If you have just welcomed a new kitten into the family, finding the right food is vital to ensure their healthy growth and development.
Wet food is essential in a kitten's diet because it provides critical hydration, a high moisture content that supports kidney and urinary health, and an appealing texture that's easier for young kittens to chew and digest.
Since kittens are rapidly growing, wet food offers an ideal balance of protein, fats, and other nutrients that help build strong muscles and a robust immune system. Additionally, its rich aroma and flavor are irresistible to kittens, encouraging them to eat well.
On this page we share a list of the best wet kitten foods as recommended by our team made up of researchers, pet nutritionists and veterinarians.
Our top picks
- Chicken Soup for the Soul Classic (Wet) Jump to review
- Weruva Kitten (Wet) Jump to review
- Blue Buffalo Freedom (Wet) Jump to review
- IAMS Perfect Portions, Healthy Kitten Chicken Pate (Wet) Jump to review
- Wellness Complete Health Kitten - Whitefish & Tuna (Wet) Jump to review
- Natural Balance Original Ultra for Kittens - Chicken (Wet) Jump to review
- Tiki Cat Baby (Wet) Jump to review
- Taste of the Wild (Wet) Jump to review
- RAWZ Kitten Pate (Wet) Jump to review
- Soulistic Kitten (Wet) Jump to review
-
Chicken Soup for the Soul Classic (Wet)
Chicken Soup for the Soul Classic Pate Chicken & Turkey Kitten 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."
-
Weruva Kitten (Wet)
Weruva Kitten Chicken Formula Au Jus receives the Cat Food Advisor’s highest rating: 5 stars.
This food is formulated to provide kittens with the nutrients they need to grow and is easily digestible. It is made with real, human-grade animal ingredients and is high in protein as well as being free of grain, gluten and carrageenan.
Weruva was founded in 2006 by David and Stacie Forman and is still family-owned today. The company’s headquarters is in Natick, Massachusetts, but the food is manufactured in Thailand.
Weruva Kitten Chicken Formula Au Jus 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 70.6% protein, 35.3% fat and 0% carbohydrates . . . with a fat-to-protein ratio of 50%.
Read our review of the full Weruva Kitten (Wet) range hereThings we like
- High-protein
- Free from artificial ingredients
- Human-grade recipes
Main Ingredients Chicken, chicken broth, natural flavor, dried egg, tricalcium Texture Wet Type Shreds Protein Percentage 70.6% AAFCO Standards Growth Best For Kittens Sample buyer review...
"I purchased this for my recent adoption, who I had heard originally wasn't a fan of wet food. Well this little lady hoofs this food down with gusto every time! I like that it looks and smells like real chicken, and how reasonable it is priced for the nice quality. Stelly likes the sound of the can opening, the walk to her feeding station, and inhaling every last morsel before licking the bowl clean. "more please!""
-
Blue Buffalo Freedom (Wet)
Blue Freedom Indoor Kitten Grain-Free Chicken recipe receives the Cat Food Advisor’s highest rating: 5 stars.
It is one of five formulas in this wet cat food range made by Blue Buffalo, which is owned by General Mills.
This particular 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 it contains 43.2% protein, 31.8% fat and 17% carbohydrates . . . with a fat-to-protein ratio of 74%
Blue Freedom Indoor Kitten Grain-Free Chicken is formulated to meet the needs of indoor kittens, with none of the grains that contain gluten. It is specially formulated with DHA to support your kitten’s cognitive development.
Read our review of the full Blue Buffalo Freedom (Wet) range hereThings we like
- High-protein
- Lots of vitamins and minerals
- Catered for indoor cats
Main Ingredients Chicken, chicken liver, chicken broth, carrots, sweet potatoes Texture Wet Type Grain-free Protein Percentage 43.2% AAFCO Standards Growth Best For Kittens Sample buyer review...
"My cats love eating this food! They sit at their bowls every morning waiting for me to give it to them. Their coats are always healthy and shiny and they have very regular bowls and urinary habits. I highly recommend it!"
-
IAMS Perfect Portions, Healthy Kitten Chicken Pate (Wet)
IAMS Perfect Portions, Healthy Kitten Chicken Pate receives the Cat Food Advisor’s second highest rating: 4 stars.
IAMS was founded by animal nutritionist Paul F Iams in 1946. This particular 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 wet recipe containing 40.9% protein, 22.7% fat and 28.4% carbohydrates . . . with a fat-to-protein ratio of 56%.
