Dry cat food has a long shelf life, can be left in the bowl longer than wet cat food, and as long as you choose a healthy, complete food, it meets all of a healthy cat’s nutritional requirements. But there is a wide variety of cat food choices out there, many of them with unique and even confusing claims, so how can you know which is best for your cat?
Below, you can find reviews of the best dry cat foods in the UK to help you ensure a healthy, balanced diet for your feline companion.
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A Quick Comparison of Our Favourites in 2025
| Rating | Image | Product | Details | |
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Best Overall
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Scrumbles All Natural Dry Cat Food |
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Best Value
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IAMS Adult Dry Cat Food Tuna |
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Premium Choice
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Lily’s Kitchen Made with Natural Ingredients Adult Dry Cat Food |
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James Wellbeloved Junior Turkey 1.5kg Bag |
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Wellness CORE Sterilised Ocean, Dry Cat Food, Cat Food Dry for Sterili |
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The 10 Best Dry Cat Foods in the UK
1. Scrumbles All Natural Dry Cat Food – Best Overall
| Main ingredients: | Chicken (Dehydrated Chicken, Freshly Prepared Chicken, Chicken Fat, Chicken Stock), Rice, Salmon |
| Protein content: | 39% |
| Fat content: | 22.5% |
| Calories: | 428/100g |
Scrumbles All Natural Dry Cat Food is a dry food that consists of 73% chicken and salmon and is made up of 39% protein, which means it meets the dietary requirements of cats. It still contains 21% rice, which is not a necessary ingredient for cats, but one that keeps the cost of the food down.
It has small amounts of vegetables and other natural ingredients that provide vitamins and minerals to ensure it is a nutritionally complete meal. The high levels of meat and fish mean that the food is extremely palatable, and while it is a little expensive, the high protein ratio means that a little of this food goes a really long way.
Salmon oil is included for its omega-3 oils, while probiotics help ensure a strong immune system and digestive system. The natural recipe does not include any added sugars or salts, and there are no artificial ingredients whatsoever.
The food is a little expensive, but the high quality, natural ingredients, and high protein ratio make it arguably the best available cat food in the UK.
- Only includes natural ingredients with no artificial additives
- Ingredients are 75% meat and fish
- A little goes a long way with a 39% protein ratio
- Probiotics support the gut and immune system
- Expensive
- High rice content
2. IAMS Adult Dry Cat Food Tuna – Best Value
| Main ingredients: | Dried Chicken and Turkey, Maize, Sorghum |
| Protein content: | 35% |
| Fat content: | 14% |
| Calories: | N/A |
Cats are carnivores, which means they need to get the majority of the protein in their diet from meat and animal-based sources, although they can still get other nutrients and small amounts of protein from other natural sources.
IAMS Adult Dry Cat Food Tuna consists of 35% protein, of which 88% comes from animal sources including the main ingredients of dried chicken and turkey. The food also contains a relatively small amount of tuna, which is enough to give the food a fishy taste to make it more palatable to fish-loving felines. Too much fish can deplete a cat’s thiamine or vitamin B1, so fish-flavoured food mustn’t contain too many fish ingredients.
The food is very reasonably priced, and because it offers protein primarily from meat sources, contains no meat meal, and very little in the way of grains, it is our choice for the best dry cat food in the UK that is great value for money. It also contains antioxidants, which fight free radicals and can help prevent ageing and certain illnesses, while vitamin E supports the immune system to prevent illnesses and infections. Added taurine also supports good heart health.
Some of the biscuits are a little large, however, which may prove problematic for smaller cats or those with bad teeth. However, this can be a positive by encouraging cats to chew their food and improving dental health.
