best kitten food

The healthiest dry and wet best kitten food for your indoor pet

Owning a cat may not be as easy as you think, albeit it is rewarding. When it comes to food, you should always go with the best kitten food available.

If you have one, you will agree when we say that we want nothing less than the best kitten food for our furry feline. 

In choosing the best kitten food for them, you may have to consider a few factors like budget, your pet’s taste and diet, age, among other things.

Additionally, It is ideal for you to check the nutrients contained and the quality of ingredients in the product.

However, with so many options in the market, choosing the best dry kitten food and the best kitten wet food can get a little bit tricky.

So, to guide you in picking the best kitten food, we listed down the best options.


Factors to consider

Best dry kitten food

Before we go into the details of the various options, it is crucial for you to know what you should consider in shopping.

Below are three of the most important factors you should certainly look into:

1.You cat’s age or life stage

Your pet’s age or life stage is one of the most significant factors to consider in deciding on the best kitten food option.

The content of their products should be appropriate to address their needs which differ from one age to another.

Kittens - to help develop healthy bones, teeth, and muscles, they should be fed with high protein.

At a young age, it is okay to give them a fair amount of calories as long as you get the best kitten food possible.

Additionally, felines are more playful at a younger age as compared to when they mature.

Adult – since they have a higher risk of diseases as they grow older, adults should be fed with the best kitten food that is low on calories.

Hence, keeping them from being overweight.

Obesity may eventually lead to diseases such as urinary tract disease, chronic kidney diseases, diabetes, arthritis, among others(which is why you should also make sure to take them to the vet at least once a year).

Senior – senior ones are not as active, so feed them with low-fat diets with highly digestible protein. Namely, this is to help their kidneys to make processing easier.

2. The nutrients found in ingredients

healthiest wet cat food

Unquestionably, it is so crucial for you to check the labels. There are many options on the market, made from different components.

Ultimately, the following is considered in checking the contents of the best kitten food available:

Look for options which are high in protein (look for beef, lamb, turkey, chicken, or tuna

Find taurine, which is an essential amino acid that is critical for normal heart muscle function, vision, and reproduction in kittens.

Look for vitamins, minerals, enzymes, and fatty acid. Avoid added sugars. Additionally, avoid excessive carbohydrate fillers (dry food may contain as much as 50% grain)

Avoid potentially dangerous chemical preservatives such as BHA, BHT, ethoxyquin and propyl gallate.

Also avoid by-products as these come from different sources. 

3. Dry vs. Wet cat food

There are plenty of cat food options all over the market. Generally, they may be classified as either dry and wet.

How do you know which is the best dry kitten food or the best wet kitten food? 


best dry cat food for indoor cats

Dry kitten food A.K.A kibble

Pros
  • Most common and convenient diet
  • Cost-effective
  • Easily stored
  • You can leave dry food for hours without worrying about it getting spoiled
  • Very long shelf life
  • Does not require rigorous preparation
  • May be best option for teeth, as the dry kibble may scrape some plaque off their teeth as they chew(read on teeth cleaning options here)
Cons
  • Lower in protein and higher in carbs, may lead to diabetes
  • High carb count can make it hard for cats to digest their meal
  • Not appealing for picky eaters
  • Contains less moisture and more sodium so it can lead to dehydration(read our post on how long cats can go without water)
  • Dry options require starch to bind the kibble, needing higher carbohydrate content and more plant protein

Kitten wet food

Pros
  • Contains a higher amount of moisture, so there is less possibility of dehydration
  • One of the best kitten food options for picky eaters because of the variety of flavors and more intense smell
  • More comfortable for cats to chew
  • Wet options contain more protein
Cons
  • Even the best kitten wet food can be messy
  • It will not scrape plaque from your pet’s teeth
  • Does not stay fresh for long
  • Shorter shelf life than dry kitten food
  • More expensive than the best dry kitten food

Best Dry Kitten Food

The following are the best dry kitten food options in the market:

1. Instinct Original Kitten Grain-free Dry Kitten Food

Prepared in their company-owned facilities in Lincoln, Nebraska, Instinct’s products are made on the philosophy of making pet food from raw ingredients.

