Last updated Jun 20, 2024
Kirsten McCarthy / Cats.com
Just like your kitten, the best kitten food packs plenty of energy in a small package. It’s calorie-dense, rich in protein, and loaded with omega-3s to support brain and eye development. But not every food marketed for kittens is worthy of your baby’s bowl.
Our top recommendation is Wellness CORE Natural Grain-Free Turkey & Chicken Liver Pâté. This canned food has everything your kitten needs without excessive carbs, colors, and other additives. It receives positive customer reviews and comes from a trusted company.
Keep reading to learn more about your kitten’s nutritional requirements and how we chose the best kitten foods on the market.
At a Glance: Best Kitten Foods of 2024
In the comparison table below, we’ve highlighted some of the most important features of each product. You’ll find more detailed information about each product later in the article.
Wellness CORE Kitten Turkey & Chicken Liver Pâté
- One of the most protein-packed kitten foods on the market
- Ultra-soft pate texture is easy for kittens to eat
- Calorie-dense recipe to fuel growth and development
Open Farm Kitten Grain-Free Dry Cat Food
- First four ingredients are animal-based proteins
- Contains salmon oil as an animal source of DHA
- Made with humanely raised, ethically sourced ingredients
Smalls Ground Other Bird Fresh Cat Food
- Single source of high-quality animal protein
- Rich in moisture to support your kitten’s hydration
- Good source of omega-3 fatty acids
Tiki Cat Baby Chicken, Salmon, & Chicken Liver Recipe Wet Cat Food
- Easy-to-chew combination of shreds and mousse
- Rich in animal-sourced protein
- Enriched with DHA for brain development
Fancy Feast Kitten Tender Turkey Feast Canned Cat Food
- Features high-quality animal protein as the main ingredient
- Hydrating canned food with a strong reputation for palatability
- One of the most affordable options for kitten food
Wellness Complete Health Kitten Chicken Entree Pâté Canned Cat Food
- Made primarily with animal-based protein sources
- Contains menhaden fish oil for DHA
- Highly palatable and hydrating canned food
Fussie Cat Fine Dining Pâté Chicken Entrée Canned Cat Food
- Smooth pâté texture is easy for kittens to eat
- High in moisture to support hydration
- Good source of protein
The Honest Kitchen Grain-Free Chicken Câté Wet Cat Food
- Chicken as a single source of high-quality animal protein
- Free of artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives
- Rich in moisture to support your kitten’s hydration
Instinct Original Kitten Grain-Free Recipe Dry Cat Food
- Composed of 81% animal ingredients, including animal fat
- Calorie-dense to support healthy kitten growth
- Contains animal-based omega-3s for eye and brain development
Nulo Freestyle Turkey & Duck Recipe Cat & Kitten Grain-Free Dry Cat Food
- Rich in animal-sourced protein
- Good source of omega-3 fatty acids
- Disc-shaped kibbles are easy for kittens to eat
Why Trust Cats.com
Kirsten McCarthy / Cats.com
Before selecting products for testing, I performed in-depth research to identify kittens’ core nutritional needs and determine what makes kitten food different from food for adult cats. After reading hundreds of customer reviews and speaking with market insiders, I selected products for hands-on testing.
All products on this list were purchased at full retail price and tested with the help of my two cats, Wessie and Forest. While they provided their opinions on how the food tasted as well as its general appeal, I made observations on things like texture, consistency, appearance, aroma, and packing.
Throughout the research and testing process, I also consulted veterinary experts to get their opinions on what makes a great kitten food.
Our Veterinary Advisors
- Dr. Sarah Wooten, DVM, CVJ
- Dr. Chris Vanderhoof, DVM, MPH
- Dr. Sarah Reidenbach, DVM
- Dr. Chyrle Bonk, DVM
- Dr. Jamie Whittenburg, DVM
- Dr. Albert Ahn, DVM
- Dr. Elizabeth Youens, DVM
Top Picks Explained
While our top recommendations have recently been updated, we still love the kitten foods Mallory mentions in this video.
