If you have a picky cat, you know how frustrating it can be to find a food that they will actually eat. With so many different types and brands of cat food on the market, it can be hard to know where to start. We did the research for you and compiled a list of reviews of the best cat foods for picky cats in Canada for 2022. Whether your cat prefers wet or dry food, there’s an option on this list that is sure to please even the most finicky feline!
A Quick Comparison of Our Winners (2023)
Image Product Details
Best Overall
Taste of the Wild Rocky Mountain
Real meat is the main ingredient
Added nutrients and antioxidants
Easily digested
Check Price
Best Value
Iams Proactive Health High Protein
Chicken is the first ingredient
Free of artificial additives and preservatives
High protein appeals to picky cats
Check Price
Premium Choice
Blue Buffalo Wilderness Chicken Recipe
High protein appeals to picky cats
Grain free for cats with allergies
Contains all-natural ingredients
Check Price
Best for Kittens
Merrick Backcountry Raw Infused
Freeze-dried chunks enhance taste and smell
High-quality meat ingredients
Promotes growth and development
Check Price
Vet’s Choice
Hill’s Science Diet Indoor Cat
High-quality ingredients
Easily digested
High fibre
Check Price
The 10 Best Cat Foods for Picky Cats in Canada
- Taste of the Wild Feline Formula — Best Overall
Check Latest Price
Main ingredients: Chicken meal, peas, sweet potatoes, chicken fat
Protein content: 42%
Fat content: 18%
Calories: 425 kcal/cup
If you have a picky cat, we recommend Taste of the Wild Rocky Mountain Feline Formula as the overall best cat food for picky cats in Canada. This food is made with real venison and roasted lamb, so it’s sure to please even the most finicky eaters. It’s also packed with nutrients and antioxidants that will keep your cat healthy. The protein sources in this food are easily digested and suitable for cats with sensitive stomachs. The one downside to Taste of the Wild cat foods is that they are slightly more expensive than most other brands. However, many pet parents feel that the ingredient quality makes it worth the extra cost. Pros
Real meat is the main ingredient
Added nutrients and antioxidants
Easily digested
Cons
Expensive
- Iams Proactive Health High Protein — Best Value
Check Latest Price
Main ingredients: Chicken, chicken by-product meal, corn grits, ground whole-grain corn
Protein content: 38%
Fat content: 18%
Calories: 371 kcal/cup
Iams Proactive Health High Protein is the best cat food for picky cats in Canada for the money. It has all the nutrients that your cat needs to stay happy and healthy, and it’s available at an affordable price. Iams Proactive Health High Protein contains chicken as the first ingredient. It’s free of artificial flavors, colors, and preservatives, so you can feel good about what you’re feeding your pet. High Protein foods appeal to your cat’s carnivorous nature, so they’re great for picky cats. Unfortunately, they have the downside of being high in calories. If your cat is prone to weight gain, this may not be the best food choice for them. Some animals also experience digestive issues when switching to high-protein food, so make sure to monitor their bathroom habits closely. Pros
Chicken is the first ingredient
Free of artificial additives and preservatives
High protein appeals to picky cats
Cons
Higher calories than most other options
Some cats experience digestive issues with high-protein food
- Blue Buffalo Wilderness Chicken Recipe — Premium Choice
Check Latest Price
Main ingredients: Deboned chicken, chicken meal, pea protein, tapioca starch
Protein content: 40%
Fat content: 18%
Calories: 443 kcal/cup
If you’re looking for quality food for your picky cat, try Blue Buffalo Wilderness High Protein. This food is more expensive than many other options, but it’s a good choice for cats that gain weight easily. Many users report that their cats slimmed down with this food because the high protein content keeps them full for longer. For cats with allergies, this food is grain free but still maintains a healthy level of carbohydrates. As with any food, not all cats like the flavor of this recipe, and there can be digestive issues when switching to a high-protein food, so make sure to change foods gradually rather than all at once. Pros
High protein appeals to picky cats
Grain free for cats with allergies
Contains all-natural ingredients
No artificial flavors or preservatives
Cons
Not liked by all cats
High-protein diets cause digestive issues in some cats
Expensive
- Merrick Backcountry Kitten Recipe — Best for Kittens
Check Latest Price
Main ingredients: Deboned chicken, chicken meal, turkey meal, potatoes
Protein content: 42%
Fat content: 15%
Calories: 400 kcal/cup