They have set out to make the nutrition of raw more accessible to pets.

The Instinct Original Kitten Grain-free Dry Kitten Food is one of the most widely bought dry kitten food in the market.

Important Information:

Since kitties are naturally obligate carnivores; they eat protein-rich food. The Instinct Original Kitten Grain-free Dry Kitten Food has cage-free chicken.

This type is made of 81% real animal ingredients and nutritious oils; 19% vegetables, fruits and other wholesome ingredients; and 0% Grain.

It is free from artificial fillers from grain, potato, corn, wheat, soy, and by-product meal. This type is also free from artificial colors or preservatives.

It is very nutritious as it has a balanced mix of poultry, fish, and meat. Balanced protein content is best for proper exposure to proteins + natural DHA from chicken eggs for brain and eye development.

Not only that, it contains essential supplements like taurine, folic acid, vitamins, and minerals.

It also has guaranteed levels of live, natural probiotics, natural omegas and antioxidants which are helpful for digestive health, healthy skin and soft fur, and strengthening immune health.

Pros
  • High in balanced proteinNo by-products
  • Contains supplements especially taurine, folic acid, and natural omegas and antioxidants
  • One of the best options when looking for no artificial preservatives
  • May be helpful for kittens with digestive problems
Cons
  • Less moist than the wet ones

2. Wellness CORE Natural Grain-free Dry Cat Food

Anchored with the goal of providing cats with natural grain-free nutrition, Wellness CORE continues to develop its cat food products and is one of the best dry kitten food options available.

It has developed an extensive quality assurance program, guaranteeing that its cat meals are safe, pure and balanced.

Important Information:

This pet meal has 80% more meat than traditional best kitten food options containing grains. 

Composed of balanced protein, it has chicken, turkey, whitefish, and salmon oil.

Because of its finish component, this product also contains fatty acids like Omega 3 and 6.

It also has cranberries to help support your kitten's optimal health. Grain-free and made of high-quality carbohydrates needed to provide a daily energy boost for your kitty.

Fortified with Live active probiotics, and fiber promote a healthy intestinal tract and overall digestive health.

Has DHA for brain and eye development. Also made of fruit and veggie antioxidants to improve your cat's total nutrition.

Additionally, it is free from animal by-products. Free from artificial fillers, grain, corn, soy, wheat-gluten or artificial preservatives, colors or flavors.

Pros
  • Contains balanced protein from different animal meatsGrain-free
  • Contains a high level of Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids
  • Good for kitties with digestive problems because of the prevalent probiotics, prebiotics, and fiberNo artificial flavoring, preservatives, or flavors
Cons
  • Contains less moist than most of the healthiest wet cat food options

3. Rachael Ray Nutrish Natural Dry Cat Food

This brand is made by celebrity chef Rachael Ray thus why many consumers consider it the best dry kitten food.

Known for her love for food, Rachael has been creating recipes for years. 

This brand takes pride in using real ingredients and real recipes.

For years, her brand has slowly climbed in the ranking of best dry kitten food available in the market.

Important information:

This option is made of natural ingredients so it free from artificial preservatives Made of carefully selected high-quality proteins like chicken, salmon and white fish.

Meat proteins are also combined with wholesome veggies. Because it is also composed of fish, it means it contains a high level of Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids.

Also consisting of essential vitamins, minerals, and taurine to help support your cat’s immune system.

Free from cereal grains in its ingredients, making you feel safer about saving your cats from possible allergies.

Pros
  • Made from natural ingredients
  • High in balanced protein as it made from chicken, salmon, and white fish
  • Rich in Omega 3 and Omega-6 fatty acids 
  • Free from artificial fillers
  • No artificial flavorings or preservatives
Cons
  • Pricier than competitor brands

4. Newman's Organics Advanced Formula Chicken Dry Cat Food

Newman's Own Organics pet foods take pride in formulating their pet food without the use of herbicides, pesticides or artificial fertilizers.

