10 Best Cat Food With Grains In 2023

cat food with grains

Welcome to our detailed guide on the 10 Best With Grain Cat Foods – a comprehensive look at the top choices for feline friends who thrive on grain-inclusive diets. Recognizing that every cat’s nutritional needs are unique, we’ve researched and compiled a list of the top-rated cat foods that include wholesome grains.

In this guide, we focus on products that combine the essential nutrients your cat needs, with the benefits of grains like rice, barley, and oats. These grains can provide energy, fiber, and essential nutrients, forming a balanced part of some cats’ diets.

Whether you’re a cat owner interested in the potential health benefits of grains or looking for a diet that meets specific needs, our list has options to suit various preferences and budgets. We cover everything from premium gourmet choices to budget-friendly picks, all thoroughly evaluated for quality, taste, and nutritional balance.

Each of our top 10 selections is reviewed with an emphasis on ingredient transparency, brand reputation, customer satisfaction, and veterinary recommendations. You’ll find insightful descriptions, pros and cons, and direct links to where you can purchase these products.

Join us in exploring these top-rated with grain cat foods, and discover the perfect meal for your beloved feline companion. Whether it’s a lifelong dietary preference or a special requirement, our guide aims to help you make the best feeding decision for your cat, with nutrition and love at the core.

Our Best Cat Food With Grains

10 Best Cat Food With Grains Reviewed

Every cat food mentioned on this list adheres to the AAFCO nutrient criteria for cats. Before altering your cat’s food intake, always seek advice from your vet.

Hill’s Science Diet Adult Indoor Cat Food

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  • First 5 Ingredients: Chicken, Whole Grain Wheat, Corn Gluten Meal, Pork Fat, Powdered Cellulose
  • Key Feature: With grain
  • Guaranteed Analysis: Protein 29.5%, Fat 16%, Fiber 4%, Moisture 8%
  • Caloric Content: 327 kcal/cup
  • Type of Product: Dry Food
  • Life Stage: Adult
  • Best For: Indoor Cats

A balanced diet designed specifically for indoor adult cats, containing high-quality chicken and whole grain to support healthy digestion and overall wellness.

Designed specifically for indoor adult cats, Hill’s Science Diet Adult Indoor Cat Food offers a balanced nutritional profile that supports a healthy weight, lean muscles, and digestion. The chicken content ensures ample protein, while whole grain wheat and corn gluten meal contribute to energy and fiber. The formula also contains vital vitamins and minerals to bolster overall health. The addition of Omega-6 fatty acids and Vitamin E promotes a shiny coat and healthy skin.


Purina Pro Plan Adult Hairball Management

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  • First 5 Ingredients: Chicken, Corn Gluten Meal, Brewers Rice, Poultry By-Product Meal, Soy Protein Isolate
  • Key Feature: With grain
  • Guaranteed Analysis: Protein 40%, Fat 16%, Fiber 5.5%, Moisture 12%
  • Caloric Content: 406 kcal/cup
  • Type of Product: Dry Food
  • Life Stage: Adult
  • Best For: Hairball Control

This diet helps control hairballs and supports a healthy coat with a unique blend of fibers.

This formula by Purina is crafted to deal with common hairball issues in cats, offering a unique blend of fibers that help to reduce hairball formation. The high protein content from real chicken ensures strong muscles, while the specially crafted fiber content assists in passing hair through the digestive system smoothly. The addition of omega fatty acids supports skin and coat health, and the precise blend of vitamins and minerals promotes overall well-being.


Royal Canin Feline Health Nutrition Kitten

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  • First 5 Ingredients: Chicken By-Product Meal, Brewers Rice, Chicken Fat, Corn, Wheat Gluten
  • Key Feature: With grain
  • Guaranteed Analysis: Protein 34%, Fat 16%, Fiber 3.4%, Moisture 8%
  • Caloric Content: 369 kcal/cup
  • Type of Product: Dry Food
  • Life Stage: Kitten
  • Best For: Growth and Development

Specifically formulated for kittens, this food offers a balanced blend of nutrients necessary for growth and development.

