Best High Protein Low Carb Cat Food In 2023

Last Updated on:

January 22, 2023

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Cats mostly require  the same nutrients as humans to gain muscle and maintain their health. Finding the best food for your cat to keep a healthy weight might be challenging. And by the best, we mean high protein low carb cat food.

We understand there are various brands for cat food, so choosing the best food for your loving cat might be confusing sometimes. For an improved and nutritious cat diet plan, we thus went out and conducted an extensive study to find the best high protein low carb cat food just for you.

We found Smalls fresh cat food to be the best and for a good reason. Their cat specific food incorporates human-grade protein with minimal carbohydrates. Moreover, they have USDA certification for all their foods, making them the best among all.

However, our other cat food options are also worth considering for your feline friends. So let's see what options we have for your cat in our review today.


our Pick
  • Human grade Ingredients
  • High proteins 
  • Low carbohydrate profile
  • Cats love the taste
tiki lau chicken cat food
  • Real chicken cat food
  • Provides hydration as t is cooked in chicken broth
  • No grain, gluten, carbohydrates, and starch added to this food
blue wilderness wet food
  • Comprise of natural ingredients
  • No artificial flavors and additives
  • Promotes healthy digestion
  • Pate-style food to hydrate your cat

Our 5 Best High Protein Low Carb Cat Food For Your Feline Friend

0. High Protein Low carb cat food banner

In order to increase portion sizes of dry cat food, fillers like grains and hidden carbs are frequently been utilised. Cats are carnivores. Therefore, they only need a small portion of carbohydrates in their diet. However, too much may lead to obesity or diabetes very quickly.

Low carb and high protein diets are best for cats since they are very close to their natural diet. When a cat has diabetes or any another medical condition,  that calls for low-carb food which becomes necessary for them.

Finding the ideal low-carb cat food for your pet might be challenging. But, we've done the groundwork for you and created this in-depth post to assist you in making the best decision for your feline friend. Here are the 5 Top picks from our end:-


cat standing on smalls food box

Smalls cat food offers exclusively USDA-certified, ethically produced, humanely harvested ingredients and is packed with protein with no additives. Smalls provides freeze-dried raw cat food and fresh cat food of the highest human standards, both of which can be brought to your home. Cat parents can subscribe to the Smalls meal delivery service as well.

Unlike most meal packages designed for humans, there won't be any preparation on your side. Smalls Cat Food is prepared by devoted chefs using wholesome ingredients. The best aspect is that Smalls is free of preservatives, unlike conventional pet foods.

Smalls cut steam and chilled the ingredients to create this nutritious substitute for traditional cat food before shipping it to you.

You'll begin to feel an improvement in your cat's general health after feeding them Smalls for a while—from their fur to their activity to their breath.

Why Should You Choose Smalls Fresh Cat Food for Your Cat?

smalls human grade cat food

Smalls Fresh Cow is one of the best options when it comes to providing a nutritious diet for cats. Given its excellent nutrition and delectable flavors, we determined it was the best overall low-carb, high-protein cat food.

Hardly 3.2% of the package's nutrients are from carbohydrates, around 50% of its calories are made up of protein, and 47% of its calories are made up of fat. So it will be the best food if your cat suffers from digestion problems such as constipation or vomiting.

The main elements in the Fresh Cow recipe are ground beef, beef liver, and beef heart, with a few additional ingredients to boost the food's vitamin and mineral content. Smalls is a subscription-based company that delivers cat chow to your door on a schedule that you choose.

But there is one drawback Smalls Fresh Cow isn't shelf-stable, unlike kibble or canned feeds; therefore, it needs freezer space for storage and the time required to defrost in the refrigerator. Still, this food is worth considering owing to its balanced nutrition. 

Pros

  • High-quality protein-rich cat food
  • Homemade recipes ideal for digestive problems
  • A balanced proportion of all ingredients
  • Rich in moisture to hydrate your cat
  • No filler ingredients

Cons

  • A costlier option
  • Contains peas and vegetable oil
  • Requires freezer space

Conclusion:

Overall, Smalls cat food continues to be our number one recommendation for low-carb, high-protein food due to its premium ingredients, which are not only species-appropriate but are also consistently obtained. Their homemade cat food recipes are healthful and full of protein and balanced nutrition, and they can't be matched by many other businesses. Although Smalls cat food is more expensive than other brands, their high-quality, protein-rich chicken meals and beef meal formulations are well worth the cost.


tiki lau high protein low carb cat food box

One of the most distinctively carnivore-appropriate company in the market is Tiki Cat. Tiki Cat has been a member of Whitebridge Pet Brands, a business created by the union of Cloud Star and Tiki Pet, since 2015.

