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11 Best Grain-Free Kitten Foods in 2024 – Reviews & Top Picks

Nicole Cosgrove Profile Picture

By Nicole Cosgrove

a kitten eating dry food

Raising your kitten is fun but complex exercise that requires adequate knowledge. One should have a thorough understanding of how to feed the kitten and keep it healthy always. Therefore, you need to locate the best grain-free kitten food to keep it nourished.

Most kitten foods have a high content of protein to support body development. In addition, some versions have high moisture, which hydrates the body for a healthy urinary tract system. One can consider wet foods for various reasons, such as transitioning the kitten from milk to solid food.

This detailed guide contains ten suitable grain-free kitten food options you can use to keep your cat healthy.

Disclaimer: The foods reviewed here were chosen because they have certain characteristics that might help with some of the causes or consequences of this medical condition. However, they are not a medical treatment or a substitute for medical treatment. Keep in mind that each medical case is different and what works for some pets may not work for others. Your veterinarian is the right person to advise you on the best diet for your pet’s individual case.

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A Quick Comparison of Our 2024 Winners

Rating Image Product Details
Best Overall
Winner
Smalls Human Grade Cat Food Fresh Bird Recipe Smalls Human Grade Cat Food Fresh Bird Recipe
  • Doesn’t contain fillers
  • Three different textures
  • Meets nutritional requirements of all life stages
  • Budget Buy
    Second place
    Fancy Feast Gourmet Naturals Fancy Feast Gourmet Naturals
  • Two flavors available
  • Convenient can size
  • Contains whole food ingredients and fortified with nutrients
  • Third place
    Kitten Reveal in Broth Kitten Reveal in Broth
  • Limited ingredients
  • Two flavors available
  • Highly palatable
  • Purina Pro Plan Kitten Chicken & Egg Formula Purina Pro Plan Kitten Chicken & Egg Formula
  • Good source of DHA
  • Contains live probiotics
  • Meets WSAVA guidelines
  • Wellness Complete Health Kitten Pate Wellness Complete Health Kitten Pate
  • Two flavors available
  • Good source of DHA and taurine
  • High in protein
  • The 11 Best Grain-Free Kitten Foods

    1. Smalls Human-Grade Cat Food Fresh Bird Recipe – Best Overall

    Smalls human grade fresh food bowl with kitten

    Quality: 4.9/5
    Item Form: Fresh, wet
    Life Stage: All
    Weight: 11.5 oz
    Flavor: Chicken

    When it comes to grain-free diets, you can’t get much better than Smalls Human-Grade Fresh Bird cat food. All of Smalls’ recipes are grain-free, but the Fresh Bird recipe is our favorite. It’s the best overall grain-free kitten food because it uses fresh, nutrient-dense ingredients and doesn’t contain any unnecessary fillers.

    The recipe contains various nutritious parts of a chicken, including chicken hearts and chicken liver. It also uses just a single source of meat protein, so you don’t have to worry about any allergic reactions if your cat is allergic to other types of meat.

    We like that the Fresh Bird recipe comes in three forms: smooth, ground, and shredded. So, you can have your kitten try out various textures if it’s particularly picky. This recipe also meets nutritional requirements for all life stages. So, if your kitten takes a liking to this recipe, you don’t have to worry about switching it out as it grows into adulthood.

    While Smalls cat food can be relatively expensive, it’s still worth the price, especially if you’re having a hard time finding grain-free food that’s both safe and palatable for your kitten.

    Pros
    • Doesn’t contain fillers
    • Food allergy-friendly
    • Three different textures
    • Meets nutritional requirements of all life stages

    Cons
    • Can be expensive


    2. Fancy Feast Gourmet Naturals – Budget Buy

    Fancy Feast Gourmet Naturals

    Quality: 4.5/5
    Item Form: Wet, pate
    Life Stage: Kitten
    Weight: 3 ounces
    Flavor: Chicken, salmon

    The Fancy Feast Gourmet Naturals kitten food is a pate food that comes in both salmon and chicken flavors. The 3-ounce cans are convenient for feeding a kitten, and they help reduce waste from unused food. This food contains whole food ingredients, like chicken and liver, and it’s fortified with all the vitamins and minerals necessary to support the health of your kitten.

    Not only is this an excellent food for your kitten, but it’s a budget-friendly option, making it the best value grain-free kitten food. This is a highly palatable food that many customers report their kittens loving. This food does contain a small amount of milk, which contrary to popular belief, isn’t an ideal thing to feed to cats or kittens.

