Unless you're a monster, you want your new kitty to stay with you for decades to come, playful, active, and cuddly. What many vets forget to tell you when you're taking the new family member home is that diseases are ALWAYS easier to prevent than to treat. From the very first days, think carefully about where your kitty sleeps, who she contacts, and what she eats. Let's tackle the latter now before it's too late!
Who Made It to the Best Canned Kitten Food List?
As a proud cat-lover myself, I love reading labels and fine-print, so a lack of any surprises there was the first on my requirements list. A carefully balanced formula enriched with nutrients and supplements was another. Of course, I couldn't ignore the best wet kitten food reviews complaints, and platitudes, so that was another stop on my winding way. I ended up with ten options of various pricing tiers with a wide variety of components and other itty-bitty details. You don't have to read the whole thing, just skip straight to the brand or section of this best wet kitten food rated list and find your kitten's best meal!
Affordable doesn't mean lousy or yucky anymore. This option blends protein-packed turkey with other meat and poultry products with none of the usual fillers to ratchet up the net weight of every can. Smooth, yummy, and super-healthy, this one is a great find for all kitties.
Wellness Complete Health Kitten Formula Grain-Free Canned Cat Food
The best wet kitten food, grain-free and luxurious option for true feline foodies from birth. Free of grains of any kind, this formula relies on flaxseed, veggies, and berries to support kitty health throughout the formative months. And the delicious broth added to every portion stands on guard of the little ones' urinary tracts.
With a set of sources of protein, there's no way your tiny pal is going hungry or sick. The formula contains additional goodies, such as taurine, zinc, and a vitamin complex that secures healthy growth for up to twelve months.
Free of cost-reducing and nutrient-null fillers and synthetic flavors, this is a top-of-the-line delicacy prepared with love out of the best protein sources and superfoods. Well-suited for both babies and adults, it is a lifestyle choice you will never regret.
Energy-packed, flavorful, and natural, this formula is unrivaled next-generation kitten food. Instead of fillers, every can is full of an array of protein-packed meat products, superfoods, and supplements with zero preservatives or synthetic flavorings.
Natural, flavorful, and healthy - that's this delicate pate in three words. With no unhealthy starches, soy, synthetic nastiness, and top-shelf poultry and liver as the sources of protein, it's one hell of a meal in a tiny can. DHA included if that's what you're looking for healthiest wet kitten food.
Blue Buffalo Wilderness Kitten Chicken Grain-Free Canned Cat Food
Enhanced with a full range of vitamins and minerals
Cons:
Only small 3-ounce cans available
Unbalanced fat-to-protein ratio
On the affordable side of the kitty food spectrum, this smooth option incorporates starch and chicken for a healthy, all-American diet. Zero grams of preservatives and synthetic flavor-inducing agents are a huge plus for those looking for a natural meal.
Smooth pate with a savor-packed gravy is a win-win for kittens and their kitty parents. Starch-packed components make for a more affordable option still, chock-full of nutritious deliciousness and health benefits.
Chicken-first option for the true fans of Blue, this is a grain-free choice backed up by starch, hearty broth, and an unbeatable cranberry-blueberry duo. Gluten-free and possessing zero synthetic flavors, it's the number one meal for thousands of kitties.
Tiki Cat After Dark Chicken & Lamb Canned Cat Food
Mouthwatering combo of shredded chicken meat and organs supplemented with vitamins and nutrients is the only entry on my list containing lamb and tuna oil. It's beloved by cats of all ages and sizes, and their happy owners.
TOP-3 Grain-free Kitten Foods
Let's start with the most outrageously priced item on my list, Wellness CORE Natural Grain-Free Kitten Food, shall we? At least, when it comes to a pack of 5.5-oz cans. The standard option is moderately affordable, considering turkey and liver are near the top of the recipe formula. Free of grain and soy, the meal contains cranberries and dried kelp along with other yucky-sounding, but healthy ingredients. Kitties love it, but some might have a negative reaction, so pay attention to stool post-feeding and stop using this food if the problem reoccurs.