Tiki Cat is produced in Thailand, and the company calls its canning plants "award-winning human-grade canning plants." These establishments have food for humans following international standards.

Tiki Cat specializes in wet food and offers a huge selection of canned and packaged cat recipes. A limited assortment of dry cat chow is also available. The company offers around 40 different flavors and textures in total. And best of all, the company has never been recalled thanks to its healthy ingredient list.

Why Should You Choose Tiki Cat Lau High Protein Grain Free, Natural Adult Pate Wet Cat Food?

Our second pick for the finest low-carb pet food is this Tiki Cat grain-free, delicious chicken recipe. Pure chicken, chicken broth, sunflower seed oil, and a variety of vitamins, minerals, and amino acids are used in this Tiki Cat food.

Your cat will get the actual meat they require as carnivores from the delicious, hormone- and antibiotic-free shredded chicken breast that is carefully cooked in chicken broth. The pate type of food with broth formula aids in maintaining intestinal health while giving your cat extra water to keep them hydrated.

The meal is also loaded with vital vitamins, minerals, omega fatty acids, and taurine, giving your cat everything they require for a nutritious, well-balanced diet.

Pros

  • Real chicken cat food
  • Provides hydration as it is cooked in chicken broth
  • Loaded with vitamins, fatty acids, and minerals
  • No grain, gluten, carbohydrates, and starch added to this food
  • Reasonable price

Cons

  • Not suitable for picky eaters

Conclusion:

Tiki cat food is one of the best brands owing to their top-notch food products. Since this brand has never been recalled, this is the green signal that this cat food is top-notch. And the best part is that this cat food is a protein-rich and low carbohydrate, making it best for your cat's digestive health. While many cat parents love the texture and consistency of this cat food, some complain that their cats won't eat it.


wellness signature high protein low carb cat food can

The canned foods in the Wellness CORE range, in fact, are an excellent source of high-quality, species-appropriate meat meal for cats. Wheat, corn, and soy are all excluded from all Wellness foods and are all prepared with natural ingredients.

They don't have any added preservatives, colors, or tastes. The business describes its canning food production process in detail on the Wellness website.

According to the website, to guarantee that all goods are manufactured with top-notch raw ingredients, they only work with "the most reputable ingredient suppliers." After that, they manufacture the foods using a regulated procedure.

The quality assurance program at WellPet upholds the industry's highest standards for food safety and goes above and beyond those set by the FDA and AAFCO.

Despite the several occasions that Wellness foods have been recalled, the company doesn't receive many consumer complaints, and most cats appear to adore their cat food.

Why Should You Choose Wellness Signature Selects Natural Canned Grain Free Wet Cat Food?

This range of natural cat foods is grain-free and high in protein, succulent flavor, and nutrients. All recipes are straightforward and are made by hand with bursting flavor.

Since cats do not possess a high thirst drive, this meal is a simple approach to enhance your cat's moisture consumption for urinary tract health. And the best part is that this is grain-free food, which means it has abundant proteins with negligible carbs.

In fact, each of their recipes is designed to support the physical and mental indicators of health, including abundant energy, beautiful skin and fur, good digestion and immunity, strong teeth, and clear eyes.

While wellness cat chow uses just natural components, yet nevertheless the sauce has been given an incredible flavor that cats adore. While this food is moisture-rich many pet owners do not like the food consistency. 

Pros

  • Comprise of human and animal proteins
  • No artificial ingredients and additives
  • Moisture-rich to improve urinary tract health
  • Delicious flavor that the cat loves
  • Shredded meat cut in gravy

Cons

  • The gravy consistency is not much appealing
  • It might be costlier for some cat owners

Conclusion:

Wellness cat food focuses on organic ingredients and offers your cat a high-quality, all-natural diet rich in moisture. Their cat food recipes contain real meat and a substantial amount of fiber and protein derived from plants, which are beneficial for reducing any digestive symptoms and weight control in cats. Although this brand of cat food is a bit pricey, the premium ingredients, high levels of protein, essential nutrients, and low carb content make it worthwhile.


blue wilderness wet cat food

The Blue Buffalo Wilderness cat food, a further product of our choices, is a fantastic source of protein for your feline. Since its launch in 2003, the Blue Buffalo Wilderness cat food has established a solid standing as one of the highest-quality cat food brands currently available.

