Best Kitten Dry Food: Reviews and Ultimate Guide

Kittens grow incredibly fast, so they require food that provides them with all the nutrients needed for healthy development. Dry kitten foods are recommended because they are nutrient-dense, allowing your baby cats to develop into attractive and strong cats. But when you visit any animal feed store, the large number of dry cat foods poses a serious dilemma, “Which one do you pick for your kittens?”

In this review, we looked at the best kitten dry food in the market and reviewed them. Read through our reviews to learn more about the best brands, and pick the perfect option for your little felines.

Top Pick

The Instinct Original Kitten Grain-Free Recipe Natural Cat Food is our top pick because of its high-quality proteins and the balance of essential ingredients for baby cats.

The Best Kitten Dry Foods are …

Instinct Original Kitten Grain-Free Recipe Natural Cat Food – Best Dry Kitten Food

https://www.chewy.com/instinct-kitten-grain-free-pate-real/dp/149500

This Instinct Original Kitten Grain-Free Recipe Natural Cat Food deservedly takes the first position in this list. It rocks a winning formula that is tailor-made to meet all the needs of your young baby cats. The food is prepared with loads of proteins that are sourced from animals so that your little canines have all the energy they need for play, exercise, and grow fast.

You will notice that this food is prepared with no grains. This was a great idea because cats are obligate carnivores with digestive systems tuned to process meat and not grains. To enhance the cat’s ability to process the high-protein diet, absorb most nutrients, and reduce gut related issues, the food is also enriched with healthy probiotics.

Most pet training starts at an early age, and you need to prepare your kittens when they are still young. To help with this, the food contains a large collection of minerals and antioxidants that help with brain development. The minerals also help to strengthen the cat’s eyesight and building of stronger bones.

Specs

• Crude protein: 12% minimum
• Crude fat: 6.0% (minimum)
• Crude fiber: 1% (maximum)
• Moisture: 78% (maximum)

Specs

• Formulated with meat from real animals, including chicken and salmon
• The food is loaded with essential minerals and Omega-3 fatty acids
• Does not contain harmful conservatives
• Grain-free

Cons

• Some kittens refuse to take this food completely

Wellness Natural’s Complete Health Kitten Formula

https://www.chewy.com/wellness-complete-health-kitten/dp/30198

Our second favorite is this Wellness Natural’s Complete Health Kitten Formula, a carefully prepared cat food that both pet owners and vets alike. The food is prepared with chicken as the first ingredient and is really tasty for baby kittens. What we liked most about the food is that it is carefully formulated to provide your kittens with all the proteins and minerals they need for fast growth.

In addition to providing your kittens with ample amino acids from chicken meat, chicken liver, and chicken broth, the food is enriched with Omega-6 and Omega-3 fatty acids. The combination will go a long way into strengthening your cat’s immune system and healthy smooth fur. When you start feeding your cats with the food, it will take only a few days to start seeing a difference in their fur.

To be able to plan, learn, and grow into a lovely cat, your kitten requires good eyesight and brain development. This is why the food is also enriched with vitamins, antioxidants, and Taurine. This is one of the best ways to turn your cat into an athlete in your home.

Specs

• Crude protein: 11.0%
• Crude fat: 7.0%
• Crude fiber: 1%
• Moisture: 7%

Pros

• Contains high amounts of proteins from real chicken
• The food is prepared with ample quantities of vitamins and ARA for proper brain development
• The formulation is good in suppressing urinary tract infections in your little feline
• Gluten-free

Cons

• Pricey

1.      Nutro Wholesome Essentials Kitten Dry Cat

https://www.chewy.com/nutro-wholesome-essentials-chicken/dp/202648

This Nutro Wholesome Essentials Kitten Dry Cat is one of the most popular choices out there, because of the carefully selected ingredients and nutrient balance. The food is prepared using chicken as the main ingredient for a high supply of proteins to your kittens. To supply your kitten with more healthy carbs, the food also contains brown rice. Your

When kittens are growing, they are faced with all sorts of infections and diseases. But Nutro included ample Omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants that help to strengthen your cats’ immune system. With this food, you can anticipate that the cat will fall ill less often.

Another outstanding thing about the food is that it is prepared from sources that are free from growth stimulants, antibiotics, and genetically modified objects (GMO). All the ingredients, especially chicken, are supplied by trusted farmers who rear their chicken using free-range systems.