- 88% of the food’s protein comes from meat
- Added tuna makes the food more palatable
- Antioxidants help stave off illness
- Reasonably priced
- Some of the kibble is large and can be difficult to eat
3. Lily’s Kitchen Made with Natural Ingredients Adult Dry Cat Food – Premium Choice
| Main ingredients: | Seasonal White Fish, Salmon, Potatoes |
| Protein content: | 27% |
| Fat content: | 16% |
| Calories: | 377/100g |
Lily’s Kitchen Made with Natural Ingredients Adult Dry Cat Food contains 70% freshly prepared fish including seasonal white fish and salmon as well as a selection of other natural ingredients to provide a balanced, complete meal.
Suitable for cats aged 6 months and older, Lily’s Kitchen is a grain-free recipe. The vast majority of cats do not need a grain-free diet, but if your kitty has been diagnosed as allergic to grains, by a vet, this recipe is a good choice. The protein content is 27%, which is a little lower than a lot of foods, but it contains a host of vitamins and trace minerals that help ensure your cat is healthy and well-fed.
Lily’s Kitchen is an expensive food but as it only contains natural ingredients, the majority of which are meat, you are paying for a high-quality kibble.
- Uses only natural ingredients
- Main ingredients are white fish and salmon
- Suitable for cats with grain allergies
- Expensive
- Protein at low end of recommended range
4. James Wellbeloved Junior Turkey 1.5kg Bag – Best for Kittens
| Main ingredients: | Turkey Meal, White Rice, Turkey Fat |
| Protein content: | 33% |
| Fat content: | 21% |
| Calories: | 418/100g |
Kittens have different nutritional requirements than adult cats. Specifically, they need more calories and higher levels of protein. James Wellbeloved Junior Turkey 1.5kg bag is composed primarily of turkey meal, which comes from that has been deemed unsuitable for human consumption and rendered into a safe form for pet foods. It also contains white rice and turkey fat.
The protein content is 33%, and is high in fat; ideal for growing kittens. It also contains ingredients like tomato pomace and cranberry as sources of antioxidants, chicory as a prebiotic, and even yucca to help improve the smell of kitten poop. The food is a little on the expensive side, but the kibble is small and easy for little mouths to manage, and it has a good protein ratio that comes from easily digestible sources.
- 33% protein is good for kittens
- Small kibble is easy to manage
- Probiotics help good gut health
- A little pricey
- Main ingredient is meat meal, not whole meat
5. Wellness CORE Sterilised Ocean, Dry Cat Food, Cat Food Dry for Sterilised Cats, Grain Free, High Meat Content, Salmon & Tuna
| Main ingredients: | Salmon (fresh and dehydrated), Peas, Potato Protein, Dehydrated Herring and Tuna |
| Protein content: | 37% |
| Fat content: | 13% |
| Calories: | 356/100g |
Containing no meat meal, this food from Wellness CORE is high in meat-based protein, and is a great option for cats with food allergies or sensitivities, as it contains no grains, dairy, egg, soy, beef, or artificial ingredients.
It is a more expensive food, but customers agree that it is worth the money. The food smells good even to humans, is a winner with picky eaters, and owners have noticed an improvement in their cat’s skin and coat health.
- Naturally hypoallergenic
- Meat as main protein source
- Palatable
- Expensive
6. Burns Nutrition Original Cat Food Chicken and Brown Rice
| Main ingredients: | Brown Rice, Chicken Meal, Wholegrain Maize |
| Protein content: | 30% |
| Fat content: | 12% |
| Calories: | N/A |
Burns Nutritional Original Cat Food Chicken and Brown Rice is suitable for adults and senior cats. It has 30% protein and 12% fat content, both of which are suitable for feline diets. It doesn’t contain any added colours, preservatives, or flavourings, but it does contain all 11 amino acids and is rich in vitamin B.
The food is free from ingredients that commonly cause allergies, such as proteins like beef. The food is made using high-quality, natural ingredients, but the first ingredient listed is brown rice, and it would be better to see an animal ingredient at the top of the list. Also, Burns Nutrition Original Cat Food Chicken & Brown Rice is an expensive food. It is quite good for cats with sensitive stomachs.
