Our pets are a source of joy from communicating and observing them. But in order for them to grow healthy and beautiful, owners must provide care and attention and create the most favorable conditions. Some people prefer natural food—cats and dogs, as they say, eat “from the table.” In this case, there are a lot of “pitfalls” - it is difficult to ensure and balance the presence of all the minerals and vitamins necessary for the animal in full.
The best option when it comes to organizing feeding is to choose feed that takes everything into account as much as possible. There are three types of food for cats and kittens - dry, wet and canned. The first is characterized by such advantages as ease of storage and long life. For cats who don't drink much, canned food is ideal - it contains enough moisture. Wet forms are packaged in spider bags designed for one-time use. But dry food helps clean teeth from plaque and prevents the formation of stones. This is an ideal option for periods when the owners are away from home for a long time. The main thing is to make sure that the animals have enough clean, fresh water.
Modern industry offers a large selection of various foods for adult animals, sterilized and capricious, for long-haired animals and those with a sensitive digestive system, for pregnant and lactating cats, for kittens of all age categories from the moment of weaning from mother-cat milk feeding until puberty. During this period, many systems are formed, the skeleton grows, and it is important that special food for babies contains the optimal ratio of nutrients to support all processes. In this case, the size of the granules must fully correspond to the development of the animal at the moment.
NOW Natural
The food is produced in Canada and is an example of the best nutrition with a proven balance for the body of a small purr. This food does not contain various dyes and harmful flavors, any animal fats and by-products, preservatives and dangerous glutens. But in this type of food for kittens there are fully enough minerals and proteins, vitamins and fats, prebiotics, which are the key to the formation of a healthy animal body and its longevity. Canadian manufacturers use innovative technologies, which contributes to maximum preservation of the beneficial components of all components. Even in the absence of flavor enhancers, kittens happily consume grain-free food from this brand.
It consists of turkey fillet, and in some cases salmon or duck. Among the ingredients are potatoes, pumpkin, spinach, tomatoes and carrots. NOW Natural contains apples and healthy lentils, bananas and dried seaweed, as well as other vegetables. In addition, there are minerals and vitamins.
ADVANTAGES: Ideally balanced composition, high (up to 90%) digestibility. There are no by-products or harmful artificial additives.
DISADVANTAGES: Price too high.
Results
IMPORTANT: whatever food you choose, do not immediately purchase a large pack, especially if the seller did not give you the exact name of the food that was used to feed the baby. Any new food composition can provoke both one-time and systematic gastrointestinal disorders, allergies and many other problems. It is better to start purchasing food in small packages so as not to regret spending money on unsuitable food for your little purr.
INTERESTING: you cannot mix dry food and natural products, but you can combine wet food, canned food and dry food, especially if all three variations are produced by the same manufacturer.
Hill's Science Plan Kitten Healthy Development
Dutch food belongs to the premium class. It is designed to meet all the needs of a kitten's growing body. This pet food undergoes strict quality control - you can rest assured about the health of your little pets. The food contains tuna meat - it helps improve immunity, normalizes the functioning of the digestive system, which guarantees the longevity of your purring pet. All ingredients in the food are quickly and easily digestible, have a delicate taste and a pleasant smell. Manufacturers have ensured the presence of a complex of calcium, sodium, and phosphorus, which are needed at the stage of growth and formation of the animal. The food has an optimal size of granules - kittens can easily chew them and crunch them with pleasure. The food has an excellent effect on growth, the kitten looks active and healthy, quite energetic and cheerful.
ADVANTAGES: The composition is safe; a balanced complex of nutrients supports the immune system. The food has a fairly reasonable price.
DISADVANTAGES: None found.
1st Choice
The food of this renowned Canadian company has been supplied to the Russian market for a long time and is well known to consumers in our country. It belongs to the premium class and provides kittens with balanced nutrition, health and beauty. Manufacturers offer a wide range - among the line you can choose food that would ideally match the age category of the kitten and its physical condition. It begins to be given at the age of 2 months. The composition contains salmon fat, which helps increase the protective functions of the immune system, participates in the proper development and formation of the digestive and nervous system, vision and brain. The granules are the optimal size for a kitten to chew on and smell pleasant. The food is easily digestible and has a high energy value. This keeps your baby active throughout the day.
ADVANTAGES : High-quality raw materials are used in production. The food has a high digestibility rate and an optimal balance of nutrients.
