13 Best Cat Foods in Malaysia for Picky Cats [Updated 2024]

Looking for the best cat food in Malaysia for your fur buddies?

Leave it to me.

As a cat lover and fanatic and also a cat owner, I know what is best for your cats and kittens.

In this article, I’ll share with you the top 13 best cat foods in Malaysia so you know what you should buy for your beloved felines.

They deserve the best! Meow~

The 13 Best Cat Foods in Malaysia [Overview]

Here’s the quick overview of the 13 best cat foods in Malaysia:

1. Grace Cat GraceFull RAW Freeze-dried Series – Best Freeze-dried Cat Food
2. Carnilove White Muscle Meat Wet Cat Food – Best Wet Cat Food (Overall)
3. AvoDerm Natural Chicken/Ocean Fish/Salmon Canned Cat Food – Best for Coat & Skin
4. Royal Canin Pouch Instinctive/Intense Beauty/Kitten – Great Alternative Wet Food
5. Taste of the Wild Rocky Mountain (Venison & Smoked Salmon) – Best Dry Cat Food
6. Blackwood Adult Cat Food Chicken Meal & Brown Rice – Best Grain-free Dry Food
7. ACANA Pacifica Dry Cat Food – Best Premium Dry Cat Food
8. Carnilove Salmon Sensitive & Long Hair – Best Dry Food for Sensitive Stomach
9. PURINA ONE Adult Tuna Dry Cat Food – Best Dry Cat Food for Skin
10. Brit Care Cat Sunny I’ve Beautiful Hair – Best Dry Cat Food for Coat & Hair
11. MISHA Dry Cat Food Chicken & Tuna – Best Budget Dry Cat Food
12. ProDiet Ocean Fish Dry Cat Food – Best Budget Alternative
13. PledgeCare Chicken Recipe for Cats – Best Air-dried Cat Food

Types of Cat Food

There are 4 types of cat food available in the market, which are:

• Dry Food
• Wet Food
• Air-dried Food
• Freeze-dried Food

They have different advantages and disadvantages in terms of nutritional value, water content, form, storage, and price, so let’s go through each of them one-by-one.

1. Dry Food

This is the most common form of cat food in Malaysia’s market, also known as kibbles.

The dry cat food is affordable, easy to store, has a long shelf life, and is formulated to provide a variety of nutrition to your cats like vitamins, fiber, and omega 3 & 6.

It is a convenient and budget option to feed your cats.

Besides, the dry food is also good for cat’s teeth.

However, our beloved feline friends doesn’t seem to enjoy this form the least, so if you can afford the other forms of cat food, put this as the last option or avoid it totally to make your cats happy!

Most dry foods also contain a lot of carbohydrate fillers like corn and grains, which is bad for your cat.

Also, dry foods have low moisture (5 to 12%), and cats tend to drink less than enough water daily, so food with higher water content is a better choice.

2. Wet Food

Wet foods are meat-based food, mostly packed in a can or sealed pouch.

Cats enjoy this because it has more meat and tastes great!

Wet food is also nutritionally complete just like dry food, and with higher moisture content.

The canned cat foods have high moisture, which is great for your cats.

However, wet cat food is more expensive than dry cat food, so it may not be the option for every cat owner.

Also, wet cat food may contain additives and preservatives.

3. Air-Dried Food

Air-drying is a process of removing water content from raw foods under a lower temperature environment to reduce the loss of heat-sensitive nutrients.

Unlike dehydrating process which uses high heat to remove moisture in a short period, air-drying uses a longer time and lower temperature to evaporates the moisture slowly.

Due to the low moisture level of air-dried foods, they are shelf-stable and can last much longer under room temperature without artificial preservatives.

However, air-fried cat food will still suffer from nutrition loss and have a harder texture compared to freeze-dried cat food.

4. Freeze-Dried Food

Freeze-drying is a process to lock in the freshness and nutrition of the meat, making it last longer, lighter, and easy to store at room temperature.

Freeze-dried foods are the best natural cat food for your cats as they have no preservatives, additives, fillers, coloring, salt, seasoning, and parasites.

Just 100% real raw food.

They are easy to chew due to the soft texture, which is great for kittens ages three months and above.

Freeze-dried food has similar nutrition and taste as wet food, which will certainly make your cat craving for!

Whether is main meals or snacks, freeze-dried food is an excellent choice for your beloved cats!

Top 13 Best Cat Foods in Malaysia

In this top 13 best cat foods in Malaysia list, I’ve featured 1 brand of freeze-dried cat food, 1 brand of air-dried cat food, 8 brands of dry cat food, and 3 brands of wet cat food, let’s go through them one-by-one.

Best Freeze-Dried Cat Food in Malaysia [Review]

First, let’s talk about the best freeze-dried cat food in Malaysia.

1. Grace Cat GraceFull RAW [Review] – Best Freeze-Dried Cat Food (Overall)

There are many freeze-dried cat foods in the marketplaces like Shopee and Lazada. However, not all of them are high-quality, including some of the bigger brands with a large number of sales.

It is difficult to justify their qualities unless you buy them and test yourself as your cats can only tell the taste.

I bought several types of freeze-dried cat foods from Shopee and did some testing on them, and I found out some of them have additives, even though they were advertised as no additives.

For instance, I soaked a freeze-dried quail inside a bowl of clean water for an hour, and then the water surrounds the quail turn dark brown-greenish!

