Welcoming a new kitten into your home is an exciting time, and ensuring they have the best possible start in life is a top priority for any caregiver. A crucial aspect of this is choosing the right food, particularly when it comes to wet food. Kittens require nutrient-dense food with high-quality ingredients to support their rapid growth, muscle development, and energetic play. While both wet and dry foods can be suitable, provided they meet AAFCO standards, wet kitten food offers several distinct advantages. This guide explores the top wet kitten food options for 2025, helping you make an informed decision for your feline friend’s health and happiness. We’ve meticulously researched 88 brands and reviewed 7 key features to bring you our top 7 picks.
At a Glance: Best Wet Food for Kittens To Buy
- Overall Best: Smalls Ground Bird Fresh Cat Food
- Value Pick: Wellness CORE Kitten Turkey & Chicken Liver Recipe
- Best Grain-Free Kitten Food: Nulo Freestyle Turkey & Chicken Recipe Grain-Free Canned Cat & Kitten Food
- Best for Growing Kitten: Purina Pro Plan Focus Kitten Classic Chicken & Liver Entree Canned Cat Food
- Best Mid-Price Pick: Wellness Complete Health Kitten Pâté Chicken Entrée
- Best for Hydration: Purina Fancy Feast Kitten Classic Pâté Tender Turkey Feast Wet Kitten Food
- Best Pâté: Instinct Original Kitten Grain-Free Pate Real Chicken Recipe Wet Cat Food
Why Trust Cats.com?
Our team conducted extensive research, consulting veterinary experts and analyzing customer reviews to understand the specific nutritional needs of kittens. We purchased products at full retail price for hands-on testing, evaluating texture, consistency, appearance, aroma, and packaging. Our veterinary advisors also provided insights into what constitutes a great kitten food, ensuring our recommendations are both practical and scientifically sound.
The Best Wet, Soft & Canned Wet Food for Kittens Reviewed
#1 Smalls Ground Bird Fresh Cat Food
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Smalls offers a subscription-based service delivering fresh, high-protein, and hydrating wet cat food. Their Ground Bird recipe is an excellent choice for kittens, featuring chicken muscle meat and liver as primary ingredients. With over 48% protein (dry matter basis) and omega-3 fatty acids from cod liver oil, it supports healthy development. The minced texture is easy for kittens to manage, and the food is energy-dense at 40 calories per ounce. As a subscription service, you can adjust your deliveries as your kitten grows.
- Made In: United States
- Guaranteed Protein: 13% Min
- Age Range: All Life Stages
- Calories Per Ounce: 40
- Typical Cost Per Day: $4.00 per day
Ingredients We Liked: Chicken, Chicken Liver, Cod Liver Oil
Ingredients We Didn’t Like: None
#2 Wellness CORE Kitten Turkey & Chicken Liver Recipe
This Wellness Core recipe is rich in animal proteins like turkey and chicken liver, promoting healthy muscle growth. It’s supplemented with herring and menhaden fish oil, providing essential DHA for brain and eye development. This grain-free pâté is free from potatoes and soy, though it contains beneficial plant ingredients like ground flaxseed and dried kelp. Each 3 oz can provides 108 kcals, a typical amount for kitten wet food.
- Made In: United States
- Guaranteed Protein: 12% Min
- Age Range: Kitten
- Calories Per Ounce: 37
- Typical Cost Per Day: $2.66 per day
What We Liked: High protein, enticing flavor, pleasant aroma, calorie-dense.
What We Didn’t Like: Price is above the market average.
#3 Nulo Freestyle Turkey & Chicken Recipe Grain-Free Canned Cat & Kitten Food
Nulo’s Freestyle recipe features high-quality animal ingredients such as turkey, chicken, and tuna, formulated to meet AAFCO standards for all life stages. It’s grain-free, gluten-free, and GMO-free, making it easily digestible for kittens. The food provides ample high-quality animal proteins essential for growth and development. While carbohydrates are present, they are not considered harmful when part of a balanced diet.
- Made In: United States
- Guaranteed Protein: 11% Min
- Age Range: All Life Stages
- Calories Per Ounce: 35
- Typical Cost Per Day: $1.98 per day
What We Liked: Grain-free, easily digestible, high-quality animal proteins, natural ingredients.
What We Didn’t Like: Some customers noted a low chicken content, and the smell can be strong.
#4 Purina Pro Plan Focus Kitten Classic Chicken & Liver Entree Canned Cat Food
Purina Pro Plan’s kitten formula is packed with animal ingredients, including chicken, liver, and fish. It contains DHA for healthy brain and eye development and antioxidants to support the immune system, meeting AAFCO nutritional standards for growth. This wet food is a reliable choice for providing kittens with essential nutrients.
- Made In: United States
- Guaranteed Protein: 12% Min
- Age Range: Kitten
- Calories Per Ounce: 33
- Typical Cost Per Day: $3.2 per day
What We Liked: Rich in animal proteins, formulated for kittens, contains DHA, supports immune health.
What We Didn’t Like: Not all kittens enjoy the flavor.
