Last updated Apr 11, 2023
Medically reviewed by
Our Review Process
Our reviews are based on extensive research and, when possible, hands-on testing. Each time you make a purchase through one of our independently-chosen links, we’ll receive a percentage of the proceeds. Read more about how we’re supported here.Like your kitten himself, the best kitten food packs plenty of energy in a small package. It’s calorie-dense, rich in protein, and loaded with omega-3s to support brain and eye development. But not every food marketed for kittens is worthy of your baby’s bowl.
At the top of that list is Wellness CORE Natural Grain-Free Turkey & Chicken Liver Pâté. This canned food has everything your kitten needs without excessive carbs, colors, and other additives. It receives positive customer reviews and comes from a trusted company.
Keep reading to learn more about your kitten’s nutritional requirements and how we chose the best kitten foods on the market.
At a Glance: Best Kitten Foods of 2023
In the comparison table below, we’ve highlighted some of the most important features of each product. You’ll find more detailed information about each product later in the article.
Wellness CORE Kitten Turkey & Chicken Liver Recipe Canned Food
- One of the most protein-packed kitten foods on the market
- Ultra-soft pate texture is easy for kittens to eat
- Calorie-dense recipe to fuel growth and development
Instinct by Nature’s Variety Kitten Grain-Free Real Chicken Recipe Canned Food
- Rich in animal-based protein from chicken, beef, and salmon
- Soft canned food offers palatable texture and hydration
- Very low carbohydrate content
Smalls Fresh Ground Other Bird
- Single source of high-quality animal protein
- Rich in moisture to support your kitten’s hydration
- Free from artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives
The Honest Kitchen Grain-Free Chicken Caté (Paté) Wet Cat Food
- Chicken as a single source of high-quality animal protein
- Free of artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives
- Rich in moisture to support your kitten’s hydration
Open Farm Kitten Grain-Free Dry Cat Food
- First four ingredients are animal-based proteins
- Contains salmon oil as an animal source of DHA
- Made with humanely raised, ethically sourced ingredients
Fancy Feast Kitten Tender Turkey Feast Canned Cat Food
- Features high-quality animal protein as the main ingredient
- Hydrating canned food with a strong reputation for palatability
- One of the most affordable options for kitten food
Wellness Complete Health Kitten Chicken Entrée Pate Canned Food
- Made primarily with animal-based protein sources
- Contains menhaden fish oil for DHA
- Highly palatable and hydrating canned food
Blue Buffalo Tastefuls Chicken Entrée Kitten Pate Wet Cat Food
- Made primarily from nourishing sources of animal protein
- Hydrating and highly palatable canned food
- Calorie-dense at 122 calories per 3-ounce can
Instinct Original Kitten Grain-Free Recipe Dry Cat Food
- Composed of 81% animal ingredients, including animal fat
- Calorie-dense to support healthy kitten growth
- Contains animal-based omega-3s for eye and brain development
Top Picks Explained
Why Trust Cats.com
To write this guide, we started by identifying kittens’ core nutritional needs, reviewing over 224 different cat food brands, reading customer reviews, speaking with market insiders, and testing foods hands-on.
We also consulted trusted veterinarians to get their professional opinion on what makes a great cat food.
Our Veterinary Advisors
- Dr. Sarah Wooten, DVM, CVJ
- Dr. Chris Vanderhoof, DVM, MPH
- Dr. Sarah Reidenbach, DVM
- Dr. Chyrle Bonk, DVM
- Dr. Jamie Whittenburg, DVM
- Dr. Albert Ahn, DVM
- Dr. Elizabeth Youens, DVM
In addition to performing our own qualitative analysis of the brands reviewed here, we submitted samples for analysis at an ISO 17025 certified food testing and analysis lab.
We bought the products at full retail price, and the entire testing process was funded by Cats.com without direct input or influence from the companies involved.
Analytical testing in a food chemistry lab gives us the exact macronutrient and micronutrient content of each recipe. The tests also look at microbial content, yeast, mold, and heavy metals, helping you ensure that you’re only putting the best in your cat’s bowl.
