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My cat, like your cat, is fussy eater at times. She’s also getting older and beginning to experience a lack of appetite due to chronic kidney disease. I have been feeding Purina Pro Plan Complete Essentials Wet Cat Food, and she likes it!
- High in real protein
- Variety pack and 10+ flavors available
- Prebiotic fiber for GI
- Omega 6 fatty acids for coat and skin
- Cats love the flavors
- No artificial flavors, preservatives
However, the best cat food for my picky eater may not mean the best for your cat. So I have also selected other great cat foods for picky cats in a variety of categories. At the end, is a complete buying guide with everything you need to know.
These are the products we review in this article (not all shown):
Purina ONE Tender Selects Dry Food
- Irresistible soft tender bits amongst kibble
- Value for money
- Real salmon as first ingredient
- Contains omega 6 fatty acids for coat and skin health
- Contains prebiotic fiber
Royal Canin Kitten Loaf in Sauce Canned Wet Food
- Kittens love the flavor
- Nutrient dense
- Fits a kitten’s macronutrient needs
- Easy to eat
- Prebiotics for GI health
- Recognizable protein and low carb
- Grain free, no fillers, anything artificial
- High moisture content
- Flavor variety
SHEBA Wet Cat Food Cuts in Gravy
- Easy to enjoy soft cuts with gravy
- Real protein
- Contains blood plasma
- No grains or wheat
- Variety pack
Purina Pro Plan Adult 7+ Prime Plus Wet Food
- Palatable pate texture
- High protein and grain free
- Natural prebiotic fiber
- Variety pack
IAMS PROACTIVE HEALTH High Protein Kibble
- High protein and high fat
- Chicken is the first ingredient
- Strong aroma
- Has omega fatty acids, natural fiber, prebiotics
- Good value
- Best Wet Cat Food for Picky Eaters
- Best Dry Cat Food for Picky Eaters
- Best Cat Food for Finicky Kittens
- Best Cat Food for Picky Cats (Premium Choice)
- Best Healthy Cat Food for Picky Cats
- Best Cat Food for Fussy Cats
- Best Tasting Wet Cat Food for Picky Cats
- Best Cat Food for Picky Older Cats
- Budget Pick
- Best Cat Food for Picky Eaters with Sensitive Stomachs
- What to Look For in Cat Food for Picky Eaters
- Things to Keep In Mind for Cats Who Are Finicky Eaters
- Environmental Factors
- Rule Out Health Issues
- Ingredients to Avoid
- Why Are Cats Picky Eaters?
- Should You Feed Wet vs Dry Food?
- On Food Toppers or Additions to Entice Eating
- Transitioning to New Food
All cat foods included on this list meet the standard AAFCO nutrient profile guidelines for cats. Always consult with your veterinarian before making changes to your cat’s diet.
Best Wet Cat Food for Picky Eaters
- High in real protein
- Variety pack and 10+ flavors available
- Prebiotic fiber for GI
- Omega 6 fatty acids for coat and skin
- Cats love the flavors
- No artificial flavors, preservatives
- First 5 Ingredients: Water Sufficient For Processing, Chicken, Wheat Gluten, Liver, Meat By-Products, Rice
- Guaranteed Analysis: 11% Crude Protein, 2% Crude Fat, 1.5% Crude Fiber, 80% Moisture
- Calories: 71 kcal/can
- Life Stage: Adult
Our best wet cat food for picky eaters is Purina Pro Plan Gravy Wet Cat Food for its high protein formula and widely-loved taste, ideal for the pickiest eaters.
Reviewers share how their cats gravitate towards this wet food made with real protein sources. The addition of gravy adds a highly satisfying texture and flavor profile for all types of cats.
The balanced nutrition of this, one of our best cat foods for picky cats, is given a further boost with natural prebiotic fiber. Prebiotic fiber aids your cat in digesting. A happy stomach means your cat will want to go back for more with this tasty food. This wet food for picky cats is something even most finicky cats want to eat, according to many pet owners.
With real meat and a wide variety of flavors, your cat will not get bored with this wet food either. No more sniffing and scratching around their food in protest! Keeping your cat interested in their food is easier with foods that contain strong smells and gravies like this one.
