If you have a new addition to your fur family you may be asking what is the best kitten food? Once your little one is weaned then is the time to start introducing solids.
Whether your kitten has been weaned by her mother, or you’ve been bottle feeding, it’s important to introduce foods with the right nutrients.
In this post you’ll discover what I believe to be some of the best kitten food available at this time. All kittens are different though, and there’s no guarantee your little one will like a particular food.
Just like you, if food isn’t appetising your kitten won’t eat it. Food that’s formulated especially for kittens though will be palatable to tempt your kitty.
You’ll also discover what you need to look for when buying kitten food. Plus, when and how to introduce your fur baby to cat food.
The following kitten foods are designed to feed your little one from 4 weeks up to 12 weeks. Any information I share is from research or my own opinion. In addition, I may make a small commission on any sales which in no way affects the price you pay.
Royal Canin Mother & Babycat Ultra-Soft Mousse in Sauce Wet Cat Food for New Kittens and Nursing or Pregnant Mother Cats
Royal Canin is an established pet food company specialising in cats and dogs. It’s well known for research and testing specific nutritional requirements which gives the brand trust and credibility.
Mother & Babycat Ultra-Soft Mousse is formulated for very young kittens. In fact it makes a great transition from milk to solids.
In addition, you can also give this mousse to pregnant and lactating cats. As the texture is soft and fluffy, it makes it easy for your weaning kitten to eat.
Ingredients include DHA which supports your kitten’s brain development. This is why feeding it to pregnant cats promotes growing foetuses.
Also, Mother & Babycat Ultra-Soft Mousse contains easily digestible proteins and prebiotics. This helps your growing kitten maintain a healthy digestive tract.
In addition, it supports her immune system which helps fight off any germs. Giving your kitten a healthy start in life is important for her health and wellbeing.
Key Features
- Ultra soft texture makes it easy for tiny kittens to eat
- Contains DHA for brain development
- Essential vitamins to support growth
- Prebiotics to promote healthy gut.
- Suitable for kittens 4 weeks and older.
- Perfect trasition from milk to solids
Average rating 4.8 out of 5
You Can Buy Royal Canin Mother & Babycat Ultra-Soft Mousse Here
Royal Canin Feline Health Nutrition Dry Cat Food for Young Kittens
Royal Canin dry cat food for young kittens is formulated for the next stage in your kitten’s growth. This is usually around 12 weeks when it will start to become super active.
A kitten’s nutritional needs will demand higher levels of protein and carbohydrates than baby food. This is because your little kitten is growing at a rate of around one pound a month.
Feline Health Dry kitten food contains a blend of essential vitamins and minerals to promote a strong immune system. In addition, easily digestible proteins and prebiotics help support your kitten’s digestive system.
The kibble is small and easy to chew making it ideal for your little one’s mouth. Although dry food is great you should also provide wet food.
This ensures your kitten is hydrated. In addition, always have a bowl of fresh water next to her food.
Key Features
- Formulated for kittens aged 12 weeks to 1 year.
- Essential nutrients to support immune system
- Easily digestible proteins and prebiotics to support gut health
- Small easy to chew kibble ideal for developing teeth
Average rating 4.8 out of 5
You Can Buy Royal Canin Nutrition Dry Food For Kittens Here
Royal Canin Feline Health Nutrition Thin Slices in Gravy Wet Kitten Food
Royal Canin thin slices in gravy is the perfect complement to their dry food for kittens. It contains the same nutritional content formulated for growing cats
Ideally, provide two separate dishes with dry and wet food. This gives your kitten an option, while providing her with essential energy needed for play.
Thin, tender slices mean they’re easy for your little one to chew. Also, these are a great food for transitioning to solids.
Key Features
- Easy to chew for small kittens
- Perfect compliment to dry food
- Supports immune system
- Prebiotics to support gut health
- Thin, tender slices for easy chewing
- Tasty gravy for enticing your kitten
- Great for transitioning to solids.
- Carbohydrates for playful energy
Average Rating 4.7 out of 5
You Can Buy Royal Canin Health Nutrition Thin Slices In Gravy Here.
Purina Fancy Feast Grain Free Pate Wet Kitten Food Variety Pack
Purina Fancy Feast is formulated for kittens transitioning to solids. Soft, pate texture makes it easy for your little one to chew.
Fancy Feast is an established brand created in 1982. In fact it was the first to offer gourmet cat food.
Most Purina products are manufactured in the United States. This includes sourcing as well.
You’ll be pleased to hear that Fancy Feast has a high proportion of real fish and meat. However, there are a few artificial ingredients.
Don’t let this put you off though as Fancy Feast contains essential nutrients for your kitten’s development including DHA.
Grain is often used as a filler in pet food, and while this wouldn’t harm your cat, Purina include mostly fish or meat instead.
The pate also contains real milk as well as egg. This is great for helping your kitty move on to solids, but be mindful of any potential allergies.
