If you’re the proud pet parent of a kitten, one of the most important decisions to make is what to feed your furry friend. Proper nutrition is very important to help kittens grow into healthy cats, and there are lots of great foods available which are specially formulated to support your kitten’s health. But with so many products to choose from, it can be difficult to know which is right for your kitten.
We reviewed dozens of kitten foods to identify the best of the best, based on factors including quality, affordability, and feedback from Amazon users. We then narrowed our search down to 5 of the best kitten foods available today.
We’ve identified Hill’s Science Diet Dry Kitten Food as the best kitten food available today. The specially formulated dry food is free from artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives. It also contains high-quality, nutritious ingredients to support your kitten’s overall health.
In This Article
The 5 Top-Rated Kitten Foods
| Editor's Picks | Brand | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Best Overall | Hill's Science Diet Dry Kitten Food | 4.8 |
| Runner Up | Hill's Science Diet Wet Kitten Food | 4.4 |
| Best Budget Buy | Purina Fancy Feast Kitten Canned Wet Cat Food | 4.7 |
| Best Dry Kitten Food | Blue Buffalo Healthy Growth Natural Kitten Dry Cat Food | 4.8 |
| Best Canned Kitten Food | Purina Pro Plan Focus Kitten Canned Wet Cat Food | 4.7 |
*Ratings are from Amazon at the time of publication and can change
Our Top Pick: Hill’s Science Diet Dry Kitten Food
Hill’s Science Diet Dry Kitten Food is a great choice for pet parents looking for a premium dry kitten food. The tasty chicken flavored food contains functional ingredients including fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants. The veterinarian recommended formula is also specially designed to provide optimum nutrition for indoor cats.
This popular kitten food from Hill’s Science Diet contains no artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives. It is also is backed by a 100% satisfaction guarantee. Many reviewers say the food is easily digestible and offers significant health benefits for kittens.
Hills Science Diet Dry Kitten Food Key Features:
- High-quality, veterinarian recommended formula
- Contains functional ingredients to support overall health
- Specially designed for indoor cats
- Contains no artificial colors, flavors or preservatives
- 2 sizes available
Our Runner Up Pick: Hill’s Science Diet Wet Kitten Food
Hills Science Diet Wet Kitten Food is our runner up pick in the kitten food category. This high-quality wet food is available in a range of delicious flavors, and contains key nutrients and proteins to boost immunity and aid your cat’s development.
The pate style food has a smooth, soft texture that’s easy for kittens to eat and digest. The nutrient-rich formula also ensures healthy growth and supports eye and brain health. Hill’s Science Diet Wet Kitten Food is also ideal for pregnant or nursing cats.
Hills Science Diet Wet Kitten Food Key Features:
- Soft and smooth texture designed for kittens
- Balanced nutrition to support your kitten’s health
- Boosts immunity and aids your cat’s development
- Available in a range of tasty flavors
Best Budget Pick: Purina Fancy Feast Classic Pate Feast Wet Kitten Food
Looking for a healthy kitten food that won’t break the bank? Purina Fancy Feast Kitten Canned Wet Cat Food is a delectable soft food made with real milk and wholesome natural proteins.
The 100% nutritionally complete and balanced formula is designed to keep your kitten healthy, and the variety of tasty flavors are sure to be a hit with your feline friend. This kitten food comes in a convenient pack of 24 cans at a very affordable price point. Many reviewers are happy with the price and quality of the food.
Purina Fancy Feast Kitten Canned Wet Cat Food Key Features:
- Made with real milk and natural proteins
- 100% complete and balanced nutrition for kittens
- Formulated to meet the needs of growing kittens
- Convenient pack of 24 cans
- Several flavors to choose from
Best Dry Kitten Food: Blue Buffalo Healthy Growth Natural Kitten Dry Cat Food
Blue Buffalo Healthy Growth Natural Kitten Dry Cat Food contains real meat as its primary ingredient. The healthy dry food is also packed full of eggs, whole grains, garden vegetables, and fruit for complete and balanced nutrition.
