Keeping your cats healthy and happy can be expensive, especially when you have more than one cat. Luckily, many cat food options are reasonably priced to help cat parents on a budget.
But with so many brands available at different prices, choosing the best affordable option for your cats can be confusing.
This is why we have compiled a list of the best cheap cat food, so you can feed your cats without breaking the bank.
We have looked at good quality cat food that won’t compromise on flavor and nutrition, so your cats will stay healthy and well-fed.
Our favorite is Iams ProActive Health Dry cat food.
It is affordable and packed with high-quality animal proteins, like real chicken, for building strong muscles.
But that’s not all. If your cat prefers wet food, we also included some of the cheapest options. Here are our top choices.
Our top Picks: Best Cheap Cat Food
- Iams ProActive Health Dry cat food (Best Overall Food)
- Meow Mix Original Choice Dry cat food (Best Budget Food)
- 9Lives Dry Cat Food (Best Dry Food)
- Blue Buffalo Wilderness Dry Cat Food (Best Grain-Free Food)
- Cat Chow Complete Dry Cat Food (Best Food for all Ages)
- Friskies Tender & Crunchy Combo Dry Cat Food (Best Tasting Food)
- Purina Friskies Dry Cat Food Swirlers (Best Food with Grain)
- Purina Beyond Dry Cat Food (Best Adult Food)
- Kit & Kaboodle Dry Cat Food (Best Flavored Food)
- Fancy Feast Gravy Lovers Canned Cat Food (Best Wet Food)
- Tiki Cat Grain-Free Canned Cat Food (Best Low Carb Food)
- Fancy Feast Gourmet Naturals Canned Cat Food (Best Canned Food)
9 Best Cheap Dry Cat Food Reviewed
Dry cat food is usually cheaper than wet food. It is also a great way to keep your cat’s teeth healthy. The formulas below all follow the nutrient guidelines set by AAFCO for cats.
Speak with your veterinarian before changing your cat’s food.
Iams ProActive Health Dry Cat Food
Guaranteed Analysis: 32% Crude Protein, 15% Crude Fat, 3% Crude Fiber, 10% Moisture
Caloric Content: 399 kcal/cup
First 5 Ingredients: Chicken, Chicken By-Product Meal, Ground Whole Grain Corn, Corn Grits, Corn Gluten Meal
Type of Product: Dry cat food
Life Stage: Adult
Key Feature: Pea-Free with grain
Pros:
- High-quality chicken protein
- Rich in omega fatty acids
- Includes natural fibers to help support digestive health
- Crunchy kibble
Cons:
- Not grain free.
- This product is only available in two flavors
Iams ProActive Health Dry Cat Food is affordable, nutritious, and tasty – making it the perfect option for cat parents on a budget.
It contains 32% crude protein and 15% crude fat. This ensures your cat will get all the essential amino acids and fatty acids they need for a healthy diet.
The protein comes from real chicken, an excellent source of high-quality animal protein for building strong and healthy muscles.
Fish oil boosts the omega fatty acid content, which helps nourish your cat’s skin and coat. Fish oil also provides your cat with DHA, an essential fatty acid for brain health and development.
The formula also contains natural fibers to help support your cat’s digestive health. Plus, the crunchy kibble helps to reduce plaque build-up. This helps to keep your cat’s teeth extra clean and healthy.
Cat parents whose cats have few teeth appreciate that this food also contains calcium to help keep their teeth strong.
Unfortunately, the product is not grain free and only available in two flavors-chicken and salmon.
Meow Mix Original Choice Dry Cat Food
Guaranteed Analysis: 31% Crude Protein, 11% Crude Fat, 4% Crude Fiber, 12% Moisture
Caloric Content: 308 kcal/cup
First 5 Ingredients: Ground Yellow Corn, Corn Gluten Meal, Chicken By-Product Meal, Soybean Meal, Beef Tallow
Type of Product: Dry cat food
Life Stage: Adult
Key Feature: Dry cat food with grain
Pros:
- Loaded with premium quality proteins
- Includes essential vitamins and minerals for a balanced diet
- Provides antioxidants to support a healthy immune system
Cons:
- Contains artificial colors
- Not grain free
This food offers an excellent balance between quality and affordability. It contains 31% crude protein, providing your cats with the essential amino acids they need for healthy nutrition.
