The Best Kitten Food

To ensure that your kittens grow into healthy, beautiful cats, they need a nutrient-rich diet. The first few months after they're weaned are crucial to their growth, so start them off right with delicious food that gives them everything they need to develop. Whether you choose to give your cat wet food or dry kibble, it's important to consider the ingredients and quality of the food to make sure it’s suited for your animal’s individual needs. To get you started, we’ve compiled a list of the best kitten foods available so you can make a great choice for your pet.

Purina One Healthy Kitten Formula Kitten Food

The cat is out of the bag

This high-protein kibble is full of nutrients and easy on the wallet.
Best Overall

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Give your growing kitten the support it needs with this formula from Purina, a trusted brand that’s recommended by many veterinarians. Made from real chicken, carrots, and peas, this option is chock-full of vitamins, minerals, and nutrients. Vitamins A and E provide immune support, and antioxidants reduce the risk of different diseases. The high-protein content supports muscle growth, while DHA assists with brain and vision development so that your feisty kitten can grow up into a playful cat.

Pros:

  • Most kittens will find it easy to digest, thanks to its healthy mix of protein, fat, and fiber.
  • If you purchase the 16-pound option, it should last your kitten several months, so it’s a good value.

Cons:

  • Some kittens may not like the taste or texture.

Blue Buffalo Wilderness High-Protein Grain-Free Kitten Food

Wild cat

Feed your kitten's wild side with this chicken-based kibble.
Best Grain-Free

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Made with real meat, this food is formulated with the ingredients kittens crave that help build muscle and encourage lean growth. It is grain-free and contains no corn, wheat, soy, artificial flavors, or preservatives. Grain-free diets are beneficial for cats with allergies, digestive issues, or inflammatory conditions, so this food is a great choice for sensitive kittens. It’s made with the fatty acids found in mother’s milk, as well as taurine to support brain development and retinal growth.

Pros:

  • Blue Buffalo doesn’t skimp on ingredients. It’s even formulated with blueberries and cranberries for antioxidants.
  • We found that this food really improves a kitten’s coat, leaving their fur healthy and shiny.

Cons:

  • Sometimes the resealable bag can be difficult to close.

Purina Fancy Feast Grain-Free Kitten Food Variety Pack

The cat's meow

Spoil your kitten with this paté-style wet food made with meat and real milk.
Best Wet Option

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Variety is the spice of life. This wet food pack contains four different formulas to keep your kitten satisfied. Made with real whitefish, turkey, chicken, and salmon with a touch of milk, each can provides high-quality protein and wholesome nutrition. The soft texture is easy for young cats to digest, and it’s perfect for small mouths to eat. Better yet, the cans have pull-tabs for convenient serving and they easily stack for simple storage.

Pros:

  • Your kitten will love that the protein mix comes predominantly from real fish or poultry.
  • Though it’s protein-rich, most kittens will find the soft food easy to digest.
  • Purina markets this food for kittens, but it’s nutritious for elderly cats as well.

Cons:

  • The small cans can get expensive. It’s probably best to buy this in bulk.

Instinct Original Kitten Recipe Natural Dry Food

Raw materials

This top-shelf cat food is packed with quality meat products that provide complete nutrition.
Best Raw Option

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Raw meat is incredibly beneficial for cats and kittens, but it is expensive and can be difficult to prepare. This kibble is finished with a coating of freeze-dried raw ingredients, which mimics the diet of a wild cat without any of the hassles. It contains no grain, potato, corn, wheat, soy, artificial colors, or preservatives, all of which can trigger food sensitivities. Instead, it is made from poultry, eggs, fish, and meat and it’s minimally processed, keeping valuable nutrients intact. The natural probiotics support your kitten’s digestive system, while the omegas and antioxidants help soothe their skin and let them grow healthy, luxurious coats.

Pros:

  • This kitten food can also be a great pick for pregnant cats due to its high nutritional value.
  • The probiotics not only optimize digestive health but common oral health issues like stomatitis.
  • Kittens seem to love the taste and texture.

Cons:

  • While it’s not made with 100% raw ingredients, it has the benefits of raw food without the expense.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I feed my kitten cat food? 

Kittens have different nutritional needs than adult cats, so picking a food specially formulated for kittens ensures that it has enough protein and vitamins to help your pet grow. The high vitamins, minerals, and nutrients also promote brain development and support your kitten’s immune system. Some foods may be fine for both kittens and adult cats, but be sure to research the product or ask your vet before feeding a kitten cat food.

Should I feed my kittens wet or dry food?

Both wet and dry foods contain all the building blocks and calories that kittens need to grow, but each one has upsides and downsides. Many kittens like wet food, and it is hydrating and easy to digest, but it is more expensive than dry food. Kibble is convenient, and it helps clean and strengthen teeth. Ideally, you should feed your kitten a combination of wet and dry food for a balanced diet.

About the Author

Tana is a writer and yoga teacher who has found zen from her feline friends. Her two childhood cats, Moses and Max, were the light of her life for over a decade. She has since then rescued numerous cats and has made it her mission to see that all animals are treated with care and affection. Tana’s goal is to equip cat owners with the tools they need to provide a healthy, safe environment.

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.