What's the best food for my new kitten to ensure healthy growth?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

What should I look for in choosing a food for my new kitten?

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4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Christie Long, DVM 69

Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist

Published on December 19th, 2018

Kittens do the majority of their growth in the first five to six months of life but continue to grow until they are around one year old. During this time of rapid growth and maturation of their bones, it is very important to choose a complete and balanced diet with the appropriate levels of nutrients. Diets formulated for growth include those labeled for kittens or “all life stages.” Canned foods promote increased water consumption in cats, and feeding dry food exclusively or in combination with canned is also acceptable. Offering a kitten with a variety of textures early in life can be helpful in minimizing the chance of having a picky eater. Regardless of diet selection, always make diet changes gradually by mixing the old and new foods together over five to seven days and make sure to carefully measure the appropriate portions of your cat’s food. Abrupt changes have a greater likelihood of resulting in vomiting and/or diarrhea.

30Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Christie Long, DVM

Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist

Published on April 5th, 2018

Kittens grow quickly in their first year of life, so during this time, they should ideally be fed a commercial diet designed for kittens. Kitten diets are formulated for optimal growth and development, particularly by carefully balanced calcium and phosphorus levels, and all life stages foods are formulated to meet the demands of both growth as well as pregnancy. After one year of age, your kitten can be transitioned to a diet for adult cats by gradually mixing the old and new foods together over a 5-7 day period.

36Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Ricardo Fernandez, DVM

Veterinarian, Veterinary Oncology Resident

Published on March 29th, 2018

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Congratulations on getting a new kitten, no better feeling! As you have probably noticed there are many kitten diets available. Hill's Science Diet healthy development and Purina Pro Plan diets are in my opinion the best kitten diets. Both you can get at your local pet store or online. Good luck and have a good night!

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Linda G, MS, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on June 6th, 2018

Hello. There are many good kitten foods available, but the very best are the ones produced by Hills Science Diet & Royal Canin. They are exceptional foods & well worth the little extra expense of feeding a well-balanced diet. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful