Dr Marie Menniti - Miss Cats Team

Dr. Marie Menniti's Veterinary Advice

At about 6 weeks of age a kitten will start to transition onto solid foods.  From there, our kitten will depend on us to know what diet best complements their fast growth and development.

As long as it contains the AAFCO statement, either wet or dry food is fine for your kitten, however dry foods tend to have more energy so are good for getting enough calories into tiny bites.

The following tips can help you to pick out the best dry food for your kitten.

1) Choose a diet with 35-50% protein, on a dry matter basis

It is recommended that kittens eat a diet that is 35-50% protein on a dry matter basis as protein is essential for the fast growth that we see in kittens.

Your kitten also needs the right balance of amino acids in this protein. You won’t necessarily find amino acid information on the label, but a diet with an AAFCO adequacy statement will contain all the essential amino acids in the right proportions.

2) Choose a diet with 18-35% fat, on a dry matter basis

Fat is calorie-dense nutrient so it will be proving many of the much-needed calories in a kitten diet. Additionally, many fatty acids are essential for growth. It is recommended that a kitten food contain 18-35% fat on a dry matter basis – just keep an eye on your kitten’s weight!

(Note: The nutrient value listed on your food label will most likely be given on an “as fed” basis. You can learn how to convert these values to dry matter basis here.)

3) Consider your kitten’s energy needs

After 5 months old, you should measure your kitten’s portion sizes to keep meal sizes consistent- older kittens can become overweight if their bowls are constantly refilled throughout the day.

Your cat should get into good dietary habits from an early age to prevent obesity and obesity-related diseases. You can ask your veterinarian for help with calculating daily calorie needs as your kitten grows. You should measure out food using a gram scale as cups are inaccurate.

Switch to an adult diet once your kitten’s growth slows

The age a cat is considered an adult can change but keeping a growth chart can help you see when your kitten’s bodyweight starts to become stable. This means that she is no longer growing quickly and can be transitioned onto an “adult” maintenance diet.

Check for the kitten-specific nutritional adequacy statement

For kittens, you’ll need an AAFCO statement that advises the diet is either adequate for “all life stages” or, ideally, a food with a kitten-specific or growth statement.

What is the Best Dry Kitten Food?

Author:
Last updated March 29, 2021
IMAGE RECOMMENDED PRODUCTSPRODUCT FEATURES
Top Pick
Blue Buffalo Chicken Recipe
  • Type: Dry food
  • Calories: 457kcal/cup
  • Protein: 40%
Purina ONE Healthy Kitten Food
  • Type: Dry food
  • Calories: 462 kcal/cup
  • Protein: 40%
Earthborn Holistic Grain-Free Kitten Food
  • Type: Dry food
  • Calories: 395 kcal/cup
  • Protein: 40%
Blue Buffalo Healthy Growth Kitten
  • Type: Dry food
  • Calories: 439 kcal/cup
  • Protein: 36%
Purina Pro Plan Dry Kitten Food
  • Type: Dry food
  • Calories: 534 kcal/cup
  • Protein: 42%

Dry Kitten Food Reviews

Blue Buffalo Wilderness Chicken Recipe Dry Kitten Food

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TOP 5 INGREDIENTS PRICE FEATURES
TOP 5 INGREDIENTS
  1. Deboned Chicken
  2. Chicken Meal
  3. Pea Protein
  4. Tapioca Starch
  5. Menhaden Fish Meal (source of Omega 3 Fatty Acids)
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  • Type: Dry food
  • Calories: 457kcal/cup
  • Lifestage: Kitten
NUTRITION
Fat
20%
20%
Protein
40%
40%
Fiber
3.5%
3.5%
REVIEW

Blue Buffalo Wilderness Chicken Recipe Dry Kitten Food Review

The Blue Buffalo Wilderness Chicken Recipe Dry Kitten Food has the nutrients your kitten needs for healthy and consistent growth. At 40% protein and 20% fat, this recipe contains the perfect balance of fat and protein that your young kitten needs to grow. The protein comes from real chicken, which is both tasty and nutritious for your growing cat.

This formula contains DHA and AHA, two fatty acids that are essential for growth. This diet also contains antioxidant-rich blueberries and cranberries to boost your kitten’s immune system. It doesn’t contain any grains, soy, corn, wheat, animal by-products, or artificial flavors that could be hard on your cat’s digestive system. If you’re looking for the best kitten dry food on the market, check out this formula from Blue Buffalo.