- Free from common food allergens
- Contains all 11 essential amino acids
- Made from natural ingredients
- Expensive
- Would be better to see meat as the first ingredient
7. Harringtons Complete Dry Cat Food with Freshly Prepared Chicken
| Main ingredients: | Chicken, Rice, Maize |
| Protein content: | 32% |
| Fat content: | 12% |
| Calories: | 378/100g |
Harringtons Complete Dry Cat Food with Freshly Prepared Chicken boasts 50% chicken in its ingredients, with 80% of the food’s total protein coming from this rich source. The next most common ingredients are rice and maize. Enriched with taurine, the food aims to promote a healthy heart while yucca is added to reduce the odour that emanates from the litter tray. The food is very reasonably priced and with 32% protein and 12% fat content, it is suitable for all healthy adult cats.
The food is reasonably priced, has decent ingredients, and offers good protein and fat ratios, but be aware that the kibble is quite large, and may not appeal to all fussy eaters.
- 50% of the ingredients are chicken
- 80% of the protein comes from chicken
- Cheap
- Big kibble
- Might not be a good choice for picky eaters
8. Perfect Fit Sterile Adult 1+ Complete Dry Cat Food
| Main ingredients: | Meat and Animal Derivatives, Wheat, Maize |
| Protein content: | 34% |
| Fat content: | 12% |
| Calories: | 374/100g |
Perfect Fit Sterile Adult 1+ Complete Dry Cat Food is a complete food with a 34% protein ratio and 12% fat content. It is quite low in calories, which makes it a good choice for cats that are watching their weight, and is specifically formulated to meet the specific nutritional needs of cats that have been neutered.
The food contains yeast, which acts as a prebiotic to help fight free radicals and work in conjunction with probiotics.
It also contains zinc to manage good coat and skin health and is formulated to maintain good lower urinary tract health. The food is also very reasonably priced. However, the main ingredient is listed as “meat and animal derivatives” which could mean any part of any animal, and it would be better to see more specific ingredients listed, especially for the main constituent food.
- Cheap
- Zinc helps coat and skin health
- Formulated to protect the lower urinary tract
- Meat and animal derivative ingredients could be better labelled
9. Breederpack Complete Crunchy Dry Cat Food
| Main ingredients: | Cereals, Meat and Animal Derivatives, Derivatives of Vegetable Origin |
| Protein content: | 30% |
| Fat content: | 8% |
| Calories: | N/A |
The Breederpack Complete Crunchy Dry Cat Food is a dry kibble that comes in a giant 15kg bag and is very cheap. The food is designed for breeders and marketed as being suitable for kittens as well as adult cats of all ages. It would also make a good choice for households with a lot of cats. The kibble is reasonably sized and consists of 30% protein, which is suitable for cats of most ages and in most conditions.
Although inexpensive and convenient, the ingredient list is difficult to decipher because everything is vaguely listed with the main ingredients of cereals, meat and animal derivatives, and derivatives of vegetable origin.
- Cheap
- Big bag is convenient for multi-cat households and breeders
- 30% protein is suitable for most cats
- Very vague ingredients
10. Complete Dry Cat Food with Salmon, Tuna, and Vegetables
| Main ingredients: | Cereals, Meat and Animal Derivatives, Fish and Fish Derivatives |
| Protein content: | 31% |
| Fat content: | 12% |
| Calories: | 350/100g |
Complete Dry Cat Food with Salmon, Tuna, and Vegetables is another cheap dry cat food that uses cereals as its main ingredient. The food does contain 36% meat and fish, which means a portion of the protein is coming from animal sources, but it would benefit from having a meat-based product listed at the top of the ingredients.
The food contains prebiotics to support gut health, zinc for good coat condition, and vitamin D to support and maintain bone strength. The ingredients do not include any artificial flavours, colours, or preservatives.
The food has been reported as giving some cats diarrhoea, so owners need to gradually introduce the new food while reducing the volume of their original food, to avoid an upset stomach.
