Looking for the best kitten food on the market? You’ve come to the right place! We’ve compiled a list of the 14 best kitten foods based on reviews from pet owners like you.
We’ve included wet and dry food options in this list, so there’s something for everyone. We’ve reviewed each product to ensure you make the right choice for your kitty.
Knowing which food is best for your kitten can be hard with many food brands. But with our help, you can rest easy knowing that your little one is getting all the nutrients they need to grow up big and strong.
Check out our 14 best cat food for kittens list and choose the perfect one for your furry friend!
Cat Food for Kittens
To satisfy the dietary requirements of developing kittens, kitten food is specially prepared. It is typically higher in calories and protein than adult cat food and contains more fat and omega-3 fatty acids.
It is available in both wet and dry formulas. Some kitten foods also come in pouches or cans. When choosing kitten food, always look for a product labeled “kitten food.” Avoid cat food labeled “adult” or “all life stages.”
Our Favorite Kitten Food Brand
There are many great kitten food brands on the market, but our favorite is Royal Canin Feline Health . This wet food is specifically designed for kittens and contains all the nutrients that growing kittens need.
The thin slices are easy for kittens to eat and rich in flavor. This affordable food comes in a large pack, so you won’t have to worry about running out soon.
If you’re looking for high-quality kitten food that your kitty will love, we highly recommend giving Royal Canin Feline Health a try!
Why You Should Trust Us
At I Love Veterinary, we understand that your pet is a part of the family. That’s why we only recommend products that we would use ourselves. We also know that every pet is different, and what works for one pet may not work for another.
That’s why we’ve included a wide variety of kitten foods on this list. We want you to be able to find the perfect food for your kitty, whether they prefer wet or dry food, pouches, or cans. We also understand that finding the right kitten food can be a bit overwhelming. There are so many choices out there! But don’t worry, we’re here to help.
We’ll walk you through everything you need to know about choosing the best kitten food for your furry friend. Keep reading to find out more about your kitten’s nutritional needs and how we selected the top kitten foods available.
The Differences in Adult and Kitten Feline Nutrient Requirements
The primary difference between kitten food and adult food is that, for accelerated growth and development, kitten food has increased levels of protein, fat, calcium, phosphorus, omega oils, and trace elements. Kittens need more calories and protein than adult cats and require more fat and omega-3 fatty acids.
Kittens also have different calcium requirements than adult cats. Kittens need more calcium to support their growing bones, while too much calcium can harm adult cats.
For this reason, it’s crucial to choose kitten food specifically for growing kittens. Never feed your kitten an adult cat food diet.
Many different flavors and textures of canned and dry cat food are available for both kittens and adult cats. The formulation of the two is where the major distinction lies. Compared to adult cat food, kitten food must have more calories, lipids, and proteins. Adult cat food has fewer calories and frequently includes vitamins and minerals to promote healthy aging.
Their availability is also another important distinction. Many adult cat meals are available, both canned and dry, whether you purchase pet food at a grocery shop or a pet supply store. You can get adult cat food from a convenience store or petrol station in a can or small box in an emergency.
The best kitten food will be rich in protein and fat and contain DHA, an important omega-3 fatty acid. DHA is essential for proper brain development in kittens.
How Much Kitten Food Should I Feed My Kitten?
The amount of food you should feed your kitten will vary depending on their age, weight, and activity level. You can find out how much to feed your kitten by consulting the feeding instructions for kittens on the back of the package.
You may either portion out a full day’s worth of dry food at once or divide it in half and feed it twice a day if you prefer.
You can also feed it twice daily by dividing wet food in half. You should throw away any food that remains in its bowl. Keep any food you’ve opened in a can in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Before serving, let it come to room temperature. Read our article and find out 12 Best Cat Food Bowls.
How Often Should I Feed My Kitten?
The question “How often should I feed my kitten?” is one that many new cat owners frequently ask. Although the solution may appear straightforward, it can change based on your cat’s age, development pace, and even breed.
To ensure that a young kitten has a healthy start in life, it is essential to understand how much and how frequently to give them the best kitten food. Let’s dig more into typical kitten eating habits.
