When it comes to feeding pets, cat parents may need to exercise even more caution than dog parents. That is because cats require more proteins and minerals. Further, they are “true” or obligate carnivores, meaning they need nutrients found in animal flesh to survive and maintain optimal health. The best way to ensure your pet gets nutritious meals is to choose foods recommended by veterinarians. Here are a few popular options:

Smalls Human-Grade Fresh cat food
Smalls is a fresh cat food manufacturer that is known for its Human-Grade Fresh product line. Approved by vets, this product line features recipes made with human-grade ingredients and high-quality, fresh animal protein sources, and it comes in two textures, making it ideal for even the fussiest eaters. The brand lets you choose the protein source for your feline from options like Bird (Chicken), Other Bird (Turkey and Chicken Liver), and Cow. Regardless of the formula you pick, you can rest assured knowing that Smalls’ ingredients are USDA-certified, humanely harvested, and sustainably sourced with no bisphenol A (BPA), preservatives, fillers, or unknown ingredients.

Blue Buffalo Basics grain-free cat food
Looking for a formula with only a few ingredients for your sensitive feline? Check out skin and stomach care grain-free cat food—a limited-ingredient recipe from Blue Buffalo. It contains only one animal protein source (whitefish) along with potatoes and pumpkin to support gentle digestion, making it suitable for cats with sensitive stomachs. The formula has an excellent balance of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids for a shiny coat and healthy skin and contains healthy levels of antioxidants like vitamin E and C to help strengthen your cat’s immune system. This cat food is free from cheap fillers and artificial flavors or preservatives.

Tiki Cat Luau wet food
If you are looking for high-quality, tasty wet food for your cat, the Tiki Cat Luau Variety Pack grain-free canned food is a great option. The pack consists of eight cans of different flavors, each featuring either real fish or chicken as the first ingredient. Some flavors most cats can’t help but fall in love with include shredded chicken breast, flaked wild salmon, ahi tuna, and seabass. The food is high in protein and moisture and delivers a nutrient punch your cat needs. The best part is that it contains no hidden ingredients like fillers and artificial additives that can harm your pet.

Purina Pro Plan adult urinary tract health formula
Trying to improve your cat’s urinary health? The brand’s Adult Urinary Tract Health formula from Purina Pro Plan might be very helpful. It can help your furry friend by reducing urine pH levels and providing magnesium. Lower urine pH means fewer chances of developing bladder crystals or stones. The brand has formulated this recipe with only the finest ingredients, including real chicken, and contains just enough omega-6 fatty acid needed to nourish your cat’s skin and coat.

Merrick Purrfect Bistro canned cat food
The brand’s beef pate grain-free   recipe comes in finely ground pâté texture, which most cats prefer, and provides essential moisture to keep your pet hydrated and healthy. Featuring real deboned beef as its top ingredient, followed by beef broth, deboned chicken, and chicken liver, this is a superior meal to help support healthy muscles and energy in felines. This wet food option contains yucca schidigera extract to ease digestion and is free from grains and artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives.

Wellness Complete Health chicken pate canned food
You can opt for superior foods like the Wellness Complete Health’s Kitten formula to help your young pet grow into a healthy, happy adult. The primary protein source in this recipe is chicken. Developed by nutritionists and vets, this recipe has a perfect balance of protein, healthy fats, antioxidants, and other nutrients that help support your kitty’s overall development. Additionally, this helps with maintaining muscle health, promoting healthy teeth and bones, aiding digestion, and supporting brain development.

Castor & Pollux Organix chicken and sweet potato dry cat food
Castor & Pollux is a leader in organic foods for pets, and its organic chicken and sweet potato dry cat food is worth a try. This recipe is prepared in a USDA-certified organic kitchen with free-range chicken as its main ingredient. The dry cat food is completely grain free and made without corn, wheat, or soy. Instead, it features a blend of organic superfoods, like flaxseed, cranberries, and coconut oil.

You can also check out pet foods from other popular brands like:

Royal Canin
Royal Canin has been in the pet food industry for more than 50 years. The company has mastered the art of creating recipes that can deliver nutrition that caters to a cat’s unique health needs, regardless of the breed, age, and lifestyle. The company even has a dedicated section for vet-recommended cat foods, which includes dry and wet food options.

IAMS
Founded over 75 years ago, IAMS is one of the most reliable pet food brands in the country. They sell a range of nutritious dry and wet cat foods that you can choose based on your feline’s age and health needs. The brand also offers tailored nutrition for your pet.

Greenies
The brand is known for making healthy and flavor-packed treats for pets. Their vet-recommended cat treats, called “Dental Treats,” come in several flavors that are designed to help cats keep their teeth clean, reduce tartar buildup, and freshen their breath.