3 Best Kitten Dry Food in 2024: Updated List

Many companies offer dry food delivery for both kittens and adult cats. But the real challenge lies in finding those that sell quality food with real ingredients, as opposed to those using fillers and mystery meats. To assist you, I've written this guide to help you separate the best from the rest.

Each company on my list offers nutritious ingredients and unique extras. One takes part in eco-friendly projects to offset carbon emissions, one is fully transparent about its sourcing and ingredients, and one boasts a vast selection of choices from various brands.

All things considered, Open Farm is my top pick for the best kitten dry food delivery service. The company is transparent about the origins of its ingredients and has fair prices, especially considering the quality of its meals. But other services stand out in other ways, so be sure to check them out, too. 

The Best Kitten Dry Food Delivery Services Reviewed

1. Open Farm – Best Overall Kitten Dry Recipes

Open Farm earns my top recommendation primarily for its specialized kitten recipe. What’s more, it sources ingredients from ethical suppliers that treat animals with respect and is committed to sustainability. The service clearly categorizes products for different life stages, which is a feature rarely found in the market.

What’s on Offer?

Open Farm has a total of 5 dry cat meals, and one of them is created specifically for kittens. The Kitten Grain-Free Dry Cat Food features turkey and chicken meat. It also contains several valuable ingredients that provide various health benefits, like cranberries, coconut oil, and pumpkin. 

The provider also offers Homestead Turkey & Chicken, Wild-Caught Salmon, Catch-of-the-Season Whitefish, and Pasture-Raised Lamb Dry Cat Food. Note that each meal contains extra proteins. For example, the lamb recipe contains a herring meal and an ocean whitefish meal. 

There are other kitten-suitable items on the menu, too. Open Farm offers 3 types of bone broth, available for purchase individually or as a bundle. Besides, the company provides freeze-dried raw meals, expanding your choices for kitten nutrition.

What Makes It Special?

I appreciate that Open Farm is transparent about the origins of its ingredients. It obtains its meat from farms that treat their animals humanely and allow them to roam freely, without being confined to crates or cages. 

All its proteins are 100% Animal Welfare Certified or wild-caught. Check our comprehensive review to learn more. 

Also, the company has set a goal to decrease its carbon footprint in operations by 42% by 2030. To make it happen, it participates in programs that ensure immediate impact.

Is It Good Value?

Open Farm is famous for various reasons, including its value for money. It has a decent selection of dry meals and is a top choice for eco-conscious cat parents.

The cost of dry food for young cats is similar. The price of the most affordable package starts at $7/day , and the other options are only slightly pricier.

2. The Honest Kitchen – Best for Grain-Free Dry Food for Kittens

The Honest Kitchen offers a range of dry food options suitable for kittens and adult cats. There’s a convenient “Kitten” category in the main dropdown menu, making it easy for kitten owners to find options suitable for young cats.

What’s on Offer?

The Honest Kitchen’s dry food for kittens features 100% human-grade ingredients in recipes designed to deliver nutrient-dense, high-protein meals. These dry food options offer a unique spin on traditional kibble, incorporating whole food “clusters”. Though the selection may seem limited compared to mainstream brands, The Honest Kitchen prioritizes quality over variety.

Each dry food recipe from The Honest Kitchen is made with minimally processed ingredients and is free from artificial preservatives, by-products, or fillers that are common in more budget-friendly brands. This commitment to clean ingredients aligns with what many kitten owners are looking for, as high-quality protein and balanced nutrients are essential for healthy growth.

While there aren’t as many flavor options as you’d find with brands solely focused on cat food, The Honest Kitchen’s dry food still manages to offer a balanced and complete diet suitable for both kittens and adult cats. In addition to dry food, the brand also offers minced, pate, and dehydrated options, as well as supplements and meal toppers, which can be used to enhance a kitten’s diet or add variety if they’re finicky eaters.

What Makes It Special?

A key feature of The Honest Kitchen’s dry food is its use of human-grade ingredients. This standard ensures that both the ingredients and manufacturing process meet FDA guidelines for human food. The Honest Kitchen emphasizes responsibly sourced ingredients, often opting for organic produce and free-range meats. You can find out more details about the ingredients in our in-depth review.

