We Surveyed 299 Cat Owners To Find The Best Kitten Food (2024)

Our Top Picks

To meet the nutritional needs of a growing cat, Hill's Science Diet Kitten Food is formulated with DHA from fish oil for brain development and taurine for heart health. The brand is highly recommend by veterinarians and among the cat parents participating in our survey, Hill's Science Diet received the highest rating for ingredient quality satisfaction.

The food is manufactured in the United States withblend of prebiotics for health digestion, vitamin E to promote skin and fur health, and calcium to support strong bones. For kibble, the Chicken Recipe is the primary formulation, but there is also a seafood flavored option—Ocean Fish & Brown Rice—though it still contains chicken meal and chicken fat. If your kitten has food sensitivities, a variation of the Chicken Recipe is available without corn, wheat, or soy. There is also a version for indoor kittens which often have a different level of energy and caloric needs.

The canned wet food for kittens from Hill's Science Diet offers a boost in hydration which is beneficial for most cats. The cans are equipped with a pull tab for easy opening and come in two sizes, 2.9 or 5.5 ounces. Flavors include: Savory Salmon Entree, Savory Turkey Entree, Tender Chicken Dinner, Roasted Chicken & Rice, and Liver & Chicken Entree, which all have water as the first ingredient followed by animal sourced protein.

_{Type: Dry, wet | Flavors: Chicken recipe; ocean fish & brown rice; chicken recipe free of corn, wheat; savory salmon entree; savory turkey entree; tender chicken dinner; roasted chicken & rice; liver & chicken entree}

Orijen’s Kitten Formula is a high-protein and high-fat dry food with an impressive list of ingredients, including a variety of quality animal proteins. Kittens are obligate carnivores that thrive and survive best on protein-forward foods. This food has six different types of fresh or raw animal and fish proteins, including free-run poultry, wild-caught fish, and whole prey ingredients. Whole prey ingredients include bone, organ, and muscle from protein sources and are most similar to what predatory felines eat in the wild. Whole prey proteins provide a wide range of vitamins, minerals, and micronutrients that might be added supplementally in non-whole prey food products.

This kitten kibble is also specially sized to be smaller for smaller kitten mouths and features a freeze-dried raw chicken liver coating to entice even the pickiest of eaters. It can also be served with a little bit of water to soften it and add moisture if desired.

Orijen has an in-house nutrition and vet team who help make sure their foods meet the dietary needs of your kitten. It also meets standards for nutritional adequacy set by the American Association of Animal Feed Control Officials (AAFCO)—an organization that sets minimum nutritional requirements you should expect of dog or cat food.

Orijen Kitten Formula is recommended for kittens at least five weeks and older and can be stored outside of the refrigerator. It’s worth noting that although there are no grains in this kitten food, it does contain legumes such as chickpeas and whole peas which are high in protein but also high in carbs, pushing this food into a higher carb content (around 18%) than we’d ideally want to see.

_{Primary Ingredients: Chicken, turkey, salmon, whole herring, chicken liver | Volume: 4 pounds | Portion Size: ¼ cup to 1 cup daily | Flavors: Kitten}

Purina One +Plus Healthy Kitten Cat Food is affordably priced, readily available, and is a favorite among the current and former kittens who participated in our panel. The recipes for kittens include one dry food recipe and one wet food recipe. Both offer balanced nutrition for a growing kitten and are made with real chicken as the first ingredient, but the wet food also includes salmon as source for protein and natural nutrients.

The dry food is packaged in three sizes: 3.5, 7, or 16 pound bags, but even the largest bag of kibble runs out quickly if you are feeding more than one kitten at a time. The wet food will give your kitten greater ability to consume moisture, and the feeding guidelines recommend one 3-ounce can per 3.75 pounds of weight.

The Healthy Kitten foods are manufactured in the United States within Purina's facilities where the nutritional integrity of the food is consistently tested for accuracy and safety. A drawback to consider for this food is that the kibble it is made with soybean and cornmeal, and the wet food contains more pork than salmon.

