12 Best Wet Foods for Kittens They Should Try (Reviews)

Kittens are a bundle of joy, but it can be hard to pick the best kitten wet food from all the available brands on the market.

Don’t worry, though, I’ll help you out!

I’ve narrowed down your choices to the best picks of the healthiest wet kitten food.

Let’s start with a quick look at our top picks, then keep reading for all the glorious details.

CHECK: Best Cat Slow Feeder

Kitten Wet Cat Food Top Picks at a Glance

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• Winner: Instinct Grain-Free Kitten Food, Original Kitten Recipe Natural Dry Cat Food or Wet Cat Food
• Best For Multi-Cat Households: Nulo Adult & Kitten Grain-Free Canned Wet Cat Food
• Best Grain-Free: Wellness Complete Health Kitten Formula Grain-Free Canned Cat Food
• Best Budget-Friendly: Purina’s Fancy Feast
• Best for Baby Kittens: Royal Canin Mother & Babycat Ultra-Soft Mousse in Sauce

Don’t have time? Here is a quick comparison of our favorites!

12 Best Wet Foods For Kittens (With Reviews)

As cat specialists explain, “your kitten may have triple the energy needs of an adult cat.” That’s why kittens need a high-quality, energy-dense meal to support their growth. [1]

Unlike adult cats, kittens also can’t get the necessary calories and protein from a single meal.

As Francis Kallfelz, DVM says, “Growing kittens up to six months of age may require three meals a day. From age six months to maturity, most cats will do well when fed two times a day.” [2]

Unfortunately, not all wet food is good for growing kittens because some brands are full of additives or fillers that can upset a kitten’s sensitive digestion. 

But we’re here with the 12 best wet food cat food for kittens to ensure you pick the best option for your little feline friend. 

#1 Winner: Instinct Grain-Free Kitten Food, Original Kitten Recipe Natural Dry Cat Food or Wet Cat Food

Instinct is one of the best cat food brands with high-quality ingredients, and they’ve got the best wet foods for kittens.

Physical Attributes

• Chicken and beef liver varieties
• Rich source of fatt acids
• Grain-free and no fillers

Sizes

• Available in 3-oz or 5.5-oz cans (a pack of 12 or 24)

Benefits	Drawbacks
Made from cage-free real chicken and wholesome vegetables to provide a balanced diet for growing kittens.	Some owners comment that their kitten doesn’t like the texture and the smell.
It’s very high in protein to mimic a cat’s natural diet.	The cans dent very easily
Instinct’s recipe includes omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids to reduce inflammation and promote healthy skin and fur.	Among the pricier options
It also contains DHA, which is beneficial for the eyes and brain.
Instinct’s wet kitten food doesn’t contain any artificial ingredients, flavors, fillers, by-products, or grains. So, it’s perfect for the sensitive tummies of growing kittens.

How It Compares to Others and Why

• Made from real chicken as the first ingredient, unlike many lower-quality cat foods.
• It contains beneficial fatty acids, vitamins, and antioxidants

How the Product Evolved

Instinct is constantly improving its recipe to deliver maximum satisfaction and ensure cats and kittens get a balanced meal.

Tips

• Try combing Instinct’s dry food for kittens. It’s one of the best dry cat foods on the market, with very high protein content.
• Instinct also has raw frozen kitten food, which can be a great choice for capricious kitties.

#2 Best For Multi-Cat Households: Nulo Adult & Kitten Grain-Free Canned Wet Cat Food

Nulo has a great healthy wet kitten food, excellent for adults and kittens alike.

Physical Attributes

• Turkey and chicken
• All-natural

Sizes

• Available in 5.5-oz and 12.5-oz cans
• A pack of 5, 12, or 24, depending on the size
• It also comes in a variety pack, so you can try different recipes to see which your kitten prefers.

Benefits	Drawbacks
Carefully selected all-natural ingredients to avoid common allergen triggers in cats and kittens.	It smells unpleasant to humans
High-protein formula without any grains, fillers, harmful additives, and chemicals	Not the best choice for cats allergic to poultry
It contains antioxidants for a strong immune system, which is essential for developing kittens.
Low in carbohydrates to mimic a cat’s natural diet
Rich in omega fatty acids, calcium, and phosphorus to support healthy bone growth and healthy teeth

How It Compares to Others and Why

• Suitable for all life stages and breeds
• Unlike Nulo’s dry kibbles, their wet food doesn’t contain vitamin E, Vitamin C, and probiotics.

