How to Pick Food for Your Kitten: 2025 Guide
Did you know that kittens need nearly twice the calories per pound of body weight compared to adult cats? As a new kitten parent, you’re probably overwhelmed by the endless rows of colorful packages at the pet store. Should you go with wet food or dry? What about grain-free options? And what on earth do all those ingredients even mean? Do not fret – I have been there too, standing in the pet food aisle with a confused look on my face while my kiddo waited for me at home. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about selecting the perfect nutrition for your growing kitten.
Before doing a deep dive into this article, ask yourself these questions:
If money and time was not an issue, what food would I most prefer to feed my cat? Dry, canned wet food, freeze dried or raw.
I was talking to my boyfriend when he asked me this question.
Why would I prefer this option?
I initially chose fully wet canned food diet for my cats. I chose this option because cats are carnivores and have a mostly or all meat diet is very healthy for them. The moisture content for wet canned food is very good for cats, and my cats do love their wet food.
Can we afford this option, right now?
At the time, the answer was no. But this did not stop me from spoiling my cats with wet food. We decided to do two small dry meals (one in the morning and one in the evening) then one wet food meal in the afternoon. Our schedule at the time did allow us to feed them 3 times a day and they were excited for each meal. We also made it a goal to afford to feed them all wet food one day and we have now succeeded. Although we decided to go with branded raw food instead.
How long do I plan to keep my kitten on their current food?
(This is advice if you just adopted your kitten or plan on adopting) When we got Jace, when he was a kitten, he was on Hills Science Diet Kitten dry kibble. I bought a bag big enough to last him 1.5-2 months that way his body has time to adjust to any stresses to change. Some kitties get so stressed they have diarrhea and/or vomit. Jace did end up having diarrhea for about 2-2.5 weeks after we brought him home. I started weening Jace off his Hills dry kibble one month in
Go over these questions by yourself or with your partner. You can write them down or make a mental note.
Understanding a Kitten’s Nutritional Needs
Macronutrients vs. Micronutrients
Macronutrients are nutrients the body needs in large quantities while micronutrients are nutrients that the body needs in smaller quantities.
Essential Macronutrients Kittens Require
High and Rich Protein: This includes chicken, turkey, salmon, tuna, mackerel, beef, lamb, eggs, rabbit, duck and venison (amino acids from animal meat and tissue- Arginine, Histidine, Isoleucine, Leucine, Lysine, Methionine, Phenylalanine, Taurine, Threonine, Tryptophan, Valine). Protein is essential for muscle growth, tissue repair and overall body development for our little kiddos.
Fats: This is the most energy rich nutrient for cats overall instead of carbohydrates. It serves as a transport molecule and conducts nerve impulses, helps skin and coat health, helps wound healing, helps with decreasing inflammation and brain function (Fatty acids- omega-3 and omega-6; healthy fatty food- salmon, chicken, liver and beef). For kittens this is highly important for eye and brain development.
Carbohydrates: Since cats are carnivores, they do not need carbohydrates for energy. Their bodies can process some specific carbohydrates but not many like dogs or humans. Kittens it is definitely not necessary, but the vitamins and minerals in carbohydrates in small amounts is beneficial especially in wet canned food.
Essential Micronutrients Kittens Require
Amino acids are provided by animal meat and tissue. The list of amino acids cats need are as follows:
Arginine
Histidine
Isoleucine
Leucine
Lysine
Methionine
Phenylalanine
Taurine
Threonine
Tryptophan
Valine
Fatty acids are provided through fish and cat-safe fish oil supplements. They include omega-3 and omega-6.
All vitamins and minerals are important but the most important vitamins and minerals for kittens are:
Calcium and Phosphorus for bone and teeth development
Sodium
Magnesium
Copper
Iodine
Vitamin D for bone development
Vitamins A for vision, skin and bones
Vitamin B12
Kitten vs. Indoor Cat Nutritional Needs
Indoor cats would need lower calorie and more vitamins and minerals than kittens. This is because indoor cats tend to be (not always) less active than kittens and are not growing. Kittens would need higher calories (or more frequent meals) and higher more rich protein to keep up their active and growing bodies. Special considerations for spayed/neutered cats- feed 20-30% less calories (this is important to note if you plan to spay/neuter your kitten between 6 months to a year).