The Best Healthy Kitten Food Reviewed: Our Top 10 Recommendations
Your growing kitten needs a protein-packed diet that supplies the energy and nutrients they need to support healthy development. Our top pick is Wellness CORE Kitten Turkey & Chicken Liver Pâté. It’s a meat-based formula packed with animal-based ingredients, including turkey, chicken liver, chicken meat, and chicken meal. However, it may not be the ideal choice for your unique kitten.
We’ve assembled a list of recommendations categorized by food type, price, and age range to help you find the perfect fit. Our rankings are determined by an array of factors but it’s ultimately your kitten’s opinion that matters.
#1 Overall Best: Wellness CORE Kitten Turkey & Chicken Liver Pâté
- Made In: Canada, United States
- Guaranteed Protein: 12% Min
- Age Range: Kitten
- Calories Per Ounce: 36
- Typical Cost Per Day: $3.6 per day
While some people write off chicken meal as inferior to so-called “real chicken” and put it in the same category as poultry by-products, those criticisms don’t hold up to examination. Chicken meal appears to be just as nutritious and digestible as any other chicken product. In fact, it packs a harder protein and calorie punch—which is exactly what your growing kitten needs.
The inclusions of herring and menhaden fish oil make the food a good source of DHA, an omega-3 fatty acid that contributes to brain and eye development in kittens.
Though it’s grain-free with no potatoes or soy, this pâté contains small amounts of certain plant ingredients, including ground flaxseed, dried kelp, chicory root extract, and alfalfa meal.
Though these ingredients aren’t essential in a carnivorous diet, they have a few benefits for kittens. Chicory root extract, for example, is a prebiotic. Along with probiotics, this type of fiber could help support digestive and immune system health.
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.
Ingredients We Liked: Turkey, Chicken Liver, Chicken, Chicken Meal, Herring, Menhaden Fish Oil
Ingredients We Didn’t Like: Guar Gum, Cassia Gum, Xanthan Gum
Guaranteed Analysis
Dry Matter Basis
Caloric Weight Basis
What We Liked:
- One of the most protein-packed kitten foods on the market
- Ultra-soft pâté texture is easy for kittens to eat
- Calorie-dense recipe to fuel growth and development
- Rich in moisture for optimal hydration
- Supplemented with fish oil as a source of DHA
What We Didn’t Like:
- A little more expensive than many kitten foods
- Contains some plant ingredients
#2 Best Premium Dry: Open Farm Kitten Grain-Free Dry Cat Food
- Made In: United States
- Guaranteed Protein: 40.5% Min
- Age Range: All Life Stages
- Calories Per Ounce: 120
- Typical Cost Per Day: $0.77 per day
Formulated to meet the high-protein requirements of growing kittens for prefer dry cat food, this Open Farm dry food features a blend of humanely raised chicken and turkey with other ethically and sustainably sourced ingredients.
This recipe starts strong with four animal-based sources of protein: chicken, turkey, ocean whitefish, and herring. Menhaden fish meal provides supplemental protein a few ingredients later and salmon oil provides an animal-based source of omega-3 fatty acids including DHA.
While this dry kitten food meets AAFCO requirements for kitten growth and development at around 44% crude protein and 21% crude fat (measured as dry matter), it’s higher in carbohydrates than we’d like. It is, however, supplemented with functional ingredients like fiber-rich pumpkin to support healthy digestion and antioxidant-rich cranberries for urinary tract support.
Keep in mind, when feeding your kitten dry food, that kibble doesn’t provide the moisture your kitten needs. Be sure to supplement your kitten’s diet with wet food or an additional source of moisture to ensure optimal hydration.
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, 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, Turmeric, Dried Yucca Schidigera Extract, Rosemary Extract.
