Vets say wet and dry cat foods can both meet adult cats’ needs
NBC Selected’s 2026 guide says owners should look for AAFCO-compliant foods and ask a veterinarian about diet restrictions.
By Tom Brennan · Health & Medicine Correspondent
3 min read
Cat owners weighing wet food against dry food do not have to treat the choice as either-or, according to veterinarians interviewed by NBC Selected. The shopping guide says both formats can provide key nutrients such as protein, fiber and fat, while offering different benefits.
NBC Selected reported that many cats typically move from kitten food to adult formulas at about 1 year old. The guide says owners should check that a food is complete and balanced and should speak with a veterinarian if a cat has dietary limits or health concerns.
What the guide recommends
NBC Selected said every food in its 2026 list is compliant with standards from the Association of American Feed Control Officials and is complete and balanced for all life stages. The guide said the picks are intended for cats on a standard diet.
For dry food, NBC Selected named Purina One Natural Indoor Advantage Dry Cat Food its top overall choice. The guide said the turkey-first kibble comes in multiple bag sizes, has a fiber blend, includes four antioxidant sources and is made without artificial flavors or preservatives, according to Purina.
Dr. Anna Kaufman, a veterinarian at Bond Vet, recommended Hill’s Science Diet cat food, according to NBC Selected. The guide said Hill’s Science Diet Indoor Dry Cat Food is made for cats ages 1 to 7, with a separate version for cats older than 7, and includes lean protein, fiber, antioxidants and vitamins, according to the brand.
For cats with sensitive stomachs, NBC Selected highlighted Blue Buffalo Tastefuls Adult Sensitive Stomach Dry Cat Food. The guide said the formula uses deboned chicken and brown rice, contains prebiotic fiber and antioxidants, and does not include corn, wheat, soy, poultry by-product meals, artificial flavors or preservatives, according to Blue Buffalo.
Wet food and other options
NBC Selected also included several wet foods. It identified Purina Fancy Feast Grilled Wet Cat Food in Gravy as an editor’s pick and named Made by Nacho Premium Minced Wet Canned Cat Food with Hydrating Bone Broth as a grain-free wet option.
The guide also listed Smalls Food For Cats as a wet food subscription. NBC Selected included Royal Canin Adult Feline Health Nutrition Instinctive Canned Wet Cat Food as an option for picky eaters.
Other dry foods in the guide included IAMS Proactive Health Adult Healthy Dry Cat Food with Salmon and Rachael Ray Nutrish Indoor Complete Premium Natural Dry Cat Food. NBC Selected said the IAMS food is a fish-based option with prebiotic fiber and beet pulp to support digestion and nutrient absorption, according to the brand.
NBC Selected senior editor Nikki Brown feeds her cat the Rachael Ray Nutrish formula, according to the guide. NBC Selected said that food includes chicken, lentils, cranberries, blueberries and salmon, and has vitamin E and fatty acids to support immune health, skin and coat, according to the brand.
Vet advice remains central
NBC Selected said the right food can depend on a cat’s age, preferences and health. The guide advises owners whose cats have specific medical needs or dietary restrictions to consult a veterinarian before choosing a formula.
This story draws on original reporting from NBC News.