Kittens up to four weeks
All of the nutrients for newborn kittens will come from their mother’s milk. Don’t be tempted to offer a kitten cow’s milk if you find yourself in the position of having to hand-rear it instead; you will require special kitten formula milk.
Bottle-feed every two to three hours at this age. If the mother cat isn’t around to do it, you’ll need to ensure they’re using the restroom by stimulating them with a damp towel. Get them checked out by a veterinarian if you locate an abandoned kitten or if your cat leaves her young after giving birth. It is best to seek professional advice because raising kittens is labor-intensive.
Four to eight weeks
Most kittens are ready to attempt some solid food around four weeks. Initially, try to get them soft, pâte-like foods, and you might want to consider adding some milk to them to help them along. Infants only require a taste because milk provides most of their nutrients. However, they will gradually switch to just consuming solid foods over the next two to four weeks.
To give them time to explore and develop an appetite for solid foods at this age, it’s important to keep solid foods for extended periods. Wet food spoils quickly, so ensure you replenish the bowl frequently to keep it secure. At four weeks, they will drink milk about four times per day, but as babies start eating more solid foods, this will naturally decrease.
Eight to sixteen weeks
At this age, your kitten will require roughly four feedings daily, with the recommended daily ratio distributed equally among the four mealtimes. To ensure your kitten gets enough food, make it a practice to weigh and score their physical condition. You want them to gain weight and grow, but you don’t want them to get fat.
You can obtain further information on this from your veterinarian. You can select between wet, dry, or a combination of the two types of food to feed your kitten, which is something else to think about. Your kitten won’t need milk at this age because they are getting all the nutrition they require from their solid food. But the water must always be available.
Sixteen weeks to six months
At this age, your kitten will most likely receive three feedings per day, divided into three equal amounts, according to their prescribed daily ratio. They are still developing quickly, so they should still be on a kitten diet.
To ensure that your kitten’s growth is normal, keep in touch with your veterinarian, as this is a frequent age for them to become overweight. Watch how many extra snacks or nibbles you provide them; it’s easy to go overboard with them.
Six to twelve months
Your kitten will require a lot fewer calories because his growth will have slowed down, even if he is still developing and altering his body structure. Your vet can advise you on this.
Two feeds per day are appropriate at this stage, and your cat will continue to eat at this rate throughout adulthood. Having said that, as wild cats graze throughout the day, you can do the same if your cat does the same.
To ensure that no matter how frequently he eats, his recommended daily caloric intake is maintained, it is crucial to divide those calories across meals.
When Should You Stop Feeding Kitten Kibble
Kittens should remain on a kitten food diet until they reach adulthood, which is around one year of age. Always consult with your veterinarian before changing your kitten’s diet. They can help you determine the best time to switch your kitten to an adult diet.
The kitten kibble formula meets the unique nutritional needs of growing kittens. Adult cat food does not contain the high protein, fat, and calories that kittens need. Switching your kitten to an adult diet too soon can cause them to become underweight or malnourished.
Can You Feed a Kitten A Variety of Foods?
Yes, you can feed your kitten various foods, but it’s essential to introduce new foods slowly. Kittens’ stomach discomfort might result from abrupt dietary changes.
Always consult your veterinarian if you’re considering adding wet food, kibble, or raw food to your kitten’s diet. They can help you choose the right food for your kitten and give you tips on slowly introducing them to new foods.
Which Kitten Food is Best? An Overview
- Royal Canin Feline Health (Best Overall)
- Purina ONE Healthy Kitten (Best kitten dry food)
- IAMS PROACTIVE HEALTH Kitten (Best affordable cat food for kittens)
- Purina Fancy Feast Grain Free (Best grain-free kitten food)
- Purina Pro Plan Puppy (Best dry puppy food)
- Applaws Natural Tuna Filet (Best wet and dry food for kittens)
- Tiki Cat Velvet Mousse (Best kitten wet food)
- NUTRO WHOLESOME ESSENTIALS Kitten (Best wholesome kitten food)
- Purina Pro Plan Wet (Best variety kitten food)
- Blue Buffalo Wilderness High (Best protein kitten food)
- Royal Canin Feline Health (Best kitten can food)
- Hill's Science Diet Dry (Best vet-recommended kitten food)
- Royal Canin Feline Breed (Best breed kitten food)
- James Wellbeloved Dry Kitten (Best sensitive stomach kitten food)
What to Look for in Kitten Food
Nutritional Content
This is an essential factor to consider when choosing kitten food. Kittens have specific dietary needs that they must meet for them to grow and develop properly.
