Shopping for cat food can feel like decoding a foreign language:
Grain-free, limited-ingredient, raw, ancestral, high-protein, low-carb…
And then comes the real challenge — finding one your cat will actually eat.
Here at Brigite’s Bengals, we’ve raised generations of curious, energetic Bengals — each with their own preferences and sensitivities. We’ve tested nearly every grain-free cat food on the market, not because it’s trendy, but because we care deeply about how diet impacts coat health, digestion, and energy.
So is grain-free better? It can be. But only if it fits your cat’s specific needs — and tastes.
Here’s what we’ve learned from real experience in our cattery.
🌾 What Does “Grain-Free” Really Mean?
Grain-free cat food replaces traditional grains (like corn, wheat, or soy) with alternative carbs such as peas, lentils, or potatoes. The idea is to mimic a cat’s natural diet — one based on animal protein, not filler.
Cats are obligate carnivores, meaning they must get their nutrition from animal-based protein. While grains aren’t necessarily harmful, some cats digest them poorly or develop sensitivities over time.
That said, “grain-free” isn’t a magic label. Some grain-free foods still rely too heavily on starches — which is why reading the ingredients list is key (we show you how in Feed The Cat…Better).
Bengal-Tested: 5 Grain-Free Cat Foods That (Mostly) Passed the Test
1. Blue Buffalo Wilderness Grain-Free Chicken (Dry)
Verdict: A cattery favorite
This formula is packed with real deboned chicken and avoids fillers, making it one of the dry foods we return to again and again.
Pros:
✔️ High in protein
✔️ No by-products or artificial additives
✔️ Great for active Bengals
Cons:
❌ Slightly more expensive than supermarket brands
💡 We recommend it as a foundational dry food for busy cat parents — and it aligns with the philosophies in Feed The Cat…Better, especially when paired with moisture-rich meals.
2. Merrick Purrfect Bistro Grain-Free Chicken (Wet)
Verdict: Moisture-rich and meow-approved
Most of our cats devour the chicken flavor. The salmon? Not so much. But as a hydrating meal or topper, Merrick is a solid go-to.
Pros:
✔️ Grain-free and meat-based
✔️ Helps with hydration
✔️ No artificial preservatives
Cons:
❌ Requires refrigeration
❌ Texture can vary between batches
📌 We use it to support hydration in warm months or during travel, especially with picky eaters.
3. Wellness CORE Grain-Free Original (Dry)
Verdict: Nutrient-rich, but not always well-loved
From an ingredient standpoint, this food is impressive — high in protein and designed for skin, coat, and digestive support. But not all of our Bengals were interested.
Pros:
✔️ Quality protein sources
✔️ No grains, artificial flavors, or fillers
Cons:
❌ Premium price
❌ Finicky cats may need time to adjust
🐾 If your cat likes it, it’s a great base. But we always suggest buying a small bag first.
4. Taste of the Wild Rocky Mountain Grain-Free (Dry)
Verdict: Great for sensitive stomachs
With novel proteins like venison and salmon, this recipe is ideal for cats with dietary sensitivities — or just those who enjoy variety.
Pros:
✔️ Unique protein blend
✔️ Probiotics for digestion
✔️ No grains, corn, or soy
Cons:
❌ Stronger smell
❌ Some cats dislike the flavor profile
🌿 We’ve found this helpful for Bengals recovering from GI upset or on a rotation schedule.
5. Purina Beyond Grain-Free Ocean Whitefish & Egg (Dry)
Verdict: A budget-friendly win
For families feeding multiple cats or just starting their grain-free journey, this option is surprisingly solid for the price.
Pros:
✔️ No artificial ingredients
✔️ Affordable and accessible
✔️ Acceptable protein sources
Cons:
❌ Less protein-dense
❌ Limited variety
💡 This is a good starter option — especially when combined with a wet food or real-protein topper, as outlined in our book.
Tips for Grain-Free Success
- 🔁 Introduce gradually over 7–10 days
- 💧 Always pair dry food with moisture (wet food, broth, or water)
- 🍽 Use wide, shallow bowls to avoid whisker fatigue (yes, it’s real — and we cover it on the blog)
- 🧼 Watch for changes in stool, energy, or coat — every cat reacts differently
Is Grain-Free Worth It?
For many of our Bengals — yes. The benefits we’ve seen include:
- Softer, shinier coats
- Fewer digestive issues
- More consistent energy
- Better weight maintenance
But no one food fits every cat. That’s why Feed The Cat…Better exists — to help cat parents understand feeding not as a single “right” answer, but as a thoughtful, flexible journey.
In our cattery, we’ve found success combining grain-free dry foods with moisture-rich, homemade meals like those in our book — balancing convenience, health, and budget.
Final Word from the Cattery ✨
Choosing the right food for your cat isn’t just about what’s trendy — it’s about paying attention. To ingredients. To habits. To how your cat feels and behaves after a meal.
Grain-free can be a fantastic option, especially for Bengals and other active breeds. But always lead with your cat’s needs, and don’t be afraid to test, tweak, and rotate.
📘 Want to go deeper? Feed The Cat…Better is our comprehensive feeding guide — packed with 26 homemade, vet-approved recipes and tips to help you raise strong, healthy cats using real food and cattery-tested routines.
Because at Brigite’s Bengals, we don’t just feed cats — we feed them better.