Also Read: Why We Lab Test Cat Food and How to Interpret the Reports
Here’s What We Looked for In the Best Kitten Food
When we asked about his recommendations for the best kitten food, Dr. Chris Vanderhoof, DVM, MPH emphasized that “it’s very important to choose a food formulated for kittens because they require different nutrients for growth. Kittens require more calories per day than adult cats. These calories go into growth as well as the higher level of activity kittens have. Kittens generally have double the calorie needs per day compared to an adult cat. Kitten foods also have a different ratio of minerals compared to adult foods to assist with their bone growth.”
In addition to looking for foods that were properly formulated for kittens, we sought products with certain key qualities, including high protein and fat content, appropriate levels of DHA, and more.
This is in line with veterinarian Dr. Chyrle Bonk’s recommendations. She explained that “you’ll want to make sure any kitten food is fortified with DHA for healthy brain development,” adding that “kitten food should also be higher in protein and fat than the adult version in order to fuel their growing bodies, and choose one with smaller-sized kibble so that they can easily get their tiny mouths around it.”
We Looked for Species-Appropriate Foods
We looked for foods that honor kittens’ nutritional needs, emphasizing meat ingredients over plants. All of the foods on the following list are rich in animal-sourced protein and keep carbohydrate content low. We looked for foods that were at least 50% protein and less than 10% carbohydrate, measured on a dry matter basis.
We Disqualified Foods That Contain Potentially Harmful Ingredients
Meanwhile, we avoided products that contained unnecessary or potentially harmful ingredients. These include fillers, starches, artificial colors, chemical preservatives, and sweeteners.
And We Gave Preference To High-Moisture Foods
Because hydration is so important for kittens and cats of all ages, we paid special attention to high-moisture foods. Moisture content is much higher in wet kitten foods than in dry kitten foods.
Hydration is essential, but it’s not enough to put a bowl of water alongside your kitten’s kibble.
Like all cats, kittens aren’t exactly eager to drink a lot of water. They may not want to drink out of the bowl. Even if they do drink water, they seldom take in enough water to keep their systems in top condition. This makes a high-moisture diet for kittens almost essential. Canned, wet, and other moisture-rich foods help prevent urinary tract issues and promote good overall health.
The Best Healthy Kitten Food Reviewed: Our Top 9 Recommendations
Now that we know what to look for in kitten food, let’s explore our top eight picks for the best kitten food on the market.
#1 Overall Best: Wellness CORE Kitten Turkey & Chicken Liver Recipe Canned Food Review
Our top pick is the high-protein wet cat food from Wellness CORE. It’s a meat-based formula packed with animal-based ingredients, including turkey, chicken liver, chicken meat, and chicken meal.
While some people write off chicken meal as inferior to so-called “real chicken” and put it in the same category as poultry by-products, those criticisms don’t hold up to examination. Chicken meal appears to be just as nutritious and digestible as any other chicken product. In fact, it packs a harder protein and calorie punch—which is exactly what your growing kitten needs.
The inclusions of herring and menhaden fish oil make the food a good source of DHA, an omega-3 fatty acid that contributes to brain and eye development in kittens.
Though it’s grain-free with no potatoes or soy, this pâté contains small amounts of certain plant ingredients, including ground flaxseed, dried kelp, chicory root extract, and alfalfa meal.
Though these ingredients aren’t essential in a carnivorous diet, they have a few benefits for kittens. Chicory root extract, for example, is a prebiotic. Along with probiotics, this type of fiber could help support digestive and immune system health.
Each 3 oz. can contains 108 calories, which is about average across all kitten formulas.
Ingredients
Turkey, Chicken Liver, Turkey Broth, Chicken, Chicken Meal, Herring, Natural Flavor, Cranberries, Menhaden Fish Oil (preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Guar Gum, Tricalcium Phosphate, Ground Flaxseed, Potassium Chloride, Choline Chloride, Taurine, Cassia Gum, Xanthan Gum, Dried Kelp, Chicory Root Extract, Yucca Schidigera Extract, Alfalfa Meal, Salt, Magnesium Sulfate, Iron Proteinate, Zinc Proteinate, Thiamine Mononitrate, Vitamin E Supplement, Copper Proteinate, Manganese Proteinate, Sodium Selenite, Niacin, d-Calcium Pantothenate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Riboflavin Supplement, Vitamin A Supplement, Biotin, Potassium Iodide, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Folic Acid, Rosemary Extract.
