The best wet food for kittens promotes growth, boosts immunity, builds lean muscle mass, and is easy on a young cat’s developing digestive system, all the while being tasty, flavorful, and chewable.
If you are looking for top-rated wet cat foods for your young kitten, then we have 5 great products based on honest reviews from real users. Check them down below!
Just in case you are in a hurry, click on our short summary below to view our Top 5 reviewed products for the best wet food for kittens:
- Purina Fancy Feast Kitten Food
- Hill's Science Diet Canned Food for Kittens
- Tiki Cat Grill Low Carb Cat & Kitten Food
- Instinct Grain-Free Kitten Food
- IAMS Perfect Portions Canned Food for Kittens
Best Wet Food for Kittens – 2022 Top 5 Picks
1. Our Editor’s Choice: Purina Fancy Feast Tender Ocean Whitefish Feast Wet Kitten Food - (Pack of 24) 3 oz. Cans
Your little kitten is going to love this ‘gourmet-style’ food from Purina Fancy Feast, as have thousands of kittens!
According to their website, Purina Fancy Feast kitten food meets all of AAFCO nutrition guidelines (more about this, later in the guide).
Purina Fancy Feast best wet food for kittens contains 12% protein per can along with Vitamin E, B-complex, vitamin D3, taurine, and folic acid.
All these nutrients are extremely important for kittens in their growing years.
This food also contains real cow’s milk along with whitefish that packs tons of flavor and omega fatty acids for optimal growth and wellbeing of your baby!
You can also choose from Purina Fancy Feast poultry variations of chicken or turkey.
What most pet parents love about this best wet food for kittens is its amazing texture: it has a smooth pate-style texture without those annoying ‘hard chunks in gravy’ which many kittens are known to dislike.
That, along with a dash of cow’s milk, makes the food extremely flavorful for picky kitties.
Purina Fancy Feast also ensures 100% balanced nourishment for growing cats along with a healthy mix of vitamins and minerals.
What we like about it
- Optimal protein and omegas for growth and development of young cats.
- Smooth texture which kitties love
- Splash of milk for flavor and nutrition
- Vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants for optimal well-being
What we don’t like about it
- A small percentage of kittens are allergic to cow’s milk.
- Canned cat food specially made for kittens
- Purina Fancy Feast wet food for kittens featuring real ocean whitefish and made without artificial colors or preservatives
- Crafted with real, high-quality ingredients to deliver 100 percent complete and balanced kitten wet food
- Delicious recipe featuring fish for cats developed in partnership with our expert nutritionists to create a unique and unforgettable taste experience for your growing kitten
- Canned kitten food that’s skillfully crafted in Purina’s own U.S. facilities where it undergoes regular quality and safety checks
2. Hill's Science Diet Wet Cat Food, Kitten, Healthy Cuisine, Roasted Chicken & Rice Recipe, 2.8 oz. Cans, 24-Pack
The main reason why we love Hill’s Science Diet as the best wet food for kittens is because of its high-quality natural ingredients and key nutrients that encourage optimum growth in developing cats.
With a high percentage of easy-to-digest protein content (nearly 37.9% per can), you can expect your little fur baby to soon grow into a big and strong adult!
This irresistible wet cat food contains a balanced mix of minerals and vitamins for bone health and healthy teeth and energy for active play all day.
Although Hill’s science Diet does not mention meeting AAFCO guidelines, it is formulated by vets and feline nutrition experts.
It is also proudly made in the USA with globally sourced high-quality nutrients.
This kitten food is also fortified with vitamins C and E which provide antioxidants to young cats to boost immunity and prevent infections.
The roasted chicken and rice medley is tasty, easy to digest for developing tummies, and also quite flavorful even for the pickiest of eaters.
What we like about it
- Excellent source of easily digestible protein for lean muscle mass and growth
- High-quality minerals for bone development and healthy teeth
- Great portion sizes
- Excellent flavor and taste for the pickiest of eaters.