- No artificial flavours, colours, or preservatives
- Supports gut, digestive, and coat health
- Cheap
- Cereals are the main ingredient
- May give cats diarrhoea, so a gradual introduction is essential
Buyer’s Guide: Choosing the Best Dry Cat Food in the UK
Ensuring a balanced diet for your cat is just one way of helping ensure a long and healthy life for your feline friend. Choosing a complete dry food means it meets the protein and nutritional requirements of healthy adult cats, and there are various foods out there designed to meet specific dietary requirements for cats with certain illnesses or at specific stages of life.
However, there are a lot of cat food options which can make choosingprot the right one for your companion difficult. Below you can find a guide to the things you need to look at when choosing the best dry food for your cat.
The Benefits of Feeding Dry Food
Owners can choose between wet food, dry food, or a combination of the two. Wet food tends to be more palatable, but it has a shorter shelf life, and it needs to be lifted from the bowl after a couple of hours to prevent your cat from getting ill. There are certain benefits to feeding your cat dry food.
Longer Shelf Life
Once the food is open, you need to feed it to your cat before it goes bad. Even before it makes your cat ill, it can lose consistency and flavour, making it less appealing at mealtimes.
Wet food typically needs to be consumed within a couple of days after opening, but if kept in appropriate conditions, dry kibble can be kept for weeks before it needs to be used up. Wet food also needs to be kept in the fridge once open, which can lead to a cat food smell getting in your food.
Can Be Left Down Longer
Most cats consume their food within a few minutes of it being put down, but this isn’t true of all cats. Wet food can only be left down an hour or so before it starts to harden and should be picked up after 2 hours. Dry food can be left down longer, although it is still best to take up any uneaten food after an hour or two to discourage grazing, as this tends to lead to weight gain.
Makes Less Mess
Although cats tend to be less messy than dogs, they can still cause a mess on the floor when they eat. Wet food is difficult to clear up, but dry food can be swept or cleared up easily. You can even place a tray or mat under the food to make life a little easier at cleaning time.
Tends to Be Cheaper
Although it does vary according to the brand and type of food you choose, dry food tends to cost less than wet food. It is easier to produce and transport, which means it has lower production costs. You can also buy in larger bulk to enjoy economies of scale.
It Can Help with Dental Care
Poor dental health is a major problem for pet cats and dogs. Although there is no replacement for daily brushing and regular checkups, dry biscuits are abrasive and as your cat chews the biscuits, they help remove plaque and tartar buildup from the teeth. Kibble can be used to supplement daily dental care practices, but this only works if the pieces are large enough to require chewing.
When To Choose Wet Food
Dry food can be a great option for some, but there are times when wet food may be the better option for your cat.
Fussy Eaters
Cats can be finicky eaters that turn their noses up at virtually everything. If you’ve tried dry foods and your cat is refusing to eat or only eating small amounts, it might be time to try wet or canned food.
You can offer a combination of the two food types, but you will need to manage calories and ensure you are feeding appropriate protein and nutritional levels.
Dental Problems
Dental problems can make it very difficult and painful for cats to chew, especially if they are presented with hard kibble. If your cat does have dental problems this might be the cause of why they are refusing to eat the biscuits you have bought.
Wet food is softer and easier to eat, which makes it a better choice for cats with bad teeth.
Older Cats
Dehydration and kidney disease become more common in geriatric felines, so increasing their water intake by feeding high moisture foods is an easy way to reduce this risk.
Choosing Dry Food
If you have decided on dry food, there are various factors and features to look for when choosing the right food.
Life Stage
Kittens and senior cats have different nutritional requirements than healthy adult cats. Generally, kittens need more calories and protein than adult cats, while senior cats also need more protein but may benefit from fewer calories in their food.
At the very least, you should ensure that the food you are feeding kittens is suitable for their life stage. Most cats move from kitten to adult food at around a year of age.
Main Ingredients
Check the ingredients list to ensure you’re feeding good-quality food. Ideally, the list should be relatively short and should include natural ingredients over synthetic ones.
