Like their wild ancestors, outdoor cats love performing all outdoor activities including climbing, running, hunting, jumping, and counting. As a caring pet parent, it’s your call to provide the diet that will support all of your kitty’s outdoor activities day in day out. But as the marketplace is full of cat food formulas, it’s a tuff call to pick the best one since every company claims itself as the best in town.
To help you out, this blog post features the 7 best dry cat food for outdoor cats that not only provide balanced nutrition but also keep the four-legged friend active so that she can stay clear from health hazards.
Before jumping into the best outdoor cat food that you should offer to your feline companion, let’s take a look at what to feed outdoor cats.
What to Feed an Outdoor Cat
Unlike the indoor cats, since the outdoor cats enjoy outdoor access, it’s as clear as the sky is blue that you should offer a nutritionally-balanced diet that can support your four-legged friend’s active lifestyle and lend a helping hand in strengthening the immune system as they are vulnerable to germs due to the variations in weather conditions.
Before you fill canned cat food in your kitty’s food bowl, you should take a look at the following features.
Feature #1. High-Quality Protein
Alike their wild ancestors, your outdoor cat also looks for a diet that can accommodate high-quality protein from animal sources. There are a lot of food manufacturers out there who don’t disclose the animal source. That’s why offer your cat such a diet that specifies the protein source in black and white. For instance reputed cat food providers, including Royal Canin, Purina, Blue Buffalo, IAMS, disclose the origin of the protein that the company has included in cat food. For a majority of the pet parents, a diet that derives protein from chicken, beef, lamb, salmon, duck, is a sweet spot.
Feature #2. Fats
As the outdoor cats require higher energy when compared to the indoor cats to thrive all day long, check the ingredient list carefully and include the food formula that contains the items which are rich source of omega fatty acids. Needless to say, omega fatty acid goes to bat for proper growth and development, healthy skin, and a glossy coat.
Feature #3. Vitamins and Minerals
Since vitamins and minerals go to bat from keeping the immune system up and running to controlling pH levels to the formation of the enzyme to red blood cell formation and counting, take a look at the ingredient list and include the food that contains essential vitamins and minerals.
Feature #4. Low Carb Content
A diet with a low carb content that is containing mainly vegetables and fruits including potatoes, peas, apples, carrots, cranberries, blueberries can be offered as they are easily digestible and provide omega fatty acids and glucose which provide the required energy to thrive. But that doesn’t mean that excess carb content is desirable. When you are offering a diet that has excessive carb content then in the long run your cat will be overweight and develop diabetes.
Feature #5. Grain-free Formula
As the grains aren’t necessary for cats, it’s a good idea to offer your kitty a food that is leveled with a ‘Grain-Free’ tag. A grain-free formula promotes cat food where the manufacturer won’t include any wheat, rice, soy, etc.
Feature #6. No red ingredients
As artificial colors, additives, or preservatives play havoc with feline’s health, you should offer cat food that is free from those toxic substances.
Feature #7. Minimum Meat by-products
Stay clear from those food formulas that have #1 ingredient as meat-by product, not deboned chicken, lamb, beef, etc. Include a diet of which the primary source of protein is chicken, lamb, etc. with minimum meat by-product.
No matter what delicious and nutritionally-balanced diet you’re offering to your four-legged companion, it’s as clear as the sky is blue that with the progression of age, your four-legged friend is at risk of suffering from kidney disease, hyperthyroidism, or urinary tract issues. As a preventive measure, you can buy a pet insurance plan from Eusoh [25% off the first month] that charges for $35 a month, if you’re not ready to pay a hefty $2500+ for dialysis or $4500+ for a kidney transplant in the scenario of your tom is diagnosed with kidney disease after you have celebrated your tabby’s 7th birthday a few months earlier.
7 Best Dry Cat Food for Outdoor Cats
Your feline needs high-quality protein to thrive, so you should offer your kitty those foods that accommodate higher protein content that is derived from the meat no matter what is the life stage of your four-legged companion. Avoid those diets stuffed with excessive carb content or grain as they play havoc with a cat’s health and it’s highly likely that your cat may experience serious health hazards.
