Last Updated: 26/10/2026
Best Grain Free Cat Food: A Vet's Guide
Is grain-free food better for your cat? A vet reviews the best grain-free cat food brands in Australia. Learn what 'grain-free' really means, whether it helps with allergies, and how to choose the right diet for your cat's health.
Author: Dr Carla Paszkowski BVSc (Hons)
Reading Time: 8 minutes - short read
Choosing the right food for your cat can feel like a maze. With countless options on the shelf and so much conflicting advice online, it's easy to feel overwhelmed. One of the biggest trends you've probably seen is "grain-free" cat food. It's everywhere! But is it just a fad, or is it genuinely better for your feline friend? We'll dig into the facts, bust a few common myths, and compare the best grain-free options available in Australia.
The quick answer: Grain free cat food is not automatically healthier, and it is not automatically lower carb. Potato, peas and lentils usually replace the grains, so some grain free foods end up with more carbohydrate than grain inclusive ones. It can suit a cat with a confirmed grain allergy (which is rare) or an owner who wants a high meat recipe, but for most cats a quality complete and balanced food, with or without grains, does the job.
What should I look for when choosing grain free cat food?
Check four things on the label: what replaces the grains, the quality of the protein, whether the food is complete and balanced, and whether it suits your cat. Not all grain free formulas are created equal.
- What's replacing the grains? 'Grain-free' does not mean 'carbohydrate-free'. Grains are often simply replaced with potatoes, sweet potatoes, peas, lentils or tapioca. Look for ingredients with good nutritional value (like sweet potato) rather than those that are mostly starch.
- Quality and quantity of protein: Cats are obligate carnivores, meaning they must get certain nutrients from meat, particularly amino acids, certain fatty acids and vitamin A. A named meat or fish (like 'chicken', 'kangaroo' or 'salmon') should always be the first ingredient.
- Is it 'complete and balanced'? This is the most critical factor. Look for an AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials) statement on the packaging confirming the food is formulated or tested to meet your cat's life stage needs (e.g. 'kitten' or 'adult maintenance').
- Your cat's individual needs: A formula perfect for a growing kitten will likely be unsuitable for a less-active, indoor senior cat. Always consider your cat's age, activity level, body condition and any known health sensitivities.
In this article
- How we review our products
- What is the best grain free wet food for cats?
- What is the best grain free air-dried food for cats?
- What is the best grain free freeze-dried food for cats?
- What is the best grain free cat food for kittens?
- Which grain free cat food is best for sensitive stomachs?
- What is the best affordable grain free cat food?
- FAQs
How we review our products
Our Vet team use their health and husbandry knowledge, along with their own personal and clinical experiences to evaluate each product and provide detailed, informative reviews, free of any commercial bias. We then collate this information into our 'best of' recommendations.
Top Recommended Grain-Free Cat Foods in Australia [Vet Reviewed]
What is the best grain free wet food for cats?
Our pick is Weruva. Its high-moisture shredded meat and fish recipes are a favourite with fussy cats.
Weruva
Pros
- Very high in moisture, which helps support urinary and kidney health
- Typically free from grains, gluten, carrageenan, and artificial additives
- Simple, limited-ingredient recipes can suit cats with digestive issues
Cons
- Higher-cost food
- Not made in Australia
Weruva is known for its "human-style" approach, using recognisable proteins like shredded chicken breast and whole pieces of fish in a broth or gravy. The soupy texture is an easy way to increase a cat's water intake. Many cats do best on a mix of formats, as we explain in our guide to feeding both wet and dry cat food.
What our customers say: "My cat absolutely loves the Weruva range. She's reactive to Tuna so it was amazing to find a food option that is completely Tuna free. Can't recommend the truluxe cans enough!"
What is the best grain free air-dried food for cats?
Our pick is Ziwi Peak, a very high meat food that is gently air-dried so you get the convenience of kibble.
Ziwi Peak
Pros
- Very high in meat, organs and bone for carnivores
- Grain-free and free from soy, corn, potato and artificial binders
- Includes New Zealand Green-Lipped Mussel for joint support
Cons
- Higher cost food due to its quality ingredients and processing
- Not made in Australia
Ziwi Peak is a premium New Zealand brand built on mirroring the natural, whole-prey diet cats would eat in the wild. Instead of high-heat cooking, it uses a gentle, twin-stage air-drying method, and the meat content is exceptionally high (often 92% for wet food and 96% for the air-dried variety).
What our customers say: "My Ragdoll has this every night as he loves a midnight snack. I soak them in water for 15 minutes beforehand to boost his water intake. I feel happy that he is eating a high quality kibble without all the fillers and nasties."
What is the best grain free freeze-dried food for cats?
Our pick is Feline Natural, which gives you the benefits of a raw diet in a shelf-stable form.
Feline Natural
Pros
- Minimal freeze-drying helps protect the enzymes, vitamins and minerals in the raw ingredients
- Very high in animal protein and low in carbohydrates
- No grain, gluten, soy, potato or artificial binders
Cons
- High-cost food due to the quality of ingredients and the freeze-drying process
- Needs some preparation if you want to rehydrate it
- Not made in Australia
Feline Natural is a New Zealand-made, biologically appropriate cat food with recipes featuring 98 to 99% meat, organs, bone and Green-Lipped Mussels. It is designed to be rehydrated with water, which also boosts your cat's daily water intake. It has been formulated to meet AAFCO nutritional standards.