It’s suggested you feed a 3lb kitten 1 can of Fancy Feast pate per day. This means dividing it up into 3 meals. As your kitten grows you can adjust meal portions.
Key Features
- Grain free
- Real fish and poultry
- Includes milk and egg
- Essential nutrients to support growth
- Manufactured in the USA
- 4 different flavors
- 24 cans in each pack
- Great for transitioning to solids
- Suitable for 4 weeks to 1 year
Average rating 4.8 out of 5
You Can Buy Purina Fancy Feast Grain Free Pate Kitten Food Here
Purina Pro Plan Kitten Canned Wet Cat Food
Purina Pro Plan wet cat food is formulated for kittens age 4 weeks to 1 year. This is a softer consistency than pate which may suit very young kittens.
If your kitten is transitioning to solids either wet food or pate will be fine. However, if you decide to try both, make sure you introduce any new food gradually.
This is to ensure your little one doesn’t get an upset tummy. However, broadening your kitten’s palate is good as she’ll get used to a wider variety of foods.
Purina kitten canned food contains real fish and poultry. In addition, essential vitamins including DHA are included.
This helps support the immune system, brain development, and growth.
Omega-6 is also added to nourish your precious kitten’s skin and coat. Plus, calcium to help build strong teeth and bones.
You get 24 cans in each pack with a variety of flavors. Each can provides 3 meals for a 3lb kitten.
If you’re unsure about portion sizes, consult your vet for advice. As your kitten grows you can easily adjust meal sizes.
Key Features
Real fish and poultry
24 cans in each pack
Calcium for strong teeth and bones
Omega-6 to nourish skin and coat
DHA to support brain development
Suitable for kittens age 4 weeks to 1 year
Average rating 4.7 out of 5
You Can Buy Purina Pro Plan Kitten Canned Wet Cat Food Here
Blue Buffalo Wilderness High Protein Grain Free, Natural Kitten Pate Wet Cat Food
Blue Buffalo are a pet food company that only use natural ingredients in their recipes. In fact no by products are used.
You get 100% real salmon and chicken packed with protein. Plus, dried potato is also added for carbohydrates, as well as pea flour.
Grain free pet foods have gained popularity over recent years, and are ideal if your cat has allergies. In fact, it’s extremely rare for any wild cat to eat grain.
That being said, most cats are perfectly fine eating regular canned foods. The choice is yours!
In addition, essential nutrients such as Vitamin E and B6`are included to support your growing kitten’s immune system.
It’s suggested you feed kittens up to 20 weeks old as much as they’ll eat in 3 or 4 servings per day. Then, once they’re around 21 weeks old, feed 1/2 can per 1lb of body weight per day up to 30 weeks.
This is to ensure your kitten gains the right amount of weight. You can provide dried food as well which I recommend.
This gives your kitten variety which help prevent fussiness!
Key Features
- Grain free
- No meal by products
- 100% natural
- Quality salmon and chicken
- Essential vitamins to support growth
- 24 cans per pack
Average rating 4.3 out of 5
You Can Buy Blue Buffalo Wilderness High Protein Grain Free, Natural Kitten Pate Food Here
Meow Mix Kitten Li’l Nibbles Dry Cat Food
Meow Mix is an established brand that’s been around for 40 years. Although Meow Mix contains by product, it can make a tasty addition to your kitten’s diet.
Li’l nibbles is formulated for cats age 4 weeks and upwards. However, for very young kittens it’s suggested you moisten the kibble.
This is to make it more palatable and easier to chew. Also, remember to gradually introduce any new food.
This is good practice for cats of all ages and helps avoid diarrhea. Also, cats are creatures of habit with a natural dislike to sudden change.
If you’re at all worried or unsure about your kitten’s diet, talk to your vet. It’s always better to be safe than sorry, and any health concerns can be addressed.
Key Features
- Formulated for kittens 4 weeks and upwards
- Chicken and fish flavors
- Essential vitamins for healthy growth
- Contains grain
- Contains by products
Average rating 4.8 out of 5
You can buy Meow Mix Kitten Li’l Nibbles Dry Cat Food Here
What To Look For In Kitten Food
It may sound obvious but always look for labels that say “kitten food”! Whether your cat is 4 weeks old or a senior, you should always try and buy foods specific to that age group.
This is because your cat’s nutritional requirements change throughout the different stages of it’s life.
Your little kitten is a bundle of energy and growing fast. She or he will get around 30% of energy from protein, so look for quality foods containing real fish or meat.
While cereals or by products won’t harm your kitten, they may contain less quality protein. In addition look for a good balance of vitamins and minerals.
At the end of the day you get what you pay for. While you don’t need to spend a fortune you should always buy the best you can afford.
Your kitten’s early development requires a balanced and nutritionally complete diet. This is to support her immune system and promote healthy growth.