Ingredients We Liked: Chicken, Turkey, Ocean Whitefish Meal, Herring Meal, Menhaden Fish Meal, Salmon Oil
Ingredients We Didn’t Like: Chickpeas, Green Lentils, Red Lentils
Guaranteed Analysis
Dry Matter Basis
Caloric Weight Basis
What We Liked:
- First four ingredients are animal-based proteins
- Contains salmon oil as an animal source of DHA
- Made with humanely raised, ethically sourced ingredients
- Free from artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives
What We Didn’t Like:
- Contains over 20% dry matter carbohydrate
- No dry food provides the moisture your kitten needs
#3 Best Fresh: Smalls Ground Other Bird Fresh Cat Food
- Made In: United States
- Guaranteed Protein: 14.5% Min
- Age Range: All Life Stages
- Calories Per Ounce: 40
- Typical Cost Per Day: $2.75 per day
Smalls is a fresh cat food subscription service that sends monthly deliveries of protein- and moisture-packed fresh food right to your door. All recipes are formulated for cats in all life stages. High protein content and concentrations of healthy fats fuel your kitten’s growth and development.
This Ground Other Bird recipe features turkey as a single source of high-quality animal protein. Turkey muscle meat is the first ingredient followed by turkey liver with a handful of digestible fresh veggies for nutritional support. Cod liver oil is the only source of added fat and a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids, including DHA and EPA.
Smalls fresh food is a little expensive, but it’s made with human-grade ingredients and frozen at the peak of freshness to preserve its nutritional value. The food is high in moisture to support your kitten’s hydration and it doesn’t contain any animal by-product meals or artificial additives.
Ingredients
Turkey, Turkey Liver, Green Beans, Water Sufficient for Processing, Dried Yeast, Kale, Tricalcium Phosphate, Choline Chloride, Salt, Magnesium Proteinate, Dandelion Greens, Taurine, Dried Kelp, Zinc Proteinate, Iron Proteinate, Cod Liver Oil, Niacin Supplement, Vitamin E Supplement, Vitamin A Supplement, Copper Proteinate, Manganese Proteinate, Thiamine Mononitrate, D-Calcium Pantothenate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Riboflavin, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Folic Acid, Sodium Selenite, Biotin.
Ingredients We Liked: Turkey, Turkey Liver, Cod Liver Oil
Ingredients We Didn’t Like: None
Guaranteed Analysis
Dry Matter Basis
Caloric Weight Basis
What We Liked:
- Single source of high-quality animal protein
- Rich in moisture to support your kitten’s hydration
- Good source of omega-3 fatty acids
- Highly digestible and low in carbohydrates
What We Didn’t Like:
- Only available as a subscription plan
- No phone support (text and email only)
#4 Premium Pick: Tiki Cat Baby Chicken, Salmon, & Chicken Liver Recipe Wet Cat Food
- Made In: Thailand
- Guaranteed Protein: 15% Min
- Age Range: All Life Stages
- Calories Per Ounce: 35
- Typical Cost Per Day: $5.80 per day
Packed with animal-sourced protein, this wet kitten food is a species-appropriate choice. Chicken muscle meat, fresh salmon, and chicken liver make up the bulk of the food’s 68% dry matter protein content. The food contains over 22% dry matter fat and minimal carbohydrates.
Not only is this Tiki Cat recipe formulated to support the needs of growing kittens, but it comes in a texture that’s easy to chew. It consists of a layer of smooth mousse topped with fine shreds.
Priced around $1.00 per ounce , this kitten food might be a bit of a splurge for some cat owners. The small cans are well-suited to feeding kittens, however, and you can always use them as a meal topper or mixer for a more affordable kitten food.