It could be due to some sort of chemical are used to prolong the life span or enhance the taste of the food.

Because your cats can only tell the smell and taste, so some of these freeze-dried foods are made from low-quality meat or spoilt meat and then add chemicals and flavours to manipulate the smell and taste (to fool your pity cats).

I also found that some freeze-dried chicken meats have a strong smell and taste after getting wet, which is unusual for fresh raw chicken meat.

Yes, I soaked those freeze-dried pet foods in the water and tasted myself, because I want to ensure I am feeding my cats the best quality freeze-dried food and I’m not sure if my cats can tell if there are any additives or chemicals added.

Out of the many freeze-dried cat foods I tried out, the freeze-dried products from Grace Cat won my heart. Grace Cat is a local pet brand in Malaysia that focuses on premium freeze-dried food for cats at reasonable price.

The freeze-dried cat food is made from 100% real meat with no preservatives, additives, salt, seasoning, colouring, filters, and parasites. It is also grain-free and gluten-free, so no worry about allergies.

It is the best freeze-dried pet food in Malaysia that is suitable for both cats and dogs.

Besides, 1g of freeze-dried food is equal to 5g of real food with 5 times more nutrients.

Feeding your cats with freeze-dried food regularly can improve their digestive health, immune system, eyes health, oral health, and skin health.

Besides, its high nutrients will also give your cats a shiny coat.

Not only that, it is extremely delicious for your feline companions.

It is the best grain-free cat food in the market that is suitable for all cat breeds.

My cats love it so much!

Want to make your cats happy? Give them a few packs of Grace Cat freeze-dried snacks and watch them enjoy the best premium cat food in Malaysia.

It has eleven flavours for you to choose from, which are Chicken, Quail, Salmon, Duck, Capelin, Antarctic Krill, Egg York, Chicken Liver, Chicken Breast (Strip), Duck Breast (Strip), and Cod Fish.

Product details:

• Nutrition: Protein and fat as per real meat
• Ingredients: 100% real meat
• Suitable age: All life stages
• Price range: RM20+ (Large pack) | RM3+ (Sample pack)
• Weight: 50 – 130g

Grace Cat discount code: Apply the code “CBGC11” for 11% OFF at Grace Cat official store!

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The 3 Best Wet Cat Foods in Malaysia Review

While dry cat food is cheaper, convenient, and packed with a variety of nutrients, wet cat food is offering more meat content and gain more love for your cats.

Let’s go through the best wet cat foods in Malaysia.

1. Carnilove White Muscle Meat Wet Cat Food [Review] – Best Wet Cat Food (Overall)

The Carnilove While Muscle Meat is a grain-free wet food that contains about 55% of meat and animal by-products combined.

It comes with 4 flavors for adult cats and 1 flavor for kittens.

Product details (Turkey & Salmon for Adult Cats/for Kittens):

• Nutrition: 10% crude protein, 6.5% fat, 79% moisture, 0.4% crude fiber
• Ingredients: 35% turkey meat, turkey liver, turkey hearts, 42.9% broth, 20% salmon, 1% cranberries, 1% minerals, 0.1% salmon oil
• Suitable age: Adult cats and Kittens
• Price range: RM4.50 to RM5.00
• Weight: 100g

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2. AvoDerm Natural Chicken/Ocean Fish/Salmon Canned Cat Food [Review] – Best Wet Cat Food for Coat & Skin

AvoDerm Natural Chicken/Ocean Fish/Salmon canned cat food is made with high-quality ingredients including real meat and California avocados to provide complete and balanced nutrition to your kittens and adult cats.

It has three different flavors for you to choose from – Natural Chicken, Ocean Fish, and Salmon.

The additional dose of California avocados provides beneficial fatty acids, vitamins, minerals, and nutrients to support a beautiful coat and healthy skin for your cat.

Product details (Salmon formula):

• Nutrition: 10% of crude protein, 7% of fat, 78% of moisture, 1.5% of crude fiber
• Ingredients: Salmon, Salmon Broth, Turkey, Chicken Liver, Rice Flour, Oat Bran, Avocado Oil, Cranberries, Blueberries, Guar Gum, Potassium Chloride, Minerals, Vitamins, Choline Chloride, Taurine, Carrageenan.
• Suitable age: Adult cats and Kittens
• Price range: RM5.50 to RM6.00
• Weight: 156g

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3. Royal Canin Pouch Instinctive/Intense Beauty/Kitten Wet Cat Food [Review] – Great Alternative Wet Cat Food

The Royal Canin Pouch comes with 3 options:

• Instinctive – Optimal nutrition for adult cats.
• Intense Beauty – Rich in Omega fatty acids, great for long-haired cats.
• Kitten – Formulated for kittens to improve the immune system and easy to chew too.

Product details (Instinctive):

• Nutrition: 12% protein, 4% fat, 79% moisture, 0.8% crude fiber
• Ingredients: Meat and animal derivatives, vegetable protein extracts, cereals, milk and milk derivatives, derivatives of vegetable origin, minerals, yeasts, oils and fats, various sugars
• Suitable age: Adult cats and Kittens
• Price range: RM2.50 to RM3.00
• Weight: 85g

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The 8 Best Dry Cat Foods in Malaysia [Review]

Without further ado, let’s go through the best dry cat foods in Malaysia.