Understanding AAFCO Nutritional Adequacy Statements
For these specifics, I will provide websites below to provide most accurate information:
Decoding Kitten Food Labels
What “Complete and Balanced” Really Means
Complete and balanced means the product contains all necessary nutrients for a kitten’s health and in correct proportions for their development.
*Look for AAFCO for “kitten” label*
How to Read Ingredient Lists Effectively
Ingredients are listed in order by weight, therefore, the first 3-5 ingredients are most important.
For kitten food, look for named animal proteins (chicken, salmon, beef, rabbit, turkey). If you are looking for more quality food it is best to avoid “protein flavor” (ex: chicken flavor) or “with protein” (ex: with chicken).
It is best to try to avoid food with lots of fillers that are labeled early in the list. This includes corn, wheat gluten, peas, or tapioca. For cats and kittens, they typically use peas and tapioca which is not ideal for cats since they are carnivores.
Whole food ingredients are better than heavily processed ingredients if you are looking for quality food. A good rule of thumb is, it is good if you can read and understand the words you are reading (unless you are highly knowledgeable in food chemicals or chemistry).
Understanding Guaranteed Analysis Panels
Guaranteed Analysis panels is used mostly for pet food. It tells you the minimum protein, minimum fat, maximum fiber and maximum moisture their product contains. I have attached the link for AAFCO Guaranteed Analysis minimum and maximum requirements for dry and wet kitten food.
Recognizing Marketing Tricks
“High protein”, “premium”, “gourmet” are commonly labeled on the front of the food label and are all not indicative of better food quality or health benefits. Look at the ingredients and food label and follow previous guidelines stated above of what to look for.
“Grain-Free” is technically true, but hides the use of other processed carbohydrates like peas or tapioca which are not most ideal for cats and kittens.
“Human-Grade” has no significant meaning in pet food.
“Natural” means no artificial or manufactured ingredients; says nothing about overall healthiness of product or ingredients’ origins.
Keep in mind the meat content on the front of the label and in the ingredient list on the label. “Chicken Flavor” means about 0-3% chicken; “with chicken” means about 4% chicken; “Chicken” (as the first ingredient) means at least 26% chicken.
Quality Protein Sources vs. Fillers
"Meat-by-products” or “meat digest” means the product includes non-edible parts of animals that are left over after the meat was processed. This includes:
Bones
Skin
Feathers
Hooves
Organs (such as liver, kidneys, spleen, etc)
Blood
By-products are generally safe for cats to consume in moderation. They can be a good source of protein, vitamins and minerals. They mimic a cat’s diet if they lived in the wild. It is also a cost-effective way to provide your kitty nutrition. I would keep in mind that meat-by-products can vary widely in quality as certain by-products can be low in nutrients and contain toxins and contaminates. There is also potential risk for cats to be allergic to a specific animal(s) by-product due to your kitty’s genetics or the amount of toxin or contaminates in the by-product. With that, look for AFFCO logo on the label or brand’s website.
Main Ingredients to Look for in Quality Cat Food
Quality Animal Protein Sources
The most important ingredient to focus on for our smaller furry kiddos is protein. Kittens need higher amounts of protein and preferably quality protein to help them grow.
Chicken and turkey are the most popular, affordable and most digestible sources of protein. Turkey is an excellent source of taurine. It is most recommended to start off with chicken and/or turkey due to its easy digestibility.
Tuna, salmon, mackerel are wonderful sources of protein and omega-3 fatty acids for healthy coat and brain function.
Beef and lamb are reliable for iron especially lean cuts.
Eggs and egg whites are a good source of protein add on to other sources of protein.
Organ meats (certain by-products) highly digestible and contain certain sources of protein, vitamins and minerals.
