Have you just welcomed a new kitten into the family? Choosing the right kitten food is vital to ensure their diet has a balance of proteins, fats and oils, minerals, vitamins, and carbohydrates.
Feeding a kitten the wrong type of food can cause symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhea and potentially have long-term health effects later down the road too.
On this page we share a list of the best kitten foods that will help support your new pet’s growth and development.
Our top picks
- Weruva Kitten Jump to review
- Blue Buffalo Freedom Jump to review
- Merrick Backcountry Jump to review
- Open Farm Jump to review
- Wellness Complete Health Paté Jump to review
- Castor & Pollux Organix Jump to review
- Wellness CORE Tiny Tasters Jump to review
- IAMS Perfect Portions Jump to review
- American Journey Jump to review
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Weruva Kitten
Weruva Kitten Chicken Formula Au Jus received the Cat Food Advisor’s highest rating: 5 stars.
It is one of five recipes in this product range made by Weruva. Weruva Inc. company’s headquarters is in Natick, Massachusetts, but the food is manufactured in Thailand. It was founded in 2006 by David and Stacie Forman and is still family-owned.
Weruva Kitten Chicken Formula Au Jus derives the bulk of its protein from chicken, which is naturally rich in the 11 essential amino acids required by a cat to sustain life.
Dry matter label analysis reveals a wet recipe containing 70.6% protein, 35.3% fat and 0% carbohydrates . . . with a fat-to-protein ratio of 50%.
This range is formulated to provide kittens with the nutrients they need to grow and is easily digestible. It is made with real, human-grade animal ingredients such as fish, chicken, and lamb. Recipes are high in protein, and free of grain, gluten and carrageenan.
Read our review of the full Weruva Kitten Wet Food range hereThings we like
- High-protein
- Free from artificial ingredients
- Human-grade recipes
Main Ingredients Chicken, chicken broth, natural flavor, dried egg, tricalcium Texture Wet Type Shreds Protein Percentage 70.6% AAFCO Standards Growth Best For Kittens Sample buyer review...
"I purchased this for my recent adoption, who I had heard originally wasn't a fan of wet food. Well this little lady hoofs this food down with gusto every time! I like that it looks and smells like real chicken, and how reasonable it is priced for the nice quality. Stelly likes the sound of the can opening, the walk to her feeding station, and inhaling every last morsel before licking the bowl clean. "more please!""
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Blue Buffalo Freedom
Blue Buffalo Freedom Kitten (grain-free) indoor – chicken wet cat food received the Cat Food Advisor’s highest rating: 5 stars.
It is one of five recipes in this product range made by Blue Buffalo, a company which started from humble origins but is now owned by General Mills.
Blue Buffalo Freedom Kitten (grain-free) indoor – chicken recipe derives the bulk of its protein from chicken, which is naturally rich in the 11 essential amino acids required by a cat to sustain life.
Dry matter label analysis reveals a wet recipe containing 43.2% protein, 31.8% fat and 17% carbohydrates . . . with a fat-to-protein ratio of 74%
Blue Freedom canned food is formulated to meet the needs of indoor kittens, with none of the grains that contain gluten. This grain-free recipe features real chicken and is specially formulated with DHA to support your kitten’s cognitive development.
Read our review of the full Blue Buffalo Freedom Wet Cat Food range hereThings we like
- High-protein
- Lots of vitamins and minerals
- Catered for indoor cats
Main Ingredients Chicken, chicken liver, chicken broth, carrots, sweet potatoes Texture Wet Type Grain-free Protein Percentage 43.2% AAFCO Standards Growth Best For Kittens Sample buyer review...
"My cats love eating this food! They sit at their bowls every morning waiting for me to give it to them. Their coats are always healthy and shiny and they have very regular bowls and urinary habits. I highly recommend it!"
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Merrick Backcountry
Merrick Backcountry Raw Infused kitten recipe with Chicken & Duck in Gravy wet cat food received the Cat Food Advisor’s high rating: 4.5 stars.
It is one of 11 recipes in this product range made by Merrick Backcountry, a company founded in 1988 by Garth Merrick who began home cooking for his beloved dog, Gracie, to make sure she was eating the most nutritious and wholesome food possible.