Ingredients
Chicken, Chicken Broth, Salmon, Chicken Liver, Sunflower Seed Oil, Dried Egg, Tricalcium Phosphate, Inulin, Potassium Chloride, Xanthan Gum, Taurine, Salmon Oil, Choline Chloride, Salt, Magnesium Sulfate, Thiamine Mononitrate (Vitamin B1), Vitamin E Supplement, Ferrous Sulfate, Niacin (Vitamin B3), Zinc Oxide, Vitamin A Supplement, Biotin, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Sodium Selenite, Manganous Oxide, Calcium Pantothenate, Riboflavin Supplement (Vitamin B2), Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B6), Folic Acid, Potassium Iodide, Vitamin D3 Supplement.
Ingredients We Liked: Chicken, Salmon, Chicken Liver, Dried Egg, Salmon Oil
Ingredients We Didn’t Like: None
Guaranteed Analysis
Dry Matter Basis
Caloric Weight Basis
What We Liked:
- Made primarily with animal ingredients
- Rich in protein with minimal carbohydrates
- Good source of hydrating moisture
- Texture is easy for kittens to chew
What We Didn’t Like:
- Costs about $1.00 per ounce
#5 Best Budget: Fancy Feast Kitten Tender Turkey Feast Canned Cat Food
- Made In: United States
- Guaranteed Protein: 11% Min
- Age Range: Kittens
- Calories Per Ounce: 32
- Typical Cost Per Day: $1.86 per day
This unpretentious formula from Fancy Feast emphasizes animal ingredients, keeps carbohydrates to a minimum, and has a reputation for both affordability and palatability. The recipe isn’t perfect, though. It contains both natural and artificial flavors, includes artificial colors, and uses meat by-products.
Meat by-products are often inaccurately portrayed as bad or unhealthy ingredients. According to the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO), by-products are defined as what’s left over after the initial processing of a particular product. These by-products are then processed to kill disease-causing bacteria before being included in pet food.
So, although the word ‘by-product’ sounds off-putting, the presence of by-products in your kitten’s food does not necessarily make it less healthy or lower quality than a by-product-free food.
Another questionable quality of this food is the inclusion of cow’s milk. Most cats, including weaned kittens, are lactose intolerant and may have diarrhea after eating milk. That said, customer reviews suggest that this reaction is rare.
Ingredients
Turkey, Liver, Meat By-Products, Poultry Broth, Milk, Fish, Egg Product, Artificial and Natural Flavors, Tricalcium Phosphate, Guar Gum, Minerals [Potassium Chloride, Magnesium Sulfate, Zinc Sulfate, Ferrous Sulfate, Copper Sulfate, Manganese Sulfate, Potassium Iodide], Added Color, 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. C-6621.
Ingredients We Liked: Turkey, Liver, Meat By-Products, Fish, Egg Product
Ingredients We Didn’t Like: Milk, Artificial Flavors, Guar Gum, Added Color
Guaranteed Analysis
Dry Matter Basis
Caloric Weight Basis
What We Liked:
- Features high-quality animal protein as the main ingredient
- Hydrating canned food with a strong reputation for palatability
- One of the most affordable options for kitten food
What We Didn’t Like:
- Contains meat by-products and artificial colors/flavors
- Contains milk which could cause GI upset in some kittens
#6 Best Mid-Price: Wellness Complete Health Kitten Chicken Entree Pâté Canned Cat Food
- Made In: Canada
- Guaranteed Protein: 11% Min
- Age Range: Kittens
- Calories Per Ounce: 35
- Typical Cost Per Day: $2.75 per day
This grain-free smooth loaf from Wellness’ Complete Health line is slightly cheaper than the Wellness CORE recipe listed as our number one pick. But with protein-rich chicken and chicken liver leading the ingredient list, it looks like a nutritious, species-appropriate option.
The food’s biggest flaw is its carbohydrate content. The food contains carrots, which drive its total carbohydrate content to around 14% on a dry matter basis. While that’s low compared to many wet foods and most kibble, we’d rather see carbohydrate percentages in the single digits.
The recipe includes menhaden fish oil as a source of the fatty acid DHA, helping to promote healthy brain and eye development. Overall, it’s a protein- and energy-dense choice for kittens that is easy to chew and digest.
