Have you just welcomed a new kitten into the family? Choosing the right kitten food is vital to ensure their diet has a balance of proteins, fats and oils, minerals, vitamins, and carbohydrates.
Feeding a kitten the wrong type of food can cause symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhea and potentially have long-term health effects later down the road too.
On this page we share a list of the best kitten foods that will help support your new pet’s growth and development.
Our top picks
- Open Farm (Dry) Jump to review
- Orijen (Dry) Jump to review
- Farmina N&D Prime (Dry) Jump to review
- ACANA (Dry) Jump to review
- Taste of the Wild (Dry) Jump to review
- Baby BLUE (Dry) Jump to review
- BIXBI (Dry) Jump to review
- Chicken Soup for the Soul Classic (Wet) Jump to review
- Halo Holistic (Dry) Jump to review
- Instinct (Dry) Jump to review
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Open Farm (Dry)
Open Farm Grain-Free Kitten – Chicken & Turkey dry food, receives the Cat Food Advisor’s second highest rating: 4.5 stars.
It is one of five recipes in this product range made by Open Farm and is formulated with all the macronutrients, vitamins, and minerals your cat needs to enjoy a healthy, active life.
Open Farm Kitten Grain-Free Cat Food drives the bulk of its protein from chicken and turkey, which are good quality sources of protein and naturally rich in the 11 essential amino-acids required by a cat to sustain life.
The dry matter label analysis reveals a dry recipe containing 44.4% protein, 21.1% fat and 26.4% carbohydrates, with a fat-to-protein ratio of 48%.
Open Farm is an above-average quality dry cat food which contains premium ingredients such as pasture-raised lamb, turkey and chicken, wild-caught salmon, non-GMO fruits and vegetables.
Read our review of the full Open Farm (Dry) range hereThings we like
- High-quality meats raised without antibiotics or added hormones
- 100% Animal Welfare Certified
- Grain-free
Main Ingredients Chicken, turkey, ocean whitefish meal, herring meal and chickpeas Texture Dry Type Grain-free Protein Percentage 44.4% AAFCO Standards All Life Stages Best For Kittens, cats and senior cats EXCLUSIVE: New customer offer
20% off first auto-ship order with code CFA20
Sample buyer review...
"Our two Bengal kittens love their new food they have been eating for a few weeks now. We like the fact that Open Farm gives a reason for every ingredient in their food products."
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Orijen (Dry)
Orijen Kitten Formula with Chicken & Turkey and Wild-Caught Salmon & Herring receives the Cat Food Advisor’s highest rating: 5 stars.
It is one of eight dry cat foods in a range made by Orijen, a company launched in 2005 by Canadian company Champion Petfoods.
Orijen Kitten Formula derives the bulk of its protein from chicken and turkey, which are both naturally rich in the 11 essential amino acids required by a cat to sustain life.
Dry matter label analysis reveals a dry recipe containing 44.4% protein, 22.2% fat and 25.3% carbohydrates . . . with a fat-to-protein ratio of 50%.
This food provides kittens with a diet rich in protein and formulated with good quality ingredients to support their overall health and development.
Read our review of the full Orijen (Dry) range hereThings we like
- Free-run chicken & sustainably sourced fish
- Fresh & raw ingredients
- Nothing artificial
Main Ingredients Chicken, turkey, salmon, whole herring, chicken liver Texture Dry Type Fresh & raw Protein Percentage 44.4 AAFCO Standards Growth Best For Kittens Sample buyer review...
"I am so amazed with this product. It's the truth. I'll tell you. A whole prey diet. I've noticed my kittens having an excellent amount of muscles on them. Not only that, this product is packed with raw and fresh proteins. I look forward to purchasing more Orijen products. My kittens are very healthy."
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Farmina N&D Prime (Dry)
Farmina N&D PRIME Kitten – Chicken and Pomegranate dry food which receives the Cat Food Advisor’s second highest rating: 4.5 stars.
