There are a variety of reasons why your pet might need to eat a liquid diet. When your cat is sick and won’t eat, you may wonder what you can do to get nutrients1 into your pet’s system. A cat may not be able to eat its normal diet after surgery or an injury, as well, or they might not have any teeth to chew up crunchy kibble.
In this guide, we’ll list our top picks based on reviews for the best liquid cat foods. We’ll discuss the pros and cons of each as well so that you have the information needed to make an informed decision to suit your cat’s needs. We also recommended consulting your veterinarian before switching your cat to any liquid diet to ensure it’s necessary.
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A Quick Look at Our Favorites in 2024
| Image | Product | Details | ||
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Best Overall
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Solid Gold Holistic Delights |
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Best Value
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Nulo FreeStyle Hearty Beef Bone Broth |
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Premium Choice
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Made by Nacho Humanely-Raised Broth |
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| Best for Kittens |
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WHISKAS Cat Milk |
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Chicken Soup for the Soul |
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The 10 Best Liquid Cat Foods
1. Solid Gold Holistic Delights – Best Overall
| Main ingredients:Â | Water, chicken, tuna, coconut milk |
| Protein content: | 10% |
| Fat content: | 4% |
| Calories | 82 kcal/pouch |
| Product form: | Liquid |
Solid Gold Holistic Delights Creamy Bisque with Chicken & Coconut Milk is a holistic formula designed to provide essential vitamins, minerals, amino acids, antioxidants, and taurine1 for your cat. The added coconut milk is easy to digest and gives your cat the calcium it needs. This formula is also grain-free for cats that are allergic to grains.
The bisque-type formula is easy to open and pour, and you can serve it over dry food or use it strictly on its own. This cat food comes in a case of 12 at a reasonable price and works well for picky eaters. A drawback is the pouches are not resealable, and some cats refuse to lap up the liquid. Nonetheless, with the quality ingredients and price, we feel this liquid cat food is the best overall liquid cat food.
Disclaimer: We recommend checking with your veterinarian before feeding a grain-free diet, as grains are beneficial to cats unless your cat has a food allergy.
2. Nulo FreeStyle Hearty Beef Bone Broth for Cats – Best Value
| Main ingredients:Â | Water, beef bones, apple cider vinegar |
| Protein content: | 0.5% |
| Fat content: | 0.1% |
| Calories | 30 kcal/carton |
| Product form: | Liquid |
Nulo FreeStyle Hearty Beef Bone Broth is made with all-natural ingredients and contains superfoods, such as turmeric and apple cider vinegar. This grain-free option includes kale, carrots, parsley, basil, thyme, and lemon juice. It comes in a 20-ounce pouch at a good value and is made in the U.S.A. The formula is kettle-cooked for 10 hours and is naturally rich in collagen.
You can use this in your cat’s regular food but also on its own for a temporary liquid diet. This liquid will keep your cat hydrated, and most cats lap it up. You have a choice of three flavors: hearty beef, classic turkey, or home-style chicken. Some consumers claim the broth is too vinegary and makes some cats turn up their noses. Still, with the healthy ingredients and reasonable price, we feel this food is the best liquid cat food for the money.
Disclaimer: We recommend checking with your veterinarian before feeding a grain-free diet, as grains are beneficial to cats unless your cat has a food allergy.
3. Made by Nacho Humanely-Raised Beef Bone Broth – Premium Choice
| Main ingredients:Â | Organic beef bone broth, carrot juice, apple juice |
| Protein content: | 2% |
| Fat content: | 0% |
| Calories: | 27 kcal ME/8.4-ounce container |
| Product form: | Liquid |
Made by Nacho Humanely-Raised Beef Bone Brothoffers prebiotics for healthy digestion. In addition to bone broth, the manufacturer added juices from non-GMO apples and carrots for a flavor your kitty will love. This broth will keep your recovering kitty hydrated, and you can use it as a topper once your kitty returns to a regular diet.
Made by Nacho is inspired by world-renowned chef Bobby Flay. Flay incorporates premium proteins in each recipe and pairs flavors that will entice your cat to eat. The liquid contains no peas, wheat, corn, or soy.
Some consumers state their cat does not like the broth and won’t drink it. However, you can use a syringe to feed your cat while on a liquid diet, as this broth serves excellent nutrition. This liquid food is expensive, but the benefits outweigh the price if you can swing it.
Disclaimer: We recommend checking with your veterinarian before feeding a grain-free diet, as grains are beneficial to cats unless your cat has a food allergy.
4. WHISKAS Cat Milk – Best for Kittens
| Main ingredients:Â | Milk, water, nonfat milk |
| Protein content: | 3.4% |
| Fat content: | 2.2% |
| Calories: | 5.07% per carton |
| Product form: | Liquid |
WHISKAS cat milk is excellent for kittens that need a liquid diet. It’s 98% lactose reduced and includes essential vitamins such as crude protein and calcium. It contains no artificial flavors or colors and was developed by top nutritionists to ensure your kitten receives all the nutrients required to get back on a healthy track. The added calcium promotes healthy teeth and bones, and it comes in a three-pack of 6.75-ounce cartons at a reasonable price.
