With the launch of our Naturals Kitten Recipe, we introduced an “Introduction to Dry Pet Food” for kittens booklet.

Weaning Your kitten

Kittens require a food which has been specially developed for kittens; kitten food can be slowly introduced from weaning and fed until around 1 year, when they should be slowly transitioned to an adult food. Kitten food has a higher protein and fat content than an adult cat food and provides all of the nutrition necessary for the growth and energy requirements of growing cats.

A delicate balance of protein, oils and fats, carbohydrates and fibre are required to help optimise growth and development within this first critical year

Introduction to a dry diet

A slow introduction of the new food and the transition from weaning (around 8 weeks) needs to be carefully managed.

As a young cat their digestive system is still very sensitive. Start by adding a few kibbles of the new dry food per day, gradually increasing to a full bowl over 2 to 3 weeks.

Always provide plenty of fresh clean water and try to limit supplementing the diet with treats or any other food for the first few weeks to let the digestive system adjust to the new food. If it is necessary, the dry food can also be moistened and softened with water.

Fussy Eaters?

Cats, particularly during the kitten phase can be extremely fussy eaters. Feed in a quiet place away from the litter tray, with regular and structured feeding times to help get your kitten into a regular routine. Clean the bowl after every meal and disregard any uneaten food. A flat bowl which doesn’t brush against the cats whiskers when they eat is advised

If your kitten becomes a fussy eater, remove the bowl of food after every meal time in order to encourage eating routinely. Try to avoid feeding the kitten until the next meal time.

Portion Sizes

You may wish to divide the daily recommended portion into two or three portions (or more!) throughout the day, especially within the first 6 months; this will help provide your kitten with a steady source of energy throughout the day and make sure your kitten’s growth and energy requirements are met. However, be careful not to overfeed your kitten, make sure the recommended daily ration is split between all of the portions of food you are going to offer that day.