DISADVANTAGES: None found.
Selection rules
Despite the same advantages of dry and wet food, many pet owners are faced with the problem of choice. Professional breeders advise choosing the following brands of dry food:
- Royal Canin.
- ProPlan.
- Eagle Pack Holistic Select.
These manufacturers offer a wide range of feeds, but their prices are not suitable for everyone. It is worth noting that feeding cheap analogues can negatively affect the kitten’s health. The thing is that the economy version always contains too much salt and preservatives.
Many people prefer canned kitten food. Which is better? Reviews from veterinarians indicate that it is better to prefer a type that completely excludes flavorings. Of course, premium brands cannot be stored for long. Therefore, they are placed on a plate immediately before consumption.
Purina Pro Plan
The food of this premium French brand, called Junior delicate, is intended for kittens who are picky eaters and babies with problems with the digestive system. It contains rice and turkey. They are allowed to feed pregnant cats and mothers nursing offspring. In the food, the developers have proposed the ideal balance to support vital functions. It has a high protein content, a complex of minerals and vitamins, and Omega-3 fatty acids. Prebiotics from the composition improve the functioning of the developing digestive system and kidneys. Thanks to the balance, food is perfectly digestible. The owners of the kittens note that from the moment of such complementary feeding, the babies' abdominal bloating decreases, immunity increases, and the functioning of the digestive system stabilizes. Purina Pro Plan suits the taste of the most capricious babies.
ADVANTAGES: The food serves to protect teeth from the formation of stones and plaque, and restores digestion. It has the optimal granule size. Helps improve appetite.
DISADVANTAGES : None found.
Advantages of dry food and its disadvantages
Cat breeders have positive reviews of dry kitten food. Many of them found it easy to use. They highlight its following advantages:
- Balance. Each piece contains a lot of nutrients necessary for the development of the kitten.
- Eliminates errors in feed. This means that the owner cannot accidentally include inappropriate food in the diet, which will cause digestive tract upset.
- Dry food does not require any processing and is completely ready for consumption.
The main disadvantage of such feeds is the high cost of a quality product. Veterinarians advise feeding your kitten only premium brands, so the price may be a turn-off for some.
But cheap foods contain too many preservatives, increasing their shelf life. Instead of meat, as a rule, the composition includes sinews, bones and skins.
Royal Canin
The Royal Canin brand is known and in demand among Russian buyers. The food of this brand is well-balanced and designed taking into account the age and physiological characteristics of small animals. Promotes better digestion, is well absorbed, improves immunity. The composition includes vitamins B, C and E, prebiotics, folic acid, lutein, fish oil for normal growth and formation of skeletal bones and muscle mass. There is also taurine, which is responsible for vision and helps to fully form the brain. The Mother&BabyCat series is an excellent replacement for mother's milk. Refusal from it occurs softly and painlessly. The food is suitable for pregnant and lactating cats.
Contains: dehydrated poultry protein, rice, corn flour, vegetable fiber, animal fats, yeast. There is also beet pulp, soybean oil, fructooligosaccharides, marigold extract, and minerals. Packaging: 400 g, 2 kg, 4 kg and 10 kg.
ADVANTAGES: The food perfectly normalizes the functioning of the digestive system. It has good digestibility. Contains high nutrient content.
DISADVANTAGES: None found.
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
5
★★★★★
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.
READ ALSO
16 Best Dog Foods
Brit Premium
Czech-made kitten food is recommended for feeding babies aged 1 month to one year. It is a balanced, complete diet that is universal - suitable for all breeds of animals. The composition contains a complete set of vitamins and minerals that are necessary for a mustachioed creature during the period of growth and formation. Among the ingredients is chicken meat (40%) - the main supplier of protein. In addition, the composition contains chicken flour and fat, rice, corn, chicken liver sauce, fish oil and salmon sauce, dried dandelions and beet pulp, brewer's yeast, yucca extract, which reduces the unpleasant odor of waste products, extracts of turmeric, citrus, cloves and rosemary. The food contains a large list of vitamins - A, D3, E, C. It also contains taurine - it is responsible for the animal’s good vision. The list of ingredients includes iron, copper, manganese, selenium, zinc, iodine, phosphorus, sodium, calcium, etc.
ADVANTAGES: A reasonable combination of different components made it possible to create optimal nutrition for the harmonious development of a pet, which is guaranteed many years of active life without disease. It also contains natural preservatives. It has a budget price.
