Petco Text Logo
Petco Pet Logo

  • Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!

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?

This question includes photos that may contain sensitive content. Click to view.

View more to consider that the photos may include sensitive content.

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Image profile

Answered By Christie Long, DVM

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.

Vote icon

30Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Other Answers

  • Image profile

    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.

    Vote icon

    36Pet Parents found this answer helpful

See More Answers

Related Questions

Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
What fish dog food helps dry skin if my dog eats Science Diet?
Is your dog's dry skin a concern? A certified vet offers expert advice on finding the best fish-based dog food alternatives to Science Diet for essential oils.
Updated on February 04, 2026
Petco Pet Education Center
Food & Nutrition
Can chickens eat bell peppers daily and what about veggie salads?
Can your chickens eat bell peppers and salads? Veterinarian Dr. Elizabeth offers expert advice on safe feeding, frequency, and how fresh veggies boost vibrant yolks.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Food & Nutrition
Is Purina Layer Pellets good for chickens? What other feeds exist?
Is Purina Layer Pellets the right choice for your flock? Get expert advice from a Petco veterinarian on Purina and other top chicken feed brands for your chickens.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Food & Nutrition
My mice eat all their food together from one bowl. Is this normal?
Do your mice quickly eat together from one bowl? A Licensed Vet Tech explains normal mouse eating behavior and when to watch for aggression. Get expert insights.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
My degu lost teeth after an accident. How can I feed him soft foods?
Your degu had an accident, lost teeth, and can't eat hard food. A Petco Vet Tech offers crucial advice on immediate vet care and how to feed your injured degu.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
My rat is losing weight and has breathing issues. What should I do?
Dambo's weight loss, rough breathing, and mucus worry you? A Petco veterinarian addresses these concerning symptoms and recommends urgent professional care.
Updated on December 04, 2025
image
Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Book Now

Sponsored