The Best Kitten Food
Top-notch kitten food is the best way to ensure that your new feline friend grows up strong and healthy. It's essential your kitten gets all the nutrients they need in those early months of development, so you’ll want to make sure you’ve chosen a brand that checks all the right boxes. Quality, variety, and sourcing of the ingredients are all important things to consider when shopping. Kitten food has come a long way in the past few years, so whether you’re a first-time owner or a lifelong kitty parent, it’s best to do a little research to make sure your kitten is getting the best. To help you do that, we’ve compiled this list of the best kitten foods on the market.
Purina One Healthy Kitten Formula
Purr-fect Purina
Purina is one of the most reliable names in cat food and this healthy kitten formula makes it easy to understand why. This blend is chock-full of protein from real chicken, which is essential to your kitten’s development. This food also contains high levels of omega-6 fatty acids and minerals that support coat and skin health. Notably, this product contains DHA, a nutrient found in mothers’ milk that promotes optimal vision and brain development. If all of that wasn’t enough for you, the incredibly affordable price tag on this formula should seal the deal.
Pros:
- This formula is packed with vitamin E, vitamin A, and antioxidants vital to building a strong immune system for your kitten.
- There are various sizes offered that range from small packages to bulk-size options. Thanks to that, you can start with a small package to test gauge your kitten’s reaction, and if she likes it, you can buy a larger size.
Cons:
- In terms of tastiness, other options trump this one.
Blue Wilderness Natural Kitten Food
Wild about protein
Blue Wilderness has made its name by catering to the most discerning kitties who only crave the best. This product boasts a protein-rich blend of real fish meal and chicken meal and is made 100% gluten-free. Almost as vital as protein for kittens is a high quantity of complex carbohydrates, which Blue Wilderness packs in with plenty of potatoes and peas. Blue Wilderness’s proprietary LifeSource Bits also joins the party, a meticulous blend of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that support immune system development and a healthy oxidative balance.
Pros:
- Aside from the standard protein and carbohydrate ingredients, this one also contains fruits like cranberries for added antioxidants. This sets it apart from much of the competition.
- This formulation contains the important nutrient DHA from mothers’ milk.
Cons:
- The high fat and carbohydrate content might make your kitten chubby if they eat too much, which isn’t hard considering how tasty it is.
Hill’s Science Diet Dry Kitten Food Chicken Recipe
Head for the hills
Hill’s kitten food has science on its side. This food is specifically formulated to help your cat build lean muscle and strong bones and teeth. Hill’s contains a winning combo of real chicken and rice alongside a medley of fruits and vegetables such as apples, broccoli, carrots, cranberries, and green peas. With a carefully calculated blend of vitamins and nutrients, this formula is sure to keep your cat healthy and your mind at ease.
Pros:
- It is made in the USA (with global ingredients), so if you prefer buying American-made when possible, that’s a plus.
- The shape of each pellet is small and easy to fit in a kitten’s small mouth.
Cons:
- The bag isn’t the greatest for resealing, so you might want to transfer these into an airtight food storage container.
Hill’s Science Diet Dry Kitten Food Indoor Chicken Recipe
Goes down easy
Indoor cats have more sensitive digestive systems because they’re not accustomed to the varied and often questionable diets of their outdoor counterparts. That’s why something like Hill’s indoor blend is so important for owners who intend to have their kittens stay inside. Filled with a balanced array of vitamins and minerals, this food was formulated with minute attention to the needs of the growing indoor kitten’s digestive system.
Pros:
- This formulation is packed with natural fibers that promote healthy digestion, so if your kitten has been suffering from loose stools or diarrhea, this might help. (That being said, always visit a doctor for medical concerns.)
- The easy digestibility makes it a great choice for owners who want to keep it easy to clean the litter box.
Cons:
- The aroma of the food is quite strong and might turn off some owners, but your kitten certainly won’t mind.
Royal Canin Wet Kitten Food
Feline royalty
Given the choice between wet and dry food, most kittens will go right for the wet. As far as taste goes, nothing beats wet kitten food, but Royal Canin’s wet kitten food is boasting a lot more than just flavor. With a choice blend of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates, this kitten food is perfect for keeping your growing kitten nourished, energized, and playful. Royal Canin’s wet food stands out from the pack because it’s the only pick on our list that will help keep your kitty hydrated as well as nourished.
Pros:
- Unlike most high-quality wet cat food, this option is surprisingly affordable.
- It’s also easy on the digestive system thanks to its substantial fiber and prebiotic content.
Cons:
- Since it doesn’t offer the same abrasive texture as dry foods, this food won’t promote oral health as effectively.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I get my cat wet or dry food?
Both wet and dry foods have their benefits and downsides. Wet food is great because most cats prefer the taste, it hydrates them as they eat, and it’s easier on their digestive systems. Dry food is great because it’s usually more economical, optimal for oral health and hygiene, and a lot more convenient for owners. Wet food is easier for very young kittens to eat, so it’s best to give them wet food in the early months. Ideally, owners should shoot for feeding their kittens a balanced diet of both wet and dry food so they can enjoy the benefits of both.
Why can’t I just feed my kitten adult food?
Kitten food has a higher protein content than adult cat food because protein is essential for a kitten’s successful development. Kitten food also contains key blends of vitamins, nutrients, and minerals that go a long way in aiding brain health and promoting a healthy immune system.
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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.