Many people rely on PetSmart for their cat food. This large chain has around 1,500 stores, so it’s often accessible to people who aren’t close to other pet stores. Their accessibility and product selection makes them a fantastic resource for cat owners. PetSmart makes finding quality food for your cat is as easy as possible, regardless of your budget.
However, narrowing down what food to choose for your cat can be difficult. There are thousands of products on the market, and while most of them are likely to meet your cat’s nutritional needs, they aren’t all created equal for all cats. These reviews bring together the 10 best cat foods that PetSmart carries to make it easier for you to pick the best food for your kitty.
A Glance at Our Winners in 2023
Image Product Details
Best Overall
Applaws Tuna Fillet Cat Food
82% moisture
Highly palatable
Limited ingredient formula
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Best Value
Purina Pro Turkey & Rice Cat Food
80% moisture
Fully balanced
Meaty chunks in gravy
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Premium Choice
Royal Canin Cat Food
Aids in hairball management
Formulated to reduce litter box odors
Moderate calorie formula is ideal for indoor cats
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Best for Kittens
Nulo Medalseries Cod Kitten Food
Antioxidants support immunity
Contains probiotics to support digestive health
Ideal nutrient profile to support kitten development
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Nature’s Variety Cat Food
Good source of omega fatty acids
Contains probiotics for digestive health
Partial raw food without home preparation needed
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The 10 Best Cat Foods at PetSmart
- Applaws Tuna Fillet with Shrimp in Broth Cat Food – Best Overall
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Primary Protein: Tuna
Protein Content: 77.8%
Fat Content: 5.5%
Fiber Content: 5.5%
The best overall cat food at PetSmart is the Applaws Tuna Fillet with Shrimp in Broth wet food. This food features 77.8% protein on a dry matter basis, and it’s low in fat at only 5.5% on a dry matter basis. It consists of 82% moisture and contains only four ingredients. It has no artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives. It’s high in omega fatty acids, making this a good choice for supporting skin, coat, and joint health.
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Primary Protein: Tuna
Protein Content: 77.8%
Fat Content: 5.5%
Fiber Content: 5.5%
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This food is intended to be fed in conjunction with a portion of dry food as it may not contain all necessary nutrients on its own. It’s highly palatable, though, and the limited ingredient formula makes it a good option for cats with food sensitivities.
Pros
77.8% protein, 5.5% fat, and 5.5% fiber on a dry matter basis
82% moisture
Limited ingredient formula
No artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives
High in omega fatty acids
Highly palatable
Cons
Intended to be fed in conjunction with dry food
- Purina Pro Complete Essentials Turkey & Rice Cat Food – Best Value
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Primary Protein: Turkey
Protein Content: 55%
Fat Content: 10%
Fiber Content: 7.5%
The best cat food at PetSmart for the money is the Purina Pro Plan Complete Essentials Turkey & Rice wet food. This food meets AAFCO guidelines for cat food and features meaty chunks in a tasty gravy. It contains 55% protein, 10% fat, and 7.5% fiber on a dry matter basis, as well as 80% moisture. Purina Pro Plan Complete Essentials Turkey & Rice is also a good source of omega fatty acids and vitamin A to support skin and coat health. This recipe is fully balanced on its own and doesn’t have to be fed in conjunction with other foods.
77.8% protein, 5.5% fat, and 5.5% fiber on a dry matter basis
82% moisture
Limited ingredient formula
No artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives
High in omega fatty acids
Highly palatable
- 77.8% protein, 5.5% fat, and 5.5% fiber on a dry matter basis
- 82% moisture
- Limited ingredient formula
- No artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives
- High in omega fatty acids
- Highly palatable
Intended to be fed in conjunction with dry food
- Intended to be fed in conjunction with dry food
Primary Protein: Turkey
Protein Content: 55%
Fat Content: 10%
Fiber Content: 7.5%
The formula and packaging of this food were recently changed, and some people have reported their cats finding the new formula less palatable since they were used to the old formula. However, this doesn’t seem to be an issue for cats who were not already used to the old formula.
