12 best foods for kittens - rating for 2021

The best wet foods for kittens

Wet food is the best solution for babies. Unlike a dry diet, canned food can be used as the first complementary food for kittens from four weeks of age. In this case, it is recommended to pay special attention to pates, mousses and soufflés of full premium or super-premium class. Their texture allows babies to quickly and easily learn to feed themselves. For kittens over two months old, not only creamy foods are suitable, but also pieces in jelly or broth.

Many wet foods are a complete diet that does not require any supplements. At the same time, they are easily digestible and suitable for everyone, including kittens, who drink relatively little water.

Hill's Science Plan Kitten Healthy Development

Dutch food belongs to the premium class. It is designed to meet all the needs of a kitten's growing body. This pet food undergoes strict quality control - you can rest assured about the health of your little pets. The food contains tuna meat - it helps improve immunity, normalizes the functioning of the digestive system, which guarantees the longevity of your purring pet. All ingredients in the food are quickly and easily digestible, have a delicate taste and a pleasant smell. Manufacturers have ensured the presence of a complex of calcium, sodium, and phosphorus, which are needed at the stage of growth and formation of the animal. The food has an optimal size of granules - kittens can easily chew them and crunch them with pleasure. The food has an excellent effect on growth, the kitten looks active and healthy, quite energetic and cheerful.

ADVANTAGES: The composition is safe; a balanced complex of nutrients supports the immune system. The food has a fairly reasonable price.

DISADVANTAGES: None found.

The best dry food for kittens

Dry food is rich in vitamins and microelements. Their composition is much more diverse than the composition of canned food. Often, in addition to meat components, representatives of this category contain healthy vegetables, fruits, herbs, and sometimes berries. Thus, the best dry food provides your cat with everything it would receive in its natural environment.

However, they are not suitable for everyone. Despite the availability of lines for the smallest, veterinarians do not recommend giving dry food in its pure form until at least three and a half months, because a kitten’s stomach at such an early age can be injured by hard food. An older kitten should be switched to this food carefully, gradually adding it to canned food or soaking it in water.

NOW Natural

The food is produced in Canada and is an example of the best nutrition with a proven balance for the body of a small purr. This food does not contain various dyes and harmful flavors, any animal fats and by-products, preservatives and dangerous glutens. But in this type of food for kittens there are fully enough minerals and proteins, vitamins and fats, prebiotics, which are the key to the formation of a healthy animal body and its longevity. Canadian manufacturers use innovative technologies, which contributes to maximum preservation of the beneficial components of all components. Even in the absence of flavor enhancers, kittens happily consume grain-free food from this brand.

It consists of turkey fillet, and in some cases salmon or duck. Among the ingredients are potatoes, pumpkin, spinach, tomatoes and carrots. NOW Natural contains apples and healthy lentils, bananas and dried seaweed, as well as other vegetables. In addition, there are minerals and vitamins.

ADVANTAGES: Ideally balanced composition, high (up to 90%) digestibility. There are no by-products or harmful artificial additives.

DISADVANTAGES: Price too high.

Comparison table of characteristics

The table below presents the main characteristics of the products in question. By comparing them with each other, it will be much easier for you to navigate the variety of assortments and choose the right food for your pet.

Josera

German food for kittens Minette is designed for babies from 2 months to 1 year. Suitable for pregnant and lactating cats. Sufficiently balanced and high in calories, which provides the pet with the necessary energy. It contains easily digestible ingredients, minerals, vitamins and a sufficient amount of proteins in the form of natural meat. They are responsible for the growth and physiological needs of kittens. Contains about 2% dietary fiber, which prevents the formation of hairballs in the digestive tract.

ADVANTAGES: No by-products or chemical preservatives. Loyal price.

DISADVANTAGES: Natural meat is presented in the form of “flour”.

Another representative of this brand for kittens older than six months is Nature Cat food. It is also suitable for feeding adult animals with sensitive digestion. The feed is characterized by easy digestion - this is facilitated by a well-chosen composition. There are no grains, but enough fruits, vegetables, a complex of medicinal herbs, plant fiber, taurine, minerals and vitamins.

ADVANTAGES: Suitable for allergic animals. Acceptable price.

DISADVANTAGES: Natural meat is presented in the form of “flour”. Contains yeast and sweet potatoes.

Food allergies in cats

Food allergies in cats account for approximately 10% of all allergic reactions. Breed and sex predisposition have not been established, and no connection with sterilization has been noted. Pets with food allergies often experience reactions to contact or inhalant allergens. The tendency to develop food allergies is inherited. The main frequency of onset of the disease occurs between the ages of 2 and 6 years, but in some cats allergic reactions to food can occur as early as 5 months.

The development of food allergies is based on an altered reaction of the immune system to a certain substance contained in food, usually a protein of animal or plant origin.

