Wet (or moist) food tends to be more palatable than dry food, and a wet diet increases a cat’s fluid intake, which is recommended by vets for cats with a number of health issues. We've compared the monthly cost of the most popular brands of cat food, as well as the best and worst scoring brands from our survey, based on an average 4kg cat on a simple dry food diet. Cat food monthly costs compared Beyond this, it's really about what your individual pet likes the taste of and how much you are willing to spend. Wet vs dry cat food Your cat’s natural behaviour will continue throughout their life – and they'll probably stay active and curious for years and years. In fact, sometimes you’ll find it hard to believe they're getting older at all! Don't forget to find out the best pet insurance for your cat. Also a dog owner? See the best dog food brands. How to choose the best cat food

Many people feed their cats dry food ad libitum, continually topping up the food in the bowl, and leaving it out all the time. While this may be acceptable with lean cats, with the increasing incidence of overweight cats, this is not always recommended: instead, offer your cat frequent smaller meals (up to four meals a day) and feed small amounts each time. Food for cats up to one year of age should have higher levels of vitamins and proteins, designed to promote healthy growth. You should also pay attention to your pet’s behaviour: if they seem ravenously hungry, looking for more, then you should give them some more. Or if they leave uneaten food in the bowl, give them less the next time. Though, Justine Shotton, BVA President, does say that diets 'should be adapted to the cat's lifestyle, age, breed and any health conditions.' So it's worth speaking to a vet when you get a new cat. Cat food brands rated by customers

SUSTAINABILITY

The easiest, and most cost effective, way to meet your cat’s nutritional needs is to use food that has been scientifically formulated to be balanced by a nutritionist employed by a pet food manufacturer. All pet food that is labelled as “complete” is legally obliged to provide all the nutrients that a cat needs. Are pet store cat foods better than supermarket cat foods? Log in now to compare monthly costs between Royal Canin, Purina One, James Wellbeloved, Meowing Heads and Whiskas cat food. Pet obesity is the top welfare concern for vets. According to Cats.org.uk, overweight cats are usually defined as being more than 15% over their ideal weight.

If you think your four-legged friend might be overweight, book in a visit with your local vet for advice and an action plan. How much should I feed my cat? Unwanted Food or Drink Products - Once supply conditions are broken, there are a number of factors outside of our control that can affect the quality of a product. Therefore perishable goods such as food and drink cannot be returned.

Diet Transition

Despite statements on the internet suggesting that dry food may promote good dental health, there is no evidence that standard dry cat food is any better for cats’ teeth than wet food. There are some special “dental” diets that include ingredients that limit the accumulation of dental tartar in the mouth, as well as having a more abrasive, chewier formulation which does a better job of rubbing plaque away from the surface of the teeth.

Food for cats in the prime of life, usually between one and seven years old, will be balanced and nutritionally complete, meeting all of an adult cat’s needs. If you do choose this option, look for a supplier who is a member of UK Petfood ( https://www.ukpetfood.org/), (formerly the Pet Food Manufacturer’s Association) so that you can be sure that certain standards are adhered to. Can I feed my cat on home-prepared food? Which? customer scores are based on how satisfied customers are with the brand overall, and whether or not they’d recommend it if asked.Cheaper foods tend to include poorer quality ingredients. It can be impossible to judge this from reading the ingredients on a cat food label, since these often follow legal definitions of what needs to be written, rather than describing food items that most consumers are familiar with. Dry foods are usually the most economical and easiest for you to feed and store. Dry cat food can be left out all day for your cat to nibble on and is beneficial for their teeth and gums. What's key is the amount you feed your furry companion, as pet obesity is rapidly on the rise. As they grow older, however, their nutritional needs will change. So after the age of seven, it’s important to adjust their diet to one that suits a more senior cat. For example, the Whiskas ® Senior range contains extra taurine to help your cat’s vision and heart, zinc and linoleic acid for a healthy skin and coat, and just the right amount of phosphorus to help keep their waterworks working!