Kitten Chow Naturals Dry Kitten Food
Verified Jun 15, 2026
This is a high‑protein dry kitten food designed for growth, with real chicken and chicken by-product meal as the main animal protein sources. Corn gluten meal, soy flour, and grains provide additional protein and energy, while added DHA supports brain and eye development and taurine supports heart and vision health. It’s formulated to be complete and balanced for kittens and can also meet AAFCO standards for all life stages, including adult cats, when fed appropriately.
Nutritionally, this is a strong, well-balanced choice for growing kittens, with a high protein level and appropriate calcium and phosphorus for growth. It uses a mix of animal and plant proteins and includes DHA, taurine, and antioxidants, which are all important for kittens’ development. It’s a good fit for most healthy kittens, though it won’t be ideal for cats who need to avoid chicken, fish, wheat, corn, or soy due to food sensitivities.
The KibbleLab Score (1–10) is assessed from publicly available product data. Our evaluation is science-based, not marketing-based.
KibbleLab may earn an affiliate commission when you buy through a link. No one can pay for a higher score, or to change what we recommend for your pet.
At a Glance
KibbleLab Review
Strengths
- High protein (40% min) and moderate fat (15% min), which are appropriate levels for supporting healthy kitten growth and activity.
- Real chicken and chicken by-product meal provide concentrated, nutrient-dense animal protein, plus added taurine for heart and eye health.
- Includes DHA from fish oil to support brain and vision development in young kittens.
- Complete and balanced to AAFCO standards for all life stages, so it can safely support kittens through growth and into adulthood if desired.
Considerations
- Contains multiple common allergens, including chicken, fish, soy, wheat, and corn, so it’s not a good option for kittens with known food allergies or sensitivities to these ingredients.
- Relies in part on plant protein sources like corn gluten meal and soy flour, which are nutritionally acceptable but mean not all of the protein is from animal sources.
- Menadione sodium bisulfite complex (a vitamin K source) is somewhat controversial among some nutritionists, though it is permitted and commonly used in commercial pet foods.
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
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.
02
Chicken By-Product
Chicken by-product is a common protein ingredient in pet foods made from edible parts of the bird not typically consumed by people—such as organs (liver, heart), necks and other tissues—and is used to add protein, flavor and nutrient density. It can provide concentrated protein, essential amino acids, B vitamins and minerals (and may contribute taurine when organ meats are included), but composition and quality vary by source, so pet parents concerned about sourcing, higher ash/fat content or chicken allergies should check the manufacturer’s labeling and quality standards.
03
Corn Gluten
Corn gluten (often listed as corn gluten meal) is a concentrated plant-based protein and kibble-binding ingredient commonly used in dry pet foods to boost protein content, energy density, and help with texture. It provides digestible protein for dogs but is relatively low in essential amino acids like lysine, is not an ideal sole protein source for obligate carnivores such as cats, and can be a sensitivity/allergen for some pets, so it’s best used alongside high-quality animal proteins and complementary ingredients.
04
Soy Flour
Soy flour is a plant-derived protein and carbohydrate ingredient used in dog and cat foods as a protein source, binder and texture improver, supplying moderate-quality protein, fiber and calories though it is lower in some amino acids (notably methionine) than typical animal proteins. It can be a cost-effective, digestible ingredient, but soy is a common allergen for some pets and may be less suitable as a primary protein for obligate-carnivore cats; it also contains isoflavones that could influence hormone-sensitive or thyroid-compromised animals, while proper processing reduces antinutritional factors.
05
Yellow Corn
Yellow corn is commonly used in pet foods as a digestible carbohydrate and energy source, supplying starch, some fiber, plant-based protein, B vitamins and carotenoids like lutein. It is a cost-effective ingredient that dogs digest well (cats, as obligate carnivores, do not require carbohydrates), but corn’s protein is lower in certain essential amino acids, it can add excess calories if overused, and quality control is important to minimize contaminants (e.g., mycotoxins) and address rare food sensitivities.
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
AAFCO Nutritional Adequacy
What is AAFCO
Association of American Feed Control Officials. It sets the nutritional
adequacy standards US pet foods are measured against.
What is AAFCO
Association of American Feed Control Officials. It sets the nutritional adequacy standards US pet foods are measured against.Brand
Purina Cat Chow is a staple mid-range cat food brand emphasizing everyday nutrition, variety, and affordability. The brand markets balanced nutrition for cats of all life stages.
Visit Purina Cat ChowManufacturer
Nestlé Purina operates its own manufacturing facilities in the United States and globally with rigorous quality assurance programs. Facilities comply with FDA and USDA standards and implement HACCP-based food safety systems. The company conducts AAFCO feeding trials and employs board-certified veterinary nutritionists.
Manufacturing details are compiled from public sources and not independently verified; they may not reflect contract manufacturing or co-packing.
Recall History
Purina Cat Chow Kitten Chow Naturals Dry Kitten Food has no recalls since 2014.
Source: FDA Pet Food Recall Database · Monitored daily
Sign up for the full picture
Feeding Calculator
Personalized portion sizes based on your pet's weight, age, and activity level.
Get started
Post your cat's report card and challenge friends to check their food.
Frequently Asked Questions
Has Purina Cat Chow ever been recalled?
We have no recalls on record for Purina Cat Chow. 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.
Continue with Google
Continue with Facebook