How the Product Evolved

• Nulo offers its wet brand in a variety of tastes to suit a wide range of kittens’ preferences.
• They’ve added different textures to make the food more palatable

Tips

You can refrigerate uneaten portions, but make sure you serve them afterward at room temperature.

If you want to know if can cats eat baby food, watch this video!

#3 Best Grain-Free: Wellness Complete Health Kitten Formula Grain-Free Canned Cat Food

If you think your kitten is sensitive to grains, Wellness Complete Health’s formula is an excellent choice to spoil your kitty.

Physical Attributes

• Chicken
• Pate texture
• Added broth for hydration.

Sizes

• Available in 3-oz cans (a pack of 24)

Benefits	Drawbacks
Protein-rich formula with high-quality chicken and chicken liver to support healthy growth	Some kittens just don’t like it.
Supports eye development, aids digestion, and promotes healthy eyes and teeth	Some owners feel it smells really awful.
Full with antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and taurine to help your kitty develop a strong immune system
At about $2.09 per can, it’s one of the cheaper options.

How It Compares to Others and Why

• Very high protein and moisture content, compared to popular brands
• No artificial coloring, flavors, or preservatives

How the Product Evolved

• Wellness Complete Health has improved formula and texture compared to Wellness Core canned kitten food.

Tips

• This wet food is formulated for the needs of growing kittens. Don’t feed to adults in your household.

#4 Best Budget-Friendly: Purina’s Fancy Feast

Purina’s dry food isn’t always among the best cat foods, but they’ve got an excellent formula for kittens, perfect for anyone on a tight budget.

Physical Attributes

• Four flavors – salmon, whitefish, chicken, turkey
• Made from real meat and has a high-quality protein as the first ingredient.
• Pate texture

Sizes

• Available in 3-oz cans (a pack of 24)

Benefits	Drawbacks
It’s the most affordable, at about $0.75/can	Milk can be a problem for some sensitive kittens
High protein level to support kitten’s growth and plenty of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants for a strong immune system	Contains by-products and artificial flavors
Smooth pate texture to make easy the transition to solid food for kittens
Grain-free and contains real milk to ensure your kitten has enough calcium for healthy development
Great for picky eaters

How It Compares to Others and Why

• Great price for the levels of protein and phosphorus
• Comes in a variety pack of four flavors

Tips

• Introduce the food slowly to avoid an upset stomach

#5 Best for Baby Kittens: Royal Canin Mother & Babycat Ultra-Soft Mousse in Sauce

Royal Canin’s baby recipe is one of the best choices for kittens who are starting to eat solid foods.

Physical Attributes

• Chicken and chicken liver
• Mousse texture
• Enhanced with DHA for brain development

Sizes

• Available in 3-oz cans (a pack of 6, 12, or 24) and 5.1-0z cans (a pack of 24)

Benefits	Drawbacks
High-quality, highly-digestible protein to provide maximum calories to growing kittens	Contains by-products and carrageenan
Full of antioxidants to support the developing immune system of baby kittens and their growing muscles
Prebiotics to support the digestive system
Smooth mousse texture to make it easy for baby kittens to chew

How It Compares to Others and Why

• Not as high in protein as other brands
• One of the few brands that include prebiotics for a healthy digestive system

How the Product Evolved

• Improved formula with a high-quality protein instead of by-products

#6 Best For Capricious Kittens: Blue Buffalo Tastefuls Natural Kitten Pate

Blue Buffalo has an excellent high-protein wet cat food for kittens, which is bound to appeal even to picky eaters.

Physical Attributes

• This best wet kitten food has a minimum 11% of crude protein (50% on a dry matter base) and a highly digestible protein as the first ingredient.
• All-natural ingredients with no artificial flavorings, preservatives, or by-products
• Chicken, chicken liver, and chicken broth
• Smooth texture

Sizes

• Available in 3-oz cans (a pack of 24)

Benefits	Drawbacks
Silky-smooth texture, perfect for baby teeth	Not grain-free
DHA to support brain development and essential nutrients for proper growth	Smelly, according to pet owners
Enhanced with vitamins, minerals, antioxidants for a strong immune system	Owned by General Mills*

How It Compares to Others and Why

• Great balance between protein, fat, and carbohydrates
• No artificial ingredients that could cause food sensitivity

How the Product Evolved

• Has higher protein levels than other Blue Buffalo’s kitten recipes

Tips

• Since this is high-protein wet kitten food, you should introduce it slowly to avoid digestive issues.