Ingredients
Chicken, Chicken Liver, Chicken Broth, Carrots, Natural Flavor, Cranberries, Guar Gum, Ground Flaxseed, Potassium Chloride, Taurine, Salt, Menhaden Fish Oil (preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Choline Chloride, Magnesium Sulfate, Cassia Gum, Xanthan Gum, Iron Proteinate, Zinc Proteinate, Beta-Carotene, Vitamin E Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate, 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.
Ingredients We Liked: Chicken, Chicken Liver, Menhaden Fish Oil
Ingredients We Didn’t Like: Guar Gum, Cassia Gum, Xanthan Gum
Guaranteed Analysis
Dry Matter Basis
Caloric Weight Basis
What We Liked:
- Made primarily with animal-based protein sources
- Contains menhaden fish oil for DHA
- Highly palatable and hydrating canned food
- Calorie-dense option with 122 calories per can
What We Didn’t Like:
- Somewhat more expensive than some kitten foods
- Relatively high in carbohydrate content
#7 Best for All Ages: Fussie Cat Fine Dining Pâté Chicken Entrée Canned Cat Food
- Made In: Thailand
- Guaranteed Protein: 7% Min
- Age Range: All Life Stages
- Calories Per Ounce: 30
- Typical Cost Per Day: $2.94 per day
While kitten food typically has a higher protein concentration than adult cat food, there’s no reason an adult cat can’t eat the same food they ate as a kitten. This Fussie Cat formula is nutritionally complete for cats in all life stages, delivering plenty of animal-sourced protein in a moist, easily digestible form.
Chicken muscle meat is the primary ingredient in this food and the main source of protein. It’s supplemented by dried egg powder for a combined dry matter protein content of nearly 44%. We’d prefer to see animal-sourced fat over sunflower oil, but the food does meet kittens’ minimum requirement for essential fatty acids.
This Fussie Cat formula has a smooth pâté texture and a gravy topping. Tapioca starch acts as a thickener and binder for the ingredients and, while not harmful to cats, it doesn’t offer significant nutritional value and adds to the food’s carbohydrate content.
Overall, however, this is an easily digestible, protein-rich cat food your kitten can enjoy even after they transition into adulthood.
Ingredients
Water Sufficient For Processing, Chicken, Tapioca Starch, Dried Egg Powder, Sunflower Oil, Natural Flavor, Tricalcium Phosphate, Sodium Tripolyphosphate, Minerals (Ferrous Sulfate, Zinc Oxide, Manganese Sulfate, Copper Glycine Complex, Sodium Selenite, Potassium Iodide), Magnesium Sulfate, Potassium Chloride, Fructooligosaccharide, Calcium Sulfate, Vitamins (Vitamin E Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate, Niacin, Vitamin A Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, d-Calcium Pantothenate, Riboflavin Supplement, Folic Acid, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Biotin), Taurine, Choline Chloride.
Ingredients We Liked: Chicken, Dried Egg Powder
Ingredients We Didn’t Like: Tapioca Starch
Guaranteed Analysis
Dry Matter Basis
Caloric Weight Basis
What We Liked:
- Smooth pâté texture is easy for kittens to eat
- High in moisture to support hydration
- Good source of protein
- Nutritionally complete for all life stages
What We Didn’t Like:
- Relies primarily on plant-sourced fat
#8 Best Human-Grade Wet: The Honest Kitchen Grain-Free Chicken Câté Wet Cat Food
- Made In: United States
- Guaranteed Protein: 10% Min
- Age Range: All Life Stages
- Calories Per Ounce: 31
- Typical Cost Per Day: $3.92 per day
If you’re interested in human-grade food for your kitten, you might be interested in wet food from The Honest Kitchen. While most kitten food is considered feed-grade and produced in facilities that only handle pet food, The Honest Kitchen prepares, cooks, and transports all of its products according to human food manufacturing standards.