To be able to adhere to their strict organic standards, their ingredients have been grown carefully in a controlled environment.

More than 70% of all ingredients used in the formulation of all Newmans Own Organics foods are organic.

Additionally, this product includes a generous amount of probiotics, Ester-C, and high levels of antioxidants.

To help retain essential nutrients, Newman’s Own Organics dry foods cook at low temperatures. 

Newman's Organics recommends feeding the senior formula at 6-7 years of age depending on your individual cat's health and lifestyle.

Pros
  • Omega fatty acids promote healthy skin & coat
  • Antioxidants maintain a robust immune system
  • Chelated minerals help nutrient absorption
  • Probiotics support intestinal health, thus one of the best kitten food options for your kitty’s health
Cons
  • Expensive compared to its competitors

5. IAMS Proactive Health Kitten Dry cat food

This cat food is intentionally made with chicken for a flavor that your cat will love.

Since kittens have a more sensitive digestive system, the IAM Proactive Health has a tailored fiber blend made with probiotics and beet pulp to maintain good digestive health.

This food also has vitamin E to boost your cat’s immune system.

Important information:

Some of its main ingredients are fried chicken and turkey, maize animal fat, wheat, dried bee pulp, fish oil, and dried whole egg. Contains a significant amount of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids

Also contains a proprietary blend of fibers to help reduce hairballs. This pet food is also supplemented with L-Carnitine to help burn fat and maintain healthy weight and metabolism

Enhanced with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to strengthen your cat’s immune system. Free from chicken by-product meals.

Pros
  • Contains enough amount of protein and fat
  • Good for kittens which are more sensitive and needs a healthy immune system
  • Includes taurine to help promote good vision and a healthy heart
  • Contain easy to digest ingredients 
Cons
  • Contains a low level of thiamine or Vitamin B1 
  • Contains other fillers which are corn and wheat

Best kitten wet food

The following are the best-canned kitten food options in the market:

1. Weruva Classic Grain-Free

Today, Weruva is one of the best-canned kitten food options for “grain-free” you can find in the market.

Important information:

Its primary ingredients are cage-free boneless, skinless white breast meat chicken which is high-quality protein food, low in carbs and fat.Made with minimal processing

Made with wholesome and straightforward ingredients.

Contains excellent tasting shredded meats and pumpkin soups, Vitamin E, B1, A, D3, B2, B3, B12 and B6 supplements.

Free of grain, gluten, GMOs, MSGs, carrageenan (funny looking gels) and any other artificial preservatives.

Free of corn, soy, wheat, or artificial colors. Low in ash, magnesium, and phosphorus with proper moisture levels to promote a healthy urinary tract

Pros
  • Rich taste for feeding picky eaters
  • Pleasant odor
  • High in proteinLow in carbs and fat
  • Free of grain, artificial fillers, and artificial preservatives
  • Moist and low in sodium so your cat can avoid kidney disease
Cons
  • The recipe has big chunks in it which can be a bit too big for some cats

2. Wellness Complete Health Natural Canned Grain Free Wet Soft Pate Cat Food

Perfect for adult cats, made of high-quality ingredients and quality standards to create delicious recipes your pets will crave.

A large number of consumers love it and consider it the best kitten wet food available.

Important information:

The Wellness Complete Health Natural Canned Grain Free Wet Pate Cat Food is mainly composed of high protein meats from chicken, chicken liver, and turkey.

Other key ingredients used in formulating this pet food include carrots, sweet potatoes, squash, and zucchini.

It also contains whole cranberries and blueberries which are added to help maintain proper urinary tract health.

Additionally, it includes essential vitamins and minerals such as folic acid, Vitamin D-3 supplement, Vitamin A supplement, and Vitamin B-12 Supplement.

