Last Updated: 26/10/2026
Best Natural Food for Cats
Ready to upgrade your cat's diet? Learn the 6 key benefits of natural cat food: from a vital high meat content and novel proteins to superior nutrient absorption and ethical sourcing. We break down how premium, complete, and balanced diets impact your cat's health.
Author: Dr Carla Paszkowski BVSc (Hons)
Reading Time: 3 minutes - short read
It's a natural instinct to want to share wholesome food with your cat. Home cooking might feel like the ultimate way to do it, but it's notoriously difficult to get the balance right (and, let's be honest, costly and time-consuming!). The good news is you don't have to choose between 'natural' and 'complete'.
Natural cat food is made from plant, animal or mined ingredients with no synthetic additives, such as artificial colours, flavours or preservatives. "Natural" is not the same as "complete and balanced", so check the label for a nutritional adequacy statement and a named meat as the first ingredient. No adequacy statement? Treat it as a topper, not a whole diet.
What is natural cat food?
Natural pet foods are defined by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) as those made only from natural plant, animal or mined ingredients, with no chemical alterations or synthetic additives. Popular brands include Black Hawk, Open Farm, Ziwi Peak and Feline Natural.
Does natural cat food have more meat?
Often, yes, which suits cats as obligate carnivores. When a meat is listed first, it is the biggest ingredient by weight. That matters because cats need nutrients like taurine and arachidonic acid, found almost exclusively in animal tissue. Open Farm Wild Caught Salmon Cat Dry Food, for example, lists wild pacific salmon and ocean whitefish meal first.
In clinic, the most common mix-up we see is "with salmon" on the front of the pack. It can mean as little as 3% salmon, so we always tell owners to turn the bag over and read the ingredient panel first.
Is natural cat food better quality?
Usually, because ingredients matter as well as nutrient numbers. All commercial cat foods must meet guidelines for protein, fat and carbohydrate, but those standards overlook the actual ingredients. Two foods can hit the same protein level, one from corn meal and by-products, the other from salmon meat, but the salmon is far more bioavailable (easier to digest and absorb) for a carnivore.
Micronutrients worth looking for:
- Omega fatty acids: Marine omega-3 (green lipped mussel, oily fish) can support skin, coat, joints, kidneys, heart and brain health. Plant sources like flaxseed are less potent, so check where the omegas come from. (flag for vet review)
- Antioxidants: Found in blueberries, cranberries, tomatoes and spinach, they support the immune system.
Does natural cat food mean grain free?
Not always, and grain free does not automatically mean low carb, because many grain free foods swap in potato, peas or lentils. We go through the pros and cons in our vet guide to best grain free cat food.
Is natural cat food good for cats with sensitivities?
It can be, especially single protein recipes. Premium natural brands often use one protein per recipe (like just duck or just fish), which makes it much easier to pinpoint the problem ingredient if you suspect a food allergy. Chicken and beef are common triggers. A novel protein (a meat your cat hasn't had before, like kangaroo, venison or rabbit) can be a game changer for skin or digestive issues.
Keep a simple food diary when you switch proteins. It is the most useful thing you can bring to a food sensitivity consult.
Is natural cat food complete and balanced?
Most commercial natural cat foods are, but check the label. The vast majority are made to meet established feeding guidelines, such as those set by AAFCO for minimum nutrient levels. (flag for vet review: "AFFCO" typo fixed to AAFCO; check wording against AS 5812:2017) On the label, look for a statement that the food meets AAFCO nutritional requirements (our pet food label guide shows where). If it doesn't have one, talk to your vet before feeding it as your cat's main food.
The mistake we see most often is a "natural" topper or home-cooked meal being fed as the whole diet. If there is no adequacy statement, treat it as a topper.
Is natural cat food ethical and sustainable?
Often, yes. Brands like Ziwi Peak and Feline Natural source from free-range or grass-fed farms, and Open Farm lets you trace the origin of every ingredient. Our guide to ethical and sustainable pet food explains what to look for.
Best Ethically Sourced Food for Cats
In summary
Natural cat food can absolutely be complete and balanced. Look for a named meat first, check for the adequacy statement, and consider a single protein recipe for a sensitive tummy. Still weighing up options? Our best cat food guide is a good place to start.
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History
Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space and we update our articles when new information becomes available.
Tues Oct 27 2026
Edited by Dr Angie Armstrong BVScDr Carla Paszkowski BVSc (Hons)
Veterinarian
Dr. Carla graduated from the University of Queensland in 2013 with a Bachelor of Veterinary Science and worked for a number of years in small animal clinics across South East Queensland. While Carla enjoys most facets of clinical veterinary work, she holds a special passion for feline medicine, pocket pets, and nutrition.
