Congratulations on your new fluffy companion! Chances are that the breeder or rescue group also sent you home with a small amount of kitten food. But if you’re interested in looking at other options for your kitten, you’ve come to the right place. We know how time-consuming it can be to research the multitudes of pet foods out there, particularly as a Canadian pet owner! Here are reviews of 10 of the best kitten foods available in Canada, both canned and dry. Hopefully, reading through this list will save you time, and you’ll discover the best food for your adorable kitten.
A Quick Glance at Our Top Picks (2023 Update)
Image Product Details
Best Overall
Purina ONE Healthy Kitten Dry Food
Well priced
High in protein
DHA for brain and vision development
Check Price
Best Value
Purina Kitten Chow Dry Food
Inexpensive
High in protein
DHA for vision and brain development
Check Price
Premium Choice
Blue Buffalo Wilderness High Protein Dry Kitten Food
Chicken is the main ingredient
Contains DHA, ARA, and taurine
Includes “LifeSource Bits” with minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants
Check Price
Vet’s Choice
Hill’s Science Healthy Cuisine Canned Kitten Food
Supports a healthy urinary tract
Includes taurine for eye and heart health
No artificial flavours or preservatives
Check Price
Hill’s Science Diet Dry Kitten Food
High quality and easily digestible
DHA from fish oil for the development of the eyes and brain
Balance of vitamins and antioxidants for immune system support
Check Price
The 10 Best Kitten Foods in Canada
- Purina ONE Healthy Kitten Dry Food — Best Overall
Check Latest Price
Main Ingredients: Chicken, corn gluten meal, rice flour
Protein Content: 40%
Fat Content: 18%
Calories: 462 kcal/cup
The best overall kitten food in Canada is Purina ONE Healthy Kitten Dry Food. It’s affordable and has real chicken as the first ingredient. It’s high in protein, which helps support your kitten’s growing muscles, and DHA, which supports brain development and vision. It has four antioxidant sources, including vitamins E and A, to contribute to a strong immune system. It doesn’t include any artificial preservatives or colours, and it’s easily digested. The flaws with this food are that there’s the potential for kittens to end up with smelly poop and that the ingredient list includes many of what you might consider fillers. Pros
Well priced
High in protein
DHA for brain and vision development
Four antioxidants for a strong immune system
No artificial ingredients
Cons
Might cause stinky poop
Has fillers
- Purina Kitten Chow Dry Kitten Food — Best Value
Check Latest Price
Main Ingredients: Chicken by-product, corn gluten meal, rice, soy flour
Protein Content: 40%
Fat Content: 13.5%
Calories: 414 kcal/cup
The best kitten food in Canada for the money is Purina’s Kitten Chow Dry Food. It’s inexpensive and high in protein for lean muscles and has added DHA for all-important vision and brain development. It also includes antioxidants for a robust immune system and essential nutrients like those found in a mother cat’s milk. It doesn’t contain artificial flavours or colours. The issues are that this food contains many ingredients that can be considered fillers and that some kittens might experience stomach upset. Pros
Inexpensive
High in protein
DHA for vision and brain development
Essential nutrients like mother’s milk
No artificial flavours or colours
Cons
Some ingredients are fillers
Some kittens might experience stomach upset
- Blue Buffalo Wilderness High Protein Dry Kitten Food — Premium Choice
Check Latest Price
Main Ingredients: Deboned chicken, pea protein tapioca starch, menhaden fish meal
Protein Content: 40%
Fat Content: 20%
Calories: 457 kcal/cup
Blue Buffalo’s Wilderness High Protein Dry Kitten Food is our pick as a premium food. It’s made with high-quality protein in the form of real chicken and contains DHA, ARA, and taurine, which all help with vision and brain development. The kibble is made with “LifeSource Bits,” which include vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that provide overall body health. Blue Buffalo is formulated by animal nutritionists and holistic vets in order to ensure that your kitten will grow healthy and strong. It doesn’t contain any by-products, wheat, soy, corn, or artificial ingredients. However, it is expensive, and the kibble is a bit big for tiny mouths. Pros
Chicken is the main ingredient
Contains DHA, ARA, and taurine
Includes “LifeSource Bits” with minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants
