Best Kitten Food In 2024: Top Picks Reviewed
We independently research, review, and recommend the best products—If you buy something through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Kittens have a different set of energies. They are basically cute energy balls that go ballistic all day, playing and scratching anything they come across. That is why their nutritional needs are different from those of adults.
In this article, we’ll uncover exactly what nutrients kittens need most with their adequate proportion. Naturally, we’ll also include our top 3 cat foods for our beloved kittens.
Our Top Picks
- High Caloric Content
- 54% Crude Protein
- No Artificial Flavors or Preservatives
Best Overall
- 50% Crude Protein
- High Moisture
- Low Carbohydrates
Runner Up
- 57% Crude Protein
- Kittens love the texture
- High-Quality Ingredients
Best Wet
3 Best Kitten Food in 2024
Best Overall: Wellness CORE Turkey Chicken Liver Pate Kitten Food
SPECS
- Primary Protein Source: Turkey & Chicken Liver
- Food Sourcing: USA
- Caloric Content: 205 kcal/5.5-oz can
- Price per oz: 0.48$/oz
Turkey and chicken liver offer the majority of protein in this recipe. Reaching a whopping 54.55% of crude protein on a dry matter basis. The fats, on the other hand, which make up 34% of the dry matter, are sourced from both animal and plant-based ingredients.
Fish oil, ground flaxseed, and sunflower oil are great sources of omega-3 fatty acids. Not only do they provide a significant amount of energy to our kittens, but they’re also beneficial for their coat health as well as their cognitive development.
This recipe is also rich in antioxidants, mainly from cranberries, which are good for kittens urinary tract health. Additionally, it contains dried kelp, which is a good source of iodine, essential for thyroid function and overall metabolism.
Overall, this formula is dense in protein and fat and low in carbohydrates. offering a nice 205 kcal in a 5.5 oz can. Many reviewers appreciated the quality of the ingredients in this food. Some expressed that it seemed healthier than other brands, while others suspected a bit of inconsistency in their formula.
Turkey, Chicken Liver, Turkey Broth, Chicken, Herring, Chicken Hearts, Natural Flavor, Fish Oil (Preserved With Mixed Tocopherols), Ground Flaxseed, Dried Chicory Root, Tricalcium Phosphate, Guar Gum, Potassium Chloride, Taurine, Cranberries, Sunflower Oil, Choline Chloride, Dried Kelp, Yucca Schidigera Extract, Cassia Gum, Xanthan Gum, Salt, Magnesium Sulfate, Vitamin E Supplement, Zinc Proteinate, Iron Proteinate, Thiamine Mononitrate, Copper Proteinate, Manganese Proteinate, Sodium Selenite, Niacin Supplement, d-Calcium Pantothenate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Riboflavin Supplement, Vitamin A Supplement, Biotin, Potassium Iodide, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Folic Acid.
Benefits:
- Turkey, Chicken Liver: High-quality protein source.
- Cranberries: Antioxidant-rich fruits that support urinary tract health in kittens.
- Dried Kelp: A source of iodine, which is important for thyroid function and overall metabolism in kittens.
- Fish Oil: Rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which support skin and coat health, as well as cognitive development in kittens.
Considerations:
- Guar Gum and Cassia Gum: Used as thickeners, may cause digestive upset in some cats.
- Magnesium Sulfate: While magnesium is an essential mineral, excess levels can lead to urinary tract issues in some cats.
| Crude Protein | 12.0% min |
|---|---|
| Crude Fat | 7.5% min |
| Crude Fiber | 1.0% max |
| Moisture | 78.0% max |
| Crude Protein | 54.55% |
| Crude Fat | 34.09% |
| Crude Fiber | 4.55% |
| Carbohydrates | 6.82% |
- High Caloric Content
- Free from artificial colors and preservatives
- Dense in Protein
- Some reviewers noted potential inconsistency in the formula
Runner up: Wellness Kitten Chicken Entree Recipe Natural Cat Food
SPECS
- Primary Protein Source: Chicken
- Food Sourcing: USA
- Caloric Content: 197 kcal/5.5-oz can
- Price per oz: 0.50$/oz
The protein is primarily sourced from chicken in this recipe. Like the rest of our recommended choices, it has a high protein level, with 50% on a dry matter basis. The chicken broth provides most of the moisture, insuring a good amount of hydration in this meal.
Additionally, a healthy amount of fats (27% on a dry matter basis) are included in this formula from both plant- and animal-based sources, including ground flaxseed and zinc proteinate, as well as animal-based components like chicken liver and menhaden fish oil.
Overall, pet parents are pleased with this recipe. Kittens seem to adore it, and it shows in their growth and coat health, as many reviewers have noted.
