Are you the proud owner of a regal Sphynx cat? Perhaps you are wondering what the best cat food for Sphynx cats is. Not all feline breeds are the same, and not all cat foods are created equally. This can make it challenging for owners to know what foods will best meet the nutritional needs of their sweet feline friend.
Sphynx owners have many questions about the breed, and a big area of concern is what to feed them. The Sphynx is not a feline breed that is extremely common. This may be due to their unique appearance. They are a naturally occurring hairless breed that has only been around since the 1970s. Nutrition is one of the biggest factors owners can control and is a huge part of a cat’s development and lifelong health.
There is a lot more that goes into choosing cat food than cute pictures on the label or claims with buzzwords. Nutrition is one of the core building blocks of lifelong health, and as cats go through their lives, their nutritional needs will fluctuate. Owners should always research a brand and get to know them before committing. Look at what a brand stands for and its background, along with what they put in products and where they come from. Below, we look at some of the best foods for Sphynx cats.
- What Do Sphynx Cats Eat?
- Ingredients To Look For
- How Much Does A Sphynx Cat Eat?
- Adult Cat Needs vs. Kitten Nutritional Needs
- Best Foods For Sphynx Cats
- Best Overall
- Best Dry Food For Sphynx
- Best Sphynx Wet Food
- Best Sphynx Fresh Food
- Best Sphynx Kitten Food
- Best Freeze-Dried Food For Sphynx Cats
- Breed-Specific Food For Sphynx
- Final Thoughts
Best Foods For Sphynx Cats At A Glance
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What Do Sphynx Cats Eat?
The mighty Sphynx, like all felines, is an obligate carnivore. This means their diets must primarily be made of meat. They need the nutrients and elements from animal proteins to develop properly, function, and stay healthy. Though there are other ingredients included in commercial cat foods, high-quality protein is one of the most important elements. For this reason, it is wise to always be careful when feeding this feline human food.
As a hairless breed, these kitty’s internal systems must work harder to keep them warm. Because of this, they need constant replenishment from nutritional energy. Many owners will feed their Sphynx cats several small meals throughout the day rather than a few larger ones. The Sphynx does better on a high-protein diet. They are a breed that thoroughly enjoys eating. Foods with lots of high-quality protein will help them feel full for a longer period of time as well as provide them with energy.
The Sphynx is also a feline that is likely to develop digestive issues. A common one is irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). They have incredibly sensitive stomachs and digestive systems. If not fed properly, they can experience numerous issues. These include very messy bowels, loose bowels, extremely smelly gas, and litter boxes, as well as fecal matter sticking to their paws and tracking about the house. The breed is prone to loose bowels, even if they do not develop IBS.
Because of the breed’s propensity to develop extremely odorous, loose bowels, it is sometimes recommended that they eat something referred to as a low-residue diet. Low-residue diets and cat food are helpful in managing constipation and loose bowels. It also produces minimal waste, something that is very important for this breed. Low-residue diets are low in high-quality fiber and work to help reduce constipation, as well as healthy bacteria for the intestines. Low-residue foods use high-quality animal protein, small amounts of fat, and high moisture content. They should contain under 4% fiber. Low carbohydrates and low grain content are also a good idea, as these are harder for felines to digest.
The low residue diet will help the Sphynx cat’s digestive system function better, as well as keep their stools soft but not loose.
Ingredients To Look For
Stay away from unnamed protein sources like generally labeled meat byproducts. Avoid foods that have added fillers and chemicals like the artificial preservative Butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA). This is only safe in very low doses for humans and has been shown to cause tumors to grow in laboratory animals. Also, avoid brands that add artificial colors like dyes and caramel. Look out for added sodium nitrate, artificial colors, flavors, and fillers like wheat gluten. Avoid recipes that use high levels of seasoning, like onion and garlic, both of which can be toxic to cats in moderate to high doses.
There are some basic ingredients to look out for. It is always advisable to read pet food labels to see what exactly goes into them.
