What is the best dry kitten food in 2024?
Kittens are constantly on the move and need a rich nutritional supply to support their growth. That's why many brands offer dry food designed specifically for baby cats.
How long should I stick with specialised kitten food? Should I buy grain-free kibble? If it’s your first time adopting a kitten, you'll likely have a lot of questions. No panic! Our comparison is here to help you choose the best dry food for kittens!
Baby cats have specific dietary requirements because they grow so much in just a few months. A diet designed to meet their needs provides them with all the nutrients they need to grow big and strong. You can find dry kitten food with both meat and fish flavours, so you're spoilt for choice when it comes to treating your little feline. You can also choose grain-free kitten food, as cats are strict carnivores. If your kitty is neutered, make sure to choose kibble which is designed appropriately and is lower in fat.
Summary
Why should I buy dry food for kittens?
Kittens need to grow and put on a lot of weight within just a few months. They weigh only 100g at birth and reach 3kg by the age of 6 months. This means that baby cats have special nutritional needs and need the food that is best suited to their rapid development. If their bones and muscles don’t get all the protein they need, kittens may suffer from stunted growth. This is why young cats should be fed dry kitten food with a protein content of over 35%. A fat content of between 12 and 24% is also required. These fats help to offset the energy needs of young cats who are constantly moving. Exploring the world can be exhausting!
How to choose the best dry kitten food?
There is a wide range of dry foods available and it's not always easy to find your way around. To choose the best one, you must first identify the nutritional needs of your pet. A kitten's nutritional requirements are greater than those of an adult cat, and it's important that your cat’s food is of good quality. Kittens need food that is high in both calories and protein, contains fats and minerals, as well as vitamins A and D. Carbohydrates are not essential for young cats. Choose dry kitten food according to your pet’s taste; after all they should enjoy their meals! Whether they prefer meat, tuna or salmon, there's plenty of flavours to choose from.
How much dry food should I feed my kitten per day?
Cats often have a tendency to be overweight, especially when they have been neutered. That's why it's important to control how much dry food you give your pet. This is especially important when the animal is growing. At the age of one month, you can give your kitten between 25g and 40g of kibble per day. It may vary depending on your kitten's weight and breed, so it's best to ask your vet how much dry food is optimal for your pet. You should gradually increase the daily amount of dry food as your cat becomes older. Make sure to divide the recommended amount of food into several servings, so that they learn to eat properly without overeating.
Should I stick with a particular brand of dry kitten food?
The important thing is to opt for premium kitten food, prepared only with quality ingredients. Your vet can advise you on the best brands to try. Some animals are more sensitive to certain foods or can be allergic to grains or salmon for example. If your kitten is neutered, they should not be eating the same food as one that hasn’t. That's why the best option is to go for a brand of grain-free or neutered kitten food, depending on your pet's needs. Choose an organic dry kitten food, which is better for your pet's health.
Until what age should I give my cat food for kittens?
A kitten starts eating solid food at the age of eight weeks. At that point they are fully weaned and need complete dry food that is adapted to their energy needs. There is "Junior", "Adult" and "Senior" dry cat food, which correspond to the different stages of a cat's life. Your pet will grow into adulthood between the age of 9 months and one year. Therefore, you should feed your cat dry kitten food until 12 months. However, some animals reach adulthood quicker than others. In this case, ask your vet whether you should continue giving your cat food for kittens.
Can I give my kitten adult cat food?
Adult cat food is not suitable for kittens. "Adult" or "Senior" dry food does not contain the nutrients required to meet the energy needs of young cats. If they eat this type of kibble regularly, they risk developing stunted growth. If they swallow adult food once by accident, because you forgot to put away your older cat's bowl, it’s no big deal! But don’t let it become a habit. Keep an eye on your cats at mealtimes, to make sure they’re eating from their own bowls.
