Kittens experience rapid growth, which indicates that they require a diet rich in protein and fat. Selecting the best cat food for kittens early on will lessen the chances of an upset stomach as they develop during this growth stage.
Choosing the right food for your pet kitty is not an easy task, as there are too many options available. If you are in a hurry and are no expert in kitten food, we are here to help you out.
In this guide, we have listed several food items that are ideal for raising strong and healthy kittens. Nowadays, great foods are offered by a variety of brands, specially formulated to support your kitten’s growth.
We have reviewed dozens of kitten foods, based on factors like affordability, quantity, quality, and online feedback from the concerned pet parents.
Not only does this guide list some of the best cat food for kittens, but we have also provided other important information, including types of kitten food, factors to consider, feeding guidelines, etc.
We have divided this article into reviews and guides for both dry and wet kitten food. In this guide, we have sometimes referred to wet food as canned kitten food; these two terms are interchangeable in this context.
Our review list mostly consists of food items that are free from artificial colors, harmful preservatives, and flavors. Most foods contain nutritious ingredients to support your kitten’s growth. Learn more about the best cat foods to prevent vomiting.
The Two Types Of Kitten Foods
There are 2 types of kitten food; wet and dry. Both these types are capable of providing the necessary nutrition a kitten needs for healthy growth, but if you primarily opt for dry food, you should keep an eye on your kitten’s water consumption. Keep reading to get more information about both types.
Dry Kitten Food
Dry food is often used alongside a wet food item as it is considered ideal for free-feeding. Ad libitum feeding or free-feeding is the act of making dry food available for your kitten as a snack throughout the day, in contrast to strict meal times. Kibble-based kitten foods are perfect for free-feeding because they do not spoil easily as opposed to wet foods.
Dry kitten foods are perfectly balanced to provide high-quality, nutritious meals built on a strong base of protein and fat.
However, carbohydrates aren’t necessarily unhealthy for kittens, but they aren’t a significant ingredient in any cat’s diet. They are mostly required to bind kibble together and provide energy.
Dry kitten foods highly differ in caloric density, and this can only be checked by adjusting feeding portions. You should always refer to the packaging for the correct feeding portions. There is a difference in caloric density due to several factors.
Some of the best cat food for kittens contains kibble that is formed under less pressure, which is why they have low caloric density.
Dry foods are mostly preferred by cat owners as they are easy to store (do not require to be stored under specific conditions) and offer a great shelf life.
Feeding Guide For Dry Kitten Food
For most cat owners, dry food makes up an important part of their kitten’s diet. It becomes necessary to feed high-quality foods to a growing kitten. There are a few specific characteristics of dry kitten food that make some options better than others. Also, check out the best cat food for hairballs.
Kibble Texture
One of the benefits of your pet kitten eating dry food is that a crunchy kibble can help them decrease tartar. However, this has been debated a lot, there are some effective dry foods specially designed to do this.
Calorie Count/Density
Kittens are more energetic as compared to older cats. This is the reason why giving them high-calorie food is important. Many pet parents of kittens choose to free-feed dry food, and that is usually advisable with kittens. But if you engage in free-feeding, you should be careful enough to stop it once they reach maturity, to avoid issues with overfeeding.
Ingredients And Nutrients
You must check the list of ingredients before purchasing any food item for your kitten. The best cat food for kittens should necessarily contain certain ingredients that are crucial for any kitten’s growth.
For example, Taurine has been proven essential for healthy eye and brain development in kittens.
Cat food should be free from artificial coloring, preservatives, and flavoring. We recommend you consider buying smaller bags of food that contain natural preservatives to ensure it is delicious for your kitten down to the last bite of kibble.
Another important thing when buying dry food for kittens is to check if it uses real meat as its number one ingredient. As compared to real meat proteins, plant-based proteins do not contain everything cats need for healthy development.
As cats do not require grain, you can opt for a grain-free formula that is beneficial for young kittens. Sometimes grains are replaced with non-grains carbohydrates like sweet potatoes to produce kibble.