#7 Best High-Moisture: Blue Buffalo Wilderness Kitten Salmon Grain-Free Canned Cat Food

Blue Buffalo has another kitten brand, which deserves a place among the best wet food for kittens with its unique recipe.

Physical Attributes

• Salmon, chicken, and chicken broth
• Made from high-quality salmon with no artificial additives, grains, or gluten
• Smooth texture

Sizes

• Available in 3-oz cans (a pack of 24)

Benefits	Drawbacks
Among the most affordable options of all	History of bone fragments
Rich in omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids to promote healthy growth and support the immune system	Some owners complain their kittens don’t like the taste
High moisture content to improve your kitten’s water intake
Has essential nutrients, amino acids, and minerals to support developing muscles, bones, eyes, and brain

How It Compares to Others and Why

• Relatively high protein levels, compared to popular kitten brands
• No chicken by-products to avoid food allergies

How the Product Evolved

• Improved grain-free recipe for sensitive kittens
• Available in several flavors

Expert Tips

• Check Blue Buffalo dry kitten food if you’re looking for a high-quality brand.

#8 Best for Strong Immune System: Hill’s Science Diet Kitten Healthy Cuisine Roasted Chicken & Rice Medley Canned Cat Food

Hill’s Science Diet has quality foods, and their cuisine recipe is an excellent choice for growing kittens.

Physical Attributes

• Chicken broth and chicken
• Stew formula
• No artificial preservatives, additives, or flavors

Quantitative Measurements

• Available in 2.8-oz cans (a pack of 24)

Benefits	Drawbacks
Full of essential nutrients to support urinary health, normal heart functions, and eye health	Contains wheat, soy, and gluten
Affordable	Stew formula can be hard to chew for baby kittens
Vitamin E, Vitamin C, and essential minerals support the immune system and ensure proper bone/teeth development

How It Compares to Others and Why

• Less crude protein (6.5%) than other brands we’ve reviewed
• Provides balanced nutrition and is full of essential vitamins

How the Product Evolved

• Hill’s Science Diet has several recipes for wet kitten food with different tastes.

Tips

• Since the formula has some larger chunks compared to other foods, oserve kittens and ensure they can chew the pieces.

#9 Best High-Protein: Tiki Cat Grill Grain-Free, Low-Carbohydrate Wet Food

Tiki Cat Grill has a low-carbohydrate kitten formula, which impresses with quality and taste.

Physical Attributes

• Tuna, mackerel, and sardines
• Made from real fish with high-quality ingredients and no carrageenan or added gluten

Sizes

• Available in 6-oz, 10-oz, or 2.8-oz cans (a pack of 12 or 8)

Benefits	Drawbacks
Suitable for all life stages	Pet owners report that they’ve found bones and hard fragments in the sardine cans.
It doesn’t stink, according to most customer reviews	Only comes in fish varieties for kittens
Available in a variety pack so that your kitten can try all the flavors
Low in carbohydrates and rich in protein, essential amino acids, and minerals

How It Compares to Others and Why

• Very high protein levels – 72% on a dry matter base
• Available in larger cans than other brands

How the Product Evolved

• Now available in a variety of flavors and styles to suit even the most capricious kittens

#10 Best for Healthy Skin and Coat: Purina Pro Plan Focus Kitten Classic Salmon & Ocean Fish Entree Canned Cat Food

Purina Pro Plan has another excellent choice for pet parents looking for protein-rich recipes for healthy kittens.

Physical Attributes

• Salmon and ocean fish
• Added calcium and phosphorous for strong teeth and bones

Sizes

• 3-oz cans (a pack of 24)

Benefits	Drawbacks
Special formula with ocean fish to promote better absorption of nutrients and essential amino acids	Contains by-product meats
Includes zinc and omega-6 fatty acids, which are great for maintaining a healthy and luxurious coat.

How It Compares to Others and Why

• High levels of digestible protein (min of 12% crude protein/50% on a dry matter base)
• More affordable than other high-protein brands

Tips

• This formula is also great for nursing mothers, thanks to its high-protein content.