_{Type: Dry, wet | Flavors: Chicken; chicken & salmon recipe}

Kitten formula is most often used as a milk replacement for newborn and pre-weaned kittens, though Dr. Cuevas notes it’s not necessary unless your kitten’s mother is not lactating or a still-nursing kitten has been separated from their mother. PetAg KMR Kitten Milk Replacer is certified by the NASC (National Animal Supplement Council). It’s also a top choice among animal rescuers for kittens and other baby mammals. Use it as a mother’s milk replacement for kittens and cats up to six weeks old, and as a supplement or mix-in for older cats, pregnant and nursing cats, or weaning kittens.

Both the powder and liquid forms are ready-to-use, but we recommend the powder since it lasts longer once opened and travels well. (Opened liquid formula needs to be refrigerated and any unused portion should be tossed after 72 hours.) Kitties with sensitive stomachs may do better with the goat’s milk version.

PetAg KMR Kitten Milk is formulated to closely match the makeup of carbs, fat, and protein in mother’s milk, and includes additional prebiotics and probiotics as well as the fortification of essential vitamins and minerals. Unfortunately, it also contains carrageenan: a seaweed derivative, used as an emulsifier, which may cause stomach upset and may be a potential carcinogen.

_{Type: Formula | Flavors: Regular, goat’s milk powder}

If you want to feed your kitten wet food, Blue Buffalo offers two Baby Blue Healthy Growth Formula recipes made with real salmon oil as a natural source of omega-3 fatty acids and DHA for strong cognitive development.

The protein-rich kitten foods start with chicken or salmon as the primary ingredient along with fruits, vegetables, such as potatoes, carrots, and flaxseed. Like all of Blue Buffalo's pet foods, Baby Blue Healthy Growth Formula is made without grains, soy, corn, by-product meals, artificial flavors, or artificial preservatives. The wet food for kittens is made in the United States, packaged in three-ounce cans with an easy to open pull tab, and often sold in case of 24.

_{Type: Wet | Flavors: Salmon recipe; chicken recipe}

Formulated to provide the nutritional intake kittens need, Purina's Fancy Feast Pate Wet Kitten Food is a protein-rich canned food and it is made without artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives. The grain-free food is a favorite among our survey participants and the smooth textured recipes are made in the United States with real whitefish, turkey, chicken, or salmon as the lead source of protein.

The recommended serving is one three ounce per three pounds, so your kitten will likely consume more than one can per day before you know it. The food is lower in calories than other kitten foods, but that will likely leave room in their daily diet for the occasional treat. There are four recipes within the pate line, and your kitten can explore all four in the conveniently packaged variety pack from Fancy Feast.

_{Type: Wet | Flavors: Tender chicken feast, tender salmon feast, tender ocean whitefish feast, and tender turkey feast}

Weruva’s new Kittens in the Kitchen Lambur-Kitty is our favorite option for a chicken-less kitten food. Chicken dominates the flavors and ingredients of most kitten foods, but it’s also the top protein source behind cat and kitten allergies and sensitivities. Although Weruva Kittens in the Kitchen Lambur-Kitty has tuna in its ingredients (another possible allergy source), the main ingredients are lamb broth and grass-fed lamb. Lamb is a go-to alternative protein source for cats with chicken allergies, and this kitten food is a huge find for anyone whose kitten is a fussy eater, doesn’t like chicken, or can’t have chicken.

We also love the high moisture content and that this kitten food is free of preservatives and artificial flavors. This kitten food line also has a Kitten Gone Wild flavor made from wild-caught salmon and fish broth (again, contains tuna), giving owners an extra chicken-free option. It’s also possible to alternate the Lambur-Kitty flavor with the Kitten Gone Wild to give your cat some variety.

_{Type: Wet | Flavors: Lamb, salmon}

With a blend of antioxidants, prebiotics, and probiotics to aid digestion, Fromm's Kitten Gold Food for Cats is a great choice to help any kitten experience straightforward litter box sessions. The recipes for the dry kibble and the canned wet food are made with chicken and duck providing essential amino acids, protein, and nutrients cats need. The recipes and the flavor is enhanced with salmon oil for DHA, omega-3 fatty acids, and to promote a healthy coat.

The Kitten Gold Food is part of Fromm's Gold line of foods for felines, and all are free of artificial flavors, preservatives, and colors. Fromm has been making pet food of over 20 years in their two owned and operated facilities in the United States, but their foods and treats are primarily sold within speciality shops and online retailers.