The company began as a dog food company before eventually becoming one of the greatest cat food companies with real meat and vitamins. General Mills later purchased this family-owned company, which now operates many cutting-edge manufacturing facilities in the US.

Why Should You Choose Blue Buffalo Wilderness High Protein Grain Free, Natural Adult Pate Wet Cat Food?

This food will be ideal for your cat because it is high in protein and low in carbohydrates. Moreover, this food is packed with vitamins and minerals that may maintain your cat's body in optimal condition, giving it a glossy coat and vibrant, healthy skin.

To give your adult cat the strength it needs to keep active, this grain-free low-carb diet includes more of the turkey cats adore. This Paté style canned cat food also has a creamy consistency that your feline companion can't refuse.

Moreover, this wet cat food made by BLUE does not contain corn, wheat (a typical bulking ingredient used by numerous other brands), soy, chicken, poultry by-product meals, artificial flavors, or preservatives. So you can feed your cat this food without any fear, yet it will boost the digestion in your cat. 

Pros

  • Comprise of natural ingredients and animal-based protein
  • No artificial flavors and additives
  • Promotes healthy digestion
  • Pate-style food to hydrate your cat

Cons

  • The quantity of food is not much per serving

Conclusion:

Blue Buffalo Wilderness has some of the best meals with digestible food prepared with cat food formulae containing protein and fiber from genuine meat sources. Moreover, they have a cost-effective solution for your tiny feline. They even include a significant amount of fat and antioxidants that promote your cat's digestive and immunological systems.

This cat food option is inexpensive, rich in DHA and omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, and has a high moisture content to provide your cat with a balanced diet. Despite not having the best recall track record, Blue Buffalo's nutrient-dense recipes give cats a healthy heart, intestines, and eyes.


nulo freestyle turkey and chicken recipe can

No combines the words "nutrition" and "love." Michael was worried about high-glycemic chemicals in pet food, which upset him enough to find Nulo in 2009.

The product is advertised to health-conscious consumers who seek premium energy for their furry friends.

In addition to their wet cat food pouches and purées, produced in a factory in Thailand, most Nulo food is made in the United States.

Their food has a low carbohydrate content and is high in animal protein. They don't contain artificial ingredients; most recipes also include a high-viability probiotic. The brand's wet flavors are the ideal choice because they have larger proportions of animal ingredients and give your cat the necessary hydration.

Why Should You Choose Nulo Freestyle Turkey & Chicken Recipe Grain-Free Diet Canned Cat & Kitten Food?

Turkey, chicken, turkey liver, tuna, and other animal muscle meat make up most of this Nulo Freestyle canned food. In order to make the recipe more palatable, it also includes an additive termed "natural flavor" in contrast to the tastes of these components. Natural flavor, a rich supply of the meaty flavor cats adore, is created from hydrolyzed animal tissues.

Guar gum and agar-agar, two plant-derived gums that thicken and solidify the paté, are present in the dish. It includes trace levels of dried kelp, pumpkin, and cranberries, each of them Nulo refers to as superfoods. So you will be feeding all essential vitamins and essential amino acids to your cat with this food.

Moreover, the primary source of omega is menhaden fish oil. It is added to provide essential fatty acids that preserve joint health, immune health and a healthy skin and fur. It is one of the best high-protein and low-carb cat food with good moisture content.

Pros

  • You will not find any artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives in this food
  • Great moisture content for better digestion
  • Low carb profile 
  • Ethically made with human-grade natural source ingredients 

Cons

  • Some customers are not content with the moisture level in food
  • Pricey

Conclusion:

One of the best cat food products available are from Nulo cat food company. Their food has a low carbohydrate content and is high in animal protein. They don't contain artificial ingredients, and most recipes have strong probiotic content which provide complete nutrition. However, for some customers, the nulo cat food can be a little more pricey than others, but you will pay for premium cat food.


