The 10 Best Kitten Foods
Kittens are born unable to see or hear but they go through some amazing changes during their first few weeks of life. Powered by their mother's milk, newborn kittens grow quickly.
The 10 Best Kitten Foods
Kittens are born unable to see or hear but they go through some amazing changes during their first few weeks of life. Powered by their mother's milk, newborn kittens grow quickly. Once they make the transition onto solid food, it becomes your responsibility to support their development.
The best kitten food is packed with animal protein and omega fatty acids to provide the essential amino acids and energy your kitten needs to grow into a healthy adult cat. In this guide, you'll learn what to look for in nutritious kitten food and be introduced to our top 10 picks.
Our Top Picks
Your kitten is unique, so it may take time to learn their preferences. We've assembled a variety of options for kitten food in different flavors, textures, and food types to help you choose. Here's a quick preview of the products we recommend - you'll find more detailed information about each of them later in this post to help you make the right choice for your cat.
Jump to Review Best Overall: Smalls Fresh Ground Bird
Jump to Review Runner Up: Open Farm Grain-Free Chicken & Turkey Recipe Kitten Food
Jump to Review Best Budget: Fancy Feast Kitten Tender Ocean Whitefish Feast Canned Cat Food
Jump to Review Best Raw: Stella & Chewy's Carnivore Cravings Chicken & Salmon Kitten Recipe Wet Cat Food
Jump to Review Best Wet: Wellness CORE Grain-Free Turkey & Chicken Liver Pate Canned Kitten Food
Jump to Review Best High Protein: Tiki Cat Born Carnivore Deboned Chicken & Egg Recipe Dry Kitten Food
Jump to Review Best Freeze-Dried: Vital Essentials Freeze-Dried Raw Chicken Mini Nibs Entree Cat Food
Jump to Review Best Dry: Instinct Original Kitten Grain-Free Real Chicken Recipe Canned Food
Jump to Review Best Premium Wet: Dr. Elsey's cleanprotein Turkey Recipe Wet Cat Food
Jump to Review Best with Broth: Tiki Cat Luau Velvet Mousse Salmon & Chicken in Broth Wet Kitten Food
Why is Balanced Nutrition So Important for Kittens?
All cats have the same requirements for essential nutrients. During the growth phase, however, kittens need higher concentrations of certain nutrients to support the development of strong muscles as well as healthy bones and organs. An unbalanced diet during a kitten's first year of life could lead to a lifetime of chronic health issues.
Protein and fat are particularly important for growing kittens because they support rapid growth and the development of lean muscle mass. Kitten foods also typically contain more calcium and phosphorus than adult cat foods - an optimal ratio of these two nutrients is essential for healthy bone growth. DHA, an omega-3 fatty acid, supports brain and eye development in kittens.
On top of higher concentrations of micronutrients, kitten food typically offers a higher concentration of calories. Growing kittens burn through energy very quickly, so they need the extra calories.
Our Top 10 Picks for the Best Kitten Food
As our overall top pick for kitten food, we recommend Open Farm kitten food. Made with numerous sources of animal protein, this kibble is highly appealing to kittens and it provides the protein and energy required for healthy growth and development.
Because every kitten is different, our top pick might not be the ideal choice for your particular kitten. You may need to try a few products until you learn your kitten's preferences for food type and flavor. To help you get started, we've assembled a variety of options divided by category.
#1 Best Overall: Smalls Fresh Ground Bird
If you're not limited to shelf-stable options, fresh cat food from Smalls is an excellent choice for your growing kitten. It's delivered right to your door in 5-ounce packages. Just store it in the freezer and thaw one or two at a time.
Smalls fresh cat food is made with human-grade ingredients and it's minimally processed, leaving more nutrition for your growing kitten to enjoy. Choose from three single-protein flavors in multiple textures, depending on your kitten's preferences.
Every Smalls recipe is rich in animal protein and low in carbohydrates. The food provides plenty of hydrating moisture and it's easily digestible, so it won't upset your kitten's sensitive stomach. Just be sure to transition your kitten onto any new diet gradually.
