Kittens being growing cats, their nutritional requirements differ from those of adult cats.
Wet foods created specifically for kittens will help them grow healthy and strong, will allow them to chew and swallow even if they don’t have all of their teeth, and will be a terrific method to wean them off of their mother’s breast milk.
All things considered, moist foods are excellent for kittens.
According to Dr. Kerri Blackburn of River’s Edge Animal Hospital in Rock Hill, South Carolina, “cats should be introduced to wet food as early as possible.
As a result of the increased moisture in canned meals, several common diseases/illnesses that cats may get as they move through life can be effectively handled.
Additionally, because cats are desert-adapted mammals, they are not programmed to drink a lot of water, therefore providing them canned food helps to improve their water consumption, according to her.
Even though wet food is something that all kitties should eat, not all wet diets are created equal.
Doctor Blackburn states that “canned meals with gravy, such as the shreds, chunks, and other such preparations, are actually quite high in carbs, particularly those that come in gravy.”
“The ideal form of canned food is the old-fashioned paté,” says the expert. “Ingredient changes can also make it difficult for a kitten owner to choose the proper wet food for his or her young kitten.”
To assist you in narrowing down your search, we’ve compiled a list of the best wet diets for your kitten, as recommended by veterinarians.
#1. Our Best Pick: The Purina ONE Healthy Kitten Wet Food
Ingredients Overview:
- Chicken, liver, chicken broth, pork lungs, salmon, natural flavours, minerals, taurine
- Calories: 105 kcal/can
- Protein: 11% min.
What We Do Like
- No fillers
- Formulated by veterinary nutritionists
- About $1 a can
What We Dislike
- Lower cost options exist
- Multiple cans may be needed in one day to feed larger kittens
Purina is a very well and trusted brand, and its ONE line of cat food provides kittens with a variety of nutritional options.
In-store and online pet food merchants carry the Healthy Kitten paté wet food, which costs about $1 per can and is widely accessible at most pet food suppliers.
The recipe complies with the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) recommendations for kittens, so you can be assured that you’re providing your developing cat with the nutrition it requires to thrive.
Aside from that, it is made from meat and is grain-free, making it a good choice for kitties of all ages.
Pet owners have reported that their kittens empty their plates after being fed this paté, so you don’t have to be concerned about your young cat not getting enough nutrients to survive.
#2. Our Best Budget Cat Food: The Fancy Feast Gourmet Naturals Kitten Canned Food
Ingredients Overview:
- Chicken, turkey, liver, poultry broth, fish, coconut milk, natural flavour, minerals
- Calories: 96 kcal/can
- Protein: 11% min.
What We do Like
- Multiple flavour options
- Less than $1 per can
- No artificial colours, flavours, or preservatives
What We Dislike
- Multiple cans may be needed in one day to feed larger kittens
- Lower in calories when compared to other options
It’s understandable that if you choose to feed your kitten wet food instead of dry kibble, you’ll be looking for a low-cost but nutritious alternative for them, and there are many of options available.
Fancy Feast Gourmet Naturals is a natural food company that specializes in gourmet foods. As a result, grain-free paté is an excellent choice.
There are no artificial colours, flavours, or preservatives in these 3-ounce aluminium cans, which cost less than a dollar each.
They are also grain-free, which is great for kittens that have dietary restrictions.
While Fancy Feast is generally regarded as a lower-cost alternative, it is still manufactured by Purina, and as such, it has been prepared by veterinary nutritionists in accordance with AAFCO requirements for kitten nutrition.
It’s also a smooth paté that kittens of all ages may easily eat because of its silky texture.
#3. Best for Your Weaning Kittens: The Royal Canin Mother & Babycat Canned Wet Cat Food
Ingredients Overview:
- Water sufficient for processing, chicken, chicken liver, pork by-products, wheat gluten, powdered cellulose, modified corn starch
- Calories: 133 kcal/can
- Protein: 9% min.
What We Like
- Formulated by veterinary nutritionists
- Come in different can and case sizes
- Higher calories per can
What We Dislike
- Contains corn, wheat, yeast, and rice ingredients that may not be suitable for all kittens
- Usually, over $1.50/can
Kittens who are weaning are unfamiliar with the sensation of chewing their food, so you’ll want to provide them with a meal that requires little effort on their part.
Royal Canin’s Mother & Babycat recipe is a mousse that is exceptionally soft and is specifically created for weaning kittens, according to the manufacturer.
