What is the healthiest kitten food
The best kitten foods of 2024, with advice from veterinarians
What to look for in kitten food
When shopping for the best kitten foods, the following criteria are essential to consider.
AAFCO nutritional adequacy statement: The most basic measure of a nutritionally complete cat food is the presence of an AAFCO statement on the label. The AAFCO is a nonprofit organization that defines the standard nutritional requirements for pet food and animal feed. Food with an AAFCO statement for growth or all life stages is guaranteed to be complete and balanced for kittens.
Guaranteed analysis and nutrient profiles: The guaranteed analysis consists of the percentages of protein, fat, and essential nutrients in a food. Food for kittens should have a minimum of 30% protein, 9% fat, and the presence of essential nutrients, including amino acids like taurine, fatty acids, minerals, and vitamins.
To compare the nutrients in wet food to those in dry food, convert the percentages of fat, protein, and fiber in wet food to a dry matter basis. To find the dry matter basis, use these directions from the Cummings Veterinary Medical Center at Tufts University, call the food manufacturer, or ask your veterinarian for help.
Ingredients list: The ingredients on a pet food label appear in order of weight. Because cats are obligate carnivores, proteins in the form of whole meat or meat meal should come first on the ingredients list.
Expert formulations: For this guide, we prioritized brands that have a dedicated nutrition expert on staff, which aligns with WSAVA guidelines and our experts' guidance. We also looked for brands active in research or those that collaborate with universities and colleges.
Manufacturing standards: Consider a manufacturer's quality control measures and the types of facilities they use. Pet food companies should provide this information on their website or upon request.
Calorie content: The calorie content of cat food is listed in kilocalories (kcal). According to Merck Veterinary Manual, a kitten should be offered multiple meals daily and permitted to eat food as wanted to support their rapid growth since their energy needs are much higher. As your kitten approaches 9 to 12 months of age, talk to your veterinarian about their ideal body condition, weight, and caloric needs.
Product recommendations from veterinarians: Your veterinarian can help you select the ideal food for you kitten.
Best kitten food 2024 for healthy kitty nutrition and growth
Choosing the best kitten food for your cat plays a key part in your pets development and supports their bodies as they go through this stage of rapid growth. Not only is food important for physical development, but if your kitten doesnt get the right nutrition it could also impact their behavior.
Because theyre changing so much, kittens need different nutrients compared to our adult feline friends and thats why its advised to wait a while before you start your pet on the best cat food. If youre unsure of where to start when it comes to choosing the right option for your cat, youre not alone which is where this guide will come in helpful.
Weve selected the kitten food products below based on the quality of ingredients and nutritional value because cats of this age need extra protein to support their development. We then got expert vet Dr. Diana Hasler to weigh in on each product to show you which ones stand out in this area.
You'll also find a handy section at the end of this guide where Dr. Joanna Woodnutt gives her thoughts on some frequently asked questions from pet parents, including whether or not kittens can eat both wet and dry food. Read on to find out everything you need to know, or if youre looking ahead, check out the best dry cat food to see what to move on to next.
Expert opinion in this guide is provided by:Expert opinion in this guide is provided by:Dr. Diana Hasler BVM&S MRCVS
Dr. Diana Hasler graduated with distinction from the University of Edinburgh Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies in 2018. She has experience working as a small animal veterinarian in general practice, where she has treated many dogs, cats, rabbits, and rodents.
Dr Joanna Woodnutt MRCVSDr Joanna Woodnutt qualified as a veterinarian from the University of Nottingham where she then went on to practice companion animal medicine in the Midlands. She really took to the consulting side of things and helping clients with medical problems such as dermatology, behaviour and nutrition - anything that involved helping clients understand their pets better.