When you have a picky kitten, you need nutritious food to promote their healthy growth and development that also tastes good. We recommend Merrick Backcountry Raw Infused Kitten Recipe. This food is traditional kibble with freeze-dried raw chunks mixed in to make it extra tasty. The chunks enhance both the smell and the flavor, so even the pickiest kitties are sure to love this food. The one downside of Merrick Backcountry is the inclusion of peas and potatoes as primary carbohydrate sources. However, they aren’t in the top three ingredients, and the overall nutritional quality of meat ingredients makes up the difference. Pros
Freeze-dried chunks enhance taste and smell
High-quality meat ingredients
Nutritionally complete to promote growth and development
Cons
Includes peas and potatoes as the primary carbohydrate sources
- Hill’s Science Diet Indoor Cat — Vet’s Choice
Check Latest Price
Main ingredients: Chicken, whole-grain wheat, corn gluten meal, powdered cellulose
Protein content: 31%
Fat content: 13%
Calories: 319 kcal/cup
Our vet’s choice recommendation for cat food for picky cats in Canada is Hill’s Science Diet Indoor Cat. Hill’s food is often recommended by veterinarians due to its high-quality ingredients and nutritional value. This food is high in fibre to promote digestive health. It’s easy to digest for sensitive tummies and reduces the occurrence of hairballs. Hill’s Science Diet food provides just the right amount of calories for less-active indoor cats and helps prevent weight gain while maintaining lean muscle mass. The biggest consumer complaint about this food is the size of the kibble. The pieces are fairly large, and some cats have difficulty chewing them. Pros
High-quality ingredients
Easily digested
High fibre
Reduces hairballs
Prevents weight gain for less active cats
Cons
Large kibble pieces
- Purina ONE SmartBlend True Instinct Natural
Check Latest Price
Main ingredients: Salmon, chicken meal, soy flour, whole grain wheat
Protein content: 30%
Fat content: 17%
Calories: 340 kcal/cup
Purina ONE SmartBlend True Instinct Natural gets top marks for being a tasty, affordable option for picky cats. This recipe contains real meat as the first ingredients, along with other protein sources, like salmon and turkey. There are no artificial flavors or preservatives, and cats love the taste, which is the most important thing when your cat turns up their nose at most foods. One of the reasons Purina ONE tastes so good is that it has a higher fat content than many other foods. This does put your cat at risk of becoming overweight. You can mitigate this by providing your cat with smaller portions and ensuring that they get enough exercise. Pros
Real meat is the primary ingredient
Multiple protein sources
No artificial preservatives
Cons
High-fat content
- Nutro Wholesome Essentials Adult Dry Cat Food
Check Latest Price
Main ingredients: Salmon, chicken meal, brewers rice, pea protein
Protein content: 33%
Fat content: 16%
Calories: 414 kcal/cup
Nutro Wholesome Essentials Adult Dry Cat Food aims to give your cat wholesome nutrition. This food is available in both wet and dry form, giving you the option to mix the two and keep your picky cat happy. Nutro is specifically designed to meet the nutritional requirements of adult indoor cats. It’s not suitable for kittens, seniors, or outdoor cats, as they have different requirements. A few controversial ingredients are contained in this recipe — specifically, corn gluten meal and wheat flour. These ingredients aren’t harmful to your kitty, but they are primarily fillers and don’t provide much nutritional value. Nutro cat food is also high in carbohydrates, which is not ideal. Pros
Available in both wet and dry food
Meets nutritional requirements for adult cats
No artificial ingredients
Cons
Contains controversial ingredients
High in carbohydrates
- Wellness CORE Natural Dry Cat Food
Check Latest Price
Main ingredients: Deboned turkey, deboned chicken, turkey meal, chicken meal
Protein content: 45%
Fat content: 18%
Calories: 497 kcal/cup
Wellness CORE Natural offers a grain-free, high-protein option for cats that need to get extra energy from their diet. This food contains high-quality ingredients designed to promote the maintenance of lean muscle mass and healthy body weight. Since it’s high in protein, it’s extra tasty for picky cats. It also keeps your cat full for longer, so you won’t have to feed as much of it to keep your kitty satisfied. It’s packed with vitamins and antioxidants to promote skin, coat, and immune system health. The biggest downside to Wellness CORE food is the cost. It’s expensive compared to most other brands. Some cat parents find this is offset if they use less kibble at each meal, but the effectiveness of this varies among cats. Some cats also experience digestive upset when eating high-protein food, so speak to your vet to make sure the extra protein is appropriate for your pet. Pros
Quality ingredients
Maintains lean muscle mass
Added vitamins and antioxidants
Cons
Expensive