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.
Benefits:
- Chicken Liver: Rich in vitamins and minerals, including iron and B vitamins.
- Ground Flaxseed & Menhaden Fish Oil: A source of omega-3 fatty acids and fiber, beneficial for skin and coat health, as well as cognitive development in kittens.
- Choline Chloride: Essential for brain development and nervous system function in kittens.
- Beta-Carotene: Supports immune function and vision development in kittens.
Considerations:
- Cassia Gum, Xanthan Gum: Thickeners commonly used. While generally regarded as safe, some cats may have sensitivities to these additives.
| Crude Protein | 11.0% min |
|---|---|
| Crude Fat | 6.0% min |
| Crude Fiber | 1.0% max |
| Moisture | 78.0% max |
| Crude Protein | 50% |
| Crude Fat | 27.27% |
| Crude Fiber | 4.55% |
| Carbohydrates | 18.18% |
- High Protein Content
- Promotes good hydration
- Rich with antioxidant fruits
- Use of Cassia Gum & Xanthan Gum as thickeners
Best Wet: Weruva Chicken Formula Au Jus Wet Cat Food
SPECS
- Primary Protein Source: Chicken
- Food Sourcing: Thailand
- Caloric Content: 100 kcal/3-oz can
- Price per oz: 0.57$/oz
The primary protein source in this cat food is chicken, which makes up 57% of the protein on a dry matter basis. It contains a significant amount of moisture as well, derived from chicken broth, which is beneficial for keeping cats hydrated.
This recipe also contains fish oil and sunflower oil, which are good sources of important fatty acids. These fats support healthy skin and coat, contribute to cognitive function, and help maintain a robust immune system. They also provide a good amount of energy for our dynamic kittens.
Altogether, this formula offers a well-rounded nutritional meal with dense protein and fat content, adequate moisture content, and essential vitamins and minerals. Many pet parents praised Weruva for its consistency in their reviews and noted that kittens seem to enjoy its taste and texture.
Chicken, Chicken Broth, Natural Flavor, Dried Egg, Tricalcium Phosphate, Sunflower Oil, Guar Gum, Xanthan Gum, Locust Bean Gum, Fish Oil, Choline Chloride, Taurine, Zinc Sulfate, Ferrous Sulfate, Vitamin E Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate (Vitamin B1), Niacin Supplement (Vitamin B3), Calcium Pantothenate, Vitamin A Supplement, Manganese Sulfate, Copper Sulfate, Riboflavin Supplement (Vitamin B2), Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B6), Vitamin D3 Supplement, Folic Acid, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Potassium Iodide
Benefits:
- Chicken Broth: Provides hydration and adds moisture to the food, making it more palatable for kittens.
- Choline Chloride & Fish Oil: A source of omega-3 fatty acids, beneficial for skin and coat health, as well as cognitive development in kittens.
- Vitamin A, D3, and Potassium Iodide: Essential for vision, bone health, and thyroid function in kittens.
Considerations:
- Thickeners (Guar Gum, Xanthan Gum, Locust Bean Gum): While these are commonly used to improve texture, some cats may have sensitivities to these additives.
| Crude Protein | 12.0% min |
|---|---|
| Crude Fat | 6.0% min |
| Crude Fiber | 1.0% max |
| Moisture | 83% max |
| Crude Protein | 57.14% |
|---|---|
| Crude Fat | 28.57% |
| Crude Fiber | 4.76% |
- Multiple vitamins and minerals for kitten's growth
- High in Protein 57%
- Kittens seem to love it
- Slightly Low in calories
Frequently Asked Questions
Reading the ingredients is crucial when selecting a healthy meal for your kitten. Meat by-products should be avoided when eating wet food. As for dry food, you should not only steer clear of by-products but also check the protein content in the recipe and if the carbs used are sourced from grain- or legume-based ingredients.
First of all, it’s essential to avoid feeding kittens certain human foods like onions, garlic, chocolate, or foods high in fat, as they can be toxic to cats. Second of all, try to pick a recipe that has the fewest additives and artificial ingredients possible. Also, avoid by-products and grain-based recipes to prevent any future gastrointestinal problems.
What food do kittens love the most?
Kittens are tiny, adorable creatures that require a lot of daily energy. They like various foods such as fish, ham, chicken, and generally wet food. Although this is general, you can explore different kinds of tasty meals with your kitten to get to know their preferences.
When to switch from kitten to cat food?
The ideal time to switch from kitten to cat food is between 9 and 12 months of age. By this time, most kittens have reached their full size and can benefit from the nutritional composition of adult cat food.