No fillers or artificial ingredients
Formulated by animal nutritionists and holistic vets
Cons
Expensive
Kibble is large for tiny mouths
- Hill’s Science Healthy Cuisine Canned Kitten Food — Vet’s Choice
Check Latest Price
Main Ingredients: Chicken broth, chicken, pork liver, carrots
Protein Content: 6.5%
Fat Content: 2%
Calories: 71 kcal/2.8 oz. can
Our vet’s choice goes to Hill’s Science Healthy Cuisine Canned Kitten Food for its tasty formula that helps support a healthy urinary tract and normal urine acid levels. It’s a high-quality protein source that features chicken and rice in a stew recipe that most kittens love. It includes taurine for your kitten’s eyes and heart and doesn’t contain artificial flavours or preservatives. It’s easily digested and has a balanced combination of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals for your kitten’s immune system, as well as healthy teeth and bones. The issues are that the food is expensive and that very young kittens might not like the stew texture and might do better with a pâté. Pros
Supports a healthy urinary tract
Includes taurine for eye and heart health
No artificial flavours or preservatives
Easily digested
Balance of minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants for overall health
Cons
Expensive
Young kittens might prefer a pâté
- Hill’s Science Diet Dry Kitten Food
Check Latest Price
Main Ingredients: Chicken, brown rice, wheat gluten, chicken fat
Protein Content: 33%
Fat Content: 19%
Calories: 568 kcal/cup
Hill’s Science Diet Dry Kitten Food provides a balanced diet with high-quality and easily digestible kibble. Natural DHA from fish oil is added for vision and brain development, and there’s a balance of antioxidants, minerals, and vitamins for a healthy immune system. It’s made in the U.S., and it doesn’t include any artificial flavours, colours, or preservatives. The main disadvantages are that it is expensive and that some kittens might experience stomach issues (primarily diarrhea). Pros
High quality and easily digestible
DHA from fish oil for the development of the eyes and brain
Balance of vitamins and antioxidants for immune system support
Cons
Expensive
Might cause an upset stomach
- IAMS Perfect Portions Healthy Kitten Wet Food
Check Latest Price
Main Ingredients: Chicken, water, liver, chicken broth
Protein Content: 9%
Fat Content: 5%
Calories: 45 kcal/serving
IAMS Perfect Portions Healthy Kitten Wet Food comes in small trays that you peel open and serve, so you don’t have any leftovers cluttering up your fridge. It contains real chicken and the usual DHA, in addition to nutrients commonly found in a mother cat’s milk. It also includes vitamin E and antioxidants for immune system support, and there aren’t any fillers or artificial preservatives. However, depending on how much of an eater your kitten is, you might find that you’re paying a great deal of money for not that much food. Additionally, you might find the trays challenging to open. Pros
Peel-and-serve trays — two servings for each tray
Real chicken and DHA
Vitamin E and antioxidants
No fillers or artificial preservatives
Cons
Expensive
Trays can be difficult to open
- Wellness Natural Pet Canned Kitten Food
Check Latest Price
Main Ingredients: Chicken, chicken liver, chicken broth, carrots
Protein Content: 11%
Fat Content: 6%
Calories: 97 kcal/can
Wellness Natural Pet Canned Kitten Food was made by nutritionists and veterinarians to ensure that your kitten will grow and develop the right way. It contains whole chicken as the first ingredient and is full of nutrients and protein to fuel your cat’s energy and growing muscles. It contains DHA for brain development and taurine for a healthy heart and eyes. It doesn’t contain corn, soy, or wheat or any artificial flavours, colours, or preservatives. The issue here is that it’s expensive! Also, picky kittens out there might decide that they don’t want to eat it. Pros
Formulated by nutritionists and vets
Chicken as the first ingredient
Packed with nutrients and protein
DHA and taurine for brain, heart, and eye health
Cons
Expensive
Picky kittens might not like it
- Purina Pro Plan Dry Kitten Food
Check Latest Price
Main Ingredients: Chicken, rice, corn gluten meal, chicken by-product
Protein Content: 42%
Fat Content: 19%
Calories: 534 kcal/cup
