10 Best Wet Soft Canned Kitten Foods Reviews 2023

Because kittens are susceptible to more illnesses and require more moisture, it’s crucial to select the best wet, soft & canned kitten food for your new feline friend. Unfortunately, many manufacturers are not completely honest about their quality or products, making it difficult to know which option you should select.

In this article, we are going to help you find the best wet, soft & canned kitten food on the market. We offer reviews of our 10 favorite varieties and look intensely at the pros and cons of each. We also provide a buyer’s guide at the end that can help you know what to look for as you are finalizing which kitten product to buy.

Let’s get started.

A Glance at Our Top Picks (2023 Update)

Image Product Details

Best Overall

Smalls Fresh Cat Food Subscription

Recipes recommended based on your cat’s needs

Caters to cats of all ages

Made with natural ingredients

Click to Save 40% Use code: PetKeen2023

Best Value

Fancy Feast Kitten Turkey Can

Turkey flavored

Affordable

Includes taurine

Check Price

Goody Box + Kitten Pate

Chicken flavored

Includes high-quality ingredients

Includes DHA, AHA, moega-3, and 6 fatty acids

Check Price

Royal Canin Vet Diet Canned Kitten Food

Turkey flavored

Mousse texture

Includes high-quality ingredients

Check Price

Royal Canin Mother & Babycat Mousse Can

Suitable for mothers and kittens

Includes high-quality ingredients

Includes DHA

Check Price

The 10 Best Wet, Soft & Canned Kitten Foods

1. Smalls Fresh Cat Food Subscription – Best Overall

Save 40% on Smalls - Click Here & Use Code Petkeen2023

Texture: Ground, pulled, smooth

Nutritional Analysis: 15% protein, 6% fat, 72% moisture

Suitable For: Kittens, pregnant mothers, nursing mothers, all life stages

If you’re looking for an alternative to traditional canned kitten food, you might want to check out Smalls. Smalls is a cat food delivery service that works by recommending you meal plans based on your cat’s dietary needs. When you get started on Smalls’ website, you’re asked to fill out a short questionnaire to determine which recipes would be best for your cat or kitten.

There are two meal plan options available—human-grade fresh food and freeze-dried raw food—which are formulated with a variety of meats that you can choose from depending on your kitten’s preferences. The human-grade fresh food comes in a packet rather than a can and is “gently” cooked with a variety of all-natural ingredients. This is the plan that would be an alternative to traditional canned food.

What we like best about Smalls is that it caters to cats of all ages, including kittens, and offers a variety of options based not only on your cat’s dietary needs, size, and shape but also on what they like and don’t like. We also love the emphasis on natural ingredients and minimal processing.

Some customers have mentioned issues with packaging and customer service as their main complaints when it comes to Smalls. That said, other cat parents have shared positive experiences with Smalls’ service.

Pros

Recipes recommended based on your cat’s needs

Caters to cats of all ages

Made with natural ingredients

Preservative-free

Offers a trial box

Cons

Packaging issues reported by customers

Customer service issues

The Fancy Feast Kitten Tender Turkey Feast Canned Cat Food is the best wet, soft & canned kitten food for the money. It is highly affordable, yet it comes with key nutritional ingredients, such as taurine, so that the kitten can grow healthily.

Recipes recommended based on your cat’s needs

Caters to cats of all ages

Made with natural ingredients

Preservative-free

Offers a trial box

Recipes recommended based on your cat’s needs
Caters to cats of all ages
Made with natural ingredients
Preservative-free
Offers a trial box

Packaging issues reported by customers

Customer service issues

Packaging issues reported by customers
Customer service issues

Texture: Pate

Nutritional Analysis: 11% protein, 5% fat, 78% moisture

Suitable For: Kittens

Check Price on Chewy

It is flavored Tender Turkey Feast, which is something the kitten will appreciate. It is made from real broth and milk, which will help keep the kitten hydrated as it is growing. The price is also way more affordable than many other options on this list, making it perfect for those on a budget.

