Alternatives to

C

Nestlé purina Cat chow defense plus +

dry food · cats · 60/100 · Average

Looking for an alternative to Nestlé purina Cat chow defense plus +? Here are dry food products for cats that PetFoodRate grades higher, and cheaper options for the same use.

In short

The best-rated alternative to Nestlé purina Cat chow defense plus + in our database is Orijen Cat & Kitten (94/100, grade A), versus Nestlé purina Cat chow defense plus +'s 60/100. All graded on the same independent A-E method, no sponsored brands.

By Theo Blanchard · reviewed by Max Kowalski · updated June 2026 · independent grading, no sponsorship

Back to product page

Nestlé purina Cat chow defense plus + vs its best alternative

Criterion Nestlé purina Cat chow defense plus + Orijen Cat & Kitten
Overall grade C 60/100 A 94/100
Protein quality D A
Nutritional balance B A
Few undesirables B A
Ingredient transparency C A
Species fit D A
Crude protein25%40%
Protein (dry matter)27.5%44.4%
Estimated carbs42%19%
First ingredient Chicken fat Fresh chicken

Wins on protein quality and nutritional balance ; 40% crude protein vs 25%.

Orijen Cat & Kitten outscores 100% of dry food for cats in our database.

8 better-graded alternatives

  1. #1 A Orijen Cat & Kitten 94/100 +34 Wins on protein quality and nutritional balance ; 40% crude protein vs 25%.
  2. #2 A Orijen Six Fish Cat 92/100 +32 Wins on protein quality and nutritional balance ; 40% crude protein vs 25%.
  3. #3 A Applaws Kitten 90/100 +30 Wins on protein quality and nutritional balance ; 38% crude protein vs 25%.
  4. #4 A Acana First Feast Kitten 89/100 +29 Wins on protein quality and nutritional balance ; 37% crude protein vs 25%.
  5. #5 A Acana Homestead Harvest Cat 88/100 +28 Wins on protein quality and nutritional balance ; 37% crude protein vs 25%.
  6. #6 A Ultra Premium Direct Croquettes Chat Adulte Saumon 88/100 +28 Wins on protein quality and nutritional balance ; 35% crude protein vs 25%.
  7. #7 A Acana Indoor Entrée Cat 88/100 +28 Wins on protein quality and nutritional balance ; 37% crude protein vs 25%.
  8. #8 A Ziggy Croquettes Chat Stérilisé Sans Céréales Saumon 87/100 +27 Wins on protein quality and few undesirables ; 28% crude protein vs 25%.

Other food types for cats

  1. #1 A Thrive ProReward 100% Poulet 90/100 treats
  2. #2 A Applaws Natural Tuna Fillet 87/100 wet food
  3. #3 A ZIWI Peak Air-Dried Mackerel Lamb Cat 86/100 raw food
  4. #4 A Lily\'s Kitchen Terrine au Saumon 85/100 wet food
  5. #5 B Tiki Cat Aloha Friends Tuna & Pumpkin 84/100 wet food
  6. #6 B Edgard & Cooper Pâtée Chat Adulte Saumon 84/100 wet food

Keep exploring

All Nestlé products See the average score and range Best dry food for cats Top 10 by PetFoodRate Compare 2 products Side by side, grade by grade

Frequently asked questions

What is the best alternative to Nestlé purina Cat chow defense plus +?

In our database it's Orijen Cat & Kitten, scoring 94/100 (A) versus Nestlé purina Cat chow defense plus +'s 60/100, among dry food for cats. 8 better-graded alternatives are listed above.

Is there a cheaper alternative to Nestlé purina Cat chow defense plus +?

Cheaper-per-kg options for the same use are listed in the dedicated section on this page whenever our database has them.

Why switch from Nestlé purina Cat chow defense plus +?

Nestlé purina Cat chow defense plus + scores 60/100 (C) on our A-E method. Buyers look for an alternative to get higher protein quality, fewer undesirables, better transparency, or a better species fit. Our grading is independent with no sponsorship.