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10 Best Cat Foods for Savannah Cats – 2024 Reviews & Top Picks

Lindsey Lawson

By Lindsey Lawson

savannah kitten tilting its head

Savannah cats are a stunning cat breed that resulted from crossing the Serval with the domesticated house cat. These gorgeous cats are known for their sense of adventure, playfulness, and devotion.

When you have a high-energy breed, you need food that can match up. Finding the perfect cat food can be a bit of a challenge, especially since there are so many options out there.

We’re here to help with the confusion and have brought you a list of some of the best food options for your Savannah cat, according to the reviews. Always contact your veterinarian before changing up your cat’s diet or if you ever have any health-related questions or concerns.

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 Look at Our Favorites in 2024

Rating Image Product Details
Best Overall
Winner
Smalls Fresh Smooth Bird Smalls Fresh Smooth Bird
  • Crafted with USDA-certified ingredients
  • Meets AAFCO nutrient profiles for all life stages
  • Rich in protein and moisture
  • Budget Buy
    Second place
    Purina Cat Chow Naturals Purina Cat Chow Naturals
  • Chicken is the first ingredient
  • Crafted to meet the dietary needs of adult cats
  • Inexpensive
  • Third place
    ORIJEN Original ORIJEN Original
  • First 5 ingredients are derived from animal protein
  • Contains meat, organ, and bones
  • Added probiotics for healthy digestion
  • Chicken Soup for the Soul Kitten Chicken Soup for the Soul Kitten
  • Formulated for growth and development
  • Wet food option for the recipe available
  • Contains omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids
  • Tiki Cat Bora Bora Tiki Cat Bora Bora
  • Low in carbohydrates
  • Rich in protein and moisture
  • Mimics a cat's natural diet
  • The 10 Best Cat Foods for Savannah Cats

    1. Smalls Fresh Smooth Bird – Best Overall

    smalls fresh smooth bird recipe

    Main ingredients: Chicken, Chicken liver, Green beans, Peas, Water
    Protein content: 15.5% min
    Fat content: 8.5% min
    Calories: 1401 kcal/kg

    Our pick for the best overall cat food for Savannah cats goes to Smalls Fresh Ground Bird recipe. This fresh food option is made from chicken thighs, chicken breast, and chicken liver in a delicious pate-style meal.

    Smalls lets you get as close as possible to mimicking an ancestral diet. Not only is this food rich in protein but it is also high in moisture and low in carbohydrates, which is exactly what your cat needs to live their best life.

    Smalls uses USDA-certified ingredients that are fit for human consumption. Every recipe meets AAFCO standards for pet food nutrient profiles for all life stages. With the  Human Grade Fresh foods, you can even choose between three textures including ground, smooth, and pulled, making this idea for even the pickiest cats.

    This is a subscription service and it’s a bit pricey, so it may not be for everyone. The top-notch quality, convenience, and personalization of Smalls cannot be beaten, though. Since it’s fresh food, it will require storage space in the refrigerator or freezer.

    Pros
    • Crafted with USDA-certified ingredients
    • Meets AAFCO nutrient profiles for all life stages
    • Rich in protein and moisture
    • Low in carbohydrates
    • Choose from ground, smooth, or pulled textures
    • Ideal for picky eaters
    Cons
    • Expensive
    • Requires storage in refrigerator or freezer

    2. Purina Cat Chow Naturals – Budget Buy

    Purina Cat Chow Naturals

    Main ingredients: Chicken, Corn Gluten Meal, Chicken By-product Meal, Rice, Soybean Meal
    Protein content: 34% min
    Fat content: 13% min
    Calories: 3,740 kcal/kg

    Purina Cat Chow Naturals is a great option if you’re on a tighter budget. This low-priced cat food is easy to find in stores and offers cats a blend of 25 essential vitamins and minerals for a complete and balanced diet for adult cats.

    Chicken is the number one ingredient in this formula but it’s important to note that this isn’t the most high-quality choice, as it has fillers like corn gluten meal, chicken by-products, and soybean meal.