Protein
Named animal protein is incredibly important in cat food. Steer clear of foods that simply label protein as meat or meat byproducts. Named proteins like chicken, beef, turkey, salmon, lamb, whitefish, and other named natural proteins are best. Whole meats followed by named organ meats such as livers and hearts are best.
Fats
Felines need a moderate amount of healthy fat in their diets to support immune system health, eye health, as well as skin and coat health. Fat also makes food taste better. The Sphynx cat does better on lower-fat diets, as fat can be hard for them to digest. However, they do need healthy fats like Omega fatty acids from their diets. Healthy fats can come from fish oils as well as some nut or seed oils like sunflower oil. Fish like tuna, mackerel, salmon, and sardines are quite high in healthy Omega-3 fatty acids and are a great source of healthy fat.
Carbohydrates
Felines do not need carbohydrates, and too many can be hard for them to digest. These are mainly found in plant material, which also provides a healthy source of fiber. Carbohydrates act as binders and fillers, in particular corn and wheat. Healthier carbohydrate choices are sweet potatoes, potato starch, and green beans.
Taurine
The amino acid taurine is important to feline heart health, but they cannot produce it naturally. This must come from their diet and is often added to cat chow. It is found naturally in fish, meat, and dairy products.
The American Association For Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) provides nutritional guidelines that commercial pet foods follow.
The AAFCO Nutrient Requirements for cats recommend:
- Protein minimum of 36% for kittens and 26% for adults
- Fat minimum of 9% for kittens and 9% for adults
- Calcium minimum of 1% for kittens and 0.6% for adults
Always talk to your vet if you are concerned about what to feed your cat. If your purr baby has an incredibly foul-smelling poo, a change in diet may help. Keep in mind that all feline breeds have different specific needs. Larger cats, like the Maine Coon, will need a different type of food than the smaller Sphynx, etc.
How Much Does A Sphynx Cat Eat?
The Sphynx will eat different portion sizes and amounts throughout different phases of their lives. Kittens use more energy due to rapid growth and will likely eat more. Adults and senior cats will eat less often. We have created a basic Sphynx feeding chart as a guideline for what to feed these kitties throughout their lives. Newborn kittens will start out on their mother’s milk, then wean and transition to kitten kibble sometime between six and nine weeks old. After that, they will eat kitten kibble until they reach about one year. As adults, there are many different options, though it may be hard to find a breed-specific formula.
Keep in mind smaller cats need less food. The Sphynx weighs between 6 to 12 pounds on average. As adults, they should eat between one and one and a half cups of food a day. They may need just a couple of tablespoons a few times a day to keep digestion smooth.
Adult Cat Needs vs. Kitten Nutritional Needs
Kittens and adult kitties should not be fed the same thing. Kittens are growing at an incredibly increased rate and use more energy. They need food that is higher in calories, protein, and healthy fat. They need constant energy replenishment from their diets. As adults, however, felines do not need as much fat and calories and can even become overweight, leading to obesity and diseases like diabetes. Senior cats can sometimes develop digestive issues and need more selective diets. Owners should always do their best to feed felines of any breed the appropriate aged dietary formula.
Best Foods For Sphynx Cats
Below, we have reviewed several different options for feeding the glorious Sphynx cat. Keep in mind that they do not have any special dietary restrictions or needs other than those we have discussed. These kitties do not need to be fed freshly made or raw diets, though some may enjoy them. Let’s jump in and discuss the best foods for Sphynx cats.
Best Overall
Smalls Human Grade
- Human-grade, fresh cat meals.
- Over 80% of real meat is in every recipe.
- Low in fiber.
- Four protein choices.
- Three texture options.
- Subscription-based service delivered to your door.
Smalls Human Grade cat food is exactly that. This is a subscription box service that owners can customize to meet their cat’s needs. Delicious fresh meals made from human-grade ingredients. None of the junk or filler, and always made with fresh meats. Four protein choices, chicken, turkey, beef, and fish (salmon and cod). Very high in animal meat protein. For example, the chicken options contain 86% chicken (including organs), about 85% beef (including organs), and even the fish recipe is 81% fish.
