Updated April 30, 2023 by Jess and Jericho

Disclaimer: I earn a commission if you purchase through affiliate links below.

Now that your cat has tasted better quality ingredients, you can upgrade the actual food! Yay!

1. Shop for new food

  • Click the wet or raw food options below.
  • Buy ONE new food to focus on this month.
  • TIP: Choose a protein that your cat is currently eating.

My favorites:

  • Wet food for adults only: Raised Right. Use code PETS20 for 20% off. Best overall.
  • Wet food for all life stages: Smalls. Use code CATICLES for $5 off. Best subscription.
  • Wet food for adults only: Just Food for Cats. Get 35% off first autoship with that link. Best for picky fish-eating cats.
  • Freeze-dried raw for all life stages: Quest Cat Food. Use code JESSCATICLES for 20% off.
  • Complete froze raw for all life stages: Viva Raw Complete. Use code JESSCATICLES for 20% off.
  • Complete frozen raw for all life stages: Darwin’s. Tell them about your cat using this link to get 10lbs for just $14.95.

2. Plan the transition

  • Open this google sheet.
  • Click “make a copy”.
  • A copy of the food transition log sheet will open.
  • You will start the transition to new food with ONE meal. Your cat’s other meals will be 100% current food during this transition.
  • Enter the amount of food you feed in ONE meal in the red cell box D1. For example, Jericho eats 4 ounces of food daily split between 3 meals. Each meal is ~1.3 ounces. So I would enter 1.3 in cell D1.
  • The table below will automate a transition schedule of how much current food and new food to feed over the next 20 days.
  • Below the table, the amount of each food you need during the transition will also automate.
  • Print the transition log or write it down in your planner. My digital workbook and printable workbook include a food transition page.

3. Food safety

  • Only buy from clean, trustworthy sources.
  • Use a shallow stainless steel plate (Amazon and Chewy). No more plastic.
  • Wash hands, plates, utensils, and surfaces after handling food. ALL types of food run the risk of bacteria contamination. Not just raw.
  • Keep raw foods frozen for at least 3 weeks prior to use.
  • Thaw raw food in the refrigerator at least 24 hours before you portion and serve. Never thaw raw meat at room temperature on the counter.
  • Include all juices and pieces of meat from the container when you feed.
  • Do not leave food out at room temperature longer than 20 minutes.
  • Never feed food that has an off smell.

4. Start the transition

  • Use your digital scale to weigh out your cat’s food.
  • Feed the correct amount of each food daily.
  • Note down your cat’s reactions.
  • Keep track of your cat’s litter box habits and eating habits during the transition.
  • Tips for meal prep.
  • Meal prep supplies list on Amazon: US, CA, UK.

5. Transition the next meals

  • Once meal 1 is 100% new food, start the transition on meal 2.
  • TIP: Introduce a new protein to offer variety. Variety is key.
  • Use the same transition schedule.
  • Do not move on to meal 3 until meal 2 is 100% new food.
  • You can introduce another new protein for meal 3.
  • Use the same transition schedule.

Transition schedule example

Month 1

  • Meal 1: transition meal.
  • Meal 2: 100% current food.
  • Meal 3: 100% current food.

Month 2

  • Meal 1: 100% new food.
  • Meal 2: transition meal.
  • Meal 3: 100% current food.

Month 3

  • Meal 1: 100% new food.
  • Meal 2: 100% new food.
  • Meal 3: transition meal.

Congratulations! Your cat is now eating better-quality food.

Next step? Homemade cat food.

FAQ

Where else can I buy healthy wet and raw cat food?

I’m only going to recommend brands that have made it on Susan Thixton’s 2023 list. These brands have provided proof that they use human-grade quality ingredients, batch test, and use BPA-free packaging. The brands mentioned in the first section of this page are the best.

The options below are suitable for all life stages unless otherwise noted.

Wet food:
Raw:

I need more cat food options.

The best thing you can do is learn how to read cat food labels. That way, you understand what to look for and what to avoid.

