Dry cat food remains a popular choice among many cat parents. It is convenient to feed and can provide essential vitamins, minerals, and proteins that cats need for their overall health.
However, some cats may not prefer hard, dry kibble. A softer food will be the perfect solution if you have a kitten or senior cat with bad teeth.
Our top choice is Meow Mix Tender Centers Dry Cat Food.
This tasty kibble blends soft centers and crunchy pieces your cat will love. It also contains essential vitamins, minerals, and omega fatty acids to keep your cat healthy inside and out.
But we did not stop there. We have also reviewed other high-quality soft dry cat food options so that you can find the best choice for your cat.
Let’s get started!
Our Top Picks: 6 Best Soft Dry Cat Food
- Meow Mix Tender Centers Dry Cat Food (Best Overall Food)
- Instinct Raw Boost Dry Cat Food (Best Premium Food)
- Purina ONE Natural Dry Cat Food (Best Natural Food)
- Kitten Chow Nurture Dry Cat Food (Best Food For Kittens)
- IAMS Proactive Health Dry Cat Food (Best Food With Grain)
- Purina Fancy Feast Dry Cat Food (Best Tasting Food)
Best Soft Dry Cat Foods Reviewed
The following soft dry cat food brands offer high-quality, protein-rich nutrition and essential vitamins that your cat needs for a balanced diet.
However, before changing your cat’s food, consult with your veterinarian.
Meow Mix Tender Centers Dry Cat Food
Guaranteed Analysis: 31% Crude Protein, 11% Crude Fat, 4% Crude Fiber, 12% Moisture
Caloric Content: 328 kcal/cup
First 5 Ingredients: Whole Ground Corn, Chicken By-Product Meal, Corn Gluten Meal, Soybean Meal, Whole Wheat
Type of Product: Dry cat food
Life Stage: Adult
Key Feature: With Grain
Pros:
- Crunchy kibble pieces with soft, meaty inside
- Quality protein from animal proteins
- Provides essential vitamins, minerals, and amino acids for cats
- Promotes a robust immune system
Cons:
- Mixed quality control
Meow Mix Tender Centers Dry Cat Food offers a blend of crunchy kibble pieces with soft, meaty centers to satisfy your cat’s texture preferences.
It contains salmon and chicken flavors, which make the food delicious, even for cats with picky taste buds.
The kibble pieces boast a calorie content of 328 kcal/cup, perfect for providing your cat with the energy they need to fuel their active lifestyle.
These calories come from affordable animal proteins such as chicken by-product meal and salmon meal.
A high crude protein content of 31% ensures your cat gets enough protein to maintain lean muscles. A fat content of 11% provides healthy omega fatty acids for healthy skin and a shiny coat.
It also includes essential vitamins, minerals, and amino acids, such as taurine, vital for your cat’s overall health.
However, we noted mixed quality control, where some bags contained excess crumbs and dust, which my cat did not eat.
Instinct Raw Boost Dry Cat Food
Guaranteed Analysis: 41% Crude Protein, 22% Crude Fat, 3.5% Crude Fiber, 9% Moisture
Caloric Content: 496 kcal/cup
First 5 Ingredients: Chicken, Chicken Meal, Turkey Meal, Menhaden Fish Meal, Peas
Type of Product: Dry Food, Freeze-Dried
Life Stage: Adult
Key Feature: Grain-Free, No Corn, No Wheat, No Soy, Raw, Natural, High-Protein, Gluten Free, Premium
Pros:
- High protein content
- Grain-free with natural ingredients
- Promotes healthy digestion and a shiny coat
- Freeze-dried raw pieces for added nutrition and flavor
Cons:
- Pricey
- Not too many raw pieces
Instinct Raw Boost Dry Cat Food is a premium dry food option that provides high-quality ingredients and an excellent source of protein for your cat.
It includes real chicken as the primary source of protein. It also contains other protein sources such as turkey meal and menhaden fish meal.
These animal proteins provide essential amino acids that help maintain strong muscles and promote a healthy weight.
This grain-free formula contains natural ingredients without corn, wheat, or soy, which can be potential allergens for some cats.
Along with high-quality ingredients, this food has probiotics to aid in healthy digestion and omega fatty acids for a shiny coat.
