As the proud parent of a new kitten, you need kitten food that aligns with their nutritional needs in order to keep them active and healthy as they grow up. And because these bundles of energy have different nutritional needs than their older, occasionally less active counterparts, you don't want to take a one-size-fits-all approach to feeding.
Consider your kitten's specifics (speak with your veterinarian first, especially if your kitten has any health concerns), and use the following guidelines to find the food that'll help them become the happiest and healthiest they can be.
Fatty Acids and Proteins
It's so important to find the right food because poor nutrition can increase your kitten's risk of obesity, poor muscle and bone development, and weak immune response. Luckily, pet food manufacturers are required to identify the life stage for which their product is intended, making your job a lot easier. As the pet parent, however, it's up to you to determine which kitten food product is best for your young cat, starting with nutrients.
When searching for the right kitten food, look for a product that contains the fatty acid DHA, commonly found in fish oil and helpful to brain and eye development, as well as folic acid for proper cell growth. Taurine, an amino acid, is another important ingredient that aids in the proper function of the heart, immune system, digestive process as well as with vision.
Look for a food that provides your little one with energy from protein for darting around the house when you're asleep or at work. Sources of protein come from meat and high-quality grains, such as chicken, tuna, corn, wheat or barley. Choose a product that has at least one of these in the top three or four slots on the ingredient list.
Food Texture
When you first bring home your furry friend, experiment with both dry and canned food. As PetMD points out, certain medical conditions that are common later in life, such as diabetes or kidney disease, may warrant canned food as part of a management plan. You'll want to offer your kitten both dry and wet food to familiarize them with a variety of textures so feeding is easier down the road if they are required to eat canned food for health-related reasons.
Your vet can advise you on whether dry and/or wet food is best for your kitty, but avoid supplementing or "wetting" your kitten's food with milk. It can upset their digestive system and may cause diarrhea.
Tasty Tips
Portions and Timing
Kittens have tiny tummies, as you can imagine, so aim for three small meals until they are 6 months old (then drop to 2 per day) rather than 24-hour "free feeding" access to their food, which can lead to bad eating habits in adulthood. Follow the recommendation on the pet food package and adjust to your kitten's needs.
Kittens' little mouths and teeth are another important reason not to feed your furry baby an adult cat food just yet; each large kibble can be a choking hazard. Dry formulas are often made in smaller, kitten-bite-sized pieces for your littlest housemate.
What to Avoid
In general, stay away from kitten food that doesn't contain the proteins, vitamins (Vitamins C and E help support a healthy immune system), and fatty acids necessary for your kitten's healthy growth and development. Pet food companies aren't required to provide information on the food label about the sourcing or quality of their product, so it's best to purchase products from reputable, well-known brands that can and will provide you with the information you need.
Starting your kitten off with proper nutrition is a vital step in helping them grow into an active, healthy cat and provide you with love and companionship for many years to come.
Related products
Hill's Science Diet Sensitive Stomach & Skin Chicken & Vegetable Entrée Cat Food
Hill's Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin Chicken & Vegetable Entrée canned cat food provides nutrition for optimal digestive & skin health.
Hill's Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin Pollock & Barley Cat Food
Highly digestible food that is gentle on the stomach. Nourishes skin & promotes lustrous fur.
Hill's Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin Cat Food
Highly digestible food that is gentle on the stomach. Nourishes skin & promotes lustrous fur.
Hill's Science Diet Adult Indoor Salmon & Vegetable Medley Cat Food
Precisely balanced nutrition for indoor cats with the delicious taste of savory salmon and vegetables
Hill's Science Diet Kitten Tender Chicken Dinner
Delectable chunks with tender chicken smothered in a rich gravy
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Savory Chicken Entrée Cat Food
Delicious taste of gourmet chicken in precisely balanced nutrition. Provide a synergistic ingredient blend to help support energy & activity level.
Hill's Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin Salmon & Vegetable Entrée Cat Food
Supports digestive health, nourishes skin and promotes a lustrous fur
Hill's Science Diet Hill's Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin Canned Cat Food Variety Pack, Chicken & Beef, Salmon & Tuna 2.8 oz. pouch, 12 pack
These irresistible foods are specially formulated to support digestive health, nourish skin & promote a lustrous coat.
Hill's Science Diet Adult Tender Tuna Dinner cat food
Delectable chunks with tender tuna smothered in a rich gravy
Hill's Science Diet Adult Perfect Weight Roasted Vegetable & Chicken Medley cat food
Over 70% of cats lost weight within 10 weeks when fed this nutrition
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Savory Turkey Entrée Cat Food
Delicious taste of gourmet minced turkey in precisely balanced nutrition. Provide a synergistic ingredient blend to help support energy & activity level.
