You should feed your kitten a nationally recognized ‘name brand' food, formulated especially for kittens. This food should be certified by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO). AAFCO does not endorse or recommend any particular brand or manufacturer of pet foods, but it sets general standards for all types of cat and dog foods, and certifies products which meet those standards. You can find the AAFCO label on any bag or can of AAFCO certified food. You should look for a kitten food which is AAFCO certified for growth. You should feed your cat a diet specially formulated for kittens and young cats until it is twelve months old.
Dry Cat Food
Dry foods are an excellent choice for your kitten. They provide a healthy balanced diet and can be left in your kitten's bowl at all times. They are, of course, less expensive than semi-moist or canned formulas, but you are not necessarily choosing a better option by spending more money. Many canned and semi-moist foods contain high amounts of sugar, and a diet high in sugar has been associated with feline diabetes. Canned and semi-moist foods are somewhat tastier, but you might make your kitten a finicky eater with these, and they are not more nutritious than dry food.
Table Foods
Table foods are not recommended for your kitten. They don't provide a reliably balanced diet, and the spices, garnishes, condiments and other things in table foods can be unhealthy and even dangerous for your kitten. If you feed your kitten table food, make sure to do it only as an occasional treat, and see that well over 90 percent of the kitten's diet is high quality kitten food.
Cow's milk can give your kitten diarrhea and other discomforts. It is not recommended for cats.
Cats prefer a routine of eating the same thing most of the time. They only crave a varied diet when their owner has trained them to expect it. Resist feeling guilty about feeding your kitten the same thing every day. He's probably quite content with that.
Popular Quality Kitten Foods
- Iams® ProActive HealthTM Kitten contains Fish Oil and Amino Acids. These enhance the immune system and improve brain function and vision.
- Purina Kitten Chow offers what it calls a ‘Heart Healthy Formula with Taurene'.
- Drs. Foster & Smith Dry Kitten Food - Chicken & Brown Rice Formula. This food exceeds AAFCO standards in every category.
- Hill's® Science Diet® Kitten Healthy Development Original is very high in omega fatty acids, which are widely used antioxidants.