DISADVANTAGES: The composition contains by-products, but which ones are not indicated. The brewer's yeast present is an undesirable component.
The importance of feed quality
Kittens often go to a new home at the age of 2-3 months. Usually, responsible breeders have already completed the necessary vaccinations by this time and accustomed the animal to regular food. When choosing food for kittens, owners should study veterinarian reviews especially carefully, especially if the pet is considered a purebred. But it is also important for an ordinary kitten to receive all the necessary vitamins and minerals from food for harmonious development.
The pet supply market offers many products from different manufacturers. Sometimes it can be difficult for the average cat lover to understand them. But the food must contain the necessary microelements and vitamins so that the pet’s digestive, muscular and skeletal systems do not suffer. Kitten food (reviews confirm this) also has a great influence on the quality of the coat.
Orijen
Canadian-made food is suitable for kittens and adult cats. The diet satisfies all the biological needs of a growing organism. 85% of it consists of proteins obtained from poultry meat raised free-range in environmental conditions. In addition, the composition contains fish meat and whole eggs, flounder, sardines, herring, fruits and vegetables, and various phyto-components. No odor enhancers or preservatives. Omega-3 fatty acids are an excellent source of nutrients for your pet's healthy skin and beautiful coat. The balance of minerals, carbohydrates, calcium, phosphorus strengthens the immune and nervous systems. The composition also contains dried lavender flowers - they improve the blood circulation of kittens, act as an anti-inflammatory and anticonvulsant component, and act as a diuretic. Vitamin P stabilizes intestinal function, and marshmallow root fights gastrointestinal problems. Calcium, phosphorus and carbohydrate levels are balanced.
ADVANTAGES: Phyto-components help remove toxins from the body of kittens and improve metabolism. There are only good reviews about the food.
DISADVANTAGES: High price. Some kittens, due to individual preferences, refuse food.
Josera
German food for kittens Minette is designed for babies from 2 months to 1 year. Suitable for pregnant and lactating cats. Sufficiently balanced and high in calories, which provides the pet with the necessary energy. It contains easily digestible ingredients, minerals, vitamins and a sufficient amount of proteins in the form of natural meat. They are responsible for the growth and physiological needs of kittens. Contains about 2% dietary fiber, which prevents the formation of hairballs in the digestive tract.
ADVANTAGES: No by-products or chemical preservatives. Loyal price.
DISADVANTAGES: Natural meat is presented in the form of “flour”.
Another representative of this brand for kittens older than six months is Nature Cat food. It is also suitable for feeding adult animals with sensitive digestion. The feed is characterized by easy digestion - this is facilitated by a well-chosen composition. There are no grains, but enough fruits, vegetables, a complex of medicinal herbs, plant fiber, taurine, minerals and vitamins.
ADVANTAGES: Suitable for allergic animals. Acceptable price.
DISADVANTAGES: Natural meat is presented in the form of “flour”. Contains yeast and sweet potatoes.
Wet
Purina Pro Plan Nutrisavour grain-free, turkey 85 g (pieces in sauce)
pros
- good for purebred kittens
- eat with pleasure
Minuses
- expensive
From 50 ₽
Packaging in the form of a pouch (bag) weighing 85 g. Texture - pieces without grains in sauce, slightly liquid. The ingredients include meat, fish and processed meat and fish products. The main flavor is turkey, but it's only 4%. There are vitamins, sugars, vegetable protein extracts, fats - vegetable and animal. Suitable for kittens up to 1 year old.
Brit Premium grain-free, with chicken 100 g (pieces in sauce)
pros
- excellent components
- European quality
- kitten eats with pleasure
Minuses
- not suitable for all breeds
- price
From 38 ₽
Packaging in the form of a bag weighing 100 g. You can take a large box containing 24 pouches. The cost is about 1,000 rubles. The brand is often recommended as one of the best cat foods according to veterinarians. Texture - chunks in sauce. The components include predominantly meat and meat by-products, 4% chicken, 3% fish. Food should be given at room temperature. Contains prebiotic inulin, vitamins D and E, minerals - manganese, iodine, zinc.
