Kittens, like tiny dynamos, require food that’s both energy-packed and easily digestible. The best wet food for kittens is calorie-dense, protein-rich, and full of omega-3s for optimal brain and eye development. Finding the right food can be challenging with so many options available. However, not every kitten food lives up to its promises.
Our top recommendation for kitten food is Smalls Ground Other Bird Fresh Cat Food. This fresh food option is a great source of protein and moisture without the added carbohydrates, colors, and additives.
Read on to discover more about your kitten’s nutritional requirements and how we made our selections for the best kitten foods currently available.
Top Kitten Food Picks for 2024
Here is a quick look at the best foods for your kitten:
- Overall Best: Smalls Ground Other Bird Fresh Cat Food
- Best Dry: Open Farm Kitten Grain-Free Dry Cat Food
- Best Pate: Wellness CORE Kitten Turkey & Chicken Liver Pâté
- Best Moist: Tiki Cat Baby Chicken, Salmon, & Chicken Liver Recipe Wet Cat Food
- Best for Picky Eaters: Open Farm Pasture-Raised Lamb Dry Cat Food
- Best Budget: Fancy Feast Kitten Tender Turkey Feast Canned Cat Food
- Best Budget Dry: Nulo Freestyle Turkey & Duck Recipe Cat & Kitten Grain-Free Dry Cat Food
- Best Human-Grade Wet: The Honest Kitchen Grain-Free Chicken Câté Wet Cat Food
- Best for Sensitive Stomach: Wellness Complete Health Kitten Chicken Entree Pâté Canned Cat Food
Why Trust Cats.com?
Kirsten McCarthy / Cats.com
Before selecting products for testing, I performed in-depth research to identify kittens’ core nutritional needs and determine what makes kitten food different from food for adult cats. After reading hundreds of customer reviews and speaking with market insiders, I selected products for hands-on testing.
All products on this list were purchased at full retail price and tested with the help of my two cats, Wessie and Forest. While they provided their opinions on how the food tasted as well as its general appeal, I made observations on things like texture, consistency, appearance, aroma, and packing.
Throughout the research and testing process, I also consulted veterinary experts to get their opinions on what makes a great kitten food.
Our Veterinary Advisors
The Best Healthy Kitten Food Reviewed: Our Top 9 Recommendations
A kitten’s diet should be rich in protein to aid healthy growth and development. Smalls Ground Other Bird Fresh Cat Food, our top pick, features meat-based ingredients like turkey, chicken liver, chicken meat, and chicken meal. This may not be the perfect fit for all kittens, though.
Our recommendations are categorized by food type, price, and age range to help you find the perfect fit for your kitten.
#1 Overall Best: Smalls Ground Other Bird Fresh Cat Food
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- Made In: United States
- Guaranteed Protein: 14.5% Min
- Age Range: All Life Stages
- Calories Per Ounce: 40
- Typical Cost Per Day: $2.75 per day
Smalls is a subscription service that provides protein-packed, fresh food delivered monthly. Their recipes are formulated for cats of all ages. High protein and fat concentrations help with your kitten’s growth and development.
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This Ground Other Bird recipe uses turkey as its primary protein source. The main ingredient is turkey muscle meat, followed by turkey liver, and includes digestible fresh veggies. Cod liver oil serves as the only source of added fat, offering omega-3 fatty acids, including DHA and EPA.
Kirsten McCarthy / Cats.com
Smalls is a little expensive, but it is made with human-grade ingredients and frozen to preserve nutritional value. The food is high in moisture and free of animal by-product meals and artificial additives.
Kirsten McCarthy / Cats.com
Ingredients We Liked: Turkey, Turkey Liver, Cod Liver Oil
Ingredients We Didn’t Like: None
#2 Best Premium Dry: Open Farm Kitten Grain-Free Dry Cat Food
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- Made In: United States
- Guaranteed Protein: 40.5% Min
- Age Range: All Life Stages
- Calories Per Ounce: 120
- Typical Cost Per Day: $0.77 per day
This Open Farm dry food contains ethically sourced ingredients and is designed for kittens who prefer dry food. It contains humanely raised chicken and turkey.