_{Type: Dry, wet | Flavor: Chicken & duck}

Open Farm uses humanely raised chicken and turkey to infuse their kitten food recipe with protein and natural nutrients. The kibble also includes non-GMO fruits, vegetables, and legumes, including dried chicory root, pumpkin, lentils, and cranberries to support healthy digestion and development.

Open Farm partners with, and is certified by, the Global Animal Partnership (G.A.P.) to promote and enforce humane and sustainable practices among farmers and fisheries. The certification for the Open Farm's grain-free kitten means the food is made with animal products that have not been raised with antibiotics, steroids, or added hormones. The food is also free of artificial preservatives, artificial flavors, corn, wheat, and soy. If you discover that your kitten has food sensitivities or allergies, Open Farm's clear labeling makes it easier to avoid the culprit of your cat's discomfort.

_{Type: Dry | Flavor: Chicken & turkey recipe}

When your kitten is underweight or failing to thrive off of regular kitten food, your vet may recommend bumping up their fat and calorie intake. We like these Tiki Cat Baby Thrive supplement sticks because they are easy to administer, come in single-serving squeeze packets, and require no refrigeration. They’re a cinch to toss in your purse, car, or carrier, and pack a savory flavor punch that entices even fussy kittens. The non-GMO ingredients lead with proteins such as chicken, sunflower seed oil, dried egg, chicken liver, and chicken broth. (This product does contain xantham gum, an ingredient some believe can cause gut irritability or food sensitivities.)

Tiki Cat Baby Thrive sticks can be served alone or mixed in with their regular food but they should not replace your kitten’s food entirely. Their smooth mousse texture is easily lickable, making them a good option for kitties suffering from mouth ulcers, limited or no teeth, and kittens not yet eating dry food. Each 25-calorie serving has a crude content percentage of 28% fat, 8% protein, and 62% moisture.

_{Type: Supplement | Flavors: Chicken and chicken liver}

Final Verdict

Our top picks for the best dry and wet kitten foods stand out from the crowd because of their high-quality ingredients. Orijen Kitten Formula provides kittens at least five weeks old with sustainably-sourced whole prey protein from five different animals, including free-run chicken and wild-caught fish. It also has a freeze-dried raw coating that kittens find extra tasty. For our wet food pick, Stella & Chewy’s Purrfect Paté Carnivore Cravings Kitten Recipe took the cake thanks to its visible quality, appealing texture, and free-from ingredients. We were also pleased to find a solid chicken-free kitten food option with Weruva’s Kittens in the Kitchen Lamburg-kitty recipe and liked the portable, lickable, and individually packaged calorie supplements offered via Tiki Cats Baby Thrive Chicken and Chicken Liver Supplement.

FAQ

• How long should you feed your cat kitten food?

  You can start introducing kitten food into your new cat’s diet once they are at least four weeks old, though Dr. Cuevas says five to six weeks old is more ideal. Kitten food is usually recommended for cats up to 12 months old, though Dr. Cuevas says you can easily extend this until 18 months old. The process of transitioning your baby kitten from mother’s milk (or formula) to kitten food should take at least two weeks.

  “Allowing kittens to drink their mother’s milk for longer is better for their full and natural development,” she says. “Research shows if a kitten is weaned too early it increases the risk of aggression and stereotypic behavior in cats.”

• How much food should a kitten eat?

  Every kitten is different, and Dr. Cuevas notes that the amount of food a kitten should eat will depend on several factors, such as the kitten’s breed, age, activity level, and caloric levels in the food. However, she says owners should be prepared to feed their kittens several small meals per day because of their energy needs and tiny stomach capacity.

  For example, to start, you may be feeding around six small meals spread throughout the day, then, gradually, you can decrease the number of feeds while increasing the amount of food in each meal until you’ve reached a point where you can divide their daily food into three meals. When in doubt, use the feeding guidelines listed on your food’s packaging and take cues from your kitten.

• How do I switch from kitten food to adult cat food?

  Switching from kitten food to adult cat food should be done gradually, ideally over at least two weeks, while keeping an eye on your kitten and its toilet habits. Dr. Cuevas suggests starting by feeding your kitten meals that are 90% kitten food and 10% adult cat food for a couple of days. You can then increase to 25% kitten food and 75% adult cat food, again for a few days to let their digestive system get used to the new diet. By the end of the second week, your kitten can graduate to 100% adult cat food.

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