The quick list
1. Royal Canin Kitten food gravy
The best kitten food overall
"This food is made up of the ideal ratio of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates to support your kitten as they grow and become more active. It also contains antioxidants to support their developing immune system. The thin slices help kittens transition from milk to more solid foods. Royal Canin also produces dry and loaf formulations." - Dr. Diana Hasler BVM&S MRCVS
Read more below
2. Purina ONE Healthy Kitten Formula Kitten Food
The best runner-up
"This diet has a high protein content to support your kittens muscles as they grow, and it lists real chicken as its first ingredient. It contains DHA, which is an omega-3 fatty acid found in their mothers milk that supports the development of vision and the brain." - Dr. Diana Hasler BVM&S MRCVS
Read more below
3. IAMS Proactive Health kitten food
The best kitten food on a budget
"This food contains real chicken as its first ingredient. It includes a unique fiber blend of prebiotics and beet pulp to support your kittens digestive system. It also has vitamin E to support their immune system, as well as omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids to maintain healthy skin and a shiny coat." - Dr. Diana Hasler BVM&S MRCVS
Read more below
4. Royal Canin feline gastrointestinal kitten dry cat food
The best kitten food for sensitive stomachs
"Kittens developing digestive systems predispose them to dietary sensitivities, so this food is made up of highly digestible ingredients to allow them to absorb nutrients effectively. It also contains prebiotics to help establish a balanced microbiome within the gastrointestinal tract, as well as antioxidants to support kittens developing immune systems. This diet should be fed under the supervision of a veterinarian." - Dr. Diana Hasler BVM&S MRCVS
Read more below
5. Wellness Complete Health Pt kitten food
The best wet kitten food
"The wet formulation of this food keeps kittens hydrated, while the ingredients provide enough calories, fat, and protein to keep up with an energetic, growing kitten. It includes DHA in its recipe to support brain development, as well as antioxidants to support the immune system. It comes in two flavors for kittenschicken and whitefish & tuna." - Dr. Diana Hasler BVM&S MRCVS
Read more below
6. Natures Variety Instinct Original Kitten raw kitten food
The best raw kitten food
"This diet contains cage-free chicken as its first ingredient, and it is complete and balanced according to the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) guidelines for kitten food. Before making the decision to feed your kitten raw, it is important to note that raw diets can harbor bacteria such as Salmonella, E. coli, and Campylobacter, which can cause gut infections in your kitten and any humans who touch them, handle their food, or clean their litter box." - Dr. Diana Hasler BVM&S MRCVS
Read more below
The best kitten food we recommend in 2024
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The best kitten food overall
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1. Royal Canin Kitten
Best overall kitten food
Specifications
Item Form: Wet (Gravy)
Protein: 11% min
Fat: 3% min
Moisture: 80% max
Reasons to buy
+Thin slices make it easy for young kittens to eat
+Excellent protein, fat, and carbohydrate ratio
+Antioxidants boost immune system
Reasons to avoid
-High price point for a staple diet
Buy it if
You want a great nutritional profile: The ratio of proteins to fat and carbohydrates, and other essential nutrients, in Royal Canins Kitten food is perfectly set up to deliver everything a growing kitten needs.
Your kitten has a sensitive stomach: Royal Canin is often prescribed for kittens with digestive issues. Either way, this brand's offering could work well as part of a regular rotation with other foods.
Don't buy it if:
You're shopping on a budget: That said, theres little substitute for knowing that youve got your kitty some quality dinner from a well-trusted brand.
You don't want mess: It comes in gravy. It's also deliberately sliced small and thin which makes it easier for your growing kitten to move onto solid food.
The bottom line
Royal Canin KittenIf you want your kitty to have a balanced and nutritious diet, its hard to look past Royal Canins Kitten food.It scores top marks with owners and veterinarians and it's all thanks to its specialist formulas.
Royal Canin is a hugely respected cat food brand, earning praise from owners and veterinarians alike for its specialist formulas. It may be a little pricier per can than others on this list, but we think it's a price worth paying as you can rest assured your kitty will be getting all the nutrition it needs to grow and go about its day.
One of the best things about Royal Canins Kitten food is its quality nutritional content. It has a great ratio of proteins to fat and carbohydrates, and other essential nutrients.
Meaning? In just one pouch this product delivers everything a growing kitten needs. So really, unless youve found yourself a fussy little fluff ball who craves a bit more variety, Royal Canin can easily be your kittens-only food. Though its useful to note that Royal Canins dry kitten food is formulated to complement the wet stuff so you can add a bit of crunch to your little ones diet.
The meat comes in gravy (which, as we flagged, can be a bit messy), and it's deliberately cut small and thin to make it easier on tiny mouths transitioning to solid food.
Of course, we do have to return to that price point. A kitten will need to be going through three or four of these pouches a day to get everything they need. That might mean its a little much for some people to keep as a staple diet. It is worth noting that Royal Canin is often prescribed for kittens with digestive issues though.
So, as long as you manage it properly, Royal Canin Kitten food could work well as part of a regular rotation.
"This food is made up of the ideal ratio of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates to support your kitten as they grow and become more active. It also contains antioxidants to support their developing immune system. The thin slices help kittens transition from milk to more solid foods. Royal Canin also produces dry and loaf formulations." - Dr. Diana Hasler BVM&S MRCVS
The Best kitten food runner up
2. Purina ONE Healthy Kitten Formula Kitten Food
Best kitten food runner up
Specifications
Item form: Dry
Protein: 40%
Fat: 18%
Moisture: 12%
Reasons to buy
+High in protein
+Real chicken as the first ingredient
+Rich in DHA for vision and brain development
Reasons to avoid
-Contains chicken by-products
Buy it if
You want an option that's free from preservatives: You'll be pleased to know this is also made without artificial flavors.
You want a protein-packed meal: Featuring real chicken as the first ingredient and filled with 40% protein, this kitty food will help fuel muscle growth as they grow.
Don't buy it if:
You don't want to feed them chicken-by products: Chicken by-products are used in this kibble, so if that's an issue for you, it might be worth considering another brand.
The bottom line
Purina ONE Healthy Kitten Formula Kitten FoodPurina has long been regarded as one of the most reputable brands on the market when it comes to producing high-quality, nutritious, and delicious formulas for our furry friends of all ages and stages. And this kitten kibble is no exception!