Purina’s Pro Plan Dry Kitten Food has real chicken as the main ingredient, with added DHA to support vision and brain development. It contains live probiotics and antioxidants, which support your kitten’s digestive and immune system health. It also has omega-6 fatty acids to help your kitten grow a healthy coat. Finally, it includes phosphorus and calcium to maintain teeth and bone health. The cons are that it is pricey and that it might cause stomach or skin issues in some kittens. Pros
Real chicken is the main ingredient
DHA for brain and vision development
Live probiotics for immune and digestive system health
Cons
Pricey
Might cause stomach or skin issues in some kittens
- Whiskas Dry Kitten Food
Check Latest Price
Main Ingredients: Chicken by-product meal, ground whole-grain corn, animal fat
Protein Content: 38%
Fat Content: 15%
Calories: 387 kcal/cup
Whiskas Dry Kitten Food has high protein for your growing kitten and includes antioxidants to support their immune system. It is a completely balanced diet that is nutrient rich and has included little treats that are filled with tastiness. There are no added artificial flavours or colours. However, while the kibble is a nice small size for kittens, the “treats” mixed in are large, and your kitten might reject them for this reason. Also, the main ingredients aren’t as good as what you can get with some other brands. Pros
Great price
High protein for a growing kitten
Antioxidants to support the immune system
Tasty treats mixed in with kibble
Cons
Treats in the kibble are big for small mouths
Main ingredients are not as good as some other brands
- Fancy Feast Variety Pack Wet Kitten Food
Check Latest Price
Main Ingredients: Turkey, liver, milk and ocean whitefish, liver
Protein Content: 11% & 12%
Fat Content: 5% & 4%
Calories: 95 kcal/can & 85 kcal/can
Fancy Feast Variety Pack Wet Kitten Food has two flavours that you can try out on your kitten. There are six cans of turkey and six cans of ocean whitefish, which is a great way to experiment to see if your kitten prefers one flavour over the other. It’s enhanced with added vitamins and minerals, including taurine for your kitten’s eyes and heart health. It’s also made with real broth and milk, which adds extra nutrients and moisture and supports a healthy urinary tract. The problems, though, are that this food does have artificial colours and preservatives and that some kittens might experience diarrhea while on this food. Pros
Variety pack with two flavours
Taurine for healthy heart and vision
Made with real broth and milk
Extra hydration for a healthy urinary tract
Cons
Contains artificial colours and preservatives
Some kittens might get diarrhea
Buyer’s Guide: How to Select the Best Kitten Foods in Canada When you’re deciding on what kind of kitten food you should purchase, there are a few things that you need to consider.
Grain Free There is a bit of controversy over giving cats grain-free food. Cats are obligate carnivores, which means they are literally obligated to eat meat. They have a harder time digesting plant matter than dogs. However, unless your vet has told you to put your cat on a grain-free diet due to food sensitivities and allergies, there’s no need to be concerned if your cat’s food contains grains. Most cats with allergies or food intolerances tend to be allergic to the protein source, particularly chicken, fish, and beef, as well as dairy. If you think that your cat is having an allergic reaction to their food, see your vet. Nutrition Kittens need the right balance of nutrients because they are still growing. The dry food should be at least 30% protein and 15–20% fat. Canned or wet foods should be 10–15% protein and 3–6% fat. Wet Food Many cat owners prefer to give their cats both dry and wet food. Ensuring that your cat has plenty of moisture in their diet can potentially help keep future health conditions from developing, like kidney failure. Most canned food is about 70% water, so that combined with constant access to fresh and clean water can set up your kitten for a long and healthy life. Food Transition If you are switching your new kitten to a new food, it needs to be done quite slowly and gradually. Most pet food manufacturers include directions on the food packaging to help you through this transition. You’ll want to start by adding a small amount of the new food to the old, and slowly increase that amount every day until your kitten is only eating the new food. This is particularly important for kittens because they have such sensitive stomachs. It can also explain why your kitten might suddenly develop diarrhea — it could be the food itself, but it might also simply be too fast of a switch to the new food.