What we don’t like
- Pea-sized chunks in gravy which some kittens disliked. Mixing with dry food can help. You can try Hill’s Science Diet Dry Food for Kittens which many younger cats seem to prefer over their gravy-based food.
- High-quality protein to help your kitten build muscle
- Made with purposeful, easily digestible ingredients young cats enjoy
- Contains a clinically proven antioxidants plus vitamins CplusE for your developing kitten's immune support
- Canned food with balanced minerals for strong bones and healthy teeth.Caloric Content: 71 kcal/2.8 oz can
- Irresistible wet food made with natural ingredients
3. Tiki Cat Grill, Tuna & Crab Surimi, High-Protein and 100% Non-GMO Ingredients, Wet Whole Foods Cat Food for All Life Stages, 2.8 oz. Cans (Pack of 12)
Each can of Tiki Cat Grill grain-free food provides high amount of protein (between 10 to 15% per can depending on the flavor) to your born, wild carnivore without the unnecessary carbohydrates.
Each recipe of this delicious food is formulated to meet AAFCO cat nutrient profiles.
This highly-digestible kitten food is specially formulated to mimic the diet of cats in the wild.
Its real tuna/sardine/crab/mackerel content will satisfy your pet’s craving for seafood.
Tiki Cat Grill’s high moisture content also prevents urinary issues in young cats and gives them the water they need for healthy digestion.
You will find high-quality real meat and real seafood without any fillers, by-products, or fillers in this great wet cat food for kittens and adult cats.
What we like about it
- High protein, low carb, real nutrition for overall development of kittens
- High in moisture
- No GMO, fillers, by-products
- Real natural ingredients for skin and coat health without sensitivities
- Great taste, scent, flavor as well as variety for picky eaters
What we don’t like about it
- Presence of tiny bones and cartilage in the gravy which some kittens spit out. Not really harmful!
- GRAIN FREE WET FOOD – Rely on the delicious blend in Tiki Cat Grill to provide complete and balanced nutrition for your cat in any life stage.
- HIGH MOISTURE WET CAT FOOD – Count on the high moisture content of each can of Cat Grill to give your cat the supplemental water she needs.
- NUTRIENT RICH CAT FOOD - Real meat is first ingredient, giving your cat the nutrition she needs and the taste she loves.
- REAL FISH, REAL MEAT, REAL PROTEIN – Our protein rich cat food offers delicious seafood flavors in each bite.
- ONLY QUALITY INGREDIENTS - High protein, real fish recipes with no carbs, grains, by-products, or fillers.
4. Original Chicken, Wet Canned Cat Food for Kittens, 5.5 oz (Case of 12)
Instinct Grain-Free best wet food for kittens is rich in protein and DHA which supports healthy brain development and eye health in young kittens.
Your kitten will get nearly 13.8% crude protein from each can of this nourishing wet food for kittens.
Each can of this high-quality wet kitten food is packed with 95% real meat/seafood and organs.
It also contains wholesome fruits and vegetables to provide your growing cat with the vital energy, vitamins, and minerals it needs.
Instinct Grain Free Kitten Raw Recipe is also tasty and suitable for the pickiest of young cats.
This high-quality USA-made food is free from additives, soy, potato, carrageenan, grains, artificial colors, and preservatives.
Instinct Grain-Free food responsibly sources its ingredients and also meets the AAFCO’s pet food guidelines for kittens.
What we like about it
- High protein, grain free food with real chicken/salmon/beef
- Contains DHA for healthy brain and eye health in kittens
- Comes with a delicious pate texture which young kittens love.
What we don’t like
- The food’s inconsistency– sometimes it is too watery, sometimes it is too firm and without any broth. These variations are due to the fact that the brand manufactures small batches of this food at a time.
- KITTEN GRAIN FREE WET CAT FOOD WITH CAGE FREE CHICKEN: Instinct Original for Kittens offers complete & balanced nutrition, using real meat, vegetables, fruits and other wholesome ingredients. Made with real chicken, salmon and beef liver, our kitten recipe is a balanced mix of poultry, fish and meat for healthy exposure to proteins.