There is a lot to love about Purina ONE Healthy Kitten Formula Kitten Food.
For starters, the food contains real chicken as the first ingredient and clocks in with 40% protein to fuel muscle growth a key factor for any growing kitty.
This formula also comes jam-packed with Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) which is an Omega-3 fatty acidfor healthy brain and vision development as well as the vitamins and minerals your little one needs for a strong immune system, bucket loads of energy and a shiny coat.This product also ticks off the Omega 6 fatty acids and essential vitamins and minerals.
Plus, according to the brand, this formula has been scientifically proven to strengthen your kitten's natural defenses and digestive functionsas it contains lactobacillus, which is a probiotic.
Vet-recommended, this kibble is highly digestible, making it great for sensitive stomachs, and it's made without artificial flavors and preservatives. So you can have peace of mind knowing you're putting no nasties on their plate.
It's worth pointing out that chicken by-products are used in this kibble, so if that's an issue for you, check out Applaws Tuna Wet Kitten Food which is made from fish.
"This diet has a high protein content to support your kittens muscles as they grow, and it lists real chicken as its first ingredient. It contains DHA, which is an omega-3 fatty acid found in their mothers milk that supports the development of vision and the brain." -Dr. Diana Hasler BVM&S MRCVS
The best budget kitten food
3. IAMS Proactive Health
Best budget kitten food
Specifications
Item Form: Dry
Protein: 31% min
Fat: 21% min
Moisture: 10% max
Reasons to buy
+Omega-3 DHA promotes brain development
+Natural fiber and prebiotics
+Taurine promotes strong vision
Reasons to avoid
-Contains animal by-products
Buy it if
Affordability is important to you:This is one of the USPs of IAMS. You can usually pick up a 7 lb bag for under $20.
You're looking for a strong nutritional profile: It includes the likes of taurine, natural fibers and prebiotics for digestion. It's also packed with omega-3 DHA and Vitamin E for boosting immune systems.
Don't buy it if:
You're bypassing animal by-products: Thismight sit OK with some, but using animal by-products may raise ethical concerns with others.
You don't want to feed them grain: Its worth highlighting that this product does claim to be free of fillers but corn grain and whole grain sorghum are ingredients that many consider to be fillers.
The bottom line
IAMS Proactive HealthDry foods often work out on the cheaper side when it comes to cat and kitten foods, because you get so much of it in a pack. IAMS Proactive Health dry kitten food is well-priced even among its direct competitors.
Affordability is IAMS' whole thing. Theyve got a reputation for putting together solid, nutritionally strong pet food at a price that wont put a strain on your wallet. And IAMS' Proactive Healthoffering is no different.
The nutrition profile here is strong, with taurine to help develop your kittens vision, natural fibers and prebiotics for digestion, omega-3 DHA for promoting brain development and Vitamin E for boosting immune systems.
Kittens seem to be big fans of IAMS Proactive Healths taste but some pet owners might take issue with how the product is made. With the inclusion of animal by-products some people may have ethical concerns.
This food isnt grain-free, and while a small amount grain as part of a well-rounded diet shouldnt be problem, its worth baring in mind for cat parents.
Its also worth noting that while this product does claim to be free of fillers (foods that bulk up a product while adding little nutritional value), corn grain and whole grain sorghum are ingredients that many consider to be fillers.
Of course, that doesnt take away from the fact that IAMS is a very popular and well-trusted brand.
If those issues dont affect you, then in IAMS Proactive Health you have a well-rounded, nutritious dry kitten food at a very reasonable price.
"This food contains real chicken as its first ingredient. It includes a unique fiber blend of prebiotics and beet pulp to support your kittens digestive system. It also has vitamin E to support their immune system, as well as omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids to maintain healthy skin and a shiny coat." - Dr. Diana Hasler BVM&S MRCVS
The best kitten food for sensitive stomachs
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4. Royal Canin Feline Gastrointestinal Kitten Dry Cat Food
Best for sensitive stomachs
Specifications
Item Form: Dry
Protein: 33% min
Fat: 22% min
Moisture: 8% max
Reasons to buy
+Designed for cats with very sensitive stomachs
+Smaller portions provide high nutritional value
+Contains fatty acids to soothe digestion
+Vet recommended
Reasons to avoid
-Need vet consultation to buy
-Expensive
Buy it if
You want a nutritionally complete meal: This means your little kitty will get all the nutrients they need.It does come in soft mousse product form too.
You want a vet-recommended product: You'll need a vet consultation to buy this.
Don't buy it if:
You have a healthy kitty:It is specifically designed for kitties that struggle to eat. So this wouldn't be suitable for a healthy kitten. You want to get it in your weekly shop:It contains a very high level of fat and protein, so you need to get veterinary advice before you can purchase this.
You're on a budget: This food is pretty costly.
