Last Updated on October 3, 2023 by Fumipets
10 Best Dry Kitten Foods in 2023
Dry kitten foods are specially formulated cat foods designed to meet the nutritional needs of growing kittens. These foods come in various brands and recipes, each offering a combination of essential nutrients to support a kitten’s development.
- Nutrient-Rich Formulation: Dry kitten foods are formulated to provide a balance of essential nutrients, including protein, fat, vitamins, and minerals, crucial for a kitten’s growth and development. They are often rich in animal-based proteins to support muscle and tissue development.
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Dental Health: Many dry kitten foods are designed with kibble shapes and textures that promote dental health. Chewing on dry kibble can help reduce the risk of plaque buildup and tartar formation in kittens’ teeth.
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Convenience: Dry kitten foods are convenient for pet owners, as they have a longer shelf life compared to wet foods and don’t require refrigeration. They are also easy to measure and serve.
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Variety of Formulas: Dry kitten foods come in various formulas to cater to specific needs, such as grain-free options for kittens with food sensitivities or formulas that target hairball control.
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Transition Period: When transitioning kittens to dry food, it’s essential to do so gradually, mixing the dry food with the previous diet to prevent digestive upset. Always provide fresh water alongside dry food to keep kittens well-hydrated.
When bringing home a new kitten, there are many things to consider, but choosing the appropriate diet is perhaps the most crucial choice you’ll have to make. One of the most crucial phases of their development is their first growth from kitten to adult, and they need the proper minerals and vitamins to prepare them for a healthy future. This necessitates a diet rich in nutrients and devoid of fillers.
It’s important to keep in mind that cats are obligate carnivores, therefore they need a diet rich in protein, which should come from animals and be one of the first three items mentioned, if possible. Although protein is undoubtedly the most important element to take into account, there are other crucial factors to take into account as well, and the process may easily become overwhelming.
It may be difficult to locate the correct diet for our pets, even during such a critical time of development when we all want to provide them with the greatest nutrition available. To assist you choose the best food for your new feline buddy, we’ve included our top 10 picks for dry kitten food in this post, along with in-depth evaluations. Dry food is practical, relatively affordable, and simple to find.
A Glance at Our Winners in 2023
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | DETAILS | ||
BEST OVERALL |
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Blue Buffalo Dry Kitten Food | Omega fatty acids Added LifeSource bits Contains taurine | Check Price |
BEST VALUE |
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Chow Nurture Muscle Dry Kitten Food | Inexpensive Contains farm-raised chicken Added antioxidants | Check Price |
PREMIUM CHOICE |
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Hill’s Science Chicken Dry Kitten Food | Made with real chicken Contains natural DHA Free from artificial flavors | Check Price |
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Purina ONE Healthy Kitten Formula | Included DHA Added natural antioxidants Real chicken as the first ingredient | Check Price | |
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American Journey Dry Kitten Food | Contains DHA and ARA Includes natural antioxidants Packed with nutrient-rich fruits | Check Price |
The 10 Best Dry Kitten Foods
1. Blue Buffalo Wilderness Kitten Chicken Dry Cat Food — Best Overall
| Weight: | 5 pounds |
| Protein: | 40% |
| Fat: | 20% |
Our top pick for the finest dry kitten food is Blue Buffalo Wilderness Kitten, which is grain-free and has chicken as the first ingredient. With a 40% crude protein content that’s great for growing and strengthening muscles, this high-protein kibble is excellent for growing kittens. Moreover, taurine is included in the diet to support heart and brain health. Omega fatty acids, which are crucial for general health and the promotion of a healthy coat and skin, are included. “LifeSource Bits,” a strong combination of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that will aid in establishing and supporting a healthy immune system in your kitty, are also included. The cuisine is also devoid of artificial flavors and meat by-products.
While some customers said that the meal made their kittens queasy and even throw up, this food is hard to criticize.
