10 Best High Protein Cat Food In 2023

Looking to fuel your feline friend with the best nutrition? Explore our meticulously curated list of the 10 Best High Protein Cat Foods. Understanding the importance of protein in your cat’s diet, we have researched and analyzed various products to find those that meet the highest standards of quality and nutritional balance.

Our list represents a broad spectrum of options, from grain-free choices to those with essential vitamins and minerals. These top-rated high-protein cat foods are designed to support muscle growth, healthy skin, and an active lifestyle for cats of all ages and breeds.

Each product in our top 10 list has been evaluated based on its ingredients, protein content, customer reviews, and overall nutritional value. Whether you are looking for a budget-friendly option or a premium blend, our guide provides insights to help you make the most informed decision for your beloved pet.

Dive into detailed reviews, compare different brands, and discover the optimal choice for your furry family member. Our goal is to simplify the selection process and empower you to provide the best possible diet for your cat. Start browsing now, and take a step towards a healthier, happier feline companion!

Our Best High Protein Cat Food

• Blue Buffalo Wilderness High Protein
• Orijen Cat & Kitten Cat Food
• Wellness CORE Natural
• Taste of the Wild Rocky Mountain
• Hill’s Science Diet Adult Chicken Recipe
• Nutro Wholesome Essentials Indoor Chicken & Brown Rice
• Instinct Original Grain-Free with Real Chicken
• Merrick Purrfect Bistro Grain-Free Chicken Pâté
• Royal Canin Mother & Babycat Cat Food
• Nulo Freestyle Grain-Free Turkey & Chicken Recipe

10 Best High Protein Cat Food 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.

Blue Buffalo Wilderness High Protein Grain-Free

• First 5 Ingredients: Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Pea Protein, Peas, Tapioca Starch
• Key Feature: High Protein (Grain-Free)
• Guaranteed Analysis: Protein 40%, Fat 18%, Fiber 4%, Moisture 9%
• Caloric Content: 447 kcal/cup
• Type of Product: Dry Food
• Life Stage: Adult
• Best for: Active cats

Designed to imitate a wild cat’s diet, Blue Buffalo Wilderness is filled with high-quality protein from real chicken. It includes no grains, artificial preservatives, or colors, providing a natural diet for your adult feline.

This dry cat food mimics the diet of wild cats, featuring deboned chicken as the first ingredient and enriched with healthy vegetables and fruits. It offers an optimal balance of protein, fats, and complex carbohydrates. The recipe avoids grains, artificial preservatives, or colors, ensuring a natural and well-balanced diet for active adult cats. Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids support healthy skin and a shiny coat.

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Orijen Cat & Kitten

• First 5 Ingredients: Deboned Chicken, Deboned Turkey, Eggs, Atlantic Flounder, Whole Mackerel
• Key Feature: Biologically Appropriate
• Guaranteed Analysis: Protein 40%, Fat 20%, Fiber 3%, Moisture 10%
• Caloric Content: 463 kcal/cup
• Type of Product: Dry Food
• Life Stage: All Life Stages
• Best for: Cats & Kittens

Orijen Cat & Kitten food offers a unique combination of proteins that matches the natural dietary requirements of cats. It is free from artificial preservatives and suitable for cats of all ages.

It is designed to nourish cats according to their evolutionary and biological needs. Its rich protein content from diverse sources like deboned chicken, turkey, fish, and eggs promotes lean muscle mass. The formula includes fresh fruits, vegetables, and botanicals that provide antioxidants and other essential nutrients. Being suitable for all life stages, it’s a versatile option that accommodates growth and maintenance needs.

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Wellness CORE Natural Grain-Free

• First 5 Ingredients: Deboned Turkey, Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Whitefish Meal, Herring Meal
• Key Feature: Grain-Free, High Protein
• Guaranteed Analysis: Protein 38%, Fat 18%, Fiber 5%, Moisture 10%
• Caloric Content: 502 kcal/cup
• Type of Product: Dry Food
• Life Stage: Adult
• Best for: Indoor cats

Wellness CORE Natural is tailored to indoor adult cats with a grain-free formula and a mix of premium proteins. It supports overall health with antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals.

This unique grain-free dry cat food is crafted for indoor adult cats. The protein-rich recipe includes turkey and chicken, promoting lean body mass and muscular health. The added whitefish meal and herring meal enhance the flavor, while antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals support immune health. The formula is designed to provide energy and ensure optimal health without unnecessary fillers.

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Taste of the Wild Rocky Mountain

• First 5 Ingredients: Chicken Meal, Peas, Sweet Potatoes, Chicken Fat, Pea Protein
• Key Feature: Grain-Free, Roasted Venison & Smoked Salmon
• Guaranteed Analysis: Protein 42%, Fat 18%, Fiber 3%, Moisture 10%
• Caloric Content: 390 kcal/cup
• Type of Product: Dry Food
• Life Stage: Adult
• Best for: Cats with a taste for wild game

Taste of the Wild Rocky Mountain provides a unique flavor with roasted venison and smoked salmon. It offers complete nutrition without any grains or artificial additives.

This unique dry cat food features roasted venison and smoked salmon, providing a wild taste experience. It offers balanced nutrition with vitamins and chelated minerals to support overall health. Antioxidants from fruits and vegetables, coupled with essential fatty acids, contribute to a shiny coat and robust immune system. It’s grain-free, making it a suitable choice for cats with certain dietary sensitivities.

