Best Dry Cat Food

Super-premium dry cat foods are meat-rich -- and grain-free

Most dry cat foods are made largely from grain, with little fresh meat (if any). Some experts say that can cause obesity, diabetes and other diseases in cats, which are strict carnivores that haven't evolved to eat much grain.

But a few companies make dry cat foods that are mostly high-grade meat -- and no grain. It's important to note, though, that some veterinarians say cats shouldn't eat dry food at all, because their low thirst drive doesn't allow them to get enough moisture unless they eat wet food. Other vets have no problem with dry food, however.

Evo Turkey and Chicken Formula (*Est. $22 for a 6.6-lb. bag) is recommended more often by top experts than any other dry cat food. It's packed with real poultry and fish, with no byproducts or artificial ingredients. Evo adds probiotics (friendly bacteria) to aid digestion and immunity, and proteinated minerals that are easy for cats to absorb. It packs in fruits and veggies, too -- peas, apples, carrots, cranberries and more -- but this high-protein food keeps carbs to a minimum.

"Evo cat food is closer than other commercial dry cat foods in matching the nutritional quality of a raw food diet," says About.com guide to cats Franny Syufy, who names Evo her top dry cat food choice.

Evo is pricey, but it still costs less than equally high-quality rivals. Wellness Core Grain Free Original Formula (*Est. $24 for a 5.9-lb. bag) and Orijen Cat and Kitten Formula (*Est. $23 for a 5.5-lb. bag) use ingredients that are strikingly similar to Evo's, but both cost more pound-for-pound.