This kitten food is enhanced with vitamins, minerals, fatty acids, and antioxidants. It is also free from artificial flavors or preservatives, and contains no corn, by-product meals, wheat, or soy. Overall, this dry food is an excellent choice for the healthy development of kittens.
Blue Buffalo Healthy Growth Natural Kitten Dry Cat Food Key Features:
- Contains healthy ingredients for complete and balanced nutrition
- Enhanced with vitamins, minerals, fatty acids, and antioxidants
- Free from artificial flavors or preservatives
- Contains no corn, by-product meals, wheat, or soy
Best Canned Kitten Food: Purina Pro Plan Focus Kitten Canned Wet Cat Food
Purina Pro Plan Focus Kitten Canned Wet Cat Food is specially formulated for kittens throughout their first year of life. The tasty wet food is made with real poultry or fish, and contains added nutrients including DHA to support your kitten’s overall health.
Reviewers say the soft, tender texture of this food is ideal for kittens, and the flavors are popular with even the fussiest of eaters.
Purina Pro Plan Focus Kitten Canned Wet Cat Food Key Features:
- Made with real poultry or fish
- Contains essential nutrients for healthy development
- Specially formulated for kittens
- Available in variety packs
Who Should Buy Kitten Food
Unlike food for adult cats, kitten food is formulated to provide complete and balanced nutrition in the early stages of life. And since proper nutrition is the cornerstone of your kitten’s health, it’s essential to choose a diet that will support their growth and development.
Make sure to do your research and select a high-quality food that will help your kitten grow into a healthy adult cat. We recommend speaking to your veterinarian if you need more advice on selecting an appropriate diet for your kitten.
Important Features to Consider
Kitten food should have a few important features. Here’s what to consider when selecting the right food for your kitten:
- Ingredients and nutrients. A good kitten food should contain high-quality ingredients and adequate nutrients to support your pet’s development. Always read the label on kitten food to make sure you know what you’re buying. Most veterinarians recommend a diet that is high in protein and fat, with added nutrients such as fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals to support your kitten’s overall health. Please be aware that your cat’s dietary needs will change as they grow older. If you’d like to find out more about healthy foods for adult cats, check out our list of the best organic cat food.
- AAFCO endorsement. Look for kitten food that meet the guidelines of The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO). The highest quality kitten food will be labeled with the following statement: “Complete and balanced nutrition for kittens based on AAFCO feeding trials.”
- Dry vs. canned food. While dry food is convenient, canned food is much easier for kittens to chew and digest when they are very young. Ultimately, the most important thing to remember is to feed your kitten foods that are nutritionally balanced and complete.
- Flavor and texture. Cats can be notoriously picky eaters, and it may be necessary to experiment with different foods to find a flavor and texture profile your kitten enjoys. Thankfully, kitten food is available in a wide variety of flavors and textures, so you’re sure to find a brand your pet loves.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I leave dry food out for my kitten?
Yes. Dry kitten food can be left out for very young kittens to ensure they receive adequate nutrition. When kittens reach around 6 months of age they should transition to meal eating to prevent weight gain.
How often should kittens be fed?
As a general guideline, kittens should be fed 2-4 times a day. However, this can vary depending on factors such as the ratio of dry to canned food in their diet. Please ask your veterinarian for more advice on how often to feed your kitten.
When should kittens start eating wet food?
Most kittens can begin to eat solid food at around 4-8 weeks old. Wet food is a good choice as it is easy for kittens to chew and digest.
Can you overfeed a kitten?
Yes. Overfeeding a kitten can be very harmful to their health. Make sure to limit any food you leave out, and visit your veterinarian if you notice symptoms such as bloating or digestive problems.
