Looking for the Best Cat Food for Feral Cats around to buy? We’ve got you covered.
- Four (4) 3.15 lb. Bags - Purina Cat Chow Hairball, Healthy Weight, Indoor, Natural Dry Cat Food, Naturals Indoor
- Natural Purina dry cat food nutrition with high-quality ingredients like real turkey and real chicken as the number 1 ingredient for a taste your cat will enjoy
- Hairball control cat food features a natural fiber blend to help control hairballs
- Contains 25 essential vitamins for cats and minerals to support your cat's overall health
- Indoor cat food delivering 100 percent complete and balanced nutrition for adult cats specially formulated to promote your cat's healthy weight
Are there feral cats hanging around your house or neighborhood? Or are you a cat rescuer? Then it is high time to think about what to feed these stray cats.
Given that it’s almost impractical to rehabilitate or resocialize feral cats, as cat lovers, we are bound to feel dejected and sympathetic for these beautiful furry creatures.
All we can do is hope to adopt kittens born to feral cats and bring them into our homes or shelter. Still, there is a lot more we can do, especially for adult feral cats. Feeding them at least once a day.
Every cat deserves a healthy and nutritious diet. But feral cats can’t have access to healthy food as indoor cats. This implies that their diet does not meet the required standards.
If you are a caregiver to stray cats then you need to know how important your service is. You work around the clock to provide food and care for cats that might otherwise have nothing.
More importantly, it’s best not to handle feral cats without following proper instructions from experienced feral cat groups, or a vet.
Caring for stray cats can be too expensive. Therefore, you have to be practical on how you feed feral cats So, how do you know this is the best cat food for feral cats?
With that in mind, we’ve inquired from several cat shelters, veterinarians and feline nutritional experts to prepare this guide.
Keep reading to learn the nutritional needs and the best cat food for feral cats that provide all the nutritional needs at an affordable price. Check out our comparison table for the best cat food for outdoor feral cats.
10 Best Food for Feral Cats in Winter – Buyer’s Guide
Here are some of the most proven best food for feral cats:
Table of Contents
1. Purina Cat Chow Naturals Cat Food
Are you running a local shelter for feral cats? And wondering which best cat food to feed them? Well, worry no more since Purina Cat Chow Naturals is a perfect solution for your stray cats.
There is no better way of feeding felines than the natural way. Free from artificial additives, Purina Cat Chow naturals contains high-quality ingredients that help to promote healthy weight gain, healthy skin, and shiny coat.
The cat food has received a lot of praise from many feral cat forums and Facebook groups. Not to mention, it’s veterinarian endorsed. The food is made without artificial flavors and preservatives that might ruin the well-being of the furry friend.
Besides that, the cat food has high-quality natural fibers that help to control hairballs and facilitate proper bowel movement. Also, its scent is very alluring to cats and will leave them yearning for more in the next meal.
With real chicken and salmon being the main ingredients, stray cats will have the required proteins to flourish in their harsh environments.
Top it up with omega 6, and the strays will have healthy and shiny skin. Also, the food formula contains animal fat, brewer rice, ground yellow corn and soybean meal. This could be the best cat food for outdoor feral cats around.
2. Blue Buffalo Wilderness High Protein Grain Free
Are you running a cat local shelter and wondering which food formula is suitable for these furballs? Worry no more. Blue buffalo wilderness is the best deal for feral cats.
Blue Buffalo, an established and positively acclaimed brand, designed ideally for adult cats in dire need of lean muscles.
Also, the rich blend of fat is perfect for feral cats. This doesn’t imply that young kittens can’t feed on this delicacy. Kittens can also feed on the fine textured lifesource bits.
The food formula is packed with high-quality proteins from chicken which help to build and maintain lean muscles.
The most amazing thing is that blue buffalo wilderness is made with healthy carbohydrates which help to fuel cat’s active lifestyle.
Besides that, it is loaded with antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that help to support a robust immune system, health, and all life stage requirements. Not to forget, the omega 3 and 6 fatty acids promote healthy skin and irradiant coat for all felines.
Another thing that makes this food formula stand out is the absence of artificial flavors and preservatives that cause food allergies in cats.
The only flavour, chicken flavour, is delectable and will allure strays and feral cats to a healthy and delicious meal.
The main ingredients of the food formula are deboned chicken, chicken meal, turkey meal, potato starch, fish meal, peas, and chicken fat among many others. A bonus feature is the lack of grains, soy or wheat ingredients that can adversely affect some feral cats.
3. Meow Mix Original Choice Dry Cat Food
Meow Mix dry cat food has delicious flavors of chicken, turkey, salmon, and ocean fish. This is the perfect food formula for picky eaters. This is by far the best canned cat food for feral cats.