Formulated for both adult cats and kittens, The Honest Kitchen’s food is rich in protein from animal sources, featuring chicken as its primary ingredient. In addition to chicken meat, the food contains salmon oil, which is a good source of animal-based omega-3 fatty acids, beneficial for your kitten’s brain and eye development.
The food comes in resealable and recyclable 5.5-ounce cardboard cartons. It is on the more expensive side at over $0.59 per ounce , but that price may be worth it for a top-quality, human-grade food for your kitten.
Ingredients
Chicken, Chicken Broth, Chicken Liver, Pumpkin, Carrots, Blueberries, Cranberries, Natural Chicken Flavor, Calcium Carbonate, Agar Agar, Dandelion Greens, Potassium Chloride, Choline Chloride, Vitamin E Supplement, Vitamin A Supplement, Niacin Supplement, Calcium Pantothenate, Thiamine Mononitrate, Riboflavin, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Folic Acid, Biotin, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Magnesium Proteinate, Taurine, Copper Proteinate, Iron Proteinate, Manganese Proteinate, Potassium Iodide, Zinc Proteinate, Sodium Selenite, Kelp, Yucca Schidigera Extract, Salmon Oil.
Ingredients We Liked: Chicken, Chicken Liver, Salmon Oil
Ingredients We Didn’t Like: None
Guaranteed Analysis
Dry Matter Basis
Caloric Weight Basis
What We Liked:
- Chicken as a single source of high-quality animal protein
- Free of artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives
- Rich in moisture to support your kitten’s hydration
What We Didn’t Like:
- Contains some unnecessary plant ingredients
- Price on the high side
#9 Best Dry: Instinct Original Kitten Grain-Free Recipe Dry Cat Food
- Made In: United States
- Guaranteed Protein: 42.5% Min
- Age Range: Kittens
- Calories Per Ounce: 127
- Typical Cost Per Day: $0.66 per day
Dry food generally isn’t our top choice for kittens but many cat owners find it more affordable and convenient than wet food. Kibble tends to be low in moisture and high in carbohydrates which can contribute to a variety of potential health problems like urinary tract issues and feline diabetes.
This dry kitten food has a dry matter carbohydrate content that is relatively low at just over 25%. It is composed of 81% animal ingredients, including animal fat.
With concentrated sources of animal protein as the top three ingredients, this protein-rich formula helps support kitten growth and development. It contains animal-derived omega-3s for eye and brain health as well as probiotics to support optimal digestion and nutrient absorption.
This recipe is calorie-dense at 557 calories per cup. It’s free from low-value grains like corn, wheat, and soy as well as artificial flavors, colors, and preservatives. It also contains freeze-dried chicken and chicken organs for a boost of flavor.
Ingredients
Chicken, Turkey Meal, Menhaden Fish Meal, Peas, Chicken Fat (preserved with Mixed Tocopherols and Citric Acid), Egg Product, Chicken Meal, White Fish Meal, Tapioca, Natural Flavor, Lamb Meal, Dried Tomato Pomace, Carrots, Apples, Cranberries, Montmorillonite Clay, Vitamins (Vitamin E Supplement, L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate, Niacin Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate, d-Calcium Pantothenate, Vitamin A Supplement, Riboflavin Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Folic Acid, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Biotin), Choline Chloride, Minerals (Zinc Proteinate, Iron Proteinate, Copper Proteinate, Manganese Proteinate, Sodium Selenite, Ethylenediamine Dihydroiodide), Potassium Chloride, Salt, Taurine, Freeze Dried Chicken, Freeze Dried Chicken Liver, Pumpkinseeds, Freeze Dried Chicken Heart, Dried Bacillus coagulans Fermentation Product, Rosemary Extract.