Rabbit, Duck and Venison are the best sources of protein for cats with sensitivities and food (protein) allergies. These are called “novel protein” sources. They are not an owner’s typical first go-to due to these sources of protein being more expensive.
Prebiotics and Probiotics for Digestive Health
Typically sourced from legumes, fruits, vegetables, whole grains and chicory that are not digestible for cats and kittens but support their digestive tract. You can use a cat safe supplement like, Probiotics + Prebiotics by Fera Pets. Pre and probiotics are usually already added to certain cat food, but not all so this can be good to have on hand just in case, especially during times of stress or changing their food.
Red Flag Ingredients to Avoid for Kittens
Avoid These Ingredients
Artificial additives can cause allergic reactions and health problems.
Indigestible ingredients like bones can cause gastrointestinal upset and blockages.
High-carbohydrate ingredients can contribute to weight gain and diabetes.
Onions, garlic, and chives (can eventually cause anemia)
Chocolate and caffeine (toxic methylxanthines)
Grapes and raisins (potential kidney failure)
Artificial Colors and Flavors
Preservatives (BHA, BHT, ethoxyquin)
Antioxidants (butylated hydroxyanisole, tert-butylhydroquinone)
Indigestible Processed Ingredients for Cats
Gluten
Potato starch
Guar gum
Xanthan gum
Carbohydrate Ingredients
Grains (other than rice in small amounts)
Fruits (except for small amounts of berries)
Vegetables (except for leafy greens and broccoli)
Other Problematic Ingredients
Rawhide
Bones
Milk
Garlic
Onion
Wet Food vs. Dry Food: Making the Right Choice
Now, for the big question we have all been waiting for… wet canned food or dry food for kittens? There is also freeze-dried and raw food, but I (personally) will not recommend these nor go over these options as there are either no or minimal options specifically safe for kittens. I do recommend sticking with wet canned or dry kibble to start, if your kitten is not on formula.
Pros of Wet Canned Food
High Moisture Content: Wet food helps cats stay hydrated, which is crucial for urinary tract and kidney health, especially for cats who do not drink enough water.
High Protein: As carnivores, cats do require high levels of protein and even higher for kittens. Wet food often contains more protein and animal-based fats, making it a more natural diet.
Lower Carbohydrates: Many wet foods have fewer carbohydrates compared to dry kibble, which is beneficial for kittens who are developing.
Palatability: The appealing aroma and taste of wet food can make it a better choice for picky eaters. Cats do tend to focus on smell and texture as they have more bitter tastebuds than dogs and humans.
Cons of Wet Canned Food
Higher Cost: Wet cat food is generally more expensive than dry kibble, which can be a significant factor for owners with multiple cats or a tight budget. It will be even more expensive for feeding your kitten as they will need to be consuming more calories as they grow and to help them grow.
Short Shelf Life After Opening: Wet food spoils quickly once opened and must be refrigerated, becoming unsuitable for prolonged grazing.
Potential for Mess: Wet food can be messier to serve and eat than dry food.
Dental Downsides: As wet food can be good for older cats or cats with missing teeth, it can be a downside to younger cats and kittens. The crunchy texture of kibble helps to reduce plaque and tartar buildup on a cat's teeth through chewing, although it is not a substitute for regular dental care. Sort of brushing their teeth without going through the stress of brushing their teeth. Wet food does not allow that since it is all soft.
Not for Automatic Feeders: Due to its perishable nature and texture, wet food is generally unsuitable for use in automatic feeders.
Pros of Dry Kibble
Convenient: Dry food is easy to store and serve, with a long shelf life, making it ideal for busy owners and automatic feeders.
Cost-Effective: It is generally more affordable than wet food, offering more concentrated nutrients and calories per volume. This can be very beneficial for cost as kittens will, occasionally, start consuming more calories than some adult cats.
Dental Health Benefits: The crunchy texture of kibble helps to reduce plaque and tartar buildup on a cat's teeth through chewing, although it is not a substitute for regular dental care.
Weight Management for Underweight Kittens: The high-energy-density of dry food can efficiently provide calories to thin kittens.