Taste
Sometimes young kittens are more reluctant to eat dry food as compared to wet. You need to find dry food that tastes great so that your kitten doesn’t ignore the dry food bowl all day.
Try to avoid food that contains artificial flavors to make it taste sumptuous. Foods that have real meat as their number one ingredient are more likely to appeal to kittens as they are natural carnivores.
Price
Some of the best dry cat food for kittens is cheaper than wet cat food. Still, you get to choose from a wide range of brands and prices.
If you want to get a product produced by one of the best brands, you’ll need to spend quite a sum. Certain foods offer a great mix of essential nutrients at a reasonable price.
Your budget plays a significant role in determining your kitten’s dry food. Another important point is to check if the food item is designed for kittens or all-stages, and not for adult cats.
Summary
Dry food is like a building block for your kitten’s healthy growth. Selecting the best cat food for kittens can make sure your pet grows well and stays healthy for years to come. You need to find a balance of beneficial ingredients, calories, taste, price, and texture.
It is a difficult task but worth it. You can read the reviews of some of the best dry cat food for kittens in our review list that mentions the top 25 products.
Our recommendations will make the task easier for you and put you on the right path.
Wet Or Canned Kitten Food
Wet kitten food (also known as canned kitten food) is a popular choice among pet parents of kittens. For most owners, a combination of both wet and dry foods is the perfect outcome.
It is often recommended to feed wet foods as primary meals and leave kibble as a snack that the kitten can eat whenever it feels a little hungry or in need of energy.
Wet food items generally cost more than dry food, so a combination of both can work best for your cat as well as your wallet.
The values listed for density, calories, protein, and carbohydrates are notably lower than those found in dry food. This is because these foods contain far more moisture.
To compare nutrient content in both, you’ll need to change both values to their dry-matter equivalents. Feeding your pet 2 cans of the best-wet cat food for kittens could be the nutritional equivalent of half a bowl of dry food.
Feeding Guide For Wet And Canned Kitten Food
Wet kitten food contains at least 75% to 85% moisture. There are quite varied textures available with wet food, so you need to find the one that our kitten will love, and it can take some time and guesswork.
Here are a few points you need to keep in mind when purchasing the best-wet cat food for kittens.
Moisture Content
If you ask a veterinarian, he or she will recommend you feed your cat at least some wet food a day because of the water content it contains.
It helps in providing extra water to your kitten. You also need to be aware of too much moisture in a can, which means that it doesn’t contain other nutrients required for healthy growth.
Choosing The Right Kitten Food
While your kitten is developing, giving them a balanced diet is crucial. There are a lot of nutrients that your kitten will be receiving from its food.
As a loving and caring pet owner, it is your responsibility to select the best options. This guide is written to help you choose the best cat food for your kitten plus offer tips on feeding.
Kitten Food Vs. Cat Food
Kittens have different dietary needs that have been thoroughly researched and kept in mind when companies produce their kitten food formulas.
As a young age is marked by rapid growth and high energy levels, kittens require more of the key nutrients as compared to fully developed cats. For example, they need twice the amount of Vitamin A in their diet as adult cats.
They also require more protein and amino acids like Lysine and Tryptophan. If you get confused, then we recommend you to opt for the best cat food for kittens designed for “all-stages” of life.
However, foods specifically designed for kittens are more likely to provide your pet with the proper nutrients to make sure they grow healthy and strong.
AAFCO
AAFCO stands for the Association of American Feed Control Officials. It has the most reputed rating system for pet food, and they have also created separate categories for rating food items for pets, for example, “growth and reproduction”.
Before deciding which brand to choose or what kind of food to buy, visit the AAFCO website and check out what their feeding trials and nutrient profiles say.
High-Quality Ingredients
Like most pet owners, you’d want to serve your kitten high-quality food throughout their life. The kind of feed you give is most important during their first year. Meat and meat-based food items are very rich in protein.
Such protein levels cannot be obtained from plant-based sources. Kittens also require fat and carbohydrates in their diet for energy.