A lengthy tradition of producing high-quality pet meals has preceded Royal Canin, and this wet food is particularly well-liked by cats of all ages.
Kittens can be messy eaters when they first start eating something other than milk from their mother or a bottle because their only prior experience with food is sucking milk from their mother or a bottle.
Due to these considerations, Dr. Blackburn suggests placing the weaning kittens’ food in a big, easily cleaned area and serving it on a very large, shallow plate or flat surface.
According to her, “They are messy eaters that explore foods by stepping in them and grooming said food off their paws, among other activities.”
#4. Best for Sensitive Tummy: Royal Canin Gastrointestinal Kitten Canned Cat Food
Ingredients Overview:
- Water sufficient for processing, chicken liver, chicken, chicken by-products, pork by-products, natural flavours, powdered cellulose, wheat gluten
- Calories: 137 kcal/can
- Protein: 10% min.
What We do Like
- Added beneficial ingredients for gastrointestinal tract health
- Formulated by veterinary nutritionists
- Ultra-soft mousse texture
What We Dislike
- Double or triple the price of many other wet kitten foods
- Only available in one flavour
- Requires veterinary authorization to purchase
Despite the fact that each kitten’s sensitivity to food is unique, there are some components that can be used to alleviate the symptoms of food sensitivity.
It is possible that the fibre, prebiotics, omega-3 fatty acids, beta-glucans, marigold extract, and other nutrients found in Royal Canin’s GI Veterinary Diet for kittens will be beneficial to kittens with tummies that are prone to issues.
These cans of ultra-soft mousse are perfect for weaning kittens because they are easy to chew on.
While you will need veterinarian approval to acquire these cans, it is particularly comforting to know that they were created by veterinary nutritionists.
This recipe is also quite high in calories, which means that a single serving will last your kitty for a longer period of time because they will not need to consume as much of it.
#5. Grain-Free: Purina Pro Plan True Nature Ocean Whitefish and Salmon Kitten Formula Canned Cat Food
Ingredients Overview:
- Ocean whitefish, salmon, liver, meat by-products, water sufficient for processing, natural flavors, guar gum, minerals
- Calories: 106 kcal/can
- Protein: 12% min.
What We do Like
- Very palatable to kittens
- Safe for kittens that cannot have chicken
- Formulated by veterinary nutritionists
What We Dislike
- Cats that don’t like fish may not be willing to eat this formula
- Only available in one size
However, this formula does not contain any chicken, unlike the majority of wet feeds which are grain-free or at least minimal in grains.
This is beneficial for cat owners who must avoid both grains and chicken because to the sensitivities or allergies of their particular kitty.
The majority of this wet meal is made up of fish, which not only adds flavor but also contains important omega-3 fatty acids that aid in the development of the eyes and brain.
As an added bonus, this wet food is full of protein and does not include any artificial flavours, colours, or preservatives.
Furthermore, Purina products are developed by veterinary nutritionists, so you can rest assured that you are providing your growing kitten with the nourishment they require.
#6. Grain-Free: Blue Buffalo Carnivora Woodland Kitten Wet Cat Food
Ingredients Overview:
- Chicken, turkey broth, turkey, mackerel, dried egg product, duck, turkey liver, chicken liver
- Calories: 130 kcal/can
- Protein: 12.5% min.
What We do Like
- Contains both organ and muscle meats
- High in protein
- High in calories, so less food may be needed
What We Dislike
- Some kittens don’t like the mixed flavours
- Cost is higher per can than other wet food options
The Blue Buffalo Carnivora Woodland Blend Grain-Free kitten wet food is a nutritious choice if you’re searching for something a little different for your kitten and aren’t scared to pay a little more money.
Despite the fact that it is 95% meat-based, it nevertheless contains the essential vitamins and minerals that growing kittens require.
Instead of providing a single type of protein, this wet meal contains proteins from a variety of animals, including fish, duck, chicken, and turkey, among others.
Moreover, because this diet contains more than just muscle meat, your kitten will reap the benefits of eating numerous organs, exactly as they would if they were wild cats, in addition to the benefits of eating meat.
#7. Best Organic Cat Food: The Castor & Pollux Organix Grain-Free Kitten Recipe
Ingredients Overview:
- Organic chicken, water sufficient for processing, organic chicken liver, organic pea protein, organic coconut flour, organic dried egg product, organic dried peas, organic flaxseed
- Calories: 207 kcal/can
- Protein: 9% min.