Pros
- Contains chicken as the first ingredient
- Contains taurine
- Includes essential omega fatty acids
- Added LifeSource bits
- Free from meat by-products and artificial flavors
Cons
- May cause nausea and vomiting
2. Kitten Chow Nurture Muscle & Brain Dry Cat Food — Best Value
| Weight: | 14 pounds |
| Protein: | 40% |
| Fat: | 13.5% |
The Kitten Chow Nurture dry kitten chow is the most cost-effective option. The meal has a 40% protein level overall thanks to the use of genuine, farm-raised chicken, which supports the development of your kitten’s growing muscles. The DHA fatty acids and taurine present will assist your kitten’s eyesight and boost the growth of their brain. The diet also includes essential antioxidants that support immune system function. The meal is also devoid of synthetic tastes and colors, which is the best part.
We discovered that the top three components of this dish include maize and chicken by-products, along with a number of other cereals.
Pros
- Inexpensive
- Contains farm-raised chicken
- Included DHA fatty acids and taurine
- Added antioxidants
- Free from artificial colors and flavors
Cons
- Contains chicken by-products
- Corn in the top three ingredients
3. Hill’s Science Diet Kitten Chicken Dry Cat Food — Premium Choice
| Weight: | 15.5 pounds |
| Protein: | 33% |
| Fat: | 19% |
The Hill’s Science Diet kitten formula is a great option if you’re seeking a quality dry food for your developing kitten. Real chicken is used in the recipe as the first mentioned ingredient to provide a nutritious protein source that will aid in the growth of your kitten’s muscles.
Also, it has natural DHA from the fish oil, which supports the growth of healthy eyes and brains, as well as a strong antioxidant and vitamin combination that supports the development and maintenance of your kitten’s immune system. The cuisine is American-made and devoid of synthetic flavors, colors, and preservatives.
The price of this food plus the size of the kibble may make it challenging for some kittens to consume.
Pros
- Made with real chicken
- Contains natural DHA
- Added antioxidant and vitamin blend
- Free from artificial flavors, colors, and preservatives
Cons
- Expensive
- Large kibble size
4. Purina ONE Healthy Kitten Formula Dry Cat Food
| Weight: | 16 pounds |
| Protein: | 40% |
| Fat: | 18% |
Real chicken is the first component in our Purina ONE dry kitten food, which aids in your kitten’s development of strong muscles. The recipe includes DHA, a vitamin present in mother’s milk, to support brain and eyesight development. Carrots and peas are also added to further support this development.
Your kitten’s immune system will be supported by four distinct antioxidant sources, including vitamins A and E, to work effectively. In order to promote general health and wellbeing, the recipe also includes additional vitamins and minerals, such as calcium. The cuisine is American-made and doesn’t have any artificial flavors or preservatives.
Regrettably, this meal includes a few elements that aren’t the best for growing kittens, such as maize, wheat, and byproducts.
Pros
- Contains real chicken as the first ingredient
- Included DHA
- Packed with healthy vegetables
- Added natural antioxidants
- Free from artificial flavors or preservatives
Cons
- Contains corn, wheat, and meat by-products
5. American Journey Kitten Chicken Grain-Free Dry Cat Food
| Weight: | 5 pounds |
| Protein: | 33% |
| Fat: | 15% |
Real chicken is mentioned as the first ingredient in the American Journey dry kitten food, which is designed specifically for growing kittens and will provide your kitten with the animal-based protein they need for the best possible muscular growth. The diet includes important omega fatty acids for a healthy coat and skin as well as DHA and ARA to support brain and eye development.
Also, it contains a variety of nutrient-dense fruits and vegetables, such as spinach, pumpkin, apples, and blueberries, as well as strong antioxidants that strengthen the immune system. You may eat with confidence knowing that it doesn’t include any artificial colors, preservatives, or tastes.
But, this meal is rather pricey—almost twice as expensive as other popular dry kitten feeds. Also, a number of buyers stated that the product smelled strongly and their kittens would not eat it.
