15 Best Cat Food for Kittens (2024) – Top Picks for Healthy Growth

Kittens are adorable and playful creatures that require proper nutrition to grow into healthy cats. As a pet owner, it’s essential to provide your kitten with the best cat food available in the market. However, with so many options available, choosing the right food can be overwhelming.

In this article, we will guide you through the process of selecting the best cat food for kittens. We will discuss the different types of cat food available, their benefits, and the factors you should consider when making a purchase.

One critical factor to consider when buying cat food for kittens is the age of your pet. Kittens have different nutritional requirements than adult cats, and it’s crucial to choose food that meets their specific needs. Additionally, you should consider the ingredients used in the cat food to ensure that they are safe and healthy for your pet.

With our comprehensive guide, you will be able to find the best cat food for your kitten, ensuring that they grow into healthy and happy cats.

Best Cat Food for Kittens

As cat owners, we understand the importance of providing our furry friends with the best possible nutrition. When it comes to kittens, it’s especially crucial to give them the right balance of nutrients to support their growth and development. With so many options on the market, it can be overwhelming to choose the best cat food for your kitten.

That’s why we’ve researched and tested various products to bring you a list of the best cat food for kittens. Whether you prefer wet or dry food, grain-free or natural ingredients, we’ve got you covered. Read on to find the perfect food to nourish your kitten.

Royal Canin Kitten Dry Cat Food (Best Overall)

We highly recommend Royal Canin Kitten Dry Cat Food for kittens between 4 months and 1 year old. This formula is specifically designed for older kittens with intensifying energy levels, developing bones, growing muscles, and emerging teeth. It provides the nutritional precision your cat needs during this stage of kittenhood.

Pros

• Formulated for young kittens
• Strong immune system support
• Microbiome support for digestive health

Cons

• Pricey compared to other cat food brands

Royal Canin Kitten Dry Cat Food has a combination of prebiotics and highly digestible proteins that help promote a healthy balance of intestinal microbiota for digestive health. The adapted level of proteins, vitamins, and minerals supports the high energy needs of your kittens’ growing bones and muscles during this final stage of kittenhood. The unique kibble texture is small and easy to chew for a growing kitten, and tailor-made for their new teeth.

This dry kitten food has clinically proven antioxidants, including vitamins E and C, which help support the healthy development of immune systems. We love that this product is specifically formulated for kittens between 4 months and 1 year old, which helps set up a healthy foundation for life.

In summary, if you’re looking for a high-quality cat food that provides your kitten with the necessary nutrients for healthy growth and development, Royal Canin Kitten Dry Cat Food is a great choice. However, it is a bit pricey compared to other cat food brands, and it contains chicken by-product meal and wheat gluten.

We hope this review helps you make an informed decision when choosing the best cat food for your kitten!

Purina ONE Natural Kitten Food Bundle Pack

We recommend purchasing the Purina ONE Natural Kitten Food Bundle Pack because it provides a balanced and nutritious diet for growing kittens.

Pros

• Real chicken is the number 1 ingredient, providing high-quality protein for growing muscles.
• DHA, a nutrient found in mother’s milk, supports brain and vision development.
• Four antioxidant sources, including vitamins E and A, help provide immune support for cats.

Cons

• Some kittens may prefer wet food over dry food.

Purina ONE Natural Kitten Food Bundle Pack is a great option for those looking for a natural and balanced diet for their growing kittens. The high-quality ingredients, including real chicken and vegetables, provide essential nutrients for healthy growth and development. The addition of DHA supports brain and vision development, while antioxidants help provide immune support.

Overall, we believe that the Purina ONE Natural Kitten Food Bundle Pack is a great choice for those looking for a high-quality and nutritious diet for their growing kittens.

Hill’s Science Diet Kitten Dry Cat Food

We highly recommend Hill’s Science Diet Kitten dry food for your little feline friend.