Royal Canin for gastrointestinal problems, sensitive digestion 100 g (pieces in jelly)
pros
- high quality
- balanced composition
- contains fish oil, vitamins, minerals, lutein
- Suitable not only for kittens
Minuses
- price
From 65 ₽
The rating of kitten food cannot do without this famous brand. Pouch weight - 100 g. Texture - pieces in jelly. Includes minerals in chelated form, poultry liver, pork and poultry meat, does not contain processed products. Wet cat food is suitable for animals of any age.
Petreet nature
Wet food is produced in Thailand. The composition contains meat and fish of the highest class, vegetable additives and cereals. The line of these foods includes options containing asparagus, potatoes, and olives. There are also foods with added shrimp or squid. In the canned food you can see whole pieces of fish and meat, which confirms the naturalness of the contents. The balanced composition allows you to keep kittens in good shape. The food of this brand contains a minimum of fat and a maximum of proteins, there are a variety of vitamins and micro- and macroelements, and rice flour. They help the kitten grow normally and develop adequately. Convenient packaging allows you to distribute food and not store it for a long time.
ADVANTAGES: The line includes canned diet food. There are no artificial colors, preservatives or flavors. The composition is completely hypoallergenic. Suitable for picky eating cat breeds.
DISADVANTAGES: The composition contains several vitamin premixes, but they are not enough to consider the product complete. The food has a fairly high price.
Kitten foods that are not suitable for daily feeding
The following food options are not suitable for daily feeding of kittens:
- budget ones, which contain few meat components and a lot of wheat flour;
- containing cereals, corn and other hard-to-digest ingredients;
- made with harmful additives, dyes, preservatives.
An example of such food would be a dry product from the Whiskas brand, which is absolutely unsuitable for the daily nutrition of an animal.
Brit Care
The food from the Czech manufacturer has a balanced composition. It contains enough hypoallergenic components that allow us to recommend it for inclusion in the diet of the most fastidious cats, representatives of exotic breeds, some of which cannot tolerate the presence of beef or chicken. The basis of the composition is 50% natural pieces of meat or fish in jelly. In addition, the composition contains a varied complex of vitamins and minerals. Available in packs and canned food. The line has a wide variety of different flavors. The healthy fats and minerals included in the composition have a beneficial effect on the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract of a small pet and allow it to grow into a healthy adult animal with strong immunity, healthy skin and shiny, beautiful coat.
ADVANTAGES: Hypoallergenic, free of thickeners, flavors, synthetics and dyes. Contains only natural ingredients. Used as the main diet.
DISADVANTAGES: Quite a high price due to the presence of high-quality components.
Applaws
English canned food belongs to the holistic and super-premium class food. In the production of this product, only high-quality ingredients are used that meet basic European standards. There are three main types of soft food from this brand: pates, jellies and canned food in metal cans. The composition includes up to 75% meat or fish products. The remaining mass is broth. There are also cereal additives. In addition to the above-mentioned options with fish and poultry, there is soft food with shrimp or cheese. This allows us to offer owners of mischievous fluffies a wide range with different taste characteristics. They can choose food for the most demanding and capricious kids. Healthy fats and minerals help strengthen the skeletal system. They also help the skin to be healthy and the coat to be thick and shiny.
ADVANTAGES: The food contains no dyes, preservatives or flavorings with thickeners that could harm the kitten’s body to develop normally and grow healthy and active. DISADVANTAGES: High price, which is justified by excellent quality. Sold only in specialized stores.
Features of feeding kittens from 1 month
At this age, babies are not taken away from their mother. But if this happens, you need to continue to feed the offspring with a cat's milk replacer and gradually transfer them to solid food. Regardless of what food you feed your kitten, consider the recommendations below.
1. Leave cat milk in the diet or use a milk substitute (listed below) until the kittens reach 2 months of age.
2. If you intend to feed your babies commercial food, completely exclude homemade food from their diet.
3. The introduction of dry food is carried out only in a soaked form. For the first time, give the kitten 1 granule, soaked in kefir or milk replacer. The second time, take 2 granules and repeat the steps. Slowly increase the amount of food fed to the amount indicated on the package.
4. Food for kittens can be given from 1 month, adhering to the recommended daily intake. Each manufacturer sets its own standards; carefully read the recommendations on the packaging.
5. The frequency of feeding also matters. The daily amount of food indicated on the pack is not given at once, but is divided into 3-4 full meals. The exact number of feedings depends on the activity and health of the baby.