- HIGH PROTEIN CAT FOOD: Our grain-free kitten food supports kitten energy needs for growth and play and includes natural DHA for brain and eye development. Responsibly sourced cage-free chicken is the #1 ingredient.
- CANNED CAT FOOD WITH NO FILLERS: Instinct Original Kitten wet cat food is specially formulated for kittens. Made without grain, potato, corn, wheat, soy, carrageenan, by-product meals, artificial colors or preservatives - ingredients known to trigger food sensitivities.
- NATURAL CAT FOOD: Made from real meat & whole food ingredients, our grain-free wet cat food is packed with animal protein for strong, lean muscles. Served as a meal or meal topper, this delicious pate has a texture and taste that even picky kitties will love.
- RAW INSPIRED WET CAT FOOD PATE: Instinct Original Kitten canned cat food is grain free, made from real ingredients, with natural DHA for brain & eye development to support your kitten's health. Complete and balanced nutrition using the finest ingredients from around the world.
5. IAMS PERFECT PORTIONS Healthy Kitten Grain Free* Wet Cat Food Paté, Chicken Recipe, 2.6 Oz (Pack of 24) Easy Peel Twin-Pack Trays
IAMS Perfect Portions Kitten food contains nutrients like those found in a mother cat’s milk so your baby kitty will receive all the balanced nourishment it needs for growth and immunity.
As per IAMS’s website, they follow AAFCO protocols for kitten nutrition.
High-quality protein and calcium in IAMS cat food support muscle and bone development of growing cats.
In addition to this, IAMS kitten food also has healthy Omegas for healthy brain development. Its vitamin E content helps build strong immunity to infections.
This protein-rich chicken-in-gravy has perfect texture and tasty cuts which kittens mostly enjoy.
Its perfect portion sizes and high-quality packaging helps reduce food wastage and messy leftovers.
What we like about it
- High-quality protein (9.5% crude protein per can) from farm-raised chicken
- Calcium, minerals, and other nutrients like mother’s milk support bone health
- Grain-free
- Vitamin E for immunity
- DHA for brain development
What we don’t like
- Hard-to-open containers, especially for arthritic people. Need to use knives/scissors for opening. However, the tight packaging ensures the retention of flavor and freshness of the food.
- Contains twenty-four (24) 2.6 oz. twin-pack easy peel trays (48 servings total) of IAMS PERFECT PORTIONS Healthy Kitten Wet Food Paté Chicken Recipe
- IAMS wet kitten food patés feature two individual meals with a grain free recipe that keeps your indoor kitten satisfied
- Complete and balanced for healthy instinct growth and kitten wellness without any artificial preservatives
- DHA aids in kitten brain development
- Supports a healthy immune system by adding vitamin E to your cat’s diet for a lifetime of health and fun
Benefits of Best Wet Food for Kittens
Top-quality kitten food has the following benefits:
A) Contains balanced nutrition
Cat food and kitten food are different because kitten food is specially formulated to meet a growing kitten’s nutritional needs.
AAFCO pet nutrition guidelines recommend that kittens need at least 25-30% minimum crude protein and about 8-9% fat in their diet on a daily basis.
Adult cats, on the other hand, need only 15-18% protein and just about 5% fats.
Kittens also need a balanced ratio of Omegas, calcium for growing bones, vitamins and minerals, as well as taurine for vision and overall health.
Without these nutrients, your kitten will not have well-developed immunity and could suffer from frequent infections and illnesses.
Adult cats often do not need all these extra nutrients and might even need lower levels of certain minerals and electrolytes like magnesium, sodium, and phosphorus to keep their kidneys healthy.
B) Provides calories for all-day energy
Younger cats also need calorific diets to provide them with the energy required to play and explore their world.