Conclusion Our overall favourite is Purina ONE Healthy Kitten Dry Food, as it’s affordable and is high in protein, which helps support your kitten’s growing muscles. Purina’s Kitten Chow Dry Food is inexpensive and includes DHA for vision and brain development. Our premium choice pick is Blue Buffalo’s Wilderness High Protein Dry Kitten Food, which is made with “LifeSource Bits.” These include vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants and are formulated by animal nutritionists and holistic vets. Finally, our vet’s choice is Hill’s Science Healthy Cuisine Canned Kitten Food for its tasty formula that helps support a healthy urinary tract and for its high-quality protein source. Hopefully, these reviews will assist you in finding the right food for your kitten. We all want those adorable kittens to grow into healthy and happy adult cats!
Featured Image Credit: MaraZe, Shutterstock
Congratulations on your new fluffy companion! Chances are that the breeder or rescue group also sent you home with a small amount of kitten food. But if you’re interested in looking at other options for your kitten, you’ve come to the right place.
We know how time-consuming it can be to research the multitudes of pet foods out there, particularly as a Canadian pet owner! Here are reviews of 10 of the best kitten foods available in Canada, both canned and dry. Hopefully, reading through this list will save you time, and you’ll discover the best food for your adorable kitten.
A Quick Glance at Our Top Picks (2023 Update)
Image Product Details
Best Overall
Purina ONE Healthy Kitten Dry Food
Well priced
High in protein
DHA for brain and vision development
Check Price
Best Value
Purina Kitten Chow Dry Food
Inexpensive
High in protein
DHA for vision and brain development
Check Price
Premium Choice
Blue Buffalo Wilderness High Protein Dry Kitten Food
Chicken is the main ingredient
Contains DHA, ARA, and taurine
Includes “LifeSource Bits” with minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants
Check Price
Vet’s Choice
Hill’s Science Healthy Cuisine Canned Kitten Food
Supports a healthy urinary tract
Includes taurine for eye and heart health
No artificial flavours or preservatives
Check Price
Hill’s Science Diet Dry Kitten Food
High quality and easily digestible
DHA from fish oil for the development of the eyes and brain
Balance of vitamins and antioxidants for immune system support
Check Price
The 10 Best Kitten Foods in Canada
- Purina ONE Healthy Kitten Dry Food — Best Overall
Check Latest Price
Main Ingredients: Chicken, corn gluten meal, rice flour
Protein Content: 40%
Fat Content: 18%
Calories: 462 kcal/cup
The best overall kitten food in Canada is Purina ONE Healthy Kitten Dry Food. It’s affordable and has real chicken as the first ingredient. It’s high in protein, which helps support your kitten’s growing muscles, and DHA, which supports brain development and vision. It has four antioxidant sources, including vitamins E and A, to contribute to a strong immune system. It doesn’t include any artificial preservatives or colours, and it’s easily digested.
Check Latest Price
Main Ingredients: Chicken, corn gluten meal, rice flour
Protein Content: 40%
Fat Content: 18%
Calories: 462 kcal/cup
The flaws with this food are that there’s the potential for kittens to end up with smelly poop and that the ingredient list includes many of what you might consider fillers.
Pros
Well priced
High in protein
DHA for brain and vision development
Four antioxidants for a strong immune system
No artificial ingredients
Cons
Might cause stinky poop
Has fillers
- Purina Kitten Chow Dry Kitten Food — Best Value
Check Latest Price
Main Ingredients: Chicken by-product, corn gluten meal, rice, soy flour
Protein Content: 40%
Fat Content: 13.5%
Calories: 414 kcal/cup
The best kitten food in Canada for the money is Purina’s Kitten Chow Dry Food. It’s inexpensive and high in protein for lean muscles and has added DHA for all-important vision and brain development. It also includes antioxidants for a robust immune system and essential nutrients like those found in a mother cat’s milk. It doesn’t contain artificial flavours or colours.
