The Best Royal Canin Kitten Food: Ranked and Reviewed

Written by Susan Olayode
Updated: January 20, 2023
© Andrew Will/Shutterstock.com

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If you’re the proud parent of a new kitten, congratulations! You probably know that you can’t feed your kitten cat food, but you may not know why. To put it simply, kittens are growing and they need to have the right nutrients in precise amounts in order to develop into healthy adult cats.

In a nutshell, kitten food is higher in calories, protein, and fat than cat food. Plus, it’s fortified with docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) an omega-3 fatty acid that comes from cold-water, fatty fish, to support your kitten’s brain and eye development, and vitamins and minerals to support their developing immune systems.

Since 1968, Royal Canin has studied pets’ nutritional needs. They’re known for tailoring formulas for specific breeds and for every life stage. So you can trust that each of their kitten foods is formulated to provide your new baby cat with every nutrient it needs — in precisely the right amounts — to grow into a healthy cat.

So, which Royal Canin kitten food is the best? Are all of their kitten foods appropriate for your kitten? Read on to find out! We’ve ranked and reviewed them so you can choose the right one (or ones!) for your kitten.

  1. Royal Canin Mother & Babycat Ultra-Soft Mousse in Sauce Wet Food
    • Formulated to provide nutritional needs to pregnant and nursing mothers and to kittens from 1 - 4 months old
    • Contains vitamins and antioxidants to support your kitten's growth and development
    • Includes highly digestible protein and prebiotics for healthy digestion
    • Features DHA for brain development and health
    Check Chewy Check Amazon
  2. Royal Canin Feline Health Nutrition Kitten Thin Slices in Gravy Canned Cat Food, 3-oz, case of 24
    • Contains thin slices of meat in gravy
    • Best for kittens between 4 to 12 months
    • Added fish oil for omega fatty acids
    • Good for healthy digestion
    Check Chewy Check Amazon
  3. Royal Canin Feline Breed Nutrition Persian Kitten Dry Cat Food
    • Formulated specifically for purebred Persian kittens
    • Rich in antioxidants for a healthy immune system
    • Created with highly digestible proteins and prebiotics
    • The unique kibble is specially shaped to be picked up and chewed by Persian kitten mouths
    • Fortified with fatty acids and vitamins to support your kitten's skin and coat health
    Check Chewy Check Amazon
  4. Royal Canin Feline Health Nutrition Dry Cat Food for Young Kittens
    • Easily digestible
    • Especially for young kittens
    • Contains antioxidants and vitamins
    • Easy to chew
    Check Chewy Check Amazon
  5. Royal Canin Feline Health Nutrition Loaf in Sauce
    • Helps transition toward adult textures
    • Contains pork by-products, chicken, chicken, and pork liver
    • Added antioxidants 
    • Very easily digestible
    Check Chewy Check Amazon

#1 Best Overall: Royal Canin Mother and Babycat Ultra-Soft Mousse in Sauce

Our pick for #1 Best Overall Royal Canin kitten food is Royal Canin Mother and Babycat Ultra-Soft Mousse in Sauce. This canned food provides all the nutrition your kitten needs from one to four months. It also meets the needs of pregnant or nursing cats, which will make mealtime easier if you have momma cat, too.

Royal Canin Mother and Babycat Ultra-Soft Mousse in Sauce contain an exclusive blend of vitamins and antioxidants that support your kitten’s development, including DHA to support their brain development. It also features digestible proteins and prebiotics to provide digestive support.

This recipe has a fluffy mousse texture that’s easy for them to eat to help them transition from milk to solid food.

A few reviewers reported that their kittens experienced diarrhea after eating this food.

Pros and Cons of Royal Canin Mother and Babycat Ultra-Soft Mousse in Sauce

ProsCons
This wet cat food is formulated for kittens aged one to four months and pregnant and nursing cats.A few reviewers reported that their kittens experienced diarrhea after eating this food.
The recipe contains an exclusive blend of vitamins and antioxidants that support your kitten’s development, including DHA to support their brain development
It also features digestible proteins and prebiotics to provide digestive support.
It has a fluffy mousse texture that’s easy for kittens to eat to help them transition from milk to solid food.
Best for Affordability
Royal Canin Mother & Babycat Ultra-Soft Mousse in Sauce Wet Food
  • Formulated to provide nutritional needs to pregnant and nursing mothers and to kittens from 1 - 4 months old
  • Contains vitamins and antioxidants to support your kitten's growth and development
  • Includes highly digestible protein and prebiotics for healthy digestion
  • Features DHA for brain development and health
Check Chewy Check Amazon

2. Best for Affordability: Royal Canin Feline Health Thin Slices in Gravy

Royal Canin Feline Health Thin Slices in Gravy are made with the perfect ratio of protein, fat, and carbohydrates that kittens up to 12 months old need.

