In order to ensure a healthy adult cat, we must first understand what to feed kittens for optimum health and growth. After the first four weeks of life, a kitten will be transitioning to kitten food. Around eight weeks, the kitten is completely weaned from his mother. Kittens have more energy needs than an adult cat throughout this period of time so the correct diet is crucial.
How much to feed a kitten
In order to determine what to feed kittens, we need to first analyze the calorie needs of the kitten as compared to the adult cat. The calorie needs of a kitten, as compared to an adult cat, are significantly more. One meal per day is often not sufficient for a growing kitten. Kittens should be eating three to four times each day; throughout the day.
Kittens have a greater need for protein, amino acids and minerals in their diet than adult cats. Kittens should be given kitten formulated food until approximately one year of age in order to maximize growth and health throughout all life stages. Check out Kittens 101 for useful basic care tips!
How Can I Tell if my Kitten is Healthy?
You will be able to tell if your cat is obtaining the right nutrients; for the most part, based upon an alert personality, healthy skin and coat and steady weight gain. If your kitten is not gaining weight, you should consult with your veterinarian and/or pet nutrition specialist for further recommendations.
Recommended Kitten Foods
What to feed kittens when searching at the pet store can be a difficult decision. There are so many different types of food. What brands are recommended?
The BLUE Wilderness Grain Free Chicken Kitten Food is free of by-products, corn, wheat, soy and artificial preservatives. This kitten food is also free of colors and flavors and is recommended for sensitive stomachs. BLUE Wilderness Grain Free Chicken Kitten Food is also fortified with DHA to increase cognitive development in your kitten. Taurine is also present to maintain heart and eye health. The food is also fortified with calcium, phosphorus and vitamins for bone health.
Hills Science Diet Kitten Food is made with real meat and brown rice. There are all-natural ingredients in Hills Science Diet Kitten Food and there is no corn, artificial flavors or artificial colors. The food also contains carrots and greens to support a well- balanced diet.
Wellness Core Grain Free Kitten Food is also highly recommended when it comes to what to feed kittens. This kitten food contains herring, turkey and chicken. This food is protein-based and is supplemented with probiotics and nutritional supplements for optimal health. The variety of meats (herring, turkey and chicken) support the energy needs of your kitten.
If you are unsure of what food is best for your kitten in particular, feel free to contact our pet nutrition specialist. Our pet nutrition specialist will assist you in choosing the diet which best suits your furry companion.
Make sure you know how much to feed a kitten to prevent pet obesity.
Amber Johnson, Animal Behaviorist
Miss Amber Johnson has many years of experience with pets and is a licensed cat and dog nutrition and behavior specialist. She currently collaborates with PetPremium where she counsels clients in pet behavior and nutrition. The statements made in this article are the personal opinions of Miss Amber Johnson and based on independent experiences and could be different from the opinions of PetPremium Pet health Insurance or any other pet health insurance provider.
