High-Protein Cat Food

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By Pet Expert Team
Updated: 5/5/20252-4 minutes
tortoise shell cat being given cat food in a silver bowl

High-protein cat food includes dry or wet cat food for kittens, adult cats or seniors with a high amount of protein. According to the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO), kittens need at least 30% protein, and adult cats need at least 26% protein in their daily diets. Older cats may benefit from more protein. A high-protein diet may contain around 40% protein. This diet can be an excellent choice for your cat. However, it’s always important to connect to your veterinarian first to ensure you make the best dietary choices for your cat. Purina’s high-protein cat food selection has 100% balanced nutrition formulated by experts. We have high-protein and high-quality cat food options to match a range of flavor, formula and price-point preferences. Explore our selection today for help finding the best value in cat food with high protein for you and your feline friend.

Why High-Protein Cat Food?

Protein is essential for cats, providing the energy necessary for daily activities and play, as well as healthy skin and a luxurious coat. The amino acids derived from protein sources contribute to the health of your cat’s skin, helping dryness and irritation while promoting a shiny, healthy appearance. Moreover, a protein-rich diet supports lean muscle mass, which can be great for a developing kitten or an adult cat’s strength and agility. As cats age or if they are less active, maintaining muscle mass becomes increasingly crucial to their overall health.

High-protein cat food can benefit cats if it contains all the balanced nutrients they need. Our range of high-protein cat food is nutritionally complete and balanced, specifically designed to meet the needs of cats at every life stage, from playful kittens to mature adults.

When it comes to feeding high-protein food for cats, Purina offers a diverse range of options to cater to different preferences. Whether your cat prefers dry kibble, wet food or a combination of both, we have you covered.

Benefits of High-Protein Cat Food

  • Quality protein sources
  • 100% complete and balanced for each life stage
  • Helps support lean muscle mass
  • Provides supplemental skin and coat maintenance

Best High-Protein Cat Food

If you’re unsure what the best high-protein cat food is for your kitten, adult cat or senior cat, we can help. Here, we break down a few food forms we offer in the high-protein cat food varieties.

Crunchy Kibble

High-protein dry cat food is an excellent option to help support your cat’s dental health. It comes in various formulas, including allergen-reducing formulas for indoor cats, ideal weight, kittens, adults, seniors and more. Our formulas also feature a variety of ingredients, including turkey, chicken, salmon, ocean fish and more.

Ground

Our ground high-protein wet cat food range is a well-rounded variety featuring ingredients such as duck, chicken, arctic char, cod, shrimp and more. Specialized formulas cater to specific needs, including grain-free, sensitive skin and stomach, senior cats and more. Ground wet cat food can also provide cats with a source of hydration.

In Gravy

Your cat could also enjoy healthy, hydrating, high-protein cat foods, including decadent gravy. Check out our array of high-protein formulas in gravy, including formulas targeting a healthy metabolism, brain, muscle, vision and more. Primary ingredients in this high-protein food form include chicken, sole, beef, turkey and more.

In Sauce

Our high-protein cat food in sauce is a healthy and hydrating option for cats. It’s particularly beneficial for cats that prefer chunky food in sauce. Our protein-rich formulas feature a variety of ingredients, including tuna, salmon, trout, chicken and more.

Paté

We offer a great variety of paté, protein-rich options for your cat to savor, featuring ingredients including chicken, ocean whitefish, beef, turkey and more. We offer specialized high-protein paté cat food formulas for senior cats, indoor cats, hairball control, grain-free preferences and more. Paté, along with all our wet food, also provides extra hydration.

Shredded Blend

If it seems as if your cat can’t decide between soft or crunchy food as their favorite, try our high-protein shredded blend. We have flavor varieties ranging from chicken and rice, salmon and rice or turkey and rice to grain-free ocean whitefish or chicken with formulas fit for adult cats, indoor cats and more.

Learn More About High-Protein Cat Food and Feeding Recommendations

How to Read Cat Food Labels

Cat food labels contain a lot of information that is often hard to comb through. Perhaps you’re looking for hydrolyzed protein cat food, for example, to meet your cat’s unique digestive needs. Learn expert advice here on taking in all the information you need and choosing the right food for your cat.

Cat Nutrition & Feeding By Life Stage

Kittens, adult and senior cats have nutritional needs and benefit from foods to support their unique stages of life. For example, a senior cat may benefit from more cat food protein if they are overweight. Studies show that a high-protein diet can support healthy weight loss. Learn more expert advice here.

What Makes a Healthy Cat Food?

Healthy cat food meets AAFCO standards with wholesome ingredients and essential protein, Omega fatty acids, vitamins, minerals and other vital nutrients. Our nutritionist explains the elements of healthy cat food. Learn from Purina experts here.

Quality Ingredients

We carefully select cat food ingredients to support the nutrition your cat needs to live their best life possible. If you’ve ever wondered what the ingredients in your pet’s food do, read on to find out.

View All Ingredients 

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