Pros
- Real chicken is the first listed ingredient
- Contains DHA and ARA
- Packed with nutrient-rich fruits and vegetables
- Includes natural antioxidants
- Free from artificial colors, preservatives, and flavors
Cons
- Expensive
- Strong-smelling
6. Iams ProActive Health Kitten Dry Cat Food
| Weight: | 16 pounds |
| Protein: | 33% |
| Fat: | 21% |
Iams’ ProActive Health dry kitten food is designed specifically for growing kittens and provides them with the balanced nutrients they need to develop into healthy adults. With a 33% total protein level, chicken is the first ingredient mentioned to offer your cat the animal protein strength they need to grow strong and healthy muscles.
The meal also includes vitamin E for a strong immune system, DHA for good brain development, and prebiotics to promote digestive health in addition to being loaded with important nutrients and minerals.
The second specified component for this cuisine is chicken by-product meal, along with the superfluous ingredients maize and sorghum. After eating, several customers also complained that their cats had nausea and vomiting.
Pros
- Chicken is the first listed ingredient
- Packed with essential nutrients and minerals
- Contains immune-boosting vitamin E
- Added DHA
- Contains prebiotics
Cons
- Contains chicken by-product
- May cause nausea and vomiting
7. Blue Buffalo Healthy Growth Kitten Chicken Dry Cat Food
| Weight: | 6 pounds |
| Protein: | 36% |
| Fat: | 20% |
The Blue Buffalo Healthy Growth dry kitten food will give your cat a healthy start. Your cat will get the actual protein they need for optimal muscular growth thanks to the first ingredient on the list being real chicken and the product’s 36% protein level. Also, the cuisine contains nutrient-dense fruits and vegetables, such as carrots, blueberries, and cranberries, which are high in antioxidants and essential for healthy immune system development.
The additional “LifeSource Bits” are loaded with a combination of antioxidants, minerals, and vitamins, and the DHA and ARA will support eye and brain health. Artificial flavors, preservatives, and chicken by-products are not present in the dish.
Several clients said that their kittens puked after consuming this food, while others flat-out refused to eat it.
Pros
- Contains real chicken
- Includes nutritious fruits and vegetables
- Included DHA and ARA
- Added LifeSource bits
- Free from poultry by-products and artificial flavors and preservatives
Cons
- May cause nausea and vomiting
- Some kittens will not eat it
8. Instinct Kitten Grain-Free Chicken Freeze-Dried Cat Food
| Weight: | 4.5 pounds |
| Protein: | 42.5% |
| Fat: | 22.5% |
The 42% of the protein in this grain-free dry kitten food from Instinct, 81% of which comes from animal sources including chicken, turkey, and fish, will provide your cat with the high-quality protein they need for muscular growth. Also, it is brimming with crucial omega fatty acids to support your kitten’s healthy skin and hair, as well as naturally occurring DHA for optimum brain and eyesight development. Also, there are additional probiotics and naturally occurring antioxidants like vitamin E that will strengthen the immune system of your cat. This recipe is entirely free of grains.
This food has a strong smell, according to many customers, and their kittens would not eat it. The kittens that did have reports of sickness and vomiting from certain people.
Pros
- High protein content from multiple animal sources
- Packed with essential omega fatty acids
- Contains naturally occurring DHA and antioxidants
- Added probiotics
- 100% grain-free
Cons
- Pungent odor
- May cause nausea and vomiting
9. ACANA First Feast High-Protein Kitten Dry Cat Food
| Weight: | 4 pounds |
| Protein: | 36% |
| Fat: | 18% |
Your kitten will get all the natural nutrients and protein they need from the ACANA First Feast dry kitten food to flourish into maturity. 70% of the components in the cuisine are from animals, including deboned chicken as the first ingredient, chicken meal, herring meal, and turkey meal, as well as wholesome cranberries and kelp. Moreover, it includes vital omega fatty acids to maintain your kitten’s healthy coat as well as taurine and DHA for heart and brain health. The food doesn’t include any artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives, which is the best part.
