Welcoming a new kitten into your home is an exciting time, and ensuring they have the best nutrition is paramount for their healthy growth and development. Kitten food is specifically formulated to be calorie-dense, rich in protein, and packed with essential nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids, crucial for supporting brain and eye development. However, not all foods marketed for kittens are created equal. This guide reviews the top kitten foods available in 2025, helping you make an informed decision for your feline friend.
At a Glance: Top 11 Best Kitten Foods to Buy
Our research involved over 3060 hours of analysis across 255 brands, reviewing 11 key features to identify the best kitten food options.
| Product Name | Primary Protein | Guaranteed Protein | Calories Per Ounce | Cost Per Day |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Smalls Ground Other Bird Fresh Cat Food | Turkey | 14.50% | 40 | $4 per day |
| Open Farm Kitten Grain-Free Dry Cat Food | Chicken | 40.50% | 110 | $0.80 per day |
| Weruva Kitten Minced Chicken & Tuna Formula in Gravy Wet Cat Food | Chicken | 11.50% | 29 | $4.15 per day |
| Hill’s Science Diet Kitten Healthy Development Chicken Recipe Dry Cat Food | Chicken | 33% | 116 | $0.55 per day |
| Tiki Cat Baby Chicken, Salmon, & Chicken Liver Recipe Wet Cat Food | Chicken | 15% | 35 | $5.80 per day |
| Purina ONE Healthy Kitten Chicken & Salmon Recipe Paté Wet Kitten Food | Chicken | 11% | 35 | $2.50 per day |
| Wellness CORE Kitten Turkey & Chicken Liver Pâté | Turkey | 12% | 38 | $3.70 per day |
| Fancy Feast Kitten Tender Turkey Feast Canned Cat Food | Chicken | 11% | 31 | $1.95 per day |
| The Honest Kitchen Grain-Free Chicken Câté Wet Cat Food | Turkey | 10% | 31 | $3.92 per day |
| Nulo Freestyle Turkey & Duck Cat & Kitten Grain-Free Dry Cat Food | Turkey | 40% | 106 | $0.56 per day |
| Wellness Complete Health Kitten Chicken Entree Paté Canned Cat Food | Chicken | 11% | 39 | $2.82 per day |
Top Picks Explained
#1 Overall Best: Smalls Ground Other Bird Fresh Cat Food
Smalls offers a fresh, subscription-based cat food delivered directly to your door. Their Ground Other Bird recipe is formulated for all life stages and features turkey as the primary protein source, supplemented with turkey liver and a blend of vegetables. Cod liver oil provides essential omega-3 fatty acids, including DHA and EPA. This human-grade food is high in moisture, supporting hydration, and free from animal by-product meals and artificial additives. While it’s a premium option, its quality ingredients and nutritional profile make it a top choice for kittens.
Key Features:
- Single source of high-quality animal protein
- Rich in moisture to support hydration
- Good source of omega-3 fatty acids
- Highly digestible and low in carbohydrates
Considerations:
- Only available as a subscription
- Customer support is via text and email only
#2 Best Dry: Open Farm Kitten Grain-Free Dry Cat Food
For kitten owners who prefer dry food, Open Farm’s Grain-Free Kitten formula is an excellent choice. It’s made with humanely raised chicken and turkey as the first four ingredients, with menhaden fish meal and salmon oil providing additional protein and DHA. This food is supplemented with pumpkin for digestive health and cranberries for urinary tract support. It’s important to ensure adequate hydration when feeding dry food, so offering plenty of fresh water or wet food alongside is recommended.
Key Features:
- First four ingredients are animal-based proteins
- Contains salmon oil for DHA
- Made with ethically sourced ingredients
- Free from artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives
Considerations:
- Contains legumes which can be harder to digest for some cats
- Like all dry foods, it lacks moisture content
#3 Best with Gravy: Weruva Kitten Minced Chicken & Tuna Formula in Gravy Wet Cat Food
Weruva’s kitten formula is a savory option for picky eaters or kittens who love gravy. It features chicken, tuna, and egg with a minced texture in a flavorful gravy. This wet food is rich in protein and moisture, aiding in hydration. While it contains potato starch as a thickener, the overall carbohydrate content is managed well. The inclusion of sunflower oil is a minor drawback, but the overall nutritional profile is well-suited for growing kittens.
Key Features:
- High protein content (nearly 68% on a dry matter basis)
- Good source of hydrating moisture
- Appealing texture and gravy for kittens
Considerations:
- Relies primarily on plant-sourced fat
- Contains some added carbohydrates
What to Look For When Shopping for Kitten Food
Kittens have distinct nutritional needs that differ from adult cats, primarily requiring higher levels of protein and fat to fuel their rapid growth and development.
Rich in Protein
Protein is the building block for kittens, essential for muscle, bone, and organ development. Kittens need a minimum of 7.5 grams of protein per 100 calories, significantly more than adult cats. Look for foods with at least 28% crude protein for dry food and 7% for wet food.
Calorie-Dense
To support their fast-paced growth, kittens need more calories per pound of body weight than adult cats. Calorie-dense foods ensure kittens get sufficient energy without needing to eat excessively large meals.
Primarily Animal-Based
As obligate carnivores, cats and kittens thrive on diets rich in animal-based protein and fats, which provide essential amino acids. Foods with minimal carbohydrate content and high moisture levels are ideal for promoting hydration and digestive health.
Free From Harmful Additives
Artificial flavors, colors, and synthetic preservatives offer no nutritional value and can potentially lead to adverse health effects. Opt for kitten foods that use natural ingredients and avoid unnecessary additives.
Easy for Kittens to Eat
Young kittens with developing teeth often find soft, wet food easiest to consume. As they mature, they may transition to dry kibble. Ensuring the food’s texture is appropriate for your kitten’s stage of development is crucial for their comfort and nutritional intake.
Frequently Asked Questions
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 eating solid food.
How Often Should You Feed Your Kitten?
Kittens generally do best with three to four small meals per day to support their active metabolism and growth.
Is It Okay to Feed Your Kitten a Variety of Foods?
Introducing varied textures and flavors during kittenhood can help prevent finicky eating habits later in life. It’s generally advisable to offer a diverse diet within healthy parameters.
When Should You Stop Feeding Kitten Food?
Most veterinarians recommend transitioning to adult cat food around one year of age, or when the cat reaches physical maturity. Always consult your veterinarian for personalized advice.
Can Adult Cats Eat Kitten Food?
Adult cats can consume kitten food, but it’s not ideal for long-term feeding. Kitten food is formulated with higher levels of certain nutrients and calories, which can lead to obesity in adult cats if fed exclusively. However, it can be beneficial for underweight adult cats.