Ingredients
Chicken, Chicken Liver, Green Beans, Water Sufficient for Processing, Dried Yeast, Tricalcium Phosphate, Kale, Magnesium Proteinate, Potassium Chloride, Choline Chloride, Dandelion Greens, Dried Kelp, Taurine, Zinc Proteinate, Iron Proteinate, Cod Liver Oil, Salt, Niacin Supplement, Vitamin E Supplement, Vitamin A Supplement, Copper Proteinate, Manganese Proteinate, Thiamine Mononitrate, D-Calcium Pantothenate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Riboflavin Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Folic Acid, Sodium Selenite, Biotin.
Guaranteed Analysis
- Crude Protein: 13%
- Crude Fat: 8.5%
- Crude Fiber:1.5%
- Moisture: 73%
Pros
- Made with a single protein source
- Human-grade ingredients, minimally processed
- Rich in hydrating moisture
- Delivered to your door in 5-ounce packs
Cons
- Only sold by subscription
#2 Runner Up: Open Farm Grain-Free Kitten Chicken & Turkey Recipe Dry Cat Food
Formulated with chicken, turkey, and fish as the main ingredients, this dry food from Open Farm provides plenty of essential amino acids to fuel your kitten's rapid growth. Salmon oil offers animal-sourced omega-3 fatty acids, especially DHA which is essential for healthy brain and eye development in kittens.
While dry cat food doesn't provide the moisture your kitten needs, adding water or broth to the kibble can make it a more hydrating option. Moistening the kibble is particularly beneficial when you're first weaning a kitten onto solid food.
Overall, this Open Farm dry food provides a protein-rich, energy-dense source of balanced nutrition for growing kittens. The food provides 110 calories per ounce and is made with humanely and sustainably sourced ingredients you can feel good about.
Ingredients
Chicken, Turkey, Ocean Whitefish Meal, Herring Meal, Chickpeas, Green Lentils, Red Lentils, Menhaden Fish Meal, Coconut Oil, Sunflower Oil, Pumpkin, Natural Flavor, Cranberries, Apples, Dandelion Greens, Dried Chicory Root, Salmon Oil (Source of DHA), Calcium Carbonate, Choline Chloride, Vitamins (Niacin Supplement, Vitamin E Supplement, Vitamin A Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate, D-Calcium Pantothenate, Riboflavin Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Folic Acid, Biotin), Salt, Dicalcium Phosphate, Taurine, Minerals (Calcium Carbonate, Zinc Proteinate, Iron Proteinate, Copper Proteinate, Manganese Proteinate, Sodium Selenite, Calcium Iodate), DL-Methionine, Mixed Tocopherols (a preservative), Turmeric, Dried Yucca Schidigera Extract, Rosemary Extract.
Guaranteed Analysis
- Crude Protein: 40%
- Crude Fat: 19%
- Crude Fiber: 3%
- Moisture: 10%
Pros
- Rich in animal protein from multiple sources
- Salmon oil provides DHA for brain development
- Meat-based flavor kittens seem to enjoy
- Made with humanely and sustainably sourced ingredients
Cons
- Contains some hard-to-digest beans and legumes
- No dry food provides the moisture your kitten needs
#3 Budget Pick: Fancy Feast Kitten Tender Ocean Whitefish Feast Canned Cat Food
Affordably priced under $0.25 per ounce and readily available in many grocery stores, Fancy Feast is a budget-friendly pick. Fancy Feast kitten recipes come in several flavors including ocean whitefish, salmon, turkey, and chicken. The Classic Collection variety pack includes all four flavors.
This Fancy Feast recipe comes in a moist, smooth pate that's easy for kittens to chew. In addition to fish, it contains protein from liver, meat by-products, chicken, and egg. While named animal products are preferable - chicken liver versus simply liver - by-products aren't necessarily unhealthy. They often consist of animal parts that aren't deemed fit for human consumption but are perfectly fine for pets.
Overall, this canned kitten food is a protein-rich choice that provides plenty of healthy fat and hydrating moisture. The carbohydrate content is minimal, though it does contain some artificial flavor and added color.