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This recipe begins with four animal-based protein sources: chicken, turkey, ocean whitefish, and herring. Menhaden fish meal and salmon oil give supplemental protein and omega-3 fatty acids, including DHA.
Kirsten McCarthy / Cats.com
Though meeting AAFCO requirements for kitten growth at around 44% crude protein and 21% crude fat (dry matter), this food is higher in carbohydrates than preferred. However, it is supplemented with pumpkin for digestion and cranberries for urinary tract support.
Kirsten McCarthy / Cats.com
Remember to supplement your kitten’s diet with wet food or additional moisture to ensure optimal hydration when feeding dry food.
Ingredients We Liked: Chicken, Turkey, Ocean Whitefish Meal, Herring Meal, Menhaden Fish Meal, Salmon Oil
Ingredients We Didn’t Like: Chickpeas, Green Lentils, Red Lentils
#3 Best Pate: Wellness CORE Kitten Turkey & Chicken Liver Pâté
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- Made In: Canada, United States
- Guaranteed Protein: 12% Min
- Age Range: Kitten
- Calories Per Ounce: 36
- Typical Cost Per Day: $3.6 per day
Chicken meal is just as nutritious as any chicken product, providing protein and calories for your growing kitten.
Kirsten McCarthy / Cats.com
Herring and menhaden fish oil make this a good source of DHA, an omega-3 fatty acid contributing to brain and eye development.
Kirsten McCarthy / Cats.com
This pâté contains small amounts of certain plant ingredients, including ground flaxseed, dried kelp, chicory root extract, and alfalfa meal, all which have benefits for kittens. For example, chicory root extract is a prebiotic.
Kirsten McCarthy / Cats.com
Ingredients We Liked: Turkey, Chicken Liver, Chicken, Chicken Meal, Herring, Menhaden Fish Oil
Ingredients We Didn’t Like: Guar Gum, Cassia Gum, Xanthan Gum
#4 Best Moist: Tiki Cat Baby Chicken, Salmon, & Chicken Liver Recipe Wet Cat Food
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- Made In: Thailand
- Guaranteed Protein: 15% Min
- Age Range: All Life Stages
- Calories Per Ounce: 35
- Typical Cost Per Day: $5.80 per day
This wet kitten food contains animal-sourced protein. Chicken muscle meat, fresh salmon, and chicken liver make up the bulk of the food’s 68% dry matter protein content. It contains over 22% dry matter fat and minimal carbohydrates.
Kirsten McCarthy / Cats.com
This recipe supports growing kittens and comes in an easy-to-chew texture of smooth mousse topped with fine shreds.
Kirsten McCarthy / Cats.com
Priced around $1.00 per ounce, this kitten food might be a splurge for some. However, the small cans are well-suited to feeding kittens, and can be used as a meal topper for more affordable kitten food.
Kirsten McCarthy / Cats.com
Ingredients We Liked: Chicken, Salmon, Chicken Liver, Dried Egg, Salmon Oil
Ingredients We Didn’t Like: None
#5 Best for Picky Eaters: Open Farm Pasture-Raised Lamb Dry Cat Food
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- Made In: United States
- Guaranteed Protein: 37% min
- Age Range: Adult
- Calories Per Pound: 1789
- Typical Cost Per Day: $0.73 per day
The primary source of protein in this recipe is lamb. It also contains ocean whitefish and herring, so keep that in mind if your cat has food allergies or sensitivities to fish. Herring oil gives plenty of skin- and coat-supporting omega-3s.
This kitten food contains over 41% protein and 20% fat on a dry matter basis, and primarily relies on animal protein and omega-3 fatty acids.
This kitten food is made with 100% traceable ingredients and meets AAFCO guidelines for all life stages.
