What’s the Best Cat Food in Australia? Raw, Air-Dried, Freeze-Dried & Wet Reviewed
Last updated: 22 October 2025 • Written & reviewed by the ADS Pet Store editorial team
Reviewed using AAFCO & FEDIAF feline nutrition standards to ensure accuracy and reliability.
Short on time? Jump to the Quick Comparison Table or FAQs for instant answers.
Choosing the best cat food in Australia isn’t one-size-fits-all. The right diet depends on life stage, health (e.g. urinary or kidney support), taste, and your preferences around ingredient quality, sustainability and convenience. This guide compares BARF raw cat food, freeze-dried, air-dried, natural dry cat food and wet cat food—so you can make a decision that’s practical and health-conscious.
What to Look For (Quick Checklist)
- Animal protein first: Cats are obligate carnivores. Prioritise named meats/organs over vague by-products.
- Complete & balanced: Daily diets should meet recognised profiles (AAFCO / FEDIAF). Use supplemental foods as toppers only.
- Taurine & essentials: Adequate taurine, vitamins, minerals & fatty acids are non-negotiable.
- Ingredient transparency: Clear labels and sensible add-ins (e.g., omega sources) beat buzzwords.
- Format fit: Raw (species-appropriate), freeze-/air-dried (convenient raw alternatives), wet (hydration), dry (convenience) or a mixed routine.
- Sensitivities: Consider single-protein cat food or novel proteins (e.g., kangaroo). Transition over 7–10 days.
Shop by type: BARF raw cat food • freeze-dried cat food • air-dried cat food • natural dry cat food • wet cat food
Quick Comparison Table
Use this at-a-glance guide to pick a starting point. Cost and analysis vary by recipe—start here, then drill into labels that fit your cat’s needs.
| Format | Typical Protein (as fed) | Moisture | Complete vs Supplemental | Best For | Things to Know |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BARF raw (frozen patties) | ~12–20% (high on dry-matter basis) | ~65–75% | Usually complete | Species-appropriate feeding; picky eaters; sensitivities | Requires freezer storage & cold-chain delivery; safe handling is key |
| Freeze-dried | ~40–55% (very high on DMB) | ~2–5% | Usually complete (rehydrate before feeding) | Raw nutrition with convenience; travel; partial raw diets | Lightweight & shelf-stable; feed dry or rehydrate with warm water |
| Air-dried | ~35–50% | ~8–10% | Usually complete | High-meat, grain-free natural diets (e.g., Ziwi Peak) | Gently processed; calorie-dense—portion smaller |
| Natural dry (kibble) | ~30–45% | ~8–12% | Generally complete | Convenience, cost efficiency, free-feeding routines | Lower moisture; ensure access to fresh water |
| Wet (cans/pouches) | ~8–15% | ~75–82% | Complete or supplemental—check label | Hydration, urinary health, older & fussy cats | Higher cost per kcal; pair with dry or freeze-dried for balance |
| Science-backed / Veterinary formulas | ~28–38% | ~8–75% (dry or wet) | Always complete & balanced (AAFCO / FEDIAF compliant) | Urinary, renal, digestive, weight or hairball control | Vet-developed with clinical research; e.g., Royal Canin & Hill’s Science Diet |
Science-Backed Cat Food: Vet-Recommended Nutrition
At a glance: Science-backed cat food suits cats needing targeted nutrition. Brands like Royal Canin and Hill’s Science Diet are trusted globally for research-driven recipes and precise nutrient balance.
Royal Canin — Precision Nutrition for Every Cat
Each recipe targets a specific need—hairball, urinary, digestion—or breed-specific profiles (Persian, Maine Coon). Developed by veterinarians & nutritionists under AAFCO/FEDIAF standards.
- Best for: Medical needs, purebred cats, owners seeking targeted nutrition.
- Tip: Explore Care Range, Indoor, Hairball & Urinary series to match your cat’s lifestyle.