Well priced
High in protein
DHA for brain and vision development
Four antioxidants for a strong immune system
No artificial ingredients
- Well priced
- High in protein
- DHA for brain and vision development
- Four antioxidants for a strong immune system
- No artificial ingredients
Might cause stinky poop
Has fillers
- Might cause stinky poop
- Has fillers
Main Ingredients: Chicken by-product, corn gluten meal, rice, soy flour
Protein Content: 40%
Fat Content: 13.5%
Calories: 414 kcal/cup
The issues are that this food contains many ingredients that can be considered fillers and that some kittens might experience stomach upset.
Pros
Inexpensive
High in protein
DHA for vision and brain development
Essential nutrients like mother’s milk
No artificial flavours or colours
Cons
Some ingredients are fillers
Some kittens might experience stomach upset
- Blue Buffalo Wilderness High Protein Dry Kitten Food — Premium Choice
Check Latest Price
Main Ingredients: Deboned chicken, pea protein tapioca starch, menhaden fish meal
Protein Content: 40%
Fat Content: 20%
Calories: 457 kcal/cup
Blue Buffalo’s Wilderness High Protein Dry Kitten Food is our pick as a premium food. It’s made with high-quality protein in the form of real chicken and contains DHA, ARA, and taurine, which all help with vision and brain development. The kibble is made with “LifeSource Bits,” which include vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that provide overall body health. Blue Buffalo is formulated by animal nutritionists and holistic vets in order to ensure that your kitten will grow healthy and strong. It doesn’t contain any by-products, wheat, soy, corn, or artificial ingredients.
Inexpensive
High in protein
DHA for vision and brain development
Essential nutrients like mother’s milk
No artificial flavours or colours
- Inexpensive
- High in protein
- DHA for vision and brain development
- Essential nutrients like mother’s milk
- No artificial flavours or colours
Some ingredients are fillers
Some kittens might experience stomach upset
- Some ingredients are fillers
- Some kittens might experience stomach upset
Main Ingredients: Deboned chicken, pea protein tapioca starch, menhaden fish meal
Protein Content: 40%
Fat Content: 20%
Calories: 457 kcal/cup
However, it is expensive, and the kibble is a bit big for tiny mouths.
Pros
Chicken is the main ingredient
Contains DHA, ARA, and taurine
Includes “LifeSource Bits” with minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants
No fillers or artificial ingredients
Formulated by animal nutritionists and holistic vets
Cons
Expensive
Kibble is large for tiny mouths
- Hill’s Science Healthy Cuisine Canned Kitten Food — Vet’s Choice
Check Latest Price
Main Ingredients: Chicken broth, chicken, pork liver, carrots
Protein Content: 6.5%
Fat Content: 2%
Calories: 71 kcal/2.8 oz. can
Our vet’s choice goes to Hill’s Science Healthy Cuisine Canned Kitten Food for its tasty formula that helps support a healthy urinary tract and normal urine acid levels. It’s a high-quality protein source that features chicken and rice in a stew recipe that most kittens love. It includes taurine for your kitten’s eyes and heart and doesn’t contain artificial flavours or preservatives. It’s easily digested and has a balanced combination of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals for your kitten’s immune system, as well as healthy teeth and bones.
Chicken is the main ingredient
Contains DHA, ARA, and taurine
Includes “LifeSource Bits” with minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants
No fillers or artificial ingredients
Formulated by animal nutritionists and holistic vets
- Chicken is the main ingredient
- Contains DHA, ARA, and taurine
- Includes “LifeSource Bits” with minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants
- No fillers or artificial ingredients
- Formulated by animal nutritionists and holistic vets
Expensive
Kibble is large for tiny mouths
- Expensive
- Kibble is large for tiny mouths
Main Ingredients: Chicken broth, chicken, pork liver, carrots
Protein Content: 6.5%
Fat Content: 2%
Calories: 71 kcal/2.8 oz. can
The issues are that the food is expensive and that very young kittens might not like the stew texture and might do better with a pâté.