Can cause digestive upset
- Instinct Original Minced Recipe
Check Latest Price
Main ingredients: Chicken broth, chicken, chicken liver, egg whites
Protein content: 9%
Fat content: 4.5%
Calories: 97 kcal/bowl
There are a few reasons to choose Instinct Original for your picky kitty. This company only uses raw ingredients in its food, which is freeze-dried. This means they maintain their nutritional quality even after processing, and it locks in flavor that your cat will love. This recipe contains real meat and organ meat to provide the best nutrition for your little carnivore. If your cat is picky about texture, this minced recipe may not be ideal. It’s a bit mushy, and many cats don’t like it. That said, other cats that don’t like pâté-style food appreciate this shredded variety, so it depends on the individual preferences of the cat. Pros
Real meat and organs are the primary ingredients
Freeze-dried meat maintains nutritional quality
Raw ingredients provide extra flavor
Cons
Not liked by all cats
Mushy texture
- Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Hypoallergenic Selected Protein
Check Latest Price
Main ingredients: Peas, rabbit meal, pea protein, coconut oil
Protein content: 30%
Fat content: 11%
Calories: 334 kcal/cup
There are a few occasions where picky cats aren’t being picky because they don’t like their food, but because their food upsets their stomach. If your cat has tummy troubles or allergies that make choosing a food difficult, we recommend Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Hypoallergenic Selected Protein. This food is designed to be easily digested by pets with sensitive stomachs. It’s available in both wet and dry recipes to suit your pet’s individual needs. If you’re still unsure, Royal Canin offers a 100% satisfaction guarantee, so it’s risk-free to buy, even if your cat refuses to eat it. When it comes to feeding a prescription diet, the biggest downside is the cost. Availability is also limited. Royal Canin Veterinary Diet food is only available through your veterinarian or online with a prescription. Pros
Relieves stomach upset
Safe for food sensitivities or allergies
Available in both wet and dry forms
100% satisfaction guarantee
Cons
Requires a prescription
Expensive
Limited availability
Buyer’s Guide: How to Find the Best Food for Picky Cats It can be difficult to find the right cat food for your feline friend, especially if they are picky eaters. In this buyer’s guide, we give you tips on what to look for in cat food to make the best decision for your pet.
The Different Types of Cat Food There are a variety of different types of cat food on the market, and it can be tricky to decide which one is best for your feline friend. If your cat is a picky eater, you might want to try out multiple ones to see what they prefer. Here is a brief guide to the different types of cat food available:
Dry food is the most common cat food type and is usually the cheapest. It can be stored for long periods of time and does not require refrigeration. However, some cats find dry food unappetizing, and it can be hard on their teeth.
Wet food is more expensive than dry food, but some cats prefer the taste and texture. Wet food must be refrigerated and used within a few days of opening.
A raw diet consists of uncooked meat, bones, and organs. This type of diet is controversial, as there are risks associated with feeding raw meat to cats. Some people believe that a raw diet is the healthiest option for cats, while others think that it is unnecessary and dangerous.
What to Consider When Buying Cat Food There are a few things to think about when purchasing cat food, especially if your cat is picky. The first thing to consider is what food your cat prefers. Some cats prefer dry food, while others prefer wet food. You should also check the ingredients in the food and whether your cat has any allergies to them. Additionally, look at the price of the food and compare it to other brands. How to Introduce a New Cat Food If you have a picky eater, you may have bought countless types of cat food, only to have your feline friend turn up their nose at every single one. If your kitty is a finicky eater, it can be tough to find something that your cat actually enjoys eating. We’re here to help! Here are a few tips to help make the transition easier when introducing a new food:
Start by mixing a small amount of the new food in with the old food. Slowly increase the amount of new food until they’re eating mostly the new food.
Try different food flavours and textures to find one that your cat likes. Some cats prefer wet food, while others prefer dry food.
If your cat is still having trouble adjusting, try adding wet food to their dry food or vice versa. This can make the food more appealing and enticing for them.
With patience and trial and error, you should be able to find a new food that your cat enjoys.
