Premium food for cats (wet and dry): list of names, composition, reviews of veterinarians and animal owners, rating 2022

What is the best food for kittens to buy?

The basis of the diet of pets, especially babies with fragile bodies, should be balanced food. Buying economy class mixtures is highly not recommended. It is better to pay attention to premium or higher grade dry kibble and wet canned food.

The meat ingredient must be first in the list of ingredients. Its quality should also not be in doubt. It is better to choose hypoallergenic lean meat (veal, rabbit, turkey) without by-products. Toddlers can be picky when it comes to food. If your pet refuses the offered portion, you need to change the flavor or brand of food.

It is not advisable for kittens to consume cereals - this can lead to gastrointestinal upset. Manufacturers offer many grain-free recipes. Also, the formula should contain no more than 20% fat - too heavy food will lead to indigestion or your pet gaining excess weight.

It is better to choose medicated food after consultation with a veterinarian. The doctor will give advice and determine the duration of the diet.

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Why shouldn’t healthy animals have reduced protein in their feed?

Protein is one of the most important macronutrients in the diet of dogs and cats - without it, the existence of a living organism is impossible, since it is a building material for tissues and organs, elements of the enzymatic and circulatory systems. Proteins consist of amino acids, of which there are 22 in total. Moreover, some of them are essential, that is, they cannot be synthesized by the body from other substances and must be supplied with food.

Arginine, valine, histidine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, threonine, tryptophan and phenylalanine are essential for dogs. For cats, this list is one point longer: their bodies are not able to produce taurine. In terms of its amino acid composition, animal protein is the most complete for carnivores, since only it contains a complete set of these “building blocks of life.”

In the absence of a regular influx of protein compounds, partial destruction of various cellular structures is observed, that is, the body begins to make up for the lack of protein at the expense of its own tissues. The consequences of prolonged protein starvation can be irreversible, which is especially important for puppies and kittens and young animals. A significant decrease in protein in the diet in comparison with the physiological norm causes them to stop growing, reduce body weight to critical levels, and change the chemical composition of bones.

By asking which food contains less protein, the owner wants to protect a healthy pet from the risks of disease, but in reality creates a risk of serious disruptions in the body’s functioning.

The best dry food for kittens

Dry food is recommended for older kittens after changing teeth. Adding additional complementary foods to a balanced diet is not recommended. If dry granules are chosen for the first complementary feeding, it is better to soak them with water at first. This will make the transition of a fragile body to another type of food smoother.

Grandorf kitten

★★★★★

editorial assessment

100%

buyers recommend this product

Belgian low-grain holistic food is suitable for kittens over 3 weeks of age and is recommended for animals with a sensitive gastrointestinal tract or allergies. The protein ingredient is represented by lamb and turkey meat and occupies 70% of the composition.

The main source of carbohydrates is whole white rice, which has a beneficial effect on digestion. There is no wheat, GMOs, corn, artificial additives or other useless or harmful components.

The food is saturated with healthy fats, amino acids and a vitamin-mineral complex for the harmonious growth of the kitten. The composition maintains a healthy level of urine acidity, prevents urolithiasis and supports kidney function.

Fatty acids add shine to the coat. The proprietary complex of antioxidants improves the metabolism and immunity of babies, promotes the proper development of the skeleton and muscles.

Feed products are natural and carefully selected by the manufacturer to maintain high product quality. Low-temperature manufacturing technology preserves the beneficial properties of the ingredients.

Pros:

hypoallergenic natural composition;
high content of quality meat;
many useful additives;
prevention of urolithiasis;
low temperature production technology;
Suitable for babies from 3 weeks of age.

Minuses:

You can't buy it everywhere.

The manufacturer practically does not cooperate with pet stores and avoids sales through numerous intermediaries. This keeps the price for high-quality feed low compared to analogues. Grandorf products are presented mainly in large online stores.

ProPlan Junior

4.9

★★★★★

editorial assessment

93%

buyers recommend this product

Pro Plan Junior is a super premium food with chicken flavor. It is based on a proprietary combination of ingredients, developed jointly with veterinary scientists. The formula is suitable for daily feeding of a pet for a long time. The product is produced in tight zip-lock bags of 0.4, 1.5 and 10 kg.

Colostrum in the composition strengthens the immune system of kittens. Fish oil is responsible for healthy skin and coat. Vitamins and microelements ensure the proper development of the musculoskeletal system and the formation of the nervous system. The diet is recommended for babies from 6 weeks to one year.

Pros:

suitable for daily feeding;
formula designed to meet the needs of growing kittens;
vitamins, minerals and colostrum included;
can be purchased at all pet stores and hypermarkets;
convenient packing and packing.

Minuses:

Chicken in the composition may cause allergies.

Pro Plan Junior is suitable for daily feeding of kittens over 1.5 months. However, when introducing it into the diet, you need to monitor the reaction of your pet’s body. If itching or other allergy symptoms appear, feeding should be stopped immediately.