What We do Like
- Contains superfoods
- USDA certified organic
- Grain-free
What We Dislike
- Double or triple the price of many other wet kitten foods
- Only one flavour option for kittens
Organic claims are made on the packaging of many cat foods, however this is not always the case.
The USDA organic green and white designation on the product and the use of only organic components are required for it to be considered truly organic, according to Dr. Blackburn.
One of the few USDA organically certified kitten feeds is Castor & Pollux Organix. Designed specifically for developing kittens, this American-made formula is subjected to rigorous quality control checks at every stage of production.
Flaxseed, coconut flour, cranberries, and eggs are among the superfoods that have been incorporated to this grain-free recipe. Finally, even the most averse eaters can’t get enough of this soupy concoction.
The Final Count is in.
Most veterinary nutritionist-formulated kitten wet diets that follow AAFCO requirements are good choices, but a few stand out.
Purina ONE Healthy Kitten paté paté wet cat food is the best option for most kittens when price, availability, flavour, nutrition, and texture are taken into account.
There are no grains in this meal, it’s easy for kittens to eat, it adheres to AAFCO criteria for developing kittens, and it was developed by veterinarians.
Pro Plan by Purina If you prefer fish-based canned cat food, True Nature kitten formula is a good choice. It costs a little more per can, but the omega 3s from the fish and the absence of chicken makes it a worthwhile investment.
What to Look for in Your Kitten’s Wet Food
When shopping for wet food for your kitten, there are a few things to keep in mind.
In addition to the AAFCO-required levels of protein and other essential nutrients, extra additives, which some may term “fillers,” may also need to be addressed.
Nutrients
A canned food diet should “ideally” be made to satisfy the nutrient needs of its target, which means your kitten’s food should be formulated with all the nutrients a kitten needs.
To ensure that your cat’s food meets the AAFCO Cat Food Nutrient Profiles for growth, look for the line “is created to meet the nutritional levels set by AAFCO.”
All the essential nutrient quantities have been incorporated in the diet that meets the AAFCO nutrient requirements for developing kittens.
Kitten food must have certain minimum amounts of protein as well as a slew of other necessary components. Veterinary nutritionist-led food firms says Dr. Blackburn, are the most likely to produce proper pet diets.
Proteins
Developing kittens need more protein than adult cats, according to the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO).
If you’re feeding your kitten AAFCO-recommended kitten food, you’ll need to make sure it contains the right amount of protein for its age.
The human body relies on protein. Numerous health issues can arise if you don’t get enough high-quality animal protein.
Fortunately, meat-based, wet kitten diets typically contain more protein than dry kitten foods, so you don’t have to worry about your cat not getting enough of it if you choose one that follows AAFCO criteria.
Fillers and Various ingredients
Dr. Blackburn asserts that “all canned goods are not created equal.” Dr. This is due to a variety of factors, including the varied concentrations of proteins and other nutrients.
Fillers are not defined by the AAFCO, hence it’s impossible to tell which substances are fillers based on AAFCO standards.
In order to keep costs down, veterinary nutritionists don’t include extraneous components in their high-quality diets.
Starches and grains, for example, maybe included in a formulation for purposes other than providing nutrition.
It is common for these ingredients to be required for food shape, texture, or the ability to flow through a production process without getting caught, thus they are not unneeded.
Cats don’t require a lot of extra carbohydrates, however, some people consider those added substances to be fillers if you’re wanting to eliminate them.
Questions People are asking
Why do kittens require a specific wet food?
It is possible that a kitten’s mouth is too small for all of its tiny teeth. Because of this, it’s best to eat soft, moist food to make mealtimes more convenient.
Smaller pieces of food might cause a kitten to choke or avoid eating and lose weight if they are too large for them to chew or swallow.
Patés and mousses that are ultra-soft enable kittens to eat and transition from a purely liquid diet to a soft diet because they don’t need much effort on the kitten’s part.
When should I stop feeding kitten food to my cat? –
The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) recommends that kitten food contain all of the nutrients that a developing cat requires (AAFCO).
When a cat is no longer growing, it is time to move to an adult formula for its food, according to Dr. Blackburn. Cats typically stop growing around the age of one, thus they should be fed adult food at this time.
Is it better for kittens to eat wet or dry food?
When it comes to feeding cats, wet food is often believed to be the best option, particularly when it comes to weaning kittens.
Dry food lacks moisture and is more difficult to consume than wet food.
In addition to ensuring a good diet for your kitten, these items can help guard against the urinary and kidney problems that are common in cats.
Facts Check:
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