Best Cat Food in Australia (2025 Edition): What Most Brands Won't Tell You

Introduction

If you're an Australian cat owner, finding the best food for your cat isn't just confusing — it's risky.
Australia’s pet food industry is largely self-regulated, meaning there are no strict legal standards for what can go into cat food.
Many popular brands take advantage of this, using vague terms like "meat by-products," "meat meals," and artificial additives — ingredients you would never knowingly feed your cat.

In this guide, we reveal the truth behind many cat food brands sold in Australia, explain what to look out for, and show you safer, fresher options you can trust.

Why Most Cat Foods in Australia Aren’t What They Seem

Unlike human food, cat food in Australia doesn’t have to meet strict legal standards. This means:

"Meat meal" can legally include rendered carcasses, feathers, and even diseased animal parts.
Fillers like wheat, corn, and soy are commonly used to bulk up food cheaply — offering little nutritional value.
Artificial preservatives like BHA and BHT, banned in some countries for human consumption, can still be found in pet foods here.
Misleading labels allow brands to highlight a small amount of premium meat on the front of the bag — even if it makes up only a tiny fraction of the recipe.

If you're only looking at glossy packaging or brand names, you could unknowingly be feeding your cat low-grade, processed food every day.

Top Truly Trustworthy Cat Food Brands in Australia

After reviewing ingredient quality, transparency, and real customer feedback, here are the brands that genuinely stand out:

Pikko Fresh Cat Food

Why It’s Different:
Pikko was created to fix what’s broken in the Australian cat food market. Every Pikko meal is made from 100% fresh, human-grade meat — the same quality you’d eat yourself — with no preservatives, no fillers, and no guesswork.

Highlights:

Human-grade ingredients only
Freshly cooked in small batches in Western Australia
Customised meal plans based on your cat’s needs
Perfect for fussy eaters and sensitive stomachs

Best for:
Cat owners who want full transparency and real nutrition without compromise.

Ziwi Peak Air-Dried Cat Food

Why It’s Better Than Most:
Ziwi Peak uses premium New Zealand meat and air-dries it to lock in nutrients — no rendered meals, no fillers.

Highlights:

Ethically sourced meats
Gently air-dried to preserve nutrients
Grain-free and high-protein

Best for:
Owners seeking a minimally processed, high-protein diet.

Royal Canin Feline Health Nutrition

What to Know:
While Royal Canin offers specialised formulas, it's important to note that many recipes contain by-product meals and grains. Their strength lies in targeted health support, not ingredient purity.

Highlights:

Health-specific formulations
Backed by veterinary research
Includes grains and meat meals (check labels carefully)

Best for:
Cats needing specific breed or health-condition support — if you are aware of the ingredients used.

Hill’s Science Diet Adult Cat Food

What to Know:
Backed by research, but many Hill’s products contain corn, wheat, and meat by-products as main ingredients. It's a step up from supermarket brands, but not truly fresh food.

Highlights:

Research-driven formulas
Clinically proven antioxidant blends
Includes plant fillers and rendered meals

Best for:
Owners prioritising affordability and scientific backing over ingredient purity.

Purina Pro Plan LiveClear

What to Know:
Innovative for allergen reduction, but many recipes still contain meat by-products, grains, and additives. Be cautious if ingredient quality is your top concern.

Highlights:

Reduces allergens in cat hair
Contains probiotics for digestion
Uses meat by-products and fillers

Best for:
Households managing allergies, but not ideal for owners focused on ultra-premium ingredients.

How to Truly Choose the Best Cat Food in Australia

Choosing cat food isn’t about picking a fancy bag at the pet store — it’s about knowing what’s really inside.

Understand Ingredient Lists

Real meat first: Look for specific meats like "chicken breast," not "meat meal" or "animal by-product."
No vague terms: If a label just says "meat" without specifying the type — it’s a red flag.
Zero artificial additives: No BHA, BHT, or artificial colours should ever be in your cat’s bowl.

Demand Transparency

Brands should clearly state their sourcing, cooking methods, and ingredients — with nothing hidden.
If it’s hard to find where their meat comes from, it’s probably not fresh or premium.

Match Food to Your Cat’s True Needs

Kittens: Need real, bioavailable protein and DHA for development.
Adults: Need balanced, digestible, real food for maintenance.
Seniors: Need easy-to-digest proteins without fillers causing weight gain or digestion issues.

Conclusion

Most Australian cat foods still rely on outdated, low-quality ingredients hidden behind slick marketing. If you truly care about your cat's long-term health, you need to go beyond brand names and labels — and demand real transparency and real nutrition.

Fresh, human-grade brands like Pikko are leading the change — offering cats real food, real ingredients, and real health benefits without the hidden nasties.

Your cat deserves better.
Take the Pikko quiz today and discover a fresher, healthier way to feed your cat — made right here in Australia. 🐾