Other important ingredients include an amino acid called taurine. Vitamins like A, C, and E, as well as DHA, are important for your kitten’s optimal brain development.
Wet Food Vs. Dry Food Vs. Both
To understand what type of food to feed your kitten, you need to keep in mind its growth stages. In the beginning, as your kitten has “baby teeth”, it won’t be able to chew dry food.
Thus, it may only be possible to give your kitten wet food. After about 3 to 4 months, adult teeth will make an appearance. By 7 months, most kittens will have all of their adult teeth, so then you can feed them other kinds of foods.
We recommend you experiment with different kinds and textures of food while your pet kitten is still young. Or else, you may end up with a fussy eater on your hands.
Feeding nothing but dry food can also negatively impact your kitten’s health. Without any wet food in their diet, cats become more prone to kidney and urinary tract health problems.
You may also struggle to keep your cat’s weight under control later in life if you keep feeding it nothing but dry food.
Dry foods contribute to weight gain because they contain fattening carbohydrates that are needed to form the kibble. Some veterinarians recommend feeding no dry food at all if your kitten becomes overweight.
Canned food is good for maintaining weight because it has high moisture content. It also has more protein by weight and is generally less processed.
However, purchasing enough wet food for all of your kitten’s daily needs can cost you a lot. Some prefer feeding both wet and dry food to cater to their kitten’s needs. You need to keep experimenting till they get their adult teeth.
How To Tell If You Have The Right Food
If you think that you’ll be able to find the best-wet cat food for kittens just by researching, then you’re wrong. You won’t know if it is a winner until you put it in your kitten’s bowl.
There are a few things you need to keep an eye on to determine if the food you are feeding your kitten is suiting it well.
- How does your kitten behave? If your kitten seems healthy, alert, active, and playful, this means that it is getting all the right nutrients essential for its growth.
- How is your kitten looking? Does it have bright eyes? You need to keep a check on its weight and overall health. The kitten needs to gain weight steadily, not rapidly. Check your kitten’s eyes and see if they have a clean and glossy coat. If yes, then what you are feeding is probably doing its job.
If the answer to one of these questions is no, it may be time to choose a new brand or look for new food. You can also consult your kitten’s veterinarian if you are not sure about what to feed it.
Kittens require a lot of food to give them the energy to play actively. Do not expect them to eat very much in one sitting, as kittens need to eat several small meals a day.
If you can’t be around to provide this because of long working hours, no house help, or some other reason, consider using an automatic cat feeder. It works by timing meals to present portions, ideal for when you’re not at home between mealtimes.
Free-feeding can cause obesity with most pets, it is acceptable when your cat is still growing. Free feeding only works with dry foods as wet food will get spoilt if left out for too long.
Leaving out small portions of dry food makes sure your kitten can stop for a little snack to boost its energy. But once it gets older, you should start feeding dry food on a schedule to reduce any chances of obesity.
If you have decided to feed your cat only wet food, then you’ll need to feed it at least 4 times a day. if you still choose to leave dry food out for them to snack on, you can cut that down to two times a day.
Make sure you provide your kitten with plenty of fresh water to drink. It needs to be well hydrated to stay healthy.
Factors To Consider Before Buying The Best Cat Food For Kitten
There are a few factors you need to keep in mind to select the right food for your kitten:
Food Texture
itten food comes in several texture types, just like adult cat food. Mostly you will find pate because it is easy for kittens to eat.
Young kittens, below the age of 4 months have very small mouths and sensitive teeth, hence, they cannot eat dry or wet food with any chunks. You should refrain from buying foods that are difficult to chew for your young kitten.
As your pet grows a bit, you can add various kinds of wet foods with different textures. Some of the popular textures include; cubed, flaked, shredded, etc. that will help your kitten practice chewing. It is not necessary that you need to feed your cat pate food, some just hate it, even from an early age.
Taste
For whatever reason, a lot of food manufacturers believe that kittens love chicken. But you can also try other options such as pork, lamb, fish, etc. that combine several proteins. Avoid foods with artificial flavors and colors.