Farmina is an English company which in 1999 joined forces with Francesco Russo who founded Russo Mangimi in 1965. Mangimi specializes in animal nutrition and its manufacturing facilities are based in Europe.
Farmina N&D PRIME Kitten – Chicken and Pomegranate recipe derives the bulk of its protein from chicken, which is naturally rich in the 11 essential amino acids required by a cat to sustain life.
Dry matter label analysis reveals a dry recipe containing 47.8% protein, 21.7% fat and 22.4% carbohydrates . . . with a fat-to-protein ratio of 45%.
This recipe includes non-GMO ingredients, high-quality protein sources and with no artificial preservatives.
Read our review of the full Farmina N&D Prime (Dry) range hereThings we like
- No fillers
- Low glycemic levels
- Quality protein
Main Ingredients Boneless chicken, dehydrated chicken protein, sweet potato, chicken fat, dried, eggs Texture Dry Type Kibble Protein Percentage 47.8 AAFCO Standards Growth Best For Kitten Sample buyer review...
"I have two Maine Coon kittens, 5 months and 8 months old. Both gobble down this kibble."
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ACANA (Dry)
Acana First Feast – Chicken & Whole Herring dry kitten food receives the Cat Food Advisor’s highest rating: 5 stars.
It is one of eight dry recipes in a product range made by Acana, a cat and dog food brand created by Champion Petfoods in Canada.
Acana First Feast – Chicken & Whole Herring derives the bulk of its protein from chicken, which is naturally rich in the 11 essential amino acids required by a cat to sustain life.
Dry matter label analysis reveals a dry recipe containing 40% protein, 20% fat and 32% carbohydrates . . . with a fat-to-protein ratio of 50%.
This protein-rich recipe has been formulated to support the development of kittens. It includes taurine, DHA & EPA for cognitive development and eye health and probiotics for digestive health.
Read our review of the full ACANA (Dry) range hereThings we like
- Protein-rich ingredients
- Human-grade
- Free-run chicken
Main Ingredients Chicken, chicken meal, herring meal, oat groats, whole peas Texture Dry Type Kibble Protein Percentage 40 AAFCO Standards Growth Best For Kitten Sample buyer review...
"Got this for my kitten who absolutely loves it! I have two older cats and they try to steal his food, they think it’s a treat. Soon all my cats will be eating Acana. I like that the kibble size is on the smaller side. Every time I go to open up the bag my kitten comes running!"
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Taste of the Wild (Dry)
Taste of the Wild Lowland Creek recipe received the Cat Food Advisor’s second highest rating: 4.5 stars.
It is one of five dry recipes in this product range made by Taste of the Wild, a cat food brand created by Diamond Pet Foods.
Taste of the Wild Lowland Creek recipe derives the bulk of its protein from duck, which is naturally rich in the 11 essential amino acids required by a cat to sustain life.
Dry matter label analysis reveals a dry recipe containing 40% protein, 17.8% fat and 34.2% carbohydrates . . . with a fat-to-protein ratio of 44%.
This recipe offers good sources of quality animal protein, in addition to vegetables and fruits, helping support the healthy development of kittens.
Read our review of the full Taste of the Wild (Dry) range hereThings we like
- Protein-rich ingredients
- Human-grade
- No artificial ingredients
Main Ingredients Duck, duck meal, turkey meal, chicken meal, sweet potatoes Texture Dry Type Kibble Protein Percentage 40% AAFCO Standards All Life Stages Best For All cats Sample buyer review...
"I like that this cat food has added omega fatty acids to help with skin issues. Since giving my furbaby this cat food, his dry skin has improved and his hair is softer. He has had fewer digestive issues as well and seems to really enjoy eating, even more so than usual."
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Baby BLUE (Dry)
Baby BLUE Kitten High Protein Chicken & Pea recipe received the Cat Food Advisor’s second highest rating: 4 stars.
It is one of two recipes in this product range made by Blue Buffalo, a brand now owned by General Mills.