Hill's Science Diet Adult Salmon & Brown Rice Recipe Cat Food
Supports lean muscle and beautiful fur for adult cats
Hill's Science Diet Adult Hairball Control Savory Chicken Entrée Cat Food
Natural fiber comfortably reduces hairballs
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Tender Dinner Pouch Variety Pack Cat Food
With delicious chunks in a decadent gravy
Hill's Science Diet Adult Turkey & Liver Casserole Cat Food
With delicious chunks in a decadent gravy
Hill's Science Diet Kitten Healthy Cuisine Tender Chicken & Rice Medley
Delicious tender chicken and rice in a mouthwatering sauce with precisely balanced nutrition to support 5 essential building blocks for lifelong health
Hill's Science Diet Adult Perfect Digestion Chicken, Vegetable & Rice Stew Cat Food
Science Diet's breakthrough nutrition supports ultimate digestive well-being & healthy microbiome
Hill's Science Diet Kitten Ocean Fish & Brown Rice Recipe
Supports the developmental needs of kittens to help start life with healthy growth and a strong immune system
Hill's Science Diet Kitten No Corn, Wheat, Soy Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe
Supports healthy brain, eye & immune system development
Hill's Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin Grain Free Salmon & Yellow Peas Recipe cat food
Grain free, easy-to-digest food that is gentle on the stomach. Nourishes skin & promotes lustrous fur.
Related articles
How to Clean Cat Ears: A Step-by-Step Guide
Does your cat need help keeping their ears clean? Check out this guide on how to clean cat ears, from when to consider it to what to use.
Ways to Maintain Your Cat's Healthy Coat
Learn the visual signs that your cat is healthy including what to look for in her skin, ears, and eyes, as well as as signs you should call your vet about.
Can Cats Have Down Syndrome?
Learn about special needs cats and whether strange behaviors or physical characteristics might mean they have down syndrome.
All About Your Cat's Sleeping Habits
Learn all about your cat's sleep schedule, why she seems to be most active during twilight hours and what it means to be a crepuscular kitty.
Why Do Cats Meow?
Learn what your cat's meow really means, so you can understand what they are trying to communicate to you.
Can You Use Dog Shampoo on Cats?
Learn what you need to know about using shampoo on your cat, including whether you can use dog or human shampoo.
Food Allergies, Intolerance & Your Cat's Sensitive Stomach
Learn about how food allergies might be responsible for your cat's sensitive stomach & vomiting, and how trying a hypoallergenic cat food can help.
Cat Grass: Is it Safe for My Cat?
Learn what cat grass is, whether it's safe for your kitty and why it may be beneficial for certain breeds, especially ones that are prone to hairballs.
Tips for Building a DIY Cat Perch
Learn why your cat loves to be up high and how to build a DIY cat perch to keep her happy. Discover what materials you'll need and how to put it together.
What Types of Litter, Food & Supplies Are Safe for Kittens?
Learn which types of products and supplies are safest for your kitten, including specific kinds of litter, food, shampoo, carriers, collars and toys.
What to Do if Your Cat is Choking
If your cat is in distress and you suspect she's choking, learn how you can help her with the Heimlich maneuver, as well as prevent future choking issues.
Why Regular Veterinary Visits Are Important to Your Kitten
Ensure you are providing the best care possible for your kitten by making regular visits to the veterinary. Learn why here.
Pain Relief for Your Cat: Dangerous Medications to Avoid
Know the risks of giving your cat over-the-counter pain medications, and how to properly care for their pain.
Why Do Cats Bunny Kick?
Learn what a bunny kick is and the reasons your cat likes to do it, from just playing around to indicating aggression.
What Is FIV in Cats?
Learn important information about FIV in cats, including common symptoms, how it's diagnosed, and management options for cats that have it.
Cat Metabolism: How it Affects Your Feline Friend
Learn from a Veterinarian: Discover how your cat's metabolism can affect her health, including weight fluctuations, and how metabolic cat food can help.
Training Your Kitten to Use the Litter Box
Cats are naturally very clean and chances are your kitten will already have learned how to use the litter box from her mother before she comes to live with you.
Do Hypoallergenic Cat Breeds Exist? (& Which Breeds Shed the Least?)
Even though all cat breeds still produce allergens, those that shed less can be a good choice for allergy sufferers. Learn which breeds might work for you.
Helping Your Cat Recover from Serious Illness or Accidents
Illnesses, accidents and surgeries are an unfortunate consequence of life, even for cats. Understand how nutrition can play a role in your cat's recovery.
Feline Cognitive Dysfunction & Cat Dementia and How To Help
Learn all about cat brain aging, dementia, signs of senility in senior cats to feline dementia treatment and care.
Put your cat on a diet without them knowing
Our low calorie formula helps you control your cat's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.
Put your cat on a diet without them knowing
Our low calorie formula helps you control your cat's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.