    This recipe does contain some omega-6 fatty acids to support healthy skin and coat but it is lower in protein content than the other competitors on the list. Overall, cat owners rave about this food for being well-received by their kitties while not breaking the bank.

    Pros
    • Chicken is the first ingredient
    • Crafted to meet the dietary needs of adult cats
    • Inexpensive
    • Easy to find in stores
    Cons
    • Lower in protein
    • Contains by-products, corn gluten meal, and soybean meal

    3. ORIJEN Original

    ORIJEN Original

    Main ingredients: Chicken, Turkey, Whole Mackerel, Turkey Giblets (Liver, Heart, Gizzard), Flounder
    Protein content: 40% min
    Fat content: 20% min
    Calories: 4120 kcal/kg

    ORIJEN is known for formulating its foods with premium quality animal proteins as the first five ingredients. This original recipe for cats features chicken, turkey, whole mackerel, turkey giblets, and flounder for a protein-packed meal.

    The recipe supports whole-body health and provides everything your Savannah cat needs to thrive. WholePrey nutrition even includes meat, organs, and bones which are rich in nutrients and part of a cat’s natural diet in the wild.

    This food is fantastic for cats with high energy, which is something Savannah cats are no strangers to. The vitamins and minerals from naturally derived sources will aid in immunity and various aspects of bodily function while the added probiotics will support healthy digestion.

    The pieces are freeze-dried coated, giving them an extra flavor boost for your cat to enjoy. The biggest complaints about this food are regarding the price, which is a bit steep when compared to some competitors. There are also some mentions that it has a fishy smell, which is great for cats but unpleasant for humans.

    Pros
    • First 5 ingredients are derived from animal protein
    • Contains meat, organ, and bones
    • Added probiotics for healthy digestion
    • Freeze-dried coating adds additional flavor
    Cons
    • Expensive
    • Fishy smell

    4. Chicken Soup for the Soul Kitten

    Chicken Soup for the Soul Kitten

    Main ingredients: Chicken, Chicken Meal, Turkey Meal, Brown Rice, Cracked Pearled Barley
    Protein content: 36% min
    Fat content: 20% min
    Calories: 3,796 kcal/kg

    Chicken Soup for the Soul features this recipe that is formulated specifically for the little ones. Chicken is the first ingredient, followed by chicken meal and turkey meal, which are dry rendered versions of the meat that are extremely high in protein. There is also a blend of duck and salmon within this recipe.

    This food features both omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids which support skin and coat health as well as brain development. The added taurine will help support vision and hearing. It is free from wheat, corn, and soy but features a blend of superfoods that contain a variety of essential vitamins and minerals to support immune health.

    Overall, this is a great dry food option to support the healthy growth and development of kittens. Some kittens have refused to eat the recipe, which is not unusual. If you prefer to offer wet food, Chicken Soup for the Soul also offers this delicious recipe as a wet food option, too.

    Pros
    • Formulated for growth and development
    • Wet food option for the recipe available
    • Contains omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids
    • Rich in protein
    • Chicken is the first ingredient
    Cons
    • May not work for picky eaters

    5. Tiki Cat Bora Bora

    Tiki Cat Bora Bora

    Main ingredients: Sardines, Lobster Broth, Sunflower Seed Oil, Locust Bean Gum, Guar Gum
    Protein content: 11% min
    Fat content: 3% min
    Calories: 730 kcal/kg

    Tiki Cat Bora Bora is a wet food variety that comes highly recommended by veterinarians. This food is formulated with wild-caught sardine cutlets as the first ingredient and moisture-rich lobster broth as the second, which helps aid in hydration.

    This recipe offers your Savannah a complete and balanced diet that is high in protein, essential amino acids, vitamins, minerals, and taurine. There are no grains, gluten, starches, flour, or carbohydrates, which helps mimic a more natural diet.