Pros

• Contains DHA from fish oil for healthy brain and eye development in kittens
• Provides high-quality protein to help young cats build lean muscle
• Balanced minerals promote strong bones and healthy teeth

Cons

• A bit pricier than other kitten foods

Hill’s Science Diet Kitten dry food is carefully formulated to meet the developmental needs of kittens. The DHA from fish oil promotes healthy eye and brain development, while the high-quality protein supports muscle growth and development. The balanced minerals also promote strong bones and healthy teeth.

One downside is that some cats may not like the taste of this food, but this is a common issue with most cat foods. Additionally, Hill’s Science Diet Kitten dry food is a bit pricier than other kitten foods on the market. However, the high-quality ingredients and balanced nutrition make it worth the investment.

Overall, if you’re looking for a premium kitten food that will give your furry friend the best start in life, we highly recommend Hill’s Science Diet Kitten dry food.

Iams Proactive Health Healthy Kitten Dry Cat Food and Grain Free Paté Wet Cat Food

If you’re looking for a protein-rich kitten food that is complete and balanced for healthy instinct growth and kitten wellness, then the Iams Proactive Health Healthy Kitten Dry Cat Food and Grain Free Paté Wet Cat Food, Chicken Recipes Bundle is a great option.

Pros

• The pack contains both dry and wet food, making it a versatile choice for your kitten’s diet.
• Chicken is the #1 ingredient in this protein-rich kitten food, providing a great source of nutrition.
• Formulated with nutrients like those in mother’s milk, including vitamin E to help kittens build strong immune defenses and Omega 3 Dha to promote healthy brain development.

Cons

• The wet food comes in individually portioned trays, which may not be environmentally friendly.

This kitten food is designed with small dry kibble for small mouths, making it easy for kittens to chew and digest. The wet food is formulated with chicken and is grain-free, making it a great option for kittens with sensitive stomachs. The Iams Proactive Health Healthy Kitten Dry Cat Food and Grain Free Paté Wet Cat Food, Chicken Recipes Bundle is complete and balanced for kitten wellness, providing all the necessary nutrients for your kitten to grow healthy and strong.

In conclusion, if you’re looking for a protein-rich kitten food that is complete and balanced for healthy instinct growth and kitten wellness, the Iams Proactive Health Healthy Kitten Dry Cat Food and Grain Free Paté Wet Cat Food, Chicken Recipes Bundle is a great option. With both dry and wet food options, this versatile kitten food is designed to provide your kitten with the necessary nutrients for optimal health.

Meow Mix Kitten Li’L Nibbles Dry Cat Food

If you’re looking for a tasty and nutritious dry cat food for your kitten, Meow Mix Kitten Li’L Nibbles is an excellent choice.

Pros

• Contains all essential nutrients for healthy growth
• Small kibbles make it easy for kittens to chew and digest
• Affordable price for a pack of four bags

Cons

• Not suitable for adult cats
• Contains some fillers like corn and soybean meal

Meow Mix Kitten Li’L Nibbles is a great option for pet owners who want to provide their kittens with complete and balanced nutrition. Its small kibbles are easy for kittens to chew and digest, and it contains all the essential nutrients needed for healthy growth, including DHA for vision and brain development.

In addition, Meow Mix Kitten Li’L Nibbles is available at an affordable price for a pack of four bags, making it a great value for pet owners on a budget.

However, some kittens may not like the taste of this dry cat food, and it’s not suitable for adult cats. It also contains some fillers like corn and soybean meal, which may not be ideal for some pet owners who prefer a more natural diet for their pets.

Overall, Meow Mix Kitten Li’L Nibbles is a solid choice for pet owners who want to provide their kittens with a nutritious and affordable dry cat food option.

Blue Buffalo Tastefuls Kitten Natural Dry Cat Food

If you’re looking for a high-quality dry kitten food, Blue Buffalo Tastefuls Kitten Natural Dry Cat Food is a great option.

