Bringing a new kitten home is an exciting time, and ensuring they have the best nutrition is paramount for their healthy development. Kittens, much like your own furry friend, require food packed with energy, protein, and essential nutrients to support their rapid growth, brain development, and overall well-being. However, navigating the vast market of kitten foods can be overwhelming. This guide delves into the nutritional needs of kittens and presents a curated list of the top 11 kitten foods available in 2025, based on expert research and analysis.
A Comprehensive Look at the Best Kitten Foods
Our extensive research involved analyzing 255 brands and reviewing 11 key features to identify the premier kitten food options. The following table and detailed reviews highlight standout products, considering factors like protein content, moisture, essential fatty acids, and overall ingredient quality.
Top Kitten Food Recommendations
Here’s a breakdown of our top picks, categorized to help you find the perfect match for your kitten’s needs:
- Overall Best: Smalls Ground Other Bird Fresh Cat Food
- Best Dry: Open Farm Kitten Grain-Free Dry Cat Food
- Best with Gravy: Weruva Kitten Minced Chicken & Tuna Formula in Gravy Wet Cat Food
- Vet Recommended Dry: Hill’s Science Diet Kitten Healthy Development Chicken Recipe Dry Cat Food
- Best Moist: Tiki Cat Baby Chicken, Salmon, & Chicken Liver Recipe Wet Cat Food
- Best for Picky Eaters: Purina ONE Healthy Kitten Chicken & Salmon Recipe Paté Wet Kitten Food
- Best Pate: Wellness CORE Kitten Turkey & Chicken Liver Pâté
- Best Budget: Fancy Feast Kitten Tender Turkey Feast Canned Cat Food
- Best Human-Grade Wet: The Honest Kitchen Grain-Free Chicken Câté Wet Cat Food
- Best Budget Dry: Nulo Freestyle Turkey & Duck Recipe Cat & Kitten Grain-Free Dry Cat Food
- Best for Sensitive Stomachs: Wellness Complete Health Kitten Chicken Entree Paté Canned Cat Food
In-Depth Reviews of Top Kitten Foods
#1 Overall Best: Smalls Ground Other Bird Fresh Cat Food
Smalls offers a subscription-based fresh cat food service that delivers protein- and moisture-packed meals directly to your door. Their Ground Other Bird recipe features turkey as the primary protein source, supplemented by turkey liver and a mix of digestible fresh vegetables. Cod liver oil provides essential omega-3 fatty acids, including DHA and EPA, crucial for brain and eye development.
Smalls Ground Other Bird Fresh Cat Food
This human-grade food is frozen at peak freshness to preserve nutrients. Its high moisture content supports hydration, and it’s free from animal by-product meals and artificial additives. While it’s a pricier option, its quality ingredients and nutritional profile make it an excellent choice for kittens.
Key Features:
- Made In: United States
- Guaranteed Protein: 14.5% Min
- Age Range: All Life Stages
- Calories Per Ounce: 40
- Typical Cost Per Day: $4 per day
#2 Best Dry: Open Farm Kitten Grain-Free Dry Cat Food
For kittens who prefer dry food, Open Farm’s grain-free formula is a standout. It’s crafted with humanely raised chicken and turkey as the first four ingredients, ensuring a high-protein base. Menhaden fish meal and salmon oil further enrich the formula with protein and omega-3 fatty acids, including DHA.
Open Farm Kitten Grain-Free Dry Cat Food
This food meets AAFCO requirements for kitten growth and development, featuring functional ingredients like pumpkin for digestion and cranberries for urinary tract support. However, it’s important to ensure adequate hydration when feeding dry food by supplementing with wet food or water.
Key Features:
- Made In: United States
- Guaranteed Protein: 40% Min
- Age Range: All Life Stages
- Calories Per Ounce: 110
- Typical Cost Per Day: $0.80 per day
#3 Best with Gravy: Weruva Kitten Minced Chicken & Tuna Formula in Gravy Wet Cat Food
Weruva’s kitten formula is an excellent choice for fussy eaters or kittens who adore gravy. This recipe features a minced texture of chicken, tuna, and egg in a flavorful gravy, specifically designed for kittens.
Weruva Kitten Minced Chicken & Tuna Formula in Gravy Wet Cat Food
With nearly 68% protein and 29.4% fat on a dry matter basis, this food is rich in essential nutrients. While it contains potato starch as a thickener, the overall carbohydrate content remains manageable. The hydrating gravy also contributes to your kitten’s fluid intake.