It contains essential vitamins and minerals for a balanced diet. The recipe also includes vitamin E and selenium to help protect cells against oxidative damage.
This is not a grain-free formula, but it does contain a variety of easily digestible grains, which are good sources of carbohydrates. Digestible carbs help provide energy for your cat’s active lifestyle.
Cat parents appreciate that this dry food is infused with natural irresistible flavors from chicken, turkey, salmon, and ocean fish, making their cats crave every bite.
On the downside, the product does contain artificial colors and flavors which some cat owners prefer to avoid.
9Lives Dry Cat Food
Guaranteed Analysis: 30% Crude Protein, 9% Crude Fat, 3% Crude Fiber, 12% Moisture
Caloric Content: 306 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: Dry cat food with grain
Pros:
- Complete and balanced diet, all cat life stages
- Contains calcium for strong bones and teeth
- Added Taurine for healthy vision
- Tasty and full of natural flavors
Cons:
- Contains artificial colors
- Not grain free
This recipe contains 30% crude protein from highly digestible sources to help your cat maintain strong muscles.
It is also rich in essential vitamins and minerals that your cat needs for a complete balanced diet. The formula contains added taurine for healthy vision and calcium for strong bones and teeth.
This grain-inclusive formula also contains essential fatty acids, like Omega-3 and Omega-6, to help your cat maintain healthy skin and coat.
Reviews from cat parents rave about the delicious natural flavors – cats love it! However, some cat parents may not like that this product contains artificial colors in the ingredients list.
Blue Buffalo Wilderness Dry Cat Food
Guaranteed Analysis: 40% Crude Protein, 18% Crude Fat, 4% Crude Fiber, 9% Moisture
Caloric Content: 443 kcal/cup
First 5 Ingredients: Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Pea Protein, Tapioca Starch, Peas
Type of Product: Dry cat food
Life Stage: Adult
Key Feature: Grain-free, high protein dry cat food
Pros:
- High protein content
- Grain-free formula
- Includes probiotics to promote digestive health
- Contains natural fibers for healthy digestion
- Small kibble size
Cons:
- Pricey when compared to the other cat food brands
The first ingredient in this food is real deboned chicken which provides an excellent source of high-quality animal protein for building strong muscles.
The small kibble size boasts a caloric content of 443 kcal/cup, providing adequate energy for your cat. These calories come from a high protein content of 40% and 18% fat from healthy sources.
This grain-free formula also includes digestible carbohydrates like sweet potatoes for easy digestion. It also contains probiotics that help support your cat’s digestive health.
The formula includes LifeSource Bits that contain a precise blend of healthy antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. These help support immune health and provide essential nutrients for your cat’s overall well-being.
The inclusion of cranberries and blueberries boosts the antioxidant properties of this food. It has added taurine for your cat’s eyesight and heart health.
Reviews from cat parents indicate their cats love this food but note that it can be a bit pricey compared to the other brands.
Cat Chow Complete Dry Cat Food
Guaranteed Analysis: 32% Crude Protein, 12% Crude Fat, 3% Crude Fiber, 12% Moisture
Caloric Content: 405 kcal/cup
First 5 Ingredients: Chicken By-Product Meal, Ground Yellow Corn, Corn Gluten Meal, Whole Grain Wheat, Rice
Type of Product: Dry cat food
Life Stage: Adult
Key Feature: Dry cat food with grain
Pros:
- High in protein
- Rich in omega fatty acids
- Includes essential vitamins and minerals
- Affordable option
Cons:
- Contains artificial colors
This dry cat food has a high protein content of 32%. It includes other affordable protein sources such as chicken by-product meal which helps build strong muscles.
This formula also contains essential fatty acids, including omega, to keep your cat’s skin and coat healthy.