Ingredients We Liked: Chicken, Turkey Meal, Menhaden Fish Meal, Chicken Fat, Egg Product, Chicken Meal, White Fish Meal, Lamb Meal
Ingredients We Didn’t Like: Peas, Tapioca
Guaranteed Analysis
Dry Matter Basis
Caloric Weight Basis
What We Liked:
- Composed of 81% animal ingredients, including animal fat
- Calorie-dense to support healthy kitten growth
- Contains animal-based omega-3s for eye and brain development
- Supplemented with probiotics for digestion and nutrient absorption
What We Didn’t Like:
- Contains starchy plant ingredients
- No dry food provides the moisture your kitten needs
#10 Best Budget Dry: Nulo Freestyle Cat & Kitten Grain-Free Dry Cat Food
- Made In: United States
- Guaranteed Protein: 40% Min
- Age Range: All Life Stages
- Calories Per Ounce: 106
- Typical Cost Per Day: $0.56 per day
Featuring turkey, fish, and duck as main ingredients, this budget-friendly dry cat food contains over 44% dry matter protein. With yellow peas, red lentils, and chickpeas on the list, however, it’s hard to say how much plant protein contributes to that total. The food relies primarily on animal-sourced fat, offering a dry matter total of 20%.
With flavor from multiple animal proteins, many kittens find this Nulo Freestyle recipe appealing. The small, disc-shaped kibbles are easy for kittens to chew and, because the recipe is formulated for all life stages, your kitten can continue to enjoy it into adulthood.
Like any dry food, this recipe doesn’t provide the hydrating moisture your kitten needs and it’s higher in carbs than we’d like. Consider pairing it with a wet food topper or adding some warmed bone broth before feeding.
Ingredients
Deboned Turkey, Turkey Meal, Menhaden Fish Meal, Deboned Cod, Yellow Peas, Red Lentils, Chicken Fat (Preserved with Mixed Tocopherols & Citric Acid), Deboned Duck, Sweet Potatoes, Chickpeas, Miscanthus Grass, Natural Flavor, Ground Flaxseed, Dried Chicory Root, Dried Kelp, Dried Cranberries, Calcium Carbonate, Dl Methionine, Taurine, Zinc Proteinate, Choline Chloride, Vitamin E Supplement, L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate (Source of Vitamin C), Iron Proteinate, Niacin Supplement, Copper Proteinate, Thiamine Mononitrate, Calcium Pantothenate, Vitamin A Supplement, Manganese Proteinate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Sodium Selenite, Riboflavin Supplement, Dried Bacillus Coagulans Fermentation Product, Yucca Schidigera Extract, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Calcium Iodate, Folic Acid, Rosemary Extract.
Ingredients We Liked: Deboned Turkey, Turkey Meal, Menhaden Fish Meal, Deboned Cod, Chicken Fat, Deboned Duck
Ingredients We Didn’t Like: Yellow Peas, Red Lentils, Chickpeas
Guaranteed Analysis
Dry Matter Basis
Caloric Weight Basis
What We Liked:
- Rich in animal-sourced protein
- Good source of omega-3 fatty acids
- Disc-shaped kibbles are easy for kittens to eat
What We Didn’t Like:
- Contains some hard-to-digest peas and legumes
- No dry food provides the moisture your cat needs
What To Look for When Shopping for Kitten Food
Mallory Crusta / Cats.com
A nutritionally complete diet is crucial during a kitten’s first 12 months of life. During these months, you’re building the foundation for a lifetime of good health. A diet that is nutritionally incomplete or unbalanced could set your kitten up for serious health problems down the road.
If you’re committed to purchasing commercially available food, read the label to determine whether or not it’s appropriate for kittens. If the food is labeled complete and balanced for growth and reproduction OR all life stages, it’s been formulated according to the AAFCO’s nutrient profiles for kitten health.
Here are a few additional qualities to look for when shopping for kitten food:
Concentrated Source of Protein
Cats of all ages need a lot of protein. Compared to middle-aged adults, however, kittens are more sensitive to both the quantity and quality of that protein. While adult cats need at least 6.5 grams of protein per 100 calories according to the AAFCO’s nutrient profiles, kittens need 7.5 grams or more.