Final Thoughts To recap, the best overall food for picky cats in Canada is Taste of the Wild Rocky Mountain Feline Formula. This food is specifically designed to appeal to your cat’s meat-loving taste buds. Iams Proactive Health High Protein is the best cat food for picky cats in Canada for the money. The high protein content makes it extra tasty, and it’s more affordable than many other options. Our premium choice is Blue Buffalo Wilderness Chicken Recipe. While this option is pricey, it offers premium quality nutrition and a flavor that picky cats love! Finicky kittens will benefit from Merrick Backcountry Raw Infused Kitten Recipe. The freeze-dried raw meat chunks add extra flavor, while the kibble gives your little one all the vitamins and nutrients that they need to grow up healthy. Our vet’s choice is Hill’s Science Diet Indoor Cat. It provides just the right number of calories for indoor cats to maintain a healthy weight, and it’s extra tasty for picky felines. If you have a picky eater for a cat, don’t despair. With patience and trial and error, you can find the perfect cat food to tempt even the fussiest of felines. The buyer’s guide will help you navigate the options and choose something that your kitty will love. With the right food, your picky eater can be a happy and healthy cat.
Featured Image Credit: Fantom_Rd, Shutterstock
If you have a picky cat, you know how frustrating it can be to find a food that they will actually eat. With so many different types and brands of cat food on the market, it can be hard to know where to start.
We did the research for you and compiled a list of reviews of the best cat foods for picky cats in Canada for 2022. Whether your cat prefers wet or dry food, there’s an option on this list that is sure to please even the most finicky feline!
A Quick Comparison of Our Winners (2023)
Image Product Details
Best Overall
Taste of the Wild Rocky Mountain
Real meat is the main ingredient
Added nutrients and antioxidants
Easily digested
Check Price
Best Value
Iams Proactive Health High Protein
Chicken is the first ingredient
Free of artificial additives and preservatives
High protein appeals to picky cats
Check Price
Premium Choice
Blue Buffalo Wilderness Chicken Recipe
High protein appeals to picky cats
Grain free for cats with allergies
Contains all-natural ingredients
Check Price
Best for Kittens
Merrick Backcountry Raw Infused
Freeze-dried chunks enhance taste and smell
High-quality meat ingredients
Promotes growth and development
Check Price
Vet’s Choice
Hill’s Science Diet Indoor Cat
High-quality ingredients
Easily digested
High fibre
Check Price
The 10 Best Cat Foods for Picky Cats in Canada
- Taste of the Wild Feline Formula — Best Overall
Check Latest Price
Main ingredients: Chicken meal, peas, sweet potatoes, chicken fat
Protein content: 42%
Fat content: 18%
Calories: 425 kcal/cup
If you have a picky cat, we recommend Taste of the Wild Rocky Mountain Feline Formula as the overall best cat food for picky cats in Canada. This food is made with real venison and roasted lamb, so it’s sure to please even the most finicky eaters. It’s also packed with nutrients and antioxidants that will keep your cat healthy. The protein sources in this food are easily digested and suitable for cats with sensitive stomachs.
Check Latest Price
Main ingredients: Chicken meal, peas, sweet potatoes, chicken fat
Protein content: 42%
Fat content: 18%
Calories: 425 kcal/cup
The one downside to Taste of the Wild cat foods is that they are slightly more expensive than most other brands. However, many pet parents feel that the ingredient quality makes it worth the extra cost.
Pros
Real meat is the main ingredient
Added nutrients and antioxidants
Easily digested
Cons
Expensive
- Iams Proactive Health High Protein — Best Value
Check Latest Price
Main ingredients: Chicken, chicken by-product meal, corn grits, ground whole-grain corn
Protein content: 38%
Fat content: 18%
Calories: 371 kcal/cup
Iams Proactive Health High Protein is the best cat food for picky cats in Canada for the money. It has all the nutrients that your cat needs to stay happy and healthy, and it’s available at an affordable price. Iams Proactive Health High Protein contains chicken as the first ingredient. It’s free of artificial flavors, colors, and preservatives, so you can feel good about what you’re feeding your pet.
Real meat is the main ingredient
Added nutrients and antioxidants
Easily digested
- Real meat is the main ingredient
- Added nutrients and antioxidants
- Easily digested
Expensive
- Expensive
Main ingredients: Chicken, chicken by-product meal, corn grits, ground whole-grain corn
Protein content: 38%
Fat content: 18%
Calories: 371 kcal/cup
High Protein foods appeal to your cat’s carnivorous nature, so they’re great for picky cats. Unfortunately, they have the downside of being high in calories. If your cat is prone to weight gain, this may not be the best food choice for them. Some animals also experience digestive issues when switching to high-protein food, so make sure to monitor their bathroom habits closely.