The most wonderful thing is that the food formula is packed with complete and balanced nutrition ideal for feral cats.
Rich in essential vitamins, minerals and importantly and premium proteins, Meow mix original choice is ideal for all cats, especially picky eaters.
Besides that, the food formula has all essential vitamins and minerals that help to promote health as well as the well-being of our feline friends. Plus, it boosts the eyesight of cats and also kittens.
Another important feature is the presence of high-quality proteins that facilitate the growth of lean muscles in kitties.
Also, since it’s available either as dry or wet cat food, kittens or senior felines can enjoy this treat.
Meow Mix Original Choice cat food is quite affordable and the impact of the food on the cat is worth the value of your money.
4. Rachael Ray Nutrish Super Premium Dry Cat Food
The dry cat food is offered by Rachael Ray Nutrish which is a giant brand when it comes to the manufacturing of cat food formula in the market.
If you’d want the untamable feral cats to feel as if they are home, this is the meal to proffer.
The real chicken ingredient has made the cat food formula to receive lots of praises from any cat forums and Facebook groups.
The chicken ingredient, a perennial favourite for cats, is rich in amino acids and omega-three fatty acids, giving feral cats a healthy skin and irritable coat similar to our domesticated cats.
The most beautiful thing about the food formula is that it does not contain any strains of artificial flavors and preservatives that tend to have a negative impact on the feline.
Besides that, lack of ground corn, wheat, and soy ingredients make the cat food to be ideal for those felines that are prone to allergies.
Not to mention, the additional natural prebiotics derived from pumpkins makes it easy for a cat’s digestive tract
Here are some of the ingredients used in the manufacture of the cat food; chicken, chicken meal, corn gluten meal, brown rice, brewers rice, dried peas, poultry fat and fish meal among others.
The only big issue with the food formula is the presence of gluten cornmeal which tends to affect other felines after eating.
However, compared to what feral cats feed on through garbage cans, Rachael Ray Nutrish food is a perfect meal to keep our four-legged pals healthy.
5. Purina ONE Tender Selects Blend Adult Dry Cat Food
Purina, as we have seen from our top and favorite pick, is a great brand when it comes to pet feedings and Purina one tender dry cat food is one of their products.
The food formula has received lots of praise on many cat forums and Facebook groups hence the reason behind their popularity.
The cat food formula has a lot of natural and essential nutrients that help to promote good health among felines.
The mouthwatering crunchy bites and meaty, tender morsels are full of real chicken as the main ingredient ensuring cats receive high-quality lean protein for lean and healthy muscles.
In addition, the crunchy bites are beneficial to cats’ dental formula since they leave no buildup of plaques or tartar.
Besides that, the food is not packed with artificial flavors and preservatives hence quite ideal for those furballs prone to allergies.
Other than the essential vitamins, minerals and taurine that offers complete nourishment to cats, the food formula also contains taurine, which improves cats vision, digestion and overall well being. Plus, the omega fatty acids give cats a shiny coat.
The most beautiful thing is palatability. Cats are known to be picky eaters, but things tend to be different when it comes to Purina one tender dry food. You don’t have to collect half-fed or full bowls come evening time.
The price of the food formula is quite affordable and if you have a batch of cats in the local shelter then consider it.
Additionally, if you buy in bulk, you will likely receive a significant discount. This is a bonus saver for caregivers or cat lovers whose primary objective is caring for feral and stray cats.
6. Sheba Perfect Portions Pate Wet Cat Food Trays
Sheba wet cat food contains lots of natural ingredients and nutrients that are ideal for supporting the health of a cat. This is definitely the best wet food for feral cats.
The high-quality proteins help to build up and maintain the lean muscles of kitties. Also, the vitamins and minerals are meant for growth as well as maintenance of kittens.
Like other top-notch cat foods in our list, the amino acids and omega 3 fatty acids will give feral cats a healthy and shiny coat.
The most wonderful thing about the cat food formula is the absence of corn, wheat, and soy which tend to cause a negative impact on cat health.
Besides that, the delicious taste of the food formula helps to create an appetite for felines that won’t eat.
Lastly, the food formula is made from fresh ingredients such as chicken, chicken broth, chicken liver, poultry by-products, meat by-products, guar gum, and minerals.
7. Instinct Ultimate Protein Grain-Free Recipe Natural Cat Food
Instinct is a giant brand in the pet industry and it has a strong reputation for manufacturing high-quality cat food like ultimate protein natural cat food.