The formula may be thicker than you need, but you can add a little water to make it thinner for easier administering. Beware that it states it comes in an 8-count, but it only comes in a box of three.
5. Chicken Soup for the Soul
| Main ingredients:Â | Chicken, chicken liver, chicken broth |
| Protein content: | 10% |
| Fat content: | 5.5% |
| Calories: | 194 kcal/can |
| Product form: | Pâté |
Chicken Soup for the Soul Chicken & Turkey Recipe is suitable for cats with no teeth that do not need a solely liquid diet. Chicken, chicken liver, and chicken broth are the primary ingredients, followed by turkey broth and salmon.
Made in the U.S.A., this recipe is complete and balanced. The pâté style makes eating easier for cats with few or no teeth. This food contains taurine, which is vital for vision, heart, and digestion. It has no by-products, wheat, corn, or soy. It also lacks artificial flavors or colors and comes in 5.5-ounce cans in a case of 24.
Please note that this food is not completely liquid and may not work for a kitty with a poor appetite or that is recovering from an injury or surgery.
6. The Honest Kitchen Goat’s Milk With Probiotics for Cats
| Main ingredients: | Dehydrated goat’s milk |
| Protein content: | 35% |
| Fat content: | 1% |
| Calories: | 10 kcal per packet |
| Product form: | Powder |
The Honest Kitchen Goat’s Milk is 100% human-grade and contains essential nutrients your cat needs, especially if your cat needs a temporary liquid diet. This powder contains 1.5 billion probiotics and is free from by-products, preservatives, and GMO ingredients. It’s easy to mix; just add water to the mix per instructions, and you’re ready to serve. This formula is human-grade and made in a human food facility.
This powder comes in a 5.2-ounce canister, 1.3-ounce packets, and a 5.2-ounce bundle of two. It is gently dehydrated and made from free-range, pasture-raised goat’s milk. You can use this powder as a topper with your cat’s regular diet once you start feeding dry or wet food.
This product is a little pricey, and it takes quite a bit of powder to mix it correctly. It also spoils quickly in the fridge, so don’t mix too much at once.
7. Virbac Rebound Recuperation for Cats
| Main ingredients:Â | Water, spray-dried chicken liver, poultry broth |
| Protein content: | 2.5% |
| Fat content: | 2% |
| Calories: | 13.8 kcal/30 ml |
| Product form: | Liquid |
For cats recovering from surgery or an illness, Virbac Rebound Recuperation is an excellent option. This fluid therapy will help your cat regain strength while providing essential nutrients. It comes in a 5.1-ounce bottle, is easy to feed, and you can use a syringe or pour it into your cat’s bowl.
This formula supports the GI tract and immune system and promotes eating and drinking. It’s full of vitamins and can be stored in the fridge upon opening for 7 days. Some complain that the formula has a strong, foul smell, and most cats need this fed via syringe due to no interest in the product. With the essential nutrients, we recommend using a syringe so your kitty gets the nutrients it needs to regain strength. It’s also a little pricey.
8. Fancy Feast Purina High Protein, Limited Ingredient for Cats
| Main ingredients:Â | Chicken broth, chicken, carrots |
| Protein content: | 7% |
| Fat content: | .05% |
| Calories: | 16 per pouch |
| Product form: | Liquid, broth, stew |
Fancy Feast Purina High Protein, Limited Ingredient is grain-free and suitable for senior cats 7 and up. It contains shredded chicken in a broth-type liquid stew, making mealtime easier for senior cats with little to no teeth.
It’s fortified with vitamins, an amino acid, and taurine to give your senior cat the daily boost it needs to be healthy. It’s packed with protein and contains no artificial flavors, preservatives, or by-products.
This food may contain more chunky bits than broth, and its price is a tad on the high end.
Disclaimer: We recommend checking with your veterinarian before feeding a grain-free diet, as grains are beneficial to cats unless your cat has a food allergy.
9. Tiki Cat Broths Salmon in Broth with Meaty Bits for Cats
| Main ingredients:Â | Salmon broth, salmon |
| Protein content: | 5% |
| Fat content: | .05% |
| Calories: | 11 kcal ME/pouch |
| Product form: | Broth, liquid |
Tiki Cat Broths Salmon in Broth with Meaty Bits contains high-quality proteins and will keep your cat hydrated. It’s 100% free from grains, by-products, artificial flavors, colors, and fillers. Real salmon broth and salmon are the main ingredients and will give your recovering kitty a boost.
Some consumers state that the portion is skimpy, and it may be hard to get all of it out of the pouch, so keep that in mind before you buy it.