Pros
Supports a healthy urinary tract
Includes taurine for eye and heart health
No artificial flavours or preservatives
Easily digested
Balance of minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants for overall health
Cons
Expensive
Young kittens might prefer a pâté
- Hill’s Science Diet Dry Kitten Food
Check Latest Price
Main Ingredients: Chicken, brown rice, wheat gluten, chicken fat
Protein Content: 33%
Fat Content: 19%
Calories: 568 kcal/cup
Hill’s Science Diet Dry Kitten Food provides a balanced diet with high-quality and easily digestible kibble. Natural DHA from fish oil is added for vision and brain development, and there’s a balance of antioxidants, minerals, and vitamins for a healthy immune system. It’s made in the U.S., and it doesn’t include any artificial flavours, colours, or preservatives.
Supports a healthy urinary tract
Includes taurine for eye and heart health
No artificial flavours or preservatives
Easily digested
Balance of minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants for overall health
- Supports a healthy urinary tract
- Includes taurine for eye and heart health
- No artificial flavours or preservatives
- Easily digested
- Balance of minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants for overall health
Expensive
Young kittens might prefer a pâté
- Expensive
- Young kittens might prefer a pâté
Main Ingredients: Chicken, brown rice, wheat gluten, chicken fat
Protein Content: 33%
Fat Content: 19%
Calories: 568 kcal/cup
The main disadvantages are that it is expensive and that some kittens might experience stomach issues (primarily diarrhea).
Pros
High quality and easily digestible
DHA from fish oil for the development of the eyes and brain
Balance of vitamins and antioxidants for immune system support
Cons
Expensive
Might cause an upset stomach
- IAMS Perfect Portions Healthy Kitten Wet Food
Check Latest Price
Main Ingredients: Chicken, water, liver, chicken broth
Protein Content: 9%
Fat Content: 5%
Calories: 45 kcal/serving
IAMS Perfect Portions Healthy Kitten Wet Food comes in small trays that you peel open and serve, so you don’t have any leftovers cluttering up your fridge. It contains real chicken and the usual DHA, in addition to nutrients commonly found in a mother cat’s milk. It also includes vitamin E and antioxidants for immune system support, and there aren’t any fillers or artificial preservatives.
High quality and easily digestible
DHA from fish oil for the development of the eyes and brain
Balance of vitamins and antioxidants for immune system support
- High quality and easily digestible
- DHA from fish oil for the development of the eyes and brain
- Balance of vitamins and antioxidants for immune system support
Expensive
Might cause an upset stomach
- Expensive
- Might cause an upset stomach
Main Ingredients: Chicken, water, liver, chicken broth
Protein Content: 9%
Fat Content: 5%
Calories: 45 kcal/serving
However, depending on how much of an eater your kitten is, you might find that you’re paying a great deal of money for not that much food. Additionally, you might find the trays challenging to open.
Pros
Peel-and-serve trays — two servings for each tray
Real chicken and DHA
Vitamin E and antioxidants
No fillers or artificial preservatives
Cons
Expensive
Trays can be difficult to open
- Wellness Natural Pet Canned Kitten Food
Check Latest Price
Main Ingredients: Chicken, chicken liver, chicken broth, carrots
Protein Content: 11%
Fat Content: 6%
Calories: 97 kcal/can
Wellness Natural Pet Canned Kitten Food was made by nutritionists and veterinarians to ensure that your kitten will grow and develop the right way. It contains whole chicken as the first ingredient and is full of nutrients and protein to fuel your cat’s energy and growing muscles. It contains DHA for brain development and taurine for a healthy heart and eyes. It doesn’t contain corn, soy, or wheat or any artificial flavours, colours, or preservatives.