What our customers say: "My cat loves this brand and after suffering from vomiting and constipation with other brands I finally found a product that won't harm my elderly cat. I thoroughly recommend Feline Natural."
What is the best grain free cat food for kittens?
Our pick for kittens is Open Farm, a grain free dry food with a smaller kibble size and a strong focus on ethical, traceable sourcing.
Open Farm
Pros
- Humanely and sustainably sourced, with every ingredient traceable using the lot code on the packaging
- No grain, corn, wheat or soy in any recipe
- Packaging can be recycled through the Open Farm Pet Food Bag Recycling Program
Cons
- Not made in Australia and on the more expensive side
- Fish is in all the dry cat recipes, so not suitable for cats with fish sensitivities
- Only available in 3.6kg bags
Every Open Farm product is made with humane animal welfare standards and sustainable fishing practices in line with Ocean Wise Standards.
What our customers say: "I have 3 cats, all of whom are very fussy eaters, especially when it comes to dry food... This is by far their favourite dry food and I love that it's such a humane and sustainable option..."
Which grain free cat food is best for sensitive stomachs?
Our pick is Ivory Coat Raw Health Adult Indoor, an Australian made dry food with prebiotics and a fibre blend to support healthy digestion.
Ivory Coat Raw Health
Pros
- Prebiotics (NinjinFibre® and chicory root) nourish beneficial gut bacteria
- A functional fibre blend (cellulose) helps reduce hairball formation
- Complementary wet food is also available
Cons
- Designed for adult cats (1+ years) and is not suitable for kittens
This food is formulated for adult indoor cats, with a focus on digestive health and hairball reduction. The kibble combines cooked meat with pieces of freeze-dried raw lamb, and the protein and fat levels suit the lower activity levels of indoor cats to help maintain a healthy weight. For more options, see our guides to the best cat food for sensitive stomachs and the best indoor cat food.
What our customers say: "I wasn’t sure how this would go with my 3 /16 year old kitties - I feed them ziwi air dried for breakfast, which they graze on as I think being high protein it is more filling - this Ivory Coat Raw Health Adult Indoor they all love, the air dried pieces are a huge hit! The chicken kibble goes quickly as well! I bought a 4kg bag as it was better value - so glad I did, they are loving it!! Great new food from Ivory Coat, Australian made as well! They always have wet food for dinner, Ivory Coat mature or Ziwi Peak or chicken breast microwaved with lots of water for extra hydration!"
What is the best affordable grain free cat food?
Our affordable pick is Black Hawk Original Dry Cat Food Adult Chicken and Kangaroo, an Australian made grain free food that costs less than many alternatives.
Black Hawk Original Dry Cat Food Adult Chicken And Kangaroo
Pros
- Real, lean Australian chicken and kangaroo for strong muscle development
- Uses sweet potato and legumes as a carbohydrate source instead of grain
- Made in Australia and available in an 8kg bulk bag
Cons
- Suitable only for adult cats over 1 year of age, not suitable for kittens
- Relies heavily on legumes like peas, chickpeas, and faba beans
This high-protein blend is highly palatable, so it is a popular choice for fussy eaters. Green-lipped mussel and fish oil provide omega-3s to support joint, skin and coat health.
What our customers say: "Both of my cats have been eating Black Hawk since they turned 1 years old and they've adjusted so well with this. They took to it immediately and been eating it for 6 months now. Great choice."
Grain-free Cat Food FAQs
Grain free is not automatically better, and it is not automatically lower carb. It makes sense for cats with a confirmed grain allergy, or for owners who want a high meat recipe. Whatever you choose, check that it is complete and balanced for your cat's life stage, and compare the carbohydrate content, not just the label. For the bigger picture, head to our best cat food guide, or for natural diets see our guide to the best natural food for cats. Not sure what suits your cat? Have a chat with your vet or our Vet Squad.
Articles recommended for you
Choosing the right cat food can be overwhelming. This expert guide explains the benefits of tailored nutrition, from kitten growth to senior support and breed-specific diets, helping you provide the best care for your feline friend's unique needs.
Is wet or dry food better for cats? Discover why a combination of both is often the best choice for hydration, dental health, and fussy eaters. Our expert vets explain the benefits of mixed feeding and how to choose the best diet for your cat.
From lilies and chocolate to common medications like paracetamol, your home could have hidden dangers for your cat. Our vet guide identifies the top toxic foods and household items to help you keep your feline friend safe.
Work out how much to feed your dog or cat and what it costs per feed with our free vet-designed calculator, plus feeding frequency and portion tips.
Wondering which food to feed your new kitten? Find out which are vet recommended for your kitten.
Is your cat entering their senior years? Our Pet Circle vets review the best senior cat foods in Australia. From supporting stiff joints to managing kidney health, find the perfect diet to help your feline friend live a longer, happier life.
History
Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space and we update our articles when new information becomes available.
Mon 26 Oct 2026
Edited by Dr Gillian Hill BVSc (Hons)About the Author
Dr Gillian Hill BVSc (Hons)
Veterinarian
Dr. Gillian graduated from the University of Sydney in 2005 with a Bachelor of Veterinary Science. She worked in a number of small animal clinics, before joining the Pet Circle Vet team in 2020. Dr. Gillian has special interests in ultrasonography, surgery and behaviour. Her favourite part of being a vet is being an advocate for the animals. She loves helping owners to make the best, evidence-based decisions for their pets, and seeing the beautiful bond that people have with their fur-babies.