Acana Grasslands

4.9

★★★★★

editorial assessment

92%

buyers recommend this product

Canadian grain-free food for kittens and adult cats consists of 75% hypoallergenic protein ingredients: lamb, duck, turkey, whole farm eggs, fresh lake fish.

The remaining 25% is occupied by fruits, vegetables and herbs - they are natural sources of vitamins and microelements necessary for a growing body.

All ingredients are delivered fresh to production to ensure high-quality nutrition for your pet and bring its diet closer to food in natural conditions. In the formula without artificial additives, everything is only natural. The granules themselves are nutritious - the consumption is small. It is not recommended to exceed the dosages recommended by the manufacturer on the packaging. This can cause your kitten to become overweight.

Pros:

hypoallergenic, grain-free formula;
suitable for kittens and adult pets;
sold in many pet stores;
economical.

Minuses:

packaging without a lock;
may not be suitable due to individual digestive characteristics.

It is more profitable to buy large packages of food. However, the bags do not have a zip lock, and the food quickly disappears. Owners of kittens recommend pouring the granules into airtight containers.

Purina Cat Chow

4.8

★★★★★

editorial assessment

88%

buyers recommend this product

This premium complete food for kittens is also suitable for pregnant and lactating cats. The composition excludes synthetic dyes, preservatives, flavors and is safe for animals of any age.

The recipe is based on domestic chicken. The protein component occupies only 40% of the composition, but its high quality ensures good digestibility of the feed. The side dish includes whole grains, vegetables (green peas, carrots, beets) and herbs (spinach, parsley).

The formula is supplemented with the proprietary Naturium complex with a natural prebiotic for healthy digestion. Vitamins B and E activate the body's natural defenses. The DHA component of cat milk supports the musculoskeletal system during the period of active growth.

Pros:

safe composition;
many useful additives;
high digestibility of ingredients;
there are no age restrictions for kittens;
low price for a premium class (from 270 rubles per 1 kg).

Minuses:

contains grains;
may cause an allergic reaction.

Cereals come first in the composition. They may cause indigestion or food intolerance. When transferring babies to food, you need to carefully monitor their well-being.

Protein requirements of pets

Dogs and cats are carnivores, and animal protein is one of the key elements in their diet. The physiology of our pets has been well studied, and the biological needs of their body, including protein, are clearly defined. Adult dogs require 4.5-6.0 g per kilogram of weight, and with increased loads - up to 9.0 g. For cats, which are obligate predators, these figures are even higher: 5.3-6.3 g, maximum - up to 10 g (at high activity).

Let's take as an example one of our brand's food - Acana Grasslands Dog dry food, which contains 35% protein. According to the feeding chart on the package, an adult active dog weighing 20 kg of this diet requires 240 grams per day.

35/100*240 = 84 g - this is how much protein the animal will receive per day;

84:20 = 4.2 g - this is the amount of protein per 1 kg of weight.

As you can see, the food satisfies the adult dog’s body’s need for protein, and accordingly, its content can be considered optimal.

The best wet foods for kittens

Wet food should not form the basis of a kitten's diet. Canned food is recommended only as an addition to dry kibble.

Animonda Carny

★★★★★

editorial assessment

100%

buyers recommend this product

Animonda Carny is a meat pate for kittens without adding grains. There are three flavors available: chicken, rabbit, beef. The recipe leaves no doubt about the quality of the canned food: the meat ingredient takes up 66%, the rest is broth. Vitamin D3 provides babies with strong bones, and vitamin E strengthens the immune system.

The food is sold in tin cans of 200 or 400 g with a convenient opening tab. The consistency of the pate is homogeneous, the pungent smell does not hit the nose. Even picky kittens like the taste.

Pros:

meat composition;
convenient can format;
there are vitamins;
pleasant taste and aroma.

Minuses:

cost (from 108 rubles per 200 g);
not sold everywhere.

Animonda Carny is a good canned meat. The owners note that the price corresponds to the quality of the product.

Solid Natura Selection

★★★★★

editorial assessment

97%

buyers recommend this product

Canned food for kittens and adult cats is produced by the Yelets meat processing plant, belongs to the holistic class and consists of 97% selected meat. The line includes single-protein foods with different fillings: turkey, chicken, quail, rabbit, veal.

The composition is transparent and excludes any harmful additives. Canned food does not emit a strong odor and is suitable for kittens of any age. The food is available in cans of 100 or 340 g.

Pros:

pleasant aroma;
selected meat as a base;
wide range of flavors;
Suitable for kittens of any age.

Minuses:

not all pets eat with appetite;
expensive (about 180 rubles for 0.34 kg).

The natural composition without flavorings and flavor enhancers Solid Natura Selection does not have a pronounced odor, due to which kittens are attracted less than cheap analogues with additives.