1. Taste of the Wild Rocky Mountain with Venison & Smoked Salmon [Review] – Best Dry Cat Food (Overall)

The Taste of the Wild Rocky Mountain with Venison & Smoked Salmon is a natural and grain-free dry food for cats.

It is made of real roasted venison and smoked salmon to offer a wonderful taste sensation for your cat.

Besides, it uses potatoes and peas to provide highly digestive energy to your cat instead of grains like corn and wheat.

The formula also includes real vegetables and fruits to supply your cat with antioxidants for a healthy immune system.

As a result, it has a high amount of protein at 42%, followed by 18% fat, 10% moisture, and 3% fiber, which is considered good as dry cat food.

The formula also contains Proprietary Probiotics that survive and thrive in the GI tract at guaranteed levels to improve your cat’s digestive system.

Also, the Taste of the Wild Rocky Mountain with Venison & Smoked Salmon is certified by AAFCO.

The flip side is the price tag is high due to better nutrition, higher quality of ingredients, grain-free, and AAFCO certification.

Product details:

• Nutrition: 42% protein, 18% fat, 10% moisture, and 3% fiber
• Ingredients: Trout, Ocean fish meal, sweet potatoes, pea protein, potato protein, canola oil, smoked salmon, natural flavor, Choline Chloride, DI-Methionine, Taurine, Dried chicory root, tomatoes, blueberries, raspberries, fermentation products, vitamins, minerals, and folic acid.
• Suitable age: All life stages
• Price range: RM110++
• Weight: 7kg

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2. Blackwood Adult Cat Food Chicken Meal & Brown Rice [Review] – Best Grain-free Dry Cat Food

The Blackwood Adult Cat Chicken Meal & Brown Rice is a nutritionally complete and balanced dry food for cats.

It is formulated to meet the nutritional standards established by the AAFCO.

It’s the best grain-free dry cat food with no fillers like corn, wheat, and soy!

Besides, there is no artificial flavoring and coloring in the product.

If you are looking for high-quality dry cat food with great nutritional value and no grains, the Blackwood Dry Cat Food is the one you need.

Product details:

• Nutrition: 30% protein, 17% fat, 10% moisture, and 3% fiber
• Ingredients: Chicken meal, brown rice, ground grain sorghum, millet, chicken fat, whitefish meal, egg product, pea protein, brewers dried yeast, dried plain beet pulp, natural flavor, whole ground flaxseed, Menhaden fish oil, Lecithin, DL-Methionine, L-Lysine, Choline Chloride, Taurine, dried cranberries, dried blueberries, salt, monosodium phosphate, Yucca Schidigera Extract, Niacin supplement, mixed tocopherols, dried seaweed meal, Thiamine Nitrate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, vitamins, minerals, and fermentation products.
• Suitable age: 1+ years adult cats
• Price range: RM100+
• Weight: 6kg

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3. ACANA Pacifica Dry Cat Food [Review] – Best Premium Dry Cat Food

The ACANA Pacifica is a grain-free dry food that is mostly made of real ocean fishes to provide high animal protein and fat contents to your cats.

Being grain-free means dry food is supplemented with more vegetables and fruits instead of carbohydrate fillers like corn and wheat.

Product details:

• Nutrition: 37% crude protein, 20% fat, 10% moisture, 3% crude fiber
• Ingredients: Fresh whole Pacific herring (16%), fresh whole Pacific pilchard (13%), fresh whole arrow tooth flounder (8%), whole herring meal (8%), pacific cod meal (8%), whole whiting meal (8%), whole green peas, whole red lentils, whole chickpeas, whole green lentils, pollock oil (6%), fresh whole silver hake (4%), fresh whole red stripe rockfish (4%), whole pinto beans, whole yellow peas, cold-pressed sunflower oil, sun-cured alfalfa, dried brown kelp, fresh pumpkin, fresh butternut squash, fresh parsnips, fresh green kale, fresh spinach, fresh mustard greens, fresh turnip greens, fresh carrots, fresh apples, fresh pears, freeze-dried cod liver (0.1%), fresh cranberries, fresh blueberries, chicory root, turmeric root, milk thistle, burdock root, lavender, marshmallow root, rosehips.
• Suitable age: All life stages
• Price range: RM220+
• Weight: 5.4kg

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4. Carnilove Salmon Sensitive & Long Hair [Review]- Best Dry Cat Food for Sensitive Stomach

The Carnilove Salmon Sensitive & Long Hair is a grain-free dry food formulated for cats with a sensitive stomach or long hair or both.

It is mainly made of salmon and packed with a variety of beneficial nutrients.

Product details:

• Nutrition: 36% protein, 17% fat, 10% moisture, and 2% fiber.
• Ingredients: Salmon meal (30%), yellow peas (17%), salmon deboned (16%), herring meal (14%), chicken fat (preserved with tocopherols, 9%), chicken liver (3%), salmon oil (3%), tapioca starch (2%), apples (2%), carrots (1%), flaxseed (1%), chickpeas (1%), hydrolyzed crustacean shells (a source of glucosamine), cartilage extract (a source of chondroitin), brewer´s yeast (a source of mannan-oligosaccharides,), chicory root (a source of fructooligosaccharides), yucca schidigera, algae, psyllium, thyme, rosemary oregano, cranberries, blueberries, raspberries.
• Suitable age: Adult cats
• Price range: RM120++
• Weight: 6kg

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5. PURINA ONE Adult Tuna Dry Cat Food [Review] – Best Dry Cat Food for Skin

The PURINA ONE Adult Tuna is formulated to gives your cat a healthy body, skin, and shiny coat.