This grain-inclusive diet contains easily digestible grains like rice and whole grain wheat. If your cat is not grain sensitive, these grains offer prebiotic fibers that support digestion.
Moreover, the crunchy kibble also helps reduce plaque build-up and maintain healthy teeth. With added calcium, your cat’s teeth stay strong and healthy.
The formula is balanced with essential vitamins, minerals, and other key nutrients to ensure your cat stays healthy and gets all the nutrition they need. Vitamins A and taurine help promote your kitty’s vision.
However, this product also includes artificial colors, which may be off-putting for some cat parents.
Friskies Tender & Crunchy Combo Dry Cat Food
Guaranteed Analysis: 30% Crude Protein, 11% Crude Fat, 3% Crude Fiber, 12% Moisture
Caloric Content: 389 kcal/cup
First 5 Ingredients: Ground Yellow Corn, Corn Gluten Meal, Chicken By-product Meal, Ground Wheat, Soybean Meal
Type of Product: Dry cat food
Life Stage: Adult
Key Feature: Dry cat food with grain
Pros:
- Contains high-quality proteins, including chicken
- High in vitamins and minerals
- Complete nutrition for adult cats
- Promote healthy skin and coat
Cons:
- Contains artificial colors
- Not grain free
This dry food provides an affordable option for your cat with all the essential nutrients, minerals, and vitamins they need to stay healthy.
The formula contains 30% crude protein from real chicken. It also includes other affordable protein sources from chicken and turkey by-product meals to help your cat build lean muscles.
It also provides 11% crude fat, which helps to keep your cat’s coat and skin looking healthy.
To ensure your cat’s dental health is taken care of, this dry food contains crunchy bites that help reduce plaque build-up. The added calcium and vitamin D help keep their teeth and bones strong.
The crunchy kibbles boast a caloric content of 389 kcal/cup, which caters for the energy needs of even the most active adult cats.
Your cat will love the meaty feast of chicken, beef, and turkey flavors! Unfortunately, this product contains artificial colors and is not grain free.
Purina Friskies Dry Cat Food Swirlers
Guaranteed Analysis: 30% Crude Protein, 12% Crude Fat, 3% Crude Fiber, 12% Moisture
Caloric Content: 384 kcal/cup
First 5 Ingredients: Ground Yellow Corn, Corn Gluten Meal, Chicken By-product Meal, Soybean Meal, Beef Tallow
Type of Product: Dry cat food
Life Stage: Adult
Key Feature: Dry cat food with grain
Pros:
- Crunchy kibble
- Formulated with essential vitamins and minerals
- Chicken and salmon flavor
- Formulated for all life stages
Cons:
- Contains artificial colors
Purina Friskies Dry Cat Food Swirler combines two delicious flavors in one bag. The chicken and salmon flavor combo will entice even the pickiest eaters.
The gravy-baked kibbles add flavor, making the kibble pieces more tasty and appealing to your feline friend.
This food contains 30% crude protein from affordable protein sources like chicken by-product meal and fish meal for building lean muscles.
The formula is fortified with essential vitamins and minerals to ensure your cat gets all the nutrients they need for a balanced diet. Essential minerals like calcium and phosphorus help to keep your cat’s bones and teeth healthy.
With the inclusion of zinc, your cat’s immune system is kept healthy and strong. Meanwhile, Vitamin E helps keep their skin and coat looking shiny.
On the downside, this food contains artificial colors. However, if your cat loves the flavor of chicken and salmon, this could be an excellent wallet-friendly option.
Purina Beyond Dry Cat Food
Guaranteed Analysis: 35% Crude Protein, 14% Crude Fat, 4% Crude Fiber, 12% Moisture
Caloric Content: 394 kcal/cup
First 5 Ingredients: Chicken, Chicken Meal, Pea Protein, Pea Starch, Cassava Root Flour
Type of Product: Dry cat food
Life Stage: Adult
Key Feature: High protein, grain-free, gluten-free, natural cat food
Pros:
- High in proteins
- Grain-free formula
- Natural prebiotics for digestive health
Cons:
- Contains pea ingredients
Purina Beyond Dry Cat Food is an excellent option for cat parents looking for affordable, high-protein dry food.
