Kittens have specific nutritional needs that are different from adult cats. Their growing bodies require more calories, protein, vitamins and minerals compared to adult cats. For this reason, most veterinarians recommend feeding kittens a nutritionally complete and balanced wet or dry kitten food formulated especially for their growth requirements.
Do kittens need special wet kitten food?
Yes, feeding wet or canned kitten food is ideal for several reasons:
- Higher moisture content – Kittens need a lot of moisture since they are at risk of dehydration. Wet foods contain about 75-85% moisture versus only 5-10% in dry food.
- Higher protein content – Kittens require a diet with at least 30% protein on a dry matter basis. Wet kitten foods typically contain more protein than dry kibble.
- More palatable – The aroma and taste of wet food is very appealing. This encourages kittens to eat more readily.
- Better for dental health – The gel-like consistency of canned food does not stick to teeth as much as dry kibble. It helps reduce plaque buildup and dental disease.
For these reasons, most veterinarians recommend feeding kittens a high quality, grain-free wet kitten food. This provides optimal nutrition and hydration for growth. Dry kibble can be fed as well, but a nutritionally complete wet diet should form the majority of the diet.
Key differences between kitten and adult cat foods
There are several important differences between kitten food and adult cat food:
| Nutrient | Kitten Food | Adult Cat Food |
|---|---|---|
| Protein | At least 30% on dry matter basis | At least 26% on dry matter basis |
| Fat | At least 20% on dry matter basis | At least 9% on dry matter basis |
| Calories | 300-400 kcal/cup | 200-300 kcal/cup |
Kittens need more protein, fat and calories concentrated per cup of food compared to adult cats. These nutrients provide the energy required for growth and development.
Some other differences include:
- Higher amounts of amino acids like taurine, arginine, methionine.
- Added vitamins and minerals like iron, calcium, phosphorus, zinc.
- More omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids for brain and vision development.
- Prebiotics and probiotics to support digestion and immunity.
When should kittens transition to adult cat food?
Kittens should be fed kitten-specific food until they are at least 12 months old. Some larger breed cats may need to eat kitten food for even longer, up to 18-24 months.
Here are some signs that indicate a kitten is ready to switch to adult cat food:
- Reached adult size and weight
- Energy requirements have decreased
- Growth has slowed down or plateaued
- For females – has gone through her first heat cycle
- For males – testicles are descended and scrotum developed
The transition should be gradual, mixing a little more adult food each day over a 7-10 day period. This allows the digestive system to adjust.
Sudden switches between kitten and adult foods can cause digestive upset like vomiting or diarrhea. Gradual transitioning prevents these issues.
Tips for choosing a wet kitten food
Here are some tips for choosing a high quality wet kitten food:
- Complete and balanced: Ensure the food meets AAFCO standards for complete and balanced nutrition.
- High in moisture: Look for foods with at least 75% moisture content.
- Quality ingredients: Choose grain-free options with named whole meats like chicken, turkey, lamb as the first ingredients.
- Multiple protein sources: Rotate between different protein options to provide variety.
- Palatability: Select food with appealing textures and aromas to encourage eating.
- Kitten-specific: Verify the label states it is formulated specifically for kittens.
- Optimal calories: Feed kitten food with 300-400 calories per can or pouch.
Reputable kitten food brands that meet these criteria include Wellness, Weruva, Tiki Cat, Dave’s Pet Food, Instinct, Blue Buffalo. Consult your veterinarian if you are unsure about which wet foods are best for your kitten.
Conclusion
Kittens have unique nutritional requirements and do best on a wet food made just for kittens. These foods are more energy dense, higher in protein, moisture and other key nutrients needed for growth. Feed exclusively kitten food until 12 months of age minimum before transitioning to adult cat food. Choose a high quality grain-free wet food and provide a variety of flavours for balanced nutrition. Check with your veterinarian for their wet food recommendations to support your kitten’s health.