    Owners have left reviews stating that this food’s low glycemic index was just what they needed to help treat their cat’s diabetes. The smell may be a bit unpleasant for you, but it is very appetizing for cats and ideal for picky eaters. You can even choose from 2.8-ounce cans or 6-ounce cans.

    Pros
    • Low in carbohydrates
    • Rich in protein and moisture
    • Mimics a cat’s natural diet
    • Great for picky eaters
    Cons
    • Strong seafood smell

    6. Farmina N&D Prime Chicken & Pomegranate Recipe

    Farmina N&D Prime Chicken & Pomegranate Recipe

    Main ingredients: Boneless Chicken, Dehydrated Chicken, Sweet Potatoes, Chicken Fat, Dried Whole Eggs
    Protein content: 44% min
    Fat content: 20% min
    Calories: EM Kcal/lb 1907

    Farmina’s N&D Prime is crafted with 98% of its protein content derived from animal sources. All ingredients are regionally sourced, clinically tested, and obtained from farms that use cruelty-free practices.

    This grain-free cat food offers your Savannah cat a complete and balanced diet with boneless chicken and dehydrated chicken as the first two ingredients. It also includes sweet potatoes, chicken fat, dried, eggs, fruits, veggies, and essential vitamins and minerals.

    The recipe is protein-rich and contains less than 3 percent fiber with a very low glycemic index. Farmina also leaves out any artificial preservatives. Overall, this is a great option for dry cat food and the only complaint is how expensive it is.

    Pros
    • High in animal protein
    • A balanced diet made from whole foods
    • Low glycemic index
    • Regionally sourced and clinically tested
    • Ingredients come from cruelty-free farming practices
    Cons
    • Expensive

    7. Merrick Purrfect Bistro Rabbit Pate

    Merrick Purrfect Bistro Rabbit Pate

    Main ingredients: Deboned Rabbit, Chicken Broth, Deboned Chicken, Chicken Liver, Natural Flavor
    Protein content: 9% min
    Fat content: 4% min
    Calories: 1,118 kcal/kg

    Merrick makes this delicious pate that is worth checking out if you are looking for great quality wet food for your Savannah cat. It features deboned rabbit as the first ingredient, followed by chicken broth, deboned chicken, and chicken liver.

    This is a grain-free pate that contains no artificial preservatives, flavors, or colors. It is rich in moisture to help with hydration and the smooth texture is very appetizing for our feline friends. The added taurine and other essential vitamins and minerals offer your kitty a well-balanced diet that will leave them looking forward to dinner time.

    Many cat lovers feel the quality is worth the price. There was the occasional cat that turned its nose up to the food and refused to eat it all together, which is disappointing considering the price.

    Pros
    • Great for hydration
    • No artificial preservatives, flavors, or colors
    • Deboned rabbit is the first ingredient
    Cons
    • Pricey
    • Did not work for some finicky cats

    8. Made by Nacho Cage-Free Chicken, Duck & Quail Recipe

    Made by Nacho Cage-Free Chicken, Duck & Quail Recipe

    Main ingredients: Chicken, Chicken Meal, Millet, Brown Rice, Dried Eggs
    Protein content: 32% min
    Fat content: 18% min
    Calories: 3915 kcal/kg

    Made by Nacho’s Cage-Free Chicken, Duck, & Quail recipe is a USA-made cat food that gets excellent reviews among cat owners. It offers your cat the nutritional balance they need and is formulated with chicken and chicken meal as the top two ingredients.

    There are also freeze-dried chicken livers, duck meat, bone broth, and quail meat included in the recipe though these ingredients are a little further down the list. This kibble is formulated with essential vitamins and minerals including taurine. It also has a blend of probiotics and prebiotics for healthy digestion and omega fatty acids with DHA for healthy skin and coat.

    Not only is the kibble free of artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives but it is also made without any corn, wheat, or soy. The pieces are larger than that of your average dry cat food and it’s a bit pricey, but cat owners are very pleased with this food choice.

