Skip to searchSkip to main content
Not in the U.S?

Not shopping in the U.S. or plan on shipping to a Canadian address?

Continue to Canada site
Use App
24/7 HelpHelp
Get help from our experts 24/7
  • 1-800-672-4399
AccountAccount
Sign InNew Customer? Start here
  • Account
  • Orders
  • Manage Autoship
  • Favorites
  • Buy Again
  • Prescriptions
  • My Vet Clinics
  • Pet Portal
  • Connect with a Vet
  • CarePlus Pet Insurance
  • My Rescues
CartCart
Your cart is empty.
Something missing? Sign in to see items you may have added from another computer or device.
Not in the U.S?

Not shopping in the U.S. or plan on shipping to a Canadian address?

Continue to Canada site
Use App
24/7 Help
Get help from our experts 24/7
  • 1-800-672-4399
AccountAccount
Sign InNew Customer? Start here
  • Account
  • Orders
  • Manage Autoship
  • Favorites
  • Buy Again
  • Prescriptions
  • My Vet Clinics
  • Pet Portal
  • Connect with a Vet
  • CarePlus Pet Insurance
  • My Rescues
CartCart
Your cart is empty.
Something missing? Sign in to see items you may have added from another computer or device.
Food
  • Dry Food
  • Wet Food
  • Fresh Food & Toppers
  • Veterinary Diets
  • Science-Backed Formulas
  • Puppy Food
Treats
  • Bones, Bully Sticks & Naturals
  • Soft & Chewy Treats
  • Dental Treats
  • Biscuits & Cookies
  • Long-Lasting Chews
  • Jerky Treats
  • Freeze-Dried & Dehydrated
Health & Pharmacy
  • Flea & Tick
  • Vitamins & Supplements
  • Allergy & Itch Relief
  • Heartworm & Dewormers
  • Pharmacy & Prescriptions
  • Anxiety & Calming Care
  • DNA Testing Kits
Supplies
  • Crates, Pens & Gates
  • Beds
  • Tech & Smart Home
  • Leashes, Collars & Harnesses
  • Bowls & Feeders
  • Clothing & Accessories
  • Carriers & Travel
  • Training & Behavior
Dog DealsNew Dog SuppliesPet Parent SuppliesShop all Dog
Toys
  • Plush Toys
  • Chew Toys
  • Fetch Toys
  • Treat Dispensing Toys
  • Puzzle Toys
  • Rope & Tug Toys
Cleaning & Potty
  • Pee Pads & Diapers
  • Poop Bags & Scoopers
  • Cleaners & Stain Removers
  • Vacuums & Steam Cleaners
Grooming
  • Brushes & Combs
  • Shampoos & Conditioners
  • Grooming Tools
  • Paw & Nail Care
  • Ear Care
  • Skin Care
Gift Cards
Popular Brands
Purina Pro Plan
Hill's
Blue Buffalo
Frisco
Royal Canin
Bark
Better gut, better holidays Solid Gold premium nutrition for dogs.
Food
  • Wet Food
  • Dry Food
  • Science-Backed Formulas
  • Veterinary Diets
  • Highest Quality Food
  • Food Toppers
  • Kitten Food
Litter
  • Clumping
  • Scented
  • Unscented
  • Natural
  • Lightweight
Treats
  • Crunchy Treats
  • Lickable Treats
  • Soft & Chewy Treats
  • Dental Treats
  • Catnip
  • Cat Grass
Supplies
  • Litter Boxes & Accessories
  • Tech & Smart Home
  • Beds
  • Carriers & Travel
  • Bowls & Feeders
  • Grooming
  • Collars, Leashes & Harnesses
Cat DealsPet Parent SuppliesShop all Cat
Health & Pharmacy
  • Flea & Tick
  • Vitamins & Supplements
  • Allergy & Itch Relief
  • Pharmacy & Prescriptions
  • Anxiety & Calming Care
  • Urinary Tract & Kidneys
  • Test Kits
Trees & Scratchers
  • Trees & Condos
  • Scratchers & Scratching Posts
  • Wall Shelves
  • Window Perches
Toys
  • Interactive & Electronic Toys
  • Scratchers
  • Teasers & Wands
  • Balls & Chasers
  • Catnip Toys
  • Plush & Mice Toys