Look for a kitten food that is high in protein and fat and low in carbohydrates. Kittens need more calories than adult cats, so choosing calorie-dense food is important. Wet foods typically contain more calories than kibble, which can be a good option for kittens struggling to gain weight.
Kitten food should also contain vitamins and minerals, including taurine. Taurine is an essential nutrient for kittens and helps support healthy eyesight and brain development.
Kitten-Formulated Food
Kitten-formulated food is essential for your kitten’s proper growth and development. When choosing food for your kitten, always look for a high-quality product that is nutritionally complete and balanced.
Avoid foods that contain by-products, fillers, or artificial additives. Choose food the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) has approved that meets your kitten’s nutritional needs.
Calories
All kittens need more calories than adult cats. Kittens burn a lot of energy as they grow and develop, so they need a calorie-dense diet. Wet foods typically contain more calories than kibble, which can be a good option for kittens struggling to gain weight.
Fat
Kittens need fat for energy and to support their developing brains. Look for kitten food that contains at least 20% fat.
Protein
Kittens need a diet high in protein to support their growing muscles and bones. Look for a kitten food that contains at least 30% protein.
Species-Appropriate Food
Kittens have different nutritional needs than adult cats, so feeding them food formulated specifically for their life stage is essential. Kitten food usually is higher in calories and protein than adult cat food, and it is also fortified with vitamins and minerals to support your kitten’s health.
High-Moisture Content
Kittens are prone to dehydration, so choosing food with high moisture content is important. Wet foods typically contain more moisture than kibble so that they can be a good option for kittens. You can also moisten kibble with water or broth to help increase your kitten’s intake of fluids.
Palatability
Kittens have small stomachs and thus need to eat small meals throughout the day. When choosing food for your kitten, look for a product that is highly palatable and easy to digest. This will help ensure that your kitten eats enough to meet its nutritional needs.
Our Reviews of the Best Kitten Food Brands
Royal Canin Feline Health (Best Overall)
Key Features:
- Brand: Royal Canin
- Item form: Wet
- Protein %: 11
- Fat %: 3
- Moisture %: 80
- Flavor/s: Chicken
- Item weight: 4.5 pounds (2.04 kilograms)
- Vet approved: Yes
The first year of a kitten’s life is vital to its health and development. That’s why Royal Canin has created a specialized diet just for kittens, with all the nutrients they need for growth and play.
This wet food for kittens is made with thin slices in gravy, perfect for their delicate tummies and easy to eat as they transition from mother’s milk to solid foods. It’s also packed with energy-dense calories to meet the needs of growing kitties, plus DigestiCare—a blend of digestible proteins, fiber, and prebiotics that promote healthy digestion.
This formula also contains an innovative blend of antioxidants for immune system support. Best of all, it’s highly palatable, so even the pickiest kitten will enjoy every last lick.
Royal Canin Kitten Thin Slices in Gravy Wet Cat Food meet the nutritional levels established by the American Association of Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) Cat Food Nutrient Profiles for maintenance.
Reasons to buy:
- Has the right mix of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates to fuel a kitty’s playful energy
- Affordable
Reasons to avoid:
- Some kitties may not be fans of the thin slices in gravy texture
Purina ONE Healthy Kitten (Best Kitten Dry Food)
Key Features:
- Brand: Purina ONE
- Item form: Dry
- Protein %: 40
- Fat %: 18
- Moisture %: 12
- Flavor/s: Chicken
- Item weight: 0.63 ounces (28.35 grams)
- Vet approved: Yes
Feed your kitty’s natural love of chicken with Purina ONE SmartBlend Healthy Kitten Formula dry kitten food. This high-protein kitten food has real chicken as the first ingredient, and every element in this dry kibble for kittens is for a specific purpose.
