Your new kitten is quickly becoming the center of your world, but between the adorable antics and endless photo ops, there's one important element that will shape your kitten's entire life:
Nutrition.
In just 12 months, your kitten will grow in size (double, triple, or quadruple, even), develop their immune system, and establish their eating habits (good OR bad). The developmental kitten months require more than basic nutrition. They require a diet that will fuel your kitten's changing needs.
The best cat food for a kitten at 8 weeks won't be enough at 8 months, and the feeding strategy that works in month one needs to adapt by month six. Let's dive into how to build a nutrition plan that supports every stage of kittenhood and helps you determine the best food for your kitten.
Why your kitten’s food should evolve with them
Think of your kitten's nutritional needs like a training program for an athlete. You wouldn't expect a marathon runner to eat the same way during their first week of training as they would during peak season, and your kitten's nutrition deserves the same approach.
During your kitten’s first year of life, you should consider when they’re experiencing growth spurts, energy fluctuations, and developing needs.
Many kitten parents pick a food and stick with it through kittenhood and beyond, never seeking out variety. And while consistency is important, feeding your kitten more progressively means adjusting portion sizes, how often you feed, and the types of food to match your kitten’s needs.
Why hydration matters for your kitten
Did you know most cats are chronically dehydrated, and this problem often starts in kittenhood?
Cats have a naturally low thirst drive because they evolved from desert-dwellers who got most of their moisture from prey. When we feed them dry food for kittens, they start life at a hydration disadvantage that can later impact their kidney health, urinary tract function, and more.
One of the best ways to support hydration early on is by incorporating wet food for kittens into their daily diet. This not only helps them absorb essential nutrients but also ensures they're getting the moisture they need to grow and thrive.
Learning how to balance wet and dry combinations is key to supporting your kitten's long-term health.
What should you look for when choosing the best food and feeding strategy for your kitten?
Protein
Kittens need more protein than adult cats to support their rapid first-year growth. Look for foods where a named animal protein (like salmon, tuna, or chicken) is the first ingredient.
Healthy fat
A minimum of 9% fat content supports your kitten's high energy needs and helps absorb fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, and K). Healthy fats like salmon oil also provide essential omega-3 fatty acids that support brain development, immune function, and that glossy coat you'll love to pet.
Calcium and phosphorus
A proper calcium-to-phosphorus ratio (ideally 1.2:1) is crucial for developing strong bones and teeth. Too much or too little of either mineral can cause serious developmental issues, which is why choosing a kitten-specific formula matters more than you might think.
Vitamins to Support Growth Spurts
Kittens need high levels of vitamins A, B-complex, and E to support their rapid cellular development. Vitamin A supports vision and immune function, B vitamins power their energy metabolism, and vitamin E acts as an antioxidant, protecting developing tissues.
Adding moisture to your kitten’s diet
Moisture not only helps your kitten meet their hydration needs but also assists in nutrient delivery. Wet food provides 70-80% moisture content, helping kittens absorb nutrients more efficiently while supporting kidney development and urinary tract health from day one.
Wet food vs. dry food for kittens
It doesn’t have to be a debate! It’s all about a strategic combination. Both wet food and dry food for kittens have unique benefits, and when combined thoughtfully, are the perfect fuel for young, growing cats.