Maintaining a cat’s skin health requires a different mix of nutrients.

For instance, a cat’s skin requires protein for cell renewal, omega 3 & 6 and Biotin to maintain integrity, Vitamin A, B group & E for cell growth and immune system, and minerals like Zinc and Copper for skin’s cell functionality.

The PURINA ONE Adult Tuna offers all the essential nutrients required to support healthy skin for your cats, which makes it the best dry cat food for skin health.

Product details:

• Nutrition: 34% protein, 14% fat, and 12 % moisture.
• Ingredients: Tuna meal, corn protein, rice, wholegrain corn, whole grain wheat, animal fat and/or vegetable oil, wheat protein, poultry and poultry by-product meal, vitamins (A, D, E, K, B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B7, B9, B12), minerals (Calcium, Choline, Chlorine, Copper, Iodine, Manganese, Selenium, Sodium, Zinc, Iron, Phosphorus, Potassium), amino acids, and food color.
• Suitable age: 1+ years adult cats
• Price range: RM140++
• Weight: 7kg

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6. Brit Care Cat Sunny I’ve Beautiful Hair [Review] – Best Dry Cat Food for Coat & Hair

The Brit Care Cat Sunny I’ve Beautiful Hair dry food is formulated to give extra care to a cat’s coat.

Want your cat to have long shiny hair? Get this!

Product details:

• Nutrition: 35% of crude protein, 20% of fat, 10% of moisture & 3.2% of fiber
• Ingredients: Salmon meal (20%), salmon protein (15%), rice, chicken dehydrated (14%), rice bran, chicken fat (preserved with tocopherols), dried apples, salmon oil (4%), chicken liver (2%), brewer´s yeast, mannan-oligosaccharides (155 mg/kg), fructooligosaccharides (125 mg/kg), yucca schidigera extract (85 mg/kg), marigold (50 mg/kg), sea buckthorn (50 mg/kg), Omega 3 & 6, vitamins, minerals, Taurine, biotin, zinc, etc.
• Suitable age: Adult cats
• Price range: RM120+
• Weight: 7kg

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7. MISHA Dry Cat Food Chicken & Tuna [Review] – Best Budget Dry Cat Food

MISHA dry cat food contains 32% protein, 15% fat including omega 3 & 6 fatty acids, and appropriate amounts of grains and water.

However, the 32% protein is from both animal and plant, and the package didn’t show the exact portion between animal-based protein and plant-based protein.

Besides, a feeding guide according to your cat’s weight and activities is provided at the back of the package, so you can gauge the right amount by referring to the guide.

Product details:

• Nutrition: 32% protein, 15% fat, 9% moisture, and 4% fiber
• Ingredients: Meat & fish, wheat grains, protein grains, corn cereals, soy, vegetable oils, chicken fats, natural palatants (pet food flavoring), brewer’s yeast, vitamins & minerals, glucosamine, taurine, potassium sorbate, and antioxidants
• Suitable age: 1+ years adult cats
• Price range: RM50++
• Weight: 8 kg

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8. ProDiet Ocean Fish Dry Cat Food [Review] – Best Budget Alternative

ProDiet Ocean Fish Dry Cat Food is claimed to provide complete nutrition to your cat and the ingredient is 100% natural without any chemical additive.

It’s easy to find in supermarkets in Malaysia and is affordable too.

Product details:

• Ingredients: Fish meal, corn, soybean meal, rice, poultry meal, corn gluten meal, poultry fat, tuna oil, vegetable oil, Taurine, Yucca, Essential vitamins & minerals, Vitamin E & C, Choline Chloride, Oligo Saccharide enzyme, and food-grade color.
• Suitable age: 2+ years adult cats
• Price range: RM65 to RM70
• Weight: 8kg

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Best Air-Dried Cat Food in Malaysia [Review]

Next, let’s talk about the best air-dried cat food in Malaysia.

1. PledgeCare Chicken Recipe for Cats [Review] – Best Air-Dried Cat Food

PledgeCare Chicken Recipe for Cats is an air-dried food made from a mixture of chicken breast, heart, gizzard, back and liver, sunflower seed, flaxseed, coconut oil, cod liver oil, and turmeric.

The recipe provides your cats a variety of essential nutrients to keep their bones, skin, and coat healthy.

Also, it does not contain any rendered meat meals, grains, fillers and artificial preservatives.

If your cats never try air-dried food before, now is the best time to let them try it out!

Product details:

• Nutrition: 55% of protein, 30% of fat, 7% of fiber, 7% of moisture, 5% of carbohydrates, and 6% of ash.
• Ingredients: Chicken breast, heart, gizzard, back and liver, sunflower seed, flaxseed, coconut oil, cod-liver oil, and turmeric
• Suitable age: All life stages
• Price range: RM39 – RM289
• Weight: 500g – 4kg

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Best Cat Food Brands in Malaysia

When it comes to choosing the best cat food brands in Malaysia, there are many options available on the market. Each brand has its own unique ingredients, nutritional value, and taste, making it a challenge to determine which one is the best fit for your feline friend. In this section, I will explore some of the top cat food brands in Malaysia and what sets them apart from the rest.