Cons of Dry Kibble
Low Moisture Content: Dry food contains very little water, forcing you and your kittens to increase their overall water intake to stay hydrated.
Higher Carbohydrate Content: Compared to wet food, dry food tends to have a higher carbohydrate percentage, which can be good for your developing kitten, but possibly problematic for long term health.
Increased Risk of Urinary When They Are Older: The lack of moisture in dry food can increase the risk of urinary tract and kidney problems in the long run, if your kitten’s water intake is not sufficient enough to be able to flush toxins.
Less Nutritionally Complete: Dry food is less protein-dense and more carb-dense than wet food, which can be a concern for our mini carnivores in the long run.
Combination Feeding
If you are considering combining wet canned and dry food, that is fine after your kitten has had time to adjust to their new home for at least a month. If you do the food transition process I have noted below, it will more likely allow the most comfort for you and your kiddo. You will also be able to notice their eating patterns a bit easier by following that guide.
Combination Feeding Strategies
Rotational Diet: Offer wet food for one meal and dry food for another, providing variety and ensuring a balanced intake of both nutritional types. My cats received dry food in the morning and evening then wet food for lunch. They were excited for each mealtime especially when it was time for wet food.
Blended Feeding: Combine wet and dry food in the same bowl at mealtime. This requires carefully calculating the total portion size of both foods.
Topping Method: Place a small amount of wet food on top of your cat's dry food to entice them, especially if they are a picky eater or need extra moisture.
Key Considerations
Portion Control: When mixing wet and dry food, ensure you do not overfeed. A general rule is to use half the recommended amount of each type of food to reach the total daily portion.
Freshness: Wet and raw food should be refrigerated after opening and served within a few hours. Discard any uneaten wet and raw food promptly to prevent spoilage.
Serving Temperature: Many cats prefer wet food at room temperature, so let cold food sit out for about 5-10 minutes before serving.
Consult Your Vet: Always consult your veterinarian for personalized advice on portion sizes and the best balance of wet and dry food for your individual cat's age, activity level, and health.
Age-Appropriate Feeding Guidelines
One thing to consider when you are about to adopt a kitten, they do have more frequent feeding schedule depending on their age. They younger they are, the more frequent their mealtimes have to be and of course, in smaller portions.
4 to 6 Weeks Old
You can start slowly adjusting them to kitten specific wet food mixed with their formula in a bowl or plate to make a wet food gruel. You will also start the process to wean them off the formula. They will need 4-5 small meals with this mix per day.
6 to 8 Weeks Old
Continue what you were doing previously (weaning your kiddo off formula, increasing the portion of wet food) 4 times daily. You can start introducing dry food at 7-8 weeks.
2 to 6 Months Old
It is recommended to feed your kitten 3-4 times a day during this stage as they will be rapidly growing. 2 months (8 weeks) is the normal age for kittens to be taken home, so this age and later will relate to more pet owners than the previous ages. With that, if you have a busy schedule I do recommend you try to at least feed your kiddo 3 times daily to meet their needs. They will be hungry and impatient getting used to the new feeding schedule.
6 to 12 Months Old
You are more than welcome to reduce feeding your kiddo 2-3 times daily. It is recommended to feed a kitten specific diet until 1 year old unless you have a special case like mine. Jace (we have had him since he was 8 weeks old) has enjoyed sprinting to Kani’s bowl for any scraps since day 1 and once he was able to jump on the counter, he started counter surfing. We decided to change his food at 6 months to the same food as Kani to save his stomach since he was having problems with diarrhea off and on.
Popular Kitten Food Brands: What Veterinarians Recommend
I am going to list off popular brands from the top of my head from both school and my work experience in the field from 2021- 2023. Note that each brand will vary especially in product and reviews may change over time. For example, Purina has its One product line, but the higher quality version is Pro Plan. Vet offices always keep either Hills Science Diet, Royal Canine, Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets, Blue Buffalo Natural Veterinary Diet prescription products on hand.