Ingredients We Liked: Humanely Raised Lamb, Ocean Whitefish Meal, Herring Meal, Fish Oil
Ingredients We Didn’t Like: Garbanzo Beans (Chickpeas), Red Lentils, Green Lentils
#6 Best Budget: Fancy Feast Kitten Tender Turkey Feast Canned Cat Food
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- Made In: United States
- Guaranteed Protein: 11% Min
- Age Range: Kittens
- Calories Per Ounce: 32
- Typical Cost Per Day: $1.86 per day
This formula emphasizes animal ingredients, keeps carbohydrates to a minimum, and is both affordable and palatable. However, it contains natural and artificial flavors, artificial colors, and meat by-products.
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By-products are what’s left over after the initial processing of a particular product. These by-products are processed to kill bacteria before being included in pet food.
Kirsten McCarthy / Cats.com
The presence of by-products in your kitten’s food does not necessarily make it less healthy.
Kirsten McCarthy / Cats.com
This food includes cow’s milk, which most cats are lactose intolerant to and may cause diarrhea. However, customer reviews suggest this reaction is rare.
Ingredients We Liked: Turkey, Liver, Meat By-Products, Fish, Egg Product
Ingredients We Didn’t Like: Milk, Artificial Flavors, Guar Gum, Added Color
#7 Best Budget Dry: Nulo Freestyle Cat & Kitten Grain-Free Dry Cat Food
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- Made In: United States
- Guaranteed Protein: 40% Min
- Age Range: All Life Stages
- Calories Per Ounce: 106
- Typical Cost Per Day: $0.56 per day
This budget-friendly dry cat food contains turkey, fish, and duck. It contains over 44% dry matter protein and relies primarily on animal-sourced fat (20% dry matter).
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Many kittens find this Nulo Freestyle recipe appealing. The small, disc-shaped kibbles are easy to chew. This recipe is formulated for all life stages.
Kirsten McCarthy / Cats.com
This recipe does not provide the hydrating moisture your kitten needs, and it’s higher in carbs than we’d like. Pair it with a wet food topper or add warmed bone broth before feeding.
Kirsten McCarthy / Cats.com
Ingredients We Liked: Deboned Turkey, Turkey Meal, Menhaden Fish Meal, Deboned Cod, Chicken Fat, Deboned Duck
Ingredients We Didn’t Like: Yellow Peas, Red Lentils, Chickpeas
#8 Best Human-Grade Wet: The Honest Kitchen Grain-Free Chicken Câté Wet Cat Food
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- Made In: United States
- Guaranteed Protein: 10% Min
- Age Range: All Life Stages
- Calories Per Ounce: 31
- Typical Cost Per Day: $3.92 per day
The Honest Kitchen prepares, cooks, and transports its products according to human food manufacturing standards.
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Formulated for both adult cats and kittens, this food is rich in protein and features chicken as its primary ingredient. It also contains salmon oil, a good source of animal-based omega-3 fatty acids.
Kirsten McCarthy / Cats.com
The food comes in resealable, recyclable 5.5-ounce cardboard cartons and is more expensive at over $0.59 per ounce.
Kirsten McCarthy / Cats.com
Ingredients We Liked: Chicken, Chicken Liver, Salmon Oil
Ingredients We Didn’t Like: None
#9 Best For Sensitive Stomach: Wellness Complete Health Kitten Chicken Entree Pâté Canned Cat Food
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- Made In: Canada
- Guaranteed Protein: 11% Min
- Age Range: Kittens
- Calories Per Ounce: 35
- Typical Cost Per Day: $2.75 per day
This grain-free smooth loaf from Wellness’ Complete Health line features protein-rich chicken and chicken liver.
Kirsten McCarthy / Cats.com
This food contains carrots, driving the total carbohydrate content to around 14% on a dry matter basis. The recipe includes menhaden fish oil as a source of the fatty acid DHA.
Kirsten McCarthy / Cats.com
Overall, it’s a protein- and energy-dense choice that is easy to chew and digest.
