When it comes to the care for a new kitten, the most important thing is that you start off with the best kitten food. After all, your kitten is your baby and you want to provide them with the best care you can.
Owning a new kitten can be overwhelming for all of the work and responsibility they bring, but having the best kitten food is really the best way to start them off.
Unfortunately, it’s not always easy to find the best kitten food. But worry not! I’m here to help!
Below, I’ve listed some of the best kitten foods I could find so that you can easily decide which will be the best kitten food for your baby.
Ready to upgrade your cat food? Let’s jump right in.
| Name | Category | Product |
|---|---|---|
| Blue Buffalo Healthy Growth Natural Kitten Dry Cat Food | Best Overall |  |
| CRAVE Grain Free High Protein Dry Cat Food | Budget Pick |  |
| Merrick Purrfect Bistro Grain Free Dry Dry Cat Food | Upgrade Pick |  |
1. Blue Buffalo Healthy Growth Natural Kitten Dry Cat Food
Pros:
- Vet-recommended – helps to establish healthy digestive systems
- Contains many natural meat sources from chicken, turkey, and chicken livers for a complete and balanced diet
- High protein content without compromising the quality
- Comes in different flavors for an added variety
Cons:
- Expensive – almost twice the price of other brands
- Taste is not very impressive
- Contains corn and chicken by-product meal
We really like the fact that this product is veterinarian-recommended. It’s a sign that Blue Buffalo really works to improve the quality of their food.
However, as with all pet food, our research team also found some pros and cons with the product. Overall, it’s a really good food for kittens. It’s especially great for cats with sensitive stomachs – making it the perfect choice for your kitten.
We love that it comes in a variety of flavors, which can help reduce food fatigue. It uses many natural meat sources from chicken, turkey, and chicken livers. It’s also high in protein without compromising the quality.
2. Natural Balance Original Ultra Whole Body Health Dry Kitten Food
Reviews for this product are generally positive, and the majority of people said that their kittens ate it up. The main claim from the reviews we read was that the Natural Balance Original Ultra cat food is made with good ingredients that cats like.
Natural Balance Ultra Dry Kitten Food comes in several flavour varieties such as chicken. chicken/turkey, and chicken/salmon.
It’s a balanced diet made for healthy development.
3. Blue Buffalo Healthy Gourmet Natural Kitten Pate Wet Cat Food
Pros:
- Tasty recipe
- Good value for money
- Resealable pouch
- Non-profit dog and cat food manufacturer
Chicken, 5-Ounce Pouches (Pack of 24).
Blue Buffalo is one of the most well-known pet-food companies around. They have a good range of kitty foods with one of the best prices on the market. This recipe is no exception.
The company’s statement is that it’s a high moisture recipe with real chicken as its first ingredient. It’s also grain free and has no meat by-products, fillers or corn, wheat, soy, artificial flavors or colors.
4. Wellness Natural Pet Food Wet
If you’re looking for an exceptional grain-free puppy food, then we recommend Wellness Natural Puppy food. This canned puppy food contains no added sugars or artificial colors.
It’s made of 98% fresh meat, organs, and bone.
This makes it a great choice for your puppy.
5. CRAVE Grain Free High Protein Dry Cat Food
Pros:
- Good food for kittens
- Mostly grain-free – 4 of the 7 main proteins are grain-free
- High protein content – 32% protein
- Large kibble size
- Contains healthy fruits and veggies
- This is a high-quality food from a top brand
- The grain free foods from the Crave line are tasty, flavorsome, and nutritious
Cons:
- Although the protein content is relatively high, there’s only 6% of it present as AAFCO-soft or medium quality protein
- Some customers complained about the high content of carbohydrates
- Grain-free foods are not necessarily suitable for sensitive cats
Crave is a premium brand of kibble, created by Blue Buffalo. They are generally made with high-quality ingredients to ensure the health of your cat. The Crave Grain Free High Protein Dry Cat Food uses a simple ingredient list, and that’s good in this case.
Some pet owners believe that grain-free food may be more beneficial for pets with sensitive stomachs and intestinal issues. Although this is debatable, the consensus is that grain-free foods are bit easier to digest.
6. Blue Buffalo Wilderness High Protein
Pros:
- Good quality food that won’t cost you a fortune (check latest price here)
- Good for cats with scattered claws (check latest price here)
- Contains antioxidants and vitamins
- An excellent choice depending on your veterinarian’s recommendations
- The amino acid arginine helps maintain urinary tract health in kittens
Cons:
- Fish is one of the main ingredients (check latest price here)
- Not a good choice if you’re looking for a grain-free or vegan kitty food
Dry Cat Food for Kittens, 3 Lbs.