Peel-and-serve trays — two servings for each tray
Real chicken and DHA
Vitamin E and antioxidants
No fillers or artificial preservatives
- Peel-and-serve trays — two servings for each tray
- Real chicken and DHA
- Vitamin E and antioxidants
- No fillers or artificial preservatives
Expensive
Trays can be difficult to open
- Expensive
- Trays can be difficult to open
Main Ingredients: Chicken, chicken liver, chicken broth, carrots
Protein Content: 11%
Fat Content: 6%
Calories: 97 kcal/can
The issue here is that it’s expensive! Also, picky kittens out there might decide that they don’t want to eat it.
Pros
Formulated by nutritionists and vets
Chicken as the first ingredient
Packed with nutrients and protein
DHA and taurine for brain, heart, and eye health
Cons
Expensive
Picky kittens might not like it
- Purina Pro Plan Dry Kitten Food
Check Latest Price
Main Ingredients: Chicken, rice, corn gluten meal, chicken by-product
Protein Content: 42%
Fat Content: 19%
Calories: 534 kcal/cup
Purina’s Pro Plan Dry Kitten Food has real chicken as the main ingredient, with added DHA to support vision and brain development. It contains live probiotics and antioxidants, which support your kitten’s digestive and immune system health. It also has omega-6 fatty acids to help your kitten grow a healthy coat. Finally, it includes phosphorus and calcium to maintain teeth and bone health.
Formulated by nutritionists and vets
Chicken as the first ingredient
Packed with nutrients and protein
DHA and taurine for brain, heart, and eye health
- Formulated by nutritionists and vets
- Chicken as the first ingredient
- Packed with nutrients and protein
- DHA and taurine for brain, heart, and eye health
Expensive
Picky kittens might not like it
- Expensive
- Picky kittens might not like it
Main Ingredients: Chicken, rice, corn gluten meal, chicken by-product
Protein Content: 42%
Fat Content: 19%
Calories: 534 kcal/cup
The cons are that it is pricey and that it might cause stomach or skin issues in some kittens.
Pros
Real chicken is the main ingredient
DHA for brain and vision development
Live probiotics for immune and digestive system health
Cons
Pricey
Might cause stomach or skin issues in some kittens
- Whiskas Dry Kitten Food
Check Latest Price
Main Ingredients: Chicken by-product meal, ground whole-grain corn, animal fat
Protein Content: 38%
Fat Content: 15%
Calories: 387 kcal/cup
Whiskas Dry Kitten Food has high protein for your growing kitten and includes antioxidants to support their immune system. It is a completely balanced diet that is nutrient rich and has included little treats that are filled with tastiness. There are no added artificial flavours or colours.
Real chicken is the main ingredient
DHA for brain and vision development
Live probiotics for immune and digestive system health
- Real chicken is the main ingredient
- DHA for brain and vision development
- Live probiotics for immune and digestive system health
Pricey
Might cause stomach or skin issues in some kittens
- Pricey
- Might cause stomach or skin issues in some kittens
Main Ingredients: Chicken by-product meal, ground whole-grain corn, animal fat
Protein Content: 38%
Fat Content: 15%
Calories: 387 kcal/cup
However, while the kibble is a nice small size for kittens, the “treats” mixed in are large, and your kitten might reject them for this reason. Also, the main ingredients aren’t as good as what you can get with some other brands.
Pros
Great price
High protein for a growing kitten
Antioxidants to support the immune system
Tasty treats mixed in with kibble
Cons
Treats in the kibble are big for small mouths
Main ingredients are not as good as some other brands
- Fancy Feast Variety Pack Wet Kitten Food
Check Latest Price
Main Ingredients: Turkey, liver, milk and ocean whitefish, liver
Protein Content: 11% & 12%
Fat Content: 5% & 4%
Calories: 95 kcal/can & 85 kcal/can
Fancy Feast Variety Pack Wet Kitten Food has two flavours that you can try out on your kitten. There are six cans of turkey and six cans of ocean whitefish, which is a great way to experiment to see if your kitten prefers one flavour over the other. It’s enhanced with added vitamins and minerals, including taurine for your kitten’s eyes and heart health. It’s also made with real broth and milk, which adds extra nutrients and moisture and supports a healthy urinary tract.