Although this kitten food is a great choice because of its price, it does not come with nutritional values that are as impressive for kittens. For example, it comes with a lower moisture content than our best overall kitten food. Another issue is that it has a pate texture, which means newborn kittens may have trouble if they have not yet transitioned from mother’s milk to solid food.

Pros

Turkey flavored

Includes high-quality ingredients

Includes taurine

Affordable

Cons

Only 78% moisture

Thicker texture

Goody Box + American Journey Kitten Chicken Pate

Check Latest Price

Texture: Pate

Nutritional Analysis: Not listed

Suitable For: Kittens, toys suitable for older kittens and cats

The Goody Box Kitten Toys & Treats + American Journey Kitten Pate Chicken Recipe is our premium choice because it comes with kitten food, as well as a goodie box filled with kitten toys and treats. All of these items can help you welcome your kitten into your home with a bit of fun and style.

Turkey flavored

Includes high-quality ingredients

Includes taurine

Affordable

Turkey flavored
Includes high-quality ingredients
Includes taurine
Affordable

Only 78% moisture

Thicker texture

Only 78% moisture
Thicker texture

Check Latest Price

Texture: Pate

Nutritional Analysis: Not listed

Suitable For: Kittens, toys suitable for older kittens and cats

The kitten food is chicken flavored and includes a variety of healthy ingredients, including DHA, AHA, omega-3, and six different fatty acids. The food is grain-free, which is ideal for kittens since their stomachs are more sensitive than adult cats.

Although the company does list many of the ingredients found in this kitten food, it does not list the exact nutritional analysis, which is a bit worrisome. It is pate textured, meaning it is less suitable for kittens who have not yet transitioned to solid food.

Pros

Chicken flavored

Includes high-quality ingredients

Includes DHA, AHA, moega-3, and 6 fatty acids

Free of grain, artificial colors, artificial flavors, and preservatives

Comes with toys and treats suitable for kittens

Cons

Nutritional analysis not listed

Thicker texture

Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Gastrointestinal Kitten Ultra Soft Mousse is specifically designed for kittens who haven’t yet transitioned to solid food. The ultra-soft mousse allows the kitten to begin getting a feel of textured food without risking choking or other issues.

Chicken flavored

Includes high-quality ingredients

Includes DHA, AHA, moega-3, and 6 fatty acids

Free of grain, artificial colors, artificial flavors, and preservatives

Comes with toys and treats suitable for kittens

Chicken flavored
Includes high-quality ingredients
Includes DHA, AHA, moega-3, and 6 fatty acids
Free of grain, artificial colors, artificial flavors, and preservatives
Comes with toys and treats suitable for kittens

Nutritional analysis not listed

Thicker texture

Nutritional analysis not listed
Thicker texture

The ingredients are packed full of protein, calcium, and a number of other ingredients, such as omega-3 fatty acids. These ingredients help to aid digestion, growth, and brain development within the kittens. This recipe is specifically blended with prebiotics and dietary fibers to enhance the gastrointestinal system too.

Quite like the other Royal Canin varieties, this kitten food is expensive, but the price may be worth it if you are looking for one of the best transitional foods for your kitten.

Pros

Turkey flavored

Includes high-quality ingredients

Includes omega-3 fatty acids, prebiotics, and dietary fibers

Mousse texture

Cons

Expensive

Another great wet, soft & canned kitten food is the Royal Canin Mother & Babycat Ultra-Soft Mousse in Sauce Wet Cat Food. This kitten food is specifically designed so that you can feed it to pregnant cats, nursing cats, and kittens between the ages of one and four months old.

Turkey flavored

Includes high-quality ingredients

Includes omega-3 fatty acids, prebiotics, and dietary fibers

Mousse texture

Turkey flavored
Includes high-quality ingredients
Includes omega-3 fatty acids, prebiotics, and dietary fibers
Mousse texture

Expensive

Expensive

Texture: Mousse

Nutritional Analysis: 9% protein, 4% fat, 81% moisture

Suitable For: Kittens, pregnant mothers, and nursing mothers

The wet cat food supports immune health, promotes digestive development, and contains DHA for brain development. The mousse texture even helps to transition kittens from mother’s milk to solid foods. The one downside of this option is that it is expensive.