Older, indoor cats do not need such high-calories and could gain weight if they eat highly calorific kitten foods.
Ideally, the calories in the best wet food for kittens come from proteins, healthy fats, and complex carbohydrates.
Kittens also have smaller tummies and could need a greater number of smaller meals compared to older cats that would eat just one or two large meals.
C) Is easy on your pet’s developing system
Top-rated wet food for kittens is easy to digest and will not cause any digestive upsets, vomiting, diarrhea, hair loss, excess itching, etc.
Since it contains limited ingredients with a high-quality, easy to digest protein source, the food will be easier for your pet to handle. Most importantly, the food will be free from allergens like soy, wheat, gluten, fillers, antibiotics, hormones, etc.
Its texture is also easy on your cat’s developing teeth so it can bite and chew the food with ease.
Also Read: Best Canned Kitten Food
How to Select the Best Wet Food for Kittens
We cannot emphasize enough how important it is to select a high-quality kitten food.
After all, your kitten needs the best nourishment which low-quality or generic pet food brands may not always provide.
Vets recommend selecting reputed brands of the best wet food for kittens based on the following criteria:
1) Meets AAFCO recommendations
Ensure that the label of the food you select states that it meets the AAFCO guidelines for kitten nutrition.
AAFCO stands for American Association of Feed Control Officials. They have clearly stated the nutritional guidelines for kittens and cats. You can read these here.
When the label states that the food conforms to the AAFCO guidelines, you will know that it is nutritionally balanced and complete food for your growing kitty.
It will contain the right percentage of proteins, fats, complex carbohydrates, and fruits and vegetables.
The food can also be fortified with essential fatty acids, amino acids, calcium, taurine, vitamins, and minerals for the complete health and well-being of your growing cat.
Four of the 5 brands of best wet food for kittens mentioned above meet AAFCO guidelines.
2) Is free from allergens and also easy to digest
Kittens have very sensitive tummies.
Not all kittens can handle all kinds of proteins in kitten food.
In general, you may want to avoid foods with eggs, raw meat, dairy, and raw fish.
Note that some cats can easily tolerate these foods.
If you notice sigs of allergies like excess vomiting, diarrhea, more-than-normal-grooming, patchy hair-loss, itchy skin, etc., then try switching to another food with limited ingredients.
Note that switching foods might not show results immediately. You may want to wait for at least 2-3 weeks on the new diet before seeing results.
3) Has a texture your cat loves and find easy to chew
Young cats do not have the teeth required for crunching down hard kibble.
That is why, vets recommend that they get at least some canned food.
Canned food is higher in protein and moisture compared to dry kitten food. Many young cats love the texture of shredded meat or chunks of meat in gravy.
Of course, cats being cats, no two are alike. Some cats are known to prefer crunchy kibble.
You can buy a small bag of kibble along with a few cans of the best wet food for kittens.
This way, if your kitten refuses to eat one, you will have something to fall back on.
How Often Should You Feed the Best Wet Food for Kittens to Your Pet?
Adult cats generally eat twice a day but that is not the case with young kittens.
Kittens tend to eat smaller, more frequent meals.
The quantity and frequency of feeding a kitten is very important for its optimal growth.
Most vets recommend feeding kittens 4 times a day.
Since most wet food cans are about 3 ounces in weight, you might need an entire can for a cat of about 3 ½ lbs. body weight.
The food’s label will also provide manufacturer’s recommendation about the quantity and number of times to feed your cat based on its weight.
Always check with your vet from time to time and vary the proportions based on your cat’s weight.
Conclusion
The best wet food for kittens is nutritionally balanced and contains the right percentage of proteins, vitamins, minerals, healthy fats, complex carbs, and essential fatty acids.
These are necessary for encouraging muscle growth, supporting bone development, cognition, and healthy vision in a growing cat. The food also boosts its immunity to infections and keeps your kitten strong and healthy.
We recommend the No products found. because it checks all of the above boxes and comes in a flavor and texture that kittens are known to love.
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