Pros
Best value
Meaty chunks in gravy
55% protein, 10% fat, and 7.5% fiber on a dry matter basis
80% moisture
Good source of omega fatty acids and vitamin A
Fully balanced
Cons
Recent formula change
Best value
Meaty chunks in gravy
55% protein, 10% fat, and 7.5% fiber on a dry matter basis
80% moisture
Good source of omega fatty acids and vitamin A
Fully balanced
- Best value
- Meaty chunks in gravy
- 55% protein, 10% fat, and 7.5% fiber on a dry matter basis
- 80% moisture
- Good source of omega fatty acids and vitamin A
- Fully balanced
Recent formula change
- Recent formula change
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- Royal Canin Indoor Adult Cat Food – Premium Choice
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Primary Protein: Chicken
Protein Content: 27%
Fat Content: 11%
Fiber Content: 5.7%
The Royal Canin Indoor Adult Cat Food is the premium pick for cat food at PetSmart. This food contains 27% protein, 11% fat, and 5.7% fiber, with chicken meal as the first ingredient. It meets the AAFCO guidelines for cat food and is a moderate-calorie formula to help maintain a healthy weight in indoor cats. It’s formulated to reduce stool odors, making for fewer stinky litter boxes. It also aids in hairball management and helps prevent tartar buildup on the teeth.
Primary Protein: Chicken
Protein Content: 27%
Fat Content: 11%
Fiber Content: 5.7%
Some people have reported their cats vomiting after trying this food. It’s important to remember, though, that cats should be slowly transitioned over to new foods to prevent this from occurring.
Pros
27% protein, 11% fat, and 5.7% fiber
Moderate calorie formula is ideal for indoor cats
Formulated to reduce litter box odors
Aids in hairball management
May help prevent tartar buildup on the teeth
Cons
Premium price
Must transition slowly to prevent stomach upset
- Nulo Medalseries Cod Kitten Food – Best for Kittens
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Primary Protein: Cod
Protein Content: 36.5%
Fat Content: 16%
Fiber Content: 4.5%
The best kitten food at Petsmart is the Nulo Medalseries Cod Kitten Food, which contains 36.5% protein, 16% fat, and 4.5% fiber. It contains probiotics to support digestive health and antioxidants to support health and immunity. It’s free of corn, soy, wheat, grains, artificial colors, preservatives, and artificial flavors. It contains an ideal nutrient profile to support healthy growth and development in kittens. It’s also palatable, and many people report their kittens gulping down this food. It does sell for a premium price, though.
27% protein, 11% fat, and 5.7% fiber
Moderate calorie formula is ideal for indoor cats
Formulated to reduce litter box odors
Aids in hairball management
May help prevent tartar buildup on the teeth
- 27% protein, 11% fat, and 5.7% fiber
- Moderate calorie formula is ideal for indoor cats
- Formulated to reduce litter box odors
- Aids in hairball management
- May help prevent tartar buildup on the teeth
Premium price
Must transition slowly to prevent stomach upset
- Premium price
- Must transition slowly to prevent stomach upset
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Primary Protein: Cod
Protein Content: 36.5%
Fat Content: 16%
Fiber Content: 4.5%
Pros
36.5% protein, 16% fat, and 4.5% fiber
Contains probiotics to support digestive health
Antioxidants support immunity
Free of corn, soy, wheat, grains, and artificial additives
Ideal nutrient profile to support kitten development
Highly palatable
Cons
Premium price
- Nature’s Variety Instinct Raw Boost Cat Food
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Primary Protein: Chicken
Protein Content: 41%
Fat Content: 22%
Fiber Content: 3.5%
The Nature’s Variety Instinct Raw Boost Cat Food is an excellent option if you’re interested in a partially raw diet without having to prepare it at home. This dry food contains a coating of raw food powder on each kibble, and it contains 41% protein, 22% fat, and 3.5% fiber. It’s a good source of omega fatty acids and contains probiotics to support digestive health. It’s free of corn, wheat, soy, potato, by-product meal, and artificial colors and preservatives. This food is suitable for cats of all life stages, but the high calorie and fat content makes this food more appropriate for young and active cats.