    Pros
    • Two flavors available
    • Convenient can size
    • Contains whole food ingredients and fortified with nutrients
    • Budget-friendly
    • Highly palatable
    Cons
    • Contains a small amount of milk

    3. Kitten Reveal in Broth

    Quality: 4.75/5
    Item Form: Wet, chunks and shreds
    Life Stage: Kitten
    Weight: 2.47 ounces
    Flavor: Chicken, tuna

    The Reveal Kitten in Broth is not only formulated for kittens in its nutritional profile but the pieces of food are formulated to be a size that’s easy for kittens to eat. It comes in tuna and chicken flavors, with each flavor only containing its named protein and broth. Its limited number of ingredients make this a great option for kittens who are being evaluated for food sensitivities. The small can size makes this a convenient option, and this food is highly palatable, thanks to its limited ingredients and high protein content.

    This food is formulated to be fed as a complement to your kitten’s diet, not as their only food source, so make sure to pair this food with a nutritionally complete kitten kibble or wet food.

    Pros
    • Small pieces are ideal for kittens
    • Limited ingredients
    • Two flavors available
    • Convenient can size
    • Highly palatable
    Cons
    • Formulated to be fed as a complementary and not primary food

    4. Purina Pro Plan Kitten Chicken & Egg Formula

    Purina Pro Plan Kitten Chicken & Egg Formula

    Quality: 4.5/5
    Item Form: Dry food
    Life Stage: Kitten
    Weight: 5.5 pounds, 13 pounds
    Flavor: Chicken and egg

    The Purina Pro Plan Kitten Chicken & Egg formula is an excellent grain-free kitten food. Purina complies with all WSAVA guidelines, so you can feel confident knowing their foods are nutritionally complete and rigorously tested. It’s a good source of the omega-3 fatty acid DHA, which supports the development of your kitten’s eyes and brain. It’s guaranteed to contain live probiotics to support your kitten’s digestive health as they grow and develop, plus this food is highly palatable.

    Since it is a dry kibble, your kitten will have to learn to chew their food instead of swallowing whole kibble pieces, which can lead to vomiting.

    Pros
    • Meets WSAVA guidelines
    • Good source of DHA
    • Contains live probiotics
    • Highly palatable
    Cons
    • Some kittens may swallow kibbles whole

    5. Wellness Complete Health Kitten Pate

    Wellness Complete Health Kitten Pate

    Quality: 4/5
    Item Form: Wet, pate
    Life Stage: Kitten
    Weight: 3 ounces, 5.5 ounces
    Flavor: Chicken, whitefish & tuna

    The Wellness Complete Health Kitten Pate is formulated in two flavors that support the growth and development of your kitten. DHA supports brain development, while taurine supports eye health and development. The whitefish & tuna flavor contains a prebiotic, which can support digestive health. You can find this food in two can sizes, making it ideal for feeding a single kitten or multiple kittens.

    Although it’s high in protein, which supports growth and muscle development, some customers have reported their kittens not finding this food as palatable as some of the other options, so this may not be a good option for picky kittens.

    Pros
    • Two flavors available
    • Good source of DHA and taurine
    • Convenient can sizes for one or multiple kittens
    • High in protein
    Cons
    • May not be suitable for picky eaters

    6. Tiki Cat Born Carnivore Dry Cat Food

    Tiki Cat Born Carnivore

    Quality: 4.6/5
    Item Form: Dry food
    Life Stage: Kitten /Adult
    Weight: 5.6 pounds
    Flavor: Deboned Chicken & Egg

    Tiki Cat Born Carnivore has a highly digestible recipe with high animal protein to support your cats. Some of this animal protein in its formula are deboned chicken, dehydrated chicken, and chicken meal.

    This product also has minimal digestible-free carbohydrates and dried eggs which is an excellent source of protein. In addition, the food is baked to improve flavor and preserve nutrients for your cat’s consumption.

    The recipe is full of meat-based ingredients, high fat, and protein to promote your cat’s well-being. In addition, this cat meal has a soft and chewable texture for your older kittens to feed effortlessly.

    Pros
    • It has high-quality digestible ingredients
    • It is rich in animal-based protein
    • It lacks artificial additives, fillers, and grains
    • It has a soft and chewable texture easier consumption
    • It’s well-baked to improve the flavor for a pleasurable eating experience

    Cons
    • It has a slightly high carbohydrate content
    • It is a dry food featuring low moisture content


    7. Instinct Original Pate Canned Cat Food

    Instinct Wet Cat Food

    Quality: 4.3/5
    Item Form: Wet food
    Life Stage: Kitten
    Weight: 4.1 pounds
    Flavor: Lamb

    Instinct Wet cat food is the correct pick when looking for the right kitten food for fast growth. One can freeze this meal to ensure the ingredients retain their natural form. In addition, this meal is free of synthetic preservatives, which makes it safe for your kittens.

    This natural cat food consists of real meat and other food ingredients. The manufacturer sourced 95% of the total ingredients from animal protein, while the remaining percentage comes from fruits and vegetables.