Thoughtful ingredients such as pumpkin seeds, carrots, apples, and cranberries add nutritional benefits to this food. They provide essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to support your cat’s health.
Pumpkin seeds also provide natural fiber, which helps in promoting a healthy digestive tract.
And the inclusion of vitamin C, zinc, and selenium further boosts your cat’s immune system.
We love that this food includes freeze-dried raw pieces, which adds flavor and nutrition to the kibble. However, we noticed that there were only a few raw pieces in each bag.
Purina ONE Natural Dry Cat Food
Guaranteed Analysis: 34% Crude Protein, 15% Crude Fat, 2% Crude Fiber, 12% Moisture
Caloric Content: 366 kcal/cup
First 5 Ingredients: Chicken, Rice Flour, Corn Gluten Meal, Chicken By-Product Meal, Beef Fat Naturally Preserved With Mixed-Tocopherols
Type of Product: Dry Food
Life Stage: Adult
Key Feature: Indoor, Natural, With Grain
Pros:
- It contains real chicken as the primary protein source
- Suitable for indoor cats
- It helps promote a healthy gut
- Packed with high-quality ingredients
- Contains added calcium
Cons:
- Some bags are extremely crumbly
Purina ONE Natural Dry Cat Food contains a combo of crunchy bites and soft, meaty morsels that will satisfy your cat’s taste buds.
The crunchy pieces help promote good oral health by reducing plaque and tartar buildup, while the soft pieces are perfect for cats with dental issues or sensitive teeth.
With added calcium and phosphorus, this food also helps maintain strong teeth and bones, while glucosamine helps promote healthy joints.
Moreover, this food is suitable for indoor cats as it contains natural prebiotic fibers that foster a healthy digestive tract.
The inclusion of essential nutrients such as taurine, omega-6, vitamins A and E makes this food a perfect choice for cat parents looking to keep their cats healthy from head to tail.
Vitamin A and taurine promote healthy eyesight, omega-6 fatty acids promote a shiny coat, and Vitamin E boosts the immune system.
Cat parents love that this food makes their kitty’s coat soft and shiny. However, some bags may be extremely crumbly.
Kitten Chow Nurture Dry Cat Food
Guaranteed Analysis: 40% Crude Protein, 13.5% Crude Fat, 2.5% Crude Fiber, 12% Moisture
Caloric Content: 414 kcal/cup
First 5 Ingredients: Chicken By-Product Meal, Corn Gluten Meal, Rice, Soy Flour, Beef Fat Preserved With Mixed-Tocopherols
Type of Product: Dry Food
Life Stage: Adult
Key Feature: High-Protein, Pea-Free, Natural, With Grain
Pros:
- High protein content
- Promotes healthy muscle and brain development
- Delicious flavor and texture
- Quite affordable
Cons:
- Not grain-free
Specifically formulated for growing kittens, Kitten Chow Nurture Dry Cat Food provides the perfect nutrition. It contains real chicken as the primary protein source for healthy muscle and brain development.
It also includes other affordable protein sources, such as fish and chicken by-product meals, to provide essential amino acids for your kitten’s overall health.
This high-protein food contains added DHA, an omega-3 fatty acid crucial for brain and vision development in kittens.
Essential nutrients such as taurine and calcium support your kitten’s heart and bone health, respectively.
The kibbles are soft and small, perfect for kittens with small mouths. And the delicious chicken flavor is sure to entice your kitten’s taste buds.
Moreover, this food is affordable and an excellent choice for cat parents on a budget. However, this recipe is not grain-free.
IAMS Proactive Health Dry Cat Food
Guaranteed Analysis: 38% Crude Protein, 18% Crude Fat, 3% Crude Fiber, 10% Moisture
Caloric Content: 439 kcal/cup
First 5 Ingredients: Chicken, Chicken Byproduct Meal, Corn Grits, Ground Whole Grain Corn, Salmon
Type of Product: Dry Food
Life Stage: Adult
Key Feature: High-Protein, With Grain
Pros:
- High protein content
- It contains prebiotic fibers for digestive health
- Formulated with essential vitamins and minerals
Cons:
- Not grain-free
This formula boosts a calorie content of 455 kcal/cup, giving your cat enough energy to maintain an active lifestyle.