Key Features:
- Made In: Thailand
- Guaranteed Protein: 11.5% Min
- Age Range: Kitten
- Calories Per Ounce: 29
- Typical Cost Per Day: $4.15 per day
#4 Vet Recommended Dry: Hill’s Science Diet Kitten Healthy Development Chicken Recipe Dry Cat Food
Hill’s Science Diet is a trusted brand often recommended by veterinarians. This dry kitten food features chicken muscle meat as the primary ingredient, supported by chicken meal and egg product. It utilizes whole grains like brown rice and barley, which are generally easier to digest than legumes.
Hill’s Science Diet Kitten Healthy Development Chicken Recipe Dry Cat Food
Fish oil provides essential omega-3 fatty acids, and the food is fortified with vitamins and minerals crucial for kitten development. While dry food inherently lacks moisture, this formula offers a reliable and satisfying option for kittens who prefer kibble.
Key Features:
- Made In: United States
- Guaranteed Protein: 33% Min
- Age Range: Kitten
- Calories Per Ounce: 116
- Typical Cost Per Day: $0.55 per day
#5 Best Moist: Tiki Cat Baby Chicken, Salmon, & Chicken Liver Recipe Wet Cat Food
Tiki Cat Baby food is a highly palatable and species-appropriate choice for kittens. Its primary ingredients are chicken muscle meat, fresh salmon, and chicken liver, providing a rich source of animal-based protein. The unique texture, a combination of smooth mousse topped with fine shreds, is easy for kittens to consume.
Tiki Cat Baby Chicken, Salmon, & Chicken Liver Recipe Wet Cat Food
This wet food is also a good source of hydration and contains DHA from salmon oil to support cognitive and visual development. While it can be a bit pricier, the quality and nutritional density make it a worthwhile investment for your kitten’s early stages.
Key Features:
- Made In: Thailand
- Guaranteed Protein: 15% Min
- Age Range: All Life Stages
- Calories Per Ounce: 35
- Typical Cost Per Day: $5.80 per day
#6 Best for Picky Eaters: Purina ONE Healthy Kitten Chicken & Salmon Recipe Paté Wet Kitten Food
Purina ONE Healthy Kitten Paté is designed to appeal to picky eaters with its smooth texture and multi-protein formula, featuring chicken, liver, and salmon. This moisture-rich food is made entirely from animal-sourced ingredients, providing nearly 47% protein on a dry matter basis.
Purina ONE Healthy Kitten Chicken & Salmon Recipe Paté Wet Kitten Food
It is also relatively low in carbohydrates and calorie-dense, making it a suitable option for kittens during their weaning phase or for those with discerning palates. However, it may not be ideal for kittens with allergies to chicken, pork, or fish.
Key Features:
- Made In: United States
- Guaranteed Protein: 11% Min
- Age Range: Kitten
- Calories Per Ounce: 35
- Typical Cost Per Day: $2.50 per day
#7 Best Pate: Wellness CORE Kitten Turkey & Chicken Liver Pâté
Wellness CORE Kitten Pâté is a protein-packed option formulated with species-appropriate ingredients like turkey, chicken, and herring. This easily digestible recipe is rich in moisture and low in carbohydrates, boasting over 54% protein on a dry matter basis.
Wellness Core Turkey & Chicken Liver Recipe Kitten Smooth Classic Pate
The inclusion of herring and fish oil provides DHA, supporting brain and eye development. Its smooth texture is easy for kittens to eat, and it meets AAFCO nutrition guidelines for all life stages, allowing for a seamless transition into adulthood.
Key Features:
- Made In: Canada, United States
- Guaranteed Protein: 12% Min
- Age Range: All Life Stages
- Calories Per Ounce: 38
- Typical Cost Per Day: $3.70 per day
#8 Best Budget: Fancy Feast Kitten Tender Turkey Feast Canned Cat Food
For budget-conscious pet parents, Fancy Feast Kitten Tender Turkey Feast offers a palatable and affordable option. This formula prioritizes animal ingredients and keeps carbohydrates low. While it contains meat by-products, artificial flavors, and colors, these are not necessarily indicative of lower quality.
Fancy Feast Kitten Tender Turkey Feast Wet Canned Cat Food
The presence of milk may be a concern for lactose-intolerant kittens, though adverse reactions are reportedly rare. Overall, it provides a hydrating and palatable meal at an accessible price point.
