10 Best Cat Food for Indoor Cats Reviews 2023

You probably didn’t know indoor cat food was a thing, but it is. Just like people, cats are different and have different nutritional needs based on the kind of lifestyle they live. Some cats are strictly indoor, which is why cat food for indoor cats was created.
If you have a cat that lives its life strictly indoors, you need the healthiest cat food for indoor cats to make sure they’re always in great shape. Indoor cat food has fewer calories than regular cat food and a lot more fiber so your couch potato of a cat can be happy and healthy.
Today we will show you the best dry food for indoor cats as well as the best wet food for indoor cats so you can make a great choice for your feline friend. We will also include some of the best indoor kitten food so you can feed the little ones correctly!
Top Food For Indoor Cats Compared
Name | Weight | Nutrition | Flavor | Ratings |
---|---|---|---|---|
Purina Beyond Grain-Free Adult Dry Cat Food | 5 lb | Grain-free, Protein-rich | Salmon, egg, sweet potato | 4.7 |
9Lives Dry Cat Food | 20 lb | Protein, B Vitamins, Natural Fiber | Chicken | 4.7 |
Nutro Max Indoor Adult Dry Cat Food | 16 lb | All-natural, Protein-rich | Chicken | 4.5 |
Iams Proactive Health Adult Indoor Dry Cat Food | 7 lb | Protein-rich, L-carnitine, Fiber | Chicken, Turkey | 4.7 |
Purina Friskies Canned Wet Cat Food | 24 5.5-oz cans | Protein | Tuna | 4.5 |
Royal Canin Feline Canned Cat Food | 12 3-oz cans | Proteins, Fats, Carbohydrates, Vitamins, Minerals | Chicken, Pork, Salmon | 4.4 |
Blue Buffalo Healthy Gourmet Wet Cat Food | 24 3-oz cans | All-natural, Proteins, Vitamins, Minerals | Salmon | 4.3 |
Halo Grain Indoor Chicken Cat Food | 12 5.5-oz cans | Grain-free, Fatty-acids | Chicken | 3.9 |
Hills Science Indoor Cat Food | 24 5.5-oz cans | Protein, C+E Vitamins | Chicken, Turkey | 4 |
Rachael Ray Nutrish Superfood Blends Dry Cat Food | 14 lb | Fiber-rich, Prebiotics, Antioxidants | Chicken, Lentils, Salmon | 4.6 |
10 Best Cat Food for Indoor Cats
#1 Purina Beyond Grain-Free Adult Dry Cat Food
Our first option today is the Purina Beyond Grain dry cat food for indoor cats. Purina is an established brand and they have definitely earned the trust of pet owners all over the world. Their indoor cat food recipes are based on either poultry or fish, both of the highest quality, and no artificial flavors are used, which means it’s extra yummy.
This Purina dry cat food for indoor cats provides the perfect balance of protein, carbs, fat, and essential nutrients so that your indoor cat can sustain a healthy weight. The formula is also 100% natural and they don’t use any wheat, soy, corn, or poultry by-products. They also steer away from artificial flavors, coloring, and preservatives, which means you’re providing the best dry cat food for indoor cats!
You can be certain your cats will love this Purina dry cat food for indoor cats and they will enjoy every last bite of it. It doesn’t only support a healthy weight, but also a healthy lifestyle, which will help your cat live longer and better. A balance diet makes all the difference in the world, and Purina makes it super easy for you to provide!
#2 9Lives Dry Cat Food
Next we have 9Lives dry cat food for indoor cats and it’s a 100% balanced cat food that provides B vitamins and lean protein to help your cat maintain a healthy metabolism and weight. What’s special about this dry cat food is that the formula is also made to prevent Feline Urological Syndrome, which is quite common when there’s too much magnesium in their diet.
FUS will cause crystals to form in your cat’s urine, which can block their urinary tract and it can even be fatal. At 9Lives they know this is a true risk, so they’ve created an affordable, safe, and healthy dry cat food for indoor cats you can absolutely trust.