This grain-free formula contains 35% protein to help your cats build strong muscles. A blend of chicken and chicken meal are the primary protein sources, supplemented with pea proteins for extra amino acids.
This formula includes probiotics to help promote a healthy digestive system. And the natural fibers present in this food will also help support your cat’s digestive health.
That’s not all; it also contains minerals such as calcium, zinc, selenium, and phosphorus. Calcium and phosphorus are vital for strong bones and teeth, while zinc helps boost the immune system. And selenium is an antioxidant that helps to reduce oxidative stress.
With all the essential vitamins and taurine added, your cat will get everything they need for a balanced diet at an affordable price.
However, this food contains pea ingredients, so it may not suit cats with pea allergies.
Kit & Kaboodle Dry Cat Food
Guaranteed Analysis: 28% Crude Protein, 10% Crude Fat, 3% Crude Fiber, 12% Moisture
Caloric Content: 404 kcal/cup
First 5 Ingredients: Ground Yellow Corn, Corn Gluten Meal, Soybean Meal, Meat, Bone Meal
Type of Product: Dry cat food
Life Stage: Adult
Key Feature: Dry cat food with grain
Pros:
- Loaded with essential vitamins and minerals
- Cats love the flavor
- Crunchy kibble
Cons:
- Not the best quality ingredients
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly dry cat food option, consider Kit & Kaboodle Dry Cat Food.
This formula is rich in essential vitamins and minerals to ensure your cat stays healthy while providing balanced nutrition and great taste. Your cats will love the enriched flavors of chicken, liver, turkey, and ocean fish.
Despite the budget price tag, this food is still highly nutritious, with 28% crude protein and 10% crude fat for optimal energy production. The protein comes from various affordable sources, including meat meal and chicken by-product meal.
It’s not the highest quality formula, but it provides a calorie content of 404 kcal/cup to energize your cat. It does contain some lower-quality ingredients, but most reviews from cat parents are positive.
3 Best Cheap Wet Cat Food Reviewed
The problem with dry food is that it can be high in carbohydrates which is not ideal for cats. On the other hand, wet food tends to have a lower carbohydrate content and can help cats with their daily moisture needs.
Fancy Feast Gravy Lovers Canned Cat Food
Guaranteed Analysis: 9% Crude Protein, 2% Crude Fat, 1.5% Crude Fiber, 82% Moisture
Caloric Content: 66 kcal/can
First 5 Ingredients: Poultry Broth, Turkey, Liver, Wheat Gluten, Meat By-Products
Type of Product: Wet cat food
Food Texture: Chunks in gravy
Life Stage: Adult
Key Feature: Wet cat food with grain
Pros:
- Premium animal proteins
- Variety of flavors in pack
- Low carbs
Cons:
- Not grain free.
- Contains some by-products and artificial flavors
Fancy Feast Gravy Lovers canned cat food is one of the best affordable wet food options available if you have a picky eater.
This variety pack contains various flavors, including chicken, beef, and turkey. The meaty chunks are soft, small, and easy for cats to eat. The gravy helps to make this delicious wet food even tastier.
The low-carb formula helps to ensure your cat gets adequate protein without an overload of carbs. Plus, the high moisture content helps your cat meet their daily water needs and keep them hydrated.
There are also plenty of vitamins and minerals to help your cat stay active and healthy. However, this food is not grain free and contains some artificial colors.
Tiki Cat Grain-Free Canned Cat Food
Guaranteed Analysis: 16% Crude Protein, 2.6% Crude Fat, 0% Crude Fiber, 80% Moisture
Caloric Content: 225 kcal/10 oz can
First 5 Ingredients: Chicken, Chicken Broth, Sunflower Seed Oil, Calcium Lactate, Dicalcium Phosphate
Type of Product: Wet cat food
Food Texture: Shredded
Life Stage: Adult
Key Feature: No Corn, No Wheat, No Soy, High-Protein, Gluten Free, Low Glycemic, Grain-Free, Pea-Free, Natural, Non-GMO
Pros:
- High-quality animal proteins
- Gluten-free and grain-free recipe
- Low glycemic formula
- Non-GMO ingredients
Cons:
- Pate-loving cats don’t like the texture of this food.