I appreciate the tender textures of this food that mimics foods cats would eat in the wild. Definitely among the best wet food for finicky cats!
What We Liked:
- High in real protein
- Variety pack and 10+ flavors available
- Contains prebiotic fiber for gut health
- Contains omega 6 fatty acids for coat and skin
- Cats love the flavors
- No artificial flavors, preservatives
What We Didn’t Like:
- Texture may not be for all cats who are used to normal wet food
Best Dry Cat Food for Picky Eaters
- Dry kibble with delicious, tender meaty bits
- Natural prebiotic fiber helps gut health & immune system
- Promote healthy skin and a lovely coat
- First 5 Ingredients: Chicken, Rice Flour, Corn Gluten Meal, Chicken By-Product Meal, Beef Fat Naturally Preserved With Mixed-Tocopherols
- Guaranteed Analysis: 34% Crude Protein, 15% Crude Fat, 2% Crude Fiber, 12% Moisture
- Calories: 366 kcal/per cup
- Life Stage: Adult
Our best dry cat food for picky eaters provides well-balanced formula: Purina ONE Natural Dry Cat Food. This option works well for picky cats that prefer dry food. Reviewers love how much energy it gives their pets without vomiting, diarrhea, or other problems.
Natural prebiotic fiber helps with your cat’s gut health and supports its immune system. This prebiotic fiber work to provide good gut bacteria that can promote better digestion and absorption of nutrients.
As one of the best cat foods for picky cats, real ingredients without filler encourage your cats to eat more. Real carrots, peas, and high-quality proteins add real flavor to these pieces of kibble. Cats will smell a strong, bold aroma when you fill their bowl.
This best tasting cat food also works to promote healthy skin and a lovely coat with its special ingredient mixture.
What We Liked:
- Irresistible soft tender bits amongst kibble
- Value for money
- Real salmon as first ingredient
- Contains omega 6 fatty acids for coat and skin health
- Contains prebiotic fiber
What We Didn’t Like:
- Limited variety of flavors
Best Cat Food for Finicky Kittens
- Fits a kitten’s macronutrient needs
- Very palatable for young kittens
- Strong smell great at encouraging kittens to eat
- First 5 Ingredients: Water Sufficient For Processing, Pork By-Products, Chicken, Pork Liver, Chicken Liver
- Guaranteed Analysis: 10.8% Crude Protein, 3.2% Crude Fat, 1.7% Crude Fiber, 80% Moisture
- Calories: 78 kcal/can
- Life Stage: Kitten
Unfortunately, even kittens can develop particular tastes in cat food. This wet food from Royal Canin is thin slices of protein packed in gravy to entice your kitten to come to the bowl. For cats up to 12 months of age, this wet food provides full nutrition and immune support. Remember that kittens require their diet, and should not eat adult cat food.
The tender pieces of protein in gravy are very palatable for a young kitten who has trouble with hard kibble. The strong smell is also great at encouraging them to eat at mealtimes. Above all, they must be eating! A kitten can’t go for more than a day without eating.
Plus, the special formula and design of this wet kitten food are ideal for a transition from wet kitten food to dry adult food. Your kitten can begin to eat larger pieces that require them to chew.
What We Liked:
- Kittens love the flavor
- Nutrient dense
- Fits a kitten’s macronutrient needs
- Easy to eat
- Prebiotics for GI health
What We Didn’t Like:
- Not the cheapest
Best Cat Food for Picky Cats (Premium Choice)
- 92% meat, organs, and New Zealand mussels
- Feeding this is similar to what cats might eat in the wild
- Premium ingredients support joint, coat, heart & brain health
- First 5 Ingredients: Venison, Water, Venison Trip, Venison Liver, Chickpeas
- Guaranteed Analysis: 10% Crude Protein, 4% Crude Fat, 2% Crude Fiber, 78% Moisture
- Calories: 222 kcal/per cup
- Life Stage: All stages
Packed with real meat from a natural source of protein, Ziwi Peak Canned Wet Cat food delivers the most nutrition possible. As one of the best cat food for picky cats, feeding your cat this is similar to what they might eat in the wild with a whole-prey diet.