Pros
Chicken is the first ingredient
Free of artificial additives and preservatives
High protein appeals to picky cats
Cons
Higher calories than most other options
Some cats experience digestive issues with high-protein food
- Blue Buffalo Wilderness Chicken Recipe — Premium Choice
Check Latest Price
Main ingredients: Deboned chicken, chicken meal, pea protein, tapioca starch
Protein content: 40%
Fat content: 18%
Calories: 443 kcal/cup
If you’re looking for quality food for your picky cat, try Blue Buffalo Wilderness High Protein. This food is more expensive than many other options, but it’s a good choice for cats that gain weight easily. Many users report that their cats slimmed down with this food because the high protein content keeps them full for longer. For cats with allergies, this food is grain free but still maintains a healthy level of carbohydrates.
Chicken is the first ingredient
Free of artificial additives and preservatives
High protein appeals to picky cats
- Chicken is the first ingredient
- Free of artificial additives and preservatives
- High protein appeals to picky cats
Higher calories than most other options
Some cats experience digestive issues with high-protein food
- Higher calories than most other options
- Some cats experience digestive issues with high-protein food
Main ingredients: Deboned chicken, chicken meal, pea protein, tapioca starch
Protein content: 40%
Fat content: 18%
Calories: 443 kcal/cup
As with any food, not all cats like the flavor of this recipe, and there can be digestive issues when switching to a high-protein food, so make sure to change foods gradually rather than all at once.
Pros
High protein appeals to picky cats
Grain free for cats with allergies
Contains all-natural ingredients
No artificial flavors or preservatives
Cons
Not liked by all cats
High-protein diets cause digestive issues in some cats
Expensive
- Merrick Backcountry Kitten Recipe — Best for Kittens
Check Latest Price
Main ingredients: Deboned chicken, chicken meal, turkey meal, potatoes
Protein content: 42%
Fat content: 15%
Calories: 400 kcal/cup
When you have a picky kitten, you need nutritious food to promote their healthy growth and development that also tastes good. We recommend Merrick Backcountry Raw Infused Kitten Recipe. This food is traditional kibble with freeze-dried raw chunks mixed in to make it extra tasty. The chunks enhance both the smell and the flavor, so even the pickiest kitties are sure to love this food.
High protein appeals to picky cats
Grain free for cats with allergies
Contains all-natural ingredients
No artificial flavors or preservatives
- High protein appeals to picky cats
- Grain free for cats with allergies
- Contains all-natural ingredients
- No artificial flavors or preservatives
Not liked by all cats
High-protein diets cause digestive issues in some cats
Expensive
- Not liked by all cats
- High-protein diets cause digestive issues in some cats
- Expensive
Main ingredients: Deboned chicken, chicken meal, turkey meal, potatoes
Protein content: 42%
Fat content: 15%
Calories: 400 kcal/cup
The one downside of Merrick Backcountry is the inclusion of peas and potatoes as primary carbohydrate sources. However, they aren’t in the top three ingredients, and the overall nutritional quality of meat ingredients makes up the difference.
Pros
Freeze-dried chunks enhance taste and smell
High-quality meat ingredients
Nutritionally complete to promote growth and development
Cons
Includes peas and potatoes as the primary carbohydrate sources
- Hill’s Science Diet Indoor Cat — Vet’s Choice
Check Latest Price
Main ingredients: Chicken, whole-grain wheat, corn gluten meal, powdered cellulose
Protein content: 31%
Fat content: 13%
Calories: 319 kcal/cup
Our vet’s choice recommendation for cat food for picky cats in Canada is Hill’s Science Diet Indoor Cat. Hill’s food is often recommended by veterinarians due to its high-quality ingredients and nutritional value. This food is high in fibre to promote digestive health. It’s easy to digest for sensitive tummies and reduces the occurrence of hairballs. Hill’s Science Diet food provides just the right amount of calories for less-active indoor cats and helps prevent weight gain while maintaining lean muscle mass.