Ingredients
Ocean Whitefish, Liver, Meat By-Products, Chicken, Fish Broth, Milk, Egg Product, Artificial And Natural Flavors, Tricalcium Phosphate, Added Color, Guar Gum, Minerals [Potassium Chloride, Magnesium Sulfate, Zinc Sulfate, Ferrous Sulfate, Copper Sulfate, Manganese Sulfate, Potassium Iodide], Salt, Vitamins [Vitamin E Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate (Vitamin B-1), Niacin (Vitamin B-3), Calcium Pantothenate (Vitamin B-5), Vitamin A Supplement, Menadione Sodium Bisulfite Complex (Vitamin K), Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B-6), Riboflavin Supplement (Vitamin B-2), Vitamin B-12 Supplement, Biotin (Vitamin B-7), Folic Acid (Vitamin B-9), Vitamin D-3 Supplement], Taurine.
Guaranteed Analysis
- Crude Protein: 12%
- Crude Fat: 4%
- Crude Fiber:1.5%
- Moisture: 78%
Pros
- Contains 50% protein, measured as dry matter
- Rich in hydrating moisture
- Smooth pate texture is easy for kittens to chew
- Priced under $0.25 per ounce
Cons
- Contains added color and artificial flavor
- Cow's milk may cause digestive upset in some kittens
#4 Premium Pick: Stella & Chewy's Carnivore Cravings Chicken & Salmon Kitten Recipe Wet Cat Food
If you're able to splurge on your kitten's diet, this Carnivore Cravings recipe from Stella & Chewy's is a quality choice. Made with several premium animal proteins and loaded with hydrating moisture, this canned kitten food is meat-based and full of flavor. It's sold in small 2.8-ounce cans as well as larger 5.2-ounce cans.
With chicken muscle meat as the primary ingredient and supplemental protein from salmon and dried egg, this formula provides 50% protein (measured as dry matter). The main source of added fat is plant-based, but salmon and tuna oil offer biologically appropriate sources of omega-3 fatty acids.
Overall, this canned kitten food is protein-rich, energy-dense, and full of hydrating moisture. The short list of main ingredients makes it easy to digest and it has a smooth pate texture which is easy for kittens of all ages to chew.
Ingredients
Chicken, Chicken Broth, Salmon, Dried Egg, Sunflower Oil, Tapioca, Tricalcium Phosphate, Salt, Tuna Oil, Minerals (Zinc Oxide, Reduced Iron, Sodium Selenite, Manganese Sulfate, Copper Amino Acid Complex, Potassium Iodide), Vitamins (Vitamin E Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate, Niacin Supplement, Vitamin A Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, d-Calcium Pantothenate, Riboflavin Supplement, Folic Acid, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Biotin), Magnesium Sulfate, Potassium Chloride, Taurine, Choline Chloride, Celery Powder.
Guaranteed Analysis
- Crude Protein: 11%
- Crude Fat: 6%
- Crude Fiber:1.5%
- Moisture: 78%
Pros
- Provides 50% protein (measured as dry matter)
- Plenty of animal-sourced omega-3 fatty acids
- Rich in hydrating moisture
- Pate texture is easy for kittens to chew
Cons
- Can be expensive
- First source of added fat is plant-based
#5 Best Wet Food: Wellness CORE Grain-Free Turkey & Chicken Liver Pate Canned Kitten Food
More moderately priced than the previous pick, this Wellness CORE recipe offers carnivore-appropriate nutrition for growing kittens. The first five ingredients are all animal-based and menhaden fish oil is the only source of added fat. It's packed with protein and provides plenty of DHA to support your kitten's brain and eye development.
In addition to providing over 54% protein (measured as dry matter), this canned food is an excellent source of hydrating moisture. It's largely animal-based which makes it highly digestible for kittens and it's full of appealing poultry flavor. With its smooth pate texture, it's also easy for even young kittens to chew.
