The Best Kitten Foods
Just like our own babies, kittens require a balanced diet with enough nutrients to support growth and development, which is why you should find the best kitten food out there. That way, you ensure your pet grows into an active and healthy cat. We know the choices can be overwhelming, so we've gone ahead and narrowed down the search for you.
What to Look For
In our research, we found that the best kitten food is delicious, nutritious, and easy on the digestive system. For example, Blue Buffalo Wilderness has made a protein-packed formula ideal for kittens who need to gain some healthy weight. However, if you’d prefer a wet food option, Royal Canin boasts a mouthwatering recipe that your kittens are sure to love. Read on to learn more about our favorite picks.
Blue Buffalo Wilderness Dry Food for Kittens
Mighty meat
If you want your kitty to eat a protein-rich diet, Blue Buffalo has you covered. They carefully selected the ingredients and ensured that the formula is grain-free. It contains pieces of actual chicken to provide the protein boost required for muscle development. Plus, the chicken never comes from by-products, and there are no soy, wheat, or artificial preservatives and flavors. Premium ingredients like taurine and the fatty acids ARA and DHA promote cognitive development, retinal, and overall health. It’s a nutritional powerhouse.
Pros:
- We’re pleased to report that picky kitties seem to love the taste.
- If your kitty is underweight, this cat food will help add bulk in no time.
Cons:
- If you have an indoor and sedentary cat, the quantity of protein might be too much for them.
PetAg KMR Kitten Milk Replacer Powder
A potent powder
This food supplement is designed for newborn kittens until they reach six weeks. It could also be suitable for post-surgery and convalescence. The formula includes vitamins, minerals, and trace nutrients with a similar caloric pattern to queen’s milk. Moisture is estimated at 5%, and the formula consists of 42% protein and 25% fat. This kitten milk replacer is easy to digest and supports optimal growth, development, and energy levels. And if you’d prefer not to mix the powder, liquid options are also available.
Pro:
- Even if your kitten was used to getting milk from their mother, they should transition rather quickly to this alternative.
- We appreciate that it comes with a scoop to accurately measure the formula.
Cons:
- Preparing the product takes time and effort, and the prepared mix should be used within 24 hours.
Purina Kitten Chow Dry Kitten Food
Purina created this formula to include 40% protein and 13.5% of fat. It’s worth noting that this dry cat food has a maximum moisture level of 12%, so it’s not too dry. The formula includes phosphorus, calcium, vitamin E, taurine, and other nutrients that support optimal growth and development. Real chicken bits are also included to add a flavor your kitty will surely enjoy. And since this cat food is formulated with the same nutrients as mother’s milk, you can be sure that your kitty is getting everything they need.
Pros:
- We found that this formula works for cats prone to hairballs thanks to its high oil content.
- While this formula is designed for kittens, adult cats seem to enjoy it just as much.
Cons:
- The 14-pound bag isn’t suitable for those not looking to stock up on the product. If you are only testing whether your feline will like this formula, you could end up with plenty of unused food.
Royal Canin Feline Health Nutrition Wet Kitten Food
Specifically formulated for kittens
Royal Canin’s kitten food is designed with tiny mouths in mind. While the morsels may be small, the formula is chock full of nutrients. The formula includes ingredients derived from chicken and pork, as well as added vitamins and other nutrients. The aim is to promote a cat’s immunity and support optimal development and growth. Moreover, each can comes with three ounces of food, which you can divide into multiple meals per day.
Pros:
- The nutrients provide enough protein and fat to keep your cat at a healthy weight.
- We found that most cats absolutely love the flavor of this kitten food.
Cons:
- If you compare the product to similar canned cat foods, you will discover the price tag is a bit high.
Frequently asked questions
Can I feed kitten food to adult cats?
Kitten food is not dangerous for adult or older cats by itself. However, kittens and adult cats do not have the same nutritional needs. A kitten requires more protein and fat than an older cat. Unless your vet recommended otherwise, it’s now wise to give kitten food to adult cats, especially not for a long time.
Can kitten food cause diarrhea?
If you adjust your cat’s diet in any way, it might cause diarrhea. When a kitten is switching to solid foods, diarrhea might be one of the side effects of the process. Your pet might also have an allergy to one or more ingredients. If you notice issues with diarrhea, try switching to other cat food brands. If the problems continue, visit your vet for advice.
By when should cats eat kitten food?
Kittens are cats up to 12 months old. That means you can feed them kitten food up to that point. However, recommendations might vary depending on the brand. Read the label and see if there is a specific recommendation.
How much food to feed a kitten per day?
That depends on the product, but the label should contain all the necessary information. Avoid feeding kittens only once per day. Instead, your pet should have at least three meals a day. It secures the essential nutrients and their optimal absorption.
Why Trust Us
Since 2008, CatTime has provided millions of cat owners with all the information they need to keep their pets happy and healthy. Our experts know exactly what it takes to raise our furry friends and our goal is to help all owners, new or experienced, care for their cats with all the right food, toys, equipment, and accessories.