Kittens are cute, cuddly, and fascinating. But they need plenty of care throughout their lives. A kitten's diet needs to be nutritionally complete and balanced. Choosing the best kitten food allows for proper nutrition throughout a cat's life. It's very important during kittenhood. Kittens need lots of protein to support their growth, so kitten food should always support animal-based ingredients.

Like puppies, growing kittens need calories, fats like Omega 3, proteins, vitamins, and minerals for rapid growth and development support. Growing kittens also need calcium from their food to support strong bones and teeth. Kitten diets also need to feature DHA for optimal vision and brain development. 

Necessary Nutrients

Kittens are obligate carnivores, and to live a long, healthy life, your furbaby needs proper nutrition throughout his life. There are many types of commercial kitten food which are formulated as semi-moist, dry, and canned.

All these products will differ in what they offer, such as water content, protein level, caloric density, and digestibility. Veterinarians recommend feeding kitten formula wet food because it is easier to chew and is more nutritionally dense. Kitten food is optimized for growth and development and should be fed early on.

AAFCO

Pet food has to meet the Association of Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) guidelines, and this includes kitten food. When purchasing kitten food, check to see whether your picks align with the nutritional standards and the Global Nutrition Guidelines set by the World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA). All our suggested picks ( below) for the best kitten food follow AAFCO guidelines and nutritional standards and meet a kitten's dietary needs.

What Do Kittens Eat?

Kittens should consume a specially formulated kitten food. Most veterinarians recommend that kittens transition to a kitten -diet of soft, wet food after being weaned off their mother's milk at 3-4 weeks. Moistened dry food can be fed at 3-5 weeks, although most vets prefer leaving this until 8- 10 weeks.

"Growing kittens at 10 weeks of age have a very high energy requirement of 200 kcal/kg body weight/ day compared with 80 kcal/kg/day at 10 months," says the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA).

The AAHA does recommend obesity prevention starting during kittenhood. Since neutering is linked to weight gain, this is the best time to evaluate your kitten's nutritional needs, obesity risks, and prevention strategies by working with your veterinarian.

How Often Should I Feed My Kitten?

Feeding your kitten may seem like a straightforward activity, but according to veterinarians, it's often an overlooked part of cat health. The American Feline Association of Feline Practitioners(AAFP) says that regular feeding schedules can alleviate stress in cats.

Also, cats from an early age should be able to exhibit normal feeding behaviors like hunting and foraging and eating frequent small meals in a solitary fashion.  Frequent, small meals in a calm environment promote well-being and reduce anxiety, especially in multi-pet homes.

How to Feed Your Kitten?

The AAFP suggests using puzzle feeders or placing food in various locations to encourage natural foraging behaviors. Consider automatic feeders for timed feeding, and provide separate water and food stations to accommodate multiple pets in the household.

Regular nutritional assessments with your veterinarian are also important as your kitten grows. These assessments provide an opportunity to address dietary needs, health concerns, and proper feeding techniques.

Nutritional Needs Change Over Time

A kitten’s dietary needs change significantly as they grow. Neonatal kittens depend on their mother’s milk, but if they are separated early, kitten formula is essential. Once they reach about four weeks, kittens often become interested in solid food. Gradually increasing solid food exposure allows them to become more independent and gives the mother cat time to rest.

Feeding Recommendations for Weaning

• Start with wet food or moistened kibble.
• Gradually reduce water content as your kitten gets used to solid food.
• At 6–8 weeks, switch to specially formulated wet or dry kitten food.
• By one year, transition to adult cat food.

What to Look For in Kitten Foods

If you're a first-time cat owner, selecting a high-quality kitten food is essential. Cats need more protein than most other animals, and kittens require even higher amounts for growth. Animal-based proteins provide essential amino acids like taurine, which support heart health and vision.

Vitamin A is also necessary for growth and overall health, while thiamine (vitamin B1) supports a healthy coat and nervous system. Additionally, arachidonic acid, an Omega-6 fatty acid, promotes skin and coat health.

Best Kitten Foods to Consider

Proper nutrition fosters a healthy bond between you and your kitten. We recommend several AAFCO-compliant options based on reviews and expert recommendations:

• Best Wet Food: Purina ProPlan High Protein Salmon & Ocean Fish Variety Pack, Hills Science Diet Savory Turkey, Purina 1 Healthy Kitten Chicken & Salmon Recipe, Wellness Complete Health Kitten Pate Chicken Recipe, and Royal Canin Mother & Babycat Ultra Soft Mousse Formula.
• Best Dry Food: Royal Canin Dry Kitten Food, Hills Science Diet Kitten Food, ProPlan Kitten Chicken & Rice Formula, Orijen Dry Kitten Food Chicken & Turkey Formula, and Acana Dry Kitten Food Chicken & Whole Herring.

Final Thoughts

Feeding your kitten a nutritionally complete, high-protein diet is essential for their growth, health, and overall well-being. Starting with specially formulated kitten foods that provide the right balance of nutrients supports not only physical development but also sets up a positive foundation for lifelong health. Remember to consult with your veterinarian to determine the best feeding plan for your kitten’s individual needs, taking into consideration their age, activity level, and any health concerns. With a balanced diet, careful planning, and regular checkups, you’re ensuring your furbaby has a healthy, happy start to life.

 

About the Author

Claudia Bensimoun is a writer specializing in cat and dog content, as well as veterinary topics. In addition to writing for Clean Litter Club, Claudia has contributed to leading pet publications such as Fido Friendly, Animal Wellness Magazine, and the United States Dog Agility Association (USDAA). She has ghostwritten over 50 pet-related eBooks, covering everything from feline care to canine behavior. Her passions include animal welfare, veterinary research, wildlife conservation, and keeping pets healthy and happy.