9 Best Eco-Friendly Cat Foods – 2024 Reviews & Top Picks

If you’re here looking for eco-friendly cat food for your cat, you already understand the difficulties surrounding your search. Cats are not happy-go-lucky like many dogs. They are picky creatures who won’t eat just anything. They are also obligate carnivores, which means meat is their primary need and what they use to get most of their nutrition. While you may think that’s cool, and it is, it also makes your search for the right cat food harder.

Trying to give your cat the protein they need, while staying true to your attempts to remain ethical and eco-friendly is difficult. Luckily, we feel your pain. Here’s a look at our picks and reviews for the best eco-friendly cat foods this year. Perhaps one of these foods will not only please your pampered puss but also help you achieve your goal of remaining true to your moral compass.

A Quick Comparison of the Winners in 2024

The 9 Best Eco-Friendly Cat Foods

1. Tender & True Organic Chicken & Liver Cat Food – Best Overall

Our choice for the best overall eco-friendly cat food of this year is Tender & True’s Organic Chicken & Liver Recipe. This dry kibble is made from USDA-certified organic chicken that is locally sourced from US farms. The chicken used is GAP Certified Step 3 which means it’s humanely sourced and ideal for your cat. You’ll also find other great ingredients like added vitamins, minerals, and trace nutrients. The guaranteed analysis for this affordable cat food is Crude Protein 30%, Crude Fat 18%, Crude Fiber 6.5%, and Moisture 10%.

Cats are known to be picky eaters. If you have an eater like that, you may find that they aren’t a fan of this kibble. This isn’t a reflection on the food, as many cats simply love it. Give it a try and see what your cat thinks.

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2. Halo Whitefish Recipe Pate Canned Cat Food – Best Value

Our choice for the best eco-friendly cat food for the money is Halo Whitefish Recipe Pate Grain-Free Canned Cat Food. While many of the dry kibble foods on this list are pricier, this Halo recipe is not only affordable but also provides cats with the nutrition they need. Using only whole meat and non-GMO produce, this food contains less fat and fewer calories. This makes it ideal for weight management. The guaranteed analysis of this food is Crude Protein 11%, Crude Fat 6%, Crude Fiber 0.75%, and Moisture 78%.

The only problem we found with this cat food is the texture. It’s a pate, which means it is thicker than some canned cat foods. If your cat is not a fan of pate, consider choosing one of Halo’s other formulas to provide them with something they will enjoy.

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3. Smalls Human-Grade Fresh Cat Food Subscription – Premium Choice

Just like their bigger, wildlife ancestors, cats are carnivores. This means that they need meat in their diet. This not only helps with their heart and vision but also a healthy reproductive system. So, everything from chicken to beef turkey, and fish, they’ll pretty much love. If you’re a cat parent who’s looking for an eco-friendly option, you should consider Smalls pet food.

Smalls is a great option for eco-conscious pet owners. They offer a range of high-quality, human-grade cat food that is free from artificial additives, fillers, and preservatives. Their recipes are all-natural, grain-free, and made with fresh, sustainable ingredients.

Plus, they guarantee that their food is free from antibiotics, hormones, and by-products. What’s more, Smalls is dedicated to sustainability. Their food is cooked in small batches, and their packaging is made with recycled materials and is 100% recyclable. So, when you choose Smalls, you know you’re feeding your pet the best, while also doing your part for the environment.

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4. Halo Holistic Chicken & Liver Recipe Kitten Food – Best for Kittens

Halo Holistic Chicken & Liver Recipe Kitten Food is ideal for pet parents who want to give their new kitten the best while remaining eco-friendly. The cans are recyclable, the ingredients are USDA-approved and organic, and traceability is possible. This kitten formula has no meat meal inside. It only uses whole meat and free-range chicken. You’ll also find added DHA to promote healthy brain development in young kittens. The guaranteed analysis for this cat food is Crude Protein 33%, Crude Fat 19%, Crude Fiber 5%, Moisture 10%, and Ash 8%.