Disclaimer: We recommend checking with your veterinarian before feeding a grain-free diet, as grains are beneficial to cats unless your cat has a food allergy.Â
10. Hartz Delectables Savory Broths for Cats
| Main ingredients:Â | Multiple flavors/water, chicken, turkey |
| Protein content: | 5% |
| Fat content: | .1% |
| Calories: | 13.2 kcal ME/40 g |
| Product form: | Broth, liquid |
Hartz Delectables Savory Broths come in multiple flavors, including chicken, turkey, tuna, salmon, shrimp, and white fish. These recipes come in a pack of 12 with 1.4 ounces each and are grain-free with no fillers or artificial flavors. Once you’re done with feeding your cat a liquid diet, you can still use this food as a tasty topper. This broth can also come in handy for cats with little to no teeth, as you can use it to moisten dry food and provide a little something extra. It’s also reasonably priced, especially for 12-packs.
The tear strip may fail, and you may need to cut the packet to get all of it out. The smell might be a bit pungent for some, and the gravy may be lacking in portion.
Disclaimer: We recommend checking with your veterinarian before feeding a grain-free diet, as grains are beneficial to cats unless your cat has a food allergy.
Buyer’s Guide: Finding the Best Liquid Cat Food
Now that we’ve explored our top 10 picks for the best liquid cat foods, you still may have some questions. Liquid diets are not for every cat, and you need to be aware of when to feed a liquid diet, so let’s dive deeper.
When to Feed a Liquid Diet for Cats
A liquid diet for cats is not meant to be a long-term regime for their diet but rather for hydration and regaining strength due to an illness or post-surgery. A liquid diet may also be beneficial for cats with little to no teeth.
You may have noticed our disclaimer regarding grain-free formulas. Most liquid diets are grain-free and are not intended to be your cat’s sole food. The inclusion of grains is beneficial to most cats unless they have a grain allergy. That’s why it’s important to only feed a liquid diet when necessary.
Some cats with a terminal illness may benefit from a permanent liquid diet, but in that instance, we recommend consulting your veterinarian on what to feed your cat to ensure you’re providing all the necessary nutrients.
How Do I Feed My Cat a Liquid Diet?
You can try to put the liquid in your cat’s bowl and see if your cat licks it up. Some cats may be too weak to eat, especially after surgery. In that case, you can administer the liquid through a syringe1 to ensure your recovering cat gets all the necessary components to regain strength.
Feeding a liquid diet is not as easy as it sounds, and you’ll need patience. Start slowly, and don’t force too much liquid into the mouth at once. Also, ensure the liquid is at room temperature before feeding. You can always consult your veterinarian about techniques that may make the process easier for the both of you, as force-feeding1 requires patience.
Can I Make My Own Liquid Diet for My Cat?
It’s possible to make your own liquid diet, but we strongly advise consulting your vet before diving in. In some cases, you can mix wet food with a little water in a blender. One advantage here is the wet food will have complete and balanced nutrients, but again, feeding your cat a liquid diet will more than likely be a temporary situation.
How Many Milliliters of Liquid Food Should I Feed My Cat Daily?
How many milliliters of liquid food per day will depend on why you’re feeding your cat a liquid diet. As we’ve mentioned, a liquid diet is usually only needed if your cat is recovering from an injury or surgery or has a terminal illness. In those cases, your veterinarian will explain how much to feed each day and when.
In the event your cat is not eating due to a loss of appetite and hasn’t eaten in a day or two (especially 2 days), it’s vital to give your cat nutrients. But how much do you feed1 ?
A healthy cat requires roughly 180–225 calories per day, while a 1-pound kitten will require 40–50 calories per day. A cat will eat roughly 20 milliliters of food per pound of its body weight daily. For example, a 10-pound cat will require 200 milliliters per day, while a 2-pound cat will require 40 milliliters per day. Calorie intake cannot be achieved in one feeding, so you’ll need to portion the liquid food into three equal meals every 3–4 hours.
Only provide a small amount at a time and wait until your cat swallows before applying more liquid food into your cat’s mouth. And be as gentle as possible!
High-quality cat food is an important part of fostering a long and healthy life for your cat but the right cat food and water dish will promote good posture, offer whisker relief, and aid in good digestion. The Hepper NomNom Cat Bowl is our favorite bowl since it offers all of the above and is beautifully crafted to meet modern home stylings. The wide tray design catches any food and water spills and the entire setup is dishwasher safe. Learn more about the Hepper NomNom Cat Bowl here.
At Pet Keen, we’ve admired Hepper for many years and decided to take a controlling ownership interest so that we could benefit from the outstanding designs of this cool cat company!
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Final Thoughts
Based on consumer reviews, Solid Gold Holistic Delights Creamy Bisque with Chicken & Coconut Milk is a holistic formula with added coconut milk for easy digestion at a reasonable price. Nulo FreeStyle Hearty Beef Bone Broth provides all-natural superfoods for the best value. Made by Nacho Humanely-Raised Beef Bone Broth is inspired by chef Bobby Flay and includes non-GMO apple and carrot juice. For kittens, WHISKAS Cat Milk is 98% lactose-free, and Chicken Soup for the Soul Chicken & Turkey Recipe is complete and balanced.
We wish you luck in your cat’s health, and always consult your veterinarian on how much to feed.
Featured Image Credit: Chendongshan, Shutterstock