The Honest Kitchen also focuses on minimal processing. This approach means that kittens receive more bioavailable nutrients, which may improve digestion and help with sensitive stomachs – a common issue for young cats adapting to new foods.

Another factor that sets The Honest Kitchen apart is its commitment to transparency. The brand shares detailed sourcing and ingredient information, helping cat owners make informed decisions about what they’re feeding their pets. This level of openness can be valuable for pet parents who are managing the specific dietary needs of a growing kitten.

Is It Good Value?

With its human-grade quality and focus on premium ingredients, The Honest Kitchen’s food for kittens is priced higher than many commercial brands. However, the quality of ingredients and the lack of fillers means that each serving provides more nutrition per bite, which could reduce the need for additional supplements or treats.

A one-time purchase of The Honest Kitchen’s 1 lb. bags of dry food clusters typically starts at $8.99, and there are options to save with recurring orders. Subscribers can also choose their preferred delivery frequency, from every 2 weeks to 12 weeks – and you can change this as your kitten gets bigger and eats more. 

3. Chewy – Best Dry Food Assortment

Chewy is an online pet food retailer that sells a range of products. Besides food, it offers treats, supplements, and a wide array of other products, including healthcare items. 

What’s on Offer?

Chewy has a large dry food assortment for kittens, including around 80 meals from dozens of producers on offer, with options targeted to digestive health, healthy development, and other specific needs. 

The cat food delivery service offers a varied selection of protein options including chicken, turkey, duck, and salmon, among others. If you seek a specific diet for your kitten, there are choices like gluten-free, high-protein, and flax-free, among several other options.

Chewy also offers a selection of 40+ dry food toppings from brands like Nulo, Stella & Chewy's, and Instinct.

What Makes It Special?

Chewy's online store features an efficient filtering system that you can use to quickly find what you need. Key filters for kitten-related items are Brand, Special Diet, and Flavor. If you value the opinions of previous customers, you can use the Customer Rating filter.

Customer service provides 24/7 support accessible through phone, live chat, and email. As highlighted in our comprehensive review, Chewy also has a telehealth program, connecting you with licensed veterinarians for any concerns about your kitty's health.

Is It Good Value?

Chewy offers a wide range of products, from food to treats to accessories. But, it lacks the meal customization service that many pet parents appreciate.

The price of your kitten's diet varies based on the type of food, brand choice, and several other factors. Still, the starting price at this online pet food store is <$2 per meal.

Quick Comparison Table

Tips for Choosing the Best Kitten Dry Food

When choosing the best dry food for your kitten, there are a few key factors to consider. Here are some tips to help guide your decision: 

• Check the ingredients. Many pet food providers sell dry food, but the differences between them tend to run deep.  You should focus on those that use real ingredients and don't include additives, preservatives, fillers, and other by-products. Look for human-grade ingredients and veterinarian-approved meals.  

• See if the service offers food specifically designed for kittens. Although many companies claim their recipes are suitable for cats at all life stages, formulas tailored for juvenile cats can be beneficial for various reasons.
  

• Think about other essentials. Beyond necessities like a litter box, you might want to pamper your kitten with treats, or perhaps buy a toy or two. Chewy has all these items on offer. If you have a limited budget, you can turn its delivery box into a toy. 

• Check the customer support availability. You might need to contact customer support, particularly if the company offers a wide assortment of products. While all 3 services I've reviewed provide efficient customer support, only Chewy offers 24/7 assistance, available every day of the year.

FAQ

Should I moisten my kitten’s dry food?

Ensure that fresh water is nearby when your kitten eats dry food. Also, consider adding a bit of warm water to the dry food to soften it and make it more palatable and easier for your juvenile cat to eat.

What is the best dry food for kittens?

I believe that Open Farm's Kitten Grain-Free Dry Cat Food is the best food for young cats. That's because it's formulated specifically for kittens. But if the food you're considering is suitable for cats at any stage of life, it's also a safe bet.  

What age can kittens eat dry food?

Kittens are ready to start eating moistened dry kibble when they are about 3 to 4 weeks old. By the age of 6 to 8 weeks, they have usually been weaned off their mother's milk and can consume dry kitten food. 

Best Kitten Dry Food in 2024 — Final Score