Are you worried about how to feed your beloved kitten when its mother is unable to nurse or is simply unwilling? Don’t panic! Kitten milk replacer is here to save the day!
This amazing product can provide all the necessary nutrients that your little fur baby needs to thrive, whether its mom is present or not. If you’re caring for a newborn kitten without its mother, kitten milk replacer is essential to mimic the nutrients found in a queen’s milk.
But with so many options on the market, it can be tough to determine which one is the best choice for your kitten. Don’t worry, we’ve done the research for you! We’ve compiled a list of the top kitten milk replacers that are packed with all the essential nutrients for a healthy, happy kitten.
Keep reading to learn more about these amazing products and the important nutrients they contain.
A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites in 2023
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The 10 Best Kitten Milk Replacer
1. PetAg KMR Kitten Milk Replacer Powder
We recommend PetAg KMR Kitten Milk Replacer Powder as the best overall choice in this category. It includes real milk and eggs to match the nutrient value that a kitten’s body required to grow and function well. Suitable for not only kittens but also for senior cats to boost their energy level by providing a sufficient amount of protein.
Furthermore, it is enriched with amino acids and protein which helps stressed cats to meet the requirement of a balanced meal for the healthy function of their body. It adds extra nutrients to those feline bodies that don’t want to eat or have issues with the consumption of a normal meal.
Features List:
- Flavor: Flavorless
- Item form: Powder
- Breed: Small breeds
PetAg KMR Kitten Milk Replacer Powder is ideal for newborn kittens up to 6 weeks, and the daily amount of feeding should be divided into equal proportions for each feeding. The quantity depends upon your kitten’s eating capacity and the requirements of her body.
Pros
- It is available in three cans sizes
- Contains prebiotics
- Enriched with essential nutrients as queen’s milk
- Most the cats enjoy the taste of the powder
Cons
- The snug side of this product is that it might lead to stomach issues if overfed
2. Nutri-Vet Milk Replacement for Kittens
Our premium choice is manufactured by Nutri-Vet. This includes an essential amount of protein, fat, and carbohydrates for your kitten’s healthy diet. Plus, it also includes amino acids, vitamins, and minerals for easy digestion function and boosts your kitten’s energy level.
This kitten milk replacer supports a healthy gut, which includes opti-gut, and probiotics. It aids in growth and development, as well as for easy digestion function. Plus, Nutri-vet products are made with the expertise they use the highest standard of quality.
Features List:
- Flavor: Milk
- Item form: Powdered
- Breed: All sizes and age
Furthermore, all the Nutri-Vet supplements include NASC (National Animal Supplement Council) quality seal. You can freely feed your kitten it won’t harm her health and also matches the nutrient level with the queen’s milk.
Pros
- Available in two sizes
- Includes proteins and fat in a sufficient ratio
- Aids in the development of skin and muscles
- Includes opti-gut which is specially formulated to give proper growth to your kitten at every stage of development
Cons
- One of the snag sides is that there is a high possibility your kitten might not like the taste of the powder
- You have to mix it well before serving it to your little munchkin to avoid lumps
3. Hartz Powdered Kitten Milk Replacer
If you’re looking for the best kitten milk replacer for the money, then powdered kitten milk replacer by Hartz is our suggestion. It includes an optimal balance of vitamins, minerals, and essential nutrients that meet the requirement of body function.
Furthermore, it includes calcium which is beneficiary to strong bones and taurine helps to give proper eye vision and development of inner cells. Plus, it also includes lysine which aids in skin development and regulates the heartbeat.
Features List:
- Flavor: Milk
- Item form: Powdered
- Item weight: 11 ounces
It is also enriched with calories and fats which is good for underweight kittens for proper growth of their body. Not only for kittens but it can also be used for pregnant cats, and nursing mothers which can help their body to function well.
Pros
- Packed with nutrients balanced diet
- Easily digestible
- Enriched with protein, fat, and calcium
- Easy to serve
Cons
- No scooper is given
- Includes BHA, so feed it in a small quantity
4. PetAg KMR 2nd Step Kitten Weaning Food
PetAg KMR is one of the best kitten milk replacers available in the market for good reason! It contains coconut oil, canola oil, whey, vitamin B12, taurine, and many more essential nutrients. It is formulated in such a way that aids kittens when being weaned from their mother.
2nd step kitten weaning food is specially designed with a highly digestible formula that is easy on your little pal’s tummy and convenient for you to use. It is available in three can sizes which is beneficial for a multicat household.
Features List:
- Flavor: Milk
- Item form: Powder
- Breed: All breed sizes
It is advisable to feed kittens thrice a day to meet the requirement of a balanced diet for the proper functioning of her digestive system.
Pros
- Available in three cans which are perfect for multicat household
- Includes all the essential vitamins, minerals, protein, and fat
- Contains prebiotics
- Don’t need to add extra supplements
Cons
- The snag side of this milk replacer is that it can cause gas issues if overfed
5. Petag Petlac Milk Powder for Kittens
Petag Petlac milk powder for kittens is a great alternative for those kittens who are not getting queen’s milk. It is also a good source of a balanced diet for orphaned or rejected kittens up to six weeks old. This is because it provides essential vitamins and minerals which is required for the proper development and growth of the kitten’s body.
The feeding amount varies according to the kitten’s health, one tablespoon is sufficient for a healthy kitten but if your little munchkin is weak then you can add two tablespoons to her bowl and can increase the feeding frequency.
Features List:
- Item form: Other
- Breed: All breed size
- Flavor: Milk
This milk replacer includes vitamins, minerals, and taurine which help to match the nutrient level of the queen’s milk. So, yeah it can be said that it is one of the best kitten milk replacers one should try when a kitten needs it.
