One of the greatest joys in life for cat parents is seeing their furry loved one happy and healthy. We want them to have the best of everything, especially when it comes to one of the most important factors in giving us as many years with them as possible: their food.

What we feed our kitties plays a huge role in their overall well-being, but cats are notoriously picky, and there seem to be endless possibilities on healthy cat food options. That’s why we’ve put together a curated, kitty-approved list of the healthiest natural or organic cat food available. We’ve also included a few grain-free options for purrers on a limited diet. While we can’t guarantee that these will give your little furball a tenth life, they can add a lot of bliss and prosperity to the nine she does have.

Is natural cat food the same thing as organic cat food?

Cat food that is labeled organic is different from products that are labeled natural. Certified organic products are regulated by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and contain plant-based products grown without pesticides, fertilizers that contain artificial ingredients, and other chemicals. Any animal-based products used in them must come from animals that ate organic products, were able to go outdoors, and didn’t receive antibiotics or added hormones through food or other means. Pet food that’s considered natural is technically only allowed to have trace amounts of synthetic material added to it, but because it’s not government-regulated, it’s harder to guarantee its purity. Still, natural food is usually considered healthier than food that doesn’t claim to be natural or organic.

Should I feed my cat natural or organic food?

Both natural and organic cat food are routinely considered the healthiest on the market, making them a little pricier than other food options. Most pet parents think the added expense is worth it, especially considering that you can improve your kitty’s quality of life — and even add years to it — by feeding her a nutritious diet.

Should I feed my cat grain-free food?

Grain-free food lacks any type of grain, including wheat, barley, oats, corn, and rice. Unless your cat has a grain or gluten allergy — which is pretty rare — most vets don’t recommend putting your cat on a grain-free diet. Cats benefit from dietary protein that comes from both animal- and plant-based sources, and carbohydrates from grains give their muscles added protection from being broken down and used as an energy source. Additionally, since cats are at risk of chronic kidney disease (CKD) — especially as they age — they benefit from reduced-phosphorus diets, and meat-heavy eating plans usually contain high amounts of this mineral.

Of course, there are exceptions to every rule, and your cat may benefit from a grain-free diet. If she’s showing signs of allergies, eliminating grain products from her food for a couple of weeks can help you determine if grain is the culprit. If you and your vet decide that a grain-free diet is best for your cat, one of the options below will provide her the nutrition she needs through natural or organic food.

Best Natural or Organic Cat Food

Best Natural or Organic Grain-Free Cat Food