Numerous customers claim that this food gave their kittens sickness and diarrhea, and others claim that their kittens flat-out refused to consume it. Also, the kibble is readily crumbled, creating a thick layer of dust at the bottom of the bag.
Pros
- Made with 70% animal ingredients
- Added beneficial superfoods
- Contains DHA and taurine
- Free from artificial flavor, colors, and preservatives
Cons
- May be too large for some owners
- Need an exotic animals vet
- Less training potential
10. Diamond Naturals Kitten Formula Dry Cat Food
| Weight: | 6 pounds |
| Protein: | 34% |
| Fat: | 22% |
The first component in the Diamond Naturals Dry Kitten food is cage-free chicken, and the total protein level is 34%. Superfoods like chia seeds and blueberries, which are high in antioxidants, are added to the kibble to promote your kitten’s immune system growth and general wellness.
Taurine is fantastic for their heart and brain, and salmon oil, a natural source of DHA, helps with visual and cognitive function. Also, the diet includes probiotics to help with digestion and important omega fatty acids for the healthiest possible skin and coat. There are no artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives in this food.
Like many customers, we thought the kibble size was a little too big for kittens. Numerous people also complained that the food smells strongly, that their kittens would not eat it, and that those who did consume it had nausea and vomiting.
Pros
- Contains cage-free chicken as the first ingredient
- Enhanced with superfoods
- Included salmon oil and taurine
- Free from artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives
Cons
- Large kibble size
- Pungent odor
- May cause nausea and vomiting
Buyer’s Guide: Selecting the Best Kitten Food
While the argument over wet vs. dry cat food is still hotly contested, dry kitten food provides a number of advantages for your kitten. Nevertheless, all options have advantages and disadvantages. Many cat and kitten owners choose dry food since it is often less expensive, simpler to store, and can be purchased in bulk. The daily feeding of your kitten is also totally healthy, however we also advise periodically using wet food.
Kitten Food vs. Adult Cat Food
Many new kitten owners may be perplexed as to why you can’t just give their kitten adult cat food. The explanation is straightforward: Kittens’ dietary requirements vary from those of adult cats. Kittens develop quickly and need a diet that is very nutrient-dense to support their fast development. Since you can be confident that your pet is receiving all the nutrients they need to grow and develop into maturity, specifically prepared kitten food is the finest option.
How to Choose the Best Dry Food for Your Kitten
Early kittenhood is a critical period for your cat’s development and will have a significant influence on their health. Early feeding will provide the groundwork for your cat’s long and healthy existence. This makes selecting the finest diet for your kitten essential, and there are crucial things to take into account.
The following are the main deciding elements when evaluating kitten food:
• Protein
• Fat
• Vitamins
• Minerals
• Artificial ingredients and “fillers”
Dry Cat Food Protein Substance
Given that cats are obligate carnivores and need protein to get the necessary amino acids that they cannot produce on their own and which are insufficiently present in plant sources, protein is likely the most crucial element to look for in kitten food. The first component specified should be this protein, which must originate from animal-based sources. A protein level of between 35% and 45% is good.
Dry Cat Food Fat Substance
Your kitten must eat fats in his or her diet, particularly animal fats. Due to their ability to aid in the absorption of certain vitamins and minerals, these fats are among the main sources of energy for felines. A healthy coat and skin are aided by essential omega fatty acids. The recommended fat level for the dry meal you choose is between 15% and 20%.
Dry Cat Food Vitamins and minerals
In terms of vitamins and minerals, kittens’ needs vary somewhat from those of adults. They need larger doses of vitamins A and D, which are necessary for the development of the muscles and eyesight, respectively. Iron and magnesium are important elements that are mostly present in organ meats and are crucial to your kitten’s general health and growth.