Made with no fillers or artificial preservatives, this food provides your kitten with complete and balanced nutrition as they grow. It includes nutrients such as DHA to promote brain development and it support a kitten’s immune system with antioxidant vitamin E.
Read our review of the full IAMS Perfect Portions (Wet) range hereThings we like
- Chicken is the number 1 ingredient
- Contains antioxidant vitamin E
- Grain-free
Main Ingredients Chicken, water, poultry liver, chicken broth, dried egg product Texture Wet Type Paté Protein Percentage 40.9% AAFCO Standards Growth Best For Kittens Sample buyer review...
"My new kitten absolutely loves this kitten food. He has had no stomach upset or issues with this particular variety. The portions are divided and I have an accurate amount to keep track of his mealtime needs."
-
Wellness Complete Health Kitten - Whitefish & Tuna (Wet)
Wellness Complete Health Kitten Whitefish & Tuna Formula is a grain-free wet food which receives the Cat Food Advisor rating: 4 stars.
Made from natural ingredients, this range is high in protein and contains essential fatty acids to support the growth and development of kittens. It is loaded with antioxidant-rich cranberries, vitamins, balanced minerals, omega fatty acids and essential taurine needed by a cat to sustain life.
This particular recipe derives the bulk of its protein from whitefish and chicken. Dry matter label analysis reveals a wet recipe containing 50% protein, 20.5% fat and 21.5% carbohydrates . . . with a fat-to-protein ratio of 55%.
It is one of 11 formulas in a range, including another recipe – chicken pate – specifically formulated for kittens.
Read our review of the full Wellness Complete Health Paté (Wet) range hereThings we like
- High in protein
- Essential fatty acids
- Added vitamins
Main Ingredients Whitefish, chicken, fish broth, tuna, chicken meal Texture Wet Type Pate Protein Percentage 50% AAFCO Standards Growth Best For Kittens Sample buyer review...
"I think this is a quality pet food with a lot of good ingredients and low on carbohydrates and additives. I’ve been buying the chicken pate for my two kittens, but decided to try the fish flavor. I think it took a little getting used to but now all is well."
-
Natural Balance Original Ultra for Kittens - Chicken (Wet)
Natural Balance Original Ultra for Kittens Grain-Free Chicken Formula receives the Cat Food Advisor’s second highest rating: 4.5 stars.
It is one of eight recipes in a wet cat food range made by Natural Balance Pet Foods which since 2015 is owned by J. M Smucker Company.
This particular recipe derives the bulk of its protein from chicken, which is naturally rich in the 11 essential amino acids a cat needs to sustain life. Dry matter analysis reveals a protein level of 45.5%, fat content of 39.5% and a carbohydrate level of 7% . . .with a a fat to protein ratio of 87%.
It also contains flaxseed, blueberries and cranberries provide grain-free sources of fiber to support healthy digestion.
Read our review of the full Natural Balance Delectable Delights (Wet) range hereThings we like
- Chicken number one ingredient
- Natural sources of fiber
- Affordable
Main Ingredients Chicken, chicken broth, chicken liver, canola oil (preserved with mixed tocopherols), dried egg product Texture Wet Type Grain-free Protein Percentage 45.5 AAFCO Standards Growth Best For Kittens and pregnant cats Sample buyer review...
"I am fostering a pregnant female cat. She loves this food."
-
Tiki Cat Baby (Wet)
Tiki Cat Baby Whole Foods with Chicken & Egg Recipe received the Cat Food Advisor’s highest rating: 5 stars.
It is one of nine recipes in this product range made by Tiki Cat, a brand founded in 2005 by husband and wife, Christine and Robert Hackett. Christine had previously worked in research and development for PetCos.
This recipe derives the bulk of its protein from chicken. Dry matter label analysis reveals a wet recipe containing 62.5% protein, 25% fat and 4.5% carbohydrates . . . with a fat-to-protein ratio of 40%.
Packed with high-quality protein and essential nutrients, this formula supports healthy growth and development of a kitten during the crucial early stages of life. With its grain-free formula and smooth texture, it provides easy digestion and is ideal for young cats transitioning to solid foods.
Read our review of the full Tiki Cat Baby (Wet) range hereThings we like
- High in protein
- Contains animal protein
- Low in carbohydrate
Main Ingredients Chicken, chicken broth, sunflower seed oil, chicken liver, egg Texture Wet Type Pate Protein Percentage 62.5% AAFCO Standards Growth Best For Kittens Sample buyer review...