The bottom line
Royal Canin Feline Gastrointestinal Kitten Dry Cat Food:If your kitty has a sensitive stomach or struggles to keep food down, consider this food your best bet. The same can be said if they are finding the transition from their mother's milk to solid food an uphill struggle and are losing weight because of it.
Is your kitten recovering from surgery? Does it have regular stomach upsets and chronic diarrhea? Would you consider your little kitty to have a sensitive stomach? Or are they struggling to make the switch from milk to food?
If you answered yes to any (or all) of the above, Royal Canin Feline Gastrointestinal Kitten Dry Cat Food could be the answer you've been looking for.
It's specifically designed to ensure your furball gets all the nutrition it needs, even if it is only able to eat smaller portions. It is also available as asoft mousse product although the dry formula is designed for you to be able to add water to it for an extra hit of hydration.
Note that because it is very high in fat and protein you need to get veterinary advice before you can buy this product so when Royal Canin says vet recommended, they mean it!
That's because this food is specifically designed for kitties that can't eat much, and contains adapted levels of nutrients, including protein and calcium to help support healthy digestion which means a healthy cat would find it too much.
If your vet agrees to prescribe it, users have called it a godsend. The formula includes fish oil to provide Omega-3 fatty acids, EPA and DHA, to help soothe the gastrointestinal tract, while its formula of digestible proteins and prebiotics support digestion and optimal stool quality. This combination allows it to act quickly, relieving your kitty's digestion issues in a matter of days.
The downside is that it is very expensive. But if your kitty is finding normal foods difficult to eat and process, this is a very sensible investment to stop their suffering fast.
"Kittens developing digestive systems predispose them to dietary sensitivities, so this food is made up of highly digestible ingredients to allow them to effectively absorb nutrients. It also contains prebiotics to help establish a balanced microbiome within the gastrointestinal tract, as well as antioxidants to support kittens developing immune systems. This diet should be fed under the supervision of a veterinarian." - Dr. Diana Hasler BVM&S MRCVS
The best wet kitten food
5. Wellness Complete Health Kitten Pt
Best wet kitten food
Specifications
Item form: Wet
Protein: 11%
Fat: 6%
Moisture: 78%
Reasons to buy
+DHA for brain development
+High quality ingredients
+Gentle on the digestive tract
Reasons to avoid
-Picky eaters may turn their nose up at it
Buy it if
You're after an easily digestible product: This mix is supported by additional prebiotics and minerals for healthy teeth and bones. It's also grain-free.
Having a natural ingredient list is important: Chicken is listed as the first ingredient. It's also packed with carrots, flaxseeds and cranberries.
Don't buy it if:
You have a picky eater: Some kittens might turn their nose up at this pt. This could be due to the flavor or the texture.
The bottom line
Wellness Complete Health Kitten Pt:Coming with the perfect mix of calories, fat and protein, this will keep your kitty fuller for longer, happy and support them as they grow from kitten to cat.
Wellness Complete Health Kitten Pt has been specially formulated to meet the extra energy needs of kittens, coming packed full of the perfect ratio of calories, fat and protein to fuel their busy days of growing, playing and sleeping.
This highly digestible recipe is supported by additional prebiotics with plenty of minerals for healthy teeth and bones.
For example, DHA and Taurine support brain development and eye health and there's an abundance of protein to fuel muscle growth which every growing kitty will need.
But there's more.We love the natural ingredient list for this wet food which features chicken as the first ingredient.
It's also packed with carrots and flaxseeds for fiber and cranberries for a powerful hit of antioxidants that will work hard to keep the urinary tract healthy. What more could you (and your kitten) want from each dish?
Free from grains, carrageenan, artificial colors, flavors or preservatives, this wholesome and natural formula ticks all the boxes.
It's why we've named it the best wet kitten food.
"The wet formulation of this food keeps kittens hydrated, while the ingredients provide enough calories, fat, and protein to keep up with an energetic, growing kitten. It includes DHA in its recipe to support brain development, as well as antioxidants to support the immune system. It comes in two flavors for kittenschicken and whitefish & tuna." - Dr. Diana Hasler BVM&S MRCVS
The best raw kitten food
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6. Natures Variety Instinct Original Kitten
Best raw kitten food
Specifications
Item Form: Dry
Protein: 42.5% min
Fat: 22.5% min
Moisture: 9% max
Reasons to buy
+100% natural ingredients
+Made without grain, potato, corn, wheat, soy, by-product meats, artificial colors, or preservatives
+Made with cage-free chickens
Reasons to avoid
-Not enough moisture for kittens
Buy it if
You want real animal ingredients: Its protein content measures in at a whopping 42.5%, while fat makes up 22%. Meaning? It's perfect for a calorie-hungry and growing kitten.
You want a high vegetable content: The remaining 19% of the product is made up of veggies, fruits and what Instinct calls other wholesome ingredients'.
Don't buy it if:
Recalls put you off: Instinct recalled products twice due to potential salmonella poising. However, the last of these came in 2015.