Merrick Backcountry Raw Infused kitten recipe with Chicken & Duck in Gravy derives the bulk of its protein from chicken, which is naturally rich in the 11 essential amino acids required by a cat to sustain life.
Dry matter label analysis reveals a wet recipe containing 50% protein, 21.1% fat and 20.9% carbohydrates . . . with a fat-to-protein ratio of 42%.
Merrick Backcountry wet cat food uses high-quality protein meats, fresh caught fish in its products. The recipes are grain free with added vitamins, minerals and taurine. An essential amino acid for cats associated with the healthy function of heart muscle and eye sight.
Read our review of the full Merrick Backcountry Wet Cat Food range hereThings we like
- Grain-free
- Protein-rich morsels
- Added vitamins and minerals
Main Ingredients Deboned chicken, chicken broth, chicken liver, duck broth, deboned duck Texture Wet Type Gravy Protein Percentage 50% AAFCO Standards Growth Best For Kittens Sample buyer review...
"My very ill, very small Shelter kitten couldn't eat regular Kitten food. I've always liked Merrick. I'm not usually a fan of pouches, but with this I am able to smoosh the food through the pouch, making it creamier and with more gravy. Little Kitten eats it and loves it. The food is a bit pricey, but it's Merrick quality and I know she's getting everything she needs."
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Open Farm
Open Farm Kitten Grain-Free Dry Cat Food, received the Cat Food Advisor’s second highest rating: 4.5 stars.
It is one of five recipes in this product range made by Open Farm, it is formulated with all the macronutrients, vitamins, and minerals your cat needs to enjoy a healthy, active life.
Open Farm Kitten Grain-Free Cat Food drives the bulk of its protein from chicken and turkey which are good quality sources of protein and which is naturally rich in the 11 essential amino-acids required by a cat to sustain life.
The dry matter label analysis reveals a dry recipe containing 44.4% protein, 21.1% fat and 26.4% carbohydrates, with a fat-to-protein ratio of 48%.
Open Farm is an above-average quality dry cat food which contains premium ingredients such as pasture-raised lamb, turkey and chicken, wild-caught salmon, non-GMO fruits and vegetables.
Highly recommended.
Read our review of the full Open Farm Dry Cat Food range hereThings we like
- High-quality meats raised without antibiotics or added hormones
- 100% Animal Welfare Certified
- Grain-free
Main Ingredients Chicken, turkey, ocean whitefish meal, herring Meal and chickpeas Texture Dry Type Grain-free Protein Percentage 44.4% AAFCO Standards All Life Stages Best For Kittens, cats and senior cats Sample buyer review...
"Our two Bengal kittens love their new food they have been eating for a few weeks now. We like the fact that Open Farm gives a reason for every ingredient in their food products."
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Wellness Complete Health Paté
It is one of 11 recipes in this product range made by Wellness Pet Company. Wellness Pet Company’s headquarters is just outside Boston, in Tewksbury, Massachusetts. It maintains the Farm Fresh Kitchen manufacturing facility in Minnesota and a manufacturing plant in Indiana.
Wellness Complete Health Pate Kitten Recipe with Chicken derives the bulk of its protein from chicken which is naturally rich in the 11 essential amino acids required by a cat to sustain life.
Dry matter label analysis reveals a wet recipe containing 50% protein, 27.3% fat and 14.7% carbohydrates . . . with a fat-to-protein ratio of 55%.
Wellness Complete Health Pate Kitten Recipe with chicken is carefully formulated to provide the extra energy kittens need in the form of calories, fat and protein to fuel all of their growing, playing and discovering. It is made with natural, wholesome ingredients free from grains, carrageenan, artificial colors, flavors or preservatives.
Read our review of the full Wellness Complete Health Paté Wet Cat Food range hereThings we like
- Moisture-rich food promotes healthy hydration
- Free from artificial ingredients
- Rich in species-appropriate animal ingredients
Main Ingredients Chicken, chicken liver, chicken broth, carrots, cranberries Texture Wet Type Paté Protein Percentage 50% AAFCO Standards Growth Best For Kittens Sample buyer review...