It contains DHA from fish oil which helps to support its vision and brain development, while antioxidants help support a strong immune system. This kibble is also highly digestible, so it gets more nutrition from every bite and less litter box odor.
This kibble is highly digestible and free of artificial flavors and preservatives, making it an excellent choice for sensitive stomachs. It’s important to note that this kibble contains chicken by-products, so it might be wise to look into alternative options if that’s a concern for you.
This kitten kibble consists of a SmartBlend of ingredients that work together for complete and balanced nutrition for your kitten, including essential nutrients like those in mother’s milk. Look no further than this dry kitty food for added calcium to support her strong teeth and healthy gums.
This dry kitten kibble also features a taste kitties love, thanks to the delicious crunchy texture they crave. Make this Purina ONE recipe part of your cat’s regular feeding routine.
Reasons to buy:
- Real chicken is the number 1 ingredient
- Supports strong muscles
- It’s highly digestible
- Has added calcium for strong teeth and healthy gums
- It is deliciously crunchy kibble
Reason to avoid:
- It contains chicken by-products
IAMS PROACTIVE HEALTH Kitten (Best Affordable Cat Food for Kittens)
Key Features:
- Brand: IAMS
- Item form: Dry
- Protein %: 31
- Fat %: 21
- Moisture %: 10
- Flavor/s: Chicken
- Item weight: 7 pounds (3.16 kilograms)
- Vet approved: Yes
Because you get so much of it in a pack, dry meals are frequently more affordable for cat and kitten feed. IAMS Proactive Health dry kitten food is reasonably priced compared to its immediate competitors.
The main goal of IAMS is affordability. They have a reputation for producing high-quality, nutritionally dense pet food at prices that won’t break the bank. Nothing about this is new.
This cat food for kittens has a robust nutritional profile with taurine to support your kitten’s visual development, natural fibers and prebiotics for digestion, omega-3 DHA to support brain development, and vitamin E to support immune systems.
Although kittens enjoy IAMS Proactive Health’s flavor, some pet owners may object to the food preparation. The use of animal by-products may raise ethical issues for certain people.
Although a small amount of grain as part of a well-rounded diet shouldn’t cause any problems, cat parents should keep in mind that this food contains grains.
While this product does claim that it is free of fillers (items that bulk out a product but contribute little nutritious value), it is vital to keep in mind that maize grain and whole grain sorghum are two ingredients that many people regard to be fillers.
That, of course, does not diminish the fact that IAMS is a well-known and respected brand. If you are unaffected by those problems, IAMS Proactive Health offers a very affordable dry kitten food that is wholesome and healthy.
Reasons to buy:
- Includes omega-3 DHA for healthy brain development
- It contains nutrients like those found in mother’s milk
- Made in the USA with the world’s finest ingredients
- It helps promote healthy digestion with natural fiber and prebiotics
- It also helps promote strong vision development and a healthy heart with taurine and other essential nutrients
Reasons not to buy:
- It contains animal by-products
Purina Fancy Feast Grain Free (Best Grain Free Kitten Food)
Key Features:
- Brand: Purina fancy feast
- Item form: Wet
- Protein %: 11
- Fat %: 4
- Moisture %: 78
- Flavor/s: Chicken, salmon, turkey, and white fish
- Item weight: 4.5 pounds (2.04 kilograms)
- Vet approved: Yes
The Purina Fancy Feast Grain Free Pate Wet Kitten Food Variety Pack Kitten Classic Pate Collection offers your growing kitty four different delectable flavors to choose from at mealtime. Each recipe features real poultry or seafood as the number one ingredient for a high-quality protein source you can feel good about serving.
With no grain ingredients and 100 percent complete and balanced nutrition in every serving, this variety pack provides everything your kitty needs to develop into a strong and healthy adult cat.
This wet food for kittens has real milk for an added calcium boost; these recipes are also checked for quality and safety throughout the manufacturing process to give you peace of mind at feeding time.
