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
- Open Farm Jump to review
- The Honest Kitchen Jump to review
- Orijen Jump to review
- Farmina N&D Prime Jump to review
- Acana Jump to review
- Chicken Soup for the Soul Classic Wet Jump to review
- Made by Nacho Cuts in Gravy Jump to review
- Weruva Kitten Jump to review
- Blue Buffalo Freedom Jump to review
- IAMS Perfect Portions Jump to review
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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 and 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 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 EXCLUSIVE: New customer offer
20% off first auto-ship order with code CFA20
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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The Honest Kitchen
The Honest Kitchen Minced Turkey in Bone Broth Gravy received the Cat Food Advisor’s second highest rating: 4.5 stars.
It is one of 10 recipes in this product range made by The Honest Kitchen, a company founded in 2002 by Lucy Postins in San Diego.
The Honest Kitchen Minced Turkey in Bone Broth Gravy derives the bulk of its protein from turkey.
Dry matter label analysis reveals a wet recipe containing 52.8% protein, 22.2% fat and 17% carbohydrates . . . with a fat-to-protein ratio of 42%.
This range is made from 100% human-grade whole foods, made without artificial ingredients, feed grade by-products or fillers.
Highly recommended.
Read our review of the full The Honest Kitchen Wet Cat Food range hereThings we like
- Human-grade
- Vet recommended
- Non-GMO ingredients
- No artificial ingredients
Main Ingredients Turkey, turkey broth, pumpkin, carrots, blueberries Texture Wet Type Minced Protein Percentage 52.8 AAFCO Standards Growth & Maintenance Best For Kittens & cats EXCLUSIVE: New customer offer
30% off orders $30+ with code CFA30
Sample buyer review...
"Very good recipe, my kitten loves this food and it keeps her coat looking shiny."
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Orijen
Orijen Kitten Formula received the Cat Food Advisor’s highest rating: 5 stars.
It is one of seven recipes in a dry product range produced by Champion Petfoods, a Canadian company.
Orijen Kitten Formula derives the bulk of its protein from chicken.
Dry matter label analysis reveals a dry recipe containing 44.4% protein, 22.2% fat and 25.3% carbohydrates . . . with a fat-to-protein ratio of 50%.
This food provides kittens with a diet rich in protein and formulated with good quality ingredients to support their overall health and development.
Highly recommended.
Read our review of the full Orijen Dry Cat Food range hereThings we like
- Free-run chicken & sustainably sourced fish
- Fresh & raw ingredients
- Nothing artificial
Main Ingredients Chicken, turkey, salmon, whole herring, chicken liver Texture Dry Type Fresh & raw Protein Percentage 44.4 AAFCO Standards Growth Best For Kittens Sample buyer review...
"I am so amazed with this product. It's the truth. I'll tell you. A whole prey diet. I've noticed my kittens having an excellent amount of muscles on them. Not only that, this product is packed with raw and fresh proteins. I look forward to purchasing more Orijen products. My kittens are very healthy."
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Farmina N&D Prime
Farmina N&D PRIME chicken and pomegranate recipe received the Cat Food Advisor’s second highest rating: 4.5 stars.
It is one of five recipes in this product range made by Farmina, an English company which in 1999 joined forces with Francesco Russo who founded Russo Mangimi in 1965. Mangimi specializes in animal nutrition and its manufacturing facilities are based in Europe.
Farmina N&D PRIME chicken and pomegranate recipe derives the bulk of its protein from chicken.
Dry matter label analysis reveals a dry recipe containing 47.8% protein, 21.7% fat and 22.4% carbohydrates . . . with a fat-to-protein ratio of 45%.
This recipe includes non-GMO ingredients, high-quality protein sources and with no artificial preservatives.
Highly recommended.
Read our review of the full Farmina N&D Prime Dry Cat Food range hereThings we like
- No fillers
- Low glycemic levels
- Quality protein
Main Ingredients Boneless chicken, dehydrated chicken protein, sweet potato, chicken fat, dried, eggs Texture Dry Type Kibble Protein Percentage 47.8 AAFCO Standards Growth Best For Kitten Sample buyer review...