Key Features:
- Made In: United States
- Guaranteed Protein: 11% Min
- Age Range: Kittens
- Calories Per Ounce: 31
- Typical Cost Per Day: $1.95 per day
#9 Best Human-Grade Wet: The Honest Kitchen Grain-Free Chicken Câté Wet Cat Food
The Honest Kitchen stands out for its commitment to human-grade ingredients. All their products are prepared, cooked, and transported according to human food manufacturing standards. This grain-free chicken pâté is formulated for both kittens and adult cats, featuring chicken as the primary ingredient and salmon oil for DHA.
Honest Kitchen Chicken Recipe Cate Pate
It’s rich in moisture and free from artificial additives. While it comes with a higher price tag, the quality and safety of human-grade ingredients make it a premium choice for your kitten’s nutrition.
Key Features:
- 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
#10 Best Budget Dry: Nulo Freestyle Turkey & Duck Recipe Cat & Kitten Grain-Free Dry Cat Food
Nulo Freestyle offers a budget-friendly grain-free dry food that is rich in animal-sourced protein from turkey, fish, and duck. With over 44% protein on a dry matter basis, it provides the essential nutrients for growing kittens.
Nulo Freestyle Cat & Kitten Turkey & Duck Kibble Dry Food
The small, disc-shaped kibbles are easy for kittens to chew, and the formula is suitable for all life stages. However, like all dry foods, it lacks moisture and can be higher in carbohydrates, so supplementing with wet food is recommended.
Key Features:
- 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
#11 Best for Sensitive Stomachs: Wellness Complete Health Kitten Chicken Entree Paté Canned Cat Food
Wellness Complete Health Kitten Entree is a grain-free, smooth pâté that is a nutritious and easily digestible option for kittens, especially those with sensitive stomachs. It features chicken and chicken liver as primary ingredients, providing ample protein and moisture.
Wellness Complete Health Chicken Entree Smooth Loaf Kitten Pate Wet Canned Food
While it contains gum thickeners that might cause digestive upset in some cats, many find this recipe well-tolerated. The carbohydrate content is relatively low, and it’s enriched with fish oil for essential fatty acids.
Key Features:
- Made In: Canada
- Guaranteed Protein: 11% Min
- Age Range: Kittens
- Calories Per Ounce: 39
- Typical Cost Per Day: $2.82 per day
What to Look for When Shopping for Kitten Food
Choosing the right kitten food is crucial for their development. Kittens have distinct nutritional needs that differ from adult cats.
Rich in Protein
Kittens require a higher quantity and quality of protein for muscle, bone, and organ development. Aim for a minimum of 28% crude protein in dry kitten food and 7% in wet kitten food, which translates to at least 30% on a dry matter basis.
Calorie-Dense
Kittens burn a lot of energy growing, so a calorie-dense diet is essential. Look for foods with a good balance of protein and fat to fuel their rapid growth without overfeeding.
Primarily Animal-Based
As obligate carnivores, cats and kittens thrive on diets rich in animal-based proteins and fats. These provide essential amino acids and nutrients that plant-based ingredients cannot fully replicate. High moisture content in wet food also supports hydration and urinary tract health.
Free From Harmful Additives
Avoid artificial flavors, colors, and synthetic preservatives, as they offer no nutritional value and can potentially lead to health issues. Opt for foods with natural, wholesome ingredients.
Easy for Kittens to Eat
Young kittens often find soft, wet food easier to eat due to their developing teeth. As they grow, they may transition to dry food, but always ensure the kibble size is appropriate and easy to manage.
Frequently Asked Questions About Kitten Food
When Should You Start Feeding Kitten Food?
Kittens typically begin transitioning from their mother’s milk to solid food around four weeks of age. By seven weeks, they should be fully weaned and consuming a solid diet.
How Often Should You Feed Your Kitten?
Kittens benefit from three to four small meals distributed throughout the day to maintain consistent energy levels and support their digestive systems.
Is It Okay to Feed Your Kitten A Variety of Foods?
Introducing a variety of textures and flavors during kittenhood can help prevent pickiness later in life. While some believe in sticking to one food, variety can encourage a more adaptable palate.
When Should You Stop Feeding Kitten Food?
Most kittens can transition to adult cat food around one year of age, or when they reach physical maturity. Consult your veterinarian for personalized advice on the best timing for this transition.
Can Adult Cats Eat Kitten Food?
While adult cats can eat kitten food, it’s not ideal for long-term feeding. Kitten food is more nutrient- and calorie-dense to support growth, which can lead to obesity in adult cats. However, it can be beneficial for underweight adult cats needing to gain weight, under veterinary guidance.