6. You should not unnecessarily change the brand of cat food if the kittens’ body reacts normally. It is necessary to switch to another manufacturer only in case of allergies or problems with the gastrointestinal tract.
7. It is highly not recommended to feed babies with foods belonging to the economy segment (Whiskas, Kitikat, etc.). Preference is given strictly to premium or super-premium class.
8. To avoid the development of hypervitaminosis, food for kittens is not combined with special vitamins for offspring from 1 month. All additives are present in industrial food.
9. Store-bought food is partially devoid of the amount of liquid that kittens require (especially dry food). Therefore, you need to make sure your baby drinks enough clean water.
10. Before feeding the kitten, it is important to choose special food. For offspring 1 month old, only food designed for kittens from 3-4 weeks is suitable. Food for adults is not provided.
Leonardo
German wet food for kittens belongs to the super-premium class. It contains high-quality meat and seafood, which account for up to 80% of the total volume. The remainder consists of fresh eggs, mineral by-products and oils. They provide the skeletal system and muscle tissue with a sufficient amount of “building material”. Potassium and phosphorus from canned food also have a beneficial effect on the skeletal system. Vitamin B promotes the formation of the circulatory and nervous systems. The food has a delicate consistency and usually suits the taste of most babies. It contains taurine - this element is responsible for good vision and the functioning of the cardiovascular system.
ADVANTAGES: The food promotes a surge of energy, strengthens the immune system and helps animals grow strong. Canned food does not contain soy, grains, gluten, artificial flavors and preservatives, thickeners and other low-quality ingredients.
DISADVANTAGES: Difficulty in purchasing goods in some regions of the country. Some experts have questions about the quality of poultry meat and some ingredients.
The best cat foods in the category: super premium
A food of this level is not so far removed from holistic in composition, but still contains natural preservatives and a little more ingredients of plant origin. This food is absolutely safe for cats if it is chosen correctly depending on the needs of the animal. As in the holistic category, there are also veterinary foods that are suitable for cats with illnesses or after operations. The cost of super-premium products is quite high.
Hills Science Diet (Prescription Diet)
Photo: www.petco.com
Average price in the Russian Federation : from 900 rubles. for 1.5 kg
Why in the rating : the brand has a wide selection of food varieties aimed at very specific requirements: anti-obesity, heart and kidney health, for allergy sufferers, post-operative feeding, and so on. Finding food on sale is not difficult if you go to a veterinary pharmacy, but you can also find it in regular pet stores.
Disadvantages : Hills has been produced in Russia for a long time, which causes felinologists to worry about the quality of the products. When buying this food, you should pay attention to the country of origin - pay attention to European factories.
Rating : 8.8 out of 10
From reviews of Hills Science Diet : “An excellent solution for a diet after surgery, but for the right choice it is better to consult a veterinarian.”
Eukanuba
Photo: www.petzilla.co.uk
Average price in the Russian Federation : from 1200 rubles. for 2 kg
Why in the rating : the company has both a veterinary and a daily series, and both belong to the super-premium class - and this does not happen so often. The food has a very well-balanced composition with a maximum of meat ingredients, and the daily portion of food will be quite small due to its nutritional value.
Disadvantages : the food contains vegetable protein. In addition to the fact that the assortment cannot be called very wide, it may not be available in most pet stores.
Rating : 8.5 out of 10
From reviews of Eukanuba : “When choosing the type of food, you should consider how well the cat tolerates plant protein.”
1st Choice
Photo: www.cty-fish.com
Average price in the Russian Federation : from 1200 rubles. for 2.27 kg
Why in the rating : the food is produced in Canada, which means it undergoes a very strict quality assessment. Proteins and carbohydrates are perfectly balanced in the composition, but there is also a completely safe hypoallergenic food option.
Disadvantages : the choice of food types is not very large. In addition, the composition contains a couple of undesirable ingredients: cellulose and so-called “poultry meal”. The problem with the last component is that it is impossible to determine what such flour consists of - you can only hope for the integrity of the manufacturer.
Rating : 8 out of 10
From reviews of 1st Choice : “Very small portions are enough for a cat to be satisfied.”
The best cat foods in the category: premium
Affordable, high-quality premium food can now be purchased at most pet stores, both in bags and in bulk. The composition of this food is quite decent, natural preservatives are used, but the amount of corn can be too large. However, premium food is a fairly good daily nutrition for a healthy animal. The lines also include offers for kittens, sterilized cats and aging cats.
