Bringing a new kitten home is one of life’s purest joys. They’re a whirlwind of playful energy, tiny mews, and endless cuddles. But with that joy comes a big responsibility: making sure your tiny tiger gets the best possible start in life. One of the first, and most important, decisions you’ll make is what to feed them. The options can be overwhelming, but for decades, many new pet parents have turned to trusted names like Purina.
Today, we’re taking a close look at Purina Kitten Chow Nurture, a food specifically designed to meet the high-energy and developmental needs of a growing kitten. Does it live up to the hype? Let’s find out if it’s the right choice for your new feline family member.
Key Features of Purina Kitten Chow Nurture
Purina has formulated this food with a kitten’s first year in mind, focusing on the core building blocks they need to grow up healthy and strong.
✅ High in Protein for Muscle Growth: This formula boasts 25% more protein than leading adult cat foods. Made with real, farm-raised chicken, it provides the fuel needed to develop strong, lean muscles for all that pouncing and playing.
✅ Supports Brain and Vision Development: Just like in human babies, DHA is a crucial nutrient for kittens. This food includes DHA, an omega-3 fatty acid, to help support healthy brain and vision development as they explore their new world.
✅ Packed with Essential Nutrients: Beyond protein, this kibble is fortified with a blend of vitamins and minerals essential for a kitten’s growth, including calcium for strong bones and teeth.
✅ No Artificial Colors or Flavors: You can feel good knowing you’re not feeding your little one unnecessary additives. Purina focuses on high-quality, essential ingredients without the fluff.
How to Feed Your Kitten
Transitioning to solid food and getting the portions right is key. Purina provides a simple feeding guide based on your kitten’s age. Remember that kittens have tiny stomachs and high energy needs, so they eat small meals frequently throughout the day.
- 3 to 6 Weeks: At this stage, kittens are just starting to wean. Moisten the kibble with a bit of warm water to make a soft gruel and offer it 3 to 4 times a day. Start with about 1/4 to 1/3 cup (dry) per day for the litter.
- 7 Weeks to 6 Months: Your kitten is in a major growth spurt! You can typically stop moistening the food. Feed them 1/3 to 3/4 of a cup, split into 2 to 3 meals daily.
- 7 Months to 1 Year: As they approach their first birthday, their growth slows a bit. Adjust feeding to 1/2 to 3/4 of a cup, split into two meals per day.
Important Tip: When introducing any new food, do it gradually over 7-10 days by mixing it with their old food to avoid upsetting their stomach. And, of course, always have a bowl of fresh, clean water available!
What Are Customers Saying?
With a stellar 4.8 out of 5 stars from over 17,000 ratings, it’s clear this food is a hit in most households.
Jessica M. (5/5 stars) writes, “I’ve raised three kittens on this food, and they’ve all grown into healthy, active cats. The kibble is tiny, perfect for their little mouths, and they absolutely love the taste. Their coats are always so shiny!”
Another user, David R. (5/5 stars), focused on a different aspect, saying, “We foster kittens, and this is our go-to food. It’s affordable, and even the pickiest eaters seem to enjoy it. We’ve never had issues with upset stomachs, which is a huge plus when you’re caring for multiple little ones.”
Of course, no product is perfect for everyone. A few reviewers, like Samantha P. (3/5 stars), noted, “I wish the first ingredient was whole chicken instead of a by-product meal, and it does contain corn. My cat did fine on it, but I eventually switched to a grain-free option.” This highlights that while it’s a great fit for many, those seeking premium, grain-free formulas might look elsewhere.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✅ Affordable and widely available | ❌ Contains corn, soy, and wheat fillers |
| ✅ High protein content for muscle growth | ❌ Uses chicken by-product meal as a primary ingredient |
| ✅ Includes DHA for brain & vision health | ❌ Not suitable for kittens with known grain allergies |
| ✅ Trusted, long-standing brand | |
| ✅ Small kibble size is perfect for kittens |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: When should I switch my kitten to adult cat food? A: It’s best to keep your cat on a kitten-specific formula like this one until their first birthday. Around 12 months, their nutritional needs change as they are no longer in a rapid growth phase. Be sure to transition to adult food slowly.
Q: Is Purina Kitten Chow grain-free? A: No, this formula is not grain-free. It contains ingredients like corn, rice, and wheat. If your vet has recommended a grain-free diet for your kitten, this would not be the right choice.
Q: My kitten is very picky. Will they like this? A: Based on thousands of reviews, most kittens find this food very palatable. However, every cat is an individual! The chicken and liver flavors are typically very appealing to them.
The Final Verdict
So, who is Purina Kitten Chow Nurture for? It’s an excellent, reliable, and budget-friendly option for the vast majority of kitten owners. If you’ve just brought home a new kitten and want to ensure they’re getting all the fundamental nutrients for healthy development without breaking the bank, this is a fantastic choice. It’s particularly well-suited for first-time cat owners who want a straightforward, trusted food that their kitten is very likely to enjoy.
Pet owners who strictly adhere to grain-free or whole-meat-first diets may want to explore more boutique or premium brands. But for a solid, all-around nutritional foundation that has helped raise generations of healthy cats, Purina Kitten Chow remains a top contender.
Ready to give your kitten a great start? Buy on Amazon