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First Feast Kitten Dry Cat Food
Acana

First Feast Kitten Dry Cat Food

Verified Aug 29, 2026

Cat · Dry Kitten All Breed Sizes

A high-protein dry kitten food made primarily from chicken, chicken meal, turkey meal, eggs, and whole herring to support healthy growth. It includes added DHA and EPA for brain and eye development, plus omega-3 and -6 fatty acids to support skin and coat. Probiotics and a mix of grains and legumes provide fiber and help support digestive health during the rapid growth phase.

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Over-the-counter AAFCO No recalls

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Official product page
KibbleLab Score
8.8 out of 10

Strong Choice

This is a nutrient-dense, animal-protein–forward dry food designed specifically for kittens and for queens during pregnancy or nursing. The protein, fat, and calorie levels are very appropriate for growth, and the inclusion of marine-sourced omega-3s and added taurine supports typical developmental needs. It’s a strong option for most healthy kittens who do well on chicken- and fish-based diets and whose owners want a higher-meat, higher-calorie kibble.

Nutritional profile 10.0
Ingredient composition 8.0
Adequacy substantiation 7.0
Health considerations 10.0

Computed from 4 of 4 applicable checks. Missing data is skipped, never counted against a food.

The KibbleLab Score (1–10) is assessed from publicly available product data. Our evaluation is science-based, not marketing-based.

Nutritional profile Protein, fat, fiber on a dry-matter basis, for the stated life stage and format
Adequacy substantiation Complete and balanced substantiation; feeding trials valued higher
Ingredient composition Screened for unnamed sources, artificial additives, and label protein inflation. Not a quality ranking.
Health considerations Pulse-heavy grain-free (DCM) pattern and recall history
Verified manufacturer evidence A small bonus when we can verify evidence addressing WSAVA selection criteria
9.0 - 10 Top Pick
8.0 - 8.9 Strong Choice
7.0 - 7.9 Solid Option
6.0 - 6.9 Worth a Conversation
Below 6.0 Review Carefully

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At a Glance

Marketed Benefits
Where these benefits come from Benefits the manufacturer highlights in its own product marketing. KibbleLab lists them for reference and does not verify these claims.
Skin Coat Health Bone Health Brain Health Eye Health Probiotic Support
Suitable For
Kitten All Breed Sizes
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We'll check every ingredient against your pet's sensitivities and avoidance list.

Nutritional Perspective

KibbleLab Review

Strengths

  • Very good protein level for kittens (36% as-fed) from multiple named animal sources, including chicken, chicken meal, turkey meal, eggs, and herring meal.
  • Contains DHA, EPA, and overall omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids to support brain, eye, skin, and coat health during growth.
  • Includes probiotics (Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium species) which can help support digestive health in some kittens.
  • Meets AAFCO nutrient profiles for Growth and Reproduction by formulation, so it is complete and balanced for kittens and for pregnant/nursing cats.

Considerations

  • Contains several common allergens for cats (chicken, turkey, fish, and egg), so it would not be appropriate for kittens with known sensitivities to any of those proteins.
  • Uses peas, lentils, and chickpeas alongside grains; although this is not a grain-free formula, cats with a history of digestive upset on legume-heavy diets may need monitoring.
  • Energy density is high (about 439 kcal per cup), so portions need to be measured carefully to avoid excessive weight gain in indoor kittens.
Scored using the rubric of an NAVC Certified Pet Nutrition Coach (PNCC). This is informational, not veterinary advice.

Full Ingredient List

Chicken, chicken meal, herring meal, oat groats, whole peas, chicken fat, turkey meal, whole green lentils, whole chickpeas, whole herring, eggs, fish oil, natural chicken flavor, lentil fiber, quail, chicken liver, chicken heart, whole cranberries, dried kelp, choline chloride, zinc proteinate, mixed tocopherols (preservative), vitamin E supplement, taurine, vitamin D3 supplement, vitamin A acetate, copper proteinate, biotin, DL-methionine, niacin, thiamine mononitrate, riboflavin, calcium pantothenate, pyridoxine hydrochloride, folic acid, vitamin B12 supplement, ascorbic acid (vitamin C), citric acid (preservative), rosemary extract, dried Lactobacillus acidophilus fermentation product, dried Bifidobacterium animalis fermentation product, dried Lactobacillus casei fermentation product

Ingredients and analysis reflect manufacturer data at the time of our last update and can change without notice. Always check the actual product packaging before feeding.

Ingredient filtering helps identify compatible options but is not a substitute for a veterinary elimination diet.

