Honestly, I don't think there is one right choice. There is a choice that's right for you & your cat, and you have to find it for yourself by experimenting with different options. If you can't afford the very best food, or can't practically feed a raw diet, then don't beat yourself up about it ... just look around for something decent (e.g. high meat content) that your cat likes & that you can manage. Personally, I feed one pouch of HiLife a day & leave down Applaws dry for the rest of the time. He's happy & healthy, and so am I , which is the point