    This canned cat food contains balanced nutrients to support your kitten as it grows to adulthood. In addition, it has a tasty pate texture that is delicious to any picky cat.

    Pros
    • It has a great content of animal protein than other sources
    • Its formula provides reliable nutrients for healthier kitten growth
    • It has omega fatty acids and probiotics to enhance digestion
    • It is free of artificial additives and preservatives
    • It has a tasty flavor that is favorable to most kittens

    Cons
    • Complaints on sharp bone chips reported


    8. Wellness Kittles Salmon & Cranberries Cat Treats

    Wellness Kittles

    Quality: 4.3/5
    Item Form: Dry food
    Life Stage: Kitten
    Weight: 0.13 pounds
    Flavor: Salmon & Cranberries

    Another suitable grain-free cat food that will improve the health of your kitten is Wellness Kittles. It’s a natural food that has meat as its key ingredients. Other contents that help complete its entire formula are vegetables and fruits to ensure your kitten remains healthy.

    The manufacturer includes cranberries in the formula, which is a healthy composition as it enhances the better performance of urinary tracks in cats. In addition, the inclusion of omega fatty acids provides the correct elements required for healthy skins and coats.

    The entire package has around 45% protein sourced from real meat, a primary nutrient for healthy kitten development. In addition, it has fats which are critical ingredients for the provision of energy to your kitten.

    Pros
    • It has fats and protein to support kitten development
    • Its cranberries formula ensures a healthy urinary tract
    • It is tasty and promotes clean teeth after chewing
    • It lacks artificial flavors, colors, and preservatives.
    • It is both grain and filler-free

    Cons
    • Some cats could experience vomiting as side effects


    9. Weruva Grain-Free Canned Cat Food

    Weruva Grain-Free Cat Food

    Quality: 4.4/5
    Item Form: Wet food
    Life Stage: Kitten /Adult
    Weight: 8 pounds
    Flavor: Paw Lickin’ Chicken

    Weruva Grain-Free Canned Cat Food is the right choice for picky eaters. It has natural animal proteins and comes with a chicken flavor to promote a pleasurable experience. Its content is full of moisture and a low level of carbohydrates but free of grain and fillers.

    This meal is safe for your kitten as it lacks GMOs, growth hormones, preservatives, and antibiotics. Furthermore, it has a low phosphorus and magnesium content, ensuring that your cat has a healthy urinary tract.

    The primary ingredient is skinless white meat chicken with no bones. In addition, the package has a balanced diet featuring minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants to maintain a healthy adult.

    Pros
    • It has a tasty chicken flavor that is appealing to picky cats
    • It has a high protein with low carbohydrates
    • It is suitable with cats that have kidney complications
    • It has the correct element to support a healthy urinary tract
    • It lacks artificial color and preservatives

    Cons
    • The can size could be confusing


    10. Wellness CORE Canned Cat Food

    Wellness CORE Canned Cat Food

    Quality: 4.5/5
    Item Form: Wet food
    Life Stage: Kitten /Adult
    Weight: 2.25 pounds
    Flavor: Chicken, Turkey & Chicken Liver

    Wellness Core Canned Cat Food has a convenient, high-quality grain-free recipe that supports your cat’s well-being. The formula includes minerals and vitamins to enhance inner wellness. In addition, this food also has a flax omega blend and fish for a healthy coat and skin.

    It also contains fruits, healthy fats, and lean meats. Wellness Core cat food is ideal for your cat because it lacks soy, preservatives, and artificial colors. In addition, this wet meal improves the cat’s hydration because increased moisture intake contributes to a healthy urinary tract.

    This grain-free product is a nutritious choice to support both kittens and healthy adults. The balanced nutrients are key in sustaining and nourishing the cat’s well-being.

    Pros
    • It has suitable nutrients for lean body mass
    • The wet meal improves digestion and urinary health
    • It has an omega blend for healthier skin and coat
    • It does not have artificial additives and preservatives
    • The package serves you extensively

    Cons
    • Some cats resist the flavor


    11. Royal Canin Canned Cat Food

    Royal Canin Canned Cat Food

    Quality: 4.4/5
    Item Form: Dry food
    Life Stage: Kitten
    Weight: 4.5 pounds
    Flavor: Milk

    Royal Canin is made with a formula that targets baby kittens of between one and four months. The formula contains essential vitamins and oxidants to support the immune system of your kitten. Feeding your kitten this meal will enable it to remain strong and healthy.

    Royal Canin cat food has a fluffy mousse texture. This helps your kitten to transition smoothly from liquid to solid foods.

    The meal also has highly digestible protein and prebiotics, which promote a healthy digestive system. In addition, this cat food has DHA, which is necessary for building a storage foundation to support brain development.