Some manufacturers ass a little salt to enhance flavor. While adult cats can handle that, young ones may struggle a bit. Unfortunately, a lot of the time the most sumptuous foods are the less healthy options.
Price
The best-wet cat food for kittens costs a lot. This expensive rate is one of the biggest reasons people opt for dry foods.
Wet food is worth including in your kitten’s daily diet, however, costly kitten foods contain better quality protein sources and fewer carbohydrates. As already mentioned, proteins are what kittens require the most, whereas, carbs should be limited.
You do not need to stick to only wet food. Feeding two cans per day in addition to dry food is sufficient, which means that a case of 24 cans will last you about 2 weeks.
Wet food forms a significant part of your pet’s diet as it helps to keep them hydrated while providing a good amount of protein. Although the price of canned food can make you doubtful, you need to think about your kitten’s long-term well-being.
Ingredient And Nutrients
Good kitten food should contain high-quality ingredients and a sufficient amount of nutrients to support your pet’s overall development.
You should always check the label on food items to ensure you know what you’re buying. Most labels mention all the information about the product, like calorie content, density, list of ingredients, and nutrients.
Most vets recommend a diet rich in protein and fat, with extra nutrients like fatty acids, vitamins, minerals, etc. Your cat’s dietary needs change as they grow older, so keep that in mind and buy accordingly.
As this guide is about the best cat food for kittens, you’ll only get information about kittens. If you want to read about healthy foods for adult cats, you can check out other resources.
AAFCO Endorsement
Find kitten food that meets the guidelines highlighted by the Association of American Feed Control Officials. Some of the best cat food for kittens will be labeled with the following statement; “Complete and Balanced nutrition for kittens based on AAFCO feeding trials”.
This association gives guidelines on what constitutes a balanced diet for domestic pets. An AAFCO label is all the assurance pet owners need.
Dry Vs. Wet Food
We have already highlighted the benefits and details of both these types. It is recommended that you feed your kitten both wet and dry foods after 3 to 4 months when it develops teeth.
The most important point to remember is to feed your pet foods that are both nutritionally complete and balanced.
Flavor
Cats can be very choosy eaters; thus, it becomes necessary to experiment with various foods to pick a flavor and texture profile your kitten likes.
Thankfully, kitten food is available in a wide range of flavors, so you’ll be able to find an item that is enjoyed by your pet.
Cats Might Not Like Cat Food Varieties
Cas are picky about their food, so you’ll need to try out different brands and food items before settling on one. You need to opt for something healthy and also make sure that your kitten finds it tasty.
Most vets recommend putting male cats on a wet food diet because they have a lot of urinary tract issues.
Protein-Based Diets Are Ideal
Protein-heavy diets in moderation are best for kittens and cats. You need to keep your kitten on a feeding schedule once it gains full size.
Using kibble as a treat throughout the day for kittens works well. Kibble provides them extra energy required for active play and growth.
Ingredient Sourcing
How and where ingredients are sourced is crucial on several levels. You need to consider your cat’s health.
Most of the cat food recalls have happened because one or two ingredients accidentally get tainted by a supplier, without the manufacturer ever realizing it. The contamination often results from microbes such as Salmonella and E. Coli.
It can also happen because of environmental pollutants like harmful chemicals, pesticides, foreign materials like plastic, metal, or the illegal use of disease-affected animals.
It can also occur due to batching errors like increased use of or omission of a significant supplement or important ingredient. Thus, we recommend you to buy AAFCO advertised foods.
Supplements
This refers to a broad category that is best understood in pet foods as additional vitamins, minerals, amino and fatty acids.
Specifically, cats need to be supplemented with taurine, which is an important amino acid required for healthy retinal development.
Cats are sensitive to taurine deficiency, so make sure you purchase a food item that contains taurine. In our review section, we have mentioned a lot of products that contain taurine.
