KMR 2nd Step Kitten Weaning Food Powder
Verified Jun 16, 2026
This is a high-calorie, milk-based powdered weaning food designed specifically for 4–8 week old kittens transitioning from nursing to solid food. It uses dried meat solubles and multiple dairy proteins as the main protein sources, with added fats and marine microalgae oil to support energy needs and provide DHA for developing eyes and brain. The formula is intended to be mixed with warm water to create a creamy cereal that’s easy for young kittens to lap and digest during the weaning period.
Nutritionally, this is a well-designed transitional diet for very young kittens who are just learning to eat from a bowl. It provides concentrated protein and fat from animal and dairy sources, along with added taurine, DHA, and a full vitamin–mineral premix appropriate for growth. This type of product is best used as a short-term bridge between milk (queen or KMR) and a complete kitten food, rather than as the sole long-term diet.
The KibbleLab Score (1–10) is assessed from publicly available product data. Our evaluation is science-based, not marketing-based.
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At a Glance
KibbleLab Review
Strengths
- Formulated specifically for 4–8 week old kittens, providing an easy-to-lap, calorie-dense step between milk and solid food.
- Good protein and fat levels for growth, coming primarily from meat solubles and multiple milk proteins (skim milk, whole milk, whey, milk protein).
- Includes added taurine and marine microalgae oil as a source of DHA, which are important nutrients for kittens’ heart, eye, and brain development.
- Very low fiber and a simple, milk-based matrix, which generally makes it gentle on immature digestive systems.
Considerations
- Contains multiple dairy ingredients, which are appropriate for most kittens but could bother the rare individual with lactose or milk protein sensitivity.
- Preserved with BHA and BHT; these are considered safe and effective antioxidants, but some owners prefer to avoid them.
- Designed as a transitional weaning food, not as a permanent replacement for a complete kitten diet beyond the early-weaning window.
Full Ingredient List
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
Meat
Meat is a primary animal-based source of protein and fat in pet foods, providing essential amino acids, highly bioavailable vitamins and minerals (including B vitamins, iron and zinc) and nutrients such as taurine that are particularly important for cats. While meat supports muscle maintenance, growth and palatability, it must be included within a balanced, complete formulation or appropriately supplemented because plain muscle meat can be deficient in calcium and other nutrients, and considerations about quality, fat content, sourcing, species-specific sensitivities or allergies, and pathogen risk with raw feeding are important.
02
Rice Flour
Rice flour is a finely milled carbohydrate ingredient commonly used in pet foods as a digestible energy source and as a binder or thickener in kibble, treats, and wet food formulations. It is generally well tolerated by dogs and cats and low in fat, but offers limited protein and essential amino acids (so it should complement animal protein sources), can increase dietary glycemic load which may be relevant for diabetic or weight‑management pets, and may carry low levels of inorganic arsenic depending on sourcing and processing.
03
Skim Milk
Skim milk is a low‑fat dairy ingredient commonly used in pet foods as a source of high‑quality animal protein, calcium and water‑soluble vitamins, and to improve palatability, texture and binding in formulations. While it can provide useful nutrients, many adult dogs and especially cats are partially lactose intolerant and may experience gastrointestinal upset, and it should be used cautiously in pets with lactose sensitivity, milk protein allergies or those needing strict carbohydrate or calorie control.
04
Whole Milk
Whole milk is used in pet foods mainly as a palatability enhancer and source of animal fat, protein, calcium, phosphorus and fat‑soluble vitamins, often added as liquid or dried milk to improve flavor and texture. While it provides energy and key nutrients, many adult dogs and cats have low lactase activity and can develop diarrhea or GI upset, it is calorie‑dense and may exacerbate obesity or pancreatitis risk, can be an allergen for some pets, and should be used as a processed (not raw) ingredient rather than a staple in the diet.
05
Maltodextrin
Maltodextrin is a processed, rapidly digestible carbohydrate commonly used in pet foods and treats as a binder, bulking agent, texture improver and flavor carrier. It supplies easily metabolized calories but offers little in the way of vitamins, minerals or fiber, so excessive inclusion can contribute to weight gain or blood sugar spikes in obese or diabetic dogs and cats, and it may cause digestive upset in sensitive pets; sources can include corn, wheat, potato or rice, so check for potential allergen concerns.
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.What is calorie density
How many calories the food packs per unit. Denser foods mean smaller portions for the same calories.Product Details & Brand
Product Specs
Brand
KMR (Kitten Milk Replacer) is a highly regarded milk formula designed to provide complete nutrition to orphaned or nursing kittens requiring additional feeding. It closely mimics the composition of mother’s milk and is trusted by veterinarians and rescues worldwide.
Visit KMRManufacturer
PetAg maintains extensive quality control programs for its pet nutrition products, adhering to regulatory standards for pet food and supplements in the United States. Their facilities operate under FDA and AAFCO guidelines for animal feed safety and quality.
Manufacturing details are compiled from public sources and not independently verified; they may not reflect contract manufacturing or co-packing.
Recall History
KMR KMR 2nd Step Kitten Weaning Food Powder has no recalls since 2014.
Source: FDA Pet Food Recall Database · Monitored daily
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Frequently Asked Questions
Has KMR ever been recalled?
We have no recalls on record for KMR. We monitor the FDA Pet Food Recall Database daily.
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.
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 database. Last verified dates reflect our most recent data check.
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