Gift Cards
Popular Brands
Tiny Tiger
Shop Blue Buffalo
Shop litter robot
Shop Temptations
Shop Hill's Science Diet
Shop Purina Pro Plan
Odor-free holidays With long-lasting control from Fresh Step cat litter.
Horse
  • Feed
  • Treats
  • Blankets and Sheets
  • Tack
  • Health and Wellness
  • Dewormers
  • Vitamins and Supplements
Chicken
  • Feed
  • Treats
  • Feeders, Waterers and Deicers
  • Chick Starter Feed
  • Nesting and Egg Supplies
  • Coops and Accessories
  • Vitamins and Healthcare
Livestock
  • Cattle
  • Goat
  • Pig
  • Sheep
  • Llama and Alpaca
  • Livestock Feed
  • Livestock Supplements
Wild Bird & Wildlife
  • Wild Bird
  • Wild Bird Food
  • Wild Bird Seed
  • Wild Bird Suet
  • Wild Bird Feeders
  • Hummingbird Supplies
  • Duck and Waterfowl
Small Animal
  • Rabbit
  • Guinea Pig
  • Chinchilla
  • Hamster
  • Rat
  • Ferret
  • Bedding and Litter
Pet Bird
  • Parrot
  • Parakeet
  • Cockatiel
  • Toys
  • Cages and Accessories
  • Food
  • Perches
Fish
  • Freshwater Fish Supplies
  • Saltwater Fish Supplies
  • Koi and Pond Supplies
  • Fish Food
  • Aquariums and Fish Tanks
  • Fish Tank Filters and Media
  • Aquarium Decorations
Reptile and Amphibian
  • Live Feeders
  • Food and Treats
  • Tanks and Terrariums
  • Heating and Lighting
  • Aquatic Turtle
  • Bearded Dragon
  • Snake
Gift Cards
Popular Brands
Shop Buckeye
Shop Animed
Shop Cosequin
Fall care, delivered Feed, tack, meds, supplements & more
Prescriptions
Order your pet's prescription items.
How it works
Shop all Pharmacy
Health Services
Chewy Vet Care
Chat free with our vet team
CarePlus Pet Insurance & Wellness Plans
Compounded Medications
Choose from a variety of flavors, strengths, and forms for your pet or horse.
Learn about compounding
Dog
  • Prescription Flea & Tick
  • Heartworm Prevention
  • Pain Relief & Arthritis
  • Antibiotics & Antifungals
  • Allergy Relief
  • Anxiety & Calming
  • Ear & Skin Conditions
  • Eye Drops & Ointments
  • Urinary & Kidney
  • Diabetes Care & Insulin
Cat
  • Prescription Flea & Tick
  • Dewormers & Parasiticides
  • Eye Drops & Ointments
  • Antibiotics & Antifungals
  • Allergy Relief
  • Anxiety & Calming
  • Urinary & Kidney
  • Thyroid & Hormone
  • Pain Relief & Arthritis
  • Diabetes Care & Insulin
Horse
  • Joint and Anti-Inflammatory
  • Metabolic and Endocrine
  • Calming and Behavioral Support
  • Pain Medicine
  • Antibiotics
  • Allergy and Immune
  • Vitamins and Electrolytes
Expert Health Tips
  • PetMD
Connect with a Vet
Chat for free with a licensed vet tech.
Learn more
CarePlus Pet Insurance & Wellness Plans
Give your pet the best possible health coverage with pet insurance and wellness plans.
Learn more
Chewy Vet Care
Exceptional in-person routine and urgent care from our compassionate veterinary teams.
Schedule a visit
Learn
How We Give Back
We've donated more than $100M in products to rescue animal centers.
Learn more
Donate to a Rescue
You can help us make an impact by donating items to your local shelter.
Find a Rescue
Find Pets to Adopt
Search thousands of pets from shelters and rescues in Chewy's network.
Find Pets
Join Our Network
Join our network to access benefits and resources that’ll help more pets.
Join Now
Today's Deals
Use App
CartCart
  1. Home
  2. Cat
  3. Food & Nutrition