Pros

• Made with real chicken as the first ingredient
• Formulated to promote cognitive development and heart and eye health
• Contains LifeSource Bits, a precise blend of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals to support immune system health

Cons

• Expensive compared to other kitten food brands
• Some cats may not like the taste

Blue Buffalo Tastefuls Kitten Natural Dry Cat Food is made with wholesome ingredients and is specifically formulated to support the health and well-being of your kitten. With real chicken as the first ingredient, this kitten food is packed with protein to help your kitten grow strong and healthy.

In addition to promoting cognitive development and heart and eye health, Blue Buffalo Tastefuls Kitten Natural Dry Cat Food also contains LifeSource Bits, a precise blend of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals to support immune system health.

While Blue Buffalo Tastefuls Kitten Natural Dry Cat Food is a high-quality option, it is more expensive than some other kitten food brands. Additionally, some cats may not like the taste of this food, and it may cause digestive issues for some cats.

Overall, if you’re looking for a high-quality kitten food that is made with wholesome ingredients and is specifically formulated to support your kitten’s health and well-being, Blue Buffalo Tastefuls Kitten Natural Dry Cat Food is a great option to consider.

ORIJEN Dry Kitten Food

If you’re looking for a high-quality kitten food that’s packed with nutritious ingredients, ORIJEN Dry Kitten Food is a great option to consider.

Pros

• With 90% animal ingredients, this high-protein cat food provides the essential nutrients that your growing kitten needs to thrive.
• ORIJEN dry cat food is specifically designed to provide biologically appropriate nutrition to help support your kitten’s muscle development, digestion, brain development, and cognitive function.
• This cat food kibble is specially sized for kittens and freeze-dried coated for a burst of raw flavor that your kitten instinctively craves.

Cons

• The high protein content may not be suitable for all kittens, especially those with certain health conditions.

ORIJEN Dry Kitten Food is made with fresh and raw animal ingredients, including free-run chicken and turkey, wild-caught salmon, whole herring, and chicken liver. These ingredients provide a strong source of essential protein, vitamins, and minerals that your kitten needs to grow healthy and strong.

This cat food is grain-free and features a smaller kibble size that’s designed specifically for kittens. It’s also freeze-dried coated, which gives it a burst of raw flavor that your kitten is sure to love.

Overall, if you’re looking for a high-quality kitten food that’s packed with nutritious ingredients, ORIJEN Dry Kitten Food is definitely worth considering. Just keep in mind that it may not be suitable for all kittens, and it does come with a higher price tag compared to some other options on the market.

NUTRO WHOLESOME ESSENTIALS Kitten Natural Dry Cat Food

If you’re looking for a high-quality kitten food that’s made with real chicken and non-GMO ingredients, then NUTRO WHOLESOME ESSENTIALS Kitten Dry Cat Food is an excellent choice.

Pros

• Made with real chicken as the #1 ingredient
• Rich in omega-3 fatty acids like DHA for growth and development
• Crafted with calcium to build strong bones and joints in your growing kitten

Cons

• Contains only one flavor option

This premium kitty kibble is also crafted with essential antioxidants like DHA for a healthy feline immune system. NUTRO Dry Cat Foods are made with quality, real ingredients carefully sourced from a trusted network of farmers and suppliers and have no corn, wheat, or soy protein, no chicken by-product meal, and no artificial preservatives, flavors, or colors.

NUTRO WHOLESOME ESSENTIALS Kitten Dry Cat Food is a wholesome kitten food rich in omega-3 fatty acids like DHA for growth and development. It’s perfect for pet owners who want to give their kitten a complete, nutritious meal every time.

In conclusion, if you’re looking for a high-quality kitten food that’s made with real ingredients, then NUTRO WHOLESOME ESSENTIALS Kitten Dry Cat Food is definitely worth considering. It’s a premium kitty kibble that’s crafted with essential nutrients for healthy growth and development.

Applaws Natural Kitten Wet Canned Cat Food

If you’re looking for a high-quality and all-natural wet food for your kitten, Applaws Natural Wet Canned Cat Food is a great choice.