Smalls products are low in fiber, something very important for the Sphynx cat. That, along with the fresh ingredients, makes this a great option. It can be used along with high-quality kibble to give your kitty the best possible nutrition.
We love that this option comes in three textures. Ground, smooth, and pulled. The texture is very important because sometimes, kitties can be very meticulous about texture. Smalls has flavor and nutritional value and are easy to digest, making it a wonderful choice for the Sphynx.
Best Dry Food For Sphynx
Dry cat food is also called kibble or chow. Kibble should always be part of a Sphynx’s diet. Fortunately, there are a plethora of options available. Keep in mind that cat formulas differ by brand, so make sure that you always read labels.
Blue Buffalo Tastefuls Sensitive Stomach
- Formulated for sensitive digestion.
- Low in fiber, 3.5%.
- No corn, wheat, or soy.
- Affordable and easy to find.
- Better for adults.
- 422 calories per cup.
Blue Buffalo Tastefuls Sensitive Stomach Natural is a recipe specially formulated for kitties prone to digestive issues like the Sphynx. This kibble is low in fiber, 3.5 %, so it is easy to digest. Single protein formula using deboned chicken, chicken meal, and chicken fat. No corn, wheat, or soy. Chicken and brown rice recipe.
This recipe has lots of tasty vegetables as well. Offering a boost of vitamins, minerals, and nutrients. Ingredients like cranberry boost digestion and urinary tract health. There are no meat-by-product meals, artificial flavors, preservatives, or colors.
We love that this is a healthy, affordable kibble designed for felines with sensitive stomachs. The Sphynx is a kitty that needs top nutrition that does not break the bank, and this is a perfect kibble choice. Best for adults, not kittens. 422 calories per cup.
Ziwi Peak Air-Dried Beef Recipe
- Unique air-dry preparation method.
- All recipes are 96% meat.
- Recipes include New Zealand green mussels.
- A raw alternative in kibble-like form.
- No added grains or sugars.
- 2% fiber at maximum, easy to digest.
Ziwi is a brand of cat food that uses a unique air-drying process to create a kibble that is unlike any other. Made from free-range New Zealand beef. We are discussing the beef recipe, but the company offers five protein choices in total. Along with beef, they have free-range chicken, venison, lamb, and mackerel & lamb. All recipes are 96% meat, with no grains or sugars added.
Food is cooked through a gentle air-drying method, using ethical and sustainable ingredients. It is not a freeze-dried product or one that needs rehydrating. Kibble is ready to serve from the package. Additional ingredients include New Zealand green mussels, an ingredient known to have natural anti-inflammatory effects. These are sometimes called a superfood for pets, as they are high in glucosamine, chondroitin, and Omega-3s. Fatty acids. Amino acids, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. These help with arthritis, joint issues, weak immune systems, and more. This option has only 2% fiber at the maximum, so it is easy for felines to digest.
We love that the dry food from Ziwi is a delicious, ready-to-serve, raw alternative in a kibble-type form. Additionally, the addition of mussels makes Ziwi a top choice. Full of flavor and nutrition and made with great care. 312 calories per scoop.
Tiki Cat Born Carnivore Chicken & Egg Grain-Free
- High protein, low carb recipe.
- Baked kibble.
- All non-GMO ingredients.
- Low fiber.
- Easy to digest.
- Best for adult cats.
Tiki Cat Born Carnivore Deboned Chicken and Egg is a high protein, low carb recipe that felines love. The baked kibble is high in protein and low in fiber. It is easy to digest and contains no corn, wheat, soy, or grains. All ingredients are non-GMO.
Protein comes from deboned chicken, chicken meal, dehydrated chicken, dried eggs, and chicken fat. Plenty of good protein and no fillers or hard-to-digest plant materials. Best for adult cats, over one year.
We love that 80% of the protein in the kibble comes from real animal sources, not byproducts. This one does not lack either flavor or nutrition. 482 calories per cup.