Ingredients
Turkey, Chicken Liver, Turkey Broth, Chicken, Chicken Meal, Herring, Natural Flavor, Cranberries, Menhaden Fish Oil (preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Guar Gum, Tricalcium Phosphate, Ground Flaxseed, Potassium Chloride, Choline Chloride, Taurine, Cassia Gum, Xanthan Gum, Dried Kelp, Chicory Root Extract, Yucca Schidigera Extract, Alfalfa Meal, Salt, Magnesium Sulfate, Iron Proteinate, Zinc Proteinate, Thiamine Mononitrate, Vitamin E Supplement, Copper Proteinate, Manganese Proteinate, Sodium Selenite, Niacin, d-Calcium Pantothenate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Riboflavin Supplement, Vitamin A Supplement, Biotin, Potassium Iodide, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Folic Acid, Rosemary Extract.
Guaranteed Analysis
- Crude Protein: 12%
- Crude Fat: 7.5%
- Crude Fiber:1%
- Moisture: 78%
Pros
- First five ingredients are animal-based
- Rich in animal-sourced omega-3s
- Easy for kittens to chew and digest
- Free from artificial additives
Cons
- Guar gum causes loose stools in some kittens
#6 Best Dry Food: Tiki Cat Born Carnivore Deboned Chicken & Egg Recipe Dry Kitten Food
For kittens who prefer dry food, this Tiki Cat Born Carnivore recipe may be a good choice. It's higher in carbohydrates than the wet foods on this list, but lower than many commercial dry cat foods. Overall, it provides over 46% protein and 24% fat, both measured as dry matter.
With deboned chicken and chicken meal as the top two ingredients, this kibble is packed with poultry flavor. Dried egg provides supplemental protein while chicken fat supplies the primary source of added fat. The food gets extra chicken flavor from dehydrated chicken liver.
At about 112 calories per ounce, this dry food is energy-dense to support your kitten's rapid growth. It's largely animal-based, though it does contain some peas and chickpeas which may be difficult for some kittens to digest. It doesn't, however, contain any artificial additives and the addition of probiotics and prebiotics may help improve digestibility.
Ingredients
Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Dried Egg Product, Natural Chicken Flavor, Chicken Fat (Preserved With Mixed Tocopherols And Citric Acid), Dehydrated Chicken Liver, Peas, Chickpeas, Tapioca, Ground Whole Flaxseed, Brewers Dried Yeast, Potassium Chloride, Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA) (Source Of Omega-3 Fatty Acids), Calcium Sulfate, Choline Chloride, Calcium Carbonate, Salmon Oil, Spinach, Inulin (Prebiotic), Pumpkin, Dried Bacillus Coagulans Fermentation Product, Taurine, Ferrous Sulfate, Zinc Sulfate, Vitamin E Supplement, Niacin Supplement (Vitamin B3), Copper Sulfate, Vitamin A Supplement, Manganese Sulfate, Thiamine Mononitrate (Vitamin B1), D-Calcium Pantothenate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B6), Biotin, Riboflavin Supplement (Vitamin B2), Vitamin B12 Supplement, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Calcium Iodate, Folic Acid, Sodium Selenite, Rosemary Extract, Ascorbic Acid (Preservative), Citric Acid, Tannic Acid.
Guaranteed Analysis
- Crude Protein: 42%
- Crude Fat: 22%
- Crude Fiber:3.5%
- Moisture: 10%
Pros
- Largely meat-based with plenty of chicken flavor
- Rich in animal-sourced DHA
- Small kibbles are easy for kittens to eat
- Supplemented with probiotics and prebiotics
Cons
- No dry food provides the moisture your kitten needs
- Contains some hard-to-digest beans and legumes
#7 Best Freeze-Dried: Vital Essentials Freeze-Dried Raw Chicken Mini Nibs Entree Cat Food
The more closely your kitten's diet resembles what a wild cat would eat, the more biologically valuable and digestible it will be. This freeze-dried recipe from Vital Essentials is a single-protein formula made only with chicken muscle meat, chicken organs, and herring oil with a limited assortment of synthetic nutrient supplements.