Freeze-dried chunks enhance taste and smell
High-quality meat ingredients
Nutritionally complete to promote growth and development
- Freeze-dried chunks enhance taste and smell
- High-quality meat ingredients
- Nutritionally complete to promote growth and development
Includes peas and potatoes as the primary carbohydrate sources
- Includes peas and potatoes as the primary carbohydrate sources
Main ingredients: Chicken, whole-grain wheat, corn gluten meal, powdered cellulose
Protein content: 31%
Fat content: 13%
Calories: 319 kcal/cup
The biggest consumer complaint about this food is the size of the kibble. The pieces are fairly large, and some cats have difficulty chewing them.
Pros
High-quality ingredients
Easily digested
High fibre
Reduces hairballs
Prevents weight gain for less active cats
Cons
Large kibble pieces
- Purina ONE SmartBlend True Instinct Natural
Check Latest Price
Main ingredients: Salmon, chicken meal, soy flour, whole grain wheat
Protein content: 30%
Fat content: 17%
Calories: 340 kcal/cup
Purina ONE SmartBlend True Instinct Natural gets top marks for being a tasty, affordable option for picky cats. This recipe contains real meat as the first ingredients, along with other protein sources, like salmon and turkey. There are no artificial flavors or preservatives, and cats love the taste, which is the most important thing when your cat turns up their nose at most foods.
High-quality ingredients
Easily digested
High fibre
Reduces hairballs
Prevents weight gain for less active cats
- High-quality ingredients
- Easily digested
- High fibre
- Reduces hairballs
- Prevents weight gain for less active cats
Large kibble pieces
- Large kibble pieces
Main ingredients: Salmon, chicken meal, soy flour, whole grain wheat
Protein content: 30%
Fat content: 17%
Calories: 340 kcal/cup
One of the reasons Purina ONE tastes so good is that it has a higher fat content than many other foods. This does put your cat at risk of becoming overweight. You can mitigate this by providing your cat with smaller portions and ensuring that they get enough exercise.
Pros
Real meat is the primary ingredient
Multiple protein sources
No artificial preservatives
Cons
High-fat content
- Nutro Wholesome Essentials Adult Dry Cat Food
Check Latest Price
Main ingredients: Salmon, chicken meal, brewers rice, pea protein
Protein content: 33%
Fat content: 16%
Calories: 414 kcal/cup
Nutro Wholesome Essentials Adult Dry Cat Food aims to give your cat wholesome nutrition. This food is available in both wet and dry form, giving you the option to mix the two and keep your picky cat happy. Nutro is specifically designed to meet the nutritional requirements of adult indoor cats. It’s not suitable for kittens, seniors, or outdoor cats, as they have different requirements.
Real meat is the primary ingredient
Multiple protein sources
No artificial preservatives
- Real meat is the primary ingredient
- Multiple protein sources
- No artificial preservatives
High-fat content
- High-fat content
Main ingredients: Salmon, chicken meal, brewers rice, pea protein
Protein content: 33%
Fat content: 16%
Calories: 414 kcal/cup
A few controversial ingredients are contained in this recipe — specifically, corn gluten meal and wheat flour. These ingredients aren’t harmful to your kitty, but they are primarily fillers and don’t provide much nutritional value. Nutro cat food is also high in carbohydrates, which is not ideal.
Pros
Available in both wet and dry food
Meets nutritional requirements for adult cats
No artificial ingredients
Cons
Contains controversial ingredients
High in carbohydrates
- Wellness CORE Natural Dry Cat Food
Check Latest Price
Main ingredients: Deboned turkey, deboned chicken, turkey meal, chicken meal
Protein content: 45%
Fat content: 18%
Calories: 497 kcal/cup
Wellness CORE Natural offers a grain-free, high-protein option for cats that need to get extra energy from their diet. This food contains high-quality ingredients designed to promote the maintenance of lean muscle mass and healthy body weight. Since it’s high in protein, it’s extra tasty for picky cats. It also keeps your cat full for longer, so you won’t have to feed as much of it to keep your kitty satisfied. It’s packed with vitamins and antioxidants to promote skin, coat, and immune system health.
Available in both wet and dry food
Meets nutritional requirements for adult cats
No artificial ingredients
- Available in both wet and dry food
- Meets nutritional requirements for adult cats
- No artificial ingredients
Contains controversial ingredients
High in carbohydrates
- Contains controversial ingredients
- High in carbohydrates
Main ingredients: Deboned turkey, deboned chicken, turkey meal, chicken meal
Protein content: 45%
Fat content: 18%
Calories: 497 kcal/cup
The biggest downside to Wellness CORE food is the cost. It’s expensive compared to most other brands. Some cat parents find this is offset if they use less kibble at each meal, but the effectiveness of this varies among cats. Some cats also experience digestive upset when eating high-protein food, so speak to your vet to make sure the extra protein is appropriate for your pet.