Specs

• Crude proteins: 36% (minimum)
• Crude fat: 19% (minimum)
• Crude fiber: 4% (maximum)
• Moisture: 10% (maximum)

Pros

• The food offers a clear balance between proteins and carbs that your kitten gets
• The food is Omega-3 fatty acids and vitamins for a stronger immune system
• It is free from growth stimulants, antibiotics and
• The food is enriched calcium and other essential minerals for stronger teeth and bones
• Affordable

Cons

• Can result in dehydration if your cat fails to take ample water

2.      Blue Buffalo Healthy Growth Natural Kitten Food

https://www.chewy.com/blue-buffalo-healthy-growth-kitten/dp/28796

If you have young kittens that you want to wean from their mother’s milk, you need a special type of dry food that they can easily digest and absorb most nutrients. This Blue Buffalo Healthy Growth Natural Kitten Food is formulated to make your little felines easily shift to hard foods and enjoy every moment of it. The food is prepared using meat from chicken that allows the kittens to feel natural and enjoy the lovely flavor.

In addition to chicken meat, the food is enriched with brown rice that helps to supply the additional energy that your kittens need to play and grow. To keep your kitten’s immune system strong and reliable, Blue Buffalo also included a lot of vitamins from vegetables and essential minerals.

We also liked the inclusion of antioxidants, such as DHA and chlorine that help with eyesight and brain development. With this, you are sure that your kittens will be able to see, play and enjoy every moment, even at night.

Specs

• Crude protein: 36% (minimum)
• Crude fat: 20% (minimum)
• Crude fiber: 3.5% (maximum)
• Moisture: 9.0% (maximum)

Specs

• The food is prepared with proteins sourced from real animals
• The formula provides a perfect balance of proteins, carbs, vitamin, and minerals for small cats
• Free from preservatives

Cons

• The food does not last long after opening the seal

3.      IAMS Proactive Health Kitten

https://www.chewy.com/iams-proactive-health-kitten-dry-cat/dp/121263

Coming next on our list is this IAMS Proactive Health Kitten food, which is carefully formulated for active kittens. The main ingredient used to prepare this food is protein sourced from chicken meat, chicken oil, and eggs. Further, the food contains fish oil, which helps to diversify the amino acids available for your cat.

Another outstanding ingredient in this food is the inclusion of most vitamins that your kittens need for a stronger immune system. The food contains high concentrations of Vitamin C, Vitamin E, and essential minerals that help to strengthen felines, spine, and immune system. Furthermore, antioxidants and minerals work together to promote a healthy heart and brain development.

When small, the teeth of your kittens are still fragile and can easily get damaged if tartar starts building on them. However, this food is formulated with essential minerals, especially calcium and phosphorus, for stronger teeth. Also, the food has a crunchy texture that allows the cat to remove tartar when feeding.

Specs

• Crude protein: 42.2% (minimum)
• Crude fat. 21% (maximum)
• Moisture: 10.0% (maximum)

Pros

• The food is prepared with high-protein content for a healthy cat
• Enriched with probiotics for a better gut health
• Can be used for both young kittens and pregnant cats
• Provides your cat with all the needed minerals for faster growth

Cons

• Contains corn gluten meal

4.      Diamond Naturals Kitten Formula Dry Cat Food

https://www.chewy.com/diamond-naturals-kitten-formula-dry/dp/34940

Diamond is another brand that enjoys an excellent reputation in the pet food niche because of commitment to quality, and this Diamond Naturals Kitten Formula Dry Cat Food is a testimony to that. We were impressed by the food because it does not have anything artificial. It is natural and contains all the nutrients that your baby cats need.

Bulk of the proteins in this food is sourced from cage-free chicken that helps to supply amino acids for building lean muscles for your cat. Sweet potatoes are used in the food to supply additional carbs to your kittens. Well, even your lovely little feline wants to play and exercise the whole day, this food ensures it will never run out of energy.

The food is also loaded with a lot of vitamins, including vitamin A, vitamin C, and Vitamin E that are derived from vegetables and fruits. To make the food more helpful to your kittens’ immune systems, Diamond went ahead and included ample Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids. You can, therefore, rest knowing that your cats will be able to fight most infections and diseases.

Specs

• Protein: 34% (minimum)
• Crude fat: 22% (minimum)
• Fiber: 2.0 (maximum)

Pros

• The food is prepared using all-natural ingredients
• Contains a high level of protein content sourced from cage-free chicken
• Does not contain artificial flavors or colorings
• Enriched with all the essential minerals and vitamins for a healthy kitten

Cons

• Some cat owners have reported stomach upsets when using this food

5.      Hill’s Science Diet Dry Cat Food, Kitten, Indoor

https://www.chewy.com/hills-science-diet-indoor-kitten-dry/dp/30030

For people who love staying indoors with their kittens, it is important to ensure that only the food that has the right formulation is selected. A good example is Hill’s Science Diet Dry Cat Food, which is formulated to supply your kittens with ample proteins and ample carbs.