You need a dish that will keep the mess contained whether you give your cat dry food or wet food, and the Hepper Nom Nom Bowl does exactly that.
The comfort of your cat was considered in the creation of this item. The broad catch tray makes sure that all food remains precisely where it belongs—inside the bowl—and the low, wide bowls reduce whisker fatigue.
Dry Cat Food Ingredients to Avoid
The same foods that are harmful to adult cats should not be given to your kitten. Foods like wheat and maize that include a lot of grains should be avoided since they might be difficult to digest. Also, wherever feasible, artificial preservatives, flavors, and colors should be avoided.
While the issue of whether or not to feed carbs to cats is still up for dispute, the majority of experts agree that a modest intake is generally beneficial. While eating an excessive amount of carbohydrates may be detrimental and fast lead to weight gain, this is not a major concern for kittens. While whole grains are perfect for providing kittens with digestible energy in little doses, they generally have a poor name since they are often utilized as filler items to bulk out menus.
Guideline for Feeding Your New Kitten
Kittens often need three to four tiny meals a day since they are unable to consume large amounts of food at once. According to their particular size, breed, and energy levels, you should adjust how much you feed them at each meal. You’ll need to continue making adjustments because of how quickly they are developing. While again, this is specific to your kitty, a decent general guideline is 1 to 2 cups distributed throughout the day. To provide moisture and variety, try mixing in some wet food; as needed, alter the dry food to wet food ratio.
By the time they are 10 to 12 months old, when most kittens reach maturity, their development rate has significantly slowed and you may start feeding them less regularly.
Conclusion
Overall, the Blue Buffalo Wilderness Kitten Grain-Free Dry Food is our top pick for dry kitten food. In addition to not containing grains, it has wholesome chicken as its first component, taurine, necessary omega fatty acids, and “LifeSource Bits,” a balanced combination of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals.
The Kitten Chow Nurture Dry Kitten Food is the finest value for cat food. It is devoid of artificial colors and tastes and includes farm-raised chicken, DHA fatty acids, taurine, and important antioxidants.
The Hill’s Science Diet kitten formula is our top recommendation if you’re seeking a quality option for your developing cat. The meal is created with genuine chicken and is devoid of synthetic flavors, colors, and preservatives. It also includes natural DHA derived from fish oil and a strong antioxidant and vitamin combination.
You’ll naturally want to provide your kitten with the finest start possible since kittenhood is one of the most joyful but stressful stages of cat ownership. We hope that our in-depth evaluations have helped you discover the finest dry food for your new kitty buddy by slightly reducing the wide range of choices.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
When can I start feeding my kitten dry food?
Most kittens can start eating dry kitten food around 8 to 10 weeks of age. Before this age, they primarily rely on their mother’s milk or specially formulated kitten milk replacers.
Is it better to feed my kitten dry or wet food?
Both dry and wet kitten foods have their advantages. Wet food provides hydration and can be more palatable, while dry food helps with dental health and is convenient. Many owners choose a combination of both for a balanced diet.
How much should I feed my kitten?
Feeding guidelines vary by brand and formula, but typically, you should follow the recommended daily serving size based on your kitten’s age, weight, and activity level. It’s crucial not to overfeed, as excess weight can lead to health issues.
Are there any ingredients I should avoid in dry kitten foods?
Kittens have specific dietary needs, and it’s essential to choose foods that meet these requirements. Avoid fillers like corn and soy, as well as excessive artificial additives or preservatives. Look for high-quality, protein-rich formulas.
Can I feed my adult cat dry kitten food?
While it’s not harmful to feed adult cats dry kitten food occasionally, it’s not recommended as a primary diet. Adult cats have different nutritional needs, and feeding them kitten food may lead to weight gain and other health issues.
Remember that choosing the right kitten food is crucial for your furry friend’s overall health and well-being. Consult with your veterinarian to determine the best diet plan for your specific kitten’s needs.