Your cat doesn't drink a lot of water: As with most dry cat foods, Instinct Original Kitten isnt going to give your kitten all the water it needs.
The bottom line
Natures Variety Instinct Original Kitten: This dry kibble is grain-free and contains no soy, wheat, corn, potato, by-product meals, artificial preservatives, or colors.Its strong nutritional profile is what makes it stand out from the rest.
Its sometimes difficult to know whats actually in the foods we feed our four-legged friends. So foods that make it easy for us are always welcome, which is where Natures Variety steps up to the plate. The brand's commitment to raw ingredients makes their Instinct Original Kitten dry kibble super easy to understand.
The Instinct range from Natures Variety is committed to 100% natural ingredients, although it might be easier to demonstrate the Original Kitten line's commitment to nutrition by first telling you whats not in it. This dry kibble is grain free and contains no soy, wheat, corn, potato, by-product meals, artificial preservatives, or colors.
That said, 81% of this kibble comes from real animal ingredients and oils, which puts its protein content at a whopping 42.5% and fat at 22%. Thats exactly what a calorie-hungry kitten needs. The food includes taurine, DHA, and probiotics for promoting everything from healthy brain and vision development to nice soft fur.
The remaining 19% of the product is made up from vegetables, fruits, and what Instinct calls other wholesome ingredients', and while some have criticized the product for including ingredients like carrots, deeming them unnecessary, the kibble's nutritional profile is very strong.
Given this foods raw and natural ideology, we think wed be remiss in not mentioning that Instinct have had to issue recalls on their food twice for potential salmonella. The last of these came in 2015 after a confirmed FDA test, though we have no reason to believe this is likely to happen again.
As with most dry cat foods, Instinct Original Kitten isnt going to give your kitten all the water it needs so you may want to think about pairing this with a wet food rather than as your kittens sole diet.
"This diet contains cage-free chicken as its first ingredient, and it is complete and balanced according to the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) guidelines for kitten food. Before making the decision to feed your kitten raw, it is important to note that raw diets can harbor bacteria such as Salmonella, E. coli, and Campylobacter, which can cause gut infections in your kitten and any humans who touch them, handle their food, or clean their litter box." - Dr Diana Hasler BVM&S MRCVS
The best gourmet kitten food
7. Applaws Tuna Wet Kitten Food
Best gourmet kitten food
Specifications
Item Form: Wet (broth)
Protein: 13.5% min
Fat: 2% min
Moisture: 82.4% max
Reasons to buy
+Dolphin-friendly tuna
+High in protein
+No artificial additives
Reasons to avoid
-Not nutritionally complete
Buy it if
You want top-quality ingredients: This brand uses simple ingredients that haven't been tampered with. There are no artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives.
You're against additives: The Applaws Kitten Tuna Fillet in Broth contains just tuna fillet, fish broth, and rice.
Don't buy it if:
You want a nutritionally complete meal: Although it's full of whole foods and high in protein, this product should be treated as a gourmet treat rather than something to be included with absolutely every meal.
Price is on your mind: This doesn't come cheap. And this cost mounts up with every 24 cans you buy quite a lot more than is normally the case with many other brands.
The bottom line
Applaws Tuna Wet Kitten FoodWe all need tasty protein-packed meals and your kitten is no different. This tin scores top marks from us, but just note: rather than being a source of kitten food to rely on, three times a day every day, think of it more like a treat.
You could be forgiven for being skeptical when a brand claims to supply everything your kitten needs most of them are doing that, after all.
Refreshingly, Applaws isnt one of them. We all need a good dose of protein in our diets. And kittens are the same. Therefore, its whole brand ethos is centered around crafting fresh tasty meals that are made to be part of a well-rounded diet, rather than a staple of it.
Applaws whole brand is centered around using simple ingredients that haven't been tampered with, using human-grade meat with no artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives.
Indeed, very little of anything is added. For example, the Applaws Kitten Tuna Fillet in Broth had just three ingredients; tuna fillet, fish broth, and rice. This way, you're left in no doubt as to exactly what you're getting.
While this is all great, like we said previously, this isn't a staple, so you shouldn't be providing it in every meal.
It simply doesn't provide everything your kitten should be consuming as part of a balanced diet, so this high-protein tin should be treated as a gourmet treat rather than something to be included with absolutely every meal.
Moreover, this additional treat doesn't come cheap, and you'll find that the cost mounts up with every 24 cans you buy quite a lot more than is normally the case with many other brands, in fact.
Regardless, what you're getting for this is a protein-rich gourmet experience for your kitten, and there's nothing wrong with treating them once in a while. As long as you only dish these out once a day at most, you'll get plenty of longevity out of it, and your mini cats will definitely thank you for it.