#5 Wellness Complete Health Kitten Pâté Chicken Entrée
This grain-free pâté from Wellness features chicken as the primary protein source, with chicken liver and chicken broth also listed in the top ingredients. Its smooth texture is ideal for kittens still adjusting to solid foods. Made in North America under strict quality standards and meeting AAFCO nutritional standards for growth, this food supports healthy development.
- Made In: United States
- Guaranteed Protein: 11% Min
- Age Range: Kitten
- Calories Per Ounce: 66
- Typical Cost Per Day: $2.83 per day
What We Liked: Grain-free, easy for kittens to chew, made in the USA, contains DHA.
What We Didn’t Like: Can be slightly expensive.
#6 Purina Fancy Feast Kitten Classic Pâté Tender Turkey Feast Wet Kitten Food
Fancy Feast Kitten food uses turkey and liver as its main ingredients, offering a palatable flavor for kittens. It’s formulated with essential vitamins and minerals for growth and includes milk and broth to ensure adequate hydration. This option is a cost-effective choice that can be mixed with dry food.
- Made In: United States
- Guaranteed Protein: 11% Min
- Age Range: Kitten
- Calories Per Ounce: 32
- Typical Cost Per Day: $1.86 per day
What We Liked: Contains real turkey, affordable, high moisture content.
What We Didn’t Like: The texture might be too firm for some very young kittens.
#7 Instinct Original Kitten Grain-Free Pate Real Chicken Recipe Wet Cat Food
Instinct Original Kitten food boasts over 50% protein on a dry matter basis, with 27% fat, providing essential nutrients for kitten development. Its smooth pâté texture is easy to eat, and the blend of chicken, salmon, and beef flavors is appealing to many kittens. Supplemented with DHA for cognitive and visual health, this food also contributes to hydration.
- Made In: United States
- Guaranteed Protein: 12% Min
- Age Range: Kitten
- Calories Per Ounce: 42
- Typical Cost Per Day: $2.96 per day
What We Liked: High protein and fat, DHA supplement, easy-to-eat pâté texture, appealing flavors.
What We Didn’t Like: Gum thickeners may cause loose stools in some cats; it is expensive.
Why Is Quality Wet Food Essential for Kittens?
Kittens require optimal nutrition to thrive and develop into healthy adult cats. While both wet and dry foods can be appropriate if they meet AAFCO’s complete and balanced nutrition standards for growth, wet food offers specific benefits:
- Hydration: Wet food typically contains around 70% water, providing essential moisture intake for kittens, which is crucial for overall health. High-moisture foods also contribute to a feeling of fullness.
- Digestibility: The soft texture of wet food is easier for young kittens, especially those recently weaned, to chew and swallow compared to dry kibble.
- High Protein Content: Quality wet kitten foods are rich in animal protein, which is fundamental for a kitten’s rapid growth and muscle development.
What Should You Consider When Shopping for Wet Canned Cat Food?
Navigating the market for wet cat food can be daunting, but considering these factors will help you choose wisely:
Protein, Vitamins, and Minerals: Prioritize foods where a high-quality animal protein, such as chicken or turkey, is the first ingredient. Ensure the food provides all necessary vitamins and minerals in the correct proportions for kitten development. AAFCO’s website offers insights into pet food ingredients. Click here for a list of the best Natural & Holistic cat foods.
Taurine: This essential amino acid, crucial for vision and digestion, is not produced by cats and must be obtained through their diet. Animal-based proteins are the primary source of taurine.
Omega Fatty Acids: Omega fatty acids, particularly DHA found in seafood like salmon, are vital for brain and eye development in kittens. Click here for a list of the best salmon cat foods. Consider grain-free options if your kitten has sensitivities.
Quality Over Quantity: Focus on the quality of ingredients and nutritional value rather than the size of the packaging. While bulk buying might seem economical, ensure the food is the best quality you can afford. Opened canned food spoils quickly, so adhere to your veterinarian’s feeding guidelines and use within a few days. Explore organic cat food options if that aligns with your preferences.
How To Choose the Right Food for Your Kitten?
Selecting the best canned food involves careful consideration:
Read The Labels: Pay close attention to the ingredient list and the AAFCO seal, which confirms the food meets nutritional standards for growth. AAFCO provides resources on reading pet food labels.
Cost and Budget: Aim for the highest quality food you can afford. Be wary of marketing terms like “premium,” which don’t always guarantee superior quality. Consulting your veterinarian is the best way to determine the most suitable food for your kitten’s specific needs.
For those seeking specific nutritional profiles, check out our review for the best high-protein, low-carbohydrate canned cat foods here.
View Sources
- Cats.com prioritizes credible sources, including peer-reviewed studies, for its content. This information is regularly reviewed for accuracy. Visit our About Us page for more details on our standards and veterinary review board.
- https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/cornell-feline-health-center/health-information/feline-health-topics/how-often-should-you-feed-your-cat
- https://healthypets.mercola.com/sites/healthypets/archive/2011/04/07/largest-study-confirms-what-pet-cats-really-want-to-eat.aspx