Kirsten McCarthy / Cats.com
Ingredients We Liked: Chicken, Chicken Liver, Menhaden Fish Oil
Ingredients We Didn’t Like: Guar Gum, Cassia Gum, Xanthan Gum
Best Kitten Food: Comparison Table
| Product Name | Smalls Ground Other Bird Fresh Cat Food | Open Farm Kitten Grain-Free Dry Cat Food | Wellness CORE Kitten Turkey & Chicken Liver Pâté | Tiki Cat Baby Chicken, Salmon, & Chicken Liver Recipe Wet Cat Food | Fancy Feast Kitten Tender Turkey Feast Canned Cat Food | Wellness Complete Health Kitten Chicken Entree Pâté Canned Cat Food | Open Farm Kitten Grain-Free Rawmix Recipe | The Honest Kitchen Grain-Free Chicken Câté Wet Cat Food | Nulo Freestyle Turkey & Duck Recipe Cat & Kitten Grain-Free Dry Cat Food |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Primary Protein | Turkey | Chicken | Turkey | Chicken | Turkey | Chicken | Chicken | Chicken | Turkey |
| Guaranteed Protein | 14.50% | 40.50% | 12% | 15% | 11% | 11% | 40% | 10% | 40% |
| Ash | 2.29 | 10.79 | 2.51 | 2 | 3.5 | 2.51 | 11.25 | N/A | 9 |
| Calcium | 0.49 | 2.3 | 1.28 | 0.33 | 0.3 | 1.28 | 2.73 | 0.36 | 2.08 |
| Phosphorus | 0.37 | 1.6 | 1.06 | 0.29 | 0.45 | 1.06 | 1.84 | 0.3 | 1.34 |
| Calories Per Ounce | 40 | 120 | 36 | 35 | 32 | 35 | 110 | 31 | 106 |
| Cost Per Day | $2.75 per day | $0.77 per day | $3.6 per day | $5.80 per day | $1.86 per day | $2.75 per day | $0.69 per day | $3.92 per day | $0.56 per day |
*Cost per day is calculated using the food’s average cost per ounce and the daily caloric requirement for a healthy adult cat (about 200 calories).
What To Look for When Shopping for Kitten Food
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According to Emma Passman, a commercial pet nutritionist, kitten food should be “rich in animal-based proteins and fats.” She recommends looking for formulas containing taurine, DHA, calcium, and phosphorus.
Here are additional qualities to consider:
Concentrated Source of Protein
Compared to adult cats, kittens are more sensitive to protein quality and quantity. Adult cats need 6.5 grams of protein per 100 calories, while kittens need 7.5 grams or more.
Rich in Calories
Kittens need more calories per pound than adult cats to support their rapid growth. A calorie-dense diet for kittens should balance protein and fat.
Species-Appropriate Formulation
As obligate carnivores, kittens need amino acids from animal tissue. Animal-sourced protein provides all essential amino acids, while plant-based proteins provide only some.
A diet for kittens should be primarily animal-based with minimal carbohydrates. Moisture supports digestion and hydration. Wet foods prevent urinary tract issues and promote overall health.
Free From Potentially Harmful Ingredients
Avoid artificial flavors, coloring agents, and synthetic preservatives.
Easy To Chew
Young kittens with baby teeth eat soft, wet food.
A cat’s diet also maintains dental health. Poor dietary choices can lead to plaque buildup, gum disease, and tooth decay. Fiber-rich foods help clean teeth while chewing.
Frequently Asked Questions
When Should You Start Feeding Kitten Food?
At around four weeks of age, kittens start transitioning off their mother’s milk and onto solid food. By seven weeks old, they should be fully weaned and eating solid food.
How Often Should You Feed Your Kitten?
Serve kittens three or four small meals each day.
Is It Okay to Feed Your Kitten A Variety of Foods or Should They Stick to One Food Only?
Introduce varied textures and flavors during kittenhood to ensure that your cat doesn’t become finicky.
When Should You Stop Feeding Kitten Food?
Dr. Sarah Reidenbach, DVM, typically recommends switching to an adult diet at one year old. Your veterinarian can advise you on when to transition from kitten food to adult food.
Can Adult Cats Eat Kitten Food?
Adult cats can eat kitten food, but it’s not necessarily a good choice long-term. It may have excessive calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, and other micronutrients. It may be a good choice if you need to help your adult cat gain weight. If your cat isn’t underweight, however, eating kitten food could lead to obesity.