Hill’s Science Diet — Research-Led & Vet-Backed
Evidence-based formulas focusing on digestibility, immunity and coat health. Backed by clinical research and developed by global veterinary teams.
- Best for: Sensitive stomachs, weight management, mature cats (joint/kidney support).
- Tip: Try Hill’s Adult Chicken or Sensitive Stomach & Skin—both highly rated for digestibility.
Science-backed formulas provide complete & balanced nutrition supported by decades of data—ideal when your vet recommends a long-term plan.
BARF Raw Cat Food (Australia)
At a glance: Raw mirrors a natural prey diet with meats, organs & bone. Great for high-protein, low-carb feeding when storage & safe handling suit your home.
Organic Paws — Certified Organic Raw
Certified organic meats, organs and ground bone; crafted to mirror a natural prey model.
Best for: Owners prioritising organic sourcing and simple, transparent recipes.
Proudi — Pre-Portioned Patties
Human-grade Australian meats in convenient patties; clear meat/organ/bone ratios and simple ingredient decks.
Best for: Busy raw feeders who want consistent portions and easy thawing.
Big Dog — Trusted Australian Raw
Mixed-protein options, practical pack sizes & natural probiotics; popular in Melbourne raw-feeding homes.
Best for: Value-seeking raw feeders and multi-cat households.
Tip: New to raw feeding? Start with trusted Australian brands like Big Dog Pet Food or Proudi, both offering a palatability guarantee return so you can try confidently. Transition gradually over 7–10 days and maintain strict fridge/freezer hygiene.
Freeze-Dried Cat Food
At a glance: Freeze-dried cat food delivers raw-like nutrition with convenience. Moisture is removed at very low temperatures to preserve proteins, vitamins & minerals—no artificial preservatives needed.
Popular choices include MEOW and Feline Natural (New Zealand). Recipes are grain-free, high-protein and well-tolerated by sensitive stomachs.
- Best for: Owners seeking raw benefits without refrigeration or mess.
- Key advantage: Highly concentrated—smaller portions deliver the same calories.
- Serving tip: Rehydrate with warm water or bone broth for palatability and hydration.
Melbourne cat owners can enjoy fast, refrigerated-safe delivery from ADS Pet Store. Shop Freeze-Dried Cat Food.
Explore Feline Natural Cat Food
Air-Dried Cat Food
At a glance: Air-dried cat food is gently dehydrated at low temperatures to keep nutrient density while eliminating harmful bacteria. Pieces are soft & jerky-like—higher protein and fewer carbs than typical kibble.
Leading options include Ziwi Peak Air-Dried and Prime100 SPD Air-Dried (coming soon). Great for high-meat, grain-free natural diets in a convenient format.
- Best for: High-protein needs or a premium, shelf-stable raw alternative.
- Texture: Softer than kibble—easy to chew, even for older cats.
- Feeding tip: Portion carefully; air-dried is calorie-dense, so small servings go a long way.
ADS Pet Store offers free & fast shipping across Australia and same-day cat food delivery in Melbourne Metro for air-dried ranges. Shop Air-Dried Cat Food.
Natural Dry Cat Food
At a glance: Dry is unbeatable for convenience & cost per kilojoule. Prioritise animal-first formulas, sensible carbs and life-stage fit. Many owners mix natural dry with wet for hydration.
Black Hawk — Holistic Australian Nutrition
Australian-owned, real meat first. Broad range incl. grain-free and indoor formulas.
- Best for: Everyday Australian-made basics with clear recipes.
- Consider: Some recipes include plant proteins—check the analysis.
Advance — Science-Led, Australian Made
Targeted lines for indoor, hairball, urinary and more; widely recommended by Aussie vets.
- Best for: Owners wanting local, research-oriented formulas.
- Consider: Some recipes include grains; many cats tolerate them well.
Ivory Coat — Grain-Free Everyday Wellness
Grain-free recipes with real Australian meats plus vegetables & superfoods.