Free of added growth hormones and steroids.  Free of artificial preservatives.

Pros
  • This food is made not only of meat but also fresh fruits and vegetables
  • 100% grain-free
  • Contains ingredients such as  cranberries and blueberries
Cons
  • Pricey compared to other canned wet cat food
  • The size of the can be a bit confusing

3. Purina Pro Plan Chicken and Rice Entrée Canned Wet Cat Food

The Purina Pro Plan gourmet line of wet cat food provides something for every feline to adore.

One of which is the Purina Pro Plan Chicken and Rice Entrée Canned Wet Cat Food.

It is packed with great ingredients and meets the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Cat Food Nutrient Profiles for cats of all ages.

Important information:

This pet food is made with real chicken and complemented with rice in  gravy.

Each serving is formulated to contain essential nutrients to help support your cat's healthy immune system and active lifestyle.

It contains nutrients such as Vitamin A, Vitamin B-12, Vitamin D-3, Vitamin E supplements,

Also has essential nutrients support healthy skin and coat. 

Pros
  • Free from grain, gluten, and meat by-products
  • Includes deboned chicken
  • Rich in protein and contains no artificial preservatives.
  • Does not require you to provide your cat with supplementary nutrients and is available in packs of twenty-four (24) 3-Ounce Cans
Cons
  • It contains a higher amount of phosphorus and is therefore not recommended for cats with kidney or urinary tract problems

4. Healthiest wet cat food Royal Canin Feline Health Nutrition Aging 12+

This is the healthiest wet cat food you can get for your aging cat.

The specific market catered by the Royal Canin Feline Health Nutrition Aging 12+ Wet Cat Food is: the senior cats.

Important information:

This cat food has tender slices that are made to be gentle on older cat’s gums and teeth.

It also contains phosphorus to support aging kidney, and added fatty acids to help protect joints and reduce the effects of arthritis

To summarize, the pros and cons of Royal Canin Feline Health Nutrition Aging 12+ Wet Cat Food are as follows:

Pros
  • Especially made for aging cats
  • Tender and easy to eat
  • Content of phosphorus to support aging kidneys is very important
  • Cat owners have reported dramatic improvements after changing to Royal Canin
Cons
  • Pricey compared to other kinds of wet or canned kitten food

Indoor vs. Outdoor Cats – does it affect food choice?

Indoor and outdoor feline have several differences. Indoor cats are less active than outdoor cats.

They are also less likely to be exposed to dangerous diseases and parasites than free ones.

Even in looking for their food, it still matters whether your cat is an indoor or outdoor one.

While the general nutritional requirements for all cats are the same, indoor cats have different needs when it comes to certain things.

Best dry kitten food

As mentioned earlier, felines are naturally obligate carnivores.

Hence, this means that their bodies are physically adapted to deriving nutrition from animal products rather than plant products(we actually wrote an article about houseplants and cats).

Meat is the central element of any quality diet for cats.

A healthy diet should be supplemented with animal-based fats for concentrated energy with limited carbohydrate content.

What to Look for in the best wet food for Indoor cats?

One of the key considerations in choosing the best food for indoor cats is the reduced calorie content.

Generally, most indoor pets do not get as much exercise as compared to outdoor pets.

Although it may be argued that some indoor cats are relatively active, most of them live a sedentary life.

Because of this, obesity becomes one of their primary health issues. Therefore an owner should be able to monitor the calorie intake of his cat to avoid obesity.

Maintaining a healthy weight is extremely important for them. 
Obesity poses an increase in the cat’s risk of a severe health problem.

Keep in mind though that when choosing reduced-calorie cat food, you have to be extra mindful of other ingredients.

To reduce calorie content, some pet food manufacturers bulk up the meal with non-nutritive fillers, and this is not good for the health of your cat.

In considering the quality of food for your indoor cat, you should be able to find a product that is composed of enough protein to support their lean muscle mass and general growth.