The Purina Fancy Feast Grain Free Pate Wet Kitten Food Variety Pack is an excellent option for kitties who enjoy wet food and need a protein-rich diet to support their growing bodies. We love that this pack has four delicious flavors and that real poultry or seafood is the number one ingredient in each recipe.
While some kitties may not enjoy the pate texture of this food, it is a great option for those who do, and we think it’s worth a try!
Reasons to buy:
- 100% complete and balanced nutrition for kittens
- Real poultry or seafood is the number 1 ingredient
- Delicious taste kittens love
- The smooth pate texture is easy for kittens to eat
- Its made with real milk
- Checked for quality and safety throughout the manufacturing process
- It is affordable
Reasons not to buy:
- It contains added color and animal by-products
- Some kitties may be allergic to ingredients such as chicken, fish, or turkey
Purina Pro Plan Puppy (Best Dry Puppy Food)
Key Features:
- Brand: Purina Pro Plan
- Item form: Dry
- Protein %: Not provided
- Fat %: Not provided
- Moisture %: Not provided
- Flavor/s: Chicken and rice
- Item weight: 6 pounds (2.72 kilograms)
- Vet approved: Yes
Purina Pro Plan Puppy food is a great option for kibble-fed puppies. It has high-quality protein from the chicken as the first ingredient, which helps build lean muscles.
The formula is also rich in DHA from omega-rich fish oil, which helps nourish brain and vision development. Additionally, the highly digestible formula delivers optimal nutrient absorption.
Plus, it contains antioxidants to support a puppy’s developing immune system. Overall, this is an excellent choice for kibble-fed puppies.
Reasons to buy:
- It is highly digestible
- Affordable
Reasons not to buy:
- Some puppies may be allergic to chicken or fish
Applaws Natural Tuna Filet (Best Wet and Dry Kitten Food)
Key Features:
- Brand: Applaws
- Item form: Wet
- Protein %: 13.5
- Fat %: 2
- Moisture %: 82.4
- Flavor/s: Tuna and rice
- Item weight: 2.47 ounces (70.02 grams)
- Vet approved: Yes
Applaws Natural Tuna Filet is a great option for dry and wet food-fed kittens. It is grain-free and made with high-quality, ethically sourced ingredients. The first ingredient is tuna, a great lean protein source.
Additionally, the formula contains DHA from salmon oil to support brain and vision development. It also has vitamins and minerals for overall health and wellness. This is an excellent choice for dry and wet food-fed kittens.
Reasons to buy:
- Grain-free
- It’s rich in proteins
- It has no artificial flavors
Reasons not to buy:
- It’s expensive and not nutritionally complete
Tiki Cat Velvet Mousse (Best Kitten Wet Food)
Key Features:
- Brand: Tiki Pets
- Item form: Wet
- Protein %: 10
- Fat %: 2
- Moisture %: 82
- Flavor/s: Chicken
- Item weight: 2.8 ounces (79.38 grams)
- Vet approved: Yes
Your little fur baby is sure to love this silky smooth mousse with its rich and delectable chicken flavor, and it’s not just delicious—also, it’s incredibly nutritious.
This wet food has real chicken as its primary ingredient. It includes fish oil, chicken liver, which is rich in nutrients, and a variety of other essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, including vitamin A, vitamin B12, and vitamin D, all of which are essential for normal growth and development.
The mousse is excellent for all breeds and is high in moisture and protein. It is low in carbs and free of fillers or by-products from animals.
Tiki Cat Kitten Mousse is grain free and offers complete nutrition for your growing kitten. Order now and give your kitten the best possible start in life!
Reasons to buy:
- It has no fillers or by-products
- No grains
- Genuine, natural nutrients to support digestion, healthy skin, and other body systems
- It has an excellent taste for picky cats
Reasons not to buy:
- The texture is quite thick
NUTRO WHOLESOME ESSENTIALS Kitten (Best Wholesome Kitten Food)
Key Features:
- Brand: Nutro
- Item form: Dry
- Protein %: 36
- Fat %: 19
- Moisture %: 10
- Flavor/s: Chicken
- Item weight: 3 pounds (13.60 grams)
- Vet approved: Yes
If you’re looking for a wholesome, natural kitten food that contains all of the essential nutrients your growing kitty needs, look no further than NUTRO Wholesome Essentials Kitten.