The food formula has a high quality of proteins that come from real chicken and animal meals. Since cats are obligate carnivores then this food perfectly matches their digestive system.
Besides that, the food recipe lacks grains, artificial flavors, and preservatives that might ruin the health of a furry friend.
But, it contains natural flavors that are delicious and tasty for any picky eater. You will be required to regulate the eating portions since many cats tend to love it.
The premium proteins help to build and maintain lean muscles while the natural probiotics facilitated a healthy digestive system.
Lastly, the food formula occurs in two types that are dry and wet. Hence, you can pick any option that suits your cats.
8. Royal Canin Fit Active Dry Cat Food
The most wonderful thing about this cat food is that it has an exclusive blend of antioxidants that help to support the health and well-being of the feline while outdoor.
Besides that, the precise calorie content help to maintain healthy weight gain and this is the reason why it is regarded ideal for feral cats.
Cat food is quite tasty and delicious. Some of the ingredients used in the manufacture of cat food are gluten cornmeal, chicken meal, brown rice, corn, chicken fat and pea fiber among many others.
The only drawback about the food formula is that some sheltered feral cats tend to vomit after eating and this is because it is not grain-free.
Guess what?
Royal Canin is a reputable company when it comes to the manufacturing of high-quality cat food ideal for all ages and breeds.
The cat food formula is loaded with plenty of nutrients ideal for outdoor cats that are older than one year. The ingredients help to facilitate their well-being in the wilderness. Overall we feel this is the best cat food for stray cats on the market.
9. Sportmix Wholesomes Chicken Meal and Rice Formula
Felines tend to be picky eaters but with sportmix wholesomes cat food expect them to clear the bowl after every minute.
The food formula contains natural ingredients that
Diamond
are quite tasty and delicious. This is the reason why some cats tend to eat more.
Besides that, if you have a feral cat that tends to react to certain types of proteins and carbohydrates then it is high time to consider this food formula.
The most wonderful thing about cat food is that it lacks corn, wheat, and soy. This implies that there is no chance of the food to reduce allergic reactions.
Also, the food formula is packed with lots of nutrients such as omega 6 and omega 3 fatty acids that help to promote healthy skin and coat.
One thing that makes this food formula stand out from others is that it is relatively affordable hence ideal for feeding a colony of feral cats in a local shelter. Most reviews say this is the best dry cat food for feral cats.
10. Diamond Naturals Real Meat Dry Cat Food
Diamond Naturals is a big brand in the production of high-quality cat food that tends to meet all the nutritional needs of cats.
The most interesting thing about the food formula is the free-range chicken ingredient that makes food to be quite tasty and delicious.
Besides that, the high-quality level proteins help to foster lean and strong muscles for hunting prey. The vitamins and minerals facilitate healthy skin and coat.
Another amazing feature of the food formula is the presence of probiotic ingredients that help to facilitate the healthy GI tract of the feline.
The main ingredients behind the food formula recipe are chicken meat, ground white rice, chicken fat, natural flavor, flaxseed, powdered cellulose, taurine and pumpkin seeds among others. This has all the features to be the best food for feral cats according to reviews.
How to Feed Stray and Feral Cats
As mentioned earlier, it’s best to consult and follow instructions from experienced feral cat groups or a vet before handling feral cats.
Also, the most appropriate way of feeding these cats is to leave food down in bowls for a maximum of two hours.
Then, allow the cats to feed in their turn without any human intervention. Later, fetch up the bowls and remaining food, if any, to avoid attracting wildlife.
Unlike our domesticated feline friends, who require proteins to maintain lean muscle mass, feral cats mainly require diets rich in extra fat to provide calories. Other than that, the nutritional needs for house and feral cats are almost identical.
What Is The Best Food For Stray Cats Nutritionally?
Both indoor and outdoor cats have the same nutritional requirements. However, indoor cats tend to have a healthy diet when compared to feral cats.
Cats are obligate carnivores which imply that their bodies that rely more on animal proteins in their diet. Their digestive system is unable to extract nutrients from vegetable matters.
The following are some of the nutritional requirements of feral cats according to the Association of American Feed Control Officials:
Proteins
Cats require a higher level of proteins than dogs. This is due to the inability of the liver to regulate the rate of breakdown of proteins. Proteins help cats to maintain lean muscles and the production of energy.
Taurine
Cats need taurine from amino acids to enhance the formation of bile, proper functioning of heart muscles and healthy eyes.
Unfortunately, they have limited enzymes for producing taurine from amino acids hence the reason why supplying cat foods with taurine is recommended.
Insufficient taurine in their diet could lead to cardiomyopathy, retinal degeneration, reproductive failure, and abnormal kitten development.
