Choosing the Best Kitten Food for Your New Cat

New kittens are full of  energy, so finding the best food for kittens means finding the right balance of calories, protein and flavor. Here's what to look for to keep your new feline friend as happy and healthy as possible.

The Best Kitten Food Starts with Science

There are several things to keep in mind when choosing the best kitten food for your new pet. Start with these three considerations to make sure your kitten is getting off to a healthy start.

Kittens Have Their Own Nutritional Needs

While some nutrients in kitten food are the same as adult cat food, there are a few differences that will help your new kitten's brain and muscle development.

Expect your kitten’s food to have higher levels of protein and minerals, as well as higher calories, since kittens are typically more active than their older counterparts.

A Healthy Feeding Schedule

A consistent feeding schedule keeps your kitten from overeating and gives you more control during mealtime. Use this kitten food calculator* to determine a proper feeding amount, and always make sure to check with your veterinarian first.

Weight of Cat Growth less than months Growth 4 to 6 months Growth 7 to 12 months and pregnancy
1 lb (0,5 kg) 1/4 cup (30 g)
2 lb (0,9 kg) 3/8 cup (40 g) 3/8 cup (40 g)
3 lb (1,4 kg) 5/8 cup (70 g) 1/2 cup (55 g)
4 lb (1,8 kg) 3/4 cup (85 g) 5/8 cup (70 g)
5 lb (2,3 kg) 7/8 cup (100 g) 2/3 cup (75 g) 5/8 cup (70 g)
10 lb (4,5 kg) 1 1/4 cups (140 g) 1 cup (115 g)
15 lb (6,8 kg) 1 1/4 cups (140 g)

*Based on Science Diet® cat food recommendations

Serving Options

Giving your kitten options in texture helps make mealtime irresistible, which is why Hill’s offers both wet and dry kitten food. These tasty options range from crunchy kibble to savory stews.

hills dry kitten food

Dry Kitten Food

Every kibble is designed around a kitten’s smaller mouth so your new little friend can better enjoy each meal. Hill’s also provides an assortment of flavors that have been approved by the discerning cats at our Pet Nutrition Center.

hills wet kitten food

Wet Kitten Food

Open the top of any Hill’s® canned kitten food and you can see that each recipe is loaded with hearty vegetables, tender morsels and savory sauces. Treat your kitten to one of our minced entrées to make mealtime a special occasion.

A Lot Goes Into Every Bite

Time, effort and research all come together to ensure your kitten's meal will support a long, happy life. Check with your veterinarian to make sure you're feeding your new friend the best kitten food possible.

Shop Hill’s® Kitten Food by Brand

Science Diet® Kitten Food

Science Diet® uses more than 70 years of research to develop nutrition that meets your kitten’s biological needs. Maybe that's why Hill's is US veterinarians’ #1 recommended.

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Hill’s® Science Diet® Kitten Savory Salmon Entrée Cat Food

 4.7 (82 Reviews)
Your kitten will love the taste of Science Diet® Kitten Savory Salmon Entrée cat food with its smooth, soft texture. Science Diet® Kitten has precisely balanced nutrition to build immunity and digestive health.

hills kitten salmon food

Food my kittens love and I feel good about

“My kittens absolutely LOVE the savory salmon wet food! The gobble it down and I feel great knowing it's healthy for them."
– JezzyBrina, USA

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