This formula is not only delicious, it’s also one of the healthiest options on the market. The price will fit easily into your budget, so you will be able to properly feed your indoor cat without having to break the bank. Even for the low price, you get high-quality dry cat food that your cat will be happy to eat.
#3 Nutro Max Indoor Adult Dry Cat Food
The Nutro Max dry cat food for indoor cats is another great option for adult cats because it’s fortified with vitamins and minerals. This will guarantee balanced nutrition, plus your cat will love the roasted chicken flavor. All ingredients used for this dry cat food are natural and sourced from a trusted network of farmers and suppliers.
This adult dry cat food for indoor cats contains no soy, no chicken by-products, no artificial preservatives, and no artificial flavors. This means the Nutro Max dry cat food for indoor cats is healthy and safe to eat. You won’t have to worry about any adverse effects and your cat will simply love it.
This cat dry food will not only provide a balanced diet so your cat can maintain a healthy weight, it will also improve their immune system, support healthy digestion, and it will also support healthy skin and coat so your adult cat can look and feel better than ever. Users are loving this formula and we bet you will too!
#4 Iams Proactive Health Adult Indoor Dry Cat Food
The Iams Proactive dry cat food for indoor cats with chicken and turkey is another great option to consider. It’s not only affordable, it’s also delicious and it will provide the balance diet your sedentary cat needs to keep healthy. You get a lot of value for your money with 7 pounds of cat food that your adult cat will be happy to eat.
Chicken is the main ingredient here, which means the formula is high in protein. This means it will support strong muscles and also provide energy so your cat can be active even inside the house. If your cat needs to shed a few pounds, you’ll be happy to know this formula contains l-carnitine, which will help them reach and maintain a healthy weight.
The proprietary fiber blend will reduce hairballs, which is important for indoor cats. It also contains 10% less fat than other brands, meaning it’s a high-quality, protein meal for your cat. Overall, this is a great option because it’s affordable, healthy, delicious, and balanced.
#5 Purina Friskies Canned Wet Cat Food
Here we have another Purina option, this time it’s a wet cat food for indoor cats and it will provide all the balance your cat needs to remain healthy and happy. The recipes are made with high-quality ingredients that will provide all the nutrition your cat needs, and they will love every single bite.
The recipes are made with real fish, beef, and chicken, respectively, so your cat can enjoy rich flavors they won’t be able to resist. The formula is focused on protein, so these meals will support muscle and strength so your sedentary cat can still jump, climb, and explore around the house with energy.
Wet food for indoor cats doesn’t only provide balance and nutrition, it will also provide extra hydration. If your cat is the kind that doesn’t drink that much water during the day, wet food might be a better option than dry food. And for sure, a cat water fountain would encourage him to drink more. Overall, this Purina Friskies wet cat food for indoor cats provides everything you need to make sure your cat is nice and healthy! And all for an affordable price.
#6 Royal Canin Feline Canned Cat Food
This Royal Canin wet cat food for indoor cats is another great option at an affordable price. This one contains thin slices of meat in gravy and it will satisfy even the pickiest of cats. It provides the perfect balance of carbs, proteins, and fats, to make sure your cat’s nutrition is complete and healthy to support the ideal weight.
This recipe also contains vitamins and minerals that will promote healthy digestion and an overall healthy lifestyle. If your cat is not much of a water drinker, wet cat food is a better choice than dry cat food because it will provide hydration through the food. These top ceramic fountains for cats will make your pet want to drink more often.
Your cats will love this delicious wet cat food for indoor cats and they will enjoy every single bite. This cat food provides not only nutritional balance, but also a satisfying texture, a nice aroma, and incredible favor. Royal Canin provides formulas for kittens, adult cats, and seniors so you can find the right one for your cat.
#7 Blue Buffalo Healthy Gourmet Wet Cat Food
This Blue Buffalo gourmet option is another great wet cat food for indoor cats you can trust 100%. This recipe uses high-quality protein from real salmon, which provides support for your cat’s muscles. Your cat will love this paté and the savory gravy that accompanies it, so they will enjoy every single bite of it.
