What To Feed Your New Kitten

Written by Dr. Josie Gollan

Welcoming a new kitten into your home is an exciting and special time. However, it can also feel overwhelming, especially when you want to get everything right from the start.

As a veterinarian, pet owner, and mother, I have learned that focusing on the fundamentals is what matters most. Nutrition is one of those foundations, and providing the right diet early on gives your kitten the best chance to grow and thrive.

Why Kitten Nutrition Is Different

Kittens have very specific nutritional needs compared to adult cats. During this rapid growth phase, they require diets rich in high-quality protein, essential fats, and the right balance of vitamins and minerals.

As obligate carnivores, kittens are biologically designed to obtain energy from animal protein and fats. Diets high in carbohydrates, fillers, or gelling agents are not aligned with this natural requirement and can make choosing the right food more confusing for owners.

The Role of Animal Protein

Animal protein should form the cornerstone of a kitten’s diet. It is essential for tissue growth, muscle development, and overall health.

It also provides key amino acids such as taurine, which is critical for immune function, as well as heart and eye health.

Supporting Growth and Development

Essential fatty acids, including Omega-3 and Omega-6, play an important role in supporting brain development, vision, and skin and coat health.

Feline Natural Feasts are a strong example of a diet built around these principles. Made from high-quality New Zealand ingredients, including grass-fed meat, organs, and sustainably sourced fish, they are formulated to meet AAFCO nutrient profiles as complete and balanced meals for all life stages, including kittens.

Key Nutrients Kittens Need

Vitamins and minerals are vital during this stage of life:

Ensuring the correct balance of these nutrients is key to healthy growth.

Choosing Suitable Options for Kittens

While all Feline Natural Feasts are suitable for kittens, varieties such as Beef and Hoki and Lamb and Salmon are particularly beneficial.

These recipes include fish-based ingredients that provide DHA and EPA, which are additional Omega-3 fatty acids that support brain and eye development.

They also contain New Zealand green lipped mussels, offering another valuable source of Omega-3.

Palatability Matters Just as Much

Even the most nutritionally complete diet will not be effective if your kitten refuses to eat it. Many owners find themselves offering multiple options, only for much of it to go uneaten.

Foods that align more closely with a cat’s natural preferences tend to be more palatable. Feline Natural Feasts are available in a range of formats, including freeze-dried, canned, and pouch options, helping cater to different feeding preferences.

Setting Your Kitten Up for Success

As a new kitten owner, choosing a diet that supports health and that your kitten enjoys makes all the difference.

When nutrition is right from the start, you can feel confident you are supporting their development and wellbeing. From there, you can relax and enjoy all the energy and cuddles that come with your new kitten.