Rich in Calories
Kittens need more calories per pound of body weight than the average adult cat to support their rapid growth. A calorie-dense diet for kittens should contain a balance of protein and fat to ensure that most of their growth goes into healthy muscle.
Dr. Lizzie Youens clarifies that kitten food doesn’t only support physical growth, noting that “it’s not only physical growth we need to fuel, but also their immune system, nervous system, brain, and other vital functions. They need high-quality nutrients in an easily digestible form.”
Species-Appropriate Formulation
As obligate carnivores, kittens require the amino acids found in animal tissue. Animal-sourced protein provides all the amino acids cats and kittens need to thrive while plant-based proteins only contain some of the essential amino acids.
An ideal diet for cats and kittens is primarily animal-based with minimal carbohydrate content. It’s also rich in moisture which supports healthy digestion as well as your kitten’s hydration. Canned, wet, and other moisture-rich foods help prevent urinary tract issues and promote good overall health.
Free From Potentially Harmful Ingredients
Artificial flavors, coloring agents, and synthetic preservatives have no place in your kitten’s diet. They don’t add to your kitten’s nutrition and they have the potential to contribute to negative health effects which could carry through the rest of your kitten’s life.
Easy To Chew
When they’re very young and still have baby teeth, your kitten will likely find it easiest to eat soft, wet food. This could be a cooked homemade, fresh, or canned food.
After the first six months, introduce more challenging morsels. Food that requires chewing will challenge your kitten’s jaws and can promote good dental health. With most cats suffering from periodontal disease by the time they reach middle age, establishing good dental hygiene in kittenhood is one of the most impactful health investments you can make.
Relevant Articles:
- How to Take Care of a Kitten: The Complete Guide
- How to Kitten-Proof Your Home: 6 Essential Tips
- What to Know When Fostering Kittens: 6 Essential Tips
Frequently Asked Questions
When Should You Start Feeding Kitten Food?
Kittens start transitioning off of their mother’s milk and onto solid food at around four weeks of age. The weaning process is both voluntary and forced. Kittens might get curious about sharing their mother’s food and when they go back to suckle, she’ll begin to push them away.
It’s a gradual process that usually takes a few weeks. By the time kittens are seven weeks old, they should be fully weaned and eating a solid food diet.
How Often Should You Feed Your Kitten?
Kittens are happiest and healthiest when served three or four small meals each day.
Is It Okay to Feed Your Kitten A Variety of Foods or Should They Stick to One Food Only?
To ensure that your cat doesn’t become finicky, it’s a good idea to introduce varied textures and flavors during kittenhood.
Some people, including veterinarians, believe in feeding one food for the entirety of a cat’s life. Not only does relying exclusively on a single protein source set your cat up for food intolerances later in life, but a limited diet also tells your cat that it’s okay to be finicky.
If you allow your kitten to eat nothing but chicken-based pâté for the first 12 months of their life, they’ll likely be reluctant to try new foods when they’re 12 years old.
When Should You Stop Feeding Kitten Food?
When we talked to Dr. Sarah Reidenbach, DVM about this, she shared that she typically recommends that cats switch to an adult diet at 1 year of age, but this varies depending on when the cat reaches physical maturity. Around that time, you can gradually switch your cat off of their kitten food and onto a diet formulated for adult cats. Your veterinarian can advise you on when to transition from kitten food to adult food.
Can Adult Cats Eat Kitten Food?
Adult cats can eat kitten food, but it’s not necessarily a good long-term choice. Compared to products intended for adult cats, kitten food may have more calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, and other micronutrients that support skeletal development. For an adult cat, those minerals may be excessive.
Remember that kitten food is packed with calories to fuel babyhood growth. For this reason, it may be a good choice if you need to help your adult cat gain weight. If your cat isn’t underweight, however, eating kitten food could lead to obesity.