Overall, this recipe is high in protein and animal-sourced fats, especially the omega-3 fatty acids growing kittens need. As a freeze-dried food, however, it's very low in moisture. It's recommended that you rehydrate this food in warm water or broth before feeding it to your kitten.
Ingredients
Chicken, Chicken Heart, Chicken Liver, Herring Oil, Mixed Tocopherols (Preservative), Vitamin E Supplement, Zinc Amino Acid Complex, Iron Amino Acid Complex, Copper Amino Acid Complex, Manganese Amino Acid Complex.
Guaranteed Analysis
- Crude Protein: 55%
- Crude Fat: 18%
- Crude Fiber:5%
- Moisture: 8%
Pros
- Made with a single source of animal protein
- Simple list of ingredients, easy to digest
- Rich in DHA from herring oil
- Carnivore appropriate with low carb content
Cons
- Low in moisture, should be rehydrated
- Can be expensive
#8 Best for Weight Gain: Instinct Original Kitten Grain-Free Real Chicken Recipe Canned Food
On average, kitten food is more calorie-dense than adult cat food but some kittens need extra calories. If your kitten is having trouble putting on weight, this chicken recipe canned food from Instinct might be a good choice. It's very energy-dense, offering 42 calories per ounce.
In addition to being energy-dense, this formula is packed with animal-sourced protein and fat. Chicken muscle meat and salmon are the main ingredients while tuna fish oil is the primary source of added fat. Measured as dry matter, the food contains over 54% protein and 27% fat.
Another benefit this recipe offers for underweight kittens is its appealing aroma. It's a multi-protein formula with a smooth, easy-to-chew texture. Because it's primarily animal-based, it's easy to digest as well.
Ingredients
Chicken, Chicken Broth, Salmon, Beef Liver, Egg Product, Dicalcium Phosphate, Tuna Fish Oil, Pumpkin, Tomato, Kale, Cabbage, Guar Gum, Broccoli, Potassium Chloride, Cranberries, Blueberries, Parsley, Salt, Taurine, Minerals (Zinc Proteinate, Magnesium Sulfate, Copper Proteinate, Manganese Proteinate, Iron Proteinate), Choline Chloride, Vitamins (L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate, Vitamin E Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Riboflavin Supplement, Vitamin D Supplement, Folic Acid, Vitamin B12 Supplement).
Guaranteed Analysis
- Crude Protein: 12%
- Crude Fat: 6%
- Crude Fiber:1%
- Moisture: 78%
Pros
- Multi-protein formula rich in flavor
- Provides over 54% protein (measured as dry matter)
- Energy-dense at 42 calories per ounce
- Good source of hydrating moisture
Cons
- Can be expensive
- Guar gum triggers loose stools in some kittens
#9 Best for Sensitive Digestion: Dr. Elsey's cleanprotein Turkey Recipe Wet Cat Food
If digestive upset is a problem for your kitten, it may help to switch to a simpler recipe. Made with a novel source of animal protein, this cleanprotein formula from Dr. Elsey's is low in carbs and high in moisture. It also has a smooth pate texture that's easy for kittens to eat.
Turkey muscle meat is the primary source of protein in this recipe, supplemented by turkey liver and dried egg. Salmon oil is the main added fat and a biologically appropriate source of omega-3 fatty acids. New Zealand green mussels are rich in omega-3s as well and provide animal-sourced glucosamine and chondroitin to support healthy joint development.
Overall, this hydrating wet food formula is very high in protein and fat, making it a nutrient- and energy-dense formula that supports kitten growth and development.
Ingredients
Turkey, Turkey Broth, Turkey Liver, Dried Egg Product, Agar-Agar, Natural Flavor, Tricalcium Phosphate, New Zealand Green Mussel, Salmon Oil, Potassium Chloride, Dried Barley Grass, Salt, Sodium Tripolyphosphate, Calcium Sulfate, Taurine, Magnesium Oxide, Choline Chloride, Betaine Anhydrous, Zinc Proteinate, Iron Proteinate, Niacin, Vitamin E Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate, Copper Proteinate, Manganese Proteinate, Sodium Selenite, Calcium Pantothenate, Vitamin A Supplement, Riboflavin, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Biotin, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Calcium Iodate, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Folic Acid.