Pros
Quality ingredients
Maintains lean muscle mass
Added vitamins and antioxidants
Cons
Expensive
Can cause digestive upset
- Instinct Original Minced Recipe
Check Latest Price
Main ingredients: Chicken broth, chicken, chicken liver, egg whites
Protein content: 9%
Fat content: 4.5%
Calories: 97 kcal/bowl
There are a few reasons to choose Instinct Original for your picky kitty. This company only uses raw ingredients in its food, which is freeze-dried. This means they maintain their nutritional quality even after processing, and it locks in flavor that your cat will love. This recipe contains real meat and organ meat to provide the best nutrition for your little carnivore.
Quality ingredients
Maintains lean muscle mass
Added vitamins and antioxidants
- Quality ingredients
- Maintains lean muscle mass
- Added vitamins and antioxidants
Expensive
Can cause digestive upset
- Expensive
- Can cause digestive upset
Main ingredients: Chicken broth, chicken, chicken liver, egg whites
Protein content: 9%
Fat content: 4.5%
Calories: 97 kcal/bowl
If your cat is picky about texture, this minced recipe may not be ideal. It’s a bit mushy, and many cats don’t like it. That said, other cats that don’t like pâté-style food appreciate this shredded variety, so it depends on the individual preferences of the cat.
Pros
Real meat and organs are the primary ingredients
Freeze-dried meat maintains nutritional quality
Raw ingredients provide extra flavor
Cons
Not liked by all cats
Mushy texture
- Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Hypoallergenic Selected Protein
Check Latest Price
Main ingredients: Peas, rabbit meal, pea protein, coconut oil
Protein content: 30%
Fat content: 11%
Calories: 334 kcal/cup
There are a few occasions where picky cats aren’t being picky because they don’t like their food, but because their food upsets their stomach. If your cat has tummy troubles or allergies that make choosing a food difficult, we recommend Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Hypoallergenic Selected Protein. This food is designed to be easily digested by pets with sensitive stomachs. It’s available in both wet and dry recipes to suit your pet’s individual needs. If you’re still unsure, Royal Canin offers a 100% satisfaction guarantee, so it’s risk-free to buy, even if your cat refuses to eat it.
Real meat and organs are the primary ingredients
Freeze-dried meat maintains nutritional quality
Raw ingredients provide extra flavor
- Real meat and organs are the primary ingredients
- Freeze-dried meat maintains nutritional quality
- Raw ingredients provide extra flavor
Not liked by all cats
Mushy texture
- Not liked by all cats
- Mushy texture
Main ingredients: Peas, rabbit meal, pea protein, coconut oil
Protein content: 30%
Fat content: 11%
Calories: 334 kcal/cup
When it comes to feeding a prescription diet, the biggest downside is the cost. Availability is also limited. Royal Canin Veterinary Diet food is only available through your veterinarian or online with a prescription.
Pros
Relieves stomach upset
Safe for food sensitivities or allergies
Available in both wet and dry forms
100% satisfaction guarantee
Cons
Requires a prescription
Expensive
Limited availability
Relieves stomach upset
Safe for food sensitivities or allergies
Available in both wet and dry forms
100% satisfaction guarantee
- Relieves stomach upset
- Safe for food sensitivities or allergies
- Available in both wet and dry forms
- 100% satisfaction guarantee
Requires a prescription
Expensive
Limited availability
- Requires a prescription
- Expensive
- Limited availability
Buyer’s Guide: How to Find the Best Food for Picky Cats
It can be difficult to find the right cat food for your feline friend, especially if they are picky eaters. In this buyer’s guide, we give you tips on what to look for in cat food to make the best decision for your pet.
The Different Types of Cat Food
There are a variety of different types of cat food on the market, and it can be tricky to decide which one is best for your feline friend. If your cat is a picky eater, you might want to try out multiple ones to see what they prefer.
Here is a brief guide to the different types of cat food available:
Dry food is the most common cat food type and is usually the cheapest. It can be stored for long periods of time and does not require refrigeration. However, some cats find dry food unappetizing, and it can be hard on their teeth.