Lack of taurine can cause health issues such as decayed teeth, partial blindness, or even death. Thus, most cat foods sold in the US need to contain taurine.
There are also other supplements commonly found in manufactured cat foods. Vitamins and minerals like Vitamin A, B-complex, D, E, and minerals like zinc, selenium, iron, cobalt, etc. are necessary for a maturing kitten according to the nutritional requirements listed by AAFCO.
It is important to check that your kitten is receiving all these nutrients because unlike wild cats found in the jungle, domestic cats do not eat fresh kill.
Instead, pet parents of cats feed them manufactured foods which sometimes get depleted of essential nutrients because of extruding, processing, and cooking. If you want your kitten to develop into a healthy cat, you need to take care of its nutritional needs.
In this section, we have reviewed the 25 best kitten food for kittens, manufactured by sundry brands. We have covered each product’s nutritional information as well as listed other benefits.
You need not necessarily stick to the items we have mentioned, you may search more on your own according to your needs. There are plenty of choices available on the market, you’ve just got to see which one suits you and your pet the best.
Top 25 Best Cat Food For Kittens 2021
#1. Hill’s Science Diet Dry Food
The first one on our list of best cat food for kittens is Hill’s Science Diet dry kitten food. It is a premium dry kitten food that contains vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and fiber.
It is a great choice for pet parents looking for tasty chicken-flavored food for their kitten. This dry food is specially designed by veterinarians to provide sufficient nutrition for domestic cats.
The best feature about this brand is that it produces food devoid of artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives. This product is backed by a 100% satisfaction guarantee. If you go to amazon and read their customer reviews, you’ll mostly find positive reviews by users.
It is available in 2 sizes, made from veterinarian recommended formula, and contains high-quality nutrition. it is easily digestible and offers plenty of health benefits for growing kittens.
#2. Hill’s Science Diet Wet Kitten Food
The second product on our list of best-wet cat food for kittens is again produced by Hill’s Science.
When it comes to wet food, you need to look into additional factors like moisture content, protein level, and price as canned or wet food can be quite expensive as compared to dry food.
This high-quality wet food comes in a variety of sumptuous flavors, plus contains significant nutrients and proteins to boost your kitten’s immunity so that it develops into a healthy cat.
It is a pate-style food that is the most popular choice among pet parents as its soft texture makes it easy for kittens to eat and digest.
The nutrient-rich formula supports healthy eye and brain development. As it provides balanced nutrition and is rich in protein, veterinarians also recommend it for pregnant or nursing cats.
#3. Purina Fancy Feast Wet Food
Are you looking for healthy kitten food that doesn’t cost much? Purina offers affordable kitten food items made with real milk and wholesome natural proteins.
The best feature of Purina Fancy Feast Kitten canned food is its softness, which makes it ideal for kittens below the age of 6 months, who still haven’t developed strong teeth.
Its 100% nutritionally complete and protein-based formula is designed to keep your kitten strong and healthy. It boosts growth and strengthens your pet’s immunity.
It comes in several different flavors in a convenient pack of 24 cans. Almost every reviewer is happy with the product’s quality and its affordable price.
#4. Hill’s Science Diet Dry Food
By now, you must have learned that real meat as a primary ingredient is an important source to gain protein.
Young kittens require lots of protein because it boosts growth and builds immunity. Blue Buffalo Healthy Growth Natural Kitten dry food has meat as its number one ingredient.
It contains eggs, garden vegetables, whole grains, and fruit for balanced nutrition. It is also packed with important vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and fatty acids.
It doesn’t contain artificial flavors, colors, preservatives, wheat, corn, by-product meals, or soy. This product is a great choice if you’re looking for wholesome food for your kitten.
#5. Purina Pro Plan Canned Wet Food
This is another product by Purina specially formulated for kittens to support rapid growth during the first year of their life.
It is delectably soft, made with real fish and poultry, plus contains extra nutrients such as DHA to support your kitten’s overall development.
Purina Pro Plan Focus Canned wet food has received positive reviews online.
