin Adult Dry Cat Food as one of our top picks for the best cat food at PetSmart. The food is specifically formulated to help ease digestion and ensure that the nutrients are being absorbed. The fatty acids and vitamin E help to protect and maintain your felines skin and fur.

    The recipe contains chicken as the main ingredient and fiber that is easily digestible, supports healthy skin, and is gentle on your feline’s belly. It does not contain any artificial preservatives, colors, or flavors. Hill’s Science Diet is vet recommended for healthy stool, skin, and coat.

    The customer reviews for Hill’s Science Diet are mixed. Some report a marked improvement in stool and less vomiting and others didn’t see improvement in their cat’s health. Customers also claim the price is too high.

    Pros
    • Aids in digestion
    • Improves stool
    • Chicken is the main ingredient
    • No artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives
    Cons
    • Expensive
    • Some reviewers didn’t see improvement

    7. Purina Pro Plan Prime Plus Senior Dry Cat Food

    Purina Pro Plan Prime Plus Adult 7+ Chicken & Rice Formula Dry Cat Food

    Main Ingredients Chicken, poultry by-product meal, corn gluten meal, rice, cassava root flour
    Protein Content 38.0%
    Fat Content 17.0%
    Calories 604/cup

    For older felines, we picked Purina Pro Plan Prime Plus Senior Dry Cat Food for one of our top picks at PetSmart. The recipe is high in protein and antioxidants to keep your senior cat thriving and it does not contain any artificial colors or flavors.

    The main ingredient is chicken mixed with rice to give your cat a complete and balanced nutrition. The special formula was developed to provide older felines with muscle support, weight control, and digestive health. The food is rich in ingredients to improve your cat’s vitality and energy, promote healthy skin and coat, and support its immune system.

    Customer reviews of the product are overall positive. There are some senior cats that will not eat the food and the price is an issue for some pet owners.

    Pros
    • Formulated for senior cats
    • Main ingredient is chicken
    • No artificial colors or flavors
    • Provides weight control
    Cons
    • A bit pricey
    • Not good for picky eaters

    8. Hill’s Prescription Diet m/d Glucose/Weight Management Cat Food

    Hill’s Prescription Diet md Glucose Weight Management Cat Food

    Main Ingredients Chicken by-product meal, corn gluten meal, pork fat, brewers rice, wheat gluten
    Protein Content 45.0%
    Fat Content 17.0%
    Calories 463/cup

    For PetSmart customers that need a specialized prescription diet for their diabetic cat, we choose Hill’s Prescription Diet m/d Glucose/Weight Management Cat Food in chicken flavor. The prescription diet is specially formulated for felines that need to maintain glucose levels and manage their weight. The food was developed to maintain lean muscle, reduce body fat, and support a healthy immune system.

    The diet is developed by vets and enriched with the nutrients your cat needs to help reduce the risk of struvite and calcium oxalate crystals and promote a healthy urinary tract.

    The special diet comes wet and dry. The dry food is chicken flavored and the wet comes in chicken or liver flavor so you can give your cat a bit of variety.

    The Hill’s prescription diet requires authorization from a vet, and it is on the pricey side. Some customers report that their cats will not eat it.

    Pros
    • Specialized for diabetic cats
    • Helps manage weight
    • Promotes healthy urinary tract
    Cons
    • Vet authorization required
    • Expensive
    • Finicky cats might not eat it

    9. Hill’s Science Diet Urinary Hairball Control Adult Dry Cat Food

    Hill’s Science Diet Urinary & Hairball Dry Cat Food

    Main Ingredients Chicken, whole grain wheat, corn gluten meal, pork fat, powdered cellulose
    Protein Content 29.5%
    Fat Content 16.0%
    Calories 327/cup

    One of our picks for PetSmart cats that need hairball control is Hill’s Science Diet Urinary Hairball Control Adult Dry Cat Food. The food contains chicken as the main ingredient, so your feline is sure to eat it up. It is made with high-quality, natural ingredients and does not contain any artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives. It is a complete and balanced diet that is rich in fiber for ease in digestion. The fiber helps to reduce hairballs and ensure the absorption of nutrients. The minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants help to support a healthy urinary tract and immune system.

    Customer reviews are positive on taste but there are complaints about the size of the kibble. Their cats are having difficulty chewing the food because the pieces are too big. There are also customers that do not like the price and the smell of the food.

    Pros
    • Controls hairballs
    • Main ingredient is chicken
    • Supports urinary tract
    Cons
    • Not budget friendly
    • Food smells
    • Kibble size is too big

    10. Blue Buffalo Wilderness Adult Dry Cat Food

    Blue Buffalo Wilderness dry cat food

    Main Ingredients Deboned chicken, chicken meal, pea protein, tapioca starch, peas
    Protein Content 40.0%
    Fat Content 189.0%
    Calories 443/cup

    For those of you that prefer a grain-free option, we have chosen Blue Buffalo Wilderness Adult Dry Cat Food, Grain Free Chicken for the best grain free cat food at PetSmart. Real chicken is the main ingredient in this protein-packed food so your cat can build and maintain healthy muscle mass. The grain-free recipe does not contain any corn, wheat, or soy, and there are no artificial preservatives or flavors. There is a mixture of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that will support your feline’s immune system and provide it with a healthy balance and nutrition. The peas and sweet potatoes will provide your cat with carbohydrates for energy and a taste that it is sure to love.

    Customer reviews for Blue Buffalo are positive. A few negative reports of cats not liking the taste and some having diarrhea. Pet owners also complain about the cost.

    Pros
    • Main ingredient is chicken
    • Grain-free
    • No artificial flavors or preservatives
    Cons
    • Some cats may get diarrhea
    • Not budget friendly

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    Buyer’s Guide: Finding the Best Cat Food at PetSmart

    While PetSmart may not carry all the cat food brands that are available, they have a large variety to choose from. The store carries food that can accommodate felines that are finicky, elderly, or just starting out in life. Whether you prefer high-quality foods like Tiki Cat or something that is less costly, you are sure to find something that meets yours and your cat’s needs.

    PetSmart also carries specialized diets for cats that need prescription food or grain free varieties.

    Many of the brands carried by PetSmart are made in facilities with high safety standards and great recall histories. There are some brands that are low-cost with questionable quality, however.

    We recommend that you read the labels and consult with your veterinarian if you are changing your feline’s diet or deciding what to feed your new addition.

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    Conclusion

    Our choice for the best overall cat food at PetSmart is Tiki Cat Born Carnivore Cat and Kitten Food. We chose Tiki Cat not only for the quality but for the recall history as well. For cat owners that are on a tight budget, we picked Purina Beyond Simply Indoor Adult Cat Dry Food for the best value for the money at PetSmart. Our premium choice for the best cat food at PetSmart is Royal Canin Indoor Adult Cat Food since it is a high-quality food specifically for indoor cats.


    Featured Image Credit: Astrid Gast, Shutterstock

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