The only true issue we’ve found with this cat food is that for some kittens, soft stools may be possible when eating it. Also, some customers have reported that their kittens weren’t fond of the taste, but upon switching to other flavors offered by the company they preferred those instead.

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5. Open Farm Wild-Caught Salmon Recipe Cat Food

Open Farm is dedicated to providing pet owners with the opportunity to know everything about the ingredients in their cat’s food. Each bag of Open Farm Wild-Caught Salmon Recipe features a lot number on the bag so you can trace the ingredients you’re feeding your feline. All protein, fruits, and vegetables come farm to bowl. Besides the high protein of fresh salmon, this recipe also includes cranberries to help fight UTIs in cats. The guaranteed analysis of this cat food is Crude Protein 37%, Crude Fat 18%, Crude Fiber 3%, and Moisture 10%.

The biggest downside to Open Farm Wild-Caught Salmon Recipe is the price. While it’s ethically sourced and great for kitties with allergies, the cost per pound is quite high. We’ve included the Amazon link here, but you may find yourself lucky to find this food at a local store at a far better price.

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6. Castor & Pollux Organix Organic Dry Food

Castor & Pollux Organix Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe is crafted in USDA-approved kitchens using only organic ingredients. While chicken is the main ingredient, you’ll also be pleased to know that healthy grains are added to help promote proper digestion and provide cats with a balanced meal. Other benefits include superfoods like coconut oil and cranberries to promote well-being. This cat food is completely non-GMO and uses no chemicals, preservatives, or growth hormones. The guaranteed analysis of this cat food is Crude Protein 32%, Crude Fat 14%, Crude Fiber 3.5%, and Moisture 11%.

The only issue we can find with this cat food, besides the pricing, has to do with the cat itself. Some picky eaters aren’t exactly thrilled with this formula. Before purchasing a sizable bag, you may want to go with a smaller bag and see if your cat enjoys it.

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7. Acana Indoor Entrée Cat Food

The protein and resources used in Acana Indoor Entrée Cat Food are guaranteed to be thoughtfully sourced and great for your kitty. Their protein-rich recipes are crafted in award-winning, USA kitchens with grass-fed animals and freshwater fish. You’ll also find that none of the ingredients inside their cat food contains artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives. This recipe simply provides your cat with the high-protein and balanced nutrition you hope for. The guaranteed analysis for Arcana Indoor Entrée is Crude Protein 36%, Crude Fat 14%, Crude Fiber 6%, and Moisture 10%.

One of the most important things to remember about this cat food is the protein sources inside. Chicken, herring, and rabbit are the main sources. For cats with allergies, you should be aware of what’s included. You’ll also notice this cat food is quite expensive considering the size of the bags. It may not be the best option for pet owners on a tight budget.

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8. Orijen Original Cat Fresh & Raw Cat Food

Orijen Original Cat Fresh & Raw Cat Food utilizes a wholeprey philosophy. For those unfamiliar, this means all parts of the animal used in making this cat food are utilized. This includes the meat, cartilage, and bone from free-range chicken and turkey, wild-caught fish, and cage-free eggs. This provides cats with a high-protein food that is designed to accommodate their needs as obligate carnivores. The guaranteed analysis for this cat food is Crude Protein 40%, Crude Fat 20%, Crude Fiber 3%, and Moisture 10%.

The only issues we’ve seen with the Orijen Fresh & Raw Cat Food are the calorie content and what your kitty leaves behind in the litter box. Unfortunately, due to this being a high-protein kibble, your kitty’s stool is going to smell a bit different. If you can’t handle the odor, you may want to consider another food. You also need to tread carefully if your cat is on the verge of being overweight. Cats have been known to pack on pounds thanks to this food, so be prepared.