Tailored to meet the unique nutritional needs of growing kittens, this Royal Canin formula offers an excellent foundation for healthy development. The protein-rich chicken ingredients support the growth of strong muscles, while grains like brewers rice provide essential energy. The addition of DHA promotes brain development, and antioxidants boost the immune system. The small kibble size is perfect for a kitten’s tiny mouth.


Iams ProActive Health Indoor Weight & Hairball Care

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  • First 5 Ingredients: Chicken, Chicken By-Product Meal, Corn Grits, Corn Gluten Meal, Ground Whole Grain Corn
  • Key Feature: With grain
  • Guaranteed Analysis: Protein 30%, Fat 11.5%, Fiber 8.3%, Moisture 10%
  • Caloric Content: 333 kcal/cup
  • Type of Product: Dry Food
  • Life Stage: Senior
  • Best For: Weight Management

Designed for senior indoor cats, this formula helps control weight and reduces hairballs.

Ideal for senior cats, this Iams product focuses on weight control and hairball management. The recipe’s protein source from real chicken helps maintain lean muscles, while a blend of fibers aids in reducing hairballs. The controlled fat and carbohydrate content assists with weight management, while essential vitamins and minerals support overall health. Additionally, the formula promotes joint health and healthy skin and coat.


Nutro Wholesome Essentials Indoor Adult Cat Food

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  • First 5 Ingredients: Chicken, Chicken Meal, Whole Brown Rice, Brewers Rice, Pea Protein
  • Key Feature: With grain
  • Guaranteed Analysis: Protein 33%, Fat 14%, Fiber 7%, Moisture 10%
  • Caloric Content: 373 kcal/cup
  • Type of Product: Dry Food
  • Life Stage: Adult
  • Best For: Indoor Cats

A wholesome recipe that promotes healthy digestion and helps maintain an ideal weight for indoor cats.

This Nutro Wholesome Essentials formula is crafted to support the health of indoor adult cats. High-quality chicken and whole brown rice deliver protein and energy, while a mix of vitamins, minerals, and other natural ingredients support overall well-being. The addition of Omega-6 fatty acids contributes to a lustrous coat, and natural fibers aid in healthy digestion. The absence of artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives adds to its appeal.


Blue Buffalo Healthy Growth Kitten Chicken & Brown Rice

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  • First 5 Ingredients: Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Whole Ground Brown Rice, Whole Ground Barley, Oatmeal
  • Key Feature: With grain
  • Guaranteed Analysis: Protein 36%, Fat 20%, Fiber 3.5%, Moisture 9%
  • Caloric Content: 415 kcal/cup
  • Type of Product: Dry Food
  • Life Stage: Kitten
  • Best For: Growth and Development

Provides kittens with essential proteins and carbohydrates to support healthy growth.

This Blue Buffalo formula is designed for kittens, providing all the essential nutrients to support growth and development. Real deboned chicken ensures adequate protein intake for muscle development, while grains like whole ground brown rice and barley provide energy. DHA helps cognitive development, and antioxidants like vitamins C and E strengthen the immune system. The recipe is also free from poultry by-product meals, corn, wheat, soy, and artificial ingredients.


Merrick Purrfect Bistro Healthy Adult Salmon Recipe

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  • First 5 Ingredients: Deboned Salmon, Turkey Meal, Brown Rice, Peas, Oatmeal
  • Key Feature: With grain
  • Guaranteed Analysis: Protein 36%, Fat 14%, Fiber 4%, Moisture 11%
  • Caloric Content: 350 kcal/cup
  • Type of Product: Dry Food
  • Life Stage: Adult
  • Best For: Overall Health

A protein-rich formula with real salmon, supporting adult cat health and vitality.

