Kitten Diet - types of food and things to consider

To keep your kitten healthy, a balanced diet is essential. You will need to know at what age they start eating kitten food, what types there are and how to feed them properly.

Kittens typically begin transitioning from mother's milk to solid food at around four weeks of age. However, some kittens may not begin eating solid food until around six weeks of age. It is important to introduce kittens to solid food gradually. Start by offering a small amount of moistened kitten food mixed with kitten milk replacer or canned kitten food mixed with warm water.

As the kitten becomes more comfortable eating the moistened food, gradually decrease the amount of liquid. Kittens should be eating only solid food by eight weeks of age. 

Kitten food is specially formulated to meet the nutritional needs of a growing kitten.  It typically contains higher levels of protein, fat, vitamins and minerals than regular cat food. The protein content provides energy and helps build and repair body tissues. The fat content is important for providing energy and helping with the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins. Vitamins and minerals are basic components of a kitten´s immune system and essential for their growth.

Things to consider when feeding your kitten

When feeding a kitten, ensure that they are getting a balanced diet that is appropriate for their age and size. Kittens should be fed a kitten-specific dry or wet food. Other aspects to consider include:

• Kittens should be fed two to three times per day. 

• Kittens should be fed the amount recommended on the food package, or as advised by your vet. 

• If you have more than one kitten or pet, every one should have their own food bowl. 

• Kittens should not be given human food as it does not contain the nutrients that they need for growth and development. It can also cause digestive upset, as their digestive systems are not designed to handle certain foods. Human food can also lead to obesity in kittens if they are overfed. 

What is the difference between dry and wet kitten food?

When it comes to feeding your kitten, dry and wet food offer different benefits and drawbacks that you should take into account.

Pros of dry kitten food:

• more affordable than wet food, so it can be a good option if you're on a budget

• easy to store, you don't need to worry about keeping it refrigerated or worrying about it spoiling

•  often higher in fiber, which can help cats feel fuller for longer and can help regulate digestion

• easier to chew and can help keep your cat's teeth clean

Cons of dry kitten food: 

• some kittens may find dry food too dry, crunchy, and unappetizing

• often lower in protein and moisture than wet food, so it may not meet all of your cat's nutritional needs

• may not be as palatable as wet food, so your cat may not feel as enthusiastic about eating it

Pros of wet kitten food: 

• generally higher in protein, fat, and moisture than dry food, so it can help meet your cat's nutritional needs

• often smells and tastes better than dry food, so kittens may be more likely to eat it

• can help keep your pet hydrated, which is especially important for cats that don't drink enough water

Cons of wet kitten food: 

• usually more expensive than dry food, so it may not be a good option if you're on a budget

• needs to be refrigerated and can spoil quickly, so it may require more frequent trips to the store.

• can be messy, so you may need to clean up more often 

One way of benefitting from the advantages of wet as well as dry kitten food is to offer both to your pet. When buying food for your kitten, remember to check that it´s specifically formulated for kittens and has all the nutrients they need. A good advice is also to offer your kitten a variety of flavors.

Can kittens have cooked food or any leftovers from our meals?

Unfortunaletly no. Kittens should not eat human food because it can cause digestive problems, such as vomiting and diarrhea, and does not provide the essential nutrients they need. Additionally, some human foods, such as chocolate, are toxic to cats and can lead to severe illness. 

And what about milk? Also no, kittens should not drink cow milk. While they may enjoy the taste of milk, it is not a necessary part of their diet and can cause digestive issues such as diarrhea. Additionally, many cats are lactose-intolerant and can suffer from an upset stomach if they consume dairy products. Water is the best choice for cats to drink. 

For more information on ways engage kittens and monitoring their daily consumption of kitten food by using slow feeders for instance, visit our page on bowls & feeders.