Just like humans, kittens require a balanced and nutritious diet to support their growing bones, including the right mix of protein, fiber, carbohydrates, and essential nutrients. The best food for kitten health ensures they grow up healthy, strong, and full of energy to pounce and play.

When it comes to <a href="https://www.petmd.com/cat/nutrition/feeding-kittens-101-what-feed-how-much-and-how-often">feeding your kitten</a>, the type of food you choose will depend on not only their health, but also <a href="https://www.petmd.com/cat/general-health/how-old-is-my-cat-in-human-years">their age</a>. Your veterinarian can help you determine the best kitten food, especially if you have a weaning kitten or need to invest in kitten formula before wet or dry kitten food.

Our team of veterinarians sifted through countless options to bring you the best kitten food that will meet the unique needs of your growing kitten.

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Hill's® Science Diet Kitten Healthy Development Chicken Recipe Dry Cat Food, 3.5-lb bag

Nourishing, DHA-formulated dry kitten food for a healthy start.

We had to give a shout-out to Purina® as a close runner-up. This kitten diet is highly recommended by our vets for nutritional support that is complete and balanced for kittens. It boasts chicken as the first ingredient, and includes high-quality ingredients such as omega-3 fatty acids (including DHA) for brain and vision development. It also has live probiotics to support digestion and immune health.&nbsp;

Purina® Pro Plan Kitten Shredded Blend Chicken & Rice Formula Dry Cat Food, 3-lb bag

Crunchy kibble with meaty shredded pieces for picky eaters.

Our vets’ pick for the best wet food for kitten health, this Hill’s® Science Diet product is a great choice thanks to its high-quality ingredients and well-balanced diet. From a brand known for its rigorous long-term feeding trials, this kitty food is enriched with prebiotics, DHA, and age-appropriate vitamins and minerals.

This wet kitten kibble also has prebiotic fiber that not only aids in digestive health but also strengthens the immune system. It also has DHA, which supports vital brain and eye development. Our vets note that wet food can seamlessly blend with Hill’s® Science Diet dry kitten food to help kittens transition to dry food.

Hill's® Science Diet Kitten Healthy Cuisine Tender Chicken & Rice Medley Canned Cat Food, 2.8-oz, case of 24

Tasty wet cat food for healthy digestive and immune systems.

For <a href="https://www.petmd.com/cat/general-health/weaning-kittens">weaning kittens</a>, our vet experts recommend this canned kitten food from Royal Canin® for its soft mousse texture that’s gentle on tender gums.

Formulated by board-certified veterinary nutritionists, this cat mousse offers a nutritionally balanced diet, complete with immune support and prebiotics for a healthy digestive system.

It’s also formulated with DHA from fish oil, which can support eye and brain development. Highly digestible and easy on tiny tummies, this product is the best food for weaning kittens.

Royal Canin® Feline Health Nutrition Mother & Babycat Ultra Soft Mousse in Sauce Canned Cat Food, 3-oz, pack of 6

Gentle, balanced nutrition for your kitten's first solid food.

The PetAg® KMR Powder Milk wins our vets’ choice for the best powder formula for kittens. This milk replacer provides a complete and balanced diet for newborn, orphaned, or rejected kittens, as it closely mirrors the protein and energy ratios found in mother's milk. It’s also the <a href="https://www.petag.com/about-us" target="_blank">number one-selling milk replacer in the U.S</a>.

Enriched with prebiotics and probiotics, it supports immune function and is designed to be easy on the digestive system. It is also formulated with a special fiber blend to further improve gut health. As it meets the AAFCO-prescribed cat nutrient profiles, it’s also a suitable supplement for nursing and post-weaned kittens. When searching for what to feed a newborn kitten during <a href="https://www.petmd.com/cat/care/6-tips-safely-bottle-feeding-kittens">bottle feeding</a>, this is a great choice.

If you’re weaning kittens at home, PetAg® also offers a complete <a href="https://www.chewy.com/petag-complete-nursing-kit-petag-kmr/dp/282225" target="_blank">kitten nursing kit</a> that includes a bottle, latex-silicone nipples, and a cleaning brush.

PetAg® KMR Powder Milk Supplement for Kittens, 12-oz can

A powder formula that provides essential nourishment for newborn kittens.

This liquid kitten formula, also made by PetAg®, delivers a complete and balanced diet, perfect for newborns, orphaned, or rejected kittens, and even adult cats requiring extra nutrition. Available in a consistent, ready-to-feed formula, this makes it a great and convenient choice for busy cat parents.

The probiotics and prebiotics help promote easy digestion and a strong immune system for newborns. It also meets AAFCO’s strict nutritional standards while maintaining an all-natural composition with no preservatives.

PetAg® KMR Liquid Milk Supplement for Kittens, 11-oz can

Ready-to-feed milk replacer for kittens’ early nutrition.

If you're on a budget but still looking for the best cat food for kitten health, our vets highly recommend IAMS® ProActive Health Kitten Dry Cat Food.

Without hurting your wallet, this choice offers a well-balanced diet formulated by board-certified <a href="https://www.veterinarypracticenews.com/nutritionists-offer-up-pet-food-talking-points-for-vets/" target="_blank">veterinary nutritionists</a>. It's designed to support healthy kitten growth, featuring DHA that may support cognitive development, vitamin E to help with a growing immune system, and a blend of probiotics and beet pulp to support a kitten’s digestive health.

Plus, it’s made with real chicken for a tasty flavor that’s a hit with picky felines. Made by IAMS®, a vet-trusted brand, it underscores a commitment to pet health.

IAMS® ProActive Health Kitten Dry Cat Food, 3.5-lb bag

Affordable, nutritious support for your kitty’s health.

The 6 Best Kitten Foods of 2024

The product reviews in this article are compiled from feedback provided by a panel of veterinarians that are employed by Chewy, the publisher of PetMD. 
 
Veterinarians are asked to provide honest reviews of the products based on their knowledge and practical experience and review information published by the manufacturer. The opinions expressed are their own and not reflective of Chewy. Manufacturers cannot pay to be included in Vet Verified, and product reviews are never made available to manufacturers before publication. Similarly, the veterinary review panel does not receive any external compensation of any type for their review. Product links are to Chewy’s website where the product can be purchased.

Just like humans, kittens require a balanced and nutritious diet to support their growing bones, including the right mix of protein, fiber, carbohydrates, and essential nutrients. The best food for kitten health ensures they grow up healthy, strong, and full of energy to pounce and play. When it comes to feeding your kitten, the type of food you choose will depend on not only their health, but also their age. Your veterinarian can help you determine the best kitten food, especially if you have a weaning kitten or need to invest in kitten formula before wet or dry kitten food. Our team of veterinarians sifted through countless options to bring you the best kitten food that will meet the unique needs of your growing kitten.

Discover the best kitten foods for your new kitty ranked and reviewed by our expert veterinary panel.

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