Congrats on the new addition to your family! We know your new kitten became a true member of the family the minute they were brought home, and you want to do the best you can for them. That being said, it can be difficult to know what the best food is to feed your new kitten, and the choices can be overwhelming. Wet food or dry food? Chicken recipe or fish? There are so many options!
This guide covers how to choose a kitten diet, how much and how often to feed them, and how to build healthy eating habits while they’re still small.
Choosing the Right Kitten Diet
Some cats are sensitive to certain protein sources, while others will eat absolutely anything you put in front of them. So while the best kitten food will contain high-quality animal protein, healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals, feeding kittens can involve a little trial and error.
Remember that kittens need more energy and protein from their food than an adult cat, so pay attention to the label on the cat food you are feeding your kitten. Is it made for kittens, adults or all life stages?
At Nature’s Ki, we distribute ACANA and ORIJEN pet food, both of which formulate exceptional recipes for kittens and cats.
ACANA First Feast is a nutritionally balanced chicken-based kitten kibble that supports healthy growth and development.
ORIJEN Kitten is a great high-protein diet made with poultry, fish and WholePrey ingredients, including meat, organs and bone.
Feeding Kittens for Healthy Growth
How Much Should You Feed Your Kitten?
Since kittens use more energy than cats, they’ll usually need to eat more in proportion to their body size. Kittens go through their most rapid growth phase during the first five months of life, so their portions may change quickly. If you feel your kitten needs more or less based on their body and activity level, you can adjust as needed.
How Often Should You Feed Your Kitten?
Your little one is going to be very active exploring and learning, so they will be hungry regularly throughout the day. Establishing a feeding schedule can help your cat learn when to expect food, reduce their stress, and make life simpler for you too.
Feeding kittens once in the morning, once at lunch, and once in the evening is a common routine. However, the best schedule is one that is realistic for you, so you can be consistent and stick to it.
Transitioning to a New Kitten Food
Introduce a new kitten food gradually over 7-10 days. Start with a small amount of the new food mixed with their current food, then slowly increase the new food while reducing the old. This gives their digestion time to adjust.
Week 1: Mix 75% of their old food with 25% of the new food.
Week 2: Adjust the ratio to 50% old food, 50% new food.
Week 3: Mix 25% old food with 75% new food.
Week 4: Feed 100% of the new food.
Many kittens prefer wet food to dry, and it’s great to have a combination of both in their diet. ACANA and ORIJEN both offer quality wet food for kittens within their range. Just remember, if you’re feeding wet food, it shouldn’t stay out for longer than 20-30 minutes, and leftovers should be used within three days.
Supporting Your Kitten's Healthy Development
Good feeding habits begin early. Monitor your kitten’s growth, appetite, digestion and condition, and adjust portions as they grow. If they are gaining too quickly, leaving food behind or always seeming hungry, check the feeding guide again or speak with your vet.
A complete, balanced kitten diet helps give your cat the best start. Browse the Nature’s Ki cat collection, explore our kitten portal, or ask your nearest Nature’s Ki stockist which option is right for your kitten.
If you breed kittens or run a pet care business, be sure to read more about Nature’s Ki support for kennels and catteries and breeders.