Hill’s Science Diet Adult Chicken Recipe Dry Cat Food
No matter what the age of your feline friend is, when you are on a fishing expedition for the best cat food for outdoor cats that can lend a helping hand in enriching and lengthening the relationship, then it’s hard to resist offering Hill’s Science Diet Dry Cat Food to your kitty. To provide high-quality protein, this cat food’s first ingredient is chicken which will support the lean muscles and provide the required energy that will keep your kitty energetic day in day out. Along with high-quality protein, chicken is filled with omega-3 fatty acids and omega-6 fatty acids that work for a healthy immune system, vision, shiny skin, and healthy coat.
This cat food affixes the fish oil which is a rich source of eicosapentaenoic (EPA) and docosahexaenoic (DHA) fatty acids. EPA and DHA go to bat from winding down the heart’s vulnerability to boosting the immune system to lessen the progression of kidney disease to aiding arthritic joints. It’s an open secret that the fiber keeps the digestive system up and running so that your kitty won’t witness digestive upset frequently.
To keep diabetes and obesity at bay, this cat food accommodates the Dried Beet Pulp as it’s a rich source of both soluble and insoluble fiber. It counts β-carotene which is an antioxidant and the surprising part is that β-carotene converts itself into vitamin A which plays a supportive role in the strengthening of good eyesight and eye health.
As the high-carbohydrate content isn’t necessary for a cat’s diet, to keep the carb content drastically low, you won’t find any cheap filers including chicken by-products, grains, rice, soy, potatoes, or peas. Plus, to keep the digestive issues at bay, it’s cent percent free from artificial color, additives, flavors, or preservatives.
The only downside of this US-made recipe is that to make it an affordable option, the ingredient list contains Whole Grain Wheat, Corn Gluten Meal, etc.
Blue Buffalo Wilderness Chicken Recipe Grain-Free Dry Cat Food
When you are on a witch hunt for outdoor cat food that will satisfy your feline friend’s wild side, then it’s a good idea to offer it a specific food formula in which the protein content comes from animal sources. Knowing what the four-legged friends are craving, Blue Buffalo comes with this protein-rich formula that is stuffed with deboned chicken. It’s highly likely that your cat will receive high-quality protein content that will result in a strong heart, good vision, and a healthy reproductive system. To tackle arthritis, kidney problems, cardiovascular disorders, this cat food accommodates Menhaden Fish Meal.
If your kitty has food sensitivities then Blue’s Chicken Recipe is a lifesaver as it inserts Dried Chicory Root which nourishes the beneficial bacteria in the digestive tract. These beneficial bacteria play a supportive role in digestion. This dry kibble is good for dental health since it’s stuffed with dried kelp which is a rich source of fiber that reduces plaque and tartar to a degree, promoting dental health. A lion’s share of vets recommends this cat food to the pet parents as its ingredient list includes flaxseed that ensures that your kitty will get essential omega-3 fatty acids and omega-6 fatty acids that result in healthy skin and a glossy coat.
The best part of this recipe is that it contains BLUE’s exclusive LifeSource Bits which is none other than a precise blend of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that will boost the immune system. Blue’s Chicken Recipe is cent percent grain-free which means that this cat food is free from wheat, browser rice, soy, or corn. This diet won’t include the red ingredients including artificial color, additives, or preservatives that keep the digestive upset at bay.
On the negative side, this cat food contains excessive carb content namely potatoes, carrots, blueberries, cranberries, etc. that aren’t necessary for a nutritionally balanced diet for your feline friend.
Instinct Grain Free Dry Cat Food
It’s clear when you are offering your four-legged friend a raw, unprocessed diet, the cat digests the food with ease, and you will experience that your kitty is energetic and is thriving here and there. As a cat parent, you should offer your cat those cat foods which are stuffed with high-quality protein at a higher percentage and lower carb content.
Instinct Grain Free Dry Cat Food is designed for picky eaters, and it’s highly likely your kitty will receive quality protein that will support her vitality and provide the energy that she requires to lead an active life day in day out. The best part of this dry cat food formula is that it retains the nutritional value and taste without omission, and every dry kibble is coated in freeze-dried raw.
You will find Menhaden fish meal in this chicken recipe’s list thanks to its high percentage of the anti-inflammatory omega fatty acids, EPA, DHA, and amino acids that support digestive health, immune system and make bones stronger. The guaranteed levels of live prebiotics ensure that the digestive system remains up and running. Besides 81% protein content, the remaining 19% of this cat food recipe contains vegetables, fruits, and other wholesome ingredients.