When it comes to kitten food, the most important feature is nutrition. You’ll want a food that will help your cat grow into a strong adult. In this post, we’ll take a closer look at the best kitten food in 2020. We’ll evaluate the ingredients, price and overall reputation of the different brands, so you can make a better-informed decision and find the right food for your kitten.
7. Blue Buffalo Wilderness High Protein Grain Free
Blue Buffalo is a well-known brand, and the authenticity of this product is no different.
There are 4 different flavors: Hearty Lamb, Savory Salmon, Tender Tuna and Mighty Chicken.
Each of the packages contains some pate for you to go ahead and mix it in with the rest of the food for your kitten to try-out.
8. Merrick Purrfect Bistro Grain Free Dry Dry Cat Food
Pros:
- High quality
- Provides a balanced diet
- Cats enjoy the taste
- Grain-free formula
- Beef as the first ingredient
- Proprietary blend of herbs and nutrients
- Small and convenient packaging
Cons:
- High in calories
- Not really suitable for kittens
- Too costly for high volume, everyday use
- Full of fillers
3-lbs.
It’s important to understand that the Merrick Purrfect Bistro Grain Free Dry Dry Cat Food is not really suitable for kittens, but is more suitable for adults cats.
This makes it a good choice for old cats that are slightly underweight as it helps maintain their weight and live longer. It also helps in the decrease in hairballs as well as the odor of the litter box.
9. Blue Buffalo Freedom Grain Free Natural Indoor Kitten Dry Cat Food
Pros:
- Grain free for optimal health
- Helps maintain healthy digestive system
- Contains probiotics
- Made from 100% natural ingredients
- Source of EPA and DHA rich healthy Omega 3 Fatty Acids
- No chicken or poultry by-products
- Contains other natural sources of antioxidants
- Small kibble for easy consumption
Cons:
- Constipation issues if not fed along with wet food
- Contains Sugar (no honey)
- Contains corn and soy products
- Expensive
- Many reviews have noted that this formula, which is supposed to be ultra-premium, does not look at all like a premium cat food … it’s unappetizing in smell and appearance, and comes in small, hard, gritty pellets.
The first ingredient in this food is chicken which is always a good thing. But one has to wonder about the quality of the protein and fat content of the chicken, and especially what they’re adding to it to make it taste better.
10. Merrick Backcountry Grain Free Real Meat Wet Cat Food
(24 Pack)
This wet cat food from Merrick is sure to satisfy your feline friend. It’s made only from real meats and contains no meat by-products. It’s completely grain-free, too – so it’s suitable even for cats with allergies to grains.
The fish in this cat food are sustainably caught, while the vegetables and fruits are grown on the farm. You can even see this on the packaging, too – so you know exactly where the food is coming from.
11. Instinct Original Kitten Grain Free Recipe Natural Cat Food
Pros:
- Good source of protein
- Contains Omega 3 & 6 fatty acids to keep the fur shiny and skin in great condition
- Contains whole proteins
- Simple ingredients
- No grain added for sensitive stomachs
- Easy to use; can be offered as a topper for your cat’s regular food or can be served as a full meal
- Surprisingly affordable for a high quality natural cat food
- 75% of the kibble doesn’t contain any grains
Cons:
- May trigger allergies in some cats
- Contains tapioca – which is thought to trigger allergies in some cats
If your kitten has a sensitive stomach, then the Instinct Original Kitten Grain Free Recipe Natural Cat Food is the right product for you. No grains, no artificial flavors, and no preservatives.
It’s made completely from real, recognizable and tasty ingredients. And what’s even better, this product is manufactured in America and it’s guaranteed that contains no contaminants & antibiotics.
12. Blue Buffalo Wilderness Grain-Free Kitten / Cat Food Variety Pack Box
Pros:
- 4 of each flavor included
- 3 different age groups – kitten, adult, and senior
- Contains all natural ingredients with no preservatives or artificial colors
- Contains raw protein and probiotics
- Comes with a natural dental treat
- Comes with a bag of whiskers
- Freeze dried and flaked
- Made in the USA
Cons:
- Not the best for older cats – older than 10 years of age
- May contain a lot of plant-based ingredients
If you have a growing kitten then this cat food is perfect for them. You can serve them any breed of kitten, but it’s particularly ideal for the Siamese and other oriental breeds.
One of the top grain-free staple for kittens is the fact that it contains three flavors of kitten food, with only a 12 ounce can of each flavor. This is perfect for cats who don’t eat their food as soon as you put it down. Instead, you can leave this out for them and they’ll have three different options, which means you only have to go to the refrigerator once.