Feeding Your Cat a High-Protein Cat Food

Jennifer Coates, DVM
By Jennifer Coates, DVM
Updated
Apr. 30, 2025
High-protein cat food

Photo by Photo: Chewy Studios

Cat parents understand that nutrition plays a vital role in feline health. What you may not realize is the fundamental importance of a high-protein cat food.

Cats are obligate carnivores, which means that animal tissue is a biological requirement for them to enjoy good health. Left to their own devices, cats typically seek out mice, birds or other critters as food.

Examining the things cats track down for themselves in the wild should be a blueprint for a house cat’s diet. Since felines naturally thrive on protein, offering a diet deficient in it can lead to a range of serious health issues.

Benefits of a High-Protein Cat Food


Proteins have amino acids, which play many roles in the body. For your cat, protein can build and repair important body parts, like her fur, skin, claws and muscles. In addition, proteins form enzymes, hormones, neurotransmitters and important parts of the immune system.

Of the 20 common amino acids required for a cat’s normal body function, 11 of them are considered “essential.” The term essential means that cats cannot synthesize these amino acids independently and must get them in their food. Nutritionally complete and balanced high-protein cat foods, like American Journey Landmark wet cat foods, contain all the essential amino acids cats need to flourish.

Recommended Products

American Journey Landmark Salmon Recipe in Broth Grain-Free Canned Cat Food, 3-oz can, case of 12
American Journey Landmark Salmon Recipe in Broth Grain-Free Canned Cat Food, 3-oz can, case of 12
Rated 3.7 out of 5 stars
3.7
214Reviews
$16.99Chewy Price
American Journey Landmark Chicken & Vegetables Recipe in Broth Grain-Free Canned Cat Food, 3-oz can, case of 12
American Journey Landmark Chicken & Vegetables Recipe in Broth Grain-Free Canned Cat Food, 3-oz can, case of 12
Rated 3.8 out of 5 stars
3.8
403Reviews
$16.99Chewy Price
American Journey Landmark Tuna & Tilapia Recipe in Broth Grain-Free Canned Cat Food, 3-oz can, case of 12
American Journey Landmark Tuna & Tilapia Recipe in Broth Grain-Free Canned Cat Food, 3-oz can, case of 12
Rated 3.8 out of 5 stars
3.8
248Reviews
$16.99Chewy Price

Unlike humans and many other animals, cats also utilize protein as a primary energy source. Feeding your cats a diet that relies excessively on carbohydrates for energy can lead them to develop obesity and diabetes.

Pay attention to where the protein in your cat food comes from. The best sources of essential amino acids are high-quality animal proteins, not plant-based ones. Furthermore, cats have a short digestive tract that absorbs and makes use of animal protein more efficiently than plant protein.

What Is Considered High-Protein Cat Food?


Adult cat food must contain at least 26 percent protein, and diets approved for growth and reproduction must contain at least 30 percent protein on a “dry matter basis” (a mathematical calculation that compensates for the varying amounts of water that pet foods contain), according to the Association of American Feed Control Officials, which sets forth nutrient standards for dog and cat food.

The required protein amount in adult cat food is the bare minimum, however. Most cats do better with more protein. Consult with your veterinarian to determine what specific level of protein would be best for your cat.

How to Find Protein Content in Wet Cat Food


When reading cat food labels, keep the “dry matter basis” in mind. It can be deceiving to look at the protein percentages listed there before taking into account the amount of water in the food.

To accurately compare the protein level in cat foods, you can mathematically remove the water with the equation below. Let’s try to use this formula to break down the protein content with the Tiki Cat Puka Puka Luau Succulent Chicken Grain-Free Canned Cat Food Formula. Per the label, it contains 16% crude protein and 80% water.

100 – Moisture Content % = Dry Matter %

Calculate the percent dry matter by taking the percent moisture and subtracting that number from 100.

EX. 100 – 80% Moisture Content = 20% Dry Matter

Crude Protein % / Dry Matter % = Crude Protein

Divide the nutrient percentage (a protein percentage of 16% for a canned food, for example) by the percent dry matter.

EX. 16% Crude Protein / 20% Dry Matter = .8 Crude Protein

Crude Protein x 100 = Crude Protein %

Multiply crude protein calculation from previous step by 100.

EX. .8 Crude Protein x 100 = 80% Crude Protein

You can use the same formula to remove the moisture content in a dry cat food. However, since there is so much less water in dry food, the protein value doesn’t change as much. Thus, the conversion is not as crucial.

Alternatively, online calculators are available to complete the calculation for you.

High-Protein Wet Cat Food vs. High Protein Dry Cat Food


Because dry foods tend to be higher in carbohydrates, many parents prefer high-protein wet cat food. You also can offer a combination of high-protein wet cat food and kibble.

Another benefit of wet cat food is that kitties are inclined to get their water from their food source. A canned food in a broth, such as Applaws Chicken Selection in Broth Wet Cat Food, aids in hydration. Another great option is Landmark Gourmet Wet Cat Food Salmon Recipe, which contains 95 percent salmon and broth and 5 percent vitamins, minerals and other essential nutrients.

How to Transition Your Cat to a High-Protein Cat Food


When you’re ready to transition your pet to a high-protein cat food, make the switch gradually. As with most changes involving cats, patience is your friend.

On the first day, mix in a small amount of the new cat food with the old. If all goes well, take a week or two to gradually increase the amount of the new food while decreasing the amount of the old food until your cat is completely on her new diet.

Don’t be alarmed if your cat takes a sniff and decides to skip a meal. Remove the dish and resist the urge to give treats and snacks.

Once you offer the next meal, your cat likely will be hungry enough to give it a second chance. During this transition, be sure your cat doesn’t go longer than 24 hours without eating.

 

A thoughtfully chosen diet lays a fantastic foundation for a healthy cat. Their nutritional requirements are different from those of other species, including humans, which can make appropriate dietary options seem counterintuitive. What is good for people can end up being harmful to cats.

Fortunately, pet parents can learn simply by studying a cat’s natural diet. By providing a high-protein cat food, you can help set your cat up for a long, energetic and healthy life. And as always, check with your veterinarian to see the best food options for your cat.

Attributions


Jennifer Coates, DVM

Jennifer Coates, DVM

Dr. Jennifer Coates spent her early years in the Washington D.C. area before attending McGill University in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, for
Related articles
  • Can Cats Eat Garlic?
    Can Cats Eat Garlic?

  • The Best Cat Foods for Urinary Health, According to Veterinarians
    The Best Cat Foods for Urinary Health, According to Veterinarians

  • Cat Nutrition: What Is Complete and Balanced Cat Food?
    Cat Nutrition: What Is Complete and Balanced Cat Food?

  • Can Cats Eat Grapes?
    Can Cats Eat Grapes?