At the same time, it should be formed of moderate fat content to reduce calories and low carbohydrate content.

Apart from calorie count, you should also consider the balance of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids that are present in your indoor cat’s food.

Good sources of said fatty acids are fish and certain types of plants.

Another thing which you may want to look into finding food for your indoor cat is the amount of fiber content to help minimize hairballs.

Since indoor cats tend to spend more time lounging and grooming themselves, they ingest a higher volume of hair.

Good news that in most cases, their digestive system can handle the hair and can be removed through feces.

In other cases, however, hairballs are instead vomited up.

Making sure that your cat gets enough fiber in his diet will not only help to regulate his digestion in general, but it may also help to reduce the tendency of choking or vomiting up hairballs.


Best dry cat food for indoor cats

1. Nutro Natural Choice Indoor Dry Kitten Food Chicken and Whole Brown Rice Formula

Known for having a commitment to “clean food,” Nutro’s recipes are made of real, recognizable, and non-GMO ingredients.

It Is one of the best dry cat food for indoor cats option. One of Nutro’s products is the Nutro Natural Choice Indoor Cat Food Chicken and Whole Brown Rice Formula

Important information:

Mainly made of chicken for building strong muscles. Contains a unique blend of whole grains.

It provides natural fiber for healthy digestion. Furthermore, it is composed of their very own natural Fiberlend formula which helps minimize hairball formation

It also contains essential antioxidants, such as vitamin E for a healthy immune system, plus vitamins, minerals and other nutrients

This pet food is formulated with the ideal calorie content for a healthy weight.

These recipes are also crafted with Omega 3 fatty acids like DHA that is essential for healthy growth and development.

It also contains enough amount of calcium to help build healthy bones and joints.

This best kitten food candidate is also rich in natural oils that can help maintain soft and shiny fur.

Pros
  • Made of natural ingredients and whole grains
  • Has a unique formulation of fiber to prevent hairball formation
  • Low calorieFree from gluten, and meat by-products
  • Does not contain artificial preservatives
  • Contains natural oils that can help maintain soft and shiny fur
Cons
  • Pricier than competitor products

2. Blue Buffalo Freedom Grain Free Natural Indoor Adult Dry Cat Food

The Blue Buffalo Freedom Grain Free Natural Indoor Adult Dry Cat Food is the perfect food for those who are not fond of grains.

Grains contain gluten which can be dangerous for some cats as it can trigger some allergic reactions.

It is no doubt one of the best dry cat food for indoor cats you can get.

 

Made with excellent ingredients, the Blue Buffalo Freedom Grain Free Natural Indoor Adult Dry Cat Food features delicious, protein-rich deboned chicken, whole carrots, sweet potatoes and peas, blueberries and cranberries.

Important information:

Contains deboned chicken which is an excellent source of healthy protein

It also contains blueberries and cranberries which are great for those with urinary tract problems. Additionally, It has no chicken (or poultry) by-product meals

It has no artificial fillers such as corn, wheat or soy. The pate texture of this food makes it an excellent choice for older felines who have weaker teeth and may need softer food.

Pros
  • Best kitten food when caring about gluten, mainly, it is Gluten free, safe for sensitive cats who are prone to allergic reactions
  • Contains high-quality protein from deboned chicken breast 
  • Natural chicken flavors. It also has low iodine content which is considered suitable for hyperthyroid cats.
Cons
  • Contains carrageenan which can irritate those with sensitive digestive systems.
  • Not recommended for diabetic cats

3. Natural Balance Indoor Ultra Chicken Meal and Salmon Meal Formula Dry Cat Food

This cat food is made with lower levels of fat to help support an ideal weight for your cat, without sacrificing on the protein and nutrients needed by them to fuel their ever active lifestyle.

The Natural Balance is filled up with lean proteins like chicken and salmon, complimented with wholesome oats and brown rice.

It also contains vitamins, minerals and essential taurine for healthy eyes and heart. 