    Pros
    • It has a soft and light texture for easy feeding
    • It is ideal for kittens and nursing cats
    • It has nutrients that promote a healthy digestive system
    • It is excellent for enhancing sound brain development
    • It supports the kitten’s immune system

    Cons
    • It causes diarrhea as side effects to some kittens

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    Buyer’s Guide: Selecting the Best Grain-Free Kitten Food

    Many brand names come with deceptive marketing language, making the innocent consumer fall prey to low-quality products. However, you can overcome such scenarios by knowing what to look for to determine a suitable product.

    Here are things you should consider when looking for cat food to make your selection easier.

    Age of Your Cat

    The newborn kitten should feed on the mother’s kitty for about four to five weeks exclusively. After this weaning period, you can now locate the proper grain-free meal for your kitten. For example, a two-month to a year-old kitten can munch on kibble effortlessly.

    When the kitten is one year old, start the transition process of introducing it to adult food. Caution is necessary as different cats require particular criteria. For example, a kitten meal will have a higher-calorie content than adult food.

    Protein Content

    Most kitten meals have meat as the fundamental source of protein, including chicken, seafood, eggs, and fish. Read the product’s label to understand the nutritional value of the package as given in percentage.

    The suitable standard should have at least 20% fats since they contain amino acids necessary for healthier tissues. Coupled with protein, your cat will have higher energy levels for faster growth.

    Physical Activity

    Kittens have more movements, unlike adults. Therefore, they will require more energy giving food and protein due to their high level of activity. Select the proper grain-free meal because it has high-calorie content and the correct balance of minerals, vitamins, and proteins.

    Grain-free kibble is suitable for providing the kitten with the proper nutrients to supplement the active life of your kitten. In addition, the kitten requires balanced food for healthier bones, teeth, and muscles.

    Take precautions on feeding the kitten with too many calories because they may lead to obesity or being overweight. Instead, just administer balanced proportions to prevent excessive feeding for healthy growth and not becoming overweight.

    Potency

    Dry grain-free kitten food is more potent than wet-grain-free counterparts. Notably, the wet meal can remain potent and retain the nutritional value for at least two years. If unopened, a package of dry food can maintain freshness for one year. Ensure that you operate within the limits of the expiry dates.

    Avoid using over one-year-old food since manufacturing as it could be food poisoning to your cat or lead to stomach complications. A potent meal should have the necessary nutrients needed for healthy kitten growth.

    Siamese cat eating dry food from a bowl
    Image Credit: catinrocket, Shutterstock

    Flavor

    Avoid remaining monotonous on the type of food you give to your kitten. Instead, change your diet frequently and let the kitten experience a different flavor. The danger of retaining a single flavor for a week makes the cats selective.

    Veterinary Recommendations

    Veterinarians are experts that you should consider to get the right advice on suitable food for your kitten. The vet assesses your information on age, preferences, breed, and needs before offering you the appropriate recommendation.

    Even if you prefer homemade food, get the proper insight from your vet, who will recommend the right ingredients that consist of a healthy balanced diet.

    Brands

    Different manufacturers are ever-developing new formulas to suit the needs of other kittens. Every brand will want to remain unique and keep on refining its quality over time. Ensure that you settle for the right brand that enhances consistency.

    Generic foods should be a no-go zone, and they are hard to research. Also, choose the kitten food from reputable brands since there will be a guarantee of safety.

    The ideal cat bowl will be there with your kitten as they grow and last them well into adulthood, which is why our Hepper NomNom Cat Bowl was designed to cater specifically to the needs of our feline companions at any age. The stainless steel, shallow bowls are the perfect depth for kittens who would otherwise struggle to reach the bottom of traditional bowls and offer whisker support for future feedings as they mature. Invest in something as practical and fun as your kitty - our Hepper NomNom Cat Bowl.

    Hepper 360 Cat Feeder, Stainless Steel, Anti-Chew...
    • NO MESS - The 360° tray on this cat food and water bowl set has a raised design to catch and...
    • WHISKER FRIENDLY - Shallow and wide metal containers with flat bottoms ensure your kitty can enjoy...

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    Conclusion

    The information in this piece advocates for finding the correct meal for your kitten and promoting its healthy growth. Among the ten products, our best overall pick is Smalls Human-Grade Cat Food Fresh Bird recipe. The meal has high protein content featuring digestible ingredients to promote healthy living. Our budget buy is Fancy Feast Gourmet Naturals kitten food. It has a rich formula that includes a high content of meat-based proteins and a light texture for easy feeding. Finally, Reveal Kitten in Broth is another good option. The manufacturer prepared it by air drying, making it suitable for all life stages of a cat. It is also highly digestible to your kitten.

    See Also:


    Featured Image Credit: BestPhotoPlus, Shutterstock

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