Brit Premium Chicken Chunks for kitten

4.9

★★★★★

editorial assessment

94%

buyers recommend this product

Brit Premium - premium canned food for kittens. Chicken pieces make up 78% of the formula. The garnish is vegetables and legumes - there are no grains in the composition. Vitamins and microelements ensure the proper development of the baby.

The food can be given to kittens at any age. Breeders often choose it as the first complementary food. The pleasant aroma immediately attracts pets - they eat the entire portion with pleasure. Canned food is available in 0.1 kg bags, the notches help to open them without scissors.

Pros:

Available at most pet stores;
can be used as a first complementary food;
convenient release format;
grain-free meat composition;
enriched with vitamins and minerals.

Minuses:

high cost (from 45 rubles per pouch);
chicken in the composition can cause allergies.

Experienced breeders recommend buying canned food in boxes - this way the price is more favorable.

Premium cat food price

We have already said above that despite approximately the same quality of composition, many premium cat foods are very different in price. We make a comparison so you can clearly see how much.

Advance 1.5 kg - from 714 rubles (1 kg ~ 476 rubles);
Eukanuba 2 kg - from 1139 rubles (1 kg ~ 570 rubles);
Brit Premium 1.5 kg - from 689 rubles (1 kg ~ 459 rubles);
Happy Cat 1.5 kg - from 978 rubles (1 kg ~ 652 rubles);
Pro Plan 1.5 kg - from 1025 rubles (1 kg ~ 683 rubles);
Organix 1.5 kg - from 629 rubles (1 kg ~ 419 rubles);
Royal Canin 2 kg - from 1210 rubles (1 kg ~ 605 rubles);
Probalance 1.8 kg - from 450 rubles (1 kg ~ 250 rubles);
Hills Science Plan 1.5 kg - from 1080 rubles (1 kg ~ 720 rubles);
Gosbi Original 1 kg - from 664 rub.

The above prices are current at the time of writing - September 2022. Over time, they can change significantly; the exact cost can be found on pet store websites, links to which are in our food reviews.

The best dietary foods for kittens

Kittens with sensitive digestion, allergies, or other health problems require a special diet. Manufacturers offer medicated foods for babies with special needs.

GO! Skin+Coat

★★★★★

editorial assessment

100%

buyers recommend this product

Holistic-grade dry food for kittens and adult cats is recommended as a complex therapy and prevention of skin diseases, and also adds shine to the coat and stops excessive hair loss. Feed is sold in dense bags weighing from 1.36 to 7.26 kg. The zip fastener prevents the aroma from escaping.

The protein component is represented by high-quality chicken meat without by-products. Whole grains are a source of carbohydrates. Probiotics and prebiotics support healthy intestinal microflora and promote proper digestion. Fruits and vegetables improve immunity and supply the body with natural vitamins. Flaxseed is rich in fatty acids, vegetable protein and fiber.

Pros:

natural composition;
improves skin and coat health;
convenient packing and packing;
low price for a holistic class (from 500 rubles per 1 kg).

Minuses:

not always on sale.

The food is recommended for kittens with skin diseases or hair problems, as well as healthy pets to speed up seasonal shedding.

Natural Greatness Top Mountain

★★★★★

editorial assessment

97%

buyers recommend this product

Grain-free monoprotein food is recommended for kittens and adult cats with sensitive digestion. Its composition is natural and belongs to the holistic class.

Rabbit meat takes up 70% of the composition. The absence of chicken reduces the likelihood of allergies in your pet. A vegetable side dish of tomatoes, spinach, pumpkin and beets ensures stable functioning of the gastrointestinal tract.

The recipe is supplemented with greens, apples and blueberries. Fish oil and algae provide your pet with fatty acids to support the nervous system. Glucosamine and chondroitin are added for the harmonious development of rapidly growing kittens. Natural prebiotics support beneficial microflora.

Pros:

grain-free meat formula;
improves digestion;
does not cause allergies;
available in many pet stores.

Minuses:

Not suitable for silver kittens.

Breeders note that after two weeks of such a diet, gray babies acquire a reddish tint.

Veterinarians' opinion

Experts often differ in their opinions regarding certain foods. Most experts do not recommend feeding kittens with economy-class food at all and advise giving preference to at least premium, and if possible, super-premium classes. Also, when using some economy-class canned goods, a strong smell of feces, inflammation of the anal glands, and digestive tract disorders are noted.

Also, not all kittens are suitable for food from the holistic class. Veterinarians explain this by the development of the gastrointestinal tract and the inability to properly digest whole pieces of meat or fish during adolescence.

When purchasing, veterinarians recommend paying attention not only to the quality of the food, but also to its nutritional value. There are often cases when, with regular economy-class meals, the animal is constantly hungry, despite the good composition of the food in terms of the ratio of proteins, fats and carbohydrates. Cereal components do not provide saturation and are poorly absorbed by the animal’s body, so it is recommended to give preference to feed with the presence of meat rather than proteins of animal and plant origin.

FoodRating of dry food for kittens