Since it can be shared by mothers and kittens alike, it will keep everyone in the family happy. Plus, it is specifically formulated so the kitten grows strong and healthy.

Pros

Suitable for mothers and kittens

Includes high-quality ingredients

Includes DHA

Mousse texture

Cons

Expensive

The Blue Buffalo Healthy Gourmet Pate Kitten Chicken Entrée this a kitten food specifically flavored with chicken. The chicken flavor will be appetizing to the kitten. All the while, it includes high-quality ingredients and a number of other necessary ingredients for your kitten’s growth.

Suitable for mothers and kittens

Includes high-quality ingredients

Includes DHA

Mousse texture

Suitable for mothers and kittens
Includes high-quality ingredients
Includes DHA
Mousse texture

Texture: Pate

Nutritional Analysis: 11% protein, 7.5% fat, 78% moisture

Suitable For: Kittens

For example, this kitten food includes DHA, which is a fatty acid that is naturally found in mother’s milk. More so, the recipe is free of grains, artificial flavors, and preservatives, creating a recipe that is holistic and suitable for sensitive kittens.

Although this kitten food is high in a number of necessary ingredients and nutritional factors, it does have a relatively low moisture content, which sits at around 78% maximum. It also has a pate texture, which may be too thick for some kittens.

Pros

Chicken flavored

Includes high-quality ingredients

Includes DHA

Free of grain, artificial flavors, and preservatives

Cons

Only 78% moisture

Thicker texture

The Purina Pro Plan Focus Kitten Classic Chicken & Liver Entrée is a good kitten food for older aged kittens. This entree is designed with a high protein diet. 12% of the nutritional benefits come from the protein. The food has a hearty chicken flavor, which the kittens will find irresistible, but it is also made with fish and liver for maximum absorption and nutrients.

Chicken flavored

Includes high-quality ingredients

Includes DHA

Free of grain, artificial flavors, and preservatives

Chicken flavored
Includes high-quality ingredients
Includes DHA
Free of grain, artificial flavors, and preservatives

Texture: Pate

Nutritional Analysis: 12% protein, 6.0% fat, 76.5% moisture

Suitable For: Older kittens

This recipe comes with a number of added supplements to enhance the kitten’s growth and health. This includes taurine, zinc, omega-6 fatty acids, calcium, and phosphorus.

We stated that this recipe is best for older kittens because it has a very high protein count and a lower moisture count. These two factors may make it less suitable for newborns, but it will be good for kittens over two months old.

Pros

Chicken flavored

Multiple protein sources

Includes high-quality ingredients

Includes taurine, zinc, omega-6 fatty acids, calcium, and phosphorus

Cons

Only 76.5% moisture

Thicker texture

Not suitable for newborns

The Iams Perfect Portions Healthy Kitten Chicken Recipe is designed to support kitten growth. These trays feature two meals that are sourced and produced in the USA. The recipe is made from chicken and includes other nutrients like DHA, antioxidants, and vitamin E. The recipe is free of fillers and preservatives.

Chicken flavored

Multiple protein sources

Includes high-quality ingredients

Includes taurine, zinc, omega-6 fatty acids, calcium, and phosphorus

Chicken flavored
Multiple protein sources
Includes high-quality ingredients
Includes taurine, zinc, omega-6 fatty acids, calcium, and phosphorus

Only 76.5% moisture

Thicker texture

Not suitable for newborns

Only 76.5% moisture
Thicker texture
Not suitable for newborns

Texture: Pate

Nutritional Analysis: 9% protein, 5% fat, 78% moisture

Suitable For: Kittens

Something that’s unique about this option is that it has a different packaging than most other wet cat foods. Instead of traditional cans, they are easy peel trays, which makes cleanup much easier.

This pate recipe maybe a bit too thick and dry for newborns, but it is perfect for slightly older kittens. It can help you save some money since it is very affordable.

Pros

Chicken flavored

Includes high-quality ingredients

Includes DHA, vitamin E, and antioxidants

Affordable

Cons

Only 78% moisture

Thicker texture

The Wellness CORE Natural Grain Free Turkey & Chicken Liver Pate Canned Kitten Food is designed with a holistic recipe that offers a protein focused diet for kittens. The recipe is grain free and is specially selected from parts of the turkey, chicken, and livers.