Most users say the soft, tender texture of this food is perfect for kittens. Your kitten will surely love the flavors even if it is a picky eater. It is available in a variety of packs.
#6. Iams Perfect Portions Wet Food
This premium best-wet cat food for kittens provides complete and balanced nutrition for the healthy growth of kittens.
It contains important vitamins and minerals needed for building immunity and brain development, such as Vitamin E, DHA, etc. It comes in a 24 twin-pack tray and offers a variety of delicious flavors.
It contains 48 servings in total, which means it’ll last you over 3 weeks if you serve wet food to your kitten twice a day.
It is a pate-style food with two individual meals plus a grain-free recipe that’ll keep your kitten satisfied. It doesn’t contain any artificial preservatives and supports a healthy immune system.
#7. Nutro Loaf Chicken Wet Food
This 24-pack natural, grain-free canned food contains no artificial colors, preservatives, or flavors. It’s number one ingredient is chicken.
Hence, it is a great source of protein. It is a pate-style chicken recipe that features a savory and smooth texture. It has a soft, lap-able texture that is easy for young kittens to eat.
#8. Hill’s Science Diet Dry Food
This is another product by Purina designed to provide balanced as well as 100% complete nutrition to meet the needs of developing kittens.
It comes in a variety pack of delectable flavors, containing 24 cans of best-wet cat food for kittens. It is made with real milk.
It features both chicken and salmon as its number one ingredient, you can choose any of the two. You can also buy both chicken and salmon-based and let your kitten try.
The best feature of this product is that it is extremely affordable. So, if you’re looking for affordable canned food for your kitten which is both healthy and nutritional, look no further than Purina Fancy feast wet cat food.
#9. Royal Canin Feline BabyCat
Do you want to try something different this time? Because perhaps your cat has got bored of the usual flavors and textures.
Try this ultra-soft mousse in the sauce to introduce your kitten to a distinct flavor. It is specially designed to meet the needs of kittens, pregnant, or nursing cats.
It contains antioxidants and vitamins for the healthy growth of kittens. It is easy to eat and digestible because of its soft mousse texture.
Other important nutrients include; proteins, DHA, prebiotics, etc. It comes in a multi-pack containing 24 cans in total. It may be a little costly for some, but for those who can afford it, you won’t regret buying it for your kitten.
#10. Royal Canin Feline Instinctive
This is another food item produced by Royal Canin. The previous mousse is designed for newborn baby cats, but this one is designed for kittens up to 12 months old.
It contains optimal quantities of protein, carbs, and fats. Its tender loaf texture is usually loved by kittens.
The pack contains 24 cans in total, you can choose from 2 different sizes; small and large. It is an expensive product, but its texture is easy for a kitten to eat as it transitions to solid dry foods.
It is an innovative mixture of antioxidants, proteins, and carbs that helps to meet the nutritional needs of a developing kitten as well as build immune system defenses.
#11.Royal Canin Thin Slices In Gravy
This best-wet cat food for kittens is formulated with premium nutrients proteins, fats, and carbohydrates to support the healthy growth of kittens. It is specially made to fulfill the nutritional needs of kittens below 12 months of age.
It contains small slices of gravy to make it chewable and digestive. The moisture content is about 75% to 80% with an innovative mixture of antioxidants and vitamins.
It is available in 3 kinds of multi-packs of 6, 12, and 24 cans. As it contains digestible proteins and prebiotics, it promotes healthy digestion. Overall, it is an affordable food item that will fulfill the energy needs of a maturing kitten.
#12. Wellness Complete Canned Food
This delectable grain-free best-wet cat food for kittens is an exceptional blend of high-quality proteins and taurine for solid eye and heart development.
It is made using all-natural ingredients, contains no meat by-products or preservatives. It is a good source of everyday nutrition for kittens. It comes in a multi-pack of 24 cans.
#13. Blue Buffalo Blue Wilderness Chicken
Blue Buffalo Blue wilderness kitten chicken dry food is a high-protein, grain-free formula. It is probably one of the most popular food items produced by the brand. Real meat is its first ingredient plus it contains additional nutrients such as fatty acids and choline.