Tiki Cat Grain-Free Canned Cat Food contains high-quality animal proteins from real chicken and chicken liver to support strong muscles and energy needs.
It also includes chicken broth as a source of moisture, making it an excellent choice for cats who need extra hydration.
The added sunflower seed oil is rich in omega fatty acids, which help nourish your cat’s skin and coat. Moreover, this food is also gluten, grain, and GMO-free – perfect for cats with sensitivities.
This formula is low glycemic, so it doesn’t spike your cat’s blood sugar levels. It also contains calcium lactate, and magnesium to support healthy teeth and bones.
Unfortunately, some cat parents may find that their cats don’t like the texture of the finely shredded chicken. So if your cat is a pate lover, they may not enjoy this food.
Fancy Feast Gourmet Naturals Canned Cat Food
Guaranteed Analysis: 10% Crude Protein, 5% Crude Fat, 1.5% Crude Fiber, 78% Moisture
Caloric Content: 100 kcal/can
First 5 Ingredients: Trout, Chicken, Fish Broth, Liver, Tuna
Type of Product: Wet cat food
Food Texture: Pate
Life Stage: Adult
Key Feature: Natural, grain-free
Pros:
- High-quality proteins
- Grain-free diet
- Made with Natural ingredients
- Pate texture is easy to digest
Cons:
- May not be suitable for cats allergic to certain seafood proteins
This formula contains natural trout, chicken, and tuna as the first ingredients for a high-quality protein source. It also has real fish broth and liver to boost the flavor.
This recipe has no grains, so it’s perfect for cats with grain sensitivities. Plus, it is made from premium natural ingredients to increase digestibility.
The pate texture makes it easy for your cat to eat, even if they have missing teeth or small mouths. This formula has a high water content of 78%, making it the perfect choice for cats who don’t drink enough water. It provides them with the necessary moisture to stay hydrated and healthy.
The only downside is that this recipe may not be suitable if your cat has allergies to certain seafood proteins like tuna.
What to Look for in Cheap Cat Food
You want to ensure your cats get the best nutrition possible, even if you’re on a budget. Cheap cat food does not necessarily mean low-quality food.
It can mean manufacturers have used affordable proteins like animal by-products or meat meals instead of premium animal proteins.
You will still want to ensure the food contains essential amino acids, vitamins, and minerals for a balanced diet. Here is what to look for in cheap cat food:
Premium Protein Sources: Cats need a consistent source of protein in their diet, so make sure there are premium sources of high-quality animal proteins or meat meals included in the cat food you choose. These proteins help maintain lean muscle mass.
Avoid plant proteins such as soy proteins, as these do not provide enough amino acids for cats to grow and stay healthy.
Quality Fats: Good fats help keep your cat’s coat shiny and healthy while providing energy from Omega 3 fatty acids. Fish oil, sunflower oil, and chicken fat are all excellent sources of healthy fats.
Digestible carbohydrates: Cats can eat carbohydrates even though it is not part of their natural diet because they offer useful prebiotics and plenty of fibers that help to support your cat’s digestive health.
Brown rice and sweet potatoes are two excellent sources of digestible carbohydrates that can provide fiber without causing stomach upset.
Balance of Vitamins and Minerals: Make sure the cat food you choose balances vitamins and minerals that will keep cats healthy throughout their lives. This includes essential amino acids (lysine, methionine), vitamins A, D3, K, and trace elements such as zinc, selenium, and copper.
Taurine: Cats need taurine as an essential nutrient, so make sure to include it in their food. It helps protect the heart and eyes and helps with proper digestion. Plant-based proteins do not contain taurine, so cat food should contain or supplement it if necessary.