What happens

Food allergies can occur to any product, but the most common causes in cats are:

• chicken;
• beef;
• mutton;
• fish;
• seafood;
• soy;
• corn;
• wheat;
• dairy products;
• egg;
• artificial colors;
• taste and smell enhancers.

Very often, pets are allergic not to the meat itself, but to the chemicals it contains, antibiotics and growth regulators, which are used in animal husbandry.

How it manifests itself

Manifestations of food allergies:

• severe skin itching, especially in the head and neck area;
• formation of foci of baldness;
• dry skin, possible dandruff;
• miliary dermatitis - the appearance on the skin of many small rashes, which are blisters, erosions and crusts; subsequently, the addition of secondary flora with the development of pyoderma is possible. Accompanied by intense skin itching;
• nausea;
• vomit;
• increased gas formation;
• stomach ache;
• diarrhea;
• lethargy;
• thirst;
• otitis externa

Food allergies with dysfunction of the digestive system need to be distinguished from intolerance to certain types of food; with the latter, disorders develop immediately after eating foods that are unsuitable for the cat, while with food allergies, it takes months or years for such disorders to develop. Intolerance is usually based on enzymatic deficiency; when a pet has a food allergy, allergic inflammation is formed and maintained - eosinophilic gastritis, enteritis, colitis, so the health consequences of an emerging food allergy are always higher than from food intolerance.

Food allergies in cats can manifest as miliary dermatitis

The exclusion of food allergies is always included in the diagnostic search of a veterinarian caring for an animal with an allergic disease; the doctor can indirectly suspect this diagnosis in the absence of seasonality of the disease. In the diagnosis of food allergies, an elimination (exclusion) diet is used:

• for 8–10 weeks, the pet should be fed foods that it has not received before;
• the protein in the food should also be new for the cat; carbohydrates must be added to it, for example, some potatoes;
• Foods from the human table, vitamins, dietary supplements and treats are strictly excluded;
• it is necessary to prevent the cat from obtaining food from other sources (eating food from other pets, sympathetic household members, a bag of garbage);
• Keep a diary while the cat is on a diet, documenting changes. Positive dynamics in food allergies come slowly, small improvements are noticeable only from the third week of the diet, more noticeable results occur between 4-6 weeks. If the cat is fed natural products, then these are also indicated in the diary;
• Allergen release begins after a period of 8–10 weeks has passed and the symptoms of food allergy have disappeared. The types of meat previously received by him begin to be introduced into the cat’s diet, but the source of carbohydrates must remain the same. The source of the allergy can be identified by the return of its symptoms, which is observed within a period of several hours to 2 days. This product is excluded from the cat's diet forever. If an exacerbation of the allergy does not occur with the introduction of the next product, it should be given for at least a week before introducing the next test product, this will ensure the accuracy of the diagnosis.

Food allergies are treated exclusively with diet. Medicines can reduce the symptoms of the disease, but if they are stopped, the allergy will return. For convenience in solving this problem, lines of veterinary hypoallergenic food have been developed. Some animals that have multiple food allergies switch to a constant diet of hypoallergenic food.

Also find out what types of food there are in our article - Rating of cat food 2022: how to choose the best

Treatment of food allergies should be under the supervision of a veterinarian

Purina Pro Plan

The food of this premium French brand, called Junior delicate, is intended for kittens who are picky eaters and babies with problems with the digestive system. It contains rice and turkey. They are allowed to feed pregnant cats and mothers nursing offspring. In the food, the developers have proposed the ideal balance to support vital functions. It has a high protein content, a complex of minerals and vitamins, and Omega-3 fatty acids. Prebiotics from the composition improve the functioning of the developing digestive system and kidneys. Thanks to the balance, food is perfectly digestible. The owners of the kittens note that from the moment of such complementary feeding, the babies' abdominal bloating decreases, immunity increases, and the functioning of the digestive system stabilizes. Purina Pro Plan suits the taste of the most capricious babies.

ADVANTAGES: The food serves to protect teeth from the formation of stones and plaque, and restores digestion. It has the optimal granule size. Helps improve appetite.

DISADVANTAGES : None found.

Holistics

The best, healthiest, high-quality food is in this section. Manufacturers do not skimp on them, you can safely feed your pet. The only thing is, due to its beneficial properties, such food is very expensive.

Popular holistic food brands:

• Acana,
• Superpet,
• Jaguar
• Carnilove,
• Farmina N&D,
• Almo Nature,
• Innova Evo
• Grandorf,
• Pronature Holistic,
• Gina Elite.