As obligate carnivores, cats should get the majority of their protein and nutrients from meat and animal sources, although some vegetables and other ingredients can help ensure the food provides all the required vitamins and minerals to make up a healthy daily diet.
The best foods will contain whole meat or dehydrated meat as their primary ingredients. Meat meal is perfectly fine and safe, but it is a lower quality, more processed product. Many dry foods contain high levels of carbohydrates, which cats do not need to consume. This is generally to keep costs down.
Protein Content
Cats need a lot of protein in their diet. These essential amino acids help develop and maintain muscle, provide energy, and assist in a host of other essential functions. It is recommended that dry food have at least a 26% protein ratio, although many experts agree that 30% is a better ratio to aim for.
The protein content should be listed on the food packaging, and is usually found next to the ingredient list along with other nutritional contents like fat and calorie content.
Protein Source
Cats are obligate carnivores. Although they can get some protein and other nutrients from vegetables, cereals, grains, and fruit, they cannot digest and process ingredients from these sources as readily as they can from meat. Ideally, the majority of the protein in your cat’s food should come from meat sources.
Not all foods detail what ratio of the ingredients are meat-based, but some do. With those that don’t, at least try to ensure that the main ingredient, which is the first ingredient in the list, is a meat source.
Cat Feeding Guide
Cats need regular mealtimes, and they appreciate a routine that you can stick to regularly. Although illness and other factors might affect their feeding regimen, most cats benefit from being given two meals a day, one in the morning and one in the evening.
Weigh your cat, follow guidelines on the packaging regarding the amount you need to feed, and always ensure your cat has access to fresh, clean drinking water. The amount you feed your cat should be based on their ideal weight, not their current weight.
You may need to keep the food and water bowls separate as some cats don’t like to drink water if it is next to their food source. And if you give your cats treats, you will need to reduce the amount of food you give accordingly, otherwise, you run the risk of your cat putting on weight.
Changing Cat Food
Cats have delicate stomachs, and changing from one food to another can cause diarrhoea and even vomiting. Change foods gradually for a couple of weeks.
Start by feeding 75% of the original food and just 25% of the new food. Make sure your cat doesn’t develop an upset stomach and, after a few days, increase the new food ratio to 50%. A few days later you can increase this further to 75% before finally offering just the new food. If your cat does get diarrhoea at any point, revert to the original food and take it even slower.
How We Determined This List of Dry Cat Foods in the UK
All the cat foods reviewed in this article were chosen by our writers, editors, and team of experienced veterinary professionals to ensure that they are safe and meet the care needs of your pet. When choosing which cat foods to feature, we took into account brand reputation, personal and hands-on experience, reviews from other customers, and of course, feedback from our beloved pets, to make sure to bring you only the best of the best. We at PangoVet want to give you only the best products to choose from in our reviews, to ensure that they meet your pets’ needs for optimal health and well-being.
Why Trust PangoVet?
We are a team of experienced veterinarians, writers, and editors who are pet owners ourselves, so we understand how important your pets and the products they use and consume are to you. Whether you are caring for a furry, scaly, or feathered friend, we make sure that you have honest and unbiased reviews of the top cat foods on the market, so you can make an informed decision.
Conclusion
For the best dry food for cats in the UK, Scrumbles All Natural Dry Cat Food is a little expensive but it is made from natural ingredients and has a generous protein ratio. IAMS Adult Dry Cat Food Tuna is very reasonably priced and derives nearly 90% of its protein from meat sources.
Lily’s Kitchen Made with Natural Ingredients Adult Dry Cat Food is a premium food with a premium price tag, but it uses natural ingredients and is a suitable option if your vet has recommended a grain-free food. And for a quality dry food free from most known cat food allergens, check out Wellness CORE Sterilised Ocean, Dry Cat Food.
If you’re not sure what or how much your cat should be eating, particularly if they have any health conditions or weight concerns, be sure to consult a vet before making any changes.
Featured Image Credit: Marina Demidiuk, Shutterstock