Guaranteed Analysis
- Crude Protein: 11%
- Crude Fat: 8%
- Crude Fiber:1.5%
- Moisture: 78%
Pros
- Made with a novel source of protein
- Simple recipe is easy to digest
- Good source of hydrating moisture
Cons
- Can be expensive
#10 Best for Picky Kittens: Tiki Cat Luau Velvet Mousse Salmon & Chicken in Broth Wet Kitten Food
If you're struggling to wean your kitten onto solid food or they simply don't like many commercial cat foods, give this multi-protein formula from Tiki Cat a try. It has a velvety smooth texture and it's full of animal-sourced protein. It's also rich in hydrating moisture and provides animal-sourced omega-3 fatty acids.
While easily digestible for most kittens, this recipe does contain a significant amount of dietary fiber. This can be a benefit for some kittens but it's wise to introduce the food slowly to avoid potential digestive upset.
Ingredients
Salmon Broth, Salmon, Chicken, Chicken Liver, Dried Egg, Sunflower Seed Oil, Tricalcium Phosphate, Tuna Oil, Xanthan Gum, Inulin, Potassium Chloride, Salt, Choline Chloride, Magnesium Sulfate, Taurine, Thiamine Mononitrate (Vitamin B1), Ferrous Sulfate, Vitamin E Supplement, Niacin (Vitamin B3), Zinc Oxide, Vitamin A Supplement, Biotin, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Copper Amino Acid Chelate, Manganous Oxide, Calcium Pantothenate, Riboflavin Supplement (Vitamin B2), Sodium Selenite, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B6), Menadione Sodium Bisulfite Complex (Source Of Vitamin K Activity), Folic Acid, Potassium Iodide, Vitamin D3 Supplement.
Guaranteed Analysis
- Crude Protein: 11%
- Crude Fat: 5%
- Crude Fiber:2%
- Moisture: 80%
Pros
- Smooth texture is easy for kittens to eat
- Multi-protein formula appeals to many kittens
- Rich source of hydrating moisture
Cons
- Can be expensive
- May be too high in fiber for some kittens
5 Things to Consider When Shopping for Kitten Food
It's important to invest in quality nutrition if you want your cat to be healthy - especially during their first 12 months of life. The ideal diet to support kitten health and development is meat-based, calorie-dense, and easily digestible.
Here are a few qualities to look for in kitten food:
- Made primarily with animal-based sources of protein and fat.
- Rich in DHA and EPA, ideally from animal sources.
- Limited list of ingredients to ensure optimal digestibility.
- High in moisture with an easy-to-chew texture.
- Low in carbohydrates, ideally under 20% measured as dry matter.
Premium cat food can be expensive, but it's worth splurging on your kitten to ensure they develop properly. Once they're fully developed, you may be able to save money with a rotational diet. Just be sure to choose a nutritionally balanced staple diet and work in premium products as often as you can.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best food for kittens to eat?
The best kitten food is made primarily with animal-sourced ingredients. It should be rich in protein and fat, with plenty of omega-3 fatty acids like DHA to support brain and eye development. High-moisture products are generally easier for kittens to chew and to digest, plus the moisture supports hydration and healthy digestion.
Is it okay to feed kittens dry food only?
A dry food diet may work as long as you supplement your kitten's moisture intake. Try moistening the dry food with warm water or broth - you can also try mixing it with wet food.
How many times a day should I feed my kitten?
Once they are fully weaned, kittens should be fed three to four times a day. The food should be energy-dense so your kitten can meet their calorie requirements without having to eat large meals. If you're feeding dry food, you can make it freely available as long as your kitten doesn't overeat.
Will kittens stop eating when they are full?
In most cases, cats eat until their energy needs are met. With some inexpensive cat foods, however, flavor additives make the food highly appealing which can encourage overeating. If your free-fed kitten is overeating, you may need to switch to measured meals.