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9. Ziwi Peak New Zealand Lamb Recipe Cat Food

This moisture-rich cat food from Ziwi Peak New Zealand Lamb Recipe features lamb that has been grass-fed and ethically raised in New Zealand. Ziwi prides itself on avoiding unwanted fillers and additional carbs in its cat foods. This helps control weight and keep your cat healthy. Every can of this cat food will feature meat, meat organs, bone, and a superfood blend to provide your cat with an extra nutritional boost. The guaranteed analysis of this cat food is Crude Protein 9.5%, Crude Fat 6.0%, Crude Fiber 2.0%, Moisture 78%, and Ash 3.0%.

While this food is advertised for all ages, some customers have reported issues when it comes to feeding this food to small kittens. At times, the bone shards inside can be somewhat sizable. You may also notice a distinct odor, most likely from the naturally sourced ingredients, that some cats may not enjoy.

Buyer’s Guide: Picking the Best Eco-Friendly Cat Food

Now that you’ve seen our 8 picks for the best eco-friendly cat foods of this year, it is time for the hard part. Helping you decide which one is best suited for you and your cat. This is where our handy buyer’s guide comes into play. Here, we’ll help you better understand what you should keep in mind when shopping for cat food so you can provide your kitty with tasty options you’ll be proud you purchased.

Price

While the foods on our list will fit in with your need for eco-friendly options, we understand that not every home has the same budget. It may not be something any of us want to face, but the price is a consideration when it comes to your cat’s food. Sure, we all want the very best. The trick is finding the best and staying within budget. You may instantly feel that every food on our best of this year’s list is more expensive, and when compared to your everyday store-bought kibble and canned food, it most likely is, but there’s a reason for the price. The cat foods we’ve chosen use sustainable ingredients. Some even allow you to track where each ingredient came from. Please keep this in mind when determining the right cat food for your kitty.

Ingredients

The ingredients inside eco-friendly cat food are important. You want the best for your cat while ensuring the things inside aren’t damaging the world around us. Here, we’ll take a look at a few things to keep in mind when reading the ingredients on the label.

Certified Organic or Humane

When choosing eco-friendly cat food, looking for these words is important. Certified organic foods aren’t as processed and include no unwanted hormones. They also take factors such as sustainable growing methods and soil quality into consideration.

Certified humane takes things a bit further. Not only do they look at the certified organic requirements, but they also ensure a quality of life for the animals that are raised or caught when making the foods. This includes free-range chickens, and turkey or wild-caught fish. You should find visible certifications on your pet’s foods. Make sure to look and ensure you’re buying the right brands.

Locally Sourced

Another great way to stay eco-friendly when buying cat food is to look for the word locally sourced. Finding this on a pet food label lets you know that local farmers and meat providers are providing your pet with the best foods possible. It also lowers the carbon miles used for transporting ingredients which is better for the planet.

Packaging

The packaging in the pet food world is quite harsh on the planet. Most companies don’t use recyclable materials. However, it is possible to find some out there who have advanced to this option. Keep your eyes open for them and use them whenever possible.

While providing our feline companions with high-quality food is paramount, selecting the right food and water bowl is equally important. The modern yet practical design of our Hepper NomNom Cat Bowl combines cat-catered features, like whisker-friendly shallow dishes and slight elevation, with a contemporary style aimed at protecting your floors from messy eating and drinking. The NomNom is entirely dishwasher safe and was thoughtfully created with your cat’s health and well-being in mind. 

Conclusion

If you’re looking for eco-friendly cat food these reviews will help. Our top choice, True & Tender’s Organic Chicken & Liver not only uses eco-friendly ingredients but cats love it. For those on a budget, the Halo Whitefish canned cat food is both affordable and sustainably caught to help the environment. Our premium choice goes to Smalls Human-Grade Fresh Cat Food for its fresh and all-natural ingredient list. No matter which food you choose from this list, you and your cat will be happy with your decision.

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Featured Image Credit: Skrypnykov Dmytro, Shutterstock