Pros

• Made with limited ingredients
• High-quality protein
• Variety of flavors available

Cons

• Some cans may arrive dented or damaged

Applaws Natural Wet Canned Cat Food is made with limited ingredients, so you can feel good about what you’re feeding your kitten. The high-quality protein in this food helps support healthy growth and development, and there are a variety of flavors available to suit even the pickiest of eaters.

While this food is more expensive than some other brands, many cat owners find that the quality and nutritional value is worth the extra cost. However, some cats may not like the taste of this food, so it may not be the best choice for all kittens. Additionally, some cans may arrive dented or damaged, so it’s important to inspect each can carefully before feeding it to your pet.

Overall, if you’re looking for a high-quality and all-natural wet food for your kitten, Applaws Natural Wet Canned Cat Food is definitely worth considering.

Nulo Freestyle Cat & Kitten Food

If you are looking for a grain-free, high protein cat food for your kitten, Nulo Freestyle Turkey & Duck Recipe Grain-Free Dry Cat & Kitten Food may be a great option for you.

Pros

• Formulated with 84% animal-based proteins and no white potatoes, grains, or tapioca
• Contains Nulo’s patented BC30 probiotic for healthy digestion and immune response
• Made in the USA with no corn, wheat gluten, soy, artificial preservatives, colors, or flavoring

Cons

• Some customers found the kibble size to be too small

Nulo Freestyle Cat & Kitten Food is a high-quality, grain-free food that is perfect for growing kittens to adult cats. With a focus on animal-based proteins and no fillers, this food is designed to mimic your cat’s ancestral diet. The small, disk-shaped pieces are easy for cats to eat and have a taste and texture that most cats love.

One of the standout features of this food is Nulo’s patented BC30 probiotic. This pure probiotic strain supports your cat’s gastrointestinal health, aids in digestion, and enhances metabolism and immune response.

Overall, we recommend Nulo Freestyle Cat & Kitten Food for cat owners who want a high-quality, grain-free food that is made with premium ingredients and designed to support their cat’s overall health and well-being.

Tiki Cat Born Carnivore Baby

If you want to provide your kitten with high-quality protein and support their healthy brain and eye development, Tiki Cat Born Carnivore Baby is a great option.

Pros

• Chicken is the first ingredient
• High protein content guaranteed
• Minimally processed and baked for maximum nutrition

Cons

• Not suitable for adult cats
• Small bag size may not last long for larger litters

Tiki Cat Born Carnivore Baby is a great choice for kitten owners who want to give their pets the best possible start in life. With high-quality chicken as the first ingredient, this food is packed with the protein that growing kittens need to thrive. The formula also includes easily digestible egg and fiber for digestive support, as well as DHA to support healthy brain and eye development.

While this food is great for kittens, it may not be suitable for adult cats. Additionally, the small bag size may not last very long for larger litters. Some kittens may also be picky and not enjoy the taste of this food.

Overall, Tiki Cat Born Carnivore Baby is a solid choice for kitten owners who want to provide their pets with a nutritious and delicious diet.

Instinct Original Grain-Free Recipe with Real Chicken for Kittens

If you’re looking for a high-quality kitten food that’s packed with wholesome ingredients, then Instinct Original Grain-Free Recipe with Real Chicken for Kittens is definitely worth considering.

Pros

• Made with 81% real animal ingredients and nutritious oils
• Contains freeze-dried raw for added nutrition and taste
• Grain-free, natural cat food offers complete and balanced nutrition for kittens

Cons

• May not be suitable for kittens with certain dietary restrictions

This kitten food is made with probiotics for digestive and immune health and omegas for healthy skin and soft fur. It’s also made without grain, potato, corn, wheat, soy, by-product meals, artificial colors, or preservatives, making it a great choice for kittens with sensitive stomachs.

The first raw coated kibble for kittens, Instinct Original Grain-Free Recipe with Real Chicken for Kittens offers delicious flavors that even picky kitties will love. Plus, it’s made with the real nutrition of raw, which is natural, made from real meat and whole food ingredients, protein-packed, and minimally processed.