The smooth texture will satisfy even the pickiest cat and you can be certain your cat will be receiving the most nutritious meal. Complete with vitamins and minerals, and free of corn, wheat, soy, artificial preservatives or flavors, and free of poultry by-products.
If your cat enjoys fish flavors more than anything, they will never get enough of this gourmet salmon paté. The Blue Buffalo wet cat food for indoor cats will promote a healthy gut, healthy weight, and also healthy skin and fur, to make sure your cat looks and feels as healthy as ever.
#8 Halo Grain Indoor Chicken Cat Food
Next, we have the Halo Grain wet cat food for indoor cats and it’s another great option because it’s a highly digestible recipe that your cats will love. Wet food has the added benefit of hydration, which is important for cats that don’t like to drink much water. This recipe also provides the perfect balance of cat vitamins, minerals, carbs, protein and fiber, as well as essential acids that support a healthy organism.
This recipe is grain-free and it’s made with whole chicken, so no chicken meal or anything like that. Halo uses the real deal and it steers away from artificial colors, artificial flavors, and artificial preservatives, making it a healthy, natural option for your cat.
The texture of this wet cat food is super smooth, so your cat will love it and the aroma will definitely bring them in. Overall, this is a great option for the money, and you’ll be happy to provide your cat with all the nutrients they need to be healthy and strong even if they’re always indoors.
#9 Hills Science Indoor Cat Food
The Hills Science indoor cat food is another great option and it’s a bit more expensive than other options on the list, but you’re getting a high-quality product for the price. It comes in different flavors so you can make sure you satisfy your cat’s palate, and they will love this wet cat food for indoor cats more than anything.
The frustration-free packaging will make things easier for you when mealtime comes around. This recipe will provide high-quality protein to your adult cats so they can maintain lean muscle even if they’re sedentary and are always at home. The recipe also contains antioxidants and vitamin C, which means it will support your cat’s immune system.
Overall, this high-quality wet cat food is made of all-natural ingredients and it’s recommended by vets. You can be certain your cat will be getting the best nutritional value and they will love every single bite.
#10 Rachael Ray Nutrish Superfood Blends Dry Cat Food
Last but not least, the Rachael Ray dry cat food for indoor cats is another great option that provides a great value for your money. This 14 lb bag of dry cat food is flavored with chicken, salmon and lentils, but there are also other flavor options available.
This recipe uses real chicken as the number one ingredient and it also includes real salmon, so you can be certain your cat is getting the highest-quality meal. Lentils provide much-needed fiber to prevent hairball formation and support healthy metabolism and weight.
This dry cat food also contains natural prebiotics derived from pumpkin and dandelion, so healthy digestion is promoted. It also contains antioxidants from rich berries. Overall, it’s a great option that your cats will love!

Benefits of Cat Food for Indoor Cats
If you’ve raised your cat to be strictly an indoor cat, then you’ve probably done it for a good reason. Free-roaming cats have a higher risk of getting hit by cars, fighting other cats, or getting stuck in dangerous places. Not to mention there are not so nice people out there who can hurt them as well.
However, there are also common risks for indoor cats as well. The most common ones being that indoor cats don’t get as much exercise and they tend to eat a lot more, which can lead to a weight issue. Which can, in turn, lead to different health issues.
You can encourage your cats to exercise a lot more by enriching their environment at home by including elements such as window perches for cats, interactive toys, scratching posts, cat trees, and more! It’s also important that you schedule play sessions with your cats as well so you can bond together daily. This will contribute greatly to their physical condition.
Now, when it comes to food, indoor cat food will provide the perfect solution. Why? Because the recipe is different, providing more protein and less carbs, which is exactly the kind of balance a sedentary cat needs. Poor diet can lead to many health issues, so it’s important that you choose the right indoor cat food to satisfy your cat’s nutritional needs. Portion control is also important, so make sure you consult these things with your vet to figure out the right amount of cat food you should provide on a daily basis.