1. Taste of the Wild

Taste of the Wild is a premium cat food brand that offers a range of grain-free options. They pride themselves on using high-quality, natural ingredients in their recipes, which are inspired by the diets of wild cats. Some of their popular recipes include Rocky Mountain Feline Recipe, Canyon River Feline Recipe, and Wild Prairie Feline Recipe.

2. Blackwood

Blackwood is a well-known cat food brand that offers both dry and wet cat food options. They use real meat as their primary ingredient and avoid using artificial preservatives, colors, and flavors. Some of their popular recipes include Salmon Meal and Field Pea Recipe, Turkey and Chickpea Recipe, and Chicken Meal and Rice Recipe.

3. Grace Cat

Grace Cat is a premium pet food brand in Malaysia that specialized in freeze-dried pet food. They use 100% real meat and other natural ingredients in their products, which is suitable for cats at different life stages. They have gained a lot of positive reviews from cat owners in Malaysia due to their high-quality products and services.

4. ACANA

ACANA is a premium cat food brand that offers biologically appropriate cat food made with high-quality, fresh ingredients. They use a variety of meats, fruits, and vegetables in their recipes, which are free from artificial preservatives, colors, and flavors. Some of their popular recipes include Wild Atlantic Cat Food, Grasslands Cat Food, and Meadowland Cat Food.

5. Carnilove

Carnilove is a grain-free cat food brand that uses high-quality, natural ingredients in their recipes. They offer both wet and dry cat food options, and their recipes are inspired by the natural diet of wild cats. Some of their popular recipes include Salmon and Turkey Cat Food, Lamb and Wild Boar Cat Food, and Duck and Pheasant Cat Food.

6. PURINA ONE

PURINA ONE is a well-known cat food brand in Malaysia that offers a range of dry and wet cat food options. They use real meat and other natural ingredients in their recipes, which are formulated to meet the nutritional needs of cats at different life stages. Some of their popular recipes include Chicken and Wholegrain Cat Food, Salmon and Wholegrain Cat Food, and Beef and Wholegrain Cat Food.

8. Brit

Brit is a premium cat food brand that offers biologically appropriate cat food made with high-quality, fresh ingredients. They use a variety of meats, fruits, and vegetables in their recipes, which are free from artificial preservatives, colors, and flavors. Some of their popular recipes include Lamb and Rice Cat Food, Salmon and Potato Cat Food, and Turkey and Rice Cat Food.

Why Choosing the Best Cat Food is Important?

Choosing the right cat food is important for several reasons. First and foremost, the food that your cat eats directly affects their health and wellbeing. A balanced and nutritious diet can help your cat maintain a healthy weight, support their immune system, promote healthy skin and coat, and prevent health problems such as diabetes, kidney disease, and heart disease.

Additionally, choosing the right cat food can help prevent behavioral issues in cats. Cats that do not receive proper nutrition may experience mood swings, lethargy, and other negative behavioral changes.

Furthermore, feeding your cat the right food can help ensure that they live a long and healthy life. As cats age, their nutritional needs may change, and it is important to adjust their diet accordingly to prevent health problems in their later years.

In short, choosing the right cat food is crucial for your cat’s overall health and happiness, and it is important to select a high-quality, nutritionally balanced cat food that meets their specific needs.

How to Choose the Best Cat Food in Malaysia [Buyer Guide]

Here are the buying guide and tips when finding the best cat food for your cats.

Read the Nutrition Label and Ingredients List

Before you buy a cat food, always check the nutrition label and ingredients list first, especially for dry and wet foods.

Look for Meat

Cats are obligate carnivores and not omnivores, so they need meat-based diet and not plant-based.

Meats like chicken, fish, venison, or beef should be listed as the first ingredient in the ingredients list.

Make sure the label clearly stated what kind of meat and not just listed as “meat”.

Avoid or Reduce Plant-based Meal

Sometimes, due to financial or convenience issues, you may be forced to feed your cat plant-based foods like kibbles.

I understand.

If that’s the case, try your best to reduce the frequency of plant-based meals and add in some meat-based meals as some essential nutrients like amino acids and animal protein can only found in meats.

Supplementing Nutrition

Cat foods with supplemental nutrition like vitamins and minerals are a bonus for your cat’s health.

AAFCO Certification

AAFCO stands for Association of American Feed Control Officials, it is a voluntary organization that regulates the sale & distribution of animal feeds and animal drug remedies.

If a cat food has the certification from AAFCO, it means the cat food has met the standard of the nutrient requirement for cat and you can trust the ingredients list.

While the certification is not mandatory, it is good to have, as the AAFCO approved cat food will ensure your cat is getting the necessary nutrition.

Choose According to the Cat’s Age

A cat requires a different type of nutrition at a different stage of life.

For example, kittens need more nutrition (eg: protein and fat) and calories than adult cats to grow.

If you feed kitten foods to an adult cat, it may get obese soon.

Likewise, adult cat foods will limit the growth of a kitten due to insufficient nutrients and calories.

What Nutrition Does A Cat Need to Stay Healthy?