Hills Science Plan
Photo: images.vet-medic.com
Average price in the Russian Federation : from 790 rubles. for 2 kg
Why in the rating : the range of food is very wide and there is an option for even the most picky cat. The composition is very carefully selected and balanced, and you can choose meals with different amounts of protein. There is also food for dental health, which is very important to monitor throughout the cat’s life.
Disadvantages : there is a risk of buying a batch produced at a Russian plant - the standards are completely different here. Contains vegetable protein and grains.
Rating : 7.9 out of 10
From reviews of Hills Science Plan : “It is important to choose nutrition based on the age of the animal.”
Royal Canin
Photo: static.shop033.com
Average price in the Russian Federation : from 650 rubles. for 2 kg
Why in the rating : food is available in almost every pet store, at a price slightly higher than economy class, and the composition is much more balanced and nutritious. The choice of food types is very large, and the specialized veterinary series even belongs to the super-premium class. There is food for dental health - it is not so often found in the lines of well-known companies.
Disadvantages : there has been a plant in Russia for a long time, and felinologists, as already mentioned, prefer European or American production. Contains ingredients of plant origin.
Rating : 7.5 out of 10
From reviews of Royal Canin : “The series for kittens and older cats are especially good.”
Purina ProPlan
Photo: nt.petplanet.co.uk
Average price in the Russian Federation : from 650 rubles. for 1.5 kg
Why in the rating : the composition of the food is perfectly balanced and does not require any dietary supplements; in addition, it contains the probiotics and enzymes that cats need. The price is very affordable and there is a fairly large assortment on sale everywhere.
Disadvantages : it contains a lot of herbal ingredients, liver (cats are allergic to it), animal fat of unknown origin.
Rating : 7 out of 10
From reviews of Purina ProPlan : “Under no circumstances should it be mixed with natural food, otherwise it will end in allergies.”
Almo Nature
Italian canned food belongs to the super-premium class. It is very popular among owners of small kittens of different breeds. The majority (up to 75%) of this food consists of poultry or fish. They are usually found in solid pieces. Also on sale are spiders with liver and vegetables, cheese. These components are part of the basic composition of a growing animal and a developing organism. The balanced composition and energy content allow the kitten to grow up healthy, active, with a strong immune system. Minerals and vitamins from the composition ensure healthy skin and beautiful, thick, shiny coat. The food undergoes a 3-stage test. First, the composition is checked for compliance with standards. The second stage is checking the thoroughness of feed processing. Third, an assessment of safety and taste is given.
ADVANTAGES: The composition does not contain preservatives, dyes, by-products or thickeners with flavors. Large assortment with different tastes and compositions. Packaging of different types and volumes.
DISADVANTAGES: Sold only in specialized stores. Suitable for food only for kittens. For adult cats it serves as an additive to the main diet.
Advantages and disadvantages of premium kitten food
The main advantages of premium cat food include:
- wide product range;
- reasonable cost;
- high quality;
- use of natural raw materials;
- inclusion of the optimal amount of protein components;
- enrichment with vitamin and mineral complexes, fiber, animal and vegetable fats, amino acids, antioxidants.
The disadvantages include the following:
- the presence of preservatives, dyes and other chemical additives in some samples;
- the presence of poorly digestible corn and wheat in certain types;
- not always a well-balanced composition.
14.Whiskas
The entire Whiskas line is presented in the following options: jelly with veal or turkey; chicken pate; stew with salmon, lamb or chicken; turkey and carrot pillows. Chicken pate is recommended as complementary food from the 5th week of a kitten’s life. It contains the perfect combination of minerals, vitamins and nutrients. Vitamin E helps maintain the body's protective functions. It also contains calcium, beneficial acids such as Omega-6, vitamin A and zinc. Taurine helps to develop good vision - this is important for a small hunter. This product also promotes the formation of a healthy cardiovascular system. The advantages of this food include its ease of digestion. In soft food - veal or turkey jelly, there are small pieces of meat in the jelly. It, like pate, can be added to the diet starting from 1 month of a kitten’s life.
ADVANTAGES: This food minimizes the risk of overeating. Helps normalize the water balance in the kitten's body. This minimizes the risk of diseases of the genitourinary system. Recommended starting after the first month of life. It provides a smooth transition from mother's milk to solid food.
DISADVANTAGES: None identified.