Ziwi Peak tries to limit the ingredient list. Picky cats sometimes need just good-tasting ingredients without fillers that can mess with their digestion. This wet food, definitely one of the best wet food for finicky cats, also does not include grains and features only a few carbs.
Cats from all life stages can eat this wet food. For a cat that has trouble eating, this food can pack a lot of nutrition at once to keep them healthy. Superfoods like cold-washed green tripe have chondroitin and glucosamine for better joint health.
What We Liked:
- Contains 92% animal protein and organs
- Super clean high quality ingredients
- Free of filler, grains, carbs, by-products
- Omega fatty acids for coat and skin health
What We Didn’t Like:
- Price
Best Healthy Cat Food for Picky Cats
- Soft pieces of protein in a tasty gravy
- Real, quality, recognizable ingredients
- High moisture content supports overall health
- First 5 Ingredients: Tilapia, Tilapia Broth, Mackeral, Sunflower Seed Oil, Olive Oil
- Guaranteed Analysis: 17% Crude Protein, 3% Crude Fat, 0% Crude Fiber, 78% Moisture
- Calories: 83 kcal/can
- Life Stage: All stages
Real shredded chicken and flaked fish in a thick consommé, the Tiki Cat Luau Grain-Free, Low-Carbohydrate Wet Food combine the best ingredients into one great package. This variety pack is ideal if you want to provide a rotational diet to avoid food stress.
When you look at the ingredients of this grain free cat food, you will see real proteins and no grains. A lot of the ingredients are recognizable. You will be feeding your pet food that you might eat yourself instead of strange fillers or artificial flavors.
This grain free cat food option is a great fussy cat wet food because the tender pieces of protein swim in a tasty gravy. Cats receive plenty of nutrients and stay interested again and again. Plus, a high moisture content supports hydration for cats with chronic illnesses or other concerns.
Tiki Cat also does not use any GMO ingredients in their wet food. They use safe and ethically sourced ingredients so you can be confident feeding your pet.
What We Liked:
- Recognizable protein and low carb
- Grain free, no fillers, anything artificial
- High moisture content
- Flavor variety
What We Didn’t Like:
- Not the cheapest
Best Cat Food for Fussy Cats
- Variety pack to please picky cats
- Soft pate and tasty smell entices cats to eat
- Good price and accessibility
- First 5 Ingredients: Ocean Whitefish, Liver, Fish, Meat By-Products, Fish Broth
- Guaranteed Analysis: 12% Crude Protein, 2% Crude Fat, 1.5% Crude Fiber, 78% Moisture
- Calories: 92 kcal/can
- Life Stage: All stages
Purina Fancy Feast offers a complete and balanced formula. Your cat will receive all the necessary nutrients without any of the bad stuff, like grains that can negatively impact her health. High in protein, this wet food for picky cats uses real sources of protein.
One great aspect of this fussy cat wet food is its smooth texture. The tender pate with its finely ground ingredients is just what some cats crave. If you have a cat that refuses to eat hard, dry kibble or large chunks of wet food, she might have an easier time eating Purina Fancy Feast.
According to reviewers, a tasty smell comes out as soon as you open a can. Cats come running to enjoy their meal instead of avoiding their dish.
Purina manufactures all its Fancy Feast Grain Free Pate Wet Cat Food products in the USA. This means that you know that it includes only the most wholesome ingredients. For cats who have health concerns, such as diabetes, this is a good low-carb option.
What We Liked:
- Price and accessibility
- Variety pack
- High protein and grain-free
- Soft texture and appetizing odor
What We Didn’t Like:
- Contains meat by-products
Best Tasting Wet Cat Food for Picky Cats
- Easy to enjoy soft cuts with gravy and variety pack
- Contains real protein and blood plasma
- Single portioned trays means fresh food every meal
- First 5 Ingredients: Water, Chicken, Poultry By-Products, Animal Plasma, Tapioca Starch
- Guaranteed Analysis: 7% Crude Protein, 2.5% Crude Fat, 1.5% Crude Fiber, 84% Moisture
- Calories: 31 kcal/serving
- Life Stage: All stages
Made in the USA from high-quality, sustainable sources, Sheba Wet Food Cuts in Gravy Variety Pack offers well-rounded food for picky cats. This tasty wet food is good for all life stages and comes in a savory gravy that reviewers say their cats love. Many pet owners share how their cats do not leave anything left at mealtime with this wet food.