Guaranteed Analysis
Dry Matter Basis
Caloric Weight Basis
What We Liked:
- One of the most protein-packed kitten foods on the market
- Ultra-soft pâté texture is easy for kittens to eat
- Calorie-dense recipe to fuel growth and development
- Rich in moisture for optimal hydration
- Supplemented with fish oil as a source of DHA
What We Didn’t Like:
- A little more expensive than many kitten foods
- Contains some plant ingredients
#2 Runner-Up: Instinct by Nature’s Variety Kitten Grain-Free Real Chicken Recipe
This kitten food from Nature’s Instinct is made primarily from wholesome animal ingredients and is rich in the amino acids that help your kitten to thrive. The first ingredient is chicken, and it contains salmon as a natural source of DHA, a fatty acid with a role in brain and eye development.
This kitten recipe doesn’t contain any of the starches and plant protein that weigh your kitten down and create waste, but it does contain traces of cranberries, pumpkin, tomato, blueberries, broccoli, cabbage, kale, and parsley.
Overall, however, this food is a low-carb option, with about 9% carbohydrates on a dry matter basis. It is a little more expensive than many kitten foods, but it offers good nutritional quality.
Each 3 oz can contains 103 calories, which is about average for kitten food.
Ingredients
Chicken, Beef Liver, Chicken Broth, Salmon (Source of DHA), Eggs, Montmorillonite Clay, Dried Kelp, Taurine, Potassium Chloride, Salt, Minerals (Iron Proteinate, Zinc Proteinate, Copper Proteinate, Manganese Proteinate, Sodium Selenite, Potassium Iodide), Choline Chloride, Vitamins (Vitamin E Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate, Niacin Supplement, d-Calcium Pantothenate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Riboflavin, Supplement, Vitamin A Supplement, Biotin, Vitamin D3, Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Folic Acid), L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate, Artichokes, Cranberries, Pumpkin, Tomato, Blueberries, Broccoli, Cabbage, Kale, Parsley
Guaranteed Analysis
Dry Matter Basis
Caloric Weight Basis
What We Liked:
- Rich in animal-based protein from chicken, beef, and salmon
- Soft canned food offers palatable texture and hydration
- Very low carbohydrate content
- Rich in DHA for healthy brain and eye development
What We Didn’t Like:
- A little more expensive than many kitten foods
- Doesn’t receive consistently positive customer reviews
#3 Best Fresh Food: Smalls Fresh Ground Other Bird
Smalls is a fresh cat food subscription service that sends monthly deliveries of protein- and moisture-packed fresh food right to your door. All of their recipes are formulated for cats in all life stages, and their high protein content and concentration of healthy fats fuel your kitten’s growth and development.
This Ground Other Bird recipe features turkey as a single source of high-quality animal protein. Fresh turkey is the first ingredient followed by turkey liver and three plant ingredients. Canola oil is the only source of added fat.
The food is high in moisture to support your kitten’s hydration and it doesn’t contain any animal by-product meals or artificial additives.
Smalls fresh food is a little expensive, but it’s made with human-grade ingredients and frozen at the peak of freshness to preserve its nutritional value. The packages are marked in 1-ounce increments, so it’s easy to portion the food according to your kitten’s calorie requirements.
Each 11.5-ounce package contains 460 calories, which translates to about 40 calories per ounce.
Ingredients
Turkey Thigh, Turkey Liver, Green Beans, Peas, Kale, Tricalcium Phosphate, Canola Oil, Choline Chloride, Potassium Chloride, Salt, Taurine, Magnesium Sulfate, Niacinamide, Ferrous Sulfate, Zinc Sulfate, Vitamin E Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate (Vitamin B1), Calcium Pantothenate (Vitamin B5), Copper Sulfate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B6), Manganese Sulfate, Riboflavin (Vitamin B2), Potassium Iodide, Folic Acid, Biotin (Vitamin B7), Vitamin B12 Supplement, Vitamin D3 Supplement
Guaranteed Analysis
Dry Matter Basis
Caloric Weight Basis
What We Liked:
- Single source of high-quality animal protein
- Rich in moisture to support your kitten’s hydration
- Free from artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives
- Portions are clearly labeled on the package
What We Didn’t Like:
- Contains some plant ingredients
- Only available by subscription
#4 Best Human-Grade: The Honest Kitchen Grain-Free Chicken Caté (Paté) Wet Cat Food
If you’re interested in a human-grade food for your kitten, you might be interested in wet food from The Honest Kitchen. While most kitten food is considered feed-grade and produced in facilities that only handle pet food, The Honest Kitchen prepares, cooks, and transports all of their products according to human food manufacturing standards.