This cat food is prepared in US facilities with the finest ingredients that are sourced around the world. It’s 100% free from grains, corn, wheat, soy, etc. This cat food won’t stir any food sensitivities as the manufacturer doesn’t include any by-product meals, artificial color, additives, or preservatives which are the main culprits behind the vomiting or constipation in a significant percentage of cats.
On the downside, Instinct Grain Free Dry Cat Food contains plant-based carbohydrate content including tomato, carrots, apples, cranberries. Overall, you are free to offer this nutritionally balanced diet since it’s designed for all cats no matter what the life stage is.
Purina Beyond Grain Free Dry Cat Food & Toppers
When you are looking for offering a nutritionally-balanced diet to your furry pal, then it’s hard to resist buying Purina Beyond Grain Free Dry Cat Food. This limited-ingredient high-protein cat food formula is prepared in US facilities that take in white meat chicken raised without steroids from the ethical firms of the United States. The #1 ingredient i.e. white meat chicken is low in fat and calories that is a lifesaver for aged cats who are suffering from stomach issues.
Besides white meat chicken, there are chicken meal, dried egg product, pea protein that make this cat food a desirable one that your kitty deserves to lead an active lifestyle without any digestive issues, pain in joints, etc. Plus, the inclusion of taurine in this food formula goes to bat for muscle growth and makes your adult feline’s eyesight sharp.
What makes this item a palatable one is that it uses Dried Yeast which makes sure that your kitty completes the meal and you will experience that the cat food bowl is empty. The dried yeast is a goldmine of amino acids and vitamins that are engaged in building lean muscles, red blood cell formation, enhancing the immune system, and supporting digestion.
This cat food formula is grain-free which means you won’t find any traces of wheat, corn, or soy since they aren’t playing any supportive role in the cat’s overall health. Plus, since cats experience vomiting, constipation, or serious health issue when they consume artificial color, additives, or preservatives, the good news is that this cat food is free from the above-mentioned red ingredients that play havoc with the cat’s health.
The only drawback that we have found in this food is that it contains pea starch. It is an ingredient that causes bloating in some cats. So, if your cat is not allergic to pea starch then you can include Purina Beyond Grain Free Dry Cat Food in your cat’s diet without worry.
IAMS Proactive Health Adult Dry Cat Food
When you have multiple cats to feed and you are hunting high and low for the best cat food for indoor outdoor cats, then IAMS Proactive Health Adult Dry Cat Food is one of the affordable options you have. Its competitive pricing doesn’t mean that it has stuffed excessive fillers. The primary source of protein is real chicken and Salmon which not only support in building lean muscles but also provide the required energy so that your kitty can thrive day in day out. Plus, Salmon is a rich source of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids that fuel the immune system, vision, and keep the skin glossy and make it shine.
With the progression of age, feline obesity is a serious concern. To put a stop to unhealthy weight gain, this cat food is cent percent free from cheap fillers including peas, potatoes, cranberries, carrots, and counting. Its grain-free formula ensures that this cat food is free from soy, wheat, etc. which are linked to obesity or digestive issues. Meanwhile, this chicken and salmon recipe has corn grits, ground whole grain corn as the primary sources of carbohydrates. Plus, IAMS plays a supportive role from hairball control to healthy digestion, to weight control to keep the urinary tract infections at bay.
A lion’s share of pet parents and nutritionists find this cat food a reliable one. It includes beet pulp that reduces inflammation and strengthens the digestive system at full tilt as beet pulp has a moderate level of both soluble and insoluble fiber. To ensure that your cat gets a nutritionally balanced diet, IAMS Proactive Health Adult Dry Cat Food packs brewers dried yeast which is a rich source of amino acids and vitamins that build and maintain your kitty’s muscles, bones, coat, and nails.
On a negative note, this cat food contains chicken by-product meals which are the main culprits behind the food allergies.
Royal Canin Adult Fit & Active Dry Adult Cat Food
When your cat has outdoor access, then it’s highly likely that your cat will play on the lawn day in day out no matter what is the weather condition, or your cat travels with you when you go to the park or riverside. Since your cat has outside access, it requires a diet that can support its active lifestyle and strengthen the immune system, as it is vulnerable to germs thanks to the variations in weather conditions. To provide the nutrition that your cat requires, Royal Canin Adult Fit & Active Dry Adult Cat Food is tailored with the precise calorie content with the ideal protein-to-fat ratio that goes to bat for healthy body weight.