Pros of wet food for kittens
✅ Hydration support
✅ Nutrient-dense
✅ Gentle on the digestive tract
✅ Aroma and texture kittens love
✅ Easy portion control
Our recommendations for wet food for kittens:
- Nulo Kitten Chicken & Mackerel Recipe Pate With Shreds
- Nulo Kitten Chicken & Duck Recipe Pate With Shreds
- Nulo MedalSeries Silky Mousse Kitten Chicken, Liver & Duck Recipe
- Nulo Cat Silky Mousse Kitten Salmon With Egg Recipe
Pros of dry food for kittens
✅ Reduce tartar buildup (but not a replacement for proper dental care)
✅ Longer shelf life
✅ Use for puzzles/enrichment
Our recommendations for dry food for kittens:
- Nulo MedalSeries Baked & Coated Kitten Chicken, Turkey & Duck Recipe
- Nulo Digestive Health Kitten Chicken & Whitefish
- Nulo FreeStyle High-Protein Kibble Chicken & Cod Recipe
- Nulo MedalSeries High-Protein Kibble Limited Ingredient Diet Cod Recipe
How to combine wet food and dry food for kittens
Rather than choosing one or the other, successful kitten nutrition often involves a mixed feeding approach that evolves over time:
→ 8-16 weeks: Primarily wet food (75-80%) with small amounts of soft cat food for kittens
→ 4-6 months: Balanced mix (60% wet, 40% dry) as energy needs increase
→ 6-12 months: Flexible ratio based on your kitten's needs and preferences
Mixing wet food with dry food or kibble for kittens helps keep them hydrated while also providing variety to keep them stimulated and engaged at mealtime.
What ingredients should you look for when choosing the best food for your kitten?
Not all kitten foods are quality fuel, and learning to decode ingredient lists is one of the best things you can do as a cat parent. Understanding what makes the best food for a kitten will help you navigate the many options in the pet food aisle. Here are some green flags:
Named animal proteins
Look for specific proteins like chicken, salmon, or turkey as the first ingredient. The best dry food for kittens will feature a high-quality, named protein source at the top of the ingredient list.
Recognizable ingredients
The best kitten foods have ingredient lists you can actually pronounce and understand.
Beneficial supplements
Look for added DHA (for brain development), probiotics (for digestive health), and taurine (essential for heart and eye health).
Natural preservatives
Ingredients like tocopherols (vitamin E) and rosemary extract preserve freshness without chemical additives.
Red flags to avoid when choosing the best food for your kitten
Excessive fillers
Corn, wheat, and soy as primary ingredients provide little nutritional value and can cause digestive issues in sensitive kittens.
Artificial preservatives
BHA, BHT, and ethoxyquin have been linked to health concerns and aren't necessary with modern preservation methods.
Generic meat sources
“By-product meal," without specifying the source can indicate lower-quality protein.
Excessive carbohydrates
Cats are obligate carnivores with limited ability to process high-carbohydrate diets.
Our best tips for choosing the right food for your kitten
After years of innovation in pet nutrition, here’s some of our best advice for strategies that make the biggest difference in supporting your kitten's development and help you determine what cat food is best for your kitten.
1. Find something life-stage appropriate.
Always choose food specifically formulated for kittens or "all life stages." The best cat food for a kitten will clearly state that it meets AAFCO standards for growth.
2. Consider your kitten’s unique needs.
Some kittens are natural athletes who burn energy constantly, while others are more laid-back observers. High-energy kittens may need more frequent meals or higher-fat content, while calmer kittens might thrive on standard kitten formulas. When looking for the best dry food for kittens with high energy, choose formulas with higher fat content.
3. Be consistent, but leave room for flexibility.
Choose a high-quality brand and stick with it to avoid digestive upset, but don't be afraid to offer different flavors and textures within that brand. Variety prevents picky eating habits and ensures balanced nutrition.
4. Plan for the transition to adult food.
Around 10-12 months, start planning the transition to adult cat food. This should be a gradual process over 7-12 days, mixing increasing amounts of adult food with decreasing amounts of kitten food.
5. Trust yourself!
You know your kitten better than anyone. If they're consistently leaving food, seem lethargic, or show changes in appetite, these could be signs that their nutritional needs aren't being met or that it's time to adjust their feeding plan (or consult with your veterinarian).
Confidently choose the best food for your kitten
The goal isn't perfection from day one. It's about paying attention, making thoughtful choices, and adjusting as you learn what works best for your kitten. Some will be food-motivated athletes who need constant refueling, while others will be more selective eaters who prefer smaller, frequent meals.
What matters most is that you're committed to supporting their journey with high-quality nutrition, proper hydration, and the flexibility to meet their changing needs.