The number one ingredient if this food is proteins, which is derived from chicken. Whether your little cats are just weaning or about to hit 12 months, the proteins offer them ample supply of amino acids for effective cells and ligaments development. To make the cat food balanced for kittens of all stages, it also contains healthy rice for the supply of healthy carbs.

Once you offer your cat food, it can only help your kittens if the gut system is in good condition. This food is prepared with probiotics and fiber content that helps to enhance the efficiency of nutrient absorption. Other ingredients included in the food include minerals that promote growth of strong bones, teeth, and a stronger immune system.

Specs

• Protein: 33.5% (minimum)
• Crude fat: 16.5% (minimum)
• Crude fiber: 3.5% (maximum)

Pros

• The food is prepared with proteins formulated using real-animal meat
• Contains a lot of fibers and probiotics that help to maintain kitten’s intestines in top condition
• Formulated with essential minerals and vitamins that help to strengthen your cat’s eyesight and healthy brain
• The rich formulation makes the food a good option for pregnant cats too
• Free from preservatives

Cons

• Contains carbs derived from sweet potato

6.      Iams ProActive Health Indoor Weight & Hairball Care Dry Cat Food

https://www.chewy.com/iams-proactive-health-indoor-weight/dp/121284

For pet lovers with little kittens and their mothers, using different foods can be a challenge. Think of a situation where young kittens are always rushing to the mother’s plate and eating food formulated for adults. To avoid such a scenario, you need food such as this Iams ProActive Health Indoor Weight & Hairball Care Dry Cat Food, which works well for both kittens and their mother or pregnant mother.

This food is formulated to help meet the unique needs of indoor cats and kittens. The main ingredient of this cat food is chicken and chicken by-product, dried plain beef, and turkey. Because it is formulated for indoor kittens and cats, the food contains 10% less fat compared to other common formulas. Vets also recommend this food because it contains fat-burning L-carninite, which helps cats shed excess weight. This is very crucial in helping to prevent the problem of diabetes in cats.

Specs

• Crude proteins: 30% (minimum)
• Crude fat: 11% (minimum)
• Crude fiber: 8.3% (maximum)
• Moisture: 10% (maximum)

Pros

• A carefully balanced food for healthy cats
• Prepared with a large combination of ingredients for diverse nutrients
• Has a crunchy texture that helps to keep the teeth of your kitty clean
• The food is good or both kittens and their mother when lactating or pregnant
• Cones with diverse vitamins and minerals for stronger bones, teeth, and immune system

Cons

• Contains chicken by-products

Blue Buffalo Wilderness Kitten Chicken Recipe Grain-Free Dry Cat Food

https://www.chewy.com/blue-buffalo-wilderness-kitten/dp/36707

Blue buffalo makes our list again and closes it with this highly cherished Wilderness Kitten Chicken Recipe Grain-Free Dry Cat Food. Like most Blue buffalo products, this food is prepared with chicken as the main ingredient for a high supply of proteins and amino acids that kittens need for fast growth. This was aimed at giving the kittens a natural treat close to what their feline cousins in the wild get.

Every bite provides your kittens with probiotics that help to create the right environment for food digestion and absorption. Also, the food contains high quantities of fibers that help to optimize the efficiency of food uptake from the gut.

To make the food well balanced, it also contains all essential minerals and vitamins. The most notable of these include Vitamin B3, Vitamin B7, Vitamin B12, and Vitamin C. Other ingredients that make this kitten food stand out include Omega-6 fatty acids that are derived from flaxseed and Taurine.

Specs

• Protein: 40% (minimum)
• Fat: 20% (minimum)
• Fiber: 3.5% (maximum)
• Moisture: 9% (maximum)

Pros

• 100% grain-free diet
• Prepared using real chicken meat
• Formulated using essential minerals and useful vitamin for better kitten health
• Supports healthy digestion with high fiber content and probiotics

Cons

• Mixed with Tocopherols, a preservative

Buying Guide

As a proud pet parent of your kittens, the food you select should be carefully selected in line with its nutritional needs. Also, you need to understand that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to picking the right cat food. After reading through the above reviews of the best dry food for kittens, this guide is the last step in your journey. So, here are the main considerations that you need to identify the right kitten dry food.

What is the Best Dry Kitten Food? A Closer Look at Dry Food?