Formulated for both adult cats and kittens, The Honest Kitchen’s food is rich in protein from animal sources, featuring chicken as its primary ingredient. In addition to chicken meat, the food contains salmon oil, which is a good source of animal-based omega-3 fatty acids, beneficial for your kitten’s brain and eye development.
The food comes in resealable and recyclable 5.5 ounce cardboard cartons. It is on the more expensive side at over $0.50 per ounce, but that price may be worth it for a top-quality, human-grade food for your kitten.
Each 5.5-ounce carton contains 187 calories, which converts to about 34 calories per ounce.
Ingredients
Chicken, Chicken Broth, Chicken Liver, Pumpkin, Carrots, Blueberries, Cranberries, Natural Chicken Flavor, Calcium Carbonate, Agar Agar, Dandelion Greens, Potassium Chloride, Choline Chloride, Vitamin E Supplement, Vitamin A Supplement, Niacin Supplement, Calcium Pantothenate, Thiamine Mononitrate, Riboflavin, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Folic Acid, Biotin, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Magnesium Proteinate, Taurine, Copper Proteinate, Iron Proteinate, Manganese Proteinate, Potassium Iodide, Zinc Proteinate, Sodium Selenite, Kelp, Yucca Schidigera Extract, Salmon Oil.
Guaranteed Analysis
Dry Matter Basis
Caloric Weight Basis
What We Liked:
- Chicken as a single source of high-quality animal protein
- Free of artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives
- Rich in moisture to support your kitten’s hydration
What We Didn’t Like:
- Contains some unnecessary plant ingredients
- Price on the high side
#5 Best Dry: Open Farm Kitten Grain-Free Dry Cat Food
Formulated to meet the high-protein requirements of growing kittens, this Open Farm dry food features a blend of humanely raised chicken and turkey with other ethically and sustainably sourced ingredients.
This recipe starts off strong with four animal-based sources of protein: chicken, turkey, ocean whitefish, and herring. Menhaden fish meal provides supplemental protein a few ingredients later and salmon oil provides an animal-based source of omega-3 fatty acids including DHA.
While this dry kitten food meets AAFCO requirements for kitten growth and development at around 44% crude protein and 21% crude fat (measured as dry matter), it’s higher in carbohydrate than we’d like. It is, however, supplemented with functional ingredients like fiber-rich pumpkin to support healthy digestion and antioxidant-rich cranberries for urinary tract support.
Keep in mind, when feeding your kitten dry food, that kibble doesn’t provide the moisture your kitten needs. Be sure to supplement your kitten’s diet with wet food or an additional source of moisture to ensure optimal hydration.
Each cup of dry food contains 480 calories.
Ingredients
Chicken, Turkey, Ocean Whitefish Meal, Herring Meal, Chickpeas, Green Lentils, Red Lentils, Menhaden Fish Meal, Coconut Oil, Sunflower Oil, Pumpkin, Natural Flavor, Cranberries, Apples, Dandelion Greens, Dried Chicory Root, Salmon Oil (Source of DHA), Calcium Carbonate, Choline Chloride, Vitamins (Niacin Supplement, Vitamin E Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate, D-Calcium Pantothenate, Riboflavin Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Folic Acid, Biotin), Salt, Dicalcium Phosphate, Taurine, Minerals (Calcium Carbonate, Zinc Proteinate, Iron Proteinate, Copper Proteinate, Manganese Proteinate, Sodium Selenite, Calcium Iodate), DL-Methionine, Mixed Tocopherols, Turmeric, Dried Yucca Schidigera Extract, Rosemary Extract.