    Pros
    • Contains no artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives
    • Contains omega fatty acids with DHA
    • Chicken is the first ingredient
    • Features probiotics and prebiotics for healthy digestion
    Cons
    • Kibble pieces are large
    • Pricey

    9. Nulo Freestyle Duck & Lentils Recipe

    Nulo Freestyle Duck & Lentils Recipe

    Main ingredients: Deboned Duck, Chicken Meal, Turkey Meal, Deboned Cod, Whole Peas,
    Protein content: 40% min
    Fat content: 17% min
    Calories: 3915 kcal/kg

    Nulo’s Freestyle Duck & Lentils recipe is a grain-free formula crafted without any potatoes or tapioca. It features animal protein as the first four ingredients including deboned duck, chicken meal, turkey meal, and deboned cod.

    This is a great dry food option if you are looking for a low-carbohydrate choice for your Savannah cat that mimics its natural diet. Not only is the recipe rich in protein and essential amino acids but the added vitamin A and taurine support both vision and cardiovascular health.

    Probiotics are included to support digestion and the vitamins C and E are derived from dried chicory root and kelp will help support immunity and overall wellness. Fellow cat owners reported increased energy and noticeably shinier, healthier coats thanks to the balance of omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids.

    As with most cat foods, not all kitties may take well to the formula and may refuse to eat it together. Some did report the kibble size is incredibly small and certain cats were skipping out on chewing because of it.

    Pros
    • The first four ingredients are animal protein sources
    • Supports healthy skin and coat
    • Great for immunity and overall health
    • Contains probiotics for gut health
    Cons
    • Not a favorite among all cats
    • Very small kibble size

    10. Taste of the Wild Rocky Mountain

    Taste of the Wild Rocky Mountain

    Main ingredients: Chicken Meal, Peas, Sweet Potatoes, Chicken Fat (Preserved With Mixed Tocopherols), Pea Protein
    Protein content: 42% min
    Fat content: 18% min
    Calories: 3,745 kcal/kg

    Taste of the Wild’s Rocky Mountain recipe is popular among cat owners because it is more budget-friendly than other competitors but offers a decent quality diet that is nutritionally balanced and rich in protein for your active Savannah cat.

    Roasted venison and smoke-flavored salmon are the two advertised protein sources but are the seventh and eighth ingredients on the list, respectively. The first ingredient in this recipe is chicken meal, which is the dry, rendered product of fresh chicken.

    This grain-free dry food is rich in vitamins and chelated minerals for easy absorption as well as omega fatty acids that will support healthy skin and coat. Taste of the Wild always includes prebiotics and species-specific probiotics in their recipes to support gut health.

    Overall, this food is well-tolerated and enticing for most cats. There were certain complaints that more fussy eaters turned their noses up to the kibble and some less active cats were reported to have gained some weight.

    Pros
    • Rich in protein
    • Contains prebiotics and species-specific probiotics
    • A balanced blend of vitamins, chelated minerals, and omega fatty acids
    • Budget-friendly
    Cons
    • Roasted venison and smoke-flavored salmon are 7th and 8th ingredients
    • May be refused by fussy eaters

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    Buyer’s Guide — Choosing the Best Cat Foods for Savannah Cats

    Cats are considered obligate carnivores, which means they get all their necessary nutrients and most of their hydration directly from meat. Since domesticated cats aren’t on the hunt for wild prey, they require a diet that is rich in protein1 that comes directly from animal sources.

    Since Savannah cats are a hybrid they have closer ties to their wild ancestry than their fully domestic counterparts but they don’t require a specialized diet unless otherwise noted by your veterinarian. Here are some things to consider when you are on the hunt for the perfect food.

    Balanced Nutrition is Key

    Savannah’s may not have any special dietary requirements as a breed, but because they are highly active they must get a lot of protein in their cat food.  Protein is essential for muscle maintenance, energy, skin and coat health, mobility, immunity, and many more bodily functions.

    Not only are foods rich in protein essential, but cat food should contain only moderate amounts of fat and a minimal amount of carbohydrates. Keep this in mind when you start narrowing down your search.