Arginine
The amino acid is responsible for the production of ornithine which helps to bind ammonia that is produced during the breakdown of proteins.
Lack of arginine in the diet of cats will lead to death, loss of coordination, excessive meowing, and salivation.
Arachidonic Acid
This is an essential component of fatty acids and cats are unable to produce their own arachidonic acid. The component helps to suppress inflammatory responses due to an allergic reaction.
The component is quite common in animal fats and this is the reason why it is recommended to supply kitties with real animal meat.
Active Form of Vitamin A
Kitties tend to lack an enzyme that is responsible for converting beta-carotene to retinol. This is the reason why they need preformed Vitamin A to enhance vision, growth and healthy skin coat. Most of these preformed vitamin A is found in animal proteins.
Niacin
Felines are unable to manufacture sufficient Niacin and this is the reason why it requires a higher amount in their diet.
Sufficient amounts of Niacin in the cat diet help to facilitated weight gain, appetite, and prevent hemorrhagic diarrhea.
Starch
Cats normally need a low amount of starch in the diet since their digestive system cannot tolerate a high level of starch in their diet.
Is Feeding Feral Cats Illegal?
According to research, there are a lot of people out there with compassion when it comes to helping animals. Nobody thinks about legality when it comes to helping these stray cats.
Most of these people find stray cats living in their neighborhood and immediately act to help them. The caregivers go-ahead to spay or neuter the cat then provides high-quality food and shelter.
Unfortunately, there are a lot of issues that crop up when it comes to caring for feral cats such as ownership, civil liability, feeding bans, and leash laws.
The laws about caring for stray cats can be confusing but we recommend caregivers to be aware of the law in advance before offering shelter and food.
Familiarizing yourself with the law will prevent you from experiencing a hell of a problem in the long run. The good news is that these laws vary from one municipality to another.
How Long Can Feral Cats Go Without Food?
Food and water are essential to life for felines. Feral cats need daily fluids and nutrition to stay healthy and alive.
According to veterinarian reports, all cats need to drink water and eat cat food regardless of their age every single day.
Starving feral cats are highly susceptible to a short lifespan. Drinking water help for cleansing purposes while food for well-being.
On average, feral cats can go without food for about a week or two weeks but this will heavily depend on the amount of water intake and general body health.
Other factors that may influence the survival rate of a stray cat are age, weather, and environment, emotional state and genetic heritage.
You should note that older cats won’t survive for long without food as compared to younger cats. Also, stray kittens won’t last long without food as compared to adult cats.
Well, it is high time to start showing compassion to the world not only on humans but also on stray cats. But you need to know more about the feed ban laws on stray animals in your locality.
What To Feed Stray Cats Besides Cat Food?
Feeding stray cats is a controversial subject in recent days. Many people fear to feed feral felines since they might attract other stray cats in neighborhoods causing a nuisance.
However, if they are not causing any problem in the community then there is no problem feeding these felines.
The good news is that stray cats are natural hunters and they can feed on mice, birds, lizards, fish, rabbits, and squirrels among many other small rodents.
On the other hand, it is not recommended to feed these stray cats the following human foods: Chocolate, Cucumbers, Garlic and Bread.
Feeding feral cats with canned tuna and cat food help to prevent the extinction of other small animals mentioned earlier in the universe.
How Much Do Feral Cats Eat?
A lot of people tend to care much about feral cats even if they are not their own cats. Some might go the extra mile to offer shelter apart from food but it is advisable to abide by the law before taking custodians of stray cats.
The good news about stray cats is that they tend to eat less as compared to indoor cats since they supplement the cat food with hunted food in the bush.
However, the cost of maintaining a colony of stray cats is too expensive since they deserve high-quality food like indoor cats.
Shopping for stray cat food can be a challenge especially if you are a beginner but it is recommended to go for high nutritious and quality cat food in the market.
Most of the cat food mentioned in our guide are quite affordable and healthy for feral felines. If you own a cat rescue shelter then these are some of the best cat food to consider and they are highly recommended by veterinarians.
Final Thoughts about Best Cat Food for Feral Cats
Do you have feral cats coming in your backyard now and then? And you are wondering which best cat food is ideal for them? Well, the above listed best cat food for feral cats is ideal for them regardless of the breed.
Most of the cat food in the list contains high-quality ingredients that help to foster well-being and support the immune system.
The most beautiful thing about cat food is that they are affordable and grain-free. Therefore, there is no chance the feline is going to experience an allergic reaction in the long run.
If you are planning to start a cat rescue facility then it is wise to consult the authorities in charge. This will help you from landing into the problem of breaking the law concerning stray animals.
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