Updated: March 9, 2021 by Kristen Chapple
We have all become increasingly aware of the detrimental impact that growth hormones, antibiotics, and pesticides that have been added to our food over the years can do to our health. These same poisonous additives have found their way into much of the food available for our cats, and it can have the same detrimental impact on their health.
Fortunately, the pet food market is catching up with pet parent concerns, and a wide range of natural and organic cat foods are now available for our feline friends.
But just as the organic food we buy for ourselves costs more, so too does any organic kibble we choose for our cats. For our own food, we can save money by prioritizing organic for foods that we know are particularly affected by chemicals. Finding this balance with cat food is much harder, as the mix of food they are getting from their dry kibble or wet pate is less transparent.
In this article, I will try to take some of the mystery out of buying the best organic cat food by highlighting the most important things to look out for, so you can decide where the best value for money is.
In a Rush? Here’s Our Top Pick
My favorite cat foods on this list are the Castor and Pollux dry cat food, and the Castor and Pollux wet cat food, as they are the only foods that are organic (90% organic), rather than just made with organic ingredients (70% organic), but this means that they are expensive.
In order not to break the bank I mix these with Taste of the Wild Rocky Mountains dry cat food, which I like because it uses high-quality novel proteins, which add diversity to my cat’s diet, and Instinct By Nature’s wet cat food, because it is grain-free and high in protein. Some cats find this formula hard on the stomach, but my cat loves it.
Here are the Best Natural Cat Food
- Castor & Pollux Organix Grain-Free Organic Dry Cat Food
- Rachael Ray Nutrish Zero Grain Natural Dry Cat Food
- Blue Buffalo Basics Limited Ingredient Grain-Free Dry Cat Food
- Taste of the Wild Rocky Mountains Grain-Free Dry Cat Food
- Halo Holistic Grain-Free Healthy Weight Dry Cat Food
- Wysong Optimal Vitality Dry Cat Food
- Newman’s Own Organic Grain-Free Canned Cat Food
- Castor & Pollux Organix Grain-Free Organic Canned Cat Food
- Evanger’s Organics Canned Cat Food
- Instinct by Nature’s Variety Grain-Free Natural Wet Canned Cat Food
When it comes to choosing the best all-natural cat food, there are three different types available:
- 100% Organic – made with 100% certified organic ingredients
- Organic – made with 95% certified organic ingredients
- Made with Organic Ingredients – made with 70% certified organic ingredients
While 100% of organic food is going to be the safest for your cat, it is also likely to be the most expensive. A 70% certified organic food will still protect your cat from most harmful additives, as long as it is made primarily with high-quality organic meat as its primary ingredient. Any foods made with meat that has been treated with hormones or antibiotics should be avoided.
Cats do not generally need carbohydrates as part of their diet, so these pass through their system quickly. Meat protein, however, is essential. So poor quality meat is the fastest way to damage your cat’s health.
My list includes both wet and dry food, as a healthy diet should include a combination of the two. Dry food can sit out all day without spoiling, allowing your cat to indulge their grazing instincts. In addition, the roughness of the kibble is essential for their dental health. The smell of wet food is important for your cat’s hunter instincts and gives them the hydration that they need, and often struggle to obtain through drinking water.
Castor & Pollux Organix Grain-Free Organic Dry Cat Food
Castor & Pollux buy their ingredients directly from American farmers and cook up their recipes in factories in America. This means that they can be sure of the quality of the ingredients and manufacturing processes. However, this does mean that it is more expensive than some other brands.
The primary ingredient is organic meat, which delivers 34% protein that is matched with carbohydrates from grain-free sources such as sweet potatoes and lentils. However, it is relatively high in carbohydrates, which is not something that cats need in their diet.
It is free from nasty additives including preservatives and antibiotics and is packed with additional vitamins, including taurine and omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids that are essential for a healthy coat.
It comes in four different flavors, and special life-stage formulas are also available, so you can easily find the ideal dry food for your cat. In our opinion, it is the best natural dry cat food.
