Kitten formulas perfect for sensitive stomachs
Similar to a newborn puppy, a newborn kitten gets their source of nutrients and vitamins from their mother’s milk. However, there is a higher risk of malnutrition for kittens who were abandoned or kittens with mothers that can’t produce the right amount of milk. That is where kitten milk replacers come in.
Although these formulas are key to giving your kitten the nutrients they need, since they are still tiny, it’s important to find ones that won’t upset their stomach.
What to look for in a kitten milk replacer
How do you know which milk replacers to choose? If you’re looking for the highest-quality milk replacements, then look for a formula that has the following ingredients:
Probiotics: These are necessary to help your kitten with their digestive system and gut health.
Calcium: Unsurprisingly, look for a formula with calcium as this is integral for strong bones, especially for kittens who are less than two weeks old.
Taurine: This essential amino acid supports eye and heart health, and it is something kittens cannot produce on their own. Getting a milk replacer that has this key ingredient is crucial for the health of your kitten.
Protein and fat: These are common ingredients in most milk replacers and an important part of your kitten’s diet.
Colostrum: Some kitten milk replacers include colostrum, which is a milk fluid that comes out of the mother’s breast immediately after giving birth. This substance includes essential nutrients that ward off illness.
Vitamins: Keep an eye out for vitamins A, D, B12 and B1. These vitamins are important for your kitty’s nervous system, digestive tract, bones and immune system.
Choose a milk replacer based on age
Your kitten’s age will determine the amount of milk replacer they’ll need:
0 to 4 weeks old: Only feed your kitten a tiny amount of formula up to six times a day.
4 to 8 weeks old: At this age, kittens can eat solid foods because formula won’t be enough for their diet. They should have a mix of wet food with a little bit of milk.
8 to 12 weeks old: At this age, begin to start weaning your kitten off of milk.
The best kitten milk replacers
PetAg KMR Liquid Kitten Milk Replacer: available at Amazon and PetSmart
Our take: This all-natural, all-milk protein formula will give your kitten all the nutrients they need without the addition of preservatives. What we like: Made for kittens up to six weeks old, this formula is easy to digest and no mixing is required. What we dislike: Some customers complained about this formula being a little too chunky.
Cat MX Kitten Milk Replacement Powder: available at PetSmart
Our take: This easy-to-use powder will give your kitten (up to eight weeks old) the nutrients and vitamins they need for their general health, bone formation and nervous system. What we like: The added Vitamin A and D are great in helping kittens develop strong bones, while vitamins like B12 and B1 also aid their nervous system. What we dislike: You need to make sure to stir the powder well enough so it dissolves completely in the water and resembles milk. You don’t want your kitten to drink a clumpy formula because it might affect their digestion.
Hartz Kitten Milk Replacer Powdered Formula: available at Amazon and Chewy
Our take: Great for the youngest of kittens, this formula is packed with protein, magnesium, taurine, vitamins, antioxidants and omegas to make sure every aspect of your kitten’s health is covered. What we like: Formulated to be easy on even the most sensitive of stomachs, the Hartz formula can be made with room-temperature water. The added lysine is also great for a kitten’s respiratory system. Pregnant, nursing and older cats recovering from an illness can also use this product. What we dislike: Some customers have had issues with the packaging and complain that it doesn’t come with a scoop to get the powder out.
Thomas Labs Goatalac Goat Milk Replacer Powder: available at Amazon and Chewy
Our take: Made with natural goat’s milk, this powder for puppies, kittens and small animals helps ease digestion. What we like: The immunoglobulins and digestive enzymes help support a healthy immune system. What we dislike: It is a little on the pricier side compared to other replacer formulas.
PetAg Petlac Milk Powder for Kittens: available at Amazon
Our take: This high-caloric milk powder provides your kitten with the protein, fat and carbohydrates needed for a well-balanced diet. As part of the Petlac line, this formula in particular is great for newborn kittens. What we like: This formula is easy to feed to your kitten. What we dislike: The formula is liquid and the texture is thicker than other products, so you might use it up faster.
Courtney Love is a writer for BestReviews. BestReviews is a product review company with a singular mission: to help simplify your purchasing decisions and save you time and money.
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