The 12 Best Kitten Foods of 2020

Kitten vs. Adult Cat Food

Feeding an adult cat food to a kitten is not a good idea, as it wont give the kitten all the nutrients it needs to thrive. Kittens need an energy rich diet to ensure they can grow and develop normally. A kitten diet is higher in protein and fat, providing lots of energy for playing and adventures.  

Their diet also needs the right balance of essential vitamins and minerals to support their developing organs, and their immune and digestive systems. It is extra important for kittens to have the right balance of minerals like calcium and phosphorus, so they can form strong bones and teeth. 

From Birth to Weaning

Newborn kittens get everything they need from their mum’s milk. It is full of fat, energy, protein, immune boosting antibodies and all the vitamins and minerals that the kittens need. If the kittens are orphaned, then they need to be fed a feline milk replacement every 2-4 hours.  

Around 3-4 weeks of age, the curious kittens will start to eat a little bit of kitten food as well as mum’s milk. Weaning is normally completed around 8-9 weeks of age, when kittens no longer require milk and most kittens will be ready for their new home. 

Did you know that during a kitten’s first four months it requires nearly two times more energy than a mature adult cat?

Do Cats Have Special Dietary Needs?

Yes, cats do have special dietary needs. Actually, they have different requirements compared to humans or dogs. 

• Cats are obligate carnivores, which means they NEED to eat meat to thrive and survive. 
• Cats have evolved to rely on a meat based (high protein) diet to meet their energy needs.  

Which Nutrients Does Your Kitten Really Need?

According to the European Pet Food Industry there are five key components that any cat food should contain: Protein, Carbohydrates, Fats, Vitamins and Minerals.      

Let’s take a look at each one in more detail, and find out why each one is important to your kitten:

• Protein

Kittens need a high percentage of protein in their diet for energy and growth. 

Proteins are made up of small building blocks called amino acids.  For cats there are 11 essential amino acids which they need to get from their diet. 

For example, the amino acid Taurine is only found in meat and fish, and if a kitten’s diet is deficient in taurine it can quickly cause serious eye and heart problems.

• Fat

Fat improves the taste of cat food, and acts as an important energy source too. 

It also provides fat soluble vitamins such as vitamins A, D and E. 

Fats are made up of fatty acids. Essential fatty acids (EFAs) are needed for normal development, healthy skin and immune system. Omega-3 fatty acids are necessary for normal brain and eye development in kittens, while Omega-6 fatty acids are especially important for healthy skin and a shiny coat. 

• Carbohydrates

Carnivores (meat eaters) like cats, naturally have a relatively low requirement for carbohydrates. Cats can use some types of carbohydrate as an energy source, and some dietary fiber can help improve digestion. It isn’t an essential nutrient for cats, but is often included in dry foods to bind and produce kibble. Normally a kitten’s diet should not include a high percentage of carbohydrates, as they just can’t digest it very well.

• Vitamins

Your kitten needs a variety of vitamins from it’s diet to stay healthy. Vitamins are essential compounds that are necessary for the body to function properly. For example, vitamin D is needed for healthy bones, and vitamin A is required for healthy vision. If the levels of essential vitamins are too low or too high, then the cat is at risk of health problems. 

• Minerals

Some minerals are an essential part of your kitten’s diet. Calcium and phosphorus are examples of important minerals that are needed to form healthy bones and teeth. Other minerals such as magnesium, potassium, and sodium, are required for nerve cells and muscles to function properly. If a cat gets too much or too little of some minerals, it can cause an imbalance and create some serious health problems. 

How to Choose a Kitten Diet?

We understand that there are a lot of different types of kitten foods on offer, the choice can be overwhelming. You need to consider things like the nutritional content, price range, flavors and if you want dry or canned food for your kitten. 

You should select the best kitten food for your own budget, lifestyle, and kitten’s individual needs. Some kittens are more “picky eaters” than others, and may require different flavors and textures of food, which might mean you need to try out a few different types of food. 

Some important things to consider when choosing your diet:   

• Does it meet AAFCO standards for complete and balanced nutrition?

The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) is a voluntary organisation in the United States dedicated to making sure feed companies don’t mislead clients. 

They have strict guidelines established for nutritional content for each life stage of an animal’s life, as well as guidelines on product labelling and ingredients. 

If the AAFCO statement says the kitten food is “complete and balanced” then you know that it is good quality. “Complete” means the product contains all the nutrients that kittens require, while “Balanced” means the nutrients are present in the correct ratios. 

• Choose a high protein, low carbohydrate diet

Check the ingredient list. Cats are obligate carnivores which means they need meat in their diet to survive. Choose a cat food which reflects their natural diet of being high in protein and low in carbohydrates. Ideally choose a diet with real meat products to ensure good quality protein sources, and these should be high up on the ingredient list.          

• Ask your veterinarian

Your veterinarian will play an important part in your kitten’s life, from routine check ups and vaccinations, to the person you call when you need advice or your cat is sick. Ask your veterinarian which cat food brands they prefer and why. If your cat is having any skin or digestive problems, then your veterinarian will be able to advise you if a change in diet might help. 

What is the Healthiest Kitten Food to Buy?

A healthy kitten food is one which uses wholesome, natural ingredients packed with a high level of real meat protein for your kitty’s energy and growth. It should be filled with vitamins and minerals, as well as essential amino acids and omega fatty acids, all of which are important for your kitten’s health and wellbeing. 

It shouldn’t contain artificial flavors, additives or preservatives, and shouldn’t be filled with plant based protein sources like soy.

All our favourite picks are pretty healthy, but Blue Wilderness range was our choice for being the healthiest. Available in dry and wet forms:  Blue Buffalo Wilderness Kitten Chicken Grain-Free Canned Kitten Food and Blue Buffalo Wilderness Kitten Dry food. 

What Kitten Food do Vets Recommend?

Every veterinarian will have their own answer to this question. Some vets want a science based approach to a diet, some might like a local cat food brand, while others prefer more natural ingredients.

However, every veterinarian will want you to have a complete and balanced diet for your kitty, one that provides all the nutrients that your kitten requires. 

In the United States, Hill’s Science Diet pet food is veterinarians number one choice to feed their own pets. 

Which Human Foods are Not Safe for Kittens?  

Although it can be nice to share a little bit of your roast chicken with your cat as a treat, there are lots of human foods which could make your kitten very ill. 

Some common human foods which you should not give to your cat include:

• Chocolate
• Tea, coffee and energy drinks
• Dairy products
• Raw raw meat and raw fish
• Grapes and raisins
• Onions and garlic
• Xylitol (sugar free sweetener)
• Raw dough
• Alcohol

Curious and adventurous kittens might even try to steal some food, or break into the trash, so be prepared to keep human food out of their reach. 

Final thoughts

Providing your new kitten with a high quality kitten food is one of the best things you can do to give them the best start in life. It is also an investment in your kitten’s future, as good nutrition can help give them a long and healthy life. Always remember to check the list of ingredients on any kitten food. Choose the best diet that you can afford which is full of wholesome, natural ingredients and high in real meat protein. 

Good luck on this new adventure with your kitty!