36.5% protein, 16% fat, and 4.5% fiber
Contains probiotics to support digestive health
Antioxidants support immunity
Free of corn, soy, wheat, grains, and artificial additives
Ideal nutrient profile to support kitten development
Highly palatable
- 36.5% protein, 16% fat, and 4.5% fiber
- Contains probiotics to support digestive health
- Antioxidants support immunity
- Free of corn, soy, wheat, grains, and artificial additives
- Ideal nutrient profile to support kitten development
- Highly palatable
Premium price
- Premium price
Pros
Partial raw food without home preparation needed
41% protein, 22% fat, and 3.5% fiber
Good source of omega fatty acids
Contains probiotics for digestive health
Free of corn, wheat, soy, potato, by-product meal, and artificial colors and preservatives
Cons
Premium price
High in fat and calories
The Made by Nacho Chicken, Duck, & Quail Recipe is a protein-rich food that contains chicken, duck, quail, and multiple nutrient-dense ingredients. It’s formulated with 32% protein, 18% fat, and 4% fiber, making it a good pick for active adult cats. It contains probiotics and prebiotics for digestive health and amino acids for muscle development. It’s also a good source of omega fatty acids.
Partial raw food without home preparation needed
41% protein, 22% fat, and 3.5% fiber
Good source of omega fatty acids
Contains probiotics for digestive health
Free of corn, wheat, soy, potato, by-product meal, and artificial colors and preservatives
- Partial raw food without home preparation needed
- 41% protein, 22% fat, and 3.5% fiber
- Good source of omega fatty acids
- Contains probiotics for digestive health
- Free of corn, wheat, soy, potato, by-product meal, and artificial colors and preservatives
Premium price
High in fat and calories
- Premium price
- High in fat and calories
Primary Protein: Chicken
Protein Content: 32%
Fat Content: 18%
Fiber Content: 4%
Bone broth makes this food highly palatable and higher in moisture than most dry foods at 10% moisture content. It’s free of corn, wheat, soy, and artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives. Made by Nacho Chicken, Duck, & Quail Recipe is calorie-dense and high in fat, and can cause weight gain in older cats or cats with low activity levels.
Pros
32% protein, 18% fat, and 4% fiber
Contains probiotics and prebiotics for digestive health
Good source of amino acids and omega fatty acids
Higher in moisture than most dry foods
Free of corn, wheat, soy, and artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives
Cons
High in fat and calories
- Fancy Feast Gravy Lovers Chicken Feast Cat Food
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Primary Protein: Chicken
Protein Content: 50%
Fat Content: 10%
Fiber Content: 7.5%
The Fancy Feast Gravy Lovers Chicken Feast is an affordable wet food option for kitties that like lots of gravy. On a dry matter basis, this food contains 50% protein, 10% fat, and 7.5% fiber. It has 82% moisture and features meaty chunks in gravy. This food is palatable and meets all the basic nutritional needs of adult cats, although it does contain soy and wheat.
32% protein, 18% fat, and 4% fiber
Contains probiotics and prebiotics for digestive health
Good source of amino acids and omega fatty acids
Higher in moisture than most dry foods
Free of corn, wheat, soy, and artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives
- 32% protein, 18% fat, and 4% fiber
- Contains probiotics and prebiotics for digestive health
- Good source of amino acids and omega fatty acids
- Higher in moisture than most dry foods
- Free of corn, wheat, soy, and artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives
High in fat and calories
- High in fat and calories
Primary Protein: Chicken
Protein Content: 50%
Fat Content: 10%
Fiber Content: 7.5%
This is not a nutrient-dense food, so the feeding requirements are relatively high. This food is best fed in conjunction with a portion of dry food to ensure your cat’s nutritional needs are met without your cat overeating.