This kitten-specific recipe will support your kitty’s immune system with a blend of antioxidants, including vitamin E. It’s formulated with high-quality protein and prebiotics that will support their digestive health and balanced intestinal flora for optimal stool quality.

Plus, this recipe supports kitten’s high energy needs during their short-yet-intense growth period.

The formula features small, thin slices that are easy for your kitten to eat and enjoy. They are also great practice for a kitten transitioning to more solid food.

One reviewer said that their kitten got diarrhea from eating this food. A few others said it was too expensive.

Pros and Cons of Royal Canin Feline Health Thin Slices in Gravy

ProsCons
This recipe is formulated with the ideal ratio of protein, fat and carbohydrates that kitten up to 12 months old require.One reviewer said their kitten got diarrhea from eating this food.
This recipe will support your kitten’s immune system with a blend of antioxidants, including vitamin E.A few reviewers said it was too expensive.
High-quality protein and prebiotics support kitty’s digestive health and balanced intestinal flora promotes optimal stool quality.
The recipe also supports kitten’s high energy needs during their short-yet-intense growth period.
It features small, thin slices that are easy for kittens to eat and enjoy.
Best Overall
Royal Canin Feline Health Nutrition Kitten Thin Slices in Gravy Canned Cat Food, 3-oz, case of 24
  • Contains thin slices of meat in gravy
  • Best for kittens between 4 to 12 months
  • Added fish oil for omega fatty acids
  • Good for healthy digestion
Check Chewy Check Amazon

3. Best Breed-Specific: Royal Canin Breed Nutrition Persian Kitten Food

If you have a purebred Persian kitten up to 12 months old, they’re sure to love Royal Canin Breed Nutrition Persian Kitten Food. This breed-specific formula is rich in antioxidants to support your kitten’s immune system. This food also contains highly digestible proteins and prebiotics for their digestive health. And precisely balanced blend of fatty acids and vitamins will help maintain your Persian’s skin health and the development and health of its long, luxurious coat.

Plus, Royal Canin Breed Nutrition Persian Kitten Cat Food features a unique kibble that is designed specifically for Persian kittens’ small mouths.

A few pet parents reported that their kittens wouldn’t eat this food.

Pros and Cons of Royal Canin Breed Nutrition Persian Kitten Food

ProsCons
This recipe is specifically formulated for purebred Persian kittens up to 12 months old.Some kittens won’t eat this food.
It’s rich in antioxidants to support your kitten’s immune systems.
It has highly digestible proteins and prebiotics for their digestive health.
A precise blend of fatty acids and vitamins maintain skin health and the development and health of its long, luxurious coat.
The kibble is designed specifically for Persian kittens’ small mouths.
Best Breed-Specific
Royal Canin Feline Breed Nutrition Persian Kitten Dry Cat Food
  • Formulated specifically for purebred Persian kittens
  • Rich in antioxidants for a healthy immune system
  • Created with highly digestible proteins and prebiotics
  • The unique kibble is specially shaped to be picked up and chewed by Persian kitten mouths
  • Fortified with fatty acids and vitamins to support your kitten's skin and coat health
Check Chewy Check Amazon

4. Best Dry Food for Kittens: Royal Canin Feline Health Dry Cat Food for Young Kittens

Royal Canin Feline Health Dry Cat Food for Young Kittens is specifically formulated for kittens that are four to 12 months old. This food contains an exclusive blend of antioxidants and vitamins to support your kitten’s immune system health. It supports kittens’ digestive systems with highly digestible proteins, fibers, and prebiotics. And the recipe includes a precise mix of proteins, minerals, and vitamins to meet your kitten’s growth and developmental needs.

And your kitten will appreciate that this kibble is designed to be easy for their mouth and emerging teeth to chew.

Some pet parents reported that their kittens wouldn’t eat this recipe.