If you’re wondering whether wet or dry food is best, let your kitten try some of each. There is no right or wrong providing you choose quality foods.
As previously mentioned, offer kibble in a separate bowl, and provide fresh water as well. You’d also need to adjust amounts so your kitten doesn’t over feed.
How Often Should You Feed Your Kitten?
Just like babies, kittens grow at a rapid rate! During the first six months your little one will be growing fast and playing a lot.
This means your kitten will be burning lots of energy. At this stage you should be providing 4 meals a day.
Then, as your cat matures you can reduce the amount of meals to 2 a day. However, as many cats prefer little and often you could always leave a bowl of kibble out.
Final Thoughts
If you’re a new cat mum I hope you’ve found this post helpful. While there are plenty of cat foods formulated for kittens, those I’ve shared here I believe to be best.
I can’t guarantee your kitten will like them though. We all know how fussy cats are! Always remember to introduce new foods gradually. Just like humans, cats can have sensitivities to certain ingredients.
Diarrhea and upset tummies are often the result of a sensitivity to certain foods. If it continues though you need to consult your vet.
Young kittens are very delicate, and knowing how to care for a kitten properly is important. Even before you bring your fur baby home you should gain information on kitten care.
If this post has helped answer your question, “what is the best kitten food?” please share. Feel free to share this pin on your “pets” board
Also, if you have any questions or would like to share experiences, leave a comment below.
Wishing you a purrfect day:)
Kathy
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Hi Kathy,
Those recommendations look nice, and they help people find the best one for their kittens. It’s my first time knowing that a kitten needs to eat four times a day, and we need to add new food gradually. I am interested in Meow Mix Kitten, but it has by-product. Will it be the reason kitten has diarrhea?
Matt
Hi Matt, glad you like my recommendations. Yes, feeding a kitten four times a day, helps maintain energy and provide a constant supply of essential nutrients required for healthy growth. In reply to your question Meow Mix should be fine. Despite containing by-product it has all the correct nutrition. However, if your kitten develops diarrhea stop feeding Meow Mix until you narrow down the cause. Thanks for stopping by again:)
Hi Kathy,
I am amazed at how much better cats can be looked after with a healthy diet and all the amazing foods and snacks you have listed on your website.
It’s also a great breakdown of which cat or kitten foods are healthiest and best. I enjoyed reading your post as it seems you really are a cat lover with the best information
Hi Stephen, glad you enjoyed this post:) Yes, good nutrition is just as important for our pets as it is for us. Knowing what goes into a kitten food product helps you make an informed choice. Having had cats all my life I can definitely say I have a passion for them! Thanks for stopping by:)
Thank you so much! I have been looking into getting a kitten since our old cat Parsley, RIP, passed away a while ago and it’s about time to get another. I never knew how much there was that went into kitten food. However, if you think about it, your fur baby is just like a baby-baby and you want to give them as much of the good stuff as possible.
Hi Angela, sorry to hear your cat Parsley passed away, and good you’re thinking about getting a kitten. While we can never replace pets that pass over, giving love to a new pet helps heal the loss. I agree, our fur babies are just like babies and deserve the best possible nutrition:)
Thanks Kathy, Some great Kitten tips I know they are babies and like our own babies require extra care. Good job on your research and I hope this can be helpful for our fellow cat owners.
Best regards;
Alex
Hi Alex, glad you enjoyed this post:) Yes, kittens are just like human babies requiring the same care and attention. Thanks for your input:)
Kathy, thank you for this nice, instructive, and informative post about cute cats 🙂 I have two cats in the house, and here is one that just meows persistently behind my back as I write this post. She wants me to let her go for a while, but I’m afraid of the cold. I have two kittens of the same age, both 18 or 19 months old, not even two years old. 🙂 I read from you in this post that it is necessary to consume omega-6 and calcium for better teeth and bones. They feed mostly on granules, but now I will try to give them more fish and soft mixed foods. Thank you and I wish you good health 🙂
Hi Zvezdan, glad you found this post informative:) You’re right to be mindful of the cold weather, but as your kittens are over 1 year old, they can eat adult cat food. You only need to feed softer foods when kittens are very young and being weaned onto solids. Yes, definitely omega-6 and calcium are good for developing teeth and bones.
I certainly didn’t know kittens should eat close to 4 times a day while growing.
Those little creatures?
It made me smile a lot. From your post, it’s obviously important that we not only give them enough quantity of food, but also giving healthy ones. Thanks for the feeding recommendations Kathy. This is a really informative article and I’m sure they’ll come in handy soon.
Quick question though.
Other than highly proteinous foods, what other food classes is necessary for a kitten’s growth?
I’ll be looking out for your response. Thank you.
Cheers,
Femi.
Hi Femi, thank you for your comment and glad you enjoyed this post. Yes, kittens just growing babies need healthy and nutritious food. In answer to your question, apart from protein, growing kittens need carbs to help fuel high activity.