13. Halo Grain Free Natural Dry Cat Food
Pros:
- Considered one of the best kitten food
- Effortlessly maintains your kitten’s digestive system
- Contains plenty of protein
- It’s a grain and gluten-free formula
- The coat of your kitten will become soft and healthy
- It’s the essential food source for kittens
- Raised without cages and without the use of antibiotics or steroids
- So, there’s no use of harmful chemicals
- The pellets are made exclusively from animal sources
- The packaging can be recycled
Cons:
- Some users have found out that the food is quite bland
- Some users find the formula a bit thick for kittens
- There are also sometimes bits in the food …which is an issue for a lot of cat owners
3.5-Pound Bag
14. Blue Buffalo Freedom Grain Free Natural Kitten Pate Wet Cat Food
According to reviews, this specific food from Blue Buffalo is ideal for kittens raised on solid foods. The meat is deboned, providing your kittens with concentrated nutrients.
Like most kitten foods, Blue Buffalo’s formulation is grain free. This is because grains are often difficult for cats to digest and can cause tummy discomfort.
Overall, this is an ideal food for weaning kittens and kittens of all ages. Once you've gotten used to the different flavors, switching to adult cat food should be easy.
15. Nutro Wholesome Essentials Kitten Dry Cat Food Farm-Raised Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe
Pros:
- Nutro is the most preferred brand pets owners. With their 8% paid yearly towards pet charities
- Contains the required nutrients to keep your pet healthy
- Contains 78% chicken that provides 4 essential amino acids
- Excellent brand for the price
Cons:
- Breast chicken provides only 17% protein
- Is a good product for the price
5 lb.
The Nutro Wholesome Essentials Kitten Dry Cat Food is a complete food for kittens and cats. It contains healthful ingredients of Taurine and added vitamins that support healthy eyes and a strong immune system. Useful in supporting a healthy heart and healthy skin with essential fatty acids and nutrients. This food is also highly palatable and tastes good for the cat and the owner too.
16. Whole Earth Farms Grain Free Dry Cat Food
Pros:
- No fillers, grains, and no gluten
- Contains adequate nutrition for kittens
- Highly palatable and easy to chew
- Easy to digest
- Vet-approved
- Addresses kitten hunger better than other foods
- Has a selection of dry and wet foods
Cons:
- Is more expensive than other brands
- Has relatively low calorie levels
- Solid food may be harder to digest
Having a kitten on dry food is still a good idea. It has adequate nutrition. However, if you want the absolute best kitty food for kittens, we recommend that you check out Whole Earth Farms Grain Free Dry Cat Food.
Although there are so many competing brands of wet and dry cat foods out there, none can compare against Whole Earth Farms Grain Free Dry Cat Food. It’s a revolutionary food that’s full of organic wholesome ingredients that are safe, healthy, and nutritious. The product is specifically designed for kittens, and it can be fed at any time of the day.
We also think that Whole Earth Farms Grain Free Dry Cat Food makes a great kitty treat. It contains the nutritional value that a kitten needs to grow and develop.
17. Nulo Adult & Kitten Grain Free Canned Wet Cat Food
Pros:
- Rated 4 stars by users
- Multiple flavor options
- Contains walnut and oats for optimal nutrient content
- Sweet potato is the single ingredient
- Fresh and minimal processing involved
- Contains high protein and low carbs
- Gluten-free, grain-free, organic, and non-GMO
- Can be fed to both kittens and adult cats
- Contains no chicken
- Contains no fish
Cons:
- Produced in China, and may contain antibiotics and GMOs
- May contain gluten
- Contains chicken meal
18. Natural Balance Original Ultra Whole Body Health Wet Cat Food
(Pack of 6)
At Natural Balance, they believe that nutrition is the foundation for long-term health. This is why they formulate their foods using precise amounts of premium, whole-food ingredients. This is the perfect choice for your pet!
Natural Balance has been around since its inception – the 1970s. This was when their first pet food was introduced.
19. Solid Gold Touch of Heaven Chicken & Sweet Potato Natural
Pros:
- No artificial ingredients
- Good quality and does not smell bad
- Helps to maintain weight
- Price is great for the amount you get
- Contains taurine
- L -Carnitine helps to maintain weight
- Good for sensitive stomach
- Pediatrician recommended
Cons:
- Diarrhea
- Weight gain
- Bad smell
- Digestive issues
- Tummy issues
(78 oz.)
20. Tiki Cat Grill Grain-Free
It is important for you to feed your kitten a balanced diet that is low in carbohydrates and calories. This means sticking to a grain-free diet with only whole protein.