Different textures and flavors in this variety pack make it easy to rotate food options for your cats. Avoid food stress or boredom by switching up their routine for a fussy kitty. I think the cuts in gravy choice is good for cats who dislike pate wet food.
The snap-and-peel design of each Sheba can make it more convenient to feed your cat wet food, too. Giving it to your cat multiple times a day is effortless because they can eat right out of the tray without hurting themselves.
No grain, soy, corn, or wheat is included in the formula. The lack of fillers and unnecessary by-products means your cat is getting only the nutrition that they need to thrive.
What We Liked:
- Easy to enjoy soft cuts with gravy
- Real protein
- Contains blood plasma
- No grains or wheat
- Variety pack
What We Didn’t Like:
- Has by-products
Best Cat Food for Picky Older Cats
- Palatable pate in variety pack for fussy older cats
- Provides older cats exact nutrition they need
- High protein and grain free for clean eating
- First 5 Ingredients: Turkey, Water, Liver, Meat By-Products, Poultry Giblets
- Guaranteed Analysis: 11% Crude Protein, 7% Crude Fat, 1.5% Crude Fiber, 78% Moisture
- Calories: 108 kcal/can
- Life Stage: Adult/Senior
Older cats very commonly become picky eaters. However, with Purina Pro Plan Grain Free Senior Wet Cat Food, our best cat food for picky older cats, you can ensure they get the right nutrition they need to continue thriving. This wet senior cat food features a variety of flavors to keep them satisfied.
Around the age of 7, you need to begin thinking about more antioxidants and good vitamins for your senior cat. Purina Pro Plan makes it easy to give older cats what they need even if they are fussy eaters.
Reviewers with older pets, especially ones with health concerns, are excited that their cat relishes eating this wet food. They get a balanced diet without artificial colors or flavors. The pate-type picky cat food is formulated with plenty of fiber that older cats require.
Real sources of protein go into this wet food, too. Cats need more protein than you might realize. Purina Pro Plan has a high protein content that cats naturally want to eat.
What We Liked:
- Palatable pate texture
- High protein and grain free
- Natural prebiotic fiber
- Variety pack
What We Didn’t Like:
- Has meat-products
Budget Pick
- High protein and high fat just like cats like
- Strong aroma attracts even picky cats
- Supports GI, skin, and coat health
- First 5 Ingredients: Chicken, Chicken Byproduct Meal, Corn Grits, Ground Whole Grain Corn, Salmon
- Guaranteed Analysis: 38% Crude Protein, 18% Crude Fat, 3% Crude Fiber, 10% Moisture
- Calories: 439 kcal/cup
- Life Stage: Adult
Iams Proactive Health High Protein Adult Dry Cat Food is rich in protein while being a great choice for the price. I think this food offers a great combination of excellent ingredients for a cat owner on a budget.
Lots of protein is something that finicky cats gravitate towards. Picking a dry cat food for picky eaters with lots of protein and not too many carbohydrates will promote a healthier cat. High protein diets help maintain muscles and encourage heart health.
The flavor profile of this cheap dry cat food is strong and rich, too. Reviewers comment that their cat smells it as soon as they put it in the bowl. Pet owners do not need to worry about fussy cats turning up their noses at real protein. Plus, no fillers or by-products add to this picky cat food kibble to make it bulky without good content.