Other Kitten Foods We Reviewed
We looked at 20 other kitten foods. Even though they didn’t make our 5 best kitten foods, they’re the best of the rest and each is still is great option for your cat. The information you’ll need to compare each one is included with the listing.
Canned Kitten Food
IAMS Perfect Portions Grain Free Wet Cat Food Pate
Premium wet cat food from IAMS with complete and balanced nutrition for healthy development.
Key Features:
- Complete and balanced nutrition
- Added vitamin E and DHA
- Available in a variety of tasty flavors
- 24 twin-pack trays
Cost: $22
Nutro Kitten Wet Cat Food Soft Loaf Chicken
A 24-pack of natural, grain-free canned cat food with no artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives.
Key Features:
- Made with real chicken
- Grain-free formula
- No artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives
- Value 24-pack
Cost: $25
Purina Fancy Feast Kitten Canned Wet Cat Food
This kitten food from Purina is designed to provide 100% complete and balanced nutrition to meet the needs of growing kittens.
Key Features:
- Variety pack of tasty flavors
- Complete and balanced nutrition for kittens
- Made with real milk
- Contains 24 cans of wet kitten food
Cost: $17
Royal Canin Feline Health Nutrition Babycat Instinctive Loaf In Sauce
This ultra-soft mousse in sauce is designed to meet the needs of growing baby kittens and pregnant or nursing cats.
Key Features:
- Contains antioxidants and vitamins for healthy growth
- Easily digestible fluffy mousse texture
- Formulated for baby kittens and pregnant or nursing mothers
- Includes DHA, proteins, and prebiotics
- Multi-pack of 24 cans
Cost: $34
Royal Canin Feline Health Nutrition Kitten Instinctive Loaf in Sauce
A wet kitten food from Royal Canin that’s specially formulated for kittens up to 12 months old.
Key Features:
- Contains optimal ratios of protein, fats, and carbohydrates
- Promotes healthy growth and digestion
- Tender soft loaf texture
- Includes antioxidants to support immune health
- Multi-packs of 24 small or large cans
Cost: $34-$48
Royal Canin Feline Health Nutrition Kitten Thin Slices In Gravy
Canned kitten food formulated with the optimal ratio of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates to meet the needs of growing kittens.
Key Features:
- Formulated for the nutritional needs of kittens up to 12 months old
- Thin slices in gravy are easy to chew and digest
- Contains protein, fiber, and prebiotics
- Multi-packs of 6, 12, or 24 cans available
Cost: $8-$30
Wellness Complete Health Natural Grain Free Cat Food
A delicious grain-free canned kitten food made with quality proteins and added taurine for healthy eye and heart development.
Key Features:
- Made with premium, all-natural ingredients
- No meat by-products, artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives
- Balanced, everyday nutrition for kittens
- Contains quality proteins and added taurine
- Multi-pack of 24 cans
Cost: $30
Dry Kitten Food
Blue Buffalo Blue Wilderness Kitten Chicken Recipe Dry Cat Food
High-protein, grain-free dry kitten food from the popular Blue Buffalo brand.
Key Features:
- Contains real meat as the 1st ingredient
- Added nutrients including fatty acids and choline
- Protein-rich and grain-free
- No artificial preservatives or flavors
Cost: $22
Hill’s Science Diet Kitten Healthy Development Dry Cat Food
A new and improved dry kitten food recipe from Hill’s Science Diet that’s designed for kittens and pregnant or nursing cats.
Key Features:
- Made with high-quality, easily-digestible ingredients
- Added vitamins, minerals, and amino acids
- No artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives
- Formulated for kittens and pregnant or nursing cats
Cost: $35
IAMS Proactive Health Kitten Dry Cat Food
Protein-rich dry kitten food made with real chicken and healthy nutrients including vitamin E, DHA, and taurine. Most reviewers say this kitten food is palatable and made with high-quality ingredients.