Targeting overall health, Merrick Purrfect Bistro’s salmon recipe provides a protein-rich diet with real deboned salmon as the primary ingredient. The addition of brown rice and oatmeal ensures sustained energy levels. Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids contribute to healthy skin and a shiny coat, while added vitamins and minerals boost overall health. The absence of artificial preservatives, colors, and flavors enhances the appeal.


Wellness Complete Health Cat Food

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  • First 5 Ingredients: Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Rice, Barley, Oats
  • Key Feature: With grain
  • Guaranteed Analysis: Protein 28%, Fat 12%, Fiber 5%, Moisture 10%
  • Caloric Content: 414 kcal/cup
  • Type of Product: Dry Food
  • Life Stage: Senior
  • Best For: Senior Health

Supports healthy weight and overall well-being in senior cats, with a balanced nutrient profile.

This Wellness Complete Health formula for senior cats emphasizes healthy weight maintenance and overall well-being. Real deboned chicken provides a quality protein source, while grains like barley and oats offer digestible energy. Glucosamine and chondroitin support joint health, and the balanced blend of vitamins, minerals, and taurine ensure overall vitality. The product is free from meat by-products, fillers, or artificial preservatives.


Natural Balance L.I.D. Limited Ingredient Diets Green Pea & Chicken

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  • First 5 Ingredients: Green Peas, Chicken Meal, Chicken, Chicken Fat, Pea Protein
  • Key Feature: With grain
  • Guaranteed Analysis: Protein 30%, Fat 12%, Fiber 4%, Moisture 10%
  • Caloric Content: 350 kcal/cup
  • Type of Product: Dry Food
  • Life Stage: Adult
  • Best For: Allergy Care

A simple formula designed for cats with sensitivities or allergies, featuring limited ingredients.

For cats with sensitivities or allergies, Natural Balance L.I.D. offers a simple and effective solution. With limited ingredients, this formula minimizes potential allergens, focusing on green peas and chicken meal as primary ingredients. The addition of essential vitamins and minerals supports overall health without unnecessary fillers or additives. The carefully crafted recipe ensures a balanced diet without compromising on flavor or nutrition.


Rachael Ray Nutrish Natural Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe

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  • First 5 Ingredients: Chicken, Chicken Meal, Corn Gluten Meal, Ground Rice, Brown Rice
  • Key Feature: With grain
  • Guaranteed Analysis: Protein 34%, Fat 14%, Fiber 4%, Moisture 9%
  • Caloric Content: 359 kcal/cup
  • Type of Product: Dry Food
  • Life Stage: Adult
  • Best For: Natural Ingredients

Offers real chicken as the #1 ingredient and simple, natural ingredients for overall adult cat wellness.

This natural recipe from Rachael Ray Nutrish places real chicken at the forefront, providing essential proteins for strong muscles. Brown rice, along with other whole grains, supports healthy digestion and sustained energy. Natural prebiotics help maintain a balanced digestive system, while added vitamins and minerals ensure comprehensive nutritional support. Free from poultry by-products and artificial additives, this formula offers a wholesome approach to daily feline nutrition.


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)

Is food with grain good for cats?

Cats are obligate carnivores and their natural diet consists of meat. While small amounts of grain in cat food may not be harmful, it is generally recommended to choose grain-free cat food that primarily contains high-quality animal protein.

What is the best grain for cats?

The best grain for cats is no grain. Cats are obligate carnivores and their digestive systems are not designed to efficiently process grains. It is recommended to feed them a grain-free diet that consists primarily of high-quality animal protein.

What are the top 5 healthiest cat foods?

1. Orijen Cat and Kitten Grain-Free Dry Cat Food
2. Wellness CORE Grain-Free Indoor Formula Dry Cat Food
3. Blue Buffalo Wilderness High Protein Dry Cat Food
4. Instinct Original Grain-Free Recipe Natural Dry Cat Food
5. Taste of the Wild Rocky Mountain Grain-Free Dry Cat Food