What We Liked:
- High protein and high fat
- Chicken is the first ingredient
- Strong aroma
- Has omega fatty acids, natural fiber, prebiotics
- Price
What We Didn’t Like:
- Contains grains and by-products
Best Cat Food for Picky Eaters with Sensitive Stomachs
- Easily digestible + helps feed healthy gut bacteria
- Has a proprietary mix of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants
- Grain free, with fatty acids that help coat and skin
- First 5 Ingredients: Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Brown Rice, Oatmeal, Barley
- Guaranteed Analysis: 32% Crude Protein, 16% Crude Fat, 3.5% Crude Fiber, 9% Moisture
- Calories: 422 kcal/per cup
- Life Stage: Adult cats
A sensitive stomach is an unfortunate cause for cats to become picky eaters. Blue Buffalo Tastefuls includes ingredients that are easy for cats to digest. When their stomachs are happy then your cats will feel more excited to eat their food.
High-quality protein goes into this dry cat food. Several reviewers agree that this must be one of the best tasting dry cat food options they have tried for their cats. Cats eat it without needing toppers or broth.
Blue Buffalo includes antioxidants in special kibble bits. These kibble bits also provide minerals and vitamins to support a healthy immune system.
Prebiotic fiber helps your cat digest this kibble easily. More healthy bacteria in the gut means fewer stomach troubles. Fewer stomach troubles mean regular consumption without complaints!
What We Liked:
- Real chicken is the first ingredient
- Contains prebiotics for digestion
- Has a proprietary mix of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants
- Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids for coat and skin
- No by-products, corn, wheat, or soy
What We Didn’t Like:
- Lack of flavor variety
What to Look For in Cat Food for Picky Eaters
Choosing food for a cat that is a picky eater can feel like an impossible challenge. We want it to be a good quality food, species-specific for cats, and at the same time, something that they will not turn up their nose at.
High Protein, Moderate Fat, No Filler
All cats are obligate carnivores (picky eaters or not), meaning they need to consume the bulk of their calories from protein. The ideal breakdown is cat food that is high in protein, moderate fat, and low carb. This ratio mirrors what they’d eat in the wild.
Necessary healthy fats keep skin and coat healthy.
Additionally, always check that your cat’s food has as few fillers and by-products as possible. Protein should come from quality animal sources to match their dietary requirements, and be the first few ingredients listed on a label.
Variety Pack
When picking the best finicky cat food, I highly recommend the variety pack of cat foods, so you have different flavor options. And look for strong aromas in food for picky cats, which will entice them to eat. How do you know if it’s a strong aroma? Just pay attention to your nose!
Things to Keep In Mind for Cats Who Are Finicky Eaters
Knowing what types of foods to buy is one thing, but other factors will impact whether your cat will eat them or not.
Personal Preference
You know a little too well that your cat has personal preferences. They might prefer certain flavors or textures, or only want to eat wet cat food. Your cat might even like their food to be at the right temperature, or it will refuse to eat.
Variety – Both Good and Bad
Variety or routine can hurt or harm you when you are trying to find the best cat food for picky eaters. Some cats enjoy eating the same type and flavor of food every day. They might even protest if you try to switch up their routine.
However, other cats do not do well with the same food repeatedly.
These types of finicky eaters require variety in flavor, texture, and food type to be satisfied. A rotational diet might be better for these types of picky eaters, because you rotate between different foods daily, weekly, or monthly to avoid stress.
Dental issues or Food Sensitivities
Knowing your cat, you can also figure out if they need special considerations for their food. What might seem like a picky eater could be a dental issue or food allergy.
If you are trying to feed your pet something they have trouble eating, their refusal to eat it might be a sign to you.
Kitten Memories
Consider what brand and type of food they ate as a kitten. You might not want to change too much as they transition into adult cat food, or you can make them upset.
Following a meal routine can also help when you are feeding a picky eater. For example, switching to a prescribed mealtime after free feeding can be beneficial if transitioned well.
Environmental Factors
Cat Food Bowl Location
Your cat’s surroundings can affect its desire to eat and what they want to eat. Placing the cat food bowl in the right location is essential. For example, a cat may refuse to eat if their food is placed too near to its litter box or a busy hallway.
Whisker Fatigue
Some cats also experience a phenomenon known as whisker fatigue. Whisker fatigue occurs if their whiskers touch the sides of their food bowl too much.
A cat can become stressed from information overload and have trouble eating normally. Pacing in front of their food bowl or knocking their food out of the bowl are two common signs of whisker fatigue.