Next, I highly recommend buying Susan Thixton’s 2023 list. Or visit my cat food reviews list for 100+ options available inside and outside the US. However, many of those reviews are only based on labels and anecdotal experience. Many of them are not human-grade quality.

What about homemade cat food?

Homemade cat food is the best, but it is not the easiest. Cats require a very specific amount of each nutrient. And some recipes online are not complete and balanced. Start with food that’s commercially available first. Read through homemade cat food during the transition. Then transition to homemade cat food when your cat is adjusted to wet or freeze-dried raw. Use the same transition sheet for each meal.

How much do I feed my cat?

Figure out how much to feed your cat by using your cat’s weight, body condition score, and the food label. Every cat is an individual and every food is individual. For frozen raw, it is generally recommended to feed 2-4% of your cat’s weight. Start at 3% and adjust as needed.

How much do I feed my kitten?

Kittens should eat the recommended amount for their adult projected weight. For example, the average ideal weight for adult cats is 10 pounds. Your kitten does not weigh 10 pounds currently, but he should eat the amount of food recommended for a 10-pound cat. Split up this amount between 5-6 meals. Around 6 months to 1 year, you can reduce to 3 meals daily. For frozen raw, it is generally recommended to feed 2-4% of your kitten’s adult projected weight. Start at 3% and adjust as needed.

What about bacteria in raw?

ALL foods are at risk for bacteria contamination. In 2021, Midwestern Pet Foods recalled over 100 dry kibble products due to potential salmonella contamination. It all comes down to how you source and handle the food. Check food safety above.

Do I have to transition food this way?

Yes. Even if your cat goes wild for the new food. Even if your cat is eating the same brand, different protein or same protein, different brand. Every animal offers a different nutrient profile. And the environment in which the animal is raised warrants a different nutrient profile. Additionally, the cat’s digestive system is highly sensitive to change. So you will transition to new foods slowly to avoid GI problems and stress.

Can I mix kibble and raw?

Some say yes. Some say no. I say do what works best for you and your cat. If your cat adjusted well to the food toppers and treats, go for raw (frozen or freeze-dried). If your cat seems addicted to the crunch, try freeze-dried raw and do not rehydrate it at first. Keep it dry and crunchy for the first week. Pretend it’s dry food! Then very slowly rehydrate it so your cat can get used to the soft mushy texture. If you’re still having issues, you may have to transition to a better-quality dry food first. Once your cat is fully transitioned, try wet or freeze-dried raw again.

Can I feed a combination of different foods?

Yes, I actually recommend this. Variety is key. As long as you transition to new foods slowly and focus on one change per month. Use the same transition schedule.

Why is my cat drinking less water?

Cats rely on food for moisture. So you may notice with a high moisture diet that your cat does not require as much drinking water. However, fresh clean drinking water should still be provided daily.

What if I can’t feed raw?

Do the best you can without stressing. 100% high moisture diet is ideal. ANY wet food is still better than ALL dry foods simply because cats rely on food for moisture. You can also add plain lightly cooked meat at around 10% of your cat’s total daily intake. Some fresh food is better than no fresh food! And you must still upgrade treats. No more crunchy crap.

What if my cat needs to lose weight?

Overweight and obese cats are at a much higher risk for fatty liver disease if they lose too much weight too quickly. Generally, overweight and obese cats should not lose more than 1/2 a pound per month. This is equal to about 2 ounces per week. But you should check with your cat’s doctor for your cat’s specific needs. You will gradually decrease the amount of food fed each month. Let’s say your cat weighs 14 pounds and his ideal weight goal is 10 pounds. If we go by 1/2 a pound lost per month, you should plan out at least 8 months to reach this goal. Weigh your cat weekly.

Each month you will gradually work your way towards the recommended amount to feed for 1/2 a pound less. For example, month 1, you would gradually work your way down to what is recommended for a 13.5-pound cat. Month 2, you will gradually work your way down to what is recommended for a 13-pound cat. And so on. But again, speak with your cat’s doctor about what’s appropriate for your individual cat.