Cat foods fall into two main categories; wet food and dry food. Unlike wet foods that contain high moisture content of more than 70%, the dry options only have about 10%. When selecting the dry food for your kittens, the primary goal should be identifying the option that has the ingredients that suit your kittens’ needs. Other special benefits that your cat will only enjoy if use dry food include:

• The dry food helps to cat to practice  its teeth
• Nibbling the dry food helps to remove tartar that develops on the teeth
• The food is easy to provide your kittens without messing the feeding area
• You can leave the food for the cat to eat freely
• The food is available in different flavors
• Serving the food to your kittens is easy

Note that unlike wet foods, the dry kitten foods have the problem of causing dehydration. Because cats have evolved into obligate carnivores that rely on meat, you need to ensure that they are provided with clean water for drinking when feeding them with dry food.

Nutritional Consideration

This is probably the biggest consideration that you need to factor when buying kitten dry food. Although they are little felines, it is important to look at them as carnivores that are tuned to live on a high-protein diet. So, here is what to look for when selecting the preferred dry food:

• High-Quality Proteins

The best food for your kitten should be formulated from real animal animals. Like other wild cats, such as the jaguar, food prepared using real meat is richer in amino acids that the young felines need for rapid growth. Although some manufacturers use proteins from just one source such as chicken or pork, we recommend that you go for a combination where possible because it helps to provide a diversity of amino acids. Some of the top sources of the proteins for cat food include chicken, fish, beef, pork, and lamb.

• High Calories

As we have already mentioned, cats are carnivores, and their digestive systems have evolved over time only to support high-protein diets. Therefore, you should look for the kitten food that has calories derived from the proteins. Note that even if the food combines different carbohydrates, over 50% of them should be derived from animal proteins.

• Vitamins and Minerals

Because kittens are still young and growing, the kitten food that you select should have all the essential minerals and vitamins to promote their growth and strong immune systems. For example, the food should contain ample calcium and phosphorus for stronger bones and ligament development. Your kittens will also require Vitamin C and Vitamin E for stronger immunity. The more the minerals that your kittens get at an early age, the better.

• Other Ingredients

Apart from high proteins, carbs, and vitamins, you also need to ensure that the food you select contains additional ingredients for the good health of your little feline. So, check for things such as probiotics and fiber that help to maintain the intestines of young felines in good health. If you can get the food enriched with Taurine, Omega-3 fatty acids, Omega-6 fatty acids, and antioxidants, it will be a great advantage to your feline because it will help to promote good brain health, better eyesight, and a stronger immune system.

Price Considerations

Once you have narrowed down to a selected dry food option, everything comes down to price. Like other products, the higher the price of dry kitten food, the better the quality. While this argument is true, it is not always correct when it comes to kitten food because of the growing competition. For example, our reviews have captured diverse dry cat foods of outstanding quality, but the price ranges widely.

To get it right on the price of dry kitten foods, you should primarily be guided by quality as opposed to price. Once you have identified a good product that has all the ingredients that your cat needs, go for it. But if you are shopping on a budget, you should start by checking the foods prepared with high-quality ingredients, but that are offered at low rates. You could also check top stores such as Chewwy to learn when they have discounted rates. Here are other tricks to buy top-quality kitten food at a lower rate.

• Buy the food together with other items to meet the targeted purchase amount for special discounts
• Try to by when stores are running clearance sales
• Join a preferred store’s membership to enjoy members-only discounts on kitten cat foods

Food Certification by AAFCO

Before you can place an order for a specific brand of kitten dry food, it is important to ensure that it is certified by the relevant authorities. In the US, you should only go for the food that is certified by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO).

The Brand

Today, the animal feeds market has become very competitive as new brands enter the market. But the biggest challenge for pet owners is that some of the brands with kitten foods in the market cannot be trusted.  It is not uncommon to get a manufacturer falsely indicating that the kitten food from his company has specific ingredients. For example, most of them rarely reveal the quantity of carbs in their foods. So, how can you beat them? One of the best methods is working with brands that have been tested and proven to be highly committed to quality.  Some respected names when it comes to the quality of kitten foods include Victor, IAMS, and Blue Buffalo. But you do not have to worry about the brands because all the products that we have listed in this post are picked from top-rated brands.

Final Thoughts

When looking for the best kitten dry food, your goal should be trained on quality. Since the baby cats are still growing, they require the best dry food for kittens with high-quality proteins, high-calories derived from animal fat, and all essential minerals. The kitten foods we have reviewed in this post have highlighted the best that the market has to offer. They are prepared by top brands to ensure and have a wide price range to ensure that you can easily pick the best food for your cat.

While we stand with the nine top kitten dry foods in our reviews (they are excellent), we must say that this Instinct Original Kitten Grain-Free Recipe Natural Cat Food was the best of them all. It contains a good balance of all the nutrients that your little feline needs for good health, faster growth, and better immunity.