Feeding Kittens Naturally Vet Approved Guide from Weaning to Adulthood🐶✨

By Dr. Duncan Houston BVSc

Kittens grow fast—and what you feed them in their first year shapes their health for life. Whether you’re raising rescue kittens, a new litter, or a solo fluffball, it’s vital to give them high-quality, natural nutrition to support bone growth, immunity, and healthy digestion.

I’m Dr. Duncan Houston, veterinarian and founder of Ask A Vet. Here’s how to feed your kitten naturally from weaning to adulthood, without the confusion of marketing claims or risky DIY diets.

📅 Kitten Feeding Timeline

• 0–4 weeks: Mother’s milk or kitten formula only
• 4–5 weeks: Begin weaning with soft, blended food
• 6–8 weeks: Fully on wet or natural food, 4–5 meals/day
• 3–6 months: 3–4 meals/day, high protein + energy
• 6–12 months: 2–3 meals/day, transition to adult portions

✅ What Kittens Need in a Natural Diet

1. High-Quality Animal Protein

• Chicken, turkey, rabbit, lamb, duck, or fish (cooked or raw, balanced)

2. Healthy Fat for Growth

• Chicken fat, fish oil, goat milk – for energy, coat, and brain

3. Calcium and Phosphorus in Balance

• Essential for bones and teeth – often missed in DIY diets
• Use commercial-balanced raw or cooked diets OR vet-formulated recipes with supplements

4. Taurine, Vitamin A, B12, Zinc

• Crucial for vision, heart, and immune development
• Must come from animal sources or complete supplementation

📋 Sample Natural Weaning Meal (6 Weeks Old)

• 50g cooked chicken or turkey (minced)
• 2 tsp goat milk or warm broth
• Optional: probiotic powder + kitten vitamin blend
• Serve warm and mashed into a soft consistency

🍽️ Feeding Tips for Growing Kittens

• Always serve food slightly warm—not cold from the fridge
• Use shallow dishes to encourage easy eating
• Offer water and wet meals—hydration is essential
• Weigh kittens weekly and adjust food amounts as they grow

🛑 What to Avoid

• Feeding adult cat food or dog food (missing key nutrients)
• Giving only meat without bone, organs, or balance
• Milk substitutes not designed for kittens (cow’s milk = diarrhea)
• Feeding raw without knowing the calcium, phosphorus, and taurine levels

🔗 Tools from & Ask A Vet

• Ask A Vet – Upload your kitten’s diet, weight chart, and feeding questions for real vet advice

📋 Summary Excerpt

Kittenhood sets the stage for life. A vet explains how to feed your kitten naturally—from weaning to adulthood—using high-quality protein, fat, and vet-approved balancing for safe, strong growth.

❓ FAQs

• Q: Can kittens eat raw food?
  A: Yes—but only from balanced commercial sources or recipes created by a vet. DIY raw is risky during growth.
• Q: How often should kittens eat?
  A: 4–5 times/day under 4 months old, then 3–4 meals until 6 months, then 2–3/day after that.
• Q: Do kittens need supplements?
  A: Only if you’re feeding homemade. Most commercial kitten food (wet or raw) is balanced. Ask your vet before adding anything.