Great price
High protein for a growing kitten
Antioxidants to support the immune system
Tasty treats mixed in with kibble
- Great price
- High protein for a growing kitten
- Antioxidants to support the immune system
- Tasty treats mixed in with kibble
Treats in the kibble are big for small mouths
Main ingredients are not as good as some other brands
- Treats in the kibble are big for small mouths
- Main ingredients are not as good as some other brands
Main Ingredients: Turkey, liver, milk and ocean whitefish, liver
Protein Content: 11% & 12%
Fat Content: 5% & 4%
Calories: 95 kcal/can & 85 kcal/can
The problems, though, are that this food does have artificial colours and preservatives and that some kittens might experience diarrhea while on this food.
Pros
Variety pack with two flavours
Taurine for healthy heart and vision
Made with real broth and milk
Extra hydration for a healthy urinary tract
Cons
Contains artificial colours and preservatives
Some kittens might get diarrhea
Variety pack with two flavours
Taurine for healthy heart and vision
Made with real broth and milk
Extra hydration for a healthy urinary tract
- Variety pack with two flavours
- Taurine for healthy heart and vision
- Made with real broth and milk
- Extra hydration for a healthy urinary tract
Contains artificial colours and preservatives
Some kittens might get diarrhea
- Contains artificial colours and preservatives
- Some kittens might get diarrhea
Buyer’s Guide: How to Select the Best Kitten Foods in Canada
When you’re deciding on what kind of kitten food you should purchase, there are a few things that you need to consider.
Grain Free
There is a bit of controversy over giving cats grain-free food. Cats are obligate carnivores, which means they are literally obligated to eat meat. They have a harder time digesting plant matter than dogs. However, unless your vet has told you to put your cat on a grain-free diet due to food sensitivities and allergies, there’s no need to be concerned if your cat’s food contains grains.
Most cats with allergies or food intolerances tend to be allergic to the protein source, particularly chicken, fish, and beef, as well as dairy. If you think that your cat is having an allergic reaction to their food, see your vet.
Nutrition
Kittens need the right balance of nutrients because they are still growing. The dry food should be at least 30% protein and 15–20% fat. Canned or wet foods should be 10–15% protein and 3–6% fat.
Wet Food
Many cat owners prefer to give their cats both dry and wet food. Ensuring that your cat has plenty of moisture in their diet can potentially help keep future health conditions from developing, like kidney failure. Most canned food is about 70% water, so that combined with constant access to fresh and clean water can set up your kitten for a long and healthy life.
Food Transition
If you are switching your new kitten to a new food, it needs to be done quite slowly and gradually. Most pet food manufacturers include directions on the food packaging to help you through this transition. You’ll want to start by adding a small amount of the new food to the old, and slowly increase that amount every day until your kitten is only eating the new food.
This is particularly important for kittens because they have such sensitive stomachs. It can also explain why your kitten might suddenly develop diarrhea — it could be the food itself, but it might also simply be too fast of a switch to the new food.
Conclusion
Our overall favourite is Purina ONE Healthy Kitten Dry Food, as it’s affordable and is high in protein, which helps support your kitten’s growing muscles. Purina’s Kitten Chow Dry Food is inexpensive and includes DHA for vision and brain development. Our premium choice pick is Blue Buffalo’s Wilderness High Protein Dry Kitten Food, which is made with “LifeSource Bits.” These include vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants and are formulated by animal nutritionists and holistic vets. Finally, our vet’s choice is Hill’s Science Healthy Cuisine Canned Kitten Food for its tasty formula that helps support a healthy urinary tract and for its high-quality protein source.
Hopefully, these reviews will assist you in finding the right food for your kitten. We all want those adorable kittens to grow into healthy and happy adult cats!
Featured Image Credit: MaraZe, Shutterstock