Chicken flavored

Includes high-quality ingredients

Includes DHA, vitamin E, and antioxidants

Affordable

Chicken flavored
Includes high-quality ingredients
Includes DHA, vitamin E, and antioxidants
Affordable

Texture: Pate

Nutritional Analysis: 12% protein, 7.5% fat, 78% moisture

Suitable For: Older kittens

The recipe also includes added nutrients, such as DHA. At the same time, the recipe is free of harmful ingredients, such as artificial colors, artificial flavors, byproducts, or carrageenan. Although the ingredients are top quality, this recipe does have a lower moisture content than we would like for younger kittens, which is why we recommend it for older kittens instead.

Nevertheless, the Wellness CORE Natural Grain Free Turkey & Chicken Liver Pate Canned Kitten Food does include premium ingredients that are difficult to find in other mass-produced kitten foods.

Pros

Chicken and turkey flavored

Includes high-quality ingredients

Includes DHA

Free of artificial colors, artificial flavors, byproducts, or carrageenan

Cons

Only 78% moisture

Thicker texture

Finally, the last product on our list is the Earthborn Holistic Harbor Harvest Grain-Free Natural Canned Cat & Kitten Food. This recipe has a high protein and moisture content, making it perfect for kittens. It also includes additional vitamins, omegas, and taurine.

Chicken and turkey flavored

Includes high-quality ingredients

Includes DHA

Free of artificial colors, artificial flavors, byproducts, or carrageenan

Chicken and turkey flavored
Includes high-quality ingredients
Includes DHA
Free of artificial colors, artificial flavors, byproducts, or carrageenan

Texture: Shredded

Nutritional Analysis: 12% protein, 2.0% fat, 82% moisture

Suitable For: Older kittens and cats

The recipe is free from grains or artificial ingredients. Because kittens’ digestive systems are not fully developed, the lack of these ingredients makes the food easier on their stomach. At the same time, this recipe is suitable for adult cats because of its high protein count.

This kitten food does have very little fat, which is fine for kittens, but it may be a problem for adult cats. Conversely, the shredded design may make it more difficult for kittens to swallow. If you keep a careful eye on your pet while using this product, however, both kittens and cats should thrive.

Pros

Includes high-quality ingredients

Includes taurine, omegas, and vitamins

Free of additives and artificial ingredients

Suitable for cats and kittens

Cons

Shredded bits may be more difficult for newborns to eat

Low fat for adult cats

Buyer’s Guide: Selecting the Best Wet, Soft & Canned Kitten Foods

Includes high-quality ingredients

Includes taurine, omegas, and vitamins

Free of additives and artificial ingredients

Suitable for cats and kittens

Includes high-quality ingredients
Includes taurine, omegas, and vitamins
Free of additives and artificial ingredients
Suitable for cats and kittens

Shredded bits may be more difficult for newborns to eat

Low fat for adult cats

Shredded bits may be more difficult for newborns to eat
Low fat for adult cats

Factors to Consider When Buying Wet, Soft & Canned Kitten Food

Ingredients. Ingredients should be the number one thing you look at when buying kitten food. High-quality kitten food should come with key ingredients that can help your kitten grow. Fatty acids, DHA, taurine, and a lot of protein are vital for kitten foods.

Quality. In addition to having good ingredients, you want the ingredients to be of great quality. Plus, you want the ingredients to be safe. It’s important to select a brand that is careful about sourcing, finalizing, and distributing their products safely.

Nutritional Analysis. Look for a nutritional analysis with a moderate to high protein content, moderate fat content, and high moisture content. Shoot for a moisture percentage that is 79% or higher.

Transparency: In order to know if the food you are selecting has high-quality ingredients, the brand has to have quite a bit of transparency. Transparent brands tend to have some of the best quality products since they know their customers are watching.

Value: Finally, the last factor to consider is value. High-quality kitten food will be more expensive than cheap options, but you shouldn’t spend a fortune unnecessarily. Make sure that the product you purchase is worth the price in terms of value.