Wet food is more expensive than dry food, but some cats prefer the taste and texture. Wet food must be refrigerated and used within a few days of opening.
A raw diet consists of uncooked meat, bones, and organs. This type of diet is controversial, as there are risks associated with feeding raw meat to cats. Some people believe that a raw diet is the healthiest option for cats, while others think that it is unnecessary and dangerous.
What to Consider When Buying Cat Food
There are a few things to think about when purchasing cat food, especially if your cat is picky. The first thing to consider is what food your cat prefers. Some cats prefer dry food, while others prefer wet food. You should also check the ingredients in the food and whether your cat has any allergies to them. Additionally, look at the price of the food and compare it to other brands.
Dry food is the most common cat food type and is usually the cheapest. It can be stored for long periods of time and does not require refrigeration. However, some cats find dry food unappetizing, and it can be hard on their teeth.
Wet food is more expensive than dry food, but some cats prefer the taste and texture. Wet food must be refrigerated and used within a few days of opening.
A raw diet consists of uncooked meat, bones, and organs. This type of diet is controversial, as there are risks associated with feeding raw meat to cats. Some people believe that a raw diet is the healthiest option for cats, while others think that it is unnecessary and dangerous.
- Dry food is the most common cat food type and is usually the cheapest. It can be stored for long periods of time and does not require refrigeration. However, some cats find dry food unappetizing, and it can be hard on their teeth.
- Wet food is more expensive than dry food, but some cats prefer the taste and texture. Wet food must be refrigerated and used within a few days of opening.
- A raw diet consists of uncooked meat, bones, and organs. This type of diet is controversial, as there are risks associated with feeding raw meat to cats. Some people believe that a raw diet is the healthiest option for cats, while others think that it is unnecessary and dangerous.
How to Introduce a New Cat Food
If you have a picky eater, you may have bought countless types of cat food, only to have your feline friend turn up their nose at every single one. If your kitty is a finicky eater, it can be tough to find something that your cat actually enjoys eating. We’re here to help!
Here are a few tips to help make the transition easier when introducing a new food:
Start by mixing a small amount of the new food in with the old food. Slowly increase the amount of new food until they’re eating mostly the new food.
Try different food flavours and textures to find one that your cat likes. Some cats prefer wet food, while others prefer dry food.
If your cat is still having trouble adjusting, try adding wet food to their dry food or vice versa. This can make the food more appealing and enticing for them.
With patience and trial and error, you should be able to find a new food that your cat enjoys.
Start by mixing a small amount of the new food in with the old food. Slowly increase the amount of new food until they’re eating mostly the new food.
Try different food flavours and textures to find one that your cat likes. Some cats prefer wet food, while others prefer dry food.
If your cat is still having trouble adjusting, try adding wet food to their dry food or vice versa. This can make the food more appealing and enticing for them.
- Start by mixing a small amount of the new food in with the old food. Slowly increase the amount of new food until they’re eating mostly the new food.
- Try different food flavours and textures to find one that your cat likes. Some cats prefer wet food, while others prefer dry food.
- If your cat is still having trouble adjusting, try adding wet food to their dry food or vice versa. This can make the food more appealing and enticing for them.
Final Thoughts
To recap, the best overall food for picky cats in Canada is Taste of the Wild Rocky Mountain Feline Formula. This food is specifically designed to appeal to your cat’s meat-loving taste buds. Iams Proactive Health High Protein is the best cat food for picky cats in Canada for the money. The high protein content makes it extra tasty, and it’s more affordable than many other options. Our premium choice is Blue Buffalo Wilderness Chicken Recipe. While this option is pricey, it offers premium quality nutrition and a flavor that picky cats love! Finicky kittens will benefit from Merrick Backcountry Raw Infused Kitten Recipe. The freeze-dried raw meat chunks add extra flavor, while the kibble gives your little one all the vitamins and nutrients that they need to grow up healthy. Our vet’s choice is Hill’s Science Diet Indoor Cat. It provides just the right number of calories for indoor cats to maintain a healthy weight, and it’s extra tasty for picky felines.
If you have a picky eater for a cat, don’t despair. With patience and trial and error, you can find the perfect cat food to tempt even the fussiest of felines. The buyer’s guide will help you navigate the options and choose something that your kitty will love. With the right food, your picky eater can be a happy and healthy cat.
Featured Image Credit: Fantom_Rd, Shutterstock