Guaranteed Analysis
Dry Matter Basis
Caloric Weight Basis
What We Liked:
- First four ingredients are animal-based proteins
- Contains salmon oil as an animal source of DHA
- Made with humanely raised, ethically sourced ingredients
- Free from artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives
What We Didn’t Like:
- Contains over 20% dry matter carbohydrate
- No dry food provides the moisture your kitten needs
#6 Budget Pick: Fancy Feast Kitten Tender Turkey Feast Canned Cat Food
If you’d rather buy your kitten’s food from the grocery than the pet food store, consider this paté from Fancy Feast. This unpretentious formula emphasizes animal ingredients, keeps carbohydrates to a minimum, and has a reputation for palatability.
The recipe isn’t perfect, though. It contains both natural and artificial flavors, includes artificial colors, and uses meat by-products.
Meat by-products are often inaccurately portrayed as bad or unhealthy ingredients. According to the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO), by-products are defined as what’s left over after the initial processing of a particular product. These by-products are then processed to kill disease-causing bacteria before being included in pet food.
So, although the word ‘by-product’ sounds off-putting, the presence of by-products in your kitten’s food does not necessarily make it less healthy or lower quality than a by-product-free food.
Another questionable quality of this food is the inclusion of cow’s milk. Most cats, including weaned kittens, are lactose intolerant and may have diarrhea after eating milk. That said, customer reviews suggest that this reaction is rare.
With 95 calories per can, this food is slightly less calorie-dense than some other kitten foods.
Ingredients
Turkey, Liver, Meat By-Products, Poultry Broth, Milk, Fish, Egg Product, Artificial and Natural Flavors, Tricalcium Phosphate, Guar Gum, Minerals [Potassium Chloride, Magnesium Sulfate, Zinc Sulfate, Ferrous Sulfate, Copper Sulfate, Manganese Sulfate, Potassium Iodide], Added Color, Salt, Vitamins [Vitamin E Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate (Vitamin B-1), Niacin (Vitamin B-3), Calcium Pantothenate (Vitamin B-5), Vitamin A Supplement, Menadione Sodium Bisulfite Complex (Vitamin K), Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B-6), Riboflavin Supplement (Vitamin B-2), Vitamin B-12 Supplement, Biotin (Vitamin B-7), Folic Acid (Vitamin B-9), Vitamin D-3 Supplement], Taurine. C-6621.
Guaranteed Analysis
Dry Matter Basis
Caloric Weight Basis
What We Liked:
- Features high-quality animal protein as the main ingredient
- Hydrating canned food with a strong reputation for palatability
- One of the most affordable options for kitten food
What We Didn’t Like:
- Contains meat by-products and artificial colors/flavors
- Contains milk which could cause GI upset in some kittens
#7 Mid-Price Pick: Wellness Complete Health Kitten Chicken Entrée Pate Canned Food
This grain-free smooth loaf from Wellness’ Complete Health line is slightly cheaper than the Wellness CORE recipe listed as our number one pick. But with protein-rich chicken and chicken liver leading the ingredient list, it looks like a nutritious, species-appropriate option.
The food’s biggest flaw is its carbohydrate content. The food contains carrots, which drive its total carbohydrate content to around 14% on a dry matter basis. While that’s low compared to many wet foods and most kibble, we’d rather see carbohydrate percentages in the single digits.
The recipe includes menhaden fish oil as a source of the fatty acid DHA, helping to promote healthy brain and eye development.
This food is exceptionally calorie-dense, with 122 calories in every 3 oz can.
Ingredients
Chicken, Chicken Liver, Chicken Broth, Carrots, Natural Flavor, Cranberries, Guar Gum, Ground Flaxseed, Potassium Chloride, Taurine, Salt, Menhaden Fish Oil (preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Choline Chloride, Magnesium Sulfate, Cassia Gum, Xanthan Gum, Iron Proteinate, Zinc Proteinate, Beta-Carotene, Vitamin E Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate, Copper Proteinate, Manganese Proteinate, Sodium Selenite, Niacin, d-Calcium Pantothenate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Riboflavin Supplement, Vitamin A Supplement, Biotin, Potassium Iodide, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Folic Acid, Rosemary Extract.
