If you are a new owner of a beautiful British Shorthair, finding the best cat food for British Shorthair cats will be a big priority. Even if you are a seasoned pro when it comes to taking care of these majestic moggies, providing your beloved feline with top-quality cat food that is tailored to their specific needs can contribute to improving their overall health and wellbeing.
Characterised by their butter-wouldn’t-melt big, round eyes and their thick coat with plenty of fluff, there are plenty of reasons why British shorthair cats are one of the UK’s most popular cat breeds. To ensure their beautiful fur stays looking nice and shiny, you’ll want to look for a wet or dry cat food that has high levels of Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids as these will aid with keeping their skin and coat in a good condition.
Best cat food for British Shorthair cats at a glance:
• Best dry cat food for British Shorthair: Royal Canin British Shorthair Adult Dry Cat Food – Buy now on Amazon UK
• Best wet cat food for British Shorthair: Royal Canin British Shorthair Adult Cat Wet Food – Buy now on Amazon UK
• Best fresh cat food for British Shorthair: KatKin Cat Food Subscription – Buy now on Katkin
The breed is known for its chilled-out and easy-going temperament, but this also means they can be a little bit lazy compared to other cat breeds. With that in mind, the best cat food for British Shorthairs may be one that is a calorie-controlled diet or offers some form of weight management to stop them gaining too much fat. That being said, you’ll also want to ensure their diet still has plenty of protein in it to build up their strength and support their muscle development.
Whether you’re after the best dry cat food for British Shorthair cats or after a wet cat food diet for your little fluff ball, we’re here to help. We’ve searched the web to find British Shorthair cat food that will provide the right levels of nutrition to have your feline friend thriving.
Best cat food for British Shorthair UK
Best dry cat food for British Shorthair cats
Royal CaninOpting for a breed-specific food, like the Royal Canin British Shorthair Adult Dry Cat Food, will ensure your British Shorthair is getting all the right nutrients they need to grow happy and healthy as the recipe is tailored to their needs. Enriched with an adapted level of protein and L-Carnitine, it supports muscle mass and healthy fat metabolism. Omega-3 fatty acids maintain bone and joint health, while taurine, EPA, and DHA promote cardiac function. The kibble has a large and curvy shape that has been adapted according to the British Shorthair cat's jaw, aiding their oral hygiene too.
Several customer reviews comment on how pleasant this dry cat food smells and how much cats enjoy it. In particular, a customer says: " It has been amazing for our cat, and he loves it. It does not have a strong odour like some foods I have tried."
It's important to follow the feeding guide with this type of food, as some customers comment that their cats gained weight eating it. But overwhelmingly, Royal Canin dry cat food for BSHs is a top choice for maintaining a soft and shiny coat and good energy levels.
Pros
- Specially designed kibble to suit the breed
- Adapted level of protein contributes to maintaining muscle mass
- Helps support bone, joint and cardiac health
Cons
- Overall meat content could be higher as the flavour is a dehydrated poultry protein
| Food type: | Dry food |
| Food weight: | 400g, 2kg, 4kg, 10kg |
| Flavour: | Poultry |
- Dehydrated poultry protein, rice, vegetable protein isolate*, animal fats, maize, maize gluten, vegetable fibres, hydrolysed animal proteins, chicory pulp, fish oil, soya oil, minerals, yeasts and parts thereof, fructo-oligo-saccharides, hydrolysed yeast (source of manno-oligo-saccharides), borage oil, hydrolysed crustaceans (source of glucosamine), marigold extract (source of lutein), hydrolysed cartilage (source of chondroitin).
Best wet cat food for British Shorthair cats
Royal CaninAs well as a dry food recipe, you can get a breed-specific wet food from Royal Canin for your British Shorthair moggy, too. The Royal Canin British Shorthair Adult Cat Wet Food contains a moderate energy level and an adapted fat content for effective weight management to ensure your cat's weight is mostly muscle instead of fat. To help maintain the health of your cat's short, dense and plush coat, these meaty chunks in a succulent gravy contain a specific balance of nutrients and vitamins to maintain a healthy and well-nourished coat and support and maintain healthy skin.
This Amazon's Choice recommended product is praised in reviews for being a favourite treat for their BSH cat. It's gentle on cats who have sensitive digestion, as one owner comments: "One of the few wet foods my cat with IBS is both able to eat safely and enjoy." However, it is an expensive way to feed a cat, and it's best to supplement with dry food as a topper to make it go further.