"My kitten really enjoys eating her big girl food. She eats it all up. Sometimes I add kitten milk Replacer to it and she loves that. I highly recommend the Wellness kitten pate my 4.5 week old baby loves."
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Castor & Pollux Organix
Castor & Pollux Organix Grain Free Organic Turkey Recipe wet cat food received the Cat Food Advisor’s highest rating: 5 stars.
It is one of four recipes in this product range made by Castor & Pollux Organix founded by Shelley Gunton and Brian Connolly.
Organix Grain Free Organic Turkey Recipe derives the bulk of its protein from turkey, which is naturally rich in the 11 essential amino acids required by a cat to sustain life.
Dry matter label analysis reveals a wet recipe containing 40.9% protein, 22.7% fat and 28.4% carbohydrates . . . with a fat-to-protein ratio of 56%.
Castor & Pollux Organix wet food is always organic and grain-free with nutrient-packed superfood blends of organic flaxseed, organic dried egg, organic coconut and organic cranberries.
Read our review of the full Castor & Pollux Organix Wet Cat Food range hereThings we like
- USDA certified organic ingredients
- No chemical preservative or dyes
- Dehydrated fruits & vegetables
Main Ingredients Organic turkey, water, organic chicken, organic chicken liver, organic dried peas Texture Wet Type Grain-free Protein Percentage 40.9% AAFCO Standards All Life Stages Best For Kittens, cats and senior cats Sample buyer review...
"I adopted a semi-feral cat who had to have an emergency tail amputation and she’s had some anxiety and pain and loss of appetite. This is her favorite food, after I tried a ton of different types. This cat food seems to have a different texture than most any other cat food I’ve given her and she cleans her bowl. It’s very very soft food. It’s almost like porridge consistency."
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Wellness CORE Tiny Tasters
Wellness CORE Tiny Tasters Kitten Chicken Pate received the Cat Food Advisor’s second highest rating: 4 stars.
It is one of 12 recipes in this product range made by Wellness Pet Company based just outside Boston, in Tewksbury, Massachusetts. It maintains the Farm Fresh Kitchen manufacturing facility in Minnesota and a manufacturing plant in Indiana.
Wellness CORE Tiny Tasters Kitten Chicken Pate derives the bulk of its protein from chicken, which is naturally rich in the 11 essential amino acids required by a cat to sustain life.
Dry matter label analysis reveals a wet recipe containing 47.5% protein, 35% fat and 9.5% carbohydrates . . . with a fat-to-protein ratio of 74%.
Made from natural ingredients, this range is high in protein and contains essential fatty acids to help maintain your cat’s healthy coat.
The kitten recipe is made specially for kittens to support brain development and eye health with DHA, EPA and taurine.
Read our review of the full Wellness CORE Tiny Tasters Wet Cat Food range hereThings we like
- Low carbohydrate content
- High moisture content
- Free from artificial additives
Main Ingredients Chicken, chicken broth, water, tuna & duck Texture Wet Type Paté Protein Percentage 47.5% AAFCO Standards Maintenance Best For Kittens Sample buyer review...
"My cat, her name is Tuna, is an incredibly picky eater and we’ve had a huge issue being able to consistently feed her store bought food and not a raw diet. It’s not that she has any dietary restrictions, she just doesn’t like crunching brown bits. Wellness Core wet food has been a game changer for us and our picky eater as it’s the only kitty brand of pouch food she’ll actually eat."
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IAMS Perfect Portions
IAMS Perfect Portions, Healthy Kitten Chicken Pate, received the Cat Food Advisor’s second highest rating: 4 stars.
It is one of 13 recipes in this product range made by IAMS. Animal nutritionist Paul F Iams, who established the company in 1946. IAMS products are found in three main formulas: Proactive health, Healthy Naturals and Premium Protection.
IAMS Perfect Portions, Healthy Kitten Chicken Pate drives the bulk of its protein from chicken, which is naturally rich in the 11 essential amino-acids required by a cat to sustain life.