Guaranteed Analysis
Dry Matter Basis
Caloric Weight Basis
What We Liked:
- Made primarily with animal-based protein sources
- Contains menhaden fish oil for DHA
- Highly palatable and hydrating canned food
- Calorie-dense option with 122 calories per can
What We Didn’t Like:
- Somewhat more expensive than some kitten foods
- Relatively high in carbohydrate content
#8 Best For Weight Gain: Blue Buffalo Tastefuls Chicken Entrée Kitten Pate Wet Cat Food
Kittens grow very quickly, with most reaching their adult size within 10 to 12 months. That being said, some kittens need a little extra help with development. This is where a calorie-dense formula like this Blue Buffalo Healthy Gourmet kitten recipe comes into play.
The inclusion of brown rice, carrots, carrageenan, and sweet potatoes keeps this food from taking anything but the 5th place spot on this list. That said, it does have some good qualities for kittens.
As evidenced by the inclusion of chicken, chicken liver, and dried egg among the first ingredients, it contains a respectable quantity of the animal ingredients your kitten needs. Though the food contains several high-carbohydrate ingredients, its carbohydrate content appears to linger around 9% on a dry matter basis, making it an acceptable choice for your carnivorous new kitten.
Another good quality of this food is the fact that it’s supplemented with DHA from fish oil. Besides being an anti-inflammatory that can promote skin and coat health, this fatty acid plays a role in your kitten’s cognitive and ocular development.
With 122 calories in every 3 oz can, this food is exceptionally calorie-dense.
Ingredients
Chicken, Chicken Liver, Chicken Broth, Dried Egg Product, Natural Flavor, Fish Oil (source of DHA-Docosahexaenoic Acid), Brown Rice, Guar Gum Sweet Potatoes, Sodium Acid Pyrophosphate, Potassium Chloride, Tricalcium Phosphate, Taurine, Salt, Carrageenan, Cassia Gum, Magnesium Sulfate, Choline Chloride, Iron Amino Acid Chelate, Zinc Amino Acid Chelate, Vitamin E Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate (Vitamin B1), Copper Amino Acid Chelate, Manganese Amino Acid Chelate, Sodium Selenite, Niacin Supplement (Vitamin B3), Calcium Pantothenate (Vitamin B5), Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B6), Riboflavin Supplement (Vitamin B2), Vitamin A Supplement, Biotin (Vitamin B7), Potassium Iodide, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Folic Acid (Vitamin B9), preserved with Mixed Tocopherols.
Guaranteed Analysis
Dry Matter Basis
Caloric Weight Basis
What We Liked:
- Made primarily from nourishing sources of animal protein
- Hydrating and highly palatable canned food
- Contains fish oil as a natural source of DHA for brain/eye development
- Calorie-dense at 122 calories per 3-ounce can
What We Didn’t Like:
- Contains carrageenan – a potentially inflammatory additive
#9 Best Dry Kitten Food: Instinct Original Kitten Grain-Free Recipe Dry Cat Food
Dry food generally isn’t our top choice for kittens but many cat owners find it more affordable and convenient than wet food. Kibble tends to be low in moisture and high in carbohydrates which can contribute to a variety of potential health problems like urinary tract issues and feline diabetes.
Some kittens also have trouble transitioning onto a wet food diet later if they’re weaned onto a primarily dry food diet.
This dry kitten food from Instinct is low in moisture and contains more carbs than a premium-quality wet food, but it’s better than the average kitten food. Its dry matter carbohydrate content is relatively low at just over 13% and it is comprised of 81% animal ingredients, including animal fat.
With concentrated sources of animal protein as the top three ingredients, this protein-rich formula helps support kitten growth and development. It contains animal-derived omega-3s for eye and brain health as well as probiotics to support optimal digestion and nutrient absorption.
This recipe is calorie-dense at 557 calories per cup. It’s free from low-value grains like corn, wheat, and soy as well as artificial flavors, colors, and preservatives. It also contains freeze-dried chicken and chicken organs for a boost of flavor.