Pros
- Adapted fat content to help maintain ideal body condition
- Maintains skin and coat health
- Specific balance of nutrients and vitamins
Cons
- Exactly meat included unknown as the composition states meat and animal derivatives
| Food type: | Wet food |
| Food weight: | 12 x 85g |
| Flavour: | Fish |
- Meat and animal derivatives, cereals, fish and fish derivatives, vegetable protein extracts, oils and fats, derivatives of vegetable origin, minerals, various sugars.
Best fresh cat food for British Shorthair cats
KatKinwww.katkin.com
For a personalised feeding plan tailored to the exact needs of your British Shorthair, consider a KatKin Cat Food Subscription. KatKin use 100 per cent human-quality meats in their food (so you may be tempted to eat it yourself!) with their recipes created by a board-certified veterinary nutritionist to be nutritious, complete and balanced so your British Shorthair has everything they need in their diet to keep them fit and healthy. You just need to fill in some information about your kitty, such as their age, weight, activity levels, and more, so KatKin can calculate their nutritional and calorie needs. The tailored recipe will then be delivered straight to your door.
Customers praise the pure ingredients and how they transform the eating habits of even the most fussy cats. In addition, a review comments on Katkin's great reputation, with "impeccable customer service and genuine feline love…"
Pricing starts at just £1.89 a day. Food is supplied frozen, so you may need to free up some space. The subscription is completely flexible, so you can pause, delay, or cancel at any time.
Pros
- Made using 100 per cent human-quality meats
- Tailored nutrition to take into account weight, active levels, allergies and health conditions
- Arrives to your door perfectly portioned so you know exactly how much to feed your kitty
Cons
- Food needs to be stored in the freezer/fridge, so make sure you've got plenty of space to store it among your food
- Price varies from cat to cat due to tailored nature of food
| Food type: | Wet food |
| Food weight: | Depends on your cat's needs |
| Flavour: | Depends on your cat's needs |
- Varies as recipe is tailored to your individual cat
Best weight management food for British Shorthair cats
Hill's Prescription Dietwww.petsathome.com
If your British Shorthair has started to pile on the pounds or needs help to keep its weight in check, Hill's Prescription Diet Metabolic Weight Management Feline Food has been clinically formulated to work naturally with your cat's unique energy use for easy and effective weight loss without the need to dramatically reduce its portion size at mealtimes. The food stimulates a cat's natural ability to burn fat with its unique fibre blend, which helps to keep kitties feeling full and satisfied.
Reviews comment that this food has been recommended by vets for overweight cats to reach and maintain their optimum weight. A customer confirms it works: "In the 6 months since starting, she's lost 100g a month. Down 600g so far at a steady pace. Little and often works best."
As with most dietary foods, it is expensive, but if you stick to the feeding guide it isn't that eye-watering. For example, a 4kg being fed a 70g portion of this food costs 46p.
Pros
- Helps with weight loss and weight management
- Keeps cats feeling full and satisfied
- Provides energy
Cons
- Not recommended for growing kittens, pregnant or nursing cats
| Food type: | Dry food |
| Food weight: | 1.5kg |
| Flavour: | Chicken |
- Meat and animal derivatives (chicken 16%), vegetable protein extracts, cereals, derivatives of vegetable origin, vegetables, oils and fats, seeds, minerals.
Best hypoallergenic cat food for British Shorthair cats
PurinaIf your British Shorthair is starting to show signs of a food allergy, sensitivity or intolerance but you're not sure what it could be, the Pro Plan Veterinary Diets Hypoallergenic Dry Cat Food is a good place to start. It's designed to be used as part of an elimination diet and has a stripped-back ingredients list so you can work out the cause of your kitty's tummy troubles or itchy skin. It's made with protein that has been broken down (hydrolysed) into very tiny components that are too small to cause an allergic reaction and a purified carbohydrate source.
One customer was initially sceptical but pleased that all three fussy cats enjoyed the food. It helped resolve their cat’s bowel issues, improved their appetite and led to healthy weight gain. Despite the higher price, they found it to be of good value because there was no wastage.
Reviews indicate that it has been effective in solving their cats' food intolerance issues. After months of loose stools, a cat owner commented: "With this food, it took him just a few days to go back to normal."