"This wet food contains tuna, which is not only delicious, but also a good source of omega-3 fatty acids to promote healthy skin, coat, and joints as your kitten grows. Because this is a complementary food, it should not be your kittens primary foodinstead, it can be fed as a special treat alongside a complete kitten diet." - Dr. Diana Hasler BVM&S MRCVS
The best natural kitten food
8. Nutro Wholesome Essentials Kitten Dry Cat Food
Best natural kitten food
Specifications
Item form: Dry
Protein: 36%
Fat: 19%
Moisture: 10%
Reasons to buy
+Quality ingredients
+Extensive range of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants
+Free from common allergens
Buy it if
You want wholesome ingredients: It's free from corn, wheat, and soy, as well as all artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives.
You're looking for a balanced formula:Nutritionallycomplete? Tick. Balanced formula? Tick. If your budget can stretch to the extra cost, we think this is a worthy contender for a place in your shopping cart.
Don't buy it if:
Price is an issue: The 5lb bag is more expensive than many other brands. However, it's rammed full of nutrients and top-quality ingredients.
The bottom line
Nutro Wholesome Essentials Kitten Dry Cat Food: This product is packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. There are also omega-3 fatty acids and calcium for strong bones and joints. Honestly? It's full of all the good stuff, which is just what kittens need as they grow, learn and play!
If you're looking for a clean and natural formula that uses high-quality ingredients, then this real food kibble from Nutro is well worth parting some dollars for.
While the 5lb bag is more expensive than many other brands, this is definitely a case of 'you get what you pay for'.
With real chicken as the number one ingredient and source of protein and nourishing brown rice as a filling carbohydrate, this kibble has everything your new kitten needs to thrive.
You'll find an extensive list of included vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, plus plenty of omega-3 fatty acids for growth and development and calcium for strong bones and joints.
We love the addition of beet pulp too, which provides a good hit of fiber and will help keep your kitten's digestive system running smoothly.
The limited ingredient list means there's little chance of this kibble causing any kind of allergic reaction in your kitten.
It's free from corn, wheat, and soy, as well as all artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives, which is really great to see.
Overall, this is a complete, nutritious, and balanced formula that's getting rave reviews from both pet parents and their young feline furkids.
If your budget can stretch to the extra cost, we think this one is definitely a worthy contender for a place in your shopping cart.
"This kitten food contains real chicken as its first ingredient, and it does not have any unwanted chicken by-products. It also provides omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants to support your kittens growth, development, and immune system. It is formulated with calcium to support growing kittens bones and joints." - Dr. Diana Hasler BVM&S MRCVS
The best variety pack of kitten food
9. Purina Pro Plan Kitten Favorites
Best variety kitten food
Specifications
Item Form: Wet (Pate)
Protein: 12-13% min
Fat: 5-6% min
Moisture: 76.5% max
Reasons to buy
+Made with real poultry and fish
+3 meaty flavors
+DHA for brain and vision development
Buy it if
You want a choice of three flavors:You can choose from Chicken & Liver, Ocean Whitefish & Tuna, and Salmon & Oceanfish. All of these are made with real poultry and fish as the number one ingredient. Variety is important: Your little meow machine will never grow tired of these flavors.
Don't buy it if:
You don't want a difference in protein and fat between flavors at every meal: There is a slight difference in protein and fat between the chicken and fish flavors.You don't want waste:As it's a variety pack, there may be options your kitty doesn't favor.
Your kitten can't eat large chunks: Instead, try Royal Canin Kitten's food gravy which contains thin slices.
The bottom line
Purina Pro Plan Kitten Favoritesif your kitten tends to get bored of their food easily, or you want to try and find a new favorite, a variety pack can be a great way to solve these issues. With three flavors to jump between, you can keep meal times interesting.
Many kitten food brands these days tend to stick to one or two products that they identify as the best things you should be feeding your little meow machine.
This is a great approach that allows a consumer to know, pretty much, exactly what theyre getting but for the little ones, it can get a bit samey.
Purinas Prop Plan Kitten Favorites variety pack has 3 flavors to choose from. Variety is the spice of life after all.
The three flavors, Chicken & Liver, Ocean Whitefish & Tuna, and Salmon & Oceanfish are made with real poultry and fish as the number one ingredient.
They add taurine for eyesight and DHA for brain development, as well as a blend of vitamins and nutrients to develop a healthy immune system.
There is a slight difference in protein and fat between the chicken and fish flavors with the Chicken & Liver having slightly less protein and slightly more fat but all within what works for healthy kitten growth.
However, some people have had trouble with larger meat chunks in the pate, meaning their kittens struggle or give up.
Of course, not all kittens have a problem with larger chunks, but if yours do, this might be one to wait until theyre a little bigger.
Lastly well point out the perennial problem with variety packs: you may end up with a flavor your kitten doesnt like.
This will happen to us all at some point but sometimes kittens dont react well to the unfamiliar, so either try introducing the flavor again slowly with another or find yourself a fellow cat parent to swap foods with.
Either way, the benefit of a variety pack is that you wont be wasting the whole case.