Baby BLUE Kitten High Protein Chicken & Pea recipe derives the bulk of its protein from chicken, a lean protein source which is highly palatable
Dry matter label analysis reveals a dry recipe containing 44% protein, 22% fat and 26.1% carbohydrates . . . with a fat-to-protein ratio of 50%.
This range features wholesome fruits and veggies and is free of grains. Enhanced with vitamins, minerals and other nutrients like DHA which supports cognitive development and taurine to support heart health.
Read our review of the full Baby BLUE (Dry) range hereThings we like
- The first ingredient is listed as animal protein
- High in protein
- Low in carbohydrate
Main Ingredients Deboned chicken, chicken meal, pea protein, tapioca starch, menhaden fish meal Texture Dry Type Kibble Protein Percentage 44% AAFCO Standards Growth Best For Kittens Sample buyer review...
"Our kitten absolutely LOVES this food. In fact she will choose this over her wet food in the mornings."
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BIXBI (Dry)
BIXBI Rawbble Kitten Health Chicken recipe received the Cat Food Advisor’s second highest rating: 4 stars.
It is one of ten recipes in a product range made by BIXBI Pet, a company which was founded and based in Colorado.
BIXBI Rawbble Kitten Health Chicken recipe derives the bulk of its protein from chicken. Dry matter label analysis reveals a wet recipe containing 41.5% protein, 16.5% fat and 34% carbohydrates . . . with a fat-to-protein ratio of 40%.
This recipe is crafted with high-quality, natural ingredients rich in protein and essential nutrients, supporting healthy growth and development of kittens.
Read our review of the full BIXBI (Dry) range hereThings we like
- Good quality animal protein sources
- Relatively low carbohydrate
- Affordable
Main Ingredients Chicken, Red Lentils, Whole Yellow Peas, Egg, Natural Chicken Flavor Texture Dry Type Kibble Protein Percentage 41.5% AAFCO Standards Growth Best For Kittens Sample buyer review...
"All five of our cats love this kibble. There wasn't even any hesitation for any of them - even the two picky ones ate it readily. They loved the taste, and I love how the first several ingredients are good quality, identifiable foods, not some "mystery meat" byproducts and fillers. "
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Chicken Soup for the Soul Classic (Wet)
Chicken Soup for the Soul Classic Kitten Wet Food – Chicken & Turkey Recipe receives the Cat Food Advisor’s highest rating: 5 stars.
It is one of eight recipes in this product range made by Chicken Soup for the Soul, a company created in 1993 and owned by Diamond Pet Food.
This recipe which comes in a pâté formula derives the bulk of its protein from chicken, which is naturally rich in the 11 essential amino acids required by a cat to sustain life.
Dry matter label analysis reveals a wet recipe containing 50% protein, 36.4% fat and 5.6% carbohydrates . . . with a fat-to-protein ratio of 73%.
This recipe contains no artificial flavors, colors or preservatives and is free from by-product meals.
Read our review of the full Chicken Soup for the Soul Classic (Wet) range hereThings we like
- Low in carbohydrate
- No by-products
- High in protein
Main Ingredients Chicken, chicken liver, salmon, turkey, chicken broth Texture Wet Type Pate Protein Percentage 50 AAFCO Standards Growth Best For Kittens Sample buyer review...
"I used the Chicken Soup brand for my senior cat before she passed, so when we got a new kitten it made sense to try the kitten food too! It's high quality food, at a decent price. No complaints from our little one! Gobbles it up."
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Halo Holistic (Dry)
Halo Holistic Cage-Free Chicken Kitten Food received the Cat Food Advisor’s highest rating: 5 stars.
It is one of seven recipes in this product range made byHalo, a company founded by Andi Brown in 1980 and now owned by Best Choice Company Inc.
The Halo Holistic Cage-Free Chicken Kitten recipe derives the bulk of its protein from chicken. Dry matter label analysis reveals a wet recipe containing 37.3% protein, 19.8% fat and 34.9% carbohydrates . . . with a fat-to-protein ratio of 53%.