These calories come from a high protein, high fat composition of 38% and 18%, respectively. Chicken is the primary source of protein in this formula, but it also includes salmon to provide essential amino acids for energy and muscle maintenance.
It contains other affordable protein sources such as chicken meal and chicken by-product meal. Chicken meal is a source of glucosamine and chondroitin, essential for joint health.
The addition of prebiotic fibers such as beet pulp helps maintain digestive health, while the blend of vitamins and minerals supports your cat’s overall well-being.
Thoughtful nutrients like vitamin E promote a healthy immune system, while omega fatty acids make your cat’s coat and skin shiny.
But that’s not all. This food is enriched with taurine, calcium, phosphorus, and zinc to support your cat’s overall health.
Cat parents love that this food provides their kitties with lots of energy while making their coats soft and smooth.
While this diet is not grain-free, it contains prebiotic fibers to promote healthy digestion.
Purina Fancy Feast Dry Cat Food
Guaranteed Analysis: 34% Crude Protein, 17% Crude Fat, 3% Crude Fiber, 10% Moisture
Caloric Content: 496 kcal/cup
First 5 Ingredients: Rice, Poultry By-Product Meal, Corn Gluten Meal, Beef Fat Preserved With Mixed-Tocopherols, Whole Grain Corn
Type of Product: Dry Food
Life Stage: Adult
Key Feature: With Grain
Pros:
- It contains quality animal proteins
- Tasty and satisfying flavor
- Complete balanced nutrition
- Multiple flavors available
Cons:
- Contains filler ingredients
Purina Fancy Feast Dry Cat Food boasts a high protein content of 34% and a caloric density of 496 kcal/cup, making it perfect for active cats.
It contains high-quality animal proteins, including real chicken and turkey, to support your cat’s lean muscle mass.
It is also high in fats, with 17% crude fat, providing your kitty with enough energy during the day. The high-fat content comes from beef fat and fish oil, rich sources of omega fatty acids for a shiny coat.
Each soft bite includes essential vitamins and minerals to keep your cat healthy and thriving. Being a complete and balanced diet, it meets all your cat’s nutritional needs.
Cat parents love that this recipe has multiple flavors to choose from, so you can switch up your kitty’s meals without sacrificing quality.
However, we found that it contains filler ingredients that may provide little nutritional value for your cat.
Guide to Buying Soft Dry Cat Food For Older Cats
A common issue that older cats face is dental problems. Their teeth can become weak or fall out as they age, making it difficult for them to chew hard kibble.
Soft dry cat food, or semi-moist cat food, has a higher water content and softer texture than traditional dry kibble. It is easier for cats with dental issues to chew and digest, making it an excellent option for senior cats.
But before you rush out and grab the first bag of soft dry cat food you see, here are some factors to consider when buying soft dry cat food for your older feline friend:
Moisture Content
Soft dry cat foods should contain at least 10% moisture content. This will help keep your senior cat or kitten hydrated and prevent constipation.
However, this alone does not guarantee that the food is actually soft. The ideal choice is to buy kibble with a soft, meaty center and crunchy exterior. This will make it easier for your cat to chew while promoting dental health.
Protein Source
Choosing a soft dry cat food with high-quality animal protein sources such as real meat, chicken, turkey, or fish is crucial. Cats require a high-protein diet for strong muscles and overall health.
Avoid foods with genetically modified organisms (GMOs) as they are often low-quality protein sources that can cause health issues in cats.
Essential Nutrients
Essential nutrients like taurine, vitamins, omega fatty acids, calcium, and phosphorus should be present in soft dry cat food. These help maintain healthy eyesight, bones, and skin while promoting overall well-being.
Also, probiotics and antioxidants can go a long way in supporting digestive health and strengthening the immune system.
Avoid foods with too many filler ingredients, such as grains. These provide little to no nutritional value for cats.
Natural Ingredients
Opt for cat food with natural ingredients and no artificial components. Artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives can cause health issues in cats, especially those with food allergies or sensitivities.
When is Soft Dry Cat Food a Good Option?
You can offer semi-moist food to your cat anytime, but it may be especially beneficial in certain conditions.
For example, senior cats with sensitive teeth may benefit from the softer texture of soft dry food. It won’t be as harsh on their teeth and gums, making it easier for them to eat.