Nutritional Analysis. Look for a nutritional analysis with a moderate to high protein content, moderate fat content, and high moisture content. Shoot for a moisture percentage that is 79% or higher.

Ingredients. Ingredients should be the number one thing you look at when buying kitten food. High-quality kitten food should come with key ingredients that can help your kitten grow. Fatty acids, DHA, taurine, and a lot of protein are vital for kitten foods.
Quality. In addition to having good ingredients, you want the ingredients to be of great quality. Plus, you want the ingredients to be safe. It’s important to select a brand that is careful about sourcing, finalizing, and distributing their products safely.
Nutritional Analysis. Look for a nutritional analysis with a moderate to high protein content, moderate fat content, and high moisture content. Shoot for a moisture percentage that is 79% or higher.
Transparency: In order to know if the food you are selecting has high-quality ingredients, the brand has to have quite a bit of transparency. Transparent brands tend to have some of the best quality products since they know their customers are watching.
Value: Finally, the last factor to consider is value. High-quality kitten food will be more expensive than cheap options, but you shouldn’t spend a fortune unnecessarily. Make sure that the product you purchase is worth the price in terms of value.

Regardless of whether you feed your cat dry or wet food, you need a bowl that is sure to keep the mess contained—you can do just that with the Hepper Nom Nom Bowl.

This product is designed with your cat’s comfort in mind. The whisker-friendly bowls are low and wide to prevent whisker fatigue, and the wide catch tray ensures that all food stays exactly where it should—inside the bowl.

At Pet Keen, we’ve admired Hepper for many years and decided to take a controlling ownership interest so that we could benefit from the outstanding designs of this cool cat company!

How much do I feed my kitten?

The amount you feed your kitten will depend on its stage of growth and the brand you select. We recommend reading the feeding chart on the food packaging so that your cat gets the right portions based on its nutritional values and quantity. You may need to adjust the quantity as your kitten grows.

How can I find out if my kitten food is high-quality?

You can find out if your kitten food is high-quality by reading the ingredients and visiting the manufacturer’s website. If the manufacturer is not transparent about the products, you can pretty much assume that the quality is poor and should find a different brand instead.

Can I feed dry cat food to my kitten?

It is not recommended to feed kittens dry cat food. Kittens need quite a bit more moisture than adults. That is why you should always feed kittens wet cat food.

How is kitten food different from cat food?

Kitten food actually is different from cat food. It includes different supplements and vitamins to nourish the kitten during its growing stages. Additionally, it includes more moisture, and the bite size of the food will be smaller so that the kitten can actually chew and swallow it.

Conclusion: Best Wet Kitten Food

Based on our reviews and buyer’s guide, we recommend the Smalls Fresh Cat Food. Although it is expensive, it provides the best nutritional analysis and ingredients for kittens and mother cats. If you are on a tight budget, the Fancy Feast Kitten Tender Turkey Feast Canned Cat Food combines great ingredients and a low price tag.

It is not recommended to feed kittens dry cat food. Kittens need quite a bit more moisture than adults. That is why you should always feed kittens wet cat food.

Whether you select these two products, another food on this list, or an option we didn’t talk about all, keep our buyer’s guide in mind so that you can pick out the best quality kitten food for your new addition.

A Glance at Our Top Picks (2023 Update)#

The 10 Best Wet, Soft & Canned Kitten Foods#

1. Smalls Fresh Cat Food Subscription – Best Overall#

Buyer’s Guide: Selecting the Best Wet, Soft & Canned Kitten Foods#

Factors to Consider When Buying Wet, Soft & Canned Kitten Food#

Conclusion: Best Wet Kitten Food#

A Glance at Our Top Picks (2023 Update)

The 10 Best Wet, Soft & Canned Kitten Foods

1. Smalls Fresh Cat Food Subscription – Best Overall

Buyer’s Guide: Selecting the Best Wet, Soft & Canned Kitten Foods

Factors to Consider When Buying Wet, Soft & Canned Kitten Food

Conclusion: Best Wet Kitten Food