Ingredients
Chicken, Turkey Meal, Menhaden Fish Meal, Peas, Chicken Fat (preserved with Mixed Tocopherols and Citric Acid), Egg Product, Chicken Meal, White Fish Meal, Tapioca, Natural Flavor, Lamb Meal, Dried Tomato Pomace, Carrots, Apples, Cranberries, Montmorillonite Clay, Vitamins (Vitamin E Supplement, L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate, Niacin Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate, d-Calcium Pantothenate, Vitamin A Supplement, Riboflavin Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Folic Acid, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Biotin), Choline Chloride, Minerals (Zinc Proteinate, Iron Proteinate, Copper Proteinate, Manganese Proteinate, Sodium Selenite, Ethylenediamine Dihydroiodide), Potassium Chloride, Salt, Taurine, Freeze Dried Chicken, Freeze Dried Chicken Liver, Pumpkinseeds, Freeze Dried Chicken Heart, Dried Bacillus coagulans Fermentation Product, Rosemary Extract.
Guaranteed Analysis
Dry Matter Basis
Caloric Weight Basis
What We Liked:
- Composed of 81% animal ingredients, including animal fat
- Calorie-dense to support healthy kitten growth
- Contains animal-based omega-3s for eye and brain development
- Supplemented with probiotics for digestion and nutrient absorption
What We Didn’t Like:
- Contains starchy plant ingredients
- No dry food provides the moisture your kitten needs
How Are Kittens’ Nutritional Needs Different From Those Of Adult Cats?
Nutritionally speaking, the biggest difference between kittens and adults is the need for ultra-nutrient-dense food that will fuel early growth stages.
While all kitten foods are different, they’re generally calorie-dense with high concentrations of protein. They’re rich in calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, vitamin A, and certain amino acids.
If you’re committed to purchasing commercially available food, read the label to determine whether or not it’s appropriate for kittens. If the food is labeled complete and balanced for growth and reproduction OR all life stages, it’s been formulated according to the AAFCO’s nutrient profiles for kitten health.
Avoid diets labeled simply for adult maintenance. As the label suggests, adult cat food is intended to maintain a healthy adult weight and lacks the nutritional gusto to fuel your kitten’s growth spurts.
While some insist that only commercially sold foods provide the nourishment a kitten requires, this isn’t exactly true.
If correctly balanced, a home-cooked diet can be an excellent choice for your growing kitten. These diets offer what a kitten needs, delivering more bioavailable protein and calorie density than almost anything you’ll buy in a bag or a can.
Keep in mind, though, that preparing home-cooked pet foods can be time-intensive, and it can be difficult to achieve the appropriate nutrient balance. Consult with a veterinary nutritionist if you are interested in preparing homecooked food for your kitten.
A Nutritionally Complete Diet Is Crucial During Kittenhood
Remember that a nutritionally complete diet is crucial during the first 12 months of life. During these months, you’re building the foundation for a lifetime of good health. A diet that is nutritionally incomplete or unbalanced could set your kitten up for serious health problems down the road.
An article on Mercola Healthy Pets illustrates this fact with the story of a 5-month-old Sphynx kitten who was fed exclusively raw chicken for the first several months of his life. As a result of this imbalanced diet, the kitten developed lameness and eye problems. By the time the kitten was adopted, he was suffering from osteopenia, a condition resulting from inadequate mineral density in the bones. Inadequate taurine had caused central retinal degeneration and lesions on one of his eyes.
Four months of inadequate nutrition may not have had such an obvious impact on an adult cat, but for a growing kitten, every meal is critical.
Kitten Food Should Be Rich in High-quality Protein from Real Chicken, Turkey, Rabbit, Or Other Animal-Sourced Ingredients.
As obligate carnivores, cats of all ages need a lot of protein.
Compared to middle-aged adults, kittens are more sensitive to both the quantity and quality of that protein. While adult cats need at least 6.5 grams of protein per 100 calories according to the AAFCO’s nutrient profiles, kittens need 7.5 grams or more.
According to the Merck Veterinary Manual, “Growing kittens are more sensitive to the quality of dietary protein and amino acid balance than are adult cats.”
What Constitutes High-Quality Protein For A Kitten?
As obligate carnivores, kittens require the amino acids found in animal tissue. Animal bodies contain all of the amino acids cats and kittens need to thrive. You can’t achieve that amino acid balance with plant-sourced protein alone. Instead, plant-based foods are a patchwork of protein sources. Synthetic amino acids fill the gaps.