Cats with Dental Problems
Semi-moist food provides an alternative option for cats with bad teeth or gum disease. The softer texture of the food is less abrasive and can help keep their teeth clean while still providing essential nutrients.
Picky Cat
Some cats are picky eaters and may not like the texture or taste of traditional dry kibble. In these cases, a softer option, like semi-moist cat food, may appeal more to their taste buds.
Kittens
Soft dry cat food can be an excellent option for kittens, as it is easier for their young teeth and small mouths to handle without risk of choking.
Benefits of Soft Dry Cat Food?
Soft dry cat food offers many health benefits for cats. Let’s take a look at some of them:
Texture and Taste
Soft dry cat food provides a softer texture that is easier on their mouths and can help clean their teeth. The taste of soft cat food may be more appealing to picky eaters, encouraging them to eat a balanced diet.
Flavor
The soft texture of these foods also allows for various flavors to be incorporated, making mealtime more exciting for your cat.
Your kitty gets the real taste of their favorite protein, such as real chicken, beef, or fish, without any filler ingredients.
Price
Soft dry cat food is often more cost-effective than wet food, making it an excellent option for cat parents on a budget. Adding water stretches the soft kibble, resulting in a satisfying meal while using less product.
Extended Shelf Life
Soft dry food has a longer shelf life than wet food. It can be kept for 18 – 24 months if stored properly. This makes it a convenient option for cat parents who prefer buying bulk food.
Disadvantages of Soft Dry Cat Food
Despite its numerous benefits, soft dry cat food has some potential drawbacks.
One potential issue is that it can contribute to dental problems in cats. While the softer texture is easier for cats to chew, particularly those with dental issues, it doesn’t provide the same teeth-cleaning benefits as crunchy kibble. Cats who eat only soft food may have a higher likelihood of developing plaque buildup and gum disease.
Another concern is that some soft dry foods contain artificial flavors and ingredients that can harm cats in the long run.
Many cat parents prefer natural ingredients for their pets. While some soft dry foods use real meat and wholesome grains, others may include filler ingredients and artificial components that compromise the health benefits.
The key is to choose brands that prioritize high-quality, natural ingredients and always review the food’s ingredient list to ensure you’re providing your furry friend with a nutrient-rich diet.
What are the Types of Dry Cat Food that are Soft?
There are a few different types of dry cat food that have a softer texture. These include partially soft kibble, pouch food, and soft treats.
Partially Soft Kibble
This type of dry cat food has a blend of crunchy kibble and softer pieces. It is designed to provide a more enjoyable eating experience for cats while still providing the benefits of traditional kibble.
Pouch Food
This option usually blends soft, moist food in a pouch. It can be served either as a complete meal or as a delicious topper to enhance dry food.
Soft Treats
These small, chewy pieces can be used as treats or mixed into dry food to add variety and texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Soft Dry Cat Food?
Soft dry cat food, often referred to as semi-moist cat food, is a type of food that combines the best qualities of dry and wet cat foods.
It contains less water than wet cat food, but its kibble pieces are softer and more tender than traditional dry kibble.
These tender bits or softer pieces are easier to eat and provide a more appealing texture for cats who may not like the crunchiness of regular kibble.
Is Soft Dry Cat Food Better for Cats?
Soft dry cat food can benefit cats in certain situations, such as those with dental issues or picky eaters. Senior cats with sensitive teeth may struggle to digest traditional kibble, making soft dry food a better option.
Are there any Artificial Ingredients in Soft Dry Cat Food?
Many soft dry cat food brands use natural, high-quality ingredients and avoid artificial flavors or fillers. However, checking the ingredient list is essential to ensure you’re making the best choice for your cat.
Our Verdict
Your cat deserves high-quality, nutritious food that focuses on their health and wellness, not just their caloric needs. Soft dry food is perfect for cats with dental issues or those who prefer a softer texture.
Our favorite option is Meow Mix Tender Centers Dry Cat Food.
Its blend of tender centers and crunchy exteriors satisfies your cat’s taste buds and provides essential nutrients for a well-balanced diet.
But the other options on this list are also excellent choices, each with unique benefits and features based on your cat’s individual needs and preferences.