That’s why we recommend Tiki Cat Grill Grain-Free, Low-Carbohydrate Wet Food with Whole Seafood in Broth for Adult Cats & Kittens. This wet food has a white fish, shrimp, and clam in its recipe. Plus, it only has natural ingredients and vitamins for added nutrients.
Most of the wet pellets you’ll find in adult food tend to have too much filler material and try to mask the low protein content of the formula. That’s why we love Tiki Cat.
21. Tiki Cat Born Carnivore
Out of all the kitten food products out there, we like the Tiki Cat brand the most. It’s made with real chicken, so you know it’s high quality. The nutrient profile is exactly what your kitten will need for bone health, eye health, and so much more.
The first five ingredients are: Chicken, Turkey Liver, Turkey, Chicken Hearts, and Chicken Gizzards. All of these contain a lot of nutrients and protein.
It’s recommended to feed your kitten this food for the first 180 days of his life.
22. CRAVE Grain Free High Protein Dry Cat Food
Pros:
- Good food for kittens
- Mostly grain-free – 4 of the 7 main proteins are grain-free
- High protein content – 32% protein
- Large kibble size
- Contains healthy fruits and veggies
- This is a high-quality food from a top brand
- The grain free foods from the Crave line are tasty, flavorsome, and nutritious
Cons:
- Although the protein content is relatively high, there’s only 6% of it present as AAFCO-soft or medium quality protein
- Some customers complained about the high content of carbohydrates
- Grain-free foods are not necessarily suitable for sensitive cats
Crave is a premium brand of kibble, created by Blue Buffalo. They are generally made with high-quality ingredients to ensure the health of your cat. The Crave Grain Free High Protein Dry Cat Food uses a simple ingredient list, and that’s good in this case.
Some pet owners believe that grain-free food may be more beneficial for pets with sensitive stomachs and intestinal issues. Although this is debatable, the consensus is that grain-free foods are bit easier to digest.
23. Wellness CORE Pate Wet Kitten Food
Notes:
Best Uses:
Young kittens have special nutritional needs. In fact, kittens are considered “complete” weaned after 8-12 weeks. For house cats older than that, you’ll want to start feeding dry or canned food. Even if you make the switch later on, kittens need the right nutrients at this age, so start them off right. The wet Wellness CORE pate formula helps kittens thrive at a young age.
Wellness Core has everything you need for your kitten. The high-quality proteins from chicken and fish, and the complete blend of antioxidants, vitamins, nutrients, and minerals. The super premium food is made in the USA with no GMO’s, no soy, and no grains. In addition to the classic presentation in pate form, you’ll receive a free can for each case you buy.
24. Holistic Select Natural Grain Free Dry Cat Food Adult & Kitten Recipe
Pros:
- Selected by vets for quality and nutrition
- Has high protein along with low carbs, and low salt… a lot like a cat’s natural diet
- Contains organic flax seed oil to boost Omega-3 & Omega-6 fatty acids and powerful antioxidants
- Absorbs quickly to protect against dry skin and urinary tract infections
- No artificial colors, flavors or preservatives
- Tastes great making it easy for your cat to transition from their old food
- Affordable
Meal, Brown Rice & Sweet Potato Recipe.
If you want a grain free food that is healthy and equally enjoyable for your cat, then you need not look further than this Holistic Select Dry cat food. Whether you have a cat that is under or overweight, this food will help them reduce unwanted weight and blends other necessary nutrients to improve health in a cat.
25. Wysong Optimal Nurture Kitten Formula Kitten Food
Wysong Optimal Nurture cat food is ideal for kittens. The product consists of real meat, whole-food based vitamins & minerals, and other ingredients like antioxidants and prebiotics.
The Nurture cat food contains 1 trillion cfu probiotics per serving. Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that can improve your cat’s immune system. Studies show that the probiotics in Wysong Optimal Nurture can help increase your cat’s gastrointestinal health.
Optimal Nurture contains DHA (Docosahexaenoic acid), which is an omega-3 essential fatty acid that helps with visual acuity. It also contains Taurine which helps with your cat’s healthy heart and muscles.
Conclusion
The best kitten food on the market can be hard to choose from all the products and brands out there. Each product is different from the other and may have a special mixing that cat owners often look for. Armed with a list of the best kitten food products that you can choose from, a little bit of education on the best kitten foods created and some guidance on how to choose for your cat, we’ve prepared you to choose the best kitten food for your cat.
Our Recommendation
| Name | Category | Product |
|---|---|---|
| Blue Buffalo Healthy Growth Natural Kitten Dry Cat Food | Best Overall | |
| CRAVE Grain Free High Protein Dry Cat Food | Budget Pick | |
| Merrick Purrfect Bistro Grain Free Dry Dry Cat Food | Upgrade Pick | |