This kibbles cat food is rich in protein and full of flavor your kitty will love. This formula also contains calcium to build strong bones and joints and essential antioxidants for a healthy immune system.
NUTRO Wholesome Essentials Kitten is also rich in omega-3 fatty acids like DHA, essential for growth and development.
Best of all, it contains NO corn, wheat, or soy protein, NO chicken by-product meal, and NO; artificial preservatives, flavors, or colors. So you can feel good about giving your kitty the best possible nutrition.
Give your kitten a strong start in life with NUTRO Wholesome Essentials Kitten.
Reasons to buy:
- Rich in protein and full of flavor
- It contains calcium to build strong bones and joints
- Features essential antioxidants for a healthy immune system
- Rich in omega-3 fatty acids like DHA for growth and development
- Made with non-GMO ingredients from trusted farmers and suppliers
Reasons not to buy:
- Some kittens may not enjoy the flavor
- More expensive than some other brands
Purina Pro Plan Wet (Best Variety Kitten Food)
Key Features:
- Brand: Purina Pro Plan
- Item form: Wet
- Protein %: 12
- Fat %: 6
- Moisture %: 76.5
- Flavor/s: Chicken, salmon, and ocean whitefish
- Item weight: 4.5 pounds (2.04 kilograms)
- Vet approved: Yes
Nowadays, many cat food companies try to focus on one or two products they consider to be the greatest options for feeding your little purr machine. This is a fantastic strategy because it lets customers know what they’re getting, but it can start to feel repetitive for young children.
There are three flavors available in Purina’s Pro Plan Kitten Favorites variety pack. Variety is the flavor of life. The main ingredients in the three flavors—chicken & liver, ocean whitefish & tuna, and salmon & ocean fish—are actual fowl and fish.
They also include a combination of vitamins and nutrients to help create a strong immune system, taurine for eyesight, and DHA for brain development.
The chicken and fish tastes have somewhat different amounts of protein and fat, with the chicken and liver having slightly less protein and slightly more fat, but both are within the range necessary for healthy kitten growth.
However, larger meat bits in the pate have caused problems for some people, causing their kittens to struggle or give up. Although some kittens have difficulty eating larger chunks, you might want to wait until yours is a little bit older if yours does.
We’ll close by bringing up the enduring issue with variety packs: you might get a flavor your kitty doesn’t like. This will happen to all of us at some point. Still, occasionally kittens don’t respond well to the unusual, so they either gradually locate another food to introduce the flavor or find a fellow cat parent to trade foods with.
In either case, a variety pack has the advantage that you won’t use up the entire case.
Reasons to buy:
- Includes DHA for brain and vision development
- Has antioxidants to support a kitten’s developing immune system
- Made with 25 essential vitamins and minerals
Reasons not to buy:
- It contains large chunks of meat
Blue Buffalo Wilderness High (Best Protein Kitten Food)
Key Features:
- Brand: Blue Buffalo
- Item form: Dry
- Protein %: 40
- Fat %: 20
- Moisture %: 9
- Flavor/s: Chicken
- Item weight: 5.08 pounds (2.30 kilograms)
- Vet approved: No
If you’re looking for high-quality, grain-free kitten food, look no further than Blue Buffalo Wilderness High Protein, Natural Kitten Dry Cat Food, and Chicken. Real chicken is the first ingredient in Blue Wilderness’s kitten food, and the company vows not to use any poultry by-products.
This food is said to be the best available for kittens. This dry food contains no artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives and is devoid of soy, wheat, and corn. It uses various natural ingredients, making it as healthy a dish as they come.
Your kitten will, at the absolute least, receive an abundance of protein to support its energy and muscular growth. Additionally, the food contains fish oil, which is high in omega-3 fatty acids and DHA, helping your kitten’s cognitive function and maintaining a healthy coat.
Adding blueberries provides potassium, fiber, and vitamins A and C. In addition to delivering vitamin B, iron, and magnesium, potatoes also increase vitamin C and potassium levels.