Royal Canin

The Royal Canin brand is known and in demand among Russian buyers. The food of this brand is well-balanced and designed taking into account the age and physiological characteristics of small animals. Promotes better digestion, is well absorbed, improves immunity. The composition includes vitamins B, C and E, prebiotics, folic acid, lutein, fish oil for normal growth and formation of skeletal bones and muscle mass. There is also taurine, which is responsible for vision and helps to fully form the brain. The Mother&BabyCat series is an excellent replacement for mother's milk. Refusal from it occurs softly and painlessly. The food is suitable for pregnant and lactating cats.

Contains: dehydrated poultry protein, rice, corn flour, vegetable fiber, animal fats, yeast. There is also beet pulp, soybean oil, fructooligosaccharides, marigold extract, and minerals. Packaging: 400 g, 2 kg, 4 kg and 10 kg.

ADVANTAGES: The food perfectly normalizes the functioning of the digestive system. It has good digestibility. Contains high nutrient content.

DISADVANTAGES: None found.

14.Whiskas

The entire Whiskas line is presented in the following options: jelly with veal or turkey; chicken pate; stew with salmon, lamb or chicken; turkey and carrot pillows. Chicken pate is recommended as complementary food from the 5th week of a kitten’s life. It contains the perfect combination of minerals, vitamins and nutrients. Vitamin E helps maintain the body's protective functions. It also contains calcium, beneficial acids such as Omega-6, vitamin A and zinc. Taurine helps to develop good vision - this is important for a small hunter. This product also promotes the formation of a healthy cardiovascular system. The advantages of this food include its ease of digestion. In soft food - veal or turkey jelly, there are small pieces of meat in the jelly. It, like pate, can be added to the diet starting from 1 month of a kitten’s life.

ADVANTAGES: This food minimizes the risk of overeating. Helps normalize the water balance in the kitten's body. This minimizes the risk of diseases of the genitourinary system. Recommended starting after the first month of life. It provides a smooth transition from mother's milk to solid food.

DISADVANTAGES: None identified.

1st Choice

The food of this renowned Canadian company has been supplied to the Russian market for a long time and is well known to consumers in our country. It belongs to the premium class and provides kittens with balanced nutrition, health and beauty. Manufacturers offer a wide range - among the line you can choose food that would ideally match the age category of the kitten and its physical condition. It begins to be given at the age of 2 months. The composition contains salmon fat, which helps increase the protective functions of the immune system, participates in the proper development and formation of the digestive and nervous system, vision and brain. The granules are the optimal size for a kitten to chew on and smell pleasant. The food is easily digestible and has a high energy value. This keeps your baby active throughout the day.

ADVANTAGES : High-quality raw materials are used in production. The food has a high digestibility rate and an optimal balance of nutrients.

DISADVANTAGES: None found.

Kinds

There are many types of food, among them dry and wet (canned) are popular. It is recommended to feed the kitten wet food. It has a pleasant soft consistency - what you need when the kitten's teeth have just begun to appear. It is recommended to completely switch the kitten to food from 6-7 months. Dry can also be given to babies, but first soak it in warm water or broth. Initially, the food is a kind of additional complementary feeding for babies, because they need milk. But from 9 months, food takes up 100% of the animal’s diet.

Introduce food into the diet gradually, a sudden transition causes stomach upset, the baby experiences pain, and there is a high probability of death. When switching from wet to dry food, keep one subtlety in mind: the food must be of the same brand.

Brit Premium

Czech-made kitten food is recommended for feeding babies aged 1 month to one year. It is a balanced, complete diet that is universal - suitable for all breeds of animals. The composition contains a complete set of vitamins and minerals that are necessary for a mustachioed creature during the period of growth and formation. Among the ingredients is chicken meat (40%) - the main supplier of protein. In addition, the composition contains chicken flour and fat, rice, corn, chicken liver sauce, fish oil and salmon sauce, dried dandelions and beet pulp, brewer's yeast, yucca extract, which reduces the unpleasant odor of waste products, extracts of turmeric, citrus, cloves and rosemary. The food contains a large list of vitamins - A, D3, E, C. It also contains taurine - it is responsible for the animal’s good vision. The list of ingredients includes iron, copper, manganese, selenium, zinc, iodine, phosphorus, sodium, calcium, etc.

ADVANTAGES: A reasonable combination of different components made it possible to create optimal nutrition for the harmonious development of a pet, which is guaranteed many years of active life without disease. It also contains natural preservatives. It has a budget price.

DISADVANTAGES: The composition contains by-products, but which ones are not indicated. The brewer's yeast present is an undesirable component.