It is a healthy choice for your pet because it doesn’t contain any harmful preservatives, flavors, or colors. It is packed dominantly with meat that kittens mostly crave to help support strong muscle development.
Its grain-free formula contains only those ingredients that help promote your pet’s healthy growth including ARA and DHA. ARA are fatty acids naturally found in mother’s milk.
It also contains taurine to promote cognitive and retinal development. This food item contains the brand’s exclusive LifeSource Bits- it is an accurate mixture of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants carefully selected by renowned vets and animal nutritionists to boost the immunity of domestic cats, support life stage needs as well as healthy oxidative balance.
#14. Hill’s Science Healthy Development
It is a new and improved dry food recipe recently introduced by Hill’s Science Diet. It is specially formulated to suit kittens, pregnant, or nursing cats.
It contains high-quality ingredients which are easy to digest. Other vital components include; vitamins, minerals, and amino acids. It is a good option if you’re looking for an affordable dry snack to free-feed your kitten. It doesn’t contain artificial flavors or colors.
#15. Nutro Kitten Dry Food
Nutro Kitten dry cat food is a blend of wholesome ingredients, farm-raised chicken, and brown rice. It contains vital vitamins and minerals required for healthy cognitive and motor development. It also contains calcium that helps strengthen bones and joints.
It is made with Non-GMO components; however, trace amounts of genetically modified material may be found due to potential cross contact during processing or manufacturing. It is ideal for kittens up to 12 months old and is available in 2 sizes.
#16. Orijen Dry Food
This is a biologically appropriate cat and kitten food manufactured by Orijen. It is rich in protein, wholesome foods, and oils. It is free of processed poultry meat and only contains nutrient-dense, fresh ingredients.
#17. Purina Chow Nurture Dry Food
Purina is a brand known for producing healthy dry cat food for kittens. The Purina Kitten Chow Nurture dry cat food is designed to provide 100% complete and balanced nutrition.
It is rich in protein, contains DHA for healthy cognitive and retinal development, and includes antioxidants for building immunity. It is a blend of natural-obtained ingredients and doesn’t include artificial colors, preservatives, or flavors.
#18. Purina One Healthy Kitten Formula
Is your kitten a fussy eater? Are you not able to find anything which matches its taste? Try feeding your cat this crunchy dry food made of high-quality proteins.
The Purina ONE Healthy Kitten dry food is both healthy and tasty. It contains real chicken as its number one ingredient and most online reviewers have stated that it is extremely affordable and an excellent choice for maintaining a cat’s weight.
It is an ideal snack for free-feeding because it contains crunchy and palatable kibble. It is not only tasty and crunchy but also contains healthy nutrients like DHA. It is available in 3 sizes. Even veterinarians recommend this product.
If your kitten likes to eat kibble and has crossed the age of 12 months, you can still keep free-feeding this snack without worrying about obesity as it doesn’t contain much fats and carbohydrates that are responsible for weight gain.
#19. Purina Pro Plan Chicken Formula
You can try this rice and chicken formula if your kitten is a picky eater. It carries a different flavor that may be liked by your pet. It contains 41% protein to help meet a maturing kitten’s growth needs.
It includes DHA to nourish the brain and retinal development and is rich in antioxidants that build immunity. It is available in several sizes.
#20. Royal Canin Feline Health Nutrition Kittens
This best cat food for kittens by Royal Canin is designed to support a kitten’s healthy growth and build immunity. It is an innovative blend of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
It contains high-quality proteins, prebiotics, fibers, carbohydrates, etc., and comes in 3 sizes. This dry food comes in small kibble texture designs to make it easy for kittens to eat.
#21. Royal Canin Neutered Dry Food
This Royal Canin product is specially formulated for Spayed or neutered kittens. It can be fed to kittens up to 12 months old after surgery, designed to limit post-surgery weight gain. It contains antioxidants and vitamins to build immunity. Its X-shaped kibble texture is easy to chew.