It also has pumpkins containing beta-carotene, vitamin A, and zinc. Additionally, it has spinach and apples because they contain carotenoids, quercetin, and nutritional fiber. The combination of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals is also not overheated, preserving most fresh nutrients.
Everything helps to support a kitten’s growth by enhancing its immune system, ensuring the health of its heart and eyes, and providing them with plenty of energy for play.
Reasons to buy:
- Packed with real chicken to help encourage healthy muscle development
- Grain-free formula
- It contains DHA and ARA (fatty acids found in mother’s milk) to help support cognitive development and retinal health
- Natural cat food with no chicken (or poultry) by-product meals, corn, wheat, soy, artificial flavors, or preservatives
Reasons not to buy:
- Kittens may not be as fond of the dry food texture
Royal Canin Feline Health (Best Kitten Can Food)
Key Features:
- Brand: Royal Canin
- Item form: Wet
- Protein %: 9
- Fat %: 4
- Moisture %: 81
- Flavor/s: Chicken
- Item weight: 3 ounces (85.04 grams)
- Vet approved: No
Providing your growing kitten with the best possible nutrition is vital to their development. Royal Canin Mother & Babycat Ultra-Soft Mousse is an excellent option if you want to introduce kitten chow to your young cat slowly.
A special blend of antioxidants and vitamins aids a young kitten’s growth and development. The fluffy mousse texture in the sauce is easy to eat and helps newborn kittens transition from milk to solid food.
Food has a silky, mousse-like texture that makes it simple for nursing mothers and kittens to eat. This moist kitten chow, which has a consistency a little bit like pâté, is excellent for promoting proper hydration.
Royal Canin tries to provide a few extras in the can because it is a specialized product for mothers and kittens. DHA, a substance that aids in developing kittens’ brains and eyes, is also present, along with other vitamins like Vitamin E, B1, and B6.
If you’re ready to spend the money, you’ll find everything your kitten needs to get off to the greatest possible nutritional start in life. When your kitty has consumed their daily requirement of Royal Canin, the price difference between it and some other top brands may become quite noticeable.
Thankfully, there are few choices. The company does sell the cans in multipacks of 6 to 24, which makes it a perfect way to prepare ahead of time for feeding hungry mouths.
Reasons to buy:
- Formulated for the specific needs of growing baby kittens and queen cats
- It has highly digestible proteins, and prebiotics help with digestive support
- Has DHA helps with brain development
Reasons not to buy:
- It has a strong smell
Hill's Science Diet Dry (Best Vet Recommended Kitten Food)
Key Features:
- Brand: Hill science
- Item form: Dry
- Protein %: 37.8
- Fat %: 23.5
- Moisture %: 6.5
- Flavor/s: Chicken
- Item weight: 7 pounds (3.16 kilograms)
- Vet approved: Yes
With the help of this vet-recommended food from Hill’s Science, give your cat the greatest start in life. This premium formula checks all the requirements since it contains lots of nutrients to provide your cat with strong bones and teeth and DHA from fish oil to help the healthy brain and eye development.
Your kitty will adore the flavorful chicken, and you can relax knowing that you’re giving them only the finest organic ingredients. There is a good amount of protein to support muscle building and a lot of fiber to assist healthy digestion.
Additionally, there are a lot of fruits and vegetables on the list, with broccoli, apples, carrots, and green peas all playing a significant role. Cranberries also appear to support your furry friend’s urinary system. Despite the kibble’s somewhat diminutive size, this tasty and wholesome diet will help your kitten develop into a big, powerful adult.
It is also made of natural ingredients and contains no artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives. Veterinarians recommend that kittens stay on a kitten food diet until they’re at least one year old.
Reasons to buy:
- DHA from fish oil helps with brain and eye development in kittens
- High-quality protein helps with lean muscle development
- No artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives
Reasons not to buy:
- Has small kibble
Royal Canin Feline Breed (Best Breed Kitten Food)
Key Features:
- Brand: Royal Canin
- Breed recommendation: Small breeds
- Item form: Dry
- Protein %: 32
- Fat %: 2.8
- Flavor/s: Chicken
- Item weight: 3 pounds (1.36 kilograms)
- Vet approved: No
Royal Canin Feline Breed Specific Persian Kitten Dry Cat Food provides optimal nutrition for your kitten’s first 12 months of life. This formula is made with a high concentration of protein and fat to support the unique energy needs of purebred Persian kittens as they grow.