Pros
- All-American made
- Organic meat
- Organic superfoods e.g. cranberry, flaxseed, and coconut oil
- No artificial preservatives
- No added antibiotics or growth hormones
Cons
- Price
- High in carbohydrates
Overall: American Made Assurance
Rachael Ray Nutrish Zero Grain Natural Dry Cat Food
This grain-free cat food made with organic ingredients is ideal for indoor cats that need to watch their weight and are more prone to developing digestive issues. It is high in fiber which ensures easy digestion for your cat and achieves this by using pea and pumpkin fiber rather than relying on grains.
While this cat food is low in calories to help indoor cats maintain their weight, it is relatively high in carbohydrates, which cats do not need, and is slightly low on protein at 32%. It also only comes in two flavors. Learn more about Rachael Ray Nutrish.
Pros
- Affordable
- Organic U.S. meat
- High in fiber
- Gluten-free
- Free from artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives
Cons
- Only 70% organic
- Relatively low in protein
- Limited flavors
Overall: Easy Organic Digestion
Blue Buffalo Basics Limited Ingredient Grain-Free Dry Cat Food
This dry cat food made with organic ingredients is grain-free and gets its high-quality protein from a single source. This is great for cats with sensitive stomachs who can find digesting a mix of meat sources a little hard on their digestive systems. The food also contains Blue Buffalo’s patented LifeSource Bits, which include a good blend of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals for immune system health and overall well-being.
The food comes in three different flavors, but all are relatively low in protein at about 30%. This is sufficient for your cat, but some of the other dry foods on this list have a bit more. This kibble also makes it to our roundup of the best grain-free cat food.
Pros
- Affordable
- Quality meat from a single source
- Grain-free
- Additional antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals
- Made in the United States
Cons
- Only 70% organic
- Relatively low in protein
Overall: Simple and Natural
Taste of the Wild Rocky Mountains Grain-Free Dry Cat Food
This dry cat food made with organic ingredients offers a novel mix of roast venison and smoked salmon, which provides cats with excellent tissue-building material. This also makes the formula significantly higher in protein than some of the others on this list at 42%. This can make it difficult to digest, especially as the formula only contains 3% crude fiber. The company has tried to balance this by adding prebiotics from sources such as dry chicory root, which should aid digestion.
This brand uses no artificial colors, flavors or preservatives, and packs in additional vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants sourced from fruits and vegetables. You can view our more detailed review of Taste of the Wild here.
Pros
- Novel proteins
- Very high in protein
- Grain-free
- Additional prebiotics
- No artificial flavors, colors or preservatives
Cons
- Only 70% organic
- Low in fiber
Overall: Super Protein Mix
Halo Holistic Grain-Free Healthy Weight Dry Cat Food
Halo cat food made from organic ingredients is probably as close as you would get if you made it on your own farm. It only uses sustainably-raised, cage-free chicken or wild salmon as its primary protein ingredient, coupled with GMO-free garden vegetables. These sources ensure that the food is lower in calories and that they get the maximum benefit from the food that they are eating.
Unfortunately, there are only limited flavors available for pickier cats, but if they do agree to eat it, they should have a shinier coat and less smelly poo in no time. Despite all the good reviews, I still doubt if it’s the best holistic cat food.
Pros
- Sustainably-raised, cage-free chicken or wild salmon
- Grain-free
- Non-GMO garden vegetables
- Low calorie
- Free from hormones and antibiotics
Cons
- Only 70% organic
- Limited flavors
Overall: Humble and Homemade
Wysong Optimal Vitality Dry Cat Food
One of the more affordable dry cat foods made with organic ingredients on this list, it uses a blend of fresh, frozen and dry meats to deliver up to 50% protein without breaking the bank. The food is also low in carbohydrates and high in taurine, better mimicking the natural diet of cats in the wild. It also has no artificial additives to worry about.
While this particular formula is for adults, Wysong also offers similar dry food recipes optimized for kittens and senior cats.