Best Sphynx Wet Food
Wet or canned food is a tasty treat and one many Sphynxes will love. Wet food is packed full of fresh meat flavor. Owners need to watch out for canned options that are high in fatty gravies and those that use wheat gluten to build up meat-like chunks. Wet food should be part of a cat’s diet to add extra moisture and flavor variety. Some cats may require a primarily wet diet if they have kidney issues or are not getting enough to drink.
Open Farm Rustic Blends
- Fresh ingredients.
- Top-notch flavor.
- Developed for better digestion.
- 6 flavor options.
- 100% traceable ingredients.
- All ethically sourced proteins.
Open Farm makes top-quality, delicious cat offerings, perfect for supporting the majestic Sphynx. Single protein recipes without any fillers or artificial ingredients. They are very low in fiber, so these are a great choice for the sensitive digestion of the Sphynx. Better ingredients mean less smelly litter boxes as well. Their Rustic Blends line is a great choice for wet cat food.
Open Farm is a big favorite for wet food, but they make delicious dry kibble as well. Simple recipes offer great flavor and top nutritional value. Only ethically sourced proteins are used in all Open Farm products. Fresh ingredients like pumpkin add flavor and aid in healthy digestion. This is a great choice for picky eaters and those with tender stomachs.
We love that Open Farm Rustic Blends offers six different healthy protein choices. Humanely raised meat and poultry, Pacific caught salmon, ocean herring, and mackerel offer top protein quality, taste, and nutritional value. They use 100% traceable ingredients, so this stuff is as good as if you picked the ingredients yourself.
Wellness Core Grain-Free Canned
- Protein-rich wet food.
- Mainly meat.
- Grain-free formula.
- Best for adults.
- Good for picky eaters.
- High in flavor, low in fiber.
- Very easy on the digestive system.
Wellness Core is a meat and protein-rich wet food option. Uses very few ingredients other than meat. This recipe also uses chicken broth instead of water, giving an extra boost to that meat flavor felines love. This is a grain-free formula, best used for adult cats.
Very low in fiber, so this one is easy for the Sphynx to digest. It can be a great complement to healthy kibble. Includes cranberries which will help aid in digestion and support immune system health. Chicken, turkey, chicken broth, chicken liver, and turkey meal, plus salmon oil, make this great for flavor, as well as skin and coat health.
We love that this is a low-fiber option that is full of meat flavor. Wellness is a good choice for fussy eaters and can be used with kibble or by itself. The strong meat smell and flavor will encourage even the pickiest of eaters to chow down.
Royal Canin Digest Sensitive
- Thin meat slices in tasty gravy.
- Ideal for sensitive stomachs.
- Low fiber, 1.7%.
- Good for weight management.
- Highly digestible formula.
- Pea-free.
The Sphynx is a breed famous for a sensitive tummy, even at the best of times. Royal Canin makes wet food that is perfect for sensitive stomachs. Thin slices of meat in a tasty gravy. The high-protein formula is full of flavor and easy for cats to digest. Pork and chicken organs and meat by-products provide protein.
This is a low-fiber recipe, just 1.7% max, making it a good match for the sensitive Sphynx. It is free of things like peas and pea protein that can be hard to break down. Developed to support wellness and health and is great for weight management.
We love that this is a formula that is designed for ideal weight yet full of flavor. It is easy to digest and made with ingredients to promote healthy bowel movements. Made to be highly digestible. This is a long-trusted brand with several options, both prescription and non-prescription that work to promote top feline health.
Best Sphynx Fresh Food
Fresh, human-quality meals are an amazing way to feed your kitty. It is one of the most expensive options but would be what many owners would pick if money were no object. Fresh food can be made at home or delivered. Some can be bought off the store shelf. Fresh foods use human-grade ingredients, meaning they are top quality. It does not mean owners should eat these foods or will like the taste. Human-grade means they are safe for humans to eat. We do not recommend sharing one of these meals with your purr baby.
JustFoodForCats Fresh Frozen
- Developed around fresh, whole nutrition.
- Minimally cooked.
- Made by hand in open kitchens.
- 100% all human edible ingredients.
- Huge in flavor and nutritional value.
