The 6 Best Kitten Foods of 2026

• Made In: United States
• Guaranteed Protein: 40.5%
• Age Range: Kitten
• Calories Per Ounce: 120
• Calories Per Pound: 1920
• Typical Cost Per Day: $0.77 per day

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 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 carbohydrates 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.

• Made In: United States
• Guaranteed Protein: 11%
• Age Range: Kitten
• Calories Per Ounce: 32
• Calories Per Pound: 512
• Typical Cost Per Day: $1.84 per day

This unpretentious formula from Fancy Feast emphasizes animal ingredients, keeps carbohydrates to a minimum, and has a reputation for both affordability and 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.

• Made In: United States
• Guaranteed Protein: 40%
• Age Range: All Life Stages
• Calories Per Ounce: 106
• Calories Per Pound: 1696
• Typical Cost Per Day: $0.69 per day

Featuring turkey, fish, and duck as main ingredients, this budget-friendly dry cat food contains over 44% dry matter protein. With yellow peas, red lentils, and chickpeas on the list, however, it’s hard to say how much plant protein contributes to that total. The food relies primarily on animal-sourced fat, offering a dry matter total of 20%.

With flavor from multiple animal proteins, many kittens find this Nulo Freestyle recipe appealing. The small, disc-shaped kibbles are easy for kittens to chew and, because the recipe is formulated for all life stages, your kitten can continue to enjoy it into adulthood.

Like any dry food, this recipe doesn’t provide the hydrating moisture your kitten needs and it’s higher in carbs than we’d like. Consider pairing it with a wet food topper or adding some warmed bone broth before feeding.

• Made In: United States
• Guaranteed Protein: 15%
• Age Range: All Life Stages
• Calories Per Ounce: 36
• Calories Per Pound: 576
• Typical Cost Per Day: $4.00 per day

Featuring salmon and cod as the main ingredients, this fish-based fresh cat food has a smooth, pate texture. Measured as dry matter, the food contains over 62% protein and around 20% fat. Combined with the recipe’s low carbohydrate content, it’s another carnivore-appropriate formula.

Not only is this recipe easily digestible for most cats, but the salmon, cod, and cod liver oil all provide animal-sourced omega-3 fatty acids. These fatty acids may help keep your cat’s coat shiny and soft.

Though packed with animal-sourced protein, this recipe is much less calorie-dense than the previous two formulas. As such, it may be an appropriate choice for overweight cats who need to shed a few pounds. To maintain or gain weight, however, your cat may need larger portions of this food which could increase your monthly subscription cost.

Sample buyer review...
"Excellent product and customer service. I have a fur baby with a picky palate, sensitive stomach, and struggles with drinking water. He loves Smalls fish and so does his stomach. Grateful for the extra hydration it provides."

• Made In: Canada, United States
• Guaranteed Protein: 12%
• Age Range: Kitten
• Calories Per Ounce: 36
• Calories Per Pound: 576
• Typical Cost Per Day: $3.49 per day

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.