#23.Wellness Complete Natural Dry Food
This delicious kitten food contains chicken as the number one ingredient. It provides extra protein required for rapid growth. It also contains taurine which is an important ingredient for healthy eye and heart development.
It is a grain-free formula that provides 100% complete and balanced nutrition. It contains all-natural ingredients with no preservatives, artificial flavors, wheat, soy, or meat by-products.
#24. Wellness Core Natural Turkey & Chicken
This is another best cat food for kittens made of chicken, turkey, cranberries, extra nutrients. It is a grain-free formula, contains no fillers or preservatives. It comes in 2 sizes; small and large.
#25. WholeHearted Salmon Formula
This is the last product on our list of the top 25 best cat food for kittens. It contains salmon as its number one ingredient. So, if your kitten has got bored of eating chicken, try this salmon-based dry snack.
It contains feline prebiotic that help maintains a healthy digestive system and omega-3 fatty acids for healthy skin and cost. It doesn’t contain corn, wheat, or any other kind of grain.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I Leave Dry Or Wet Food Out For My Kitten?
Dry kitten food can be left out in a bowl for very young kittens to make sure they get sufficient nutrition. When kittens cross 6 months of age, you should change your feeding routine and instead of free-feeding resort to a fixed mealtime to prevent overeating.
You shouldn’t leave wet kitten food cans out for your kitten. As canned food contains moisture, it may get easily spoiled if left out in the open for too long.
How Often Should The Kittens Be Fed?
Young kittens should be fed at least 3 times a day with some snacks from time to time. Kittens below the age of 6 months have small mouths and they do not eat in one go, instead, they like eating small meals. Once your kitten crosses 6 months, you should reduce feeding extra snacks.
Another factor that determines the feeding schedule is the ratio of dry to canned food in their diet. You can also ask your vet for more advice on how much to feed your pet.
When Should Kittens Begin Eating Wet Food?
Kittens start developing teeth after a few weeks, thus, wet food is a good option in the beginning because it is easy for them to chew and digest. Most kittens begin eating solid food at around 5 to 8 weeks old.
Can One Overfeed A Kitten?
Yes, overfeeding is a very serious issue and can harm your kitten’s health. You need to change your feeding schedule according to your kitten’s age.
Make sure you limit kibble and other dry food you leave out for your kitten to snack on. If you notice symptoms like bloating, digestive problems, or any other unusual behavior, visit your vet.
Which Are The Best Food Brands For Kittens?
Any brand that uses a good amount of protein as the first ingredient is a good choice. Nature’s variety and Evo provide high-quality protein in canned food.
The higher the protein, the more active the kitten. Brands like Hill’s Science and Purina are also quite popular in the market. In the end, it all depends on your budget and what suits your kitten. A meal that is both healthy and tasty is the best cat food for kittens.
All The Best!
Your kitten is a source of great joy and provides you companionship, it is your responsibility to keep it both happy and healthy. Feeding several meals containing high protein and the right vitamins and minerals is one of the best ways to ensure your kitten’s good health.
After the first few months pass, it will be time to start researching again to find the best adult food for your cat. Meanwhile, use the information given in this guide to choose the best-wet cat food for kittens.
Usually, you will find at least 75% moisture in a 3 oz can. This means up to 2.4 of the ounces are moisture, leaving only 0.6 ounces to provide carbohydrates, fat, and protein that your growing kitten will require.
Growing kittens demand high-calorie content, hence, you’ll often see cat food manufacturers recommend several cans per day.
If you are feeding both dry and wet food, the recommended amounts for wet food drop to 2 cans a day. Those feeding only dry food should purchase a cat water fountain to keep up their kitten’s hydration level.
Make sure you keep all the important factors in mind, read online reviews and food labels to make sure you buy the best cat food for kittens which provides all the necessary nutrition.
Visit your vet if you observe any unusual symptoms like bloating. If your kitten doesn’t like the taste of a specific food, try some other brand or food texture. Best of luck!
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