To make your cat healthy and stay away from cat diseases, here are the nutrition needed:

• Animal-based protein
• Amino acid
• Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids
• Fiber
• Vitamin A, B & E
• Minerals like calcium, magnesium, phosphorous, iron, zinc, sodium, etc.
• Carbohydrates (very little)

Animal-based Protein

The animal-based protein is essential for cats to grow and to provide them the energy for daily activities.

It will also help them to repair damaged tissues.

Amino Acid

Amino acids such as taurine and arachidonic acids are essential for cats.

Deficiency in arachidonic acid will cause insufficient platelet aggregation as well as poor reproduction.

The arachidonic acid can be obtained from animal fats and tissues, so feed your cats with meat!

Omega-3 & Omega-6 Fatty Acids

Omega fatty acids are required to give your cats healthy skin and fur.

Fiber

Fiber can improve the digestive system of cats.

Vitamin A, B & E

Vitamin A can boost a cat’s immune system and is essential for healthy skin and vision.

Vitamin B plays an important role in maintaining the nervous system and healthy organs for the cats.

Vitamin E helps in improving their immune system.

Minerals

Beneficial minerals like calcium, magnesium, phosphorous, iron, zinc, and sodium are important for the healthy bone and joints of your cat.

Carbohydrate

Carbohydrates are mainly to supply energy.

Again, cats are carnivores, so meat-based meals should be able to provide them adequate nutrition to stay healthy.

Ingredients to Look for in Cat Food

Here are the ingredients to look for when choosing the best cat food for your cat.

1. Protein in Cat Food

Protein is one of the most important nutrients in a cat’s diet. It is essential for the growth and maintenance of muscles, tissues, and organs. Cats are obligate carnivores, which means that they require a high-protein diet to thrive.

Importance of Protein in a Cat’s Diet

Protein is a crucial component of a cat’s diet, as it provides them with the amino acids necessary for building and repairing body tissues. It also plays a vital role in the immune system, and helps to maintain healthy skin, coat, and nails.

High-Quality Protein Sources

High-quality protein sources in cat food include chicken, turkey, beef, lamb, and fish. These sources contain all the essential amino acids that a cat needs to thrive.

Animal vs. Plant Protein Sources

While animal-based proteins are considered more biologically appropriate for cats, some plant-based proteins can also be included in a cat’s diet. However, it is important to note that cats cannot synthesize certain amino acids on their own and require animal-based protein to obtain them.

2. Carbohydrates in Cat Food

Carbohydrates are a source of energy for cats and are often included in cat food to provide them with the necessary fuel for daily activities. However, it is important to be mindful of the amount and types of carbohydrates included in cat food.

Role of Carbohydrates in Cat Food

Carbohydrates are included in cat food to provide energy and can also serve as a source of fiber. However, unlike dogs and humans, cats are obligate carnivores and have a limited ability to digest carbohydrates.

Types of Carbohydrates Used in Cat Food

Common carbohydrates found in cat food include rice, corn, wheat, barley, and potatoes. It is important to choose high-quality sources of carbohydrates, as some can cause digestive issues in cats.

3. Fats in Cat Food

Fats are an important source of energy for cats and play a crucial role in the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins. It is important to choose high-quality sources of fats to ensure optimal health.

Importance of Fats in a Cat’s Diet

Fats are an essential component of a cat’s diet, as they provide a concentrated source of energy and are important for the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins.

Types of Fats Used in Cat Food

Common sources of fat in cat food include chicken fat, fish oil, and vegetable oil. It is important to choose high-quality sources of fat to ensure optimal health.

4. Vitamins and Minerals in Cat Food

Vitamins and minerals are essential nutrients that are required in small amounts to maintain optimal health. A balanced vitamin and mineral profile is important for a cat’s overall health and well-being.

Essential Vitamins for Cats

Essential vitamins for cats include vitamin A, vitamin D, vitamin E, and the B vitamins. These vitamins play important roles in maintaining healthy skin, coat, and eyesight, and in supporting the immune system.

Essential Minerals for Cats

Essential minerals for cats include calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, and potassium. These minerals are important for bone health, muscle function, and overall metabolism.

Importance of a Balanced Vitamin and Mineral Profile

A balanced vitamin and mineral profile is important for a cat’s overall health and well-being. An imbalance of certain vitamins or minerals can lead to health problems, so it is important to choose cat food that is formulated to provide a balanced nutrient profile.

5. Supplements in Cat Food

Supplements can be added to cat food to help support their overall health and well-being. Common supplements found in cat food include:

1. Omega-3 fatty acids – can help promote healthy skin and a shiny coat, reduce inflammation, and support brain function.
2. Probiotics – beneficial bacteria that can aid in digestion and boost the immune system.
3. Prebiotics – indigestible fibers that help promote the growth of beneficial bacteria in the gut.
4. Antioxidants – can help reduce inflammation and support the immune system.
5. Joint supplements – such as glucosamine and chondroitin, can help support joint health and mobility.

Benefits of Supplements in a Cat’s Diet

Supplements can provide a variety of benefits for cats. They can help support overall health, boost the immune system, aid in digestion, and promote healthy skin and coat. Additionally, certain supplements may be helpful for cats with specific health conditions, such as joint problems or allergies.