Why Should You Give Your Cat High Protein, Low Carb Food?

cat hiding under table

The absolute finest meal combo you can give your cat is this one. Cats are obligate carnivores, requiring animal meat to live and grow.

Cats have never evolved to consume diets high in carbohydrates. The gastric juice of a cat's prey will typically make up just a few percent of the total amount of carbs it consumes in the wild.

We think it is not debatable to presume that this is the best feline diet since studies consistently indicate that cats desire to eat this kind of food.

What Advantages Do High Protein, Low Carb Cat Food Diets Offer?

This food can be very beneficial for insulin-dependent and non-diabetic cats, providing your cat with precisely what his body desires and requires to grow.

  • Less stomach discomfort
  • Increased stamina
  • Better overall health and heart health
  • Fewer risk of diabetes and lower blood sugar levels in cats
  • Less chance of chronic kidney disease, inflammatory bowel disease, and other disorders.

Cats can't process carbs as efficiently as they do protein. Thus, carbohydrates take up space in the diet where protein normally is. Many of these factors could also be linked to a diet devoid of dry food.

Dry food is frequently the root of many of the problems listed above since most dry foods need carbs to combine into a kibble shape, making them typically extremely heavy in carbohydrates. As you saw above, nearly all of our top recommendations are wet foods.

Want More Comprehensive Reviews of Cat Food? Visit Daily Cat Food Right Now!

cat licking tongue with high protein low carb cat food

Being a cat parent entails great responsibility since you need to learn what your cat individually needs to stay healthy and strong. But suppose your cat is experiencing digestive systems problems or other constipation-related symptoms. In that case, it's critical to identify the cause of the issue and find a diet that will make your feline feel healthy and stable. And most of the time it's a problem with their food.

Finding high protein and low carb food option for cats with adequate moisture and fat levels can help you overcome your cat's health issues. Not only that, but it also is best for maintaining their overall health.

Choosing the best high protein, low carbohydrate food for cats might be challenging. You must thoroughly review all the nutritional information and the components mentioned on the cat food labels. Finding all the specialized formulations and dietary supplements created to make your cat feel better may require you to go to great lengths.

To assist you in selecting the best cat food with the right amount of protein and carbohydrates for your feline buddy, Daily Cat Food is entirely committed to easing your workload.

We are a group of experts in animal nutrition who have thoroughly investigated the many cat breeds, diets, genetics, anatomies, and life cycles. We want to assist cat owners in identifying the top cat food brand that their cat needs, thanks to our extensive experience and understanding of high-quality cat food.

Our thorough cat food reviews and nutritional advice are written with top-notch material to assist you in correctly understanding your cat's diet.

Our cat food guidelines include a variety of topics, such as cat food for hair loss, shedding, bad teeth, vomiting cats, diabetic cats, feral cats, and more.

Visit our website to see our unbiased cat food evaluations and a variety of other useful cat nutrition advice.

Common FAQs:

Q.1 Is low-carb good for cats?

Ans. Low-carb and high-protein diets are best for cats since they more closely resemble their natural diet. Several cats necessitate reduced carb intake from food if they have hyperglycaemia or other medical problems, and in those instances, it is extremely necessary.

Q.2 What portion of carbohydrates should a cat consume?

Ans. Only about 10% of the calories consumed by cats should come from carbs. Wet foods are the only ones that can satisfy the level of carbohydrates needed while dry foods often have great carb profile to keep their shape. A quick and easy strategy to lower your cat's carb consumption is to only feed wet food.

Q. 3 What happens when a cat eats too many carbohydrates?

Ans. More precisely, it has been hypothesized that an excessive intake of carbohydrates may cause cat obesity and diabetes. Furthermore, cats that eat a low-carbohydrate diet have a higher likelihood of going into remission from diabetes mellitus.

Q.4 How can I tell how many carbohydrates are in the food I give my cat?

Ans. Using the confirmed analysis listed on the cat food label, figure out the average carb content of the food. Add up the protein, fat, fiber, moisture, and ash, then deduct it from 100. You can see here the estimated carbohydrate content of cat chow, including water.

Q.5 How much of a cat's food should be made up of protein?

Ans. Compared to dogs or people, adult cats need a lot more protein as a part of their diet. Despite considerable variation in the precise protein guidelines, adult cats typically need a least of 26% protein in their diets, compared to 12% for adult dogs and 8% for adults.

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