Bringing a tiny kitten into your home is an exciting moment. However, as soon as you step inside your house, you are faced with an important decision: what food to give your tiny furball. The type of food you provide for your kitten plays a crucial role in their development, activity level, and overall temperament.We’ve come a long way when it comes to the pet food available on our shelves and online, and there is a vast array of healthy and nutritious options for the conscious owner. However, with so many kitten foods on the market, knowing which one suit best to your pet can be a tough decision.To help you make a more informed choice, we atBored Pandaasked our vet expert,Dr. Linda Simon, to share her insights on the best dry and wet foods available. Read on to learn more about choosing the optimal kitten food for your bundle of joy.The information provided herein is for informational purposes only. Please refer to ourdisclaimerfor more details.
Our Community Picks
Runner-Up:Blue Buffalo Tastefuls Natural Kitten Pate $7.29
Also Great:Applaws Variety Selection in Broth $24.49
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Things to Know Before Choosing Kitten Food
Best Wet Kitten Food
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Applaws canned selection is widely known for its delicious taste. It is often the preferred choice when a cat isn’t eating enough, like kittens recovering from surgery or with a poor appetite.The best part is that it can be effortlessly mixed with a cat’s regular diet, encouraging them to eat when they might otherwise refuse. Additionally, kittens find Applaws food easy to consume, and tuna variety provides a natural source of omega-3 fatty acids.What we like:• Perfect as a topper or a treat• It can help to get a fussy cat eating• The broth boosts hydration levelsWhat we don’t like:• Not a complete food
Best Dry Kitten FoodMany owners prefer a dry food option, especially if their cats are messy eaters or have long fur. However, dry foods may not be the best option for kitties who aren’t big drinkers and who can be prone to dehydration.
Best Dry Kitten Food
Many owners prefer a dry food option, especially if their cats are messy eaters or have long fur. However, dry foods may not be the best option for kitties who aren’t big drinkers and who can be prone to dehydration.
If you’re looking for quality cat food suitable for all life stages, we recommend Orijen. While pricier than other brands, the peace of mind that comes with knowing your feline companion is getting a nutritious diet is well worth it.Orijen’s kibble contains 90% animal-based ingredients, including wild-caught fish and free-run poultry with delicious freeze-dried liver pieces. However, what truly sets Orijen apart is the added fiber, prebiotics, and probiotics that promote digestive health and support a robust immune system.What we like:• 90% animal-derived ingredients• Responsibly sourced ingredients• Freeze-dried liver pieces for extra flavour• 40% protein for optimal muscle development• Enriched with both pre and probioticsWhat we don’t like:• A more expensive option
For good reason, Blue Wilderness has earned an outstanding reputation among the cat owner community. They offer a wide range of kitten recipes and are known for producing tasty, grain-free options.Blue Wilderness High Protein Dry Kibble is an impressive choice for dry kitten food, boasting 40% protein content. It features both chicken and fish meals, making it a cost-effective option. This kibble is ideal for most cats, and its high protein content makes it a perfect fit for more muscular cat breeds like the Bengal.What we like:• High protein content• Grain-free• Cold-formed for better bio-availabilityWhat we don’t like:• It contains meat and fish meal
Best Kitten Food for Picky EatersIt’s natural to be concerned if your kitten is eating less or not interested in food. However, keep in mind that it is common for their appetite to vary. Your kitten may require less food on days when they are less active or when your kitten reaches five or six months of age, and their growth rate slows down significantly.
Best Kitten Food for Picky Eaters
It’s natural to be concerned if your kitten is eating less or not interested in food. However, keep in mind that it is common for their appetite to vary. Your kitten may require less food on days when they are less active or when your kitten reaches five or six months of age, and their growth rate slows down significantly.
Best Kitten Food for Sensitive Stomach
Hill’s Prescription Diet is a specialized pet food that caters to the medical needs of cats. Their I/D range has undergone rigorous clinical testing and is suitable for kittens and cats of all ages. Depending on your cat’s preferences, you can choose from dry or wet food options.If your kitten suffers from a sensitive stomach, we recommend you try the wet food option—the moisture in wet food aids in replenishing the fluids lost during vomiting or diarrhea. Additionally, kittens with a lower appetite are more likely to prefer wet food over dry food.What we like:• Vet-developed and recommended• Proven solution for upset stomachs• Extremely palatableWhat we don’t like:• It costs more than regular cat food
Hill’s Prescription Diet is a specialized pet food that caters to the medical needs of cats. Their i/d range has undergone rigorous clinical testing and is suitable for kittens and cats of all ages. Depending on your cat’s preferences, you can choose from dry or wet food options.If your kitten suffers from a sensitive stomach, we recommend you try the wet food option—the moisture in wet food aids in replenishing the fluids lost during vomiting or diarrhea. Additionally, kittens with a lower appetite are more likely to prefer wet food over dry food.What we like:• Vet-developed and recommended• Proven solution for upset stomachs• Extremely palatableWhat we don’t like:• It costs more than regular cat food
Before we dive in, it’s important to note that there is no one “best” food for animals, as their ideal diet should be tailored to their unique needs. However, one thing that applies to all felines is they are obligate carnivores and should be fed ameat-based dietas soon as we wean them from their mother (3-4 weeks of age).
Type of food:You have to decide whether to provide your kitten with wet or dry food or if you’d rather give it mixed feed.
Underlying health conditions.Most little kittens are typically healthy and won’t face any medical issues. However, some may experience problems such as ongoing diarrhea, which should be considered when determining their nutritional requirements.
Cat’s breed.A kitten’s breed can affect its protein needs. Larger and more active breeds, such as the Maine Coon, Savannah, and Siberian, typically require higher protein levels.
Protein.We want to ensure the product contains balanced fatty acids and essential vitamins and minerals from a fresh protein source, such as chicken or fish. DHA (omega-3 fatty acid found in cold water and fatty fish such as salmon) is critical for brain and eye development during the first months.
Carbohydrates.Carbs are a good energy source, but excessive consumption can result in health problems such as obesity and diabetes.
FAQ
How Long to Feed Your Cat Kitten Food?
Feeding your kitten with a specific diet that caters to their nutritional needs until they’re almost a year old and a few months longer for larger breeds is essential. You can offer dry and wet kitten foods, but never give them adult cat food as it won’t be nutritionally appropriate.
How Much Should a Kitten Eat?
Each food has a different nutritional profile and amount of calories, so owners need to follow thefeeding guidelineson the packet, which depend on the kitten’s weight and age andchange as they grow.
How to Transition from Kitten Food to Adult Cat Food
Can Kittens Eat the Same Food as Adult Cats?
Under no circumstances should we offer adult cat food to our kitten. It could lead to improper development and nutritional deficiencies. As responsible owners, we must ensure that our kitten gets the proper diet for their life stage.
Can I Prepare Kitten Food at Home?
Preparing a homemade diet for your kitten may seem like a good idea, but it’s pretty challenging to get it right. Unless you’re working with a nutritionist, creating a balanced diet that meets your kitten’s nutritional needs is difficult. Most recipes found online are incomplete and may not provide the necessary nutrients.
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