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Hill’s Science Diet Adult Chicken Recipe

• First 5 Ingredients: Chicken, Wheat Gluten, Chicken Fat, Egg Product, Whole Grain Corn
• Key Feature: Veterinarian Recommended
• Guaranteed Analysis: Protein 31%, Fat 19%, Fiber 3%, Moisture 8%
• Caloric Content: 550 kcal/cup
• Type of Product: Dry Food
• Life Stage: Adult
• Best for: Overall health and weight management

Hill’s Science Diet offers scientifically-formulated nutrition for adult cats. It helps maintain lean muscles and is often recommended by veterinarians.

Scientifically formulated, Hill’s Science Diet Adult Chicken Recipe offers an optimal blend of high-quality proteins and natural ingredients, enhanced with vitamins, minerals, and amino acids. Recommended by veterinarians, it’s designed to support lean muscles, healthy organs, and the overall well-being of adult cats. The formula is also crafted to maintain a healthy weight, providing balanced nutrition without unnecessary calories.

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Nutro Wholesome Essentials Indoor Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe

• First 5 Ingredients: Chicken, Chicken Meal, Pea Protein, Whole Brown Rice, Chicken Fat
• Key Feature: Non-GMO Ingredients
• 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

Nutro Wholesome Essentials offers a balanced diet with real chicken and non-GMO ingredients. It’s tailored for indoor cats and supports a healthy weight.

It offers a combination of real chicken and brown rice, tailored for indoor cats. The formula promotes healthy digestion with natural fiber and provides essential antioxidants for immune support. Non-GMO ingredients and no artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives make it a wholesome choice. It’s specially formulated to maintain a healthy weight and metabolism in indoor cats.

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Instinct Original Grain-Free with Real Chicken

• First 5 Ingredients: Chicken, Chicken Meal, Turkey Meal, Menhaden Fish Meal, Peas
• Key Feature: Raw Coated Kibble
• Guaranteed Analysis: Protein 43%, Fat 19.5%, Fiber 3%, Moisture 9%
• Caloric Content: 499 kcal/cup
• Type of Product: Dry Food
• Life Stage: Adult
• Best for: Cats requiring a high-protein diet

Instinct Original offers raw-coated kibble, providing a blend of real animal ingredients and natural oils. It’s grain-free and supports the overall well-being of adult cats.

It blends high-quality animal protein sources, including chicken, turkey, and fish meal. The kibble is raw-coated to preserve natural nutrition and flavor. Omega fatty acids promote skin and coat health, while natural prebiotics aid in digestion. Free from grain, potato, corn, wheat, soy, by-product meal, artificial colors, or preservatives, it’s designed to nourish adult cats in line with their instinctual needs.

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Merrick Purrfect Bistro Grain-Free Chicken Pâté

• First 5 Ingredients: Deboned Chicken, Chicken Broth, Chicken Liver, Natural Flavor, Dried Egg Product
• Key Feature: Grain-Free Pâté
• Guaranteed Analysis: Protein 10%, Fat 5%, Fiber 1%, Moisture 78%
• Caloric Content: 170 kcal/5.5 oz can
• Type of Product: Wet Food
• Life Stage: Adult
• Best for: Cats preferring wet food

Merrick Purrfect Bistro offers a grain-free pâté with real chicken. It’s suitable for adult cats that enjoy wet food, providing essential vitamins and minerals.

It offers a delectable pâté texture that many cats adore. The grain-free recipe includes deboned chicken as the primary ingredient, providing necessary proteins and amino acids. Essential vitamins, minerals, and taurine ensure a complete and balanced diet. Without artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives, it’s an excellent wet food option for adult cats with discerning tastes.

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Royal Canin Mother & Babycat

• First 5 Ingredients: Chicken By-Product Meal, Chicken Fat, Brewers Rice, Corn Gluten Meal, Wheat Gluten
• Key Feature: Designed for Kittens and Nursing Mothers
• Guaranteed Analysis: Protein 34%, Fat 23%, Fiber 3.6%, Moisture 8%
• Caloric Content: 369 kcal/cup
• Type of Product: Dry Food
• Life Stage: Kitten, Nursing Mothers
• Best for: Growing Kittens and Nursing Mothers

Royal Canin’s Mother & Babycat is designed for the unique nutritional needs of young kittens and nursing mothers. It aids in the transition from milk to solid food and supports healthy growth.

Specially formulated for kittens and nursing mothers, Royal Canin Mother & Babycat provides a nutritional bridge from nursing to solid food. The small kibble is easily rehydratable, making it suitable for young kittens’ jaws. Enriched with DHA, it supports brain development, while antioxidants and vitamins contribute to building a strong immune system. It’s a nutritionally complete option for the early stages of a cat’s life.

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Nulo Freestyle Grain-Free Turkey & Chicken Recipe

• First 5 Ingredients: Deboned Turkey, Turkey Meal, Chicken Meal, Chickpeas, Chicken Fat
• Key Feature: Grain-Free, High Meat/Protein
• Guaranteed Analysis: Protein 40%, Fat 20%, Fiber 4%, Moisture 10%
• Caloric Content: 535 kcal/cup
• Type of Product: Dry Food
• Life Stage: Adult
• Best for: Cats with food sensitivities

Nulo Freestyle offers a grain-free recipe with a high meat content. It includes probiotics to support digestion, making it a suitable choice for cats with food sensitivities.

This grain-free dry food is made with real turkey and chicken. It’s crafted to provide a high level of animal-based protein, promoting lean muscles and overall well-being. With a proprietary probiotic blend, it assists in digestion, making it an ideal choice for cats with sensitivities to common pet food ingredients. Nourishing omega fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals enhance skin and coat health.

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