BUY HERE →

Purina ONE Healthy Dry Kitten Food

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TOP 5 INGREDIENTS PRICE FEATURES
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  1. Chicken
  2. Chicken By-Product Meal
  3. Corn Gluten Meal
  4. Rice Flour
  5. Soybean Meal
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  • Type: Dry food
  • Calories: 462 kcal/cup
  • Lifestage: Kitten
NUTRITION
Fat
18%
18%
Protein
40%
40%
Fiber
2.5%
2.5%
REVIEW

Purina ONE Healthy Dry Kitten Food Review

The Purina One Healthy Dry Kitten Food is formulated with essential nutrients that your growing kitten needs. Real chicken provides the right amount of protein to strengthen their muscles. It also contains omega-6 fatty acids and DHA, which are essential for kitten growth.

This exceptional food has been fortified with a blend of antioxidants like vitamins A and E. Each bite has a crunchy texture and an authentic poultry flavor, which is very appealing to kittens. With no artificial flavors or preservatives, this option from Purina One is one of the best kitten foods on the market right now.

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Earthborn Holistic Primitive Feline Dry Kitten Food

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TOP 5 INGREDIENTS PRICE FEATURES
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  1. Turkey Meal
  2. Chicken Meal
  3. Peas
  4. Chicken Fat (Preserved with mixed Tocopherols)
  5. Pea Starch
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  • Type: Dry food
  • Calories: 395 kcal/cup
  • Lifestage: Kitten and Adult
NUTRITION
Fat
18%
18%
Protein
40%
40%
Fiber
3%
3%
REVIEW

Earthborn Holistic Primitive Feline Dry Kitten Food Review

The Earthborn Holistic Primitive Feline Dry Kitten Food is a nutritious dry kitten food with a gluten and grain-free formula. It contains the optimal balance of fat and protein, including essential omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. The protein comes from turkey and chicken meals that are tasty and easy for your cat to digest.

This formula doesn’t contain any grain or gluten that could irritate your cat’s stomach. It’s also fortified with antioxidants and minerals that support your kitten’s immune system, cardiovascular system, and growing bones. Natural fibers make this food easy for your cat to digest and help keep them regular. This formula from Earthborn Holistic is 100% natural and packs 40% protein for your kitten to thrive.

BUY HERE →

Blue Buffalo Healthy Growth Chicken & Brown Rice Dry Kitten Food

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TOP 5 INGREDIENTS PRICE FEATURES
TOP 5 INGREDIENTS
  1. Deboned Chicken
  2. Chicken Meal
  3. Menhaden Fish Meal (Source Of Omega 3 Fatty Acids)
  4. Brown Rice
  5. Barley
 PRICE
VIEW LATEST PRICE → 		FEATURES
  • Type: Dry food
  • Calories: 439 kcal/cup
  • Lifestage: Kitten
NUTRITION
Fat
20%
20%
Protein
36%
36%
Fiber
3.5%
3.5%
REVIEW

Blue Buffalo Healthy Growth Chicken & Brown Rice Dry Kitten Food Review

The Blue Buffalo Healthy Growth Chicken & Brown Rice Dry Cat Food is packed full of nutrients to support your kitten as they grow and transition into adulthood. The chicken and rice formula provides the optimum balance of protein and fat, as well as an enticing taste. DHA and AHA fatty acids are included to support healthy growth.

Grains, vegetables, and fruit add vital antioxidants for your cat. This formula also contains the brand’s signature LifeSource Bits, a powerhouse combination of easily digestible vitamins and minerals to boost your kitten’s immune system.

Free from poultry by-products, soy, corn, wheat, artificial flavors and preservatives – this is a highly nutritious formula that is fortified with everything your cat needs to transition into adulthood.

BUY HERE →

Purina Pro Plan Chicken & Rice Formula Dry Kitten Food

SEE MORE →
TOP 5 INGREDIENTS PRICE FEATURES
TOP 5 INGREDIENTS
  1. Chicken
  2. Rice
  3. Corn Gluten Meal
  4. Chicken By-Product Meal
  5. Beef Fat Preserved With Mixed-tocopherols
 PRICE
VIEW LATEST PRICE → 		FEATURES
  • Type: Dry food
  • Calories: 534 kcal/cup
  • Lifestage: Kitten
NUTRITION
Fat
19%
19%
Protein
42%
42%
Fiber
2.5%
2.5%
REVIEW

Purina Pro Plan Chicken & Rice Formula Dry Kitten Food Review

The Purina Pro Plan Dry Kitten Food is designed specifically for cats under the age of one. It’s made with real chicken and contains 42% protein to support your cat’s growing body. It also contains fatty acids like DHA, which support your cat’s eyesight and neurological development.

This formula is fortified with antioxidants, which boost your cat’s immune system, as well as essential minerals like calcium and phosphorus. It also contains prebiotics, which are great for your cat’s digestive system. This formula from Purina is one of the best dry kitten food options on the market.

At 531 calories a cup, this diet is sure to give your growing kitty all the energy she needs!

BUY HERE →