Following the Blue vision, Blue Buffalo Freedom Indoor Kitten Chicken Recipe is free of wheat and full of protein and other healthy goodies. Blueberries and cranberries add a delicious and nutritious healthy two-punch to the formula that relies on starchy veggies to supplement necessary carbs. Popular with kitty owners and furballs, this is the best canned kitten food even for picky eaters if you alternate it with other flavors or foods.
Despite the great and seemingly delicious formula, kitties seem to have a love-hate relationship with Wellness Complete Health Kitten Formula. Picky eaters might delight in it, while other tiny furballs could ignore it entirely. Still, every can is filled with goodies, starting with vitamin-packed berries and flaxseed and rounding up the lineup with veggie starches and chicory root. Start with one or two cans to stay on the safe side before you commit to a bulk order.
TOP-3 Wet Kitten Food for Small Cats
I didn't realize you could start feeding kittens canned food as soon as they can find it. I've assumed it had to come later, once the furballs were weaned and ready to switch to a food source independent of their mummy. Kitten wet food brands did not convince me from the start, but reviews of successful feeding and pics of cute kitties with full tummies sure did. Had my grumpy old ginger been a baby now, I'd choose among these three good cat food for kittens options (after visiting our vet first).
My Shortlist of the Best-quality Kitten Wet Food Includes
Blue Buffalo Healthy Gourmet Pate Kitten Chicken Entree is an unquestionable fave of new kitty parents in the US. It's a delicious pate that relies on chicken and liver for protein and fish oil, cranberries, and a vitamin complex for long-lasting kitten health. There's zero corn, soy, and wheat in the formula, but it does list healthy veggies starches and flaxseed among ingredients. Unlike traditional fillers, these promote vigorous digestion and prevent problems with diarrhea and upset tummies. Give a try and watch the kitty poops for positive changes.
Instinct Kitten Grain-Free Natural Cat Food is a creamy and flavorful pate made of three premium high-protein stuff: meat, fish, and chicken. This combo supports the healthy development of your kitty throughout the first weeks and months. It lays a foundation of strong skeleton and organs with a special focus of eyes and urinary tract. The brand prides itself on the lack of fillers in the formula and guarantees savory flavor without synthetic additives, which might be why furry foodies might turn their noses up on this meal. To check if your kitty will enjoy it, start with a tiny 3 oz can and switch to 5.5 oz once you're sure it's the one.
Fancy Feast Kitten Food, for all that it's a super-affordable deal, lists turkey as the main ingredient. For more protein, the formula relies on fish, liver, and meat by-products. The latter might not be your cup of tea, but they keep the price manageable. Full disclosure, this food lists synthetic colors and flavors on the can, but I've found no serious complaints in the comments. Your kitty should be fine, as long as you keep an eye out for indigestion or allergies.
TOP-3 Kitten Canned Food for Big Cats
Once your furball gets used to Tiki Cat After Dark Chicken & Lamb, there's no need to look for another brand. It's suitable for both newborn and adult tabbies. Portions will need adjusting, but you're otherwise set for life. Your tiny carnivore will fall in love with the chicken+lamb combo supplemented by a variety of chicken organs and hearty broth. Zero grains and starches make this a lovely pick for the pickiest of eaters, regardless of their age.
US-made with four protein sources and zero grains, Nulo Freestyle Grain-Free Kitten Food is a fine breakfast or dinner for grown-up felines and kitties. No peas and no soy in the formula mean it’s one of the kitten canned food brands that does not cut corners when it comes to nutritional value, and that's especially relevant for young tabbies. The size of the can (5.5 or 12.5 ounces) for the price you pay is a steal, and hundreds of the best canned kitten food reviews should convince you to at least give it a try.
