Choosing the Best Kitten Food for Your New Cat

New kittens are full of energy, so finding the best food for kittens means finding the right balance of calories, protein and flavor. Here's what to look for to keep your new feline friend as happy and healthy as possible.

The Best Kitten Food Starts with Science

There are several things to keep in mind when choosing the best kitten food for your new pet. Start with these three considerations to make sure your kitten is getting off to a healthy start.

Kittens Have Their Own Nutritional Needs

While some nutrients in kitten food are the same as adult cat food, there are a few differences that will help your new kitten's brain and muscle development.

Expect your kitten’s food to have higher levels of protein and minerals, as well as higher calories, since kittens are typically more active than their older counterparts.

A Healthy Feeding Schedule

A consistent feeding schedule keeps your kitten from overeating and gives you more control during mealtime. Use this kitten food calculator* to determine a proper feeding amount, and always make sure to check with your veterinarian first.

Weight of Cat Growth less than 4 months Growth 4 to 6 months Growth 7 to 12 months and pregnancy
1 lb (0,5 kg) 1/4 cup (30 g)
2 lb (0,9 kg) 3/8 cup (40 g) 3/8 cup (40 g)
3 lb (1,4 kg) 5/8 cup (70 g) 1/2 cup (55 g)
4 lb (1,8 kg) 3/4 cup (85 g) 5/8 cup (70 g)
5 lb (2,3 kg) 7/8 cup (100 g) 2/3 cup (75 g) 5/8 cup (70 g)
10 lb (4,5 kg) 1 1/4 cups (140 g) 1 cup (115 g)
15 lb (6,8 kg) 1 1/4 cups (140 g)

*Based on Science Diet® cat food recommendations

Serving Options

Giving your kitten options in texture helps make mealtime irresistible, which is why Hill’s offers both wet and dry kitten food. These tasty options range from crunchy kibble to savory stews.

Dry Kitten Food

Every kibble is designed around a kitten's smaller mouth so your new little friend can enjoy each meal. Hill's also provides an assortment of flavors that have been approved by the discerning cats at our Pet Nutrition Center.

Wet Kitten Food

Open the top of any Hill's® canned kitten food and you can see that each recipe is loaded with hearty vegetables, tender morsels and savory sauces. Treat your kitten to one of our minced entrées and make mealtime a special occasion.

A Lot Goes Into Every Bite

Time, effort and research all come together to ensure your kitten's meal is one that can support a long, happy life. Below are some of the brands that keep your kitten’s health in mind.

Shop Hill’s® Kitten Food by Brand

Science Diet® Kitten Food

Science Diet® uses more than 70 years of research to develop nutrition that meets your kitten’s biological needs. Maybe that's why Hill's is US veterinarians’ #1 recommended.

Shop Science Diet®

Healthy Advantage® Kitten Food

Available exclusively through your veterinarian, Hill’s® Healthy Advantage® Kitten food is formulated to provide 5 essential health benefits for your kitten.

Shop Healthy Advantage®

Caring for Your Kitten

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