Designed for athletic cats of 1 year and older, this cat food has accommodated an exclusive blend of powerful antioxidants that strengthen the immune system. These antioxidants also do not allow the free radicals to wreak havoc on a cat’s health. This nutritionally-balanced cat food is equipped with a nutritional blend of vitamins and minerals that work for keeping your four-legged friend’s health and wellness in order. To play a supportive role in brain development, slow down the progression of CKD, or reduce inflammation, this cat food is stuffed with fish oil which is a rich source of omega fatty acids, EPA and DHA, etc.
The only drawback of this cat food is that it contains excessive carb content and fillers including corn, corn gluten meal, brown rice, wheat, wheat gluten, etc. that are not essential in a cat’s diet. Otherwise, if your cat isn’t allergic to whole grains, it’s a worthy option that you should consider. The manufacturer suggests, as a caring pet parent, you should offer a dry and wet form of this recipe that in turn adds variety and it’s likely your cat will finish the meal without a complaint.
Purina ONE Tender Selects Blend Adult Dry Cat Food
This veterinarian recommended Purina ONE Tender Selects Blend Dry Cat Food offers a cent percent complete and balanced nutrition without asking a hefty fee. The cat food formula promotes a grain-free diet that contains high-quality protein as its #1 ingredient is farm-raised real chicken. With Purina One Tender Selects Blend, you are offering your cat a blend of vitamins and minerals that go to bat for healthy bones and teeth and maintain reproductive function, proper growth and development of young cats, and counting.
The fun-shaped crunchy kibble puts a stop to the plaque build-up that results in clean and white teeth. Each item is purposefully added to give your kitty balanced nutrition that she deserves to carry out an active lifestyle. For instance, the nutritionists have included glycerine which has excellent water-binding properties that makes the food palatable thanks to its sugar content and isn’t toxic.
With no artificial color, additives, or preservatives, Purina ONE Tender Selects Blend Dry Cat Food won’t play havoc with the digestive system that ensures your cat won’t experience any allergic reaction right after your four-legged friend has consumed it. This US-made food recipe does not include any cheap fillers that aren’t playing any crucial role in your cat’s overall health and mobility. Meanwhile, to add some carb content there’s an inclusion of carrots, peas, which aren’t necessary for cats.
On the downside, though the manufacturer claims that they are offering a filler-free diet for your kitty, it contains rice flour, corn gluten meal, whole grain corn, wheat flour.
Final Thoughts
For a lion’s share of pet parents, a protein-rich diet with no fillers and low carb content is a sweet spot. As a good rule of thumb please take a look at the ingredient list before offering any canned food to your pet. As a preventive measure, you should consult with a vet as the vet will recommend the best solution that strengthens the immune system and provide the required energy that keeps your outdoor cat active.
- Read also: Best Cat Food for Cats with Urinary Tract Infections
- Read also: Best Wet Cat Food for Diabetic Cats
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I feed outdoor cats?
Twice a day, at the same time day in day out. Morning and dusk are the best times to feed your kitty.
What to feed outdoor cats in winter?
When you are living in freezing weather conditions, do offer your cat dry cat foods as the dry food formula won’t freeze. Actually, cats consume a higher amount of food as they need extra calories/energy to stay warm in cold weather. Before offering food or water, it’s a good idea to warm up the items before serving them in a cat’s bowl.
What is the best cat food for outdoor cats in winter?
Royal Canin Adult Fit & Active Dry Adult Cat Food is a worthy option that you can offer to your kitty.
How to feed outdoor cats and not raccoons?
As the raccoons aren’t able to jump or climb alike cats, place a cat food bowl at an elevated place where only cats can reach.
How cold can outdoor cats tolerate?
A temperature below 45 degrees is too cold for your outdoor kitty. It’s highly likely that your cat may experience frostbite on their ears, paws, and tails when the temperature is 45 degrees and below.
Hope this article has helped you to find the best cat food for outdoor cats.
Does the list pass up good cat food for outdoor cats? Make a comment so that I can update this list ASAP.
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