Difference Between Indoor Cat Food and Regular Cat Food
Indoor and outdoor cats share the same basic nutritional needs; the only difference is the amount of exercise they get. That’s why there’s cat food that’s specifically made for indoor cats; to provide less calories and more fiber, protein, vitamins, and minerals to promote good health.
Fiber is important in indoor cat food because it provides hairball control, helping your cat flush the hair out of their system before it turns into a ball. Another great thing about cat indoor food is that it’s often free of additives, making it a lot healthier and more well-balanced.
Importance of Using Indoor Cat Food
When you have a strictly indoor cat, it’s important that you provide the right nutrition. They depend on food not only to feel good, but also to look good. Indoor cats are more prone to develop poor skin and fur because they’re constantly exposed to HVAC systems, which can cause dry or flaky skin and a dull coat. By choosing a high-quality indoor cat food, you’ll be preventing this from happening, making sure your cat always looks amazing.
Hairballs are also an issue that indoor cat food will solve for you. Indoor cats spend a lot more time self-grooming than outdoor cats, which means hairballs are a serious risk. They can lead to different health issues such as intestinal blockage, which is why a high-fiber indoor cat food is exactly what you need.
It’s also important to manage your cat’s weight, and indoor cat food will help you do that by providing the best possible nutritional and dietary balance. Plus, a good diet will make their stool a lot less stinky, which you will appreciate it quite a bit!
How to Choose the Right Indoor Cat Food
The first step to choosing the right indoor cat food is having a great list to assist you, which is what we’ve provided today. You want to make sure the cat food you choose contains protein sourced from poultry, meat or fish, taurine, which is an essential amino acid, as well as vitamins, minerals, fatty acids, and enzymes. It’s also important for wet foods to have a good degree of water for additional hydration.
You also want to make sure the indoor cat food you choose doesn’t contain fillers such as corn, wheat, rice, soy, etc., because your indoor cat doesn’t need the extra carbs. Additionally you also want to make sure it doesn’t contain any artificial ingredients such as preservatives, coloring, flavoring or binders.
When it comes to choosing between dry cat food or wet cat food for indoor cats, perhaps you’ll want to follow the most common advice from veterinarians. They say you should combine dry food and wet food equally. Why? Because cats don’t drink enough water during the day. In fact, some cats don’t drink water at all. So, to make sure they’re well-hydrated, you need to provide wet cat food.
Mixing dry food and wet food in their diet will also keep your cats excited about food and it will reduce the risk of allergy development over time. Food addiction is also something your cats can develop if they’re only exposed to one kind of meal. Feed them different varieties of cat food for indoor cats and you’ll keep your cat nice and healthy, not to mention excited and happy.
When you read cat food labels, there are certain elements that should always be present. Your indoor cat food must be in compliance with AAFCO’s requirements for Complete and Balanced, and it should be put on the label. You also must make sure your indoor cat food states the name of the protein source they’re using, so instead of only the word “meat”, the label should read “chicken”, “lamb”, “beef”, “salmon”, etc. Canned food should list the protein as the first ingredient, so make sure you pay attention to that. The expiration date should also be clear on the label so you can make sure you’re purchasing fresh food your your cats.
Avoid any kind of cat food that include the words “by-product”, “animal digest”, “meat and bone meal”, and added sugars in their labels. These are not the healthiest choices for your cat. Also look for BHA, BHT, propyl gallate, and ethoxyquin, which are common chemical preservatives you absolutely want to avoid on your cat’s food. It’s important you also avoid any fillers because they’re just extra carbs your indoor cat doesn’t need.
Keep in mind that manufacturers are not allowed to put “complete and balance” on their labels or packaging unless they meet certain criteria. Their food must pass feeding tests for the life stage they’re recommending on the label, the composition of the food must also meet certain requirements determined by the AAFCO, which is the American Association of Feed Control Officials.
Make sure you take your time and consider all the best indoor cat food available. Read the descriptions carefully, go through the ingredients, and make sure to read the labels. This way you’ll be able to confirm the indoor food you’re getting is actually the best for your cat, whether you have a kitten, an adult cat, or a senior cat.