Social Eaters
Make sure you are aware if your cat is a social or affection eater.
Some cats feel more comfortable when they can eat near their humans. Having their food in a public area can help encourage your cat to eat more, especially if you will often be in that space with them.
Boredom
Boredom can affect pets, too. I have noticed that providing the same food every day can make my cat less excited to eat. Rather than be comforting, the routine becomes something she hates.
Rule Out Health Issues
If your cat suddenly decides that they do not like its food anymore or refuses to eat, it could be simply related to psychology or behavior, but also health.
A cat that also appears unwell in other ways may be experiencing one or more health issues that are contributing to its newfound pickiness.
Consult your vet before making any drastic changes to your cat’s food or routine to rule out a health issue, such as chronic kidney disease (like my cat, who has high markers for chronic kidney disease.)
Ingredients to Avoid
When you have a cat who is refusing to eat, you may be desperate. However, try to avoid feeding human food at random.
Things like no-salt-added chicken broth or fresh water-based veggies can help encourage food consumption. But you should never rely on human food as its only sustenance.
There are also some types of human food that you should avoid at all costs giving to your cat.
Items like raw meat and eggs can make them seriously ill. And milk and other dairy products are not good for cats despite what you may have heard. In fact, their digestive systems become intolerant to lactose after being weaned from their mother’s milk as kittens.
Why Are Cats Picky Eaters?
Did you know your picky cat may have evolution to blame for her strange habits? If your cat is a picky eater, it may be down to her ancestors. A study in the journal Royal Society Open Science showed that cats gravitate towards food with a specific ratio of protein to fat.
Cats may also avoid or appear unwilling to try a new food or food that looks different from what they are used to getting. Their wild ancestors would have known that eating new foods could be dangerous for their health, which is why domesticated cats avoid strange foods, too.
Should You Feed Wet vs Dry Food?
For a very picky kitty, wet food is always better vs dry food.
It typically has more moisture and stronger aromas, which makes it easy to digest and more appealing. Wet food often has fewer carbs, which is ideal for cats who naturally require lots of protein in their diet.
However, dry kibble food is often cheaper and more convenient. Some cats even prefer their dry kibble crunchies over wet food.
When it comes down to it, feeding your cat dry food is better than not eating anything at all. There are benefits and disadvantages to either type of food, and you cannot rule out your own cat’s preferences.
On Food Toppers or Additions to Entice Eating
Find ways to get your finicky eater to love food again with some of these clever tips. If your cat has issues with food temperature, consider microwaving the food first. You might try warm water to accompany a meal to make it more palatable, too.
Additives might also encourage your cat to dive in. Broths, such as bone broth, can make dry kibble more appealing and it provides a lot of great nutrients.
Food toppers also exist on the market that you can buy to add or pour over your cat’s basic dry food. Food toppers may have a stronger aroma or make the meal more enticing with a thick gravy.
Remember that changing how you present your cat’s food or what you add to it should be a careful choice.
If you use food toppers or super delicious soft cat foods too often, your cat will begin to expect them as part of their routine. You do not want to add too many unhealthy carbs or make mealtime too complicated every day.
Transitioning to New Food
Even if you are trying to find a more appealing food for a finicky eater, you should never suddenly switch over to a completely different food for your cat.
You can cause gastrointestinal problems and stress with a rapid change in diet. Instead, veterinarians recommend a gradual switch.
- Start by feeding your cat 25% of the new food with 75% of the old food.
- By day three, you can start upping the amount of new food to 50%.
- By days five and six, you can move to feed them 75% of the new and only 25% of the old food.
- By the end of the first week, you should feel confident feeding them exclusively the new food.
You might need to alter this schedule if you notice any intolerance, such as refusal to eat, vomiting, or diarrhea. These are signs that your cat is giving you that they need more time during the transition.
You can also use these steps to switch from dry kibble to more wet food or from one wet food to another.
I’m Gary Hu, a proud cat dad to a 15 lb Maine Coon. Have taken care of outdoor and indoor cats for over 10 years, and learned tons on behavior, habits, health, and products. I help new Maine Coon (or any other cat) parents with common questions and issues based on real, practical experience.