Pros
- Includes all the essential nutrients for healthy growth of the body
- The formula is nutritionally complete and matches queen’s milk
- Even you can feed this to a pregnant cat
- A great choice for orphaned or rejected felines also
Cons
- One of the snag sides is that it creates lumps so mix it well before feeding your tiny kitten
- It is expensive but worth investing for kittens’ proper growth and development of the body system
6. Petag Petlac Liquid for Kittens
Petag Petlac Liquid for kittens is a good source of food for little kittens as well as for orphaned ones or rejected ones. The primary motive of Petag is to promote healthy meals for newborn kittens because it includes all the essential nutrients which are required for proper growth and development.
This formula is designed for easy digestion for the little one’s stomach and contains vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and live probiotics for better growth and development of body function as they grow.
Features List:
- Item form: Liquid
- Item weight: 2 pounds
- Breed: All breed sizes
This product is designed in such a way that you can even refrigerate it for a whole day and won’t get spoiled. Plus, the supplement provides a healthy diet to kittens that are not able to eat or nurse as well as who need extra nutrients to overcome the deficiency issue in the body.
Pros
- Very easy to serve
- Full of essential nutrients one required for healthy function of the body
- Ideal for orphaned or stray kittens also
- Can be stored in a refrigerator
Cons
- If overfed it might cause digestive issues such as stomach upset, and gas
7. Royal Canin Baby Cat Milk
Royal Canin baby cat milk is enriched with vitamins, minerals, and proteins to match the nutrient levels offered by queens’ milk. It is formulated in such a way that it dissolves completely and forms no lumps totally homogenous formula.
As we have an idea starch is not good for kitten’s health they cannot digest it well. Plus point of buying this product is that it does not include starch so no obstacles will be created in their digestion process.
Features List:
- Age range: Newborn kittens
- Item weight: 0.3 kilograms
- Breed: All
Maternal milk is naturally enriched with DHA, and so milk replacer by Royal Canin, which helps to develop a kitten’s nervous system.
Pros
- Formulation of milk replacer powder is the same as queen’s milk
- Dissolves instantly
- Ideal for kitten’s digestive health
- Enriched with DHA
Cons
- The drawback of this product is that if overfed it might leads to stomach issue
8. Tailspring Milk Replacer for Kittens
Tailspring Milk Replacer is another one of the best milk replacer brands available in the market for your little munchkin. This ready-to-feed milk replacer is made from goat milk and no preservatives are added during the formation of this milk for your kitten.
Ingredients used in the formation of this milk are human grade and goat milk is a perfect substitute for mother’s milk. Furthermore, your little munchkin will like the taste and you can also feed it as a treat to your senior cats it will help to boost their energy level and balanced digestive system.
Features List:
- Item form: Liquid
- Breed: All breed sizes
- Specific use for the product: Sensitive stomach
As we know goat milk is used in the formation of this liquid but, it is also considered the primary ingredient, and is gentle on sensitive stomachs.
Pros
- Can be fed as a nutrition treat to adult or senior cats
- 100% Human Grade ingredient is used
- No additive preservative, chemical, or flavors added
- Each can make up to 24 ounces
Cons
- As per the survey, it is also observed that few cat breeds don’t like the taste of the liquid
9. Whiskas Catmilk
Cat milk replacer by Whiskas is specially designed for cats and kittens with 98% lactose reduction which helps in easy digestion. It is highly rich in essential nutrients such as calcium, vitamins and minerals, protein, fat, etc.
As we know this nutrient-rich milk replacer also includes calcium, which aids to promote the healthy teeth and bones that kittens needs. Formulated in such a way it gives a tempting taste to your kitten’s taste buds and builds craving.
Features List:
- Flavor: Beef
- Breed: Medium breeds
- Specific uses for the product: Sensitive stomach
Furthermore enriched with crude protein, which is the basic requirement that the feline’s body needs to function efficiently.
Pros
- Specially formulated for sensitive stomach kittens
- Enriched with all the essential nutrients
- Easily dilute and forms no lumps
Cons
- Most of the felines didn’t like the taste of the powder
10. Breeder’s Edge Foster Care Feline
Breeder’s Edge Foster Care Feline is one of the best kitten milk replacers it includes all the essential elements required in kittens’ diet when queens’ milk is not enough. It contains an amino acid that aids in tissue growth and the proper function of her body system.
Great for giving kittens a complete balanced diet for the initial days of their life when queen’s milk is not enough or available. Formulated in such a way that it increases the level of protein, fat, carbohydrates, and energy level to boost the immune system.
Features List:
- Item form: Powdered
- Specific uses for the product: Immune system health
- Breed: All breed sizes
The kitten milk replacer by Revival Animal Health has low lactose which aids in reducing GI irritation, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Pros
- Includes enriched level of taurine for heart and eye health
- Perfect for those kittens who could not get queen’s milk
- Can be used for multicat household
- Easy to prepare and kittens like the taste
Cons
- Includes chemical preservatives BHA which we generally avoid feeding to felines, especially little ones.
- It has a bit sandy texture which might form lumps
Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose the Best Kitten Milk Replacer
As we have already discussed the list of best kitten milk replacers available on the market. Now it’s time to look after the main factors, which should be included in the product you buy for your little kitten.
To help you out we have highlighted a few essential elements to look for which will help you to make a wise choice for your kitten’s healthy diet.
Vitamins and Minerals
Most of the KMR includes vitamins and minerals like A, D3, B12, and E which are essential for your little munchkin’s health. It is also necessary to check the ratio of calcium included in the KMR package which you are buying for your kitten. This is because these are the essential elements that need to be consumed on a regular