It also includes an exclusive blend of antioxidants to support your kitten’s developing immune system. Plus, the highly digestible proteins and prebiotics promote the healthy development of digestive systems.
The kibble cat food is primarily for the small mouths of Persian kittens. The formula helps maintain skin and coat health with a balanced combination of fatty acids and vitamins.
Reasons to buy:
- Highly digestible proteins and prebiotics promote healthy digestion
- Best kibble for small mouths
- The formula helps maintain skin and coat health
Reasons not to buy:
- It’s limited to a few exotic breeds
James Wellbeloved Dry Kitten (Best Sensitive Stomach Kitten Food)
Key Features:
- Brand: James Wellbeloved
- Breed recommendation: Small breeds
- Item form: Dry
- Protein %: 33.0
- Fat %: 21.0
- Flavor/s: Turkey and rice
- Item weight: 3.53 ounces (0.10 grams)
- Recommended uses: Eyes
- Vet approved: Yes
It is a complete food for kittens made with natural ingredients. It is hypoallergenic and free from beef, pork, wheat, soy, and dairy products known to cause sensitivities in some animals.
This food is also free from artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives. Fresh turkey is the only meat protein source that helps to reduce the risk of dietary intolerance. This food is suitable for kittens from weaning until twelve months old.
Reasons to buy:
- Made with natural ingredients
- Hypoallergenic
- Free from added flavors and preservatives
Reasons not to buy:
- The ingredient list has a lot of carbohydrates
FAQs on Kitten Food
Can Adult Cats Eat Kitten Food?
Yes, adult cats can eat kitten food, but only if they have a specific need. For example, if your cat is pregnant or nursing, she may need the extra nutrients in kitten food to help her kittens grow and develop properly.
Some adult cats may also benefit from the higher protein content of kitten food if they are very active or have a high metabolism. However, most adult cats do not need to eat kitten food and can stick to their regular diet. If you’re unsure if your cat should be eating kitten food, talk to your veterinarian for advice.
Which is Best? Wet or Dry Kitten Food?
Which kitten food is best? There is no right or wrong answer regarding feeding wet or dry food to your kitten. Some kittens prefer wet food, while others prefer dry food; some kittens do just fine on a diet of wet and dry food.
When it comes to kitten food, there are two main types: wet food and dry food. Both have pros and cons, so choosing the food best for your kitty is essential. Here’s a closer look at the differences between wet and dry kitten food:
Wet kitten food is typically higher in moisture than dry kitten food. This can benefit kittens prone to dehydration or not drinking enough water alone. Wet kitten food is also often richer in nutrients than dry food. However, it can be more expensive than dry food, and it can be messy to feed.
Dry kitten food is typically lower in moisture than wet kitten food. This can be beneficial for kittens who are prone to obesity or who tend to overeat. Dry kitten food is often more affordable than wet food, and it’s less messy to feed. However, it may not be as nutrient-rich as wet food, and it can be challenging to get kitties to drink enough water if they’re only eating dry food.
So, which type of kitten food is best? The answer depends on your kitty’s individual needs. If you’re unsure which kind of food is best for your kitten, ask your veterinarian for advice.
Parting Thoughts
Choosing the best kitten food can be overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. Just remember to look for a food that is high in protein, low in carbohydrates, and free from artificial ingredients.
We recommend Royal Canin Feline Health as our top pick for the best kitten food because it meets all of these criteria. It’s also highly palatable, nutritious, and easy to digest.
No matter which food you choose, always consult with your veterinarian before making any changes to your kitten’s diet. And remember, the best way to ensure that your kitten grows up healthy and happy is to feed it a nutritious diet and provide plenty of love and attention.
We hope this guide has been helpful. Now that you know more about the 14 best kitten foods on the market, we invite you to check out our other buying guides for more great product recommendations. Thanks for reading!