"This variety pack contains three different chicken or fish flavors of wet food for owners who want to provide their kitten an assortment of foods. All three flavors provide complete and balanced nutrition for growing kittens, and they have formulas that are both easily digestible and tasty." - Dr. Diana Hasler BVM&S MRCVS
The best kitten food for protein
10. Blue Buffalo Wilderness Kitten Chicken Recipe
Best for protein
Specifications
Item Form: Dry
Protein: 40% min
Fat: 20% min
Moisture: 9% max
Reasons to buy
+Full of natural ingredients
+Very high in protein
+Supports healthy oxidative balance
Buy it if
You want real chicken, not a poultry by-product: This dry food is also free from soy, wheat, and corn. Plus there are no artificial flavors or preservatives. You want an abundance of protein:This will support your kitten's muscle development and energy. You want a high vitamin content:There's the likes of Vitamins A, B and C, along with potassium and fiber are provided by the inclusion of blueberries.
Don't buy it if:
You want a finely textured kibble: The kibble comes in fairly large chunks that might be unsuitable for smaller kittens.
The bottom line
Blue Buffalo Wilderness Kitten Chicken Recipe: Created to help kittens grow by boosting their immune system, ensuring a healthy heart and eyes and giving them lots of energy to play. It comes highly recommended too!
Blue Wilderness claims to provide kittens with the finest of food, using real chicken as its first ingredient and promising not to use any poultry by-product.
This dry food is also free from soy, wheat and corn and there are no artificial flavors or preservatives. It's as healthy a food as they come, making use of a host of natural ingredients.
At the very least, you can be sure your kitten will get an abundance of protein to support their muscle development and energy.
The food also contains fish oil which is rich in omega-3 fatty acids and DHA so your kitten will not only retain a healthy coat but benefit from improved cognitive function too.
Vitamins A and C along with potassium and fiber are provided by the inclusion of blueberries. Potatoes boost the vitamin C and potassium levels while also providing vitamin B, iron and magnesium.
Pumpkin is added because it's rich in beta-carotene, vitamin A, and zinc, while spinach is thrown into the mix along with apples for carotenoids, quercetin and dietary fiber.
What's more, the blend of antioxidants, vitamins and minerals are not exposed to huge amounts of heat, which means most of the fresh nutrients are retained.
"This diet has a high protein content compared to many other kitten foods, with a minimum crude protein level of 40%. It contains real chicken as its first ingredient, without the addition of unwanted poultry by-products. It is also rich in antioxidants to support your kittens immune system as they grow." -Dr. Diana Hasler BVM&S MRCVS
The best vet-recommended kitten food
11. Hill's Science Diet Dry Kitten Food
Best vet-recommended kitten food
Specifications
Item form: Dry
Protein: 37.8%
Fat: 23.5%
Moisture: 6.5%
Reasons to buy
+Supports healthy brain development
+High-quality protein for building lean muscle
+Balanced minerals for strong bones and teeth
Buy it if
Your kitten likes a rich chicken taste:There's plenty of protein to support muscle growth and satisfy their tastebuds. You want them to eat plenty of fruit and vegetables:It includes broccoli, apples, carrots, cranberries and green peas.
Don't buy it if:
You're worried about choking: The kibble is very small, so it is best to watch your kitten while they eat it.
The bottom line
Hill's Science Diet Dry Kitten Food: "Hills is a trusted brand among veterinarians because they hire veterinary nutritionists as part of their team to oversee the development of their products," says Dr. Hasler
Give your kitty the best start in life with this vet-recommended kibble from Hill's Science.
With DHA from fish oil to support healthy brain and eye development and plenty of minerals to give your kitten strong bones and teeth, Hill's Science Diet Dry Kitten Food is a high-quality formula that ticks all the boxes.
Your little one will love the rich chicken taste and you'll have peace of mind knowing that you're feeding them only the best natural ingredients.
There's plenty of protein to support muscle growth and it's rich in fiber to help the digestive system function properly.
But the long list of positives doesn't stop there. There are plenty of fruits and vegetables on the list with broccoli, apples, carrots, and green peas featuring heavily, plus a good hit of cranberries to help keep your fur baby's urinary tract healthy.
While the kibble itself is on the small size, overall this is a delicious and nutritious formula that will help your kitten grow up to be big and strong.
"This food contains high-quality protein for growing cats, with chicken as its first ingredient. It includes DHA from fish oil to support the development of the brain and eyes. Hills is a trusted brand among veterinarians because they hire veterinary nutritionists as part of their team to oversee the development of their products." - Dr. Diana Hasler BVM&S MRCVS
The best grain-free kitten food
12. Purina Beyond Simply Natural Kitten Food
Best grain-free kitten food
Specifications
Item form: Dry
Protein: 38%
Fat: 17%
Moisture: 12%
Reasons to buy
+High in protein
+No artificial colors, flavors or preservatives
+Gentle on the stomach
Reasons to avoid
-Not to every kitten's taste
Buy it if
You want steroid-free chicken: Cautious about ingredients? Real farm-raised, steroid-free chicken has been used as the base of this kitten food. You want a product gentle on the stomach: Thanks to the inclusion of gentle oatmeal and soothing pumpkin, this is easy to digest. You want a protein-packed option: Plus, it contains 15-plus nutrients that are found in a mother's milk.