JustFoodForCats is a tasty, affordable option for fresh feline meals. Protein sources include Alaskan Pacific wild-caught cod, chicken thighs, chicken hearts, chicken livers, and Atlantic Sardines. Developed around fresh, whole nutrition and is made to boost flavor and retain as much nutrition as possible.
Fresh, human-grade ingredients with recipes designed by veterinarians. Very low fiber, 0.5% maximum, and high-quality animal proteins make it a great choice. All recipes are made by hand in open-to-public kitchens. Minimally cooked and uses 100% ingredients humans can eat.
We love that food can be stored in the freezer for up to one year. This makes it a great long-term investment. Just thaw and serve. 42 calories per ounce.
Raised Right Human Grade
- Lighty-cooked recipes.
- Fresh froze.
- ready to thaw and serve.
- Limited ingredient recipes.
- Low fiber, easy to digest.
- Fresh taste, all human-grade ingredients.
Raised Right is another option for fresh, human-grade cat food. They make four different recipes. Recipes pack a great punch of flavor, protein, and calories. Meals are lightly cooked and frozen, ready to defrost and serve.
Recipes are all limited ingredients and free from artificial additives and fillers. Protein, some fruits and veggies, and ingredients like cod liver oil, eggshell powder, organic dried kelp, and organic spearmint help make food very digestible and full of beneficial nutrients.
We love that all the recipes here are low in fiber and easy to digest. Raised Right is a family-owned company, and they work with a veterinarian and pet nutrition expert to produce limited ingredients and fresh, tasty foods to support a feline’s health. We also appreciate the information on the company website map that allows owners to see where all ingredients come from.
Best Sphynx Kitten Food
Some foods are designed specifically to support the nutritional needs of kittens. Kittens need more fat and calories than adults. They also need support for digestion and do not need foods too high in plant materials.
Stella & Chewy’s Raw Coated Premium Kibble Kitten
- Kibble coated in freeze-dried raw.
- Cage-free chicken.
- Formulated to support kitten growth.
- DHA for eye and brain health.
- High in fat and calories.
- Great taste supports kitten growth and is easy to digest.
- 480 calories per cup.
Stella & Chewy’s makes a wonderful kitten kibble. The raw-coated, cage-free kibble is perfect for all kittens, especially for the more sensitive Sphynx. Cage-free chicken is the first ingredient. Raw-coated kibble has 65-70% animal protein.
Grain and gluten-free formula. No fillers and top-quality ingredients make it easy to digest, especially for young kittens. No corn, potatoes, wheat, soy, or by-product meals. Developed with Omega fatty acids to support skin and coat health.
We love that kibble is designed especially for kittens and has DHA to support brain and eye development. The recipe is fortified with fat and calories to support rapid kitten growth. The raw, freeze-dried coating makes this option irresistible to meat-seeking kittens.
Acana First Feast High-Protein Kitten
- 70% small prey ingredients.
- Formulated to support kitten digestion and health.
- High calories, 439 per cup.
- High protein.
- Supports bowel health.
- Natural recipe.
Acana First Feast High-Protein Kitten is a kitten-specific kibble formula made with 70% small prey ingredients. High in natural protein from deboned chicken, chicken meal, herring meal, chicken fat, whole herring, eggs, chicken organs, and more. This food is high in meat protein.
High in calories and protein to support that fast kitten growth. No corn, wheat, or soy. The recipe is all-natural and uses no artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives. Carefully sourced ingredients.
We love that this is a flavor-packed kibble just for kittens. This formula helps regulate bowel movements, and the natural ingredients keep it from being super-smelly. Better quality ingredients mean better bowel health.
Best Freeze-Dried Food For Sphynx Cats
Freeze-dried cat foods are the best of both worlds. They offer cats top nutritional value, amazing flavor, and are shell stable, so they last longer than fresh fruit. Cats adore the taste of these foods, and there are more and more choices arriving on the market.
Stella & Chewy's Freeze-Dried Raw Morsels
- Freeze-dried raw.
- Great taste, no risk of bacteria.