#11 Best Low-Carbohydrate: Farmina Natural & Delicious Kitten Prime Chicken & Pomegranate Canned Cat Food

Farmina produces one of the best dry cat foods, so it’s no surprise that they’ve got a high-quality kitten recipe as well.

Physical Attributes

• Chicken and herring
• Pate texture
• No fillers, thickeners, or GMO for a natural flavor

Sizes

• 2.8-oz cans (a pack of 12)

Benefits	Drawbacks
Made from real poultry and pomegranate, which are gently steamed in the can to preserve all the essential nutrients	Some kittens really just don’t like it.
Pomegranates are an excellent source of antioxidants, essential vitamins, and minerals, which kittens need for strong muscles and immunity.

How It Compares to Others and Why

• Very high level of protein (13% min of crude protein)
• BPA-free cans

How the Product Evolved

• Higher protein levels than Farmina’s adult cat food
• Energy-dense formula

Tips

• You can contact the manufacturer if you or your cat aren’t satisfied with the product.

#12 Best for Indoor Kittens and Cats: Natural Balance Ultra Premium Wet Cat Food for All Life Stages

Natural Balance is another great brand for kittens and adult cats.

Physical Attributes

• Chicken and chicken broth as first ingredients
• Vitamin E Supplement

Quantitative Measurements

• 3-oz and 5.5-oz cans (a pack of 24)

Benefits	Drawbacks
Suitable for cats of all ages and breeds, so you don’t have to buy another brand for your adult feline	Contains carrageenan
A complete, balanced, and nutritious diet, which can meet the needs of young, growing kittens	History of recalls due to elevated levels of choline chloride
Formulate to support the unique needs of indoor kittens and cats by supporting the digestive system and joints

How It Compares to Others and Why

• A good balance between protein, fat, and carbohydrates
• Developed by nationalists and veterinarians

How the Product Evolved

• Improved formula, ingredients, and quality control
• Available in several flavors and textures

Tips

• Some of the wet food was recalled in 2020, so make sure you don’t purchase any of the recalled products by accident.

How To Choose The Best And Healthiest Wet Food For a Kitten?

It’s not easy to make sense of all the ingredient lists of many commercial brands. So, let’s talk about what to look for in good cat food.

Protein Level

Kittens need a lot of animal-based protein to grow big, strong, and healthy. Choose a brand with high levels of high-quality protein, such as chicken or fish. 

Real Meat

Avoid any brand with unnamed meat (poultry, fish, etc.) as the first ingredient. Such products are filled with ingredients that are bad for the sensitive tummy of a kitten.

All-natural ingredients

The best wet cat food for kittens should include only natural ingredients and be free of artificial colorings, flavors, and preservatives. 

READ MORE: Can Cats Have Cinnamon Toast Crunch?

FAQs

Conclusion

It’s natural to worry you’ll make a mistake when caring for your new kitten. But you’ll quickly forget your worries once your kitten adjusts to your house and starts running around. 

Unfortunately, kittens can be picky when it comes to meals and turn their nose at high-quality brands. It takes time to find a texture and taste that appeal to your little furry friend.

But you should select something with high protein to ensure your kitten has all the necessary nutrients to grow healthy and enough calories to keep up their activity levels.

Final Recommendation

From these 12 best wet foods for kittens, we highly recommend Instinct Original’s Natural Kitten Recipe. It’s high in protein, made from real meat, and doesn’t contain any artificial ingredients.

Moreover, Instinct’s formula is rich in antioxidants and has a great texture, even for 6-8 weeks of age kittens. 

References:

1. Stuart A. Feeding Kittens: What, When, How Much [Internet]. WebMD. WebMD; 2009 [cited 2021 Nov 29]. Available from: https://pets.webmd.com/cats/guide/feeding-your-kitten-food-and-treats#1
2. How Often Should You Feed Your Cat? [Internet]. Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine. 2017 [cited 2021 Nov 29]. Available from: https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/cornell-feline-health-center/health-information/feline-health-topics/how-often-should-you-feed-your-cat#:~:text=%22Growing%20kittens%20up%20to%20six%20months%20of%20age,do%20well%20when%20fed%20two%20times%20a%20day.%22

What do you think about these 12 best wet cat food for kittens? Which one is your kitten’s favorite? Tell us your opinion in the comment section. 

Last update on 2023-06-10 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API