In addition to the high protein content, wet cat food also has other benefits for feline health and wellness. We also had this article reviewed for medical accuracy by Dr. Emily Swiniarski, medical director of the Anti-Cruelty Society in Chicago, Illinois. On a very general level—just looking at the ingredient list without the added nuance of ingredient amounts and manufacturing processes—Instinct by Nature’s Variety raw and freeze-dried food for kittens looks good. I’m seeing a nice mix of muscle meat, organs, and bones, plus a nice range of additives to ensure that the food is nutritionally complete and supports healthy digestion. I think that either the freeze-dried or frozen recipe would be a great choice for a kitten. Kittens that are just born nurse from their mother for nutrition. A kitten milk replacer may be used if the kittens are taken away from their mother ( that’s why you’ll need to bottle-fed). Around three to four weeks of age, the weaning process may start, at which point more solid foods can be introduced. Kitten Nutrition

Safety and quality. In addition to choosing diets that meet AAFCO nutrient profiles, we prioritized diets formulated by qualified nutritionists and brands that adhere to strict quality control and safety measures. We also looked for brands that conduct feeding trials and product research to ensure palatability and digestibility. Kitten Lady has an excellent video on transitioning your kitten from kitten formula to solid food. How Much Should You Feed Your 4- 8-Week-Old Kitten? Thanks for your comment. I’m sorry to hear that Schmoopy was diagnosed with congestive heart failure—that must have been hard news to receive.The same is true for wet food or a mix of wet and dry food. Just make sure the total number of calories she requires each day is met by the wet and dry food combined. When To Stop Feeding Kitten Food AAFCO nutritional standards: The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) is a non-profit organization that sets nutritional standards for pet food. Cat foods that feature the AAFCO statement on the label are considered a complete and balanced diet. Weighing your kitten every day or so will ensure that you are aware that your kitten is gaining weight, advises Shelter Medicine at the University of Wisconsin. Access and availability: The cat foods on this list are accessible to pet parents for both in-store and online shopping. They represent a variety of price points, giving cat owners a wide range of options to meet their budgetary and lifestyle needs.

Koha is a wet-only pet food company, and their formulas are designed with a limited number of ingredients. Many of their recipes are made with novel animal proteins. As a line of minimal-ingredient foods, Koha is a great choice for cats with sensitive digestion. The foods are high in moisture and free from starchy potatoes, peas, and other ingredients that can be difficult for cats to digest. Bottle-feeders may begin gradually introducing their kitten to a diet of watered-down kitten food Feed your kitten from a bowl gradually after substituting some of his regular meals with a loose slurry of wet food and formula in a bottle. How Much?The amount of wet food you should feed your cat depends on a variety of factors, including his or her age, weight, and activity level. For example, a growing kitten over 4 months old may eat about 1.5 to 2 cans of 5.5-ounce canned kitten food per day. Follow the recommended feeding instructions on the label, or talk to your veterinarian if you are still unsure about the right serving size. Can I feed my cat only wet food? Kittens can start to nibble (and play with) solid foods as they start to wean. To ease the transition, start with wet kitten food or moistened dry kibble. When you celebrate your kitten’s first birthday, that is also the time you change their kitten food to adult cat food. However, keep in mind that cats of larger breeds may continue to grow and eat a diet focused on growth until they are 3–4 years old. Wrapping It Up Leftover reconstituted milk replacer can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours after which time it must be discarded. Once opened, ready-to-feed liquid formula can be stored in the fridge up to 72 hours, then must be discarded. Warm up cold formula that’s been in the refrigerator before feeding it to the kitten. How Much Should You Feed Your Newborn Kitten?

In all honesty, I have been a raw feeder since researching dog food 6yrs ago. The cats also were happy on raw (with added taurine). However, the quality has gradually diminished from the many suppliers I've used, to the point where it often has an 'off' smell. I can only theorise that with raw becoming more popular, many more suppliers popping up = less of the quality/cheap items available to suppliers??? (Just my theory). Castor & Pollux Organix previously offered a kitten-specific formula but has now shifted their certified-organic wet food line to meet the nutritional needs of cats at all life stages, adhering to the guidelines established by the AAFCO for cat food. This grain-free wet food is made with superfoods, including flaxseed, coconut flour, cranberries, and eggs, and includes omega-6 and 3 fatty acids for healthy skin and fur, plus extra fiber to help control hairballs.

WetKitty’s tracks

Finally, we consulted seven veterinarians to get their professional opinion on what makes great cat food. AAFCO’s guidelines require that an adult food is at least 0.4% phosphorus versus 1.0% for kittens (on a dry matter basis). So it’s not quite double. While I respect taking an interest in phosphorus content for the sake of being informed, in most cases, it’s probably not really necessary to know the phosphorus content if you’re buying food that is formulated for your cat’s given life stage. Yes, there are some concerns that some adult foods contain too much phosphorus as there aren’t any upper limits in AAFCO’s guidelines, and you may want to pay attention to this if you’re concerned about kidney health, but in general, commercial foods are already formulated for the nutritional requirements of the labeled life stage. In addition to performing our own detailed analysis of the cat food brands on this list, we submitted samples of several recipes for analysis by an ISO 17025-certified food testing and analysis laboratory. This analysis yields a report that details the recipe’s exact macronutrient and micronutrient content. It also indicates whether the food contains microbes, yeast, mold, or heavy metals. Senior and elderly cats require more calories per pound of bodyweight. If your senior appears to be losing muscle mass, consider increasing their calorie intake to 30 to 40 calories per pound. The majority of those calories should come from animal-based protein, which helps to prevent sarcopenia (loss of muscle due to aging). How Often Should You Feed Your Senior Cat? Unlike kibble, wet cat food cannot be left out for cats to graze on all day long. “If wet cat food is left out for too long it may cause a stomach upset for your cat due to bacterial growth, and it also won’t be very appetizing once it has been left to dry up,” says Dr. Garner.