5. Common Allergens in Cat Food

Common allergens in cat food include:

1. Chicken
2. Beef
3. Dairy products
4. Fish
5. Corn
6. Wheat
7. Soy

Symptoms of Food Allergies in Cats

Symptoms of food allergies in cats can include:

1. Skin irritation, such as itching or redness
2. Digestive issues, such as vomiting or diarrhea
3. Ear infections
4. Respiratory issues, such as sneezing or coughing

How to Identify and Avoid Allergens in Cat Food

To identify and avoid allergens in cat food, it is important to read ingredient labels carefully. Look for foods that do not contain any of the common allergens listed above. If your cat has a known food allergy, it may be helpful to work with your veterinarian to identify specific ingredients to avoid. Additionally, there are many hypoallergenic cat foods available that are formulated to be less likely to cause allergic reactions.

What Should be the Main Ingredients in a Good Cat Food?

The main ingredient should always be meat like chicken, fish, venison, and beef.

The rest supplementing ingredients could be animal by-products like organ and liver, fatty acids, fiber, vitamins, minerals, and a small amount of grains/carbohydrate fillers.

What Ingredients You Should Avoid in Cat Food Products

You shouldn’t buy cat food with an excessive amount of grains or carbohydrate fillers and chemicals preservatives like BHA (butylated hydroxyanisole) and BHT (butylated hydroxytoluene).

These ingredients are bad for your cats.

What Type of Cat Food Is Best for Cats?

Cats are carnivores, so they should be feed mostly with meat.

Dry food like kibbles provides more carbohydrates than actual meat, which is not good for your cat’s health.

Therefore, freeze-dried, air-dried, and wet cat foods are the best choices for your cats.

Look for cat foods that are natural, grain-free, nutrient-rich and high-quality such as Grace Cat’s GraceFull RAW.

Wet vs Dry vs Air-Dried vs Freeze-Dried Cat Food

In terms of nutritional value, wet food, air-dried and freeze-dried food are better options for your cat compared to dry food.

In terms of cost and convenience, dry food has an edge compared to the other two.

As each of them has its advantages and disadvantages, so you shall choose according to your affordability and what’s good for your cat.

The Pros & Cons: Dry, Wet, Air-dried & Freeze-dried Food

Pros of Dry Cat Food:

• Cheaper cost
• Last longer
• Easy to keep
• High-quality dry foods are packed with a variety of nutrition

Cons of Dry Cat Food:

• Lower meat-based protein
• Lack of essential amino acids
• Higher carbohydrates
• Low moisture may result in dehydration
• May cause allergy to cats
• Some cats don’t like it, especially low-quality dry food

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Pros of Wet Cat Food

• High animal-based protein
• High moisture
• Fewer carbohydrates
• Good for digestion

Cons of Wet Cat Food

• Higher cost
• Can’t keep long after open
• Some cats don’t like it

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Pros of Air-Dried Cat Food

• High animal-based protein
• Shelf-stable and last longer
• Easy to keep

Cons of Air-Dried Cat Food

• Higher cost
• Some natural nutrients are lost
• Low moisture
• Flaky dry texture

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Pros of Freeze-Dried Cat Food:

• High animal-based protein
• Natural nutrients are preserved
• Grain-free
• Shelf-stable and last longer
• Soft texture and easy to chew
• Easy to keep
• Cats craving for it

Cons of Freeze-Dried Cat Food:

• Higher cost
• Low moisture

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Choosing the Best Cat Food for Kitten vs. Adult Cat

Choosing the right cat food according to your cat’s age is another important thing to note.

Because at a different stage of life, a cat will require a different composition of nutrition to achieve the best result of heath and growth.

For instance, a kitten will require more calories to grow up, but on the other side, high calories diet will cause an adult cat to overweight.

Likewise, cat food for adult cats will not supply enough nutrition and calories to kittens.

So, when choosing the best cat food for kittens or adult cats, remember to look for the label in the cat food packaging which should have stated whether it is for kittens or adult cats.

Best Cat Foods for Specific Needs

1. Best Cat Food for Kittens

Choosing the right food for kittens is crucial for their growth and development. Kittens require a higher calorie and nutrient-dense diet compared to adult cats. Here are some top kitten food brands:

• Grace Cat GraceFull RAW: This freeze-dried cat food is made with fresh, raw ingredients and provides a high protein, grain-free diet for kittens.
• Royal Canin Pouch Instinctive/Intense Beauty/Kitten: This wet food is specially formulated for kittens and provides a balanced diet of protein, fat, and carbohydrates.

2. Best Cat Food for Senior Cats

As cats age, their nutritional needs change. Senior cats require a diet that is lower in calories and fat and higher in protein and fiber. Here are some top senior cat food brands:

• Carnilove White Muscle Meat Wet Cat Food: This wet cat food is formulated with high-quality protein sources and contains beneficial ingredients such as cranberries and chamomile to support senior cat’s health.
• Grace Cat GraceFull RAW: This freeze-dried cat food is made with fresh, raw ingredients and provides a high protein, grain-free diet for senior cats.
• Blackwood Adult Cat Food Chicken Meal & Brown Rice: This grain-free dry cat food is formulated with limited ingredients and provides a balanced diet for senior cats.
• ACANA Pacifica Dry Cat Food: This premium dry cat food is made with fresh, regional ingredients and provides a high protein, low-carbohydrate diet for senior cats.

