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
Purrfect 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. The vitamin E and A content are abundant with antioxidants vital to building a strong immune system for your kitten. 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:
- Veterinarian recommended
- Well balanced blend of nutrients and vitamins with high-quality protein
- Great value for the price
Cons:
- Some kittens may not find it the tastiest
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:
- Also contains fruits like cranberries for added antioxidants
- A high-quality varied blend of ingredients that constitute a balanced and nutritious kitten food formula
- Contains the important nutrient DHA from mothers’ milk
Cons:
- Steep pricing
- High fat and carbohydrate content might make your kitten chubby if they eat too much
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:
- #1 veterinarian-recommended
- A good choice for your kitten’s heart health
- Great for building strong bones and teeth
Cons:
- The kibble bits may be too small for some cats’ liking
- The bag isn’t the greatest for resealing
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:
- Packed with natural fibers that promote healthy digestion
- A good choice for owners who want to keep the litter box clean up easy
Cons:
- The aroma of the food is quite strong and might turn off some owners
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. It’s also easy on the digestive system because of its fiber and prebiotic content. Royal Canin’s wet food stands out from the pack because it’s the only pick on our list that will keep your kitty hydrated as well as nourished.
Pros:
- For wet cat food, it’s surprisingly affordable
- A great choice for kittens who aren’t big fans of drinking from their water bowls
- Easier on the digestive system than the dry foods
Cons:
- Won’t promote the same level of oral health as the dry foods
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.