Halo stands out with a commitment to sourcing sustainable ingredients and does not use rendered meats or meat by-products. None of the recipes contain artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives.
Read our review of the full Halo Holistic (Dry) range hereThings we like
- Fresh meats
- High animal protein
- Contains probiotics
Main Ingredients Deboned chicken, sweet potatoes, peas, pork, brewers dried yeast Texture Dry Type Kibble Protein Percentage 36.3% AAFCO Standards Growth Best For Kittens Sample buyer review...
"I recently switched my kitten, Pi-Dan, to Halo Holistic Kitten Food, and I'm pleased with the results. It offers great value for its high-quality ingredients and nutritional benefits."
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Instinct (Dry)
Instinct Original Real Chicken Recipe for Kittens received the Cat Food Advisor’s second highest rating: 4 stars.
It is one of ten recipes in a range made by InstinctPet Food, a company founded in 2002 which produces frozen and freeze-dried raw pet food from facilities in Lincoln, Nebraska.
Instinct Original Real Chicken Recipe for Kittens derives the bulk of its protein from chicken. Dry matter label analysis reveals a wet recipe containing 46.7% protein, 24.7% fat and 20.6% carbohydrates . . . with a fat-to-protein ratio of 53%.
This food provides kittens with an excellent source of quality protein and essential fatty acids, made with natural, wholesome ingredients, free from grains, carrageenan, artificial colors, flavors or preservatives.
Read our review of the full Instinct (Dry) range hereThings we like
- No grain, corn, wheat, soy or potato
- Grain-free recipe
- Includes omega-3 fatty acids
Main Ingredients Chicken, turkey meal, menhaden fish meal, peas, chicken fat Texture Dry Type Kibble Protein Percentage 46.7% AAFCO Standards Growth Best For Kittens Sample buyer review...
"This dry food is amazing! The formula is rich in protein (extremely important for any cat’s diet) and the main source of that protein comes from chicken. Furthermore, it does not contain any animal by-products or artificial colors."
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Best cat foods
What age do you start weaning kittens onto food?
The weaning process would usually start about three to four weeks, the kitten moves from being dependent on their mother and transitioning to independence. It is a very natural process especially when handled by the mother.
You can use canned food or dry kitten food mixed with water to make a slush, gradually reducing the water as the kitten matures.
Do vets recommend dry or wet food for kittens?
Wet food is preferred as it contains the bulk of water they need, however, ultimately, it is more about the premium kitten food with quality ingredients, so a high quality dry food could be better than a low quality wet food.
Moisture is essential to keep your growing kitten healthy, water helps flush the kidneys of any toxins and keeps other organs hydrated and healthy.
Can you give kittens a mix of dry and wet food?
The answer is, of course, yes . . . mixing dry and wet food can be shown to reduce problems with fussy eaters and feeding them a mixture of textures helps them to find one they prefer, at the same time gaining health benefits that dry and wet food can provide.
How many times should a kitten be fed a day?
It is important to feed a kitten small portions at regular intervals, up to 6 times a day. Feeding guidelines will be variable by kitten. However, most often using the feeding directions on the food label is a good place to start or a veterinarian can calculate the kittens’ needs depending on weight.
To help a kitten grow healthy and strong they require high protein levels in their food, more calories per cup (kittens have lots of energy) and higher amounts of certain nutrients, eg calcium and phosphorus.
How much water does a kitten need to stay hydrated?
All depends on age and size and wet food is normally enough to provide a kitten with much of the hydration they need, putting out a bowl of water can provide the rest.
A guide to how much a kitten should drink…up to three months (1.4kg)- 70ml, six month old kitten (2.7kg)-135ml.
Sources
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Article reviewed by
Pet Nutritionist
Laura studied BSc (Hons) Animal Science with an accreditation in Nutrition at the University of Nottingham, before working for eight years in the pet food and nutrition industry.