Premium brands worth the investment
Dry: Hills Science Diet Kitten, Royal Canin Kitten, Purina Pro Plan Kitten, Iams Healthy Kitten
Wet: Purina Pro Plan Kitten, Royal Canin Kitten and Hills Science Diet Kitten
Budget-Friendly Higher Quality Options
Dry: Iams Healthy Kitten and Purina Pro Plan Kitten
Transitioning to New Cat Food Safely
This process should take at least a month. Note you should notice any negative symptoms within the first 14 days of transitioning.
Day 1-7: Start with 25% of your kiddo’s new food and 75% of the old food each meal.
Day 8-14: Change to half of the new and half old food each meal.
Day 15-21: Transition to 25% of old food and 75% of new food each meal.
Day 22-30: Your kiddo should be eating a full meal of their new food, each meal.
Signs your kitten is adjusting well to new food is not vomiting, no diarrhea, no allergic reactions and they are interested in the food. Some cats can be very hesitant or sensitive about the food change, and some will not. Be prepared for anything because you might be surprised to how your kiddo will react. When I was transitioning my cats to Viva Raw, my younger cat Jace sniffed it and ate it immediately. My older cat, Kani, looked at and walked away even though he was yelling at me he was hungry. It took many methods and many different variations to try to get Kani to eat his new food.
What do you do if your cat refuses to eat the new food?
It depends on the food. For all food types, you can add broth or their favorite treats. For wet canned, freeze-dried (soaked in broth or water).
How To Manage Digestive Upset During Transitions
Pre and Probiotics: You can order cat specific pre and probiotics online or go through your veterinarian and most will prescribe Forti Flora.
Keep Them HYDRATED: If they are vomiting and having diarrhea make sure, they are drinking water and add water to their food as kittens can get very dehydrated very easily due to their small size.
Stop Their New Diet and Consult Your Veterinarian: If vomiting and diarrhea happen for more than 48-72 hours or your kiddo is having an obvious allergic reaction (swelling of face or body, hives or rash), stop the food and contact your veterinarian for advice.
Common Mistakes to Be Aware Of
Overfeeding and Portion Control: It is not going to be easy to keep track consistently the exact amount of food you should be feeding your kitten unless you are weighing them consistently because they will be growing and growing fast. You are more than welcome to. It is recommended if you wanted to watch their weight. Kittens do also have a rounder belly until they get to be about four months. I have attached a link about cat body condition score.
Cat Body Condition Scoring | Assess Your Cat’s Weight — Association for Pet Obesity Prevention
Feeding Dog Food or Adult Cat Food to Kittens: This is not recommended as dog food can process more carbohydrates there for protein content may not be as high as it needs to be for cats. Cat food may also not have enough protein or specific nutrients kittens need for development. This can cause malnutrition and upset stomach.
Ignoring Expiration Dates and Storage: Do not ignore expiration dates and storage requirements. This is important for your kitty’s health.
Choosing Food Based Solely on Price: You are more than welcome to do this because I understand not everyone can afford the more expensive options, just keep in mind the risks. Just like picking your food at the grocery store. Be sure to at least do your research to make sure the food meets the minimum requirements for AFFCO
Not Considering Your Kitten’s Individual Preferences: This is difficult to keep up at times. I say this from personal experience. It is not impossible, though. It would be best to feed either in separate rooms, on different levels, or invest in a collar motion activated feeder. We had to separate Jace and Kani initially when we were feeding them separate foods since Jace was a kitten and Kani was an adult (Jace still managed to steal some of Kani’s food at times).
Remember, the best kitten food is one that meets AAFCO standards, contains high-quality protein as the first ingredient, and fits your budget and lifestyle. Your veterinarian is your best ally in this journey – they can provide personalized recommendations based on your kitten’s specific needs. Start by selecting a high-quality kitten food from a reputable brand, establish a consistent feeding schedule, and pay attention to how your kitten responds. Every kitten is unique, and what works for one may not work for another. Don’t be afraid to make adjustments as needed!
Ready to give your kitten the nutrition they deserve? Visit your local pet store or consult with your veterinarian today to start your kitten on the path to a healthy, happy life. You got this!