If you're looking for a wholesome meal option that's going to last a lifetime, check out Blue Buffalo Wilderness Kitten Chicken. It's chicken, plain and simple, but without any of those yucky by-products and fillers that lower the cost and bring exactly zero useful calories to your cat. Instead, the tiny can is chock-full of nutritious ingredients, including flaxseed, salmon oil. The only questionable nutritious thing I could find was potatoes, but that's still better than soy, wheat, or corn. The cans might be a bit small-ish for adult cats, but it's sure enough for kittens.
What Is the Best Wet Kitten Food on the Market?
I've named ten, but I know you want me to name the winner. Instead, I offer the best of each category to appease your kitten's foodie tendencies. Pick one or give all three a go, and let me know which is your fave.
Turkey-first, yet super-affordable, Fancy Feast Kitten Food is a to-go for many kitty parents who don't mind a few synthetic additives to make the food more enticing for the discerning cat in nappies.
For zero-grain all-health-benefit formula, check out Wellness Complete Health Kitten Formula. It might take some getting used to, but well worth it.
Blue Buffalo Wilderness Kitten Food is the best kitten food for transitioning your furball to other adult options. It's grain-free, savory, and affordable.
The Hopeless Hunt for the Healthiest Wet Kitten Food?
It won't be if you know what to look for. Let me give you a last-minute crash course if none of the options I've listed suit your kitty's taste. Before you think of picking up a can or setting up auto-ship from Chewy, go through this checklist:
What Are the Sources of Protein?
There should be two or more to ensure the full spectrum of amino acids vital for muscle development and overall health. Besides, kittens need more protein than adult cats, as their bodies are growing. Chicken, salmon, lamb, and turkey are the most common ingredients you can expect to find on the list, though meals and by-products are also often present.
Where Do Carbs Come From?
Wheat and corn are the cheapest and most useless fillers, as they possess zero nutritional value for the kitty. Veggies, brown rice, and seeds are better. However, you should steer clear of the formulas rich in starches, as they may lead to fast weight gain and related health issues.
Is the Flavor 'Au Naturel' or 'Au Laboratoire'?
Kitties will devour food with synthetic additives, as it’s engineered to be tastier. It can be tricky to entice your tiny feline foodies into trying natural flavors, but it is healthier. If you have trouble switching from flavored to natural food, consider adding toppings or treats to trick your kitty into healthier food habits.
Are Buyers Happy?
You'll know a genuine fellow kitty parent a mile away, so don't be afraid of fake reviews. Check the negative posts first to get the bad news; then, you can turn to all the happy kitty photos. Look out for recent formula and texture changes, recalls, and overall brand reputation to make the best decision.
Will It Break the Bank?
There's no need to go broke to feed the kitty, who'll be perfectly happy with a cheaper alternative as long as there's a roof over her head and a loving human to cuddle. Coupons and promotions are great for saving on pet food, and auto-ship subscriptions are a godsend, especially if you have more than one furball.
FAQ
How much wet food should a kitten eat per day?
That depends on your kitty’s weight, age, and activity level. Consult the feeding chart on the can to know for sure. The portion size will vary depending on the caloric value of the food, so adjust the meal size if you change to a new brand.
How to mix wet and dry kitten food?
Vets recommend using 70% dry food and 30% wet food for kittens. You can either mix them in a bowl, top the kibble with wet food or divide the two into separate mealtimes. Find the way that works best for you and your furball.
What are the best wet kitten food brands that sell wet kitten food with gravy?
Any reputable cat food brand has at least a couple of recipes with tiny pieces in gravy. Our personal faves are Blue Buffalo, Wellness, and Purina.
Where to buy canned kitten food?
Most grocery stores stock wet kitten food, but you can also find it in pet shops, as well as online stores, like Chewy, Petco, Amazon, or Walmart.
When looking for high-quality kitten food, you are stuck with infinite variety, confusing consumer reviews, and huge prices. Let's make sense of ingredient analysis and find the best choice for you!
Is Taste of the Wild that very cat food your feline craves? Check this article to learn their ingredient quality, and recall history, and more.
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