Ingredients to Avoid in Cheap Cat Food
Some cat food manufacturers may cut corners by using low-quality ingredients that offer little to no nutritional value. Premium foods have high-quality ingredients, but these can be expensive. However, you should not compromise on your cat’s nutrition for cost.
Here are some ingredients to avoid in cheap cat food:
- Fillers: Corn, wheat, and soy are not good sources of nutrition for cats. Cats are obligate carnivores, so they need animal proteins to stay healthy.
Some manufacturers use this as a way of adding bulk to the food without adding too much cost. However, these ingredients are not very nutritious and can cause stomach upset for some cats.
- Artificial Colors or Flavors: Cats don’t care what color their food is—they just want something that smells and taste good. Don’t buy cat food with artificial colors or flavors; it does not benefit your pet.
- Preservatives: BHA, BHT, and ethoxyquin are chemicals in some cat foods to prevent spoilage. While the FDA has approved these for human consumption, they should be avoided when possible in cat food.
- Rendered Fat: Rendered fat is a cheaper source of fat than chicken fat or beef fat. This type of fat can be difficult for cats to digest and may cause stomach upset in some cats.
How Can I Feed my Cat Cheaply?
Here are some tips to help you feed your cat affordably:
Buy in Bulk: One way to feed your cat cheaply is to buy in bulk so you don’t have to buy as often.
Try Variety Packs: Variety packs are a great way to give your cats some variety in their diet without breaking the bank. These packs often contain small portions of different flavors that can help keep them interested in their meals.
Look for Sales: Keep your eyes peeled for sales on cat food, as this can help you to save money. Some pet stores have weekly or monthly specials, so check regularly for discounted prices.
Make Homemade Food: If you have time, making your own cat food is another excellent way to save money. You can use simple ingredients like chicken, beef, and vegetables to make healthy, nutritious home-cooked meals for your cats.
Feed Appropriately: Overfeeding your cats is bad for their health and can cost you more in the long run. Make sure to feed your cats the appropriate amount for their age, size, and activity level.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Much Should I Spend on Cat Food?
The amount you should spend on your cat’s food will depend on a few factors, such as the type of food you choose and the size of your cat.
Generally, dry kibble is the most economical choice, while wet or canned food tends to be more expensive. You should also consider if your cat has any special dietary needs due to age, health concerns, or allergies.
You can spend between $50 and $60 monthly for an average-sized indoor adult cat eating a dry kibble diet.
If your cat prefers wet or canned food, you may need to budget up to double that amount. You can expect to spend even more if you feed a large breed or provide specialized medical diets.
Is it Cheaper to Feed Cats Wet or Dry Food?
Regarding cost, most cat parents agree that dry cat food is cheaper in the long run. Dry kibble offers more nutrients per serving than wet food, which can often cost less if you buy it in bulk.
Additionally, cats don’t need to eat as much dry food as they would wet food because of its higher calorie content. This means owners can feed their cats fewer meals daily while providing them with essential nutrients.
While canned or pouch wet foods are generally more convenient and palatable for some cats, they tend to be more expensive than dry varieties and may require you to feed your pet several smaller meals throughout the day.
Is it ok to Give Cats Wet Food Every Day?
Yes, it is generally okay to feed cats wet food every day. Wet food contains more moisture and is considered nutritionally superior to dry food due to its higher protein content.
Plus, cats tend to prefer the taste of wet food over dry. However, as with all types of food, you should consult your vet before changing your cat’s diet.
Final Verdict
Price is always a consideration when making food choices, but ensuring you’re getting your money’s worth is vital. We have researched affordable options that meet both nutritional needs and taste buds with our guide on the best cheap cat foods.
We recommend Iams ProActive Health Dry cat food for its great taste, healthy ingredients, and reasonable price. Plus, it contains taurine for proper heart health.
All these benefits make Iams ProActive Health Dry cat food an excellent choice for cat owners on a budget.
The other foods in the list are also great options depending on your cat’s preferences-whether they prefer wet or dry food, a particular flavor, or a protein source.
We hope this post helped you find the best affordable cat food to keep your pet healthy and happy without breaking the bank.