"I have two Maine Coon kittens, 5 months and 8 months old. Both gobble down this kibble."
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Acana
Acana First Feast Kitten received the Cat Food Advisor’s highest rating: 5 stars.
It is one of eight dry recipes in this product range made by Acana, a cat and dog food brand created by Champion Petfoods in Canada.
Acana First Feast Kitten derives the bulk of its protein from chicken.
Dry matter label analysis reveals a dry recipe containing 40% protein, 20% fat and 32% carbohydrates . . . with a fat-to-protein ratio of 50%.
This protein-rich recipe has been formulated to support the development of a kitten. It includes taurine, DHA & EPA for cognitive development and eye health and probiotics for digestive health.
Highly recommended.
Read our review of the full ACANA Dry Cat Food range hereThings we like
- Protein-rich ingredients
- Human-grade
- Free-run chicken
Main Ingredients Chicken, chicken meal, herring meal, oat groats, whole peas Texture Dry Type Kibble Protein Percentage 40 AAFCO Standards Growth Best For Kitten Sample buyer review...
"Got this for my kitten who absolutely loves it! I have two older cats and they try to steal his food, they think it’s a treat. Soon all my cats will be eating Acana. I like that the kibble size is on the smaller side. Every time I go to open up the bag my kitten comes running!"
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Chicken Soup for the Soul Classic Wet
Chicken Soup for the Soul Classic Kitten Wet Food – Chicken & Turkey Recipe Pâté received the Cat Food Advisor’s highest rating: 5 stars.
It is one of eight recipes in this product range made by Chicken Soup for the Soul, a company created in 1993 and owned by Diamond Pet Food.
Classic Kitten Wet Food – Chicken & Turkey Recipe Pâté derives the bulk of its protein from chicken.
Dry matter label analysis reveals a wet recipe containing 50% protein, 36.4% fat and 5.6% carbohydrates . . . with a fat-to-protein ratio of 73%.
This recipe contains no artificial flavors, colors or preservatives and is free from by-product meals.
Highly recommended.
Read our review of the full Chicken Soup for the Soul Classic Wet Cat Food range hereThings we like
- Low in carbohydrate
- No by-products
- High in protein
Main Ingredients Chicken, chicken liver, salmon, turkey, chicken broth Texture Wet Type Pate Protein Percentage 50 AAFCO Standards Growth Best For Kittens Sample buyer review...
"I used the Chicken Soup brand for my senior cat before she passed, so when we got a new kitten it made sense to try the kitten food too! It's high quality food, at a decent price. No complaints from our little one! Gobbles it up."
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Made by Nacho Cuts in Gravy
Made By Nacho Salmon Cuts in Gravy received the Cat Food Advisor’s, high rating: 4 stars.
It is one of three recipes in this product range by Made By Nacho, a company founded in 2021 by US TV personality and chef Bobby Flay.
Made by Nacho Salmon Cuts in Gravy derives the bulk of its protein from salmon.
Dry matter label analysis reveals a wet recipe containing 44.4% protein, 11.1% fat and 36.4% carbohydrates . . . with a fat-to-protein ratio of 25%.
Sustainably-caught salmon protein is listed as the first ingredient and it contains other animal organs too. The protein content is high and vitamins and minerals have also been added to offer a complete and balanced diet option.
Highly recommended.
Read our review of the full Made by Nacho Cuts in Gravy (Wet) range hereThings we like
- Contains Omega-3 and 6
- Nothing artificial
- Contains prebiotics
Main Ingredients Salmon, salmon broth, chicken bone broth, chicken liver, dried egg whites Texture Wet Type Cuts in gravy Protein Percentage 44.4 AAFCO Standards Growth & Maintenance Best For Kittens and cats Sample buyer review...
"This is the finest cat food I have ever purchased. His fur looks amazing, his energy has increased and he absolutely loves it!"
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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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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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Best cat foods
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.