Orijen

Canadian-made food is suitable for kittens and adult cats. The diet satisfies all the biological needs of a growing organism. 85% of it consists of proteins obtained from poultry meat raised free-range in environmental conditions. In addition, the composition contains fish meat and whole eggs, flounder, sardines, herring, fruits and vegetables, and various phyto-components. No odor enhancers or preservatives. Omega-3 fatty acids are an excellent source of nutrients for your pet's healthy skin and beautiful coat. The balance of minerals, carbohydrates, calcium, phosphorus strengthens the immune and nervous systems. The composition also contains dried lavender flowers - they improve the blood circulation of kittens, act as an anti-inflammatory and anticonvulsant component, and act as a diuretic. Vitamin P stabilizes intestinal function, and marshmallow root fights gastrointestinal problems. Calcium, phosphorus and carbohydrate levels are balanced.

ADVANTAGES: Phyto-components help remove toxins from the body of kittens and improve metabolism. There are only good reviews about the food.

DISADVANTAGES: High price. Some kittens, due to individual preferences, refuse food.

Petreet nature

Wet food is produced in Thailand. The composition contains meat and fish of the highest class, vegetable additives and cereals. The line of these foods includes options containing asparagus, potatoes, and olives. There are also foods with added shrimp or squid. In the canned food you can see whole pieces of fish and meat, which confirms the naturalness of the contents. The balanced composition allows you to keep kittens in good shape. The food of this brand contains a minimum of fat and a maximum of proteins, there are a variety of vitamins and micro- and macroelements, and rice flour. They help the kitten grow normally and develop adequately. Convenient packaging allows you to distribute food and not store it for a long time.

ADVANTAGES: The line includes canned diet food. There are no artificial colors, preservatives or flavors. The composition is completely hypoallergenic. Suitable for picky eating cat breeds.

DISADVANTAGES: The composition contains several vitamin premixes, but they are not enough to consider the product complete. The food has a fairly high price.

Reviews

Then I remembered the food that I fed my previous pet, but due to the fact that the GRANDORF food granules are not very large, I refused to feed it to a cat of the same breed, since he swallowed them.
I still decided to try feeding it to the cat. Pros: I really like the composition of the food, turkey, lamb. No chicken. Does not contain artificial flavors, soy or GMO colors. The cat liked the food right away, the granules are a little small, but she tries to chew them. They are higher in food for adult cats. The smell of the food is pleasant. A 2 kg pack is enough for a month. The price suits me. The stomach problems went away completely, the stool returned to normal. Cons: It seems to me that the fur does not stop shedding, but maybe it’s just a child’s coat changing to an adult’s. It doesn’t gain much weight, but perhaps this is the individuality of the breed and it is still growing in length))). In general, so far I have chosen this food and see good results. The price and quality are satisfactory. More details on Otzovik: https://otzovik.com/review_6783318.html Lana Ykh
https://otzovik.com/review_6783318.html

Two years ago we got a beautiful Scottish baby.
Initially, our allergies did not manifest themselves in any way, but over time we began to notice that the cat was itching... As a result, we developed terrible ulcers on the face, which over time began to grow very quickly and spread to the neck. It didn’t take long for us to think about putting the cat in a carrier, and hello veterinary clinic. Well, the diagnosis is the same, allergies, in Russian. Again we were prescribed hormonal medications, only we will be taking them for much longer; this time the doctor recommended buying food to treat allergies. He recommended several foods to us, but we settled on Hill's Prescription Diet z/d... I didn't see any particular therapeutic effect from it, the cat ate it, but not willingly, but since it is difficult to find in a smaller package, I have to take it 2 kg each, but, of course, you can find less. The price, of course, is not small) The price below is approximate, taking into account the discount. For that price, it can be made from 100 percent meat) We’ve been eating it for 2 months now, we need another one, I think we’ll survive, because then the vet promised to switch us to a different diet. Well, the main thing is health! kiresha30
https://otzovik.com/review_6331988.html

The development of food allergies is determined by a change in the immune system's response to a specific substance, most often protein. To diagnose food allergies, an elimination diet is used, for which monoprotein foods are best suited. After the diagnosis has been established, for the cat’s constant nutrition, it is best to use food of higher classes that does not contain the identified allergen, but has a complete composition that ensures the health of the pet.

Brit Care

The food from the Czech manufacturer has a balanced composition. It contains enough hypoallergenic components that allow us to recommend it for inclusion in the diet of the most fastidious cats, representatives of exotic breeds, some of which cannot tolerate the presence of beef or chicken. The basis of the composition is 50% natural pieces of meat or fish in jelly. In addition, the composition contains a varied complex of vitamins and minerals. Available in packs and canned food. The line has a wide variety of different flavors. The healthy fats and minerals included in the composition have a beneficial effect on the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract of a small pet and allow it to grow into a healthy adult animal with strong immunity, healthy skin and shiny, beautiful coat.

ADVANTAGES: Hypoallergenic, free of thickeners, flavors, synthetics and dyes. Contains only natural ingredients. Used as the main diet.

DISADVANTAGES: Quite a high price due to the presence of high-quality components.