Pros
Budget-friendly
50% protein, 10% fat, and 7.5% fiber on a dry matter basis
82% moisture
Meaty chunks in a palatable gravy
Meets all basic nutritional needs
Cons
Contains soy and wheat
Not nutrient-dense
- Hill’s Science Diet Healthy Roasted Chicken & Rice Medley
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Primary Protein: Chicken
Protein Content: 36.7%
Fat Content: 20%
Fiber Content: 13.3%
The Hill’s Science Diet Healthy Cuisine Roasted Chicken & Rice Medley canned food contains 36.7% protein, 20% fat, and 13.3% fiber on a dry matter basis. It has meaty chunks in a tasty broth, which brings it to 85% moisture, and it is a good source of antioxidants to support immunity. The high-quality protein sources support energy in your cat, although the high-fat content makes this food a better option for active cats. It’s made with easily digested ingredients for better digestive health and nutrient absorption. This food contains wheat and soy, and it is designed for cats from ages 1–6, so it’s not ideal for kittens or older adult cats.
Budget-friendly
50% protein, 10% fat, and 7.5% fiber on a dry matter basis
82% moisture
Meaty chunks in a palatable gravy
Meets all basic nutritional needs
- Budget-friendly
- 50% protein, 10% fat, and 7.5% fiber on a dry matter basis
- 82% moisture
- Meaty chunks in a palatable gravy
- Meets all basic nutritional needs
Contains soy and wheat
Not nutrient-dense
- Contains soy and wheat
- Not nutrient-dense
Primary Protein: Chicken
Protein Content: 36.7%
Fat Content: 20%
Fiber Content: 13.3%
Pros
36.7% protein, 20% fat, and 13.3% fiber on a dry matter basis
85% moisture
Good source of antioxidants for immune health
Supports energy levels in active cats
Made with easily digested ingredients
Cons
Contains wheat and soy
Designed only for cats from ages 1–6 years
- Tiki Cat Pate Tuna & Crab Recipe in Tuna Broth Cat Food
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Primary Protein: Tuna
Protein Content: 66.7%
Fat Content: 11.1%
Fiber Content: 5.6%
The Tiki Cat Pate Tuna & Crab Recipe in Tuna Broth is a wet food that contains 66.7% protein, 11.1% fat, and 5.6% fiber on a dry matter basis. It contains 82% moisture and is made from real dolphin-safe tuna and crab. It’s free of fruits, vegetables, grains, or artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives. It’s a balanced food that is highly palatable to most cats.
36.7% protein, 20% fat, and 13.3% fiber on a dry matter basis
85% moisture
Good source of antioxidants for immune health
Supports energy levels in active cats
Made with easily digested ingredients
- 36.7% protein, 20% fat, and 13.3% fiber on a dry matter basis
- 85% moisture
- Good source of antioxidants for immune health
- Supports energy levels in active cats
- Made with easily digested ingredients
Contains wheat and soy
Designed only for cats from ages 1–6 years
- Contains wheat and soy
- Designed only for cats from ages 1–6 years
Primary Protein: Tuna
Protein Content: 66.7%
Fat Content: 11.1%
Fiber Content: 5.6%
This is a premium-priced food option. It has a strong fishy smell, so cats that don’t like seafood flavors are unlikely to find this food appealing.
Pros
66.7% protein, 11.1% fat, and 5.6% fiber on a dry matter basis
82% moisture
Made from dolphin-safe tuna and real crab
Free of fruits, veggies, grains, and artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives
Cons
Premium price
Strong smell
- Only Natural Pet PowerFunction Skin & Coat Cat Food
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Primary Protein: Salmon
Protein Content: 41%
Fat Content: 13%
Fiber Content: 4%
The Only Natural Pet PowerFunction Skin & Coat Dinner is rich in omega fatty acids to support skin and coat health. It contains 41% protein, 13% fat, and 4% fiber, as well as 10% moisture, making it higher than many other dry foods. It contains nutrient-dense ancient grains and is free of legumes. This food is formulated by holistic vets and contains bites of freeze-dried fish meat. This food does sell for a premium price, so it may not suit all budgets. It’s a calorie-dense food, so it may not be ideal for older cats, overweight cats, or cats with low activity levels.