- 98% animal proteins.
- Farm-raised, and responsibly sourced proteins.
- Can be used for adult cats and kittens.
- Probiotics and fiber aid digestion.
Stella & Chewy’s is a top choice for freeze-dried cat chow. Cats get the delicious taste and nutritional value of raw meat without any of the risks of harmful bacteria or pathogens. Farm-raised and responsibly sourced proteins. This can be fed to both adult cats and kittens. Probiotics and low, healthy fiber help make it easy to digest.
This choice is simple, has no artificial ingredients, and is very easy to digest. All products are made in small batches to ensure flavor and quality. This company was once an all-raw dog food company but continues to grow. They started out making dog food but have expanded and now make some of the best cat meals available to buy.
We love that this chow is so high in animal meat content. For example, the Duck, Duck, Goose variety contains 98% poultry meat, organs, and bone. The same goes for the chicken, turkey, rabbit, and other flavor options. This company also makes wet and frozen meals, so they have something for every kind of cat’s taste and preference.
Primal Turkey Formula Nuggets Raw Freeze-Dried
- Freeze-dried.
- Grain-free formula.
- Easy to digest.
- 97% raw meat, organs, and bones.
- Maintains shelf stability.
- Low carb.
Primal makes a freeze-dried turkey-based nugget that is great for the sensitive stomach of the Sphynx. These are a great choice for owners who want to give their cats the taste and nutritional benefit of a raw diet without having to do as much daily preparation and without fear of bacterial infection.
Because this is a freeze-dried option, it maintains shelf stability. The recipe is low in carbohydrates. There are no added preservatives, artificial colors, dyes, or fillers. The food needs rehydrating before serving. The product is high in calories and fairly easy to digest.
We love that this recipe is rich in animal protein. It is 97% raw meat, organs, and bone. This means your kitty gets a huge boost of flavor, protein, good fats, amino acids, and more. These can be a great addition to your cat’s diet. They can be added to dry kibble, used as treats, or as a stand-alone meal. Other flavors are available.
Breed-Specific Food For Sphynx
Royal Canin Sphynx
- Breed-specific formula.
- Better for adults.
- Chicken meal and by-products.
- Special shape and size to fit in Sphynx’s mouth.
- Reputable company.
There are very few breed-specific formulas for the Sphynx. However, Royal Canin does make a kibble that has a specially designed shape and size to fit in the Sphynx cat’s mouth. This kibble has a higher fiber content than any of the other options on our list. Because of this, it is better for adult cats as it may be too hard for kittens to digest. This kibble uses rice, chicken by-product meal, chicken fat, as well as natural flavors, and fish oil. It does contain corn.
We love that this is one of the only breed-specific cat foods available for the Sphynx. That being said, this is better for adults and may be harder to digest because it does not have whole animal protein as the first ingredient. For those looking for a breed-specific formula, this is a reasonable choice from a well-known company.
Final Thoughts
The Sphynx is an elegant, hairless kitty that requires top-quality nutrition. It is very important that owners pay attention to protein sources and the amount of fiber that these cats eat. They are prone to developing digestive issues, including IBS, as well as having incredibly smelly bowel movements. Because of this, owners will want to pay close attention to what these exotic-looking purr babies are eating. There are very few breed-specific formulas for the Sphynx. Fortunately for owners, there are plenty of high-quality, well-balanced, natural cat food options on the market. We have gone through a few but, of course, have not covered them all. Hopefully, what we have presented today will help you make the best decision on what to feed your gorgeous Sphynx.
Nutrition is one of the key elements of a cat’s development and health throughout their entire life. Regardless of breed, cats need a diet made from the best quality ingredients that provide them with animal proteins. Owners who worry that their purr babies are not getting proper nutrition, are uninterested in eating, or are having other dietary issues should consult with their veterinarian. It may also be helpful to seek out a pet nutritionist, especially because of the digestive issues that the Sphynx breed is likely to have. Remember, owning a cat is a wonderful privilege and a great responsibility. It is up to owners to make sure that these cats are getting everything they need from their food.