Key Features:
- Protein-rich kitten food made with real chicken
- Includes added nutrients for healthy development
- Small kibble size designed for kittens
- 3 sizes available
Cost: $7-$24
Instinct Original Kitten Grain Free Recipe Natural Cat Food by Nature’s Variety
This dry kitten food from Nature’s Variety is made with real animal ingredients, nutritious oils, vegetables, fruits and other wholesome ingredients.
Key Features:
- Made with real meat and whole food ingredients
- Minimally processed
- Grain-free raw coated kibble for kittens
- Contains probiotics and fatty acids
Cost: $22
This premium dry food for kittens up to 12 months old is made with farm-raised chicken and brown rice. It also contains essential nutrients including calcium and fatty acids.
Key Features:
- Contains wholesome, high-quality ingredients
- Added nutrients for healthy development
- Made with non-GMO ingredients
- Suitable for kittens up to 12 months old
- 2 sizes available
Cost: $11-$19
Orijen Dry Cat and Kitten Food
Premium, biologically appropriate cat and kitten food from Orijen that’s made with nutrient-dense whole prey.
Key Features:
- Free of rendered poultry meats
- Made with nutrient-dense, fresh ingredients
- Biologically appropriate formula
- Made in the USA
- 2 sizes available
Cost: $30-$66
Purina Kitten Chow Nurture Kitten Dry Cat Food
A dry kitten food from Purina that’s formulated to provide 100% complete and balanced nutrition for kittens.
Key Features:
- High in protein
- Contains DHA for brain and vision development
- Includes antioxidants for strong immune health
- No artificial colors and flavors
Cost: $22
Purina ONE Healthy Kitten Formula Dry Kitten Food
A crunchy dry kitten food made with high-quality ingredients including real chicken. Reviewers say this food is inexpensive and great for maintaining a cat’s weight.
Key Features:
- Crunchy and palatable kibble for kittens
- Recommended by veterinarians
- Contains healthy nutrients including DHA
- Made with real chicken
- 3 sizes available
Cost: $8-$22
Purina Pro Plan Kitten Dry Cat Food
Chicken and rice formula dry kitten food with 41% protein to help meet a kitten’s unique nutritional needs.
Key Features:
- Chicken and rice formula
- 41% protein content
- Contains DHA to nourish brain and vision development
- Rich in antioxidants to support the immune system
- Several sizes available
Cost: $12-$37
Royal Canin Feline Health Nutrition Kitten Dry Cat Food
This dry kitten food from Royal Canin is formulated to support a kitten’s immune system development with an exclusive blend of antioxidants and vitamins.
Key Features:
- Contains antioxidants and vitamins
- Delivers a mix of proteins, minerals, and vitamins
- Includes highly digestible proteins, fibers, and prebiotics
- Small kibble texture designed for kittens
- Available in 3 sizes
Cost: $20-$46
Royal Canin Feline Health Nutrition Spayed/Neutered Dry Cat Food For Kittens
A dry food for spayed or neutered kittens that’s precisely formulated for kittens up to 12 months old after surgery.
Key Features:
- Formulated to limit post-procedure weight gain
- Added antioxidants and vitamins for immune health
- X-shaped kibble texture is easy to grasp and chew
- 100% satisfaction guaranteed
Cost: $16
Wellness Complete Health Natural Grain Free Dry Cat Food
Delicious dry kitten food made with quality proteins including chicken and added taurine for healthy eye and heart development.
Key Features:
- Grain-free formula
- Complete and balanced nutrition
- Premium, all-natural ingredients
- Made in the USA
- 3 sizes available
Cost: $11-$30
Wellness Core Natural Grain Free Dry Cat Food Kitten Turkey & Chicken
A naturally grain-free dry food for kittens with chicken, turkey, cranberries, and added nutrients.
Key Features:
- Grain-free formula
- Contains no fillers
- Complete and balanced nutrition for kittens
- Made in the USA
- 2 sizes available
Cost: $12-$24