Compared to animal-based protein, protein from plants, like that found in peas, beans, and corn gluten meal, sits lower on that digestibility scale. High-quality muscle meat is closer to the top, meaning that your kitten utilizes almost all of its protein content, with minimal waste.
When shopping for kitten food, seek out products featuring named meats as the first several ingredients. Look for words like “chicken”, “turkey”, and “rabbit.” If these meats are followed by “pea protein,” “soy protein,” or “corn gluten meal,” consider trying something else.
The Best Kitten Food Is Calorie-Dense
As he zooms and pounces through the first year of life, your kitten burns a lot of calories. Choosing a calorie-dense food made with natural ingredients will ensure that he has enough fuel to get bigger and zip across the house with ease.
Dr. Lizzie Youens clarifies that kitten food doesn’t only support physical growth, noting that “it’s not only physical growth we need to fuel, but also their immune system, nervous system, brain, and other vital functions. They need high-quality nutrients in an easily digestible form.”
Kitten Food Should Be Rich in Certain Vitamins and Minerals
Compared to adult cats, kittens have slightly different vitamin and mineral needs. According to the Merck Veterinary Manual, kittens should consume food with a calcium-to-phosphorus ratio of about 1.0 to 0.8, while adult cats should get a ratio of about 0.6 to 0.5. Kittens also have slightly higher requirements for vitamin A and require slightly greater amounts of the amino acids lysine and tryptophan.
Soft Kitten Food Is Easier for Young Kittens to Eat
Technically, you can feed your kitten dry or wet food. But when they’re very young and still have baby teeth, your kitten will likely find it easiest to eat soft, wet food. This could be a cooked homemade or homemade-style food or canned food.
After the first six months, introduce more challenging morsels. Chewier pieces of cooked meat challenge your kitten’s jaws and can promote good dental health.
With most cats suffering from periodontal disease by the time they reach middle age, establishing good dental hygiene in kittenhood is one of the most impactful health investments you can make.
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- How to Take Care of a Kitten: The Complete Guide
- How to Kitten-Proof Your Home: 6 Essential Tips
- What to Know When Fostering Kittens: 6 Essential Tips
Frequently Asked Questions
When Should You Start Feeding Kitten Food?
Kittens start transitioning off of their mother’s milk and onto solid food at around four weeks of age. The weaning process is both voluntary and forced. Kittens might get curious about sharing their mother’s food and when they go back to suckle, she’ll begin to push them away.
It’s a gradual process that usually takes a few weeks. By the time kittens are seven weeks old, they should be fully weaned and eating a solid food diet.
How Often Should You Feed Your Kitten?
Kittens are happiest and healthiest when served three or four small meals each day.
Is It Okay to Feed Your Kitten A Variety of Foods or Should They Stick to One Food Only?
To ensure that your cat doesn’t become finicky, it’s a good idea to introduce varied textures and flavors during kittenhood.
Some people, including veterinarians, believe in feeding one food for the entirety of a cat’s life. Not only does relying exclusively on a single protein source set your cat up for food intolerances later in life, but a limited diet also tells your cat that it’s okay to be finicky.
If you allow your kitten to eat nothing but chicken-based pâté for the first 12 months of their life, they’ll likely be reluctant to try new foods when they’re 12 years old.
When Should You Stop Feeding Kitten Food?
When we talked to Dr. Sarah Reidenbach, DVM about this, she shared that she typically recommends that cats switch to an adult diet at 1 year of age, but this varies depending on when the cat reaches physical maturity. Around that time, you can gradually switch your cat off of their kitten food and onto a diet formulated for adult cats. Your veterinarian can advise you on when to transition from kitten food to adult food.
Can Adult Cats Eat Kitten Food?
Adult cats can eat kitten food, but it’s not necessarily a good long-term choice. Compared to products intended for adult cats, kitten food may have more calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, and other micronutrients that support skeletal development. For an adult cat, those minerals may be excessive.
Remember that kitten food is packed with calories to fuel babyhood growth. For this reason, it may be a good choice if you need to help your adult cat gain weight. If your cat isn’t underweight, however, eating kitten food could lead to obesity.