Top 5 Ingredients Explained

01
Chicken
Chicken is a common animal-based protein in dog and cat foods, supplying essential amino acids, B vitamins, and energy-dense fats that support muscle maintenance, growth, and overall health; for cats it also contributes toward dietary taurine but must be present in sufficient amounts or provided via supplementation. It is prized for its digestibility and palatability, though some pets develop sensitivities or allergies to chicken, and nutritional value and safety depend on ingredient quality and processing—raw chicken carries pathogen risks and whole bones can pose choking or GI hazards.
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02
Chicken
Chicken is a common animal-based protein in dog and cat foods, supplying essential amino acids, B vitamins, and energy-dense fats that support muscle maintenance, growth, and overall health; for cats it also contributes toward dietary taurine but must be present in sufficient amounts or provided via supplementation. It is prized for its digestibility and palatability, though some pets develop sensitivities or allergies to chicken, and nutritional value and safety depend on ingredient quality and processing—raw chicken carries pathogen risks and whole bones can pose choking or GI hazards.
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03
Herring
Herring is commonly used as a high-quality, palatable fish protein and oil source in dog and cat foods, supplying digestible protein along with beneficial long-chain omega-3s (EPA/DHA), vitamin D, B vitamins and trace minerals. It can support skin, coat and joint health, but may be an allergen for some pets and raw fish can contain thiaminase (typically destroyed by commercial cooking); owners should also consider fat content for pancreatitis-prone animals and look for responsibly sourced, low-contaminant products.
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04
Oat Groat
Oat groats are the whole, minimally processed oat kernels (hull removed) used in pet foods as a source of complex carbohydrates, soluble fiber (including beneficial beta‑glucans), and modest amounts of protein, B vitamins, and minerals. They provide digestible energy and can support gastrointestinal health and weight management when cooked or processed for improved digestibility, but should be used in moderation—especially in cat diets and in pets with grain sensitivities or carbohydrate‑restricted conditions such as diabetes.
05
Pea
Pea is a plant-based ingredient used in pet foods as a source of protein, soluble and insoluble fiber, and micronutrients (often included as whole peas, pea flour, or pea protein concentrate) to boost protein content and improve texture. While peas can provide digestible carbohydrates, fiber, and some plant protein useful especially for dogs, they are not a complete protein for obligate carnivores like cats and — when overused, particularly in concentrated forms or as a major component of grain‑free diets — have been scrutinized for a possible association with canine dilated cardiomyopathy and can contribute to nutrient imbalances or excess calories, so balanced formulation and compliance with AAFCO nutritional profiles are important.
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Nutritional Breakdown

How to read As Fed versus Dry Matter As fed shows the numbers straight off the label, water included. Dry matter removes the water so you can compare a wet food and a dry food fairly.
As Fed
Crude Protein (min)
36.00%
Low High
Crude Fat (min)
18.00%
Low High
Crude Fiber (max)
4.00%
Low High
Moisture (max)
10.00%
Low High
3850
kcal / Kg
439
kcal / 8 oz cup
Moderate
Calorie density category
What is calorie density How many calories the food packs per unit. Denser foods mean smaller portions for the same calories.

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Product Details & Brand

Product Specs

Lifestage Kitten
Breed size All Breed Sizes
Texture Kibble
Food type Dry

AAFCO Nutritional Adequacy
What is AAFCO Association of American Feed Control Officials. It sets the nutritional adequacy standards US pet foods are measured against.

Complete & balanced Yes
AAFCO life stages Growth (puppy/kitten), Gestation / Lactation
Substantiation Formulation
ACANA(TM) First Feast Kitten Food is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Cat Food Nutrient Profiles for Growth and Reproduction

Brand

ACANA offers high-protein dog and cat foods made from fresh regional ingredients. The brand focuses on biologically appropriate nutrition with recipes inspired by nature, often containing various ratios of meat, fish, and poultry along with fruits and vegetables. Positioned as a premium choice, ACANA targets pet owners seeking high-quality, grain-free or limited-ingredient diets.

Price tier $$$$

Manufacturer

Company name Champion Petfoods
Parent company Mars, Incorporated
Founded 1985
Headquarters Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
Manufacturing type In House
Manufacturing country Canada and United States
Manufacturing region Alberta; Kentucky
Manufacturing oversight

Champion Petfoods maintains full control over its manufacturing through its own award-winning kitchens — NorthStar in Alberta, Canada, and DogStar in Kentucky, USA. The company implements strict quality control, adheres to HACCP and FDA manufacturing standards, and monitors safety through both internal testing and third-party audits.

Manufacturing details are compiled from public sources and not independently verified; they may not reflect contract manufacturing or co-packing.

Recall History

No recalls on record

No recall is listed for Acana First Feast Kitten Dry Cat Food.

Source: FDA animal food recall listings back to January 2019 · Checked daily, last on Aug 31, 2026

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8.8 /10 Grade A
First Feast Kitten Dry Cat Food
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Frequently Asked Questions

Has Acana ever been recalled?

We have no recalls on record for Acana. We track the FDA's animal food recall listings back to January 2019 and publish every pet food recall automatically. A filing that isn't pet food may not appear here.

How does KibbleLab rate foods?

Our scores are based on ingredient composition, nutritional profile, AAFCO compliance, and health considerations. We don't penalize by-products, grains, or synthetic preservatives. Brands cannot pay for higher scores.

Is KibbleLab a substitute for veterinary advice?

No. KibbleLab provides data-driven food analysis, not medical advice. Always consult your veterinarian before making dietary changes, especially for pets with health conditions.

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KibbleLab provides informational content only. This is not veterinary advice. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before changing your pet's diet.

KibbleLab may earn affiliate commissions through product links. No one can pay for a higher score, or to change what we recommend for your pet.

Product data sourced from manufacturer websites, AAFCO statements, and FDA recall listings. Last verified dates reflect our most recent data check. We track the FDA's animal food recall listings back to January 2019 and publish every pet food recall automatically. A filing that isn't pet food may not appear here.