Pros and Cons of Royal Canin Feline Health Dry Cat Food for Young Kittens

ProsCons
This recipe is formulated specifically for kittens four to 12 months old.Some kittens won’t eat this recipe.
It contains antioxidants and vitamins to support your kitty’s immune system health.
Highly digestible proteins, fibers, and prebiotics support kittens’ digestive systems.
A precise mix of proteins, minerals, and vitamins meet your kitten’s growth and developmental needs.
The kibble is designed to be easy for their mouth and emerging teeth to chew.

Best Premium
Royal Canin Feline Health Nutrition Dry Cat Food for Young Kittens
  • Easily digestible
  • Especially for young kittens
  • Contains antioxidants and vitamins
  • Easy to chew
Check Chewy Check Amazon

5. Best Wet Food for Kittens: Royal Canin Feline Health Loaf in Sauce Kitten Food

If you’re transitioning your kitten to dry food, Royal Canin Feline Health Loaf in Sauce Kitten Food can help. This recipe’s tender, soft loaf texture is easy to eat. And you can mix it with Royal Canin Feline Health Dry Cat Food for Young Kittens to make the transition to dry food easier.

Royal Canin Feline Health Loaf in Sauce Kitten Food features the optimal ratio of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates to meet your kitten’s energy needs. It features a blend of antioxidants, including vitamin E, to support their developing immune system, while digestible proteins, fiber, and prebiotics promote healthy growth and digestion.

A few reviewers said that this food is too expensive.

Pros and Cons of Royal Canin Feline Health Loaf in Sauce Kitten Food

ProsCons
This recipe has a tender, soft loaf texture that’s easy for kittens to eat.Some reviewers said that this food is too expensive.
It’s perfect for transitioning your kitten to dry food, and can be mixed with Royal Canin Feline Health Dry Cat Food for Young Kittens to make the transition easier.
An optimal ratio of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates meets your kitten’s energy needs.
A blend of antioxidants, including vitamin E, supports your kitten’s developing immune system, while digestible proteins, fiber, and prebiotics promote healthy growth and digestion.
Best for Older Kittens
Royal Canin Feline Health Nutrition Loaf in Sauce
  • Helps transition toward adult textures
  • Contains pork by-products, chicken, chicken, and pork liver
  • Added antioxidants 
  • Very easily digestible
Check Chewy Check Amazon

Choosing The Best Royal Canin Kitten Food What to Look For

When you’re shopping for kitten food, keep the following criterion in mind: life stage, ingredients, and price.

Life Stage

If you’re buying kitten food, make sure the food you get is actually for kittens. Or, at the very least, for cats of all ages. This is the only way to ensure that your cat receives the nutrients they need to develop into healthy cats.

Ingredients

As we just mentioned, your kitten’s food must meet a specific nutritional profile in order for it to develop properly. Any kitten food that you consider should meet this nutritional profile. Royal Canin ensures that its foods meet the nutritional profile that the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) established for kittens.

Price

We understand that feeding your kitten the best food available can be expensive. We suggest that you purchase the highest-quality food that you can comfortably afford. This will ensure that your kitten has the nutrients it needs to develop into a healthy cat. And if your cat is healthy, you’ll have less veterinary bills down the road.

The Different Types of Royal Canin Kitten Food: Pros and Cons Compared

Royal Canin Kitten Food comes in many different types. Some of them we discussed here include wet food and dry food. Here are the pros and cons of each to help you decide which is best for your kitten.

Wet Kitten Food

ProsCons
Helps to keep your kitten hydratedDoesn’t help remove plaque and tartar like dry kibble does
Is high in protein, which is great for growthMore expensive than dry
Comes in many delicious flavorsTends to leave a mess behind
Easier for your kitten to eat since it’s softerHas to be refrigerated after opening

Dry Kitten Food

ProsCons
Great for your kitten’s dental health since chewing kibble helps remove plaque and tartarDoes not help with dehydration.
Easier to store after openingIt’s generally not as flavorful as wet food
Less expensive than wet food 

Up Next

The Best Royal Canin Kitten Food: Ranked and Reviewed FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) 

What kitten food is best for kittens?

Our review above shows why Royal Canin kitten foods are recommended so often by veterinarians. It contains just the right amount of nutrients, which makes it the best for kittens.

Is Royal Canin Kitten a complete food?

Each Royal Canin Kitten Food contains the complete and balanced nutrients your kitten needs to stay healthy and grow strong. It’s important to purchase the correct recipe for their stage of development, such as one to four months or up to 12 months.

Thank you for reading! Have some feedback for us? Contact the AZ Animals editorial team.