Pros
- Affordable
- High in protein
- Offer life stage options
- Low in carbohydrates
- High in taurine
Cons
- Only 70% organic
- Use of frozen meat
Overall: Wild Protein
Newman’s Own Organic Grain-Free Canned Cat Food
This wet cat food made with organic ingredients delivers 95% of its nutrition from organic meat sources, mimicking your cat’s diet in the wild. There is almost no filler in this food, which is also free from by-products, preservatives, corn, and wheat. This does mean that it is relatively low in fiber, but your cat’s digestion should be aided by the food’s high moisture content, delivered by a delicious broth.
Made in the United States, it comes in four flavors, and a variety of sizes, so you can find the right option to keep food fresh in a single or multi-cat home.
Pros
- Organic meat
- Grain-free
- Broth for hydration
- Free from by-products and preservatives
- Variety of flavors and sizes
Cons
- Only 70% organic
- Low in fiber
Overall: Meaty Hydration
Castor & Pollux Organix Grain-Free Organic Canned Cat Food
This wet cat food from the trusted Castor & Pollux brand is made with high-quality organic meat. Its meat content is not a high as some of the other wet foods on this list as it uses organic dried peas, coconut flour, egg product and other things to fill it out. Despite this, it is low in fiber, but the food’s high water content in its broth should prevent any serious digestive problems.
Made in the United States, it is free from chemical pesticides, synthetic fertilizers and added growth hormones and antibiotics. It also comes in an amazing nine flavors and two packaging sizes to suit every cat and every cat household.
Pros
- Organic meat
- Essential vitamins and minerals from fruits and vegetables
- Broth for hydration
- No growth hormones or antibiotics
- Nine flavors and two sizes
Cons
- Range of filler products
- Low in fiber
Overall: Extensive Organic Menu
Evanger’s Organics Canned Cat Food
All of Evanger’s wet cat foods made from organic ingredients are grain and gluten-free, and made with high-quality organic meat, often from a single meat source. This makes for easier digestion than more complex, mixed meat sources. This makes it a good choice for cats with kidney problems or that regularly suffer from urinary tract infections. The formula is also Kosher certified.
Evanger’s is lower in protein and higher in fat than some of the other wet cat foods on this list, which means it is best for active outdoor cats rather than more sedentary felines.
Pros
- Certified organic
- Single meat source
- Grain-free and gluten-free
- Free from preservatives and antibiotics
- Kosher certified
Cons
- Low in protein
- High in fat
Overall: Naturally Kosher Fed
Instinct by Nature’s Variety Grain-Free Natural Wet Canned Cat Food
This is another 95% wet cat food made from organic ingredients which has almost no carbohydrates, which your cat doesn’t really need. But it is high in fiber and moisture, so digestion should never be an issue.
Nevertheless, while this is a high-quality product, more cat parents have reported that their cats did not like this food or were sick after eating it than the other foods on this list. Its high meat content might be a bit much for more sensitive cats.
Check out our full Instinct cat food review here.
Pros
- Organic meat
- 95% meat
- No grain, potato, soy, corn, or wheat
- High in fiber
- Variety of flavors
Cons
- Only 70% organic
- Can be hard on sensitive stomachs
Overall: Robust Organic Meat
Apart from the food mentioned above, I thought I’d just mention Fromm, because it makes good, natural, and wholesome food. I would totally recommend this brand except that it’s a little hard to get as it’s not available in Chewy.
Final Thoughts
While going organic is good for your cat, it can be expensive, just as eating organic yourself. Some of the most affordable and best natural cat food (90% organic) on the market comes from Castor and Pollux, which does both dry cat food, and wet cat food. If you are willing to compromise a little and go for 70% organic, then I recommend Taste of the Wild dry cat food because it uses novel protein sources.
Cats are more likely to develop allergies to the goods that they eat the most, so feeding them a constant diet of chicken and salmon may set them up to develop sensitivities to these foods.
Whatever food you decide to go for, when picking up your particular bag or can check the production date and the ‘use by’ date. Natural preservatives will keep your food good for a while, but not forever, so avoid anything with an excessively long ‘use by’ date.
Happy organic feeding!
