As cat parents, we want the very best for our kitties. Whether it’s the latest toys, the comfiest of beds, or the healthiest foods. You might have also found yourself wondering what exactly makes cat food healthy?
You’re not alone in asking this, and enhanced awareness of pet health is set to increase the organic pet food market by 10% by 2021. That’s huge! Natural is always best, and organic cat food is as natural as it can possibly be.
But with so many cat foods about which ones are really all that? And which ones are actually organic? Fear not feline lover, we have spent hundreds of hours scouring the market for the very best organic cat foods around just so you don’t have to.
We also know that not every cat is the same, and neither are owner’s preferences or purse strings. We have chosen a wide selection so there is something here for everyone, and every kitty. So, let’s get started.
A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites (Updated in 2023)
Drumroll, please! Here we have our top pick. Castor & Pollux are America’s leading organic brand, so you know your kitty is in good hands here. This chicken and chicken liver pate is rated highly by picky kitties. The first ingredient is organic chicken, which fuels her muscles and provides her with energy. This formula is rich in omega fatty acids such as flaxseed and salmon oil for a lustrous coat and overall health.
It supports those kitties with urinary issues thanks to the extra hydration from real broth, as well as fiber for hairball control. This organic cat food option is also available in a grain inclusive option, compared to many brands that just offer grain-free products. Being America’s leading organic brand, nutritious ingredients and options for different kitties is the reason why this product is our number one pick.
This product is the best organic cat food for the money. Not only does it carry the USDA label, but it is also priced well for the budget- conscious owners out there. The first two ingredients are organic chicken and organic chicken meal, so it is packed with protein for lean muscles and her fussy feline taste buds. It is also fortified with vitamins and minerals to keep her immunity strong as well as feeling good.
The only thing that we do not like about this product is that pea flour and potato flour are found within the first 10 ingredients. Some nutritionists see these as cheap fillers, but they still have some nutritional value, so they are not completely wasted. It is highly rated by other cat owners so it is good enough for our list.
Chicken, chicken broth, and chicken liver are the first three ingredients in this premium canned cat food. Rich with taste and nutrients for her overall health, it comes with a high 10% protein content. This is a limited ingredient product that lists no fillers, just vitamins and minerals needed for her overall health. Taurine is listed, so you can be sure that her cardiac and vision health is covered.
The only reason that this product didn’t make it into our top two was because the pricing point is not in everyone’s budget, and a small handful of reviewers stated that their super picky kitties wouldn’t eat it. This premium product is rated highly by most, so we think most of our readers will love it. It is also a Kosher product that is certified and endorsed by the Chicago Rabbinicial Council as a suitable product for your cat to enjoy during Passover.
So, when it comes to premium options, we think this is the best organic cat food on the market.
This is another product from the Castor & Pollux brand which we, and many felines across America, love. Organic chicken and chicken meal are the first two listed ingredients which provide a protein content of 32%. High-quality protein is always the priority in any feline’s diet. It lists organic cranberries, which are high in antioxidants, and they are also known to be beneficial for kitties with urinary tract issues.
Sweet potatoes and chickpeas are easy-to-digest fibers that are full of energy. Sunflower seeds, flaxseed, and salmon oil are great sources of omega fatty acids that are fantastic for her skin and fur. The only real concern that we have about this best natural cat food product is the inclusion of pea protein, meaning that this could be responsible for the high protein content. But peas are a great source of nutrients and fiber. This option also comes in a big 10-pound. bag which is useful for multi-kitty households.
Organic chicken and chicken meals are the first two ingredients. The protein content in this dried kibble is 30%, which is still very high by most cat food standards. The chicken is certified as being humanely raised by the Global Animal Partnership, which is great for our ethically conscious readers out there. It provides a balanced diet for all life stages and offers a variety of vitamins and minerals for strong immunity and bone health.
The only downside that we can see with this product is that filler ingredients are recorded high-up on the ingredients list. But again, these ingredients are not entirely void of nutrition so she will reap some benefits from them.
This is another Tender & True product, and it starts with lean organic turkey. Organic chicken liver and chicken heart are also listed further down, which are rich in nutrients, omega fatty acids, and meaty taste. Sunflower oil and salmon oil also contribute towards her omega needs, which is important for cognitive and eye function. It will also nourish her skin and coat.
Pea flour and dried peas are listed, which leads us to believe the protein content is not entirely based on meat, but thankfully, they are full of fiber, which some kitties need. This recipe offers a balanced diet that is fortified with vitamins, minerals, and other trace nutrients that she will need to stay healthy.
Pros
USDA organic label
High in omega fats
Cons
Lower protein content
Mixed reviews
7. Wysong Uretic with Organic Chicken Canned Cat Food
This product only lists two organic ingredients, which are organic chicken and organic barley grass powder. These two ingredients combined means that this canned food is between 70% and 95% organic, but not enough to warrant the USDA organic label.
That aside, it is a grain inclusive option made with brown rice, and some kitties do much better on a grain-inclusive diet. So, if this is your kitty, this product could be the best option for you. Blueberries and cranberries are antioxidants that are great for her oxidative state and healthy immunity. These ingredients are also known to be beneficial for kitties who suffer with uretic problems, and reviewers commented how this diet is the only thing that keeps stones and crystals at bay. Dried kelp is a great ingredient for strong bones and teeth, too.