Pros
- Stripped back ingredients list to help identify trigger ingredients
- Helps with skin/tummy troubles
- Contains hydrolysed protein
Cons
- Best results are used as part of an elimination diet trial, so it might not be ideal for feeding to your kitty long-term
| Food type: | Dry food |
| Food weight: | 1.3kg, 3.5kg |
| Flavour: | Pork/Fish |
- Hydrolysed soya protein*, Rice starch**, soyabean oil, minerals, hydrolysed digest*, animal fat, fish oil. *Protein sources, **Carbohydrate source
Best high-protein cat food for British Shorthair cats
Scrumbles
Made with 75 per cent chicken, Scrumbles All Natural Dry Cat Food offers a high level of protein which will support your British Shorthair's muscle development. It's made with derivatives, preservatives or fillers and is naturally hypoallergenic, so it'll support a glossy coat and healthy urinary tract. It also has added probiotics for gentle digestion, so it's ideal for kitties with sensitive stomachs. Not to mention with all that meat, it's sure to get your kitty purring at mealtimes.
In a particular online review, a customer’s cat was hesitant at first – it didn't have the same appeal as 'junk food' equivalents – but eventually started enjoying the bites, and she eats well. The owner appreciates the high-quality nutrition, and the small kibble size works with an automatic feeder. They’ve also noticed their cat has a shinier, fluffier coat.
Scrumbles food is gluten-free but bear in mind it's nutrient-dense, so it's important to stick to the feeding guide, as it can have an adverse effect on cats if they overeat, as an owner comments: "In summary, apparently delicious cat food…but possibly quite rich … so do keep an eye on your pet scoffing too much too fast, to avoid accidents later."
Pros
- High meat content
- No derivatives, preservatives or fillers
- Added probiotics for gentle digestion
Cons
- Biggest bag available is 2.5kg, so it might not last very long
- Nutrient-dense, can be too rich if overfed
| Food type: | Dry food |
| Food weight: | 750g, 2.5kg |
| Flavour: | Chicken |
- 75% Chicken 38% Dehydrated Chicken, 26% Freshly Prepared Chicken, 8% Chicken Fat, 3% Chicken Stock, 18.5% Rice, 2.5% Dried Alfalfa, 1.5% Salmon Oil, Vitamins & Minerals, 0.4% Dried Cranberry, 0.07% Dried Carrot, 0.015% Yucca, Dried Spearmint.
Best cat food for British Shorthair cats for coat and skin condition
Royal CaninAs well as their big, round eyes, the main thing British Shorthairs are known for is their oh-so-fluffy coat. With the Royal Canin Hair and Skin Care Adult Dry Cat Food in their bowls at mealtimes, you’ll know your kitty’s coat will be looking its best. It’s enriched with essential fatty acids such as Omega-3 and Omega-6 to promote healthy skin renewal and hair growth. The formula also includes a unique blend of minerals to support their urinary system health. Clinically proven to enhance coat shine in just 21 days, this hair and skin care food provides comprehensive nutrition for your cat’s wellbeing.
Customer reviews indicate that this food is effective in improving the condition of cats' fur and skin, including those who suffer from sensitivities. This review echoes what several customers have said: "Her skin and coat are lovely and shiny, no more dandruff."
It is a premium price, with a single 400g pack costing around £10. However, it is proven to help cats with dry and itchy skin. Also, it's available in a small range of flavours, which is not always the case with dietetic food.
Pros
- Clinically proven to enhance coat shine in 21 days
- Contains Omega-3 and Omega-6 for skin and hair health
- Includes a unique mineral blend to support urinary health
- Helps reduce dry, itchy skin and dandruff
- More flavours compared to some dietetic foods
Cons
- More expensive than regular cat food
| Food type: | Dry food |
| Food weight: | 400g, 2kg, 4kg, 10kg |
| Flavour: | Poultry |
- Dehydrated poultry protein, animal fats, vegetable protein isolate*, rice, vegetable fibres, maize, hydrolysed animal proteins, wheat, yeasts and parts thereof, maize flour, maize gluten, beet pulp, soya oil, fish oil, minerals, borage oil, marigold extract (source of lutein). Crude ash: 6.9%. Crude fibre: 5%. Crude oil fats: 22%. Moisture: %. Protein: 33%.