Don't buy it if:
You have a fussy eater: Some fussier felines may not like the flavor of this brand.
You're on a budget: At ($3.41/lb) this isn't the cheapest option available.
The bottom line
Purina Beyond Simply Natural Kitten Food. If you're looking for a grain-free option for your kitten, Purina is a brand with a reputation to trust.
High in protein and with 15-plus nutrients which are found in a mother's milk, this grain-free formula from Purina will nurture your growing kitten's body and ensure they get everything they need to grow up big and strong just what any pet parent would want!
We know all kittens are unique and grow at different paces and Purina understands that. This is why this kibble has been crafted to help your furry friend transition from milk to solids without upsetting their stomach. The kibble is easy to digest and gentle on the stomach, thanks to the inclusion of gentle oatmeal and soothing pumpkin.
Talking of ingredients, this dish has real farm-raised, steroid-free chicken listed as the first ingredient.
This kibble also features natural probiotics and prebiotic fiber to support digestive health and plenty of DHA from fish oil to support healthy brain development.
It comes in 3 lb., 5 lb., and 12 lb. bags and contains no corn, soy or artificial colors, flavors or preservatives.
This is why it wins our features in our best kitten food guide as the best grain-free alternative.
How to choose the best kitten food for you
Hasler says, when choosing the best kitten food, there are several things you need to think about.
Firstly, nutrition. You want to make sure youre hitting the right protein-to-fat ratio, and getting enough of both. For dry food you want to be hitting more than 30% in protein content and 15-20% in fat. For wet foods, you ideally want between 10-15% for protein and around 3-6% for fat.
You may want to be more aware of foods with high grain content, while the debate rages about exactly how bad grains are for cats, they can be an indicator that a food is full of filler or high in difficult-to-digest carbohydrates, rather than all the more preferable ingredients for a kittens development.
When it comes to intolerances and allergies, its actually fish, chicken beef and dairy products that are the most common in felines. So while you should expect to see a little bit of a digestive reaction to any new food, if it goes on too long you may want to investigate further.
Ideally, youll pick out a mix of dry and wet woods. While dry food can be more cost-effective and easier to manage, it wont provide the moisture your cat needs to stay hydrated. If youre going dry only, make sure your house is full of water sources for your cat to find, though theyll need to be refreshed daily.
Lastly, the best kitten foods will recommend a transition period when switching. This will avoid most cases of digestive distress which, if prolonged, can be dangerous to kittens. Take a week, and slowly introduce the new food alongside the old to allow their systems to get used to it. Of course, if your kitten seems to be experiencing problems, or youre worried that they may have a food sensitivity or other health problem, consult your vet.
How we tested this kitten food
- We start by researching all the best-known products in a specific topic, like dry cat food. We then check out user recommendations for more obscure products before creating a long list of items to consider.
- We narrow this list down to a shortlist based on the expertise of our writers, before turning to vets for advice on each of the products as we don't believe it's ethical to change a kitten's diet several times for the sake of testing. We want to know exactly what is in each food, what theyre good for, and whether there are any ingredients that might be less beneficial for your pets.
- We then balance these factors and determine an overall list. Our top recommendation is the item with the most beneficial effects for the majority of pets. Our second recommendation is usually the cheapest option that wed still recommend for the majority of pets. After that, the remaining recommendations try to cover off specific needs and niches. It might be a recommendation for older dogs, or outdoor cats, for example.
- We will always include extra advice in our guides, to help you make the right choice for your needs. However, we always recommend speaking with your veterinarian if youre in ANY way unsure if your pet has specialist dietary needs, or other medications, beyond those available over the counter.
What nutrients are important for kittens?
According to Woodnutt, feeding a complete diet that has been balanced for growth is essential for kittens. While they need all the same nutrients as an older cat, they need them in different proportions.
They need high protein and calories in order to get enough nutrients to grow, as their little stomachs cant take large volumes of food. They also need the proper calcium-to-phosphorus ratio for healthy bone growth, Woodnutt explains, As with all cats, bioavailable taurine is also essential, as, without it, kittens can quickly get heart failure.
Can kittens eat dry or wet food?
Kittens can eat either wet or dry food, and its a good idea to get them used to both from a young age. Very young kittens that are just weaning will usually prefer a wet food, and the pate types are usually easier for them to eat, says Woodnutt.
Anything else to look out for when choosing the right kitten food for your kitten?
Woodnutt emphasizes that its really important that your kitten food is complete and balanced for growth it should say so on the pack.
While lots of brands will conform to the AAFCO/FEDIAF guidelines to enable them to call themselves complete and balanced, its worth looking for a large, reputable brand, adding that, Smaller, boutique brands may not have access to the nutritionists, testing facilities, and buying power of the larger brands, making imbalances and nutrient deficiencies more likely.