If you’re looking for a high-quality kitten food that will help your furry friend thrive, then Instinct Original Grain-Free Recipe with Real Chicken for Kittens is definitely worth considering. With its high animal protein content, grain-free recipe, and freeze-dried raw coating, this kitten food is sure to provide your kitten with the nutrition they need to grow and play.

Kitten Reveal Limited Ingredients Approved by Cats

We highly recommend Kitten Reveal Limited Ingredients Approved by Cats for kittens who need a grain-free, limited ingredient diet.

Pros

• Limited, Whole Ingredients: Grain free, limited ingredient food your cat will love.
• All Natural, Naturally: Reveal wet cat food is 100% natural.
• Real Protein First: High quality protein is always the first ingredient, providing a feast for even the fussiest of felines.

Cons

• Slightly more expensive than other kitten food options.
• May not be suitable for cats who prefer dry food.

Kitten Reveal Limited Ingredients Approved by Cats is made with only the finest, whole ingredients, making it a perfect choice for kittens with sensitive stomachs. The high-quality protein in this food is always the first ingredient, ensuring your kitten gets the nutrients they need to grow up healthy and strong.

This wet food is finely shredded and comes in a hydrating broth, making it easy for kittens to eat and digest. It’s also 100% natural, with no artificial preservatives, colors, or flavors.

While Kitten Reveal Limited Ingredients Approved by Cats only comes in one flavor (chicken breast), it’s a great option for cats who prefer a limited ingredient diet. However, it is slightly more expensive than other kitten food options on the market. Additionally, some cats may not prefer wet food and may prefer dry food instead.

Overall, we highly recommend Kitten Reveal Limited Ingredients Approved by Cats for kittens who need a grain-free, limited ingredient diet. It’s a high-quality, natural option that is sure to please even the pickiest of eaters.

ACANA Highest Protein Dry Cat Food for Kittens

If you’re looking for a high-quality kitten food that’s packed with protein and other essential nutrients, then ACANA Highest Protein Dry Cat Food for Kittens is a great choice.

Pros

• With 75% animal ingredients, this kitten food is packed with protein to help your kitten grow and thrive.
• The fiber and probiotic blend in this dry kitten food can help support your kitten’s digestive health.
• This kitten food includes Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids to help support healthy skin and a shiny coat, as well as taurine, EPA, and DHA to help maintain eye and heart health.

Cons

• This kitten food may not be suitable for all kittens, so be sure to check with your veterinarian before making any dietary changes.

ACANA Highest Protein Dry Cat Food for Kittens is a premium kitten food that’s made in the USA with quality ingredients from around the world. This kitten food is formulated for kittens up to 12 months old and includes free run chicken, free run turkey, and salmon to provide a burst of flavor that your kitten will love.

In addition to being packed with protein, this kitten food also contains fiber and a probiotic blend to help support your kitten’s digestive health. The Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids in this kitten food can help support healthy skin and a shiny coat, while taurine, EPA, and DHA help maintain eye and heart health.

While ACANA Highest Protein Dry Cat Food for Kittens is relatively expensive compared to some other kitten foods on the market, many pet owners find that it’s well worth the price for the high-quality ingredients and nutritional benefits. However, some kittens may not like the taste of this food, so it may take some time to find a flavor that they enjoy.

Overall, if you’re looking for a premium kitten food that’s packed with protein and other essential nutrients, then ACANA Highest Protein Dry Cat Food for Kittens is definitely worth considering. Just be sure to check with your veterinarian to make sure that it’s the right choice for your kitten’s specific dietary needs.

Wellness Complete Health Chicken & Turkey Pate Favorites Variety Pack

If you’re looking for a high-quality, nutritious cat food that’s also easily digestible, the Wellness Complete Health Chicken & Turkey Pate Favorites Variety Pack is a great choice.

Pros

• This cat food is protein-dense, rich in meaty flavor, and nutrient-packed to support your cat’s daily needs, with real protein as the first ingredient.
• The variety pack includes chicken pate, turkey pate, and turkey/salmon pate, providing your cat with a range of flavors and essential fatty acids for balanced nutrition.
• Wet food is an easy way to increase your cat’s moisture intake for daily hydration health, and this cat food supports healthy hydration.