Important information:

This pet food is made with high-quality types of protein from chicken and salmon to support the growth and development of muscles.

The carbohydrates contained in this formula is considerably light and healthy.

It is made of vegetables and highly-digestive carbohydrates to help your kitty easily break down its food.

Also includes vitamins, minerals, and taurine for eye and heart health.

It also supports radiant and healthy skin and coat with omega-3 and six fatty acids, vitamin E, biotin, and kelp.

It is made with no artificial flavors, colors or bleached ingredients and provides a complete and balanced diet for all adult kitties.

Pros
  • Has balanced protein from chicken and salmon
  • Rich in omega-3 and omega-6 because of the salmon content
  • Carbs contained being oats, and brown rice are light and healthy
  • Easy to chew and digest, perfect for adult cats
  • Also free from artificial flavors, colors, and preservatives 
Cons
  • Pricier than competitor brands

​4. Indoor Kitten Dry Cat Food by Hill's Science Diet

Specially developed to cater the needs and lifestyle of indoor cats, the Indoor Kitten Dry Cat Food by Hill's Science Diet is a distinct quality of Hill’s Science and one of the best kitten food available.

It aims to deliver precise nutrition for growing indoor kittens.

Important Information:

This pet food comes in a crunchy kibble that contains natural ingredients plus vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.

It also includes a natural prebiotic fiber blend that is helpful for easy digestion and more natural litter box clean up.

This same element helps reduce the formation of hairballs for indoor kittens.

It is formulated with DHA that is necessary for nervous system development and Vitamins C and E for immune system support.

There are no artificial ingredients used in making this pet food. 

Pros
  • Healthy digestion for easy litter box clean-up
  • No artificial ingredients, colors, flavors, and preservatives
  • Formulated with natural prebiotic fiber and DHA
Cons
  • Less protein content compared to other competitors

As cat owners, what are the most frequently asked questions when it comes to feeding their pets?

You may also have the same questions in mind. Here are some of them:

1.What is the best hypoallergenic food for allergic cats?

This question may differ from one cat to another as this may include some considerations like their breed, immune system, medical history and medical condition, among others.

However, it might be worthy to note that the ingredients that most often cause allergic reactions in cats are the following:

·       Beef

·       Lamb

·       Seafood

·       Corn

·       Soy

·       Dairy

·       Wheat gluten

best rated dry kitten food

Again, it differs per situation but knowing which ingredients usually cause allergic reactions may help you protect your cats from any possible allergic reaction in the future.

2. It is always better if the kitties food is grain free and gluten free?

For the record, cats do not need to avoid grain or gluten entirely. It is essential to take into consideration the presence of grain or gluten in pet food.

These elements may, in turn, be a source of excessive carbohydrates, which we avoid.

Grain free foods often replace the grains with an unhealthy dose of biologically inappropriate ingredients like potatoes and peas.

Gluten-free foods say the same. Most cats are not sensitive to gluten, but all cats can thrive on a low-carb diet.

Note that, because gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye, any grain free food is also considered gluten free.

3. What type of food is best for cats with diabetes?

Compared to feline pets with a healthy weight, overweight feline are 4x more vulnerable to having diabetes.

As mentioned earlier, this is just one of the reasons for you to ensure that your cat maintains a reasonable and healthy weight.

For diabetic ones, it is best for you to feed them with high protein and low carbohydrate diet since these carbs are eventually broken into sugar and not healthy at all.

4. What is the best cat food to feed old cats?

As cats age, their level of activity decreases. Their metabolism also goes down along with increasing age.

Hence, it is advisable to feed senior cats with a low protein diet. It will also help if you supply them with good quality and the right amount of fiber.

This way, their food will easily be digested.


Final thoughts

There are many ways to take care of your feline. One of these is ensuring that they feed with the best kitten food for a healthier and longer life.

In choosing the best dry kitten food and the best kitten wet food, focus on what is needed by your cat as their needs differ from one another.

You may also check out other articles in Miauland for more helpful guides.