3. Best Cat Food for Overweight Cats

Overweight cats require a diet that is lower in calories and fat but still provides essential nutrients. Here are some top cat food brands for weight management:

• PledgeCare Chicken Recipe for Cats: This air-dried cat food is low in calories and fat and provides a balanced diet for overweight cats.
• Royal Canin Pouch Instinctive/Intense Beauty/Kitten: This wet cat food is also suitable for overweight cats as it is low in calories and fat.

4. Best Cat Food for Cats with Sensitive Stomach

Cats with sensitive stomachs require a diet that is easily digestible and free from common allergens. Here are some top cat food brands for sensitive stomachs:

• Grace Cat GraceFull RAW: This freeze-dried cat food is made with fresh, raw ingredients and provides a high protein, grain-free diet that is easily digestible.
• Carnilove Salmon Sensitive & Long Hair: This dry cat food is made with a single source of protein and is grain-free, making it ideal for cats with sensitive stomachs.
• PledgeCare Chicken Recipe for Cats: This air-dried cat food is made with limited ingredients and is free from common allergens, making it ideal for cats with sensitive stomachs.

5. Best Cat Food for Cats with Urinary Tract Problems

Cats with urinary tract problems require a diet that is low in magnesium and phosphorus and promotes healthy urine acidity. Here are some top cat food brands for urinary tract health:

• Royal Canin Pouch Instinctive/Intense Beauty/Kitten: This wet cat food is specially formulated to support urinary tract health in cats.
• ProDiet Ocean Fish Dry Cat Food: This budget-friendly dry cat food is low in magnesium and phosphorus and promotes healthy urine acidity for cats with urinary tract problems.
• Taste of the Wild Rocky Mountain (Venison & Smoked Salmon): This grain-free dry cat food is made with real venison and smoked salmon and is formulated to support urinary tract health in cats.

Why Some Cat Foods in Malaysia are So Cheap?

Beware of cheap cat food, whether it is dry or wet food or freeze-dried food, as some cat food manufacturers use spoilt fish meat to produce the cat food at a lower cost, which is NOT good for your lovely cats and they DESERVE fresh meat like us!

I knew this because I used to work in a seafood supplying company, some of these cat food manufacturers intentionally look for spoilt fish meat because the cost is much lower than fresh and frozen fish meat.

Moreover, to cover the bad and fishy smell, the spoilt fish meat will be processed heavily by adding chemicals and artificial flavoring to turn it into “healthy & delicious” cat food.

By using spoilt fish meat, they can label the main ingredient as fish meat and fooled the consumers into getting their so-called “cheap and healthy cat foods”.

So, make sure to conduct some research before buying the cat food, and famous brands don’t mean their cat food products are good for your fur babies.

Is Number of Sales in Shopee/Lazada Equal to Quality?

The answer is no. There are a few factors that boost the number of sales, such as:

• Ads: Some cat food brands just spam their ads 365 days non-stop to get a high number of sales, but that doesn’t mean the cat food is high quality.
• Cheap Price: This is common, many cat owners will just go for cheap food for their cats. I’m not sure how many of them knew the quality was low but still bought it and how many of them are not aware of it.

The Product Has A Good Rating on Shopee/Lazada, So It Must Be Good Right?

The answer is not necessarily.

Let’s face it, many of the reviews are based on things like delivery speed, packaging, free gifts, price, and customer services – NOT the after-use experience or comparison for the product.

I’ve been a user of Shopee/Lazada for many years, and I knew it. There are multiple times I bought a product with a 4.9/5 rating and got disappointed after using the product.

Only when I go back to the product page and dig into the reviews, then I find that most of the 5-star reviews are about delivery speed and packaging – they haven’t started using the product but leave a 5-star review and don’t bother to change afterward.

So the conclusion is, that the high-rating cat food products on Shopee/Lazada do not necessarily reflect the quality of the cat food.

Is Grain-Free Cat Food the Best Choice for Cat?

Not necessarily, as some grain-free cat food will substitute the traditional grains like wheat with other carbohydrates like potatoes and peas.

So these pet foods are just making use of the term “grain-free” and their products are still bad for your cats as they contain a lot of carbohydrate fillers.

Make sure you read the ingredients list so that you know whether it is real grain-free cat food or just another kibble with the term “grain-free”.

Real grain-free cat foods should only contain what’s present naturally in animals such as meats, organs, bones and fats.

Also, some wrong information on the internet said grain-free cat food will cause nutrients deficiency as cats need protein, fat, and a minimal amount of grains, this isn’t true.

Most of these articles are either written by kibble brands or freelancers and are without proven scientific studies.

The real grain-free food is more expensive due to the high amount of meat content but is worth for your cat’s health and happiness.

Is Grain-Free Cat Food Means Gluten-Free?

The answer is YES. Gluten is a type of protein found in certain grains, so generally, a grain-free food should be gluten-free.

FAQ for Cat Food in Malaysia

Conclusion for the Best Cat Foods in Malaysia

Our beloved feline companions deserve the best cat foods in Malaysia, they are cute, sometimes a little bit naughty, and most importantly, they are part of our family.

To keep them healthy and happy, the type of food we choose to feed them plays an important role.

In my experience, most cats will prefer freeze-dried, wet foods, and good quality dry food.

So, the best way is to let them try out different types and brands of cat food and see their response, and don’t forget about the importance of optimal nutrition.

Recommended Readings:

• Best Air Purifiers for Pet Owners
• Best Food Processors in Malaysia
• Best Water Filters for Home

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