- Best for: Simple grain-free dry cat food.
- Consider: Hydration—pair with wet food or a water fountain.
Wet Cat Food
At a glance: A hydration hero and often a win for picky eaters. In Australia, options range from limited-ingredient cans to rich meat-first recipes. Always check whether the product is complete or supplemental.
Ziwi Peak — High Meat, Ethically Sourced
Meat-rich, grain-free recipes aligned with a carnivore profile; great protein rotation.
Best for: Limited-ingredient, high-meat wet cat food.
Thrive — Simple, Palatable Recipes
Short ingredient lists built around chicken or fish. Check labelling: complete vs complementary.
Best for: Sensitive stomachs and flavour-driven cats.
Absolute Holistic — Superfood-Inspired
Broth & raw-inspired lines with organ meats and functional ingredients; enticing textures.
Best for: Fussy eaters; mix-feeding with dry.
Mix-feeding tip: Many Melbourne cat owners use a 70% wet + 30% dry routine for hydration and convenience—adjust to appetite and weight goals. Learn how to choose wet cat food.
Melbourne & Moorabbin: Local, Free & Fast Delivery
Shopping in Melbourne? ADS Pet Store offers free Melbourne Metro local delivery on $79+ orders and fast shipping across Australia. For BARF and frozen products, we provide refrigerated shipping to keep the cold chain intact.
- Same-day to eligible Melbourne postcodes (Tue–Sat, order by 9am).
- Store pickup at our Moorabbin VIC cat food store.
- Australia-wide free & fast shipping thresholds apply—see cart for your address.
FAQs
What is the best cat food in Australia for everyday feeding?
There’s no single winner. Choose a complete & balanced recipe your cat tolerates well, with animal protein first. Many owners rotate between wet cat food (hydration) and natural dry cat food (convenience), and add BARF raw, air-dried or freeze-dried for variety.
How do I transition to a new brand or format (raw/dry/wet)?
Take 7–10 days: 75% old / 25% new → 50/50 → 25/75 → 100% new. Watch stools, appetite and coat. For single-protein cat food (e.g., kangaroo), introduce slowly and keep other treats minimal.
Is grain-free cat food always better?
Not always. Some cats do well with quality grains; others need grain-free or limited-ingredient diets. Prioritise tolerance, overall nutrients and body condition—then pick grain-free or grain-inclusive accordingly.
Which brands are good for sensitive stomachs or suspected allergies?
Look for single-protein or novel-protein recipes (e.g., kangaroo, turkey) and shorter ingredient lists. Meat-rich wet foods and limited-ingredient raw can help. For diagnosed allergies, your vet may recommend vet-backed formulas from Royal Canin or Hill’s Science Diet.
Should I choose Australian-made cat food over imported brands?
Australian-made can mean fresher supply chains and recipes tuned to local conditions. Imported boutique brands (e.g., Ziwi Peak, MEOW) offer unique proteins & formats. Choose based on your priorities—and your cat’s response.
What’s the difference between “complete” and “supplemental” wet foods?
Complete foods meet full nutrient profiles for daily meals. Supplemental (or “complementary”) foods are toppers/treats—great for variety, not for sole feeding. Always check the label.
Final Take
The “best” cat food is the one your cat thrives on—balanced nutrition, great digestibility and consistent eating. Start with your preferred format (raw, freeze-dried, air-dried, wet or dry), shortlist a few Australian cat food brands that meet your criteria and test for 2–3 weeks. If you’re in Melbourne, leverage our same-day local delivery and refrigerated shipping for stress-free BARF feeding and quick restocks.
About this guide: Compiled by the ADS Pet Store editorial team in consultation with experienced pet nutrition advisors and Australian brand partners.
Disclaimer: This guide is general information only and not a substitute for veterinary advice. If your cat has diagnosed medical conditions (e.g., kidney disease, urinary issues, food allergies), please consult your veterinarian before changing diets.