Cons

• The price point may be higher than some other cat foods on the market.

If you’re looking for a high-quality, nutritious cat food that’s free from grains, corn, wheat, soy, artificial colors, and preservatives, the Wellness Complete Health Chicken & Turkey Pate Favorites Variety Pack is a great option. Created by nutritionists and veterinarians to nourish and sustain your pet’s wellbeing, this cat food is a great choice for adult cats. Plus, with a variety pack that includes chicken pate, turkey pate, and turkey/salmon pate, your cat is sure to enjoy a range of flavors and essential fatty acids for balanced nutrition.

One of the biggest pros of this cat food is that it’s protein-dense, rich in meaty flavor, and nutrient-packed to support your cat’s daily needs, with real protein as the first ingredient. Additionally, wet food is an easy way to increase your cat’s moisture intake for daily hydration health, and this cat food supports healthy hydration. The price point may be higher than some other cat foods on the market.

Overall, if you’re looking for a high-quality, nutritious cat food that’s easily digestible and provides your cat with a range of flavors and essential fatty acids, the Wellness Complete Health Chicken & Turkey Pate Favorites Variety Pack is definitely worth considering.

Buying Guide

When it comes to choosing the best cat food for kittens, there are a few key features to consider. Here are some important factors to keep in mind:

Nutritional Requirements

Kittens have different nutritional requirements than adult cats, so it’s important to choose a food that is specifically formulated for kittens. Look for a food that is high in protein and fat, as these nutrients are essential for growth and development.

Ingredients

The ingredients in your kitten’s food are important to consider. Look for a food that uses high-quality protein sources, such as chicken or fish, and avoid foods that contain fillers or artificial preservatives. It’s also important to choose a food that is free from any ingredients that your kitten may be allergic to.

Texture

The texture of your kitten’s food is also important to consider. Some kittens may prefer wet food, while others may prefer dry food. It’s a good idea to offer both options to your kitten and see which one they prefer.

Brand Reputation

When choosing a cat food for your kitten, it’s important to choose a brand with a good reputation. Look for a brand that has been around for a while and has a good track record of producing high-quality, nutritious foods.

By considering these factors, you can choose the best cat food for your kitten and ensure that they get the nutrition they need to grow and thrive.

---

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the nutritional requirements for a healthy kitten?

Kittens require a diet that is rich in protein, fat, and essential nutrients to support their growth and development. A high-quality kitten food should contain at least 30% protein and 20% fat, along with essential vitamins and minerals such as calcium, phosphorus, and taurine.

How often should I feed my kitten?

Kittens have small stomachs and require frequent meals throughout the day. It is recommended to feed your kitten 3-4 small meals a day until they are around 6 months old. After that, you can gradually decrease the number of meals to 2-3 per day.

What are the benefits of wet food versus dry food for kittens?

Wet food can be a good choice for kittens as it provides them with additional moisture, which can help prevent dehydration and urinary tract problems. Dry food, on the other hand, can be more convenient and cost-effective. It is important to provide your kitten with a balanced diet, regardless of whether you choose wet or dry food.

How do I transition my kitten from one brand of food to another?

When transitioning your kitten to a new brand of food, it is best to do so gradually over a period of 7-10 days. Start by mixing a small amount of the new food with the old food, gradually increasing the amount of new food each day until your kitten is eating only the new food.

What should I look for in a high-quality kitten food?

A high-quality kitten food should contain a balance of protein, fat, and essential nutrients to support your kitten’s growth and development. Look for foods that list a high-quality protein source as the first ingredient and avoid foods that contain fillers or by-products.

Are there any specific ingredients to avoid in kitten foods?

Some ingredients to avoid in kitten foods include artificial preservatives, colors, and flavors, as well as fillers and by-products. It is also important to avoid foods that contain high levels of carbohydrates, as kittens require a diet that is high in protein and fat.