Dry matter label analysis reveals a wet recipe containing 40.9% protein, 22.7% fat and 28.4% carbohydrates . . . with a fat-to-protein ratio of 56%.
This recipe was created to support your kitten’s health and well-being. Made with 0% fillers, no artificial preservatives and gives your kitten complete and balanced nutrition as they grow. Nutrients like DHA promote brain development and support your kitten’s immune system with antioxidant vitamin E.
Read our review of the full IAMS Perfect Portions Wet Cat Food range hereThings we like
- Chicken is the number 1 ingredient
- Contains antioxidant vitamin E
- Grain-free
Main Ingredients Chicken, water, poultry liver, chicken broth, dried egg product Texture Wet Type Paté Protein Percentage 40.9% AAFCO Standards Growth Best For Kittens Sample buyer review...
"My new kitten absolutely loves this kitten food. He has had no stomach upset or issues with this particular variety. The portions are divided and I have an accurate amount to keep track of his mealtime needs."
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American Journey
American Journey Dry Kitten Chicken Recipe Grain-Free received the Cat Food Advisor’s second highest rating: 4 stars.
It is one of eight recipes in this product range made by American Journey, an exclusive brand owned by Chewy.com, first launched in 2017.
American Journey Dry Kitten Chicken Recipe Grain-Free drives the bulk of its protein from chicken, which is naturally rich in the 11 essential amino-acids required by a cat to sustain life.
Dry matter label analysis reveals a wet recipe containing 44.4% protein, 16.7% fat and 30.9% carbohydrates . . . with a fat-to-protein ratio of 38%.
American Journey uses quality ingredients and avoids artificial additives, fillers, and by-products. It is one of the most affordable brands for pet parents.
Read our review of the full American Journey Grain-Free Dry Cat Food range hereThings we like
- No animal by-products
- No animal by-products
- Grain-free
Main Ingredients Deboned chicken, chicken meal, tapioca starch, turkey meal, dried egg product Texture Dry Type Grain-free Protein Percentage 44.4% AAFCO Standards Growth Best For Kittens Sample buyer review...
"I ordered this because of its ingredients, and because my kitty was just a little underweight at 7 months. So I wanted to get something rich in nutrients and calories for her. It took her a day to get used to it because I forgot to mix together the old and new, but now she loves it!"
Buy at 
What age do you start weaning kittens onto food?
The weaning process would usually start about three to four weeks, the kitten moves from being dependent on their mother and transitioning to independence. It is a very natural process especially when handled by the mother.
You can use canned food or dry kitten food mixed with water to make a slush, gradually reducing the water as the kitten matures.
Do vets recommend dry or wet food for kittens?
Wet food is preferred as it contains the bulk of water they need, however, ultimately, it is more about the premium kitten food with quality ingredients, so a high quality dry food could be better than a low quality wet food.
Moisture is essential to keep your growing kitten healthy, water helps flush the kidneys of any toxins and keeps other organs hydrated and healthy.
Can you give kittens a mix of dry and wet food?
The answer is, of course, yes . . . mixing dry and wet food can be shown to reduce problems with fussy eaters and feeding them a mixture of textures helps them to find one they prefer, at the same time gaining health benefits that dry and wet food can provide.
How many times should a kitten be fed a day?
It is important to feed a kitten small portions at regular intervals, up to 6 times a day. Feeding guidelines will be variable by kitten. However, most often using the feeding directions on the food label is a good place to start or a veterinarian can calculate the kittens’ needs depending on weight.
To help a kitten grow healthy and strong they require high protein levels in their food, more calories per cup (kittens have lots of energy) and higher amounts of certain nutrients, eg calcium and phosphorus.
How much water does a kitten need to stay hydrated?
All depends on age and size and wet food is normally enough to provide a kitten with much of the hydration they need, putting out a bowl of water can provide the rest.
A guide to how much a kitten should drink…up to three months (1.4kg)- 70ml, six month old kitten (2.7kg)-135ml.
Sources
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Article reviewed by
Veterinarian
Dr Georgia Jeremiah has a first class honors degree in comparative pathology with field experience in anatomic and clinical pathology, studying disease processes in a multitude of species.