Best cat food for British Shorthair kittens
Royal CaninWe've included the adult Royal Canin recipes for British Shorthairs earlier in our list, but what about the kittens? As the Royal Canin British Shorthair Kitten Dry Food is literally made for British Shorthair kittens, it'll make sure your kitty gets the best start in life, thanks to its tailored breed-specific nutrition. It has an adapted protein content as well as precisely balanced vitamins and minerals to help support healthy muscles, strong bones and your kitty's immune system while they are still developing. The moon-shaped kibble is specially adapted in size and texture to make it easier for your kitten to grasp.
On the whole, customer reviews indicate that their kittens love this dry food. Plus, if you have a kitten that's prone to sensitivities, take note, as a review comments: "This food is fantastic for this breed no stomach problems worth the extra money."
It is a premium cat food that's slightly pricier, but it can last longer if fed in conjunction with wet food. You are assured of specialised nutrition that will help British Shorthair kittens to thrive.
Pros
- Adapted moon-shape kibble is easier to eat
- Breed-specific nutrition is tailored for British Shorthair kittens' needs
- Supports healthy growth with balanced nutrients
- Well-tolerated by kittens with sensitivities
- Highly rated by owners with kittens enjoying the taste and thriving
Cons
- More expensive than regular kitten food
| Food type: | Dry food |
| Food weight: | 400g, 2kg, 10kg |
| Flavour: | Poultry |
- Dehydrated poultry protein, rice, vegetable protein isolate*, animal fats, maize, hydrolysed animal proteins, maize gluten, wheat fl our, beet pulp, vegetable fibres, fish oil, minerals, soya oil, yeasts and parts thereof, psyllium husks and seeds (0.5%), fructo-oligo-saccharides, hydrolysed yeast (source of manno-oligosaccharides), yeasts extracts (source of betaglucans), borage oil, marigold extract (source of lutein), hydrolysed crustaceans (source of glucosamine), hydrolysed cartilage (source of chondroitin).
How we chose the best cat food for British shorthairs
All of these cat foods have been hand-selected by our team of Take A Break Pets shopping experts. We carefully considered quality, nutrition and affordability in our selection of the best. Our team has spent hours investigating and researching the best cat food for British shorthairs to make it easier for you to find the very best, and we'd never recommend a product we don't believe in.
With pets big and small on our team, where possible we'll share the best products that have been tried and tested by our own furry friends who have given their paw of approval. And, with help from veterinary experts, we share their knowledge to ensure everything we choose is paw-fect for your pet.
Best cat food for British shorthair FAQs
Do British Shorthair cats need special food?
While special food isn't technically needed to ensure your British Shorthair cat grows up happy and healthy, they will benefit from having a tailored diet that caters to their specific nutritional needs. You'll want to choose a diet from cat food brands that include high levels of protein for muscle support with essential fatty acids to keep their skin and coat in tip-top condition. You may also want to consider a low-calorie/weight management food as the breed can be prone to weight gain and obesity.
Do British Shorthairs have sensitive stomachs?
While British Shorthair cats aren't particularly known for having a sensitive tum, it doesn't mean that your British Shorthair won't be prone to digestive issues as well as food allergies, sensitivities or intolerances. Factors such as diet, stress and an underlying health condition can all contribute to stomach problems so if you're worried about your kitty's tummy, you should speak to your vet to help you identify the cause.
How often should a British Shorthair eat?
Like most other cat breeds, British Shorthair cats should ideally eat two to three meals a day as providing meals at regular times helps to regulate their appetite and prevents them from over-eating. If your British Shorthair is a kitten, you may want to feed them more, smaller meals as they grow to accommodate changes in their metabolism and digestion.
Are British Shorthair cats fussy eaters?
Generally, British Shorthairs aren't considered fussy eaters. They have pretty good appetites and enjoy their food. While you won't need to worry about providing a specific cat food for fussy eaters, you may need to consider weight management food instead to ensure they don't pile on the pounds.
However, just like us humans, British Shorthair cats can have their preferences when it comes to flavour and texture, so it's not uncommon for them to turn their noses up if they'd rather have something else dished up to them at meal times.
Rosie Floyd is a Pets, Homes and Garden Product Writer for Take A Break Pets, specialising in all things dogs. She grew up always having at least one dog as part of the family and has experience in owning a variety of breeds, including Labradors, Cockapoos and Yorkshire Terriers.