Pros
Grain inclusive
Great for kitties with uretic concerns
Cons
Doesn’t carry USDA organic label
Strong smell
8. Farmina Natural & Delicious Low-Grain Formula Dry Cat Food
This recipe is only made with 20% organic spelt and organic oats, meaning it finds itself in the lowest defined organic group. It is free of genetically-modified ingredients, which is reassuring for those who like to feed their kitties natural ingredients only. It is also packed with safe antioxidants such as pomegranate, spinach, orange, and blueberries to keep her body healthy.
This holistic cat food brand is very high in protein, which is important for her muscle maintenance needs, as well as being a great option for fussy cats who crave big meaty flavor. Chicken and herring are the main protein sources, offering a variety of lean meat and oily fish which is full of omega fatty acids. Being so high in protein means it can be too rich for cats with sensitive stomachs.
Pros
High protein content
Rich in exotic superfoods
Cons
Doesn’t carry USDA organic label
High price point
Could be too rich for cats with sensitive stomachs
Buyer’s Guide: Selecting the Best Organic Cat Foods
Nutrition is the easiest way to keep your kitty healthy, so there are a lot of things that you need to think about when picking the best food for her. Especially when it comes to the world of organic produce and whether it is worth all the hype. Here in this section, we are going to run you through exactly what organic cat food is and all the things you need to consider before making your decision on the best organic cat food brand for your kitty.
What is Organic Cat Food?
Firstly, you must understand exactly what makes cat food organic. There is a big difference between natural and organic pet food, and this is something that confuses many pet owners out there. So, let’s clear it up…
The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) define natural ingredients as those derived solely from plant, animal or mined sources that are not produced by or subject to chemically synthetic processes. It is also not to contain any additives or processing aids.
Then there is organic food. The USDA’s National Organic Program describe organic food as being grown on land that has been free of pesticides for at least three years. Organic meat derives from livestock that grazed on organic land or feed that have not received any antibiotics or growth hormones. All livestock must have access to the outdoors.
To make it a bit more confusing there are 4 types of organic pet food, so you will need to decide which type, or level, suits you and your needs best:
• 100% Organic – everything on the ingredients list is organic
• Organic – 95% or more of the ingredients are organic
• Made with Organic – 70% to 95% of the ingredients are organic
• Organic Ingredients – no specific % is certified organic
We suggest that if feeding organic food to your kitty is important to you or her diet, you should ideally look for foods that state they are organic (at least 95% of ingredients are organic), or 100% organic. If this is important to you, always look for the USDA organic label, as labels and packaging can sometimes be very misleading.
Why Should I Feed my Cat Organic Food?
There is no scientific research to suggest that feeding your cat organic food is beneficial or required. Equally, there is no evidence to suggest that it is harmful in any way, so it is usually down to personal preference and budget. There are many owners out there that strongly believe organic food is best for them, so therefore, it is best for their cat.
Some cats, like many humans, have super-sensitive stomachs, and artificial preservatives or ingredients that have come into contact with pesticides can irritate their digestive system. So, vets will often suggest an organic diet to avoid irritations for these kitties.
Things to Consider
When choosing food for your fabulous feline there are a variety of things that you need to consider. This is particularly true for organic food.
Availability – After hours and hours spent researching, it is clear that there aren’t a lot of organic products available. Many claim to be organic, but do not carry the USDA seal. So, you need to think about how easy it is to get hold of the product. If you have to wait weeks for delivery each time you run out, it may not be the best option for you (unless you are Drill Sergeant organized).
Your Budget – Organic food is much harder to produce, and with that comes a higher price tag. It is important to think about the long-term cost of feeding your cat organic food. You cannot just switch foods every month dependent on which products are discounted at the time.
Life Stage – Some cat foods are suitable for all life stages and some are not. If you have a kitten or a senior, you need to ensure that the packaging states it is suitable for them. If you are in any doubt, ask your vet who can offer you tailored advice.
Allergies – Just because something is organic does not mean it is the best food for your cat. Always read the ingredient label and ensure that there is nothing listed that your cat is allergic to.
Picky Eaters – Some kitties are known to be picky eaters or can become bored very easily with the same flavors over and over. If this sounds like your cat, it is sometimes a good idea to choose a product that offers a variety of flavors so that you can rotate them to keep her interested.
Hopefully you now know everything you need to about the sometimes-confusing world of organic cat food. And whether it is the right way to go for you and your kitty. Remember, always look for the USDA label and read the ingredients list yourself if organic ingredients are medically important for your kitties diet.
To recap, our favorite best value for money product is the Catered Bowl Organic Dry Food, and our top overall winner is Castor & Pollux Organix Grain-Free Canned Food. Both picks are great value for money, but our top winner also has a variety of options for most kitties out there and is full to the brim with organic nutrition. Ultimately, whichever product is best for you and your kitty is the one that you should choose – happy organic hunting!
Christian is the Editor-in-Chief of Excited Cats and one of its original and primary contributors. A lifelong cat lover, now based in South East Asia, Christian and his wife are the proud parents of an 11-year-old son and four rescue cats: Trixie, Chloe, Sparky, and Chopper.