"This product was recommended to me by a veterinarian for cats that are picky eaters such as mine. This cat food is amazing. It is literally like real food. It has very good ingredients. There's no fillers, gluten or any of the bad stuff for your pet. "
-
Taste of the Wild (Wet)
Taste of the Wild Canyon River Feline Recipe received the Cat Food Advisor’s second highest rating: 4 stars.
It is one of two recipes in this product range made by Taste of the Wild, part of the Diamond Pet Foods family.
This recipe derives the bulk of its protein from trout.Dry matter label analysis reveals it contains 44.4% protein, 16.7% fat and 30.9% carbohydrates . . . with a fat-to-protein ratio of 38%.
A grain-free formula, enriched with wholesome fruits and vegetables, this food delivers essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to support the overall health and immunity of a kitten. With its rich, savory texture and natural ingredients, this wet food is designed to satisfy your kitten’s instinctual cravings while ensuring they receive balanced nutrition for a healthy, active lifestyle.
Read our review of the full Taste of the Wild (Wet) range hereThings we like
- High in protein
- Contains good quality animal meat and fish
- Rich in fat and moisture
Main Ingredients Trout, fish broth, vegetable broth, ocean fish, salmon Texture Wet Type Gravy Protein Percentage 44.4% AAFCO Standards Growth and Maintenance Best For Kittens and Adult Cats Sample buyer review...
"My cat has been eating Taste of the Wild since I got him as a tiny kitten 5 years ago. He loves the salmon & trout flavor. It smells good as well. His fur is lovely & shiny as well."
-
RAWZ Kitten Pate (Wet)
RAWZ Kitten Beef & Beef Liver Cat Food receives the Cat Food Advisor’s second highest rating: 4 stars.
It is one of four recipes in this product range made by RAWZ which was founded in 1961, when Jim Scott purchased the Old Mother Hubbard line of dog food products. The Scott family later sold the brand to WellPet in 2008.
This particular recipe derives the bulk of its protein from beef. Dry matter label analysis reveals a wet recipe containing 44.4% protein, 11.1% fat and 36.4% carbohydrates . . . with a fat-to-protein ratio of 25%.
RAWZ Kitten Beef & Beef Liver Cat Food is a premium wet food option made with high-quality beef and nutrient-rich beef liver, offering kittens a natural source of protein and essential vitamins. With a limited-ingredient recipe free from fillers, grains, and artificial additives, this food is designed to support healthy growth, digestion, and overall well-being, while delivering a flavor that appeals to a kitten’s natural taste preferences.
Read our review of the full RAWZ Kitten Pate (Wet) range hereThings we like
- High protein
- Contains animal meat and fish
- High in fat and moisture
Main Ingredients Beef, beef broth, water sufficient for processing, pumpkin, beef liver Texture Wet Type Pate Protein Percentage 44.4% AAFCO Standards Growth Best For Kittens Sample buyer review...
"Nice legit healthy formula and evidently quite good. It looks good. Super juicy and great consistency. This has been a very popular brand in our household overall and this is one of the faves."
-
Soulistic Kitten (Wet)
Soulistic Tuna & Salmon Formula Pâté received the Cat Food Advisor’s highest rating: 5 stars.
It is one of four recipes in this product range made by Soulistic part of Weruva, a family-owned pet food company based in the United States.
This recipe derives the bulk of its protein from tuna and salmon.Dry matter label analysis reveals it contains 76.9% protein, 11.5% fat and 3.5% carbohydrates . . . with a fat-to-protein ratio of 15%.
Soulistic Tuna & Salmon Formula Pâté is a nutritious wet food that provides a rich source of protein and omega fatty acids, promoting healthy skin, a shiny coat, and strong muscles. The smooth texture is perfect for kittens, ensuring they receive the essential nutrients they need for optimal health and vitality, all while being free from grains and artificial additives.
Read our review of the full Soulistic Kitten (Wet) range hereThings we like
- High in protein
- Contains fish
- Added vitamins
Main Ingredients Fish broth, tuna, salmon, sunflower oil, natural flavor Texture Wet Type Hydrating Puree Protein Percentage 76.9% AAFCO Standards Growth Best For Kittens Sample buyer review...
"They like this a lot. And have for at least a few weeks now. At some point I will stock up and they will immediately stop liking it, but until that day comes, I am relieved to have found something they‘ll eat."
Buy at 
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
Cat Food Advisor is reader supported. If you buy using links on this page, we may earn a referral fee.
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.