    Consider Your Savannah Cat’s Unique Needs

    Each cat is unique and while you may not have to feed a specialized diet, you will need to consider a few factors when choosing your food.

    Age

    Nutritional requirements will change throughout your cat’s life. As kittens, they will need food that is formulated to meet the requirements for proper growth and development. As adults, cats typically need a diet for maintenance, and in their senior years, they may need food that is tailored to their specific health needs as well as their decrease in activity. 

    Size

    Savannah cats are among the tallest cat breeds and can weigh in upwards of 20 pounds. You will need to purchase food that provides sufficient quantity for its size, especially if you purchase wet food since it comes in different can sizes. Your cat food will come with feeding recommendations and you can always speak to your vet to ensure your cat is getting the right amount per feeding. 

    Health

    There are a variety of health conditions that can affect our beloved feline companions and you may end up needing to find a diet that is tailored to their specific health needs. Your veterinarian will be the one to discuss this with, as diets will vary depending on the specific health issue. 

    Preference

    Cats can be quite finicky and you will learn quickly what they want out of their food. It may be a bit of trial and error at first but eventually, you’ll grow to understand the type, texture, and flavor of foods that suit their fancy. 

    savannah cat on a scratching post
    Image by: AJR_photo, Shutterstock

    Wet Food, Dry Food, or Both?

    There are plenty of different types of cat food on the market. Dry kibble is the most economical and convenient route because it has a longer shelf life, is easy to store, and creates less mess. The downside of dry kibble is that it contains higher amounts of carbohydrates to obtain that texture.

    Canned wet food is also a popular option for cats. It provides the moisture that dry food lacks and is typically rich in protein and lower in carbohydrates. It can have a decent shelf life if left unopened but will need to be used quickly once you open it up. It is messier than dry food and has a stronger aroma, but cats typically prefer wet food to kibble.

    Fresh food is growing more and more popular as pet owners look to give their beloved animals diets that would be fit for human consumption. Fresh food is the most high-quality diet you can offer your cat but it comes at a much higher cost than both kibble and canned food.

    You don’t have to narrow down your choices to just one, either. Many cat owners opt to feed a blend of these varieties both for convenience and health reasons. This will be largely up to you and your cat’s preferences.

    bowl of wet cat food
    Image by: Hekla, Shutterstock

    Grain Free vs. Grain Inclusive

    There is some active debate going on in the dog food world over grain-free versus grain-inclusive diets. It’s important to clear up the confusion and note that this debate does not extend over into the world of cat food.

    Though grain-free dog foods have a potential link with canine heart disease, grain-free diets do not pose a health risk1 to cats.

    As obligate carnivores, a cat’s system is not designed to digest carbohydrates, which is why it is recommended they be fed diets that are low in carbs. They do not necessarily require their foods to be grain-free or grain-inclusive, however, unless otherwise advised by their veterinarian.

    Keep Quality in Mind

    Feeding a high-quality, well-balanced diet is important for your Savannah cat’s overall health and wellness. It’s a good idea to learn how to read the food labels and check over the list of ingredients to make the most well-informed decision for your and your cat.

    The best quality foods will contain real meat from animal protein sources as top ingredients. You want to avoid those unnecessary fillers, by-products, artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives if at all possible.

    Always check to see if the food meets the AAFCO1 nutritional guidelines for your cat’s needs. Also check into each brand’s reputation and the kind of sourcing, quality testing, and safety measures that go into the manufacturing of the food.

    savannah cat looking at something
    Image by: Kolomenskaya Kseniya, Shutterstock

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    In Conclusion

    Smalls Fresh Smooth Bird is a top-notch fresh food option that your Savannah is sure to love. If you want to spend less, Purina Cat Chow Naturals is a good budget option.

    Knowing what the reviews have to say can help you narrow down your choices and make your decision easier. Remember to always reach out to your veterinarian for proper guidance on your individual cat’s dietary needs.


    Featured Image Credit: Kolomenskaya Kseniya, Shutterstock

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