66.7% protein, 11.1% fat, and 5.6% fiber on a dry matter basis
82% moisture
Made from dolphin-safe tuna and real crab
Free of fruits, veggies, grains, and artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives
- 66.7% protein, 11.1% fat, and 5.6% fiber on a dry matter basis
- 82% moisture
- Made from dolphin-safe tuna and real crab
- Free of fruits, veggies, grains, and artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives
Premium price
Strong smell
- Premium price
- Strong smell
Primary Protein: Salmon
Protein Content: 41%
Fat Content: 13%
Fiber Content: 4%
Pros
Rich in omega fatty acids
41% protein, 13% fat, and 4% fiber
Higher moisture content than many dry foods
Nutrient-dense ingredients
Formulated by holistic vets
Cons
Premium price
Calorie dense
Not a good option for older or overweight cats or cats with low activity levels
Rich in omega fatty acids
41% protein, 13% fat, and 4% fiber
Higher moisture content than many dry foods
Nutrient-dense ingredients
Formulated by holistic vets
- Rich in omega fatty acids
- 41% protein, 13% fat, and 4% fiber
- Higher moisture content than many dry foods
- Nutrient-dense ingredients
- Formulated by holistic vets
Premium price
Calorie dense
Not a good option for older or overweight cats or cats with low activity levels
- Premium price
- Calorie dense
- Not a good option for older or overweight cats or cats with low activity levels
Buyer’s Guide: Selecting the Best Cat Food at PetSmart
Choosing the Right Food for Your Cat
Choosing the best food for your cat is based on multiple factors. The top factor to consider is whether you think your cat will eat the food or not. Cats can be finicky, so choose a food that contains flavors and textures that your cat has shown a preference for. It may take trial and error to choose the perfect food for your cat.
Your cat’s age and weight, as well as the presence of any health conditions, should all be considered. If you’re unsure if a food is appropriate for your cat, talk to your vet before trying it. Your vet will know if a food isn’t suitable for your cat’s needs.
Reading Cat Food Labels
Cat Food Protein Content
Most adult cats require a minimum of 26% protein in their diet. Too little protein can lead to deficiencies, while too much protein can tax the kidneys, especially in cats who are predisposed to kidney problems. Some studies have indicated that healthy adult cats that don’t eat at least 40% dietary protein may begin losing muscle mass. Senior and elderly cats often need at least 50% protein in their diet to maintain muscle mass and overall health
Cat Food Fat Content
According to the AAFCO recommendations for adult cats, they should consume a minimum of 9% fat on a dry matter basis in their daily diet. Fats are needed for skin and coat health, as well as brain health and development, wound healing, cardiac health, immunity, weight maintenance, and organ function.
Cat Food Fiber Content
Fiber is essential for maintaining digestive health and promoting satiety, or a feeling of fullness, in your cat. Fiber is a carbohydrate, and cats tend to have relatively low carbohydrate needs since they are obligate carnivores. Aim to provide some fiber in your cat’s daily diet, but the average goal is to keep carbohydrates below 10% of the daily dietary intake. If your cat is having digestive difficulties or seems to struggle with satiety, talk to your vet about the options available to you.
Cat Food Moisture
Moisture, or water intake, is necessary for survival. However, cats tend to chronically drink too little water. Moisture in their food can help promote hydration, kidney function, and a healthy urinary tract. If your cat doesn’t drink much water, adding a portion of food that provides a good source of moisture can be an easy way to sneak fluid into your cat’s diet. Wet cat food is an excellent way to add moisture to your cat’s diet.
- See Also: 5 Natural Sources of Potassium for Cats (& How Much They Need Daily)
Conclusion
Did you see a food in these reviews that you feel might work for your cat? To recap, the best overall cat food available at PetSmart is the Applaws Tuna Fillet with Shrimp in Broth, which is a limited-ingredient formula that can help add moisture to your cat’s diet. The budget-friendly food pick is the Purina Pro Plan Complete Essentials Turkey & Rice, which is affordable without sacrificing food quality. For dry food, the premium pick is the Royal Canin Indoor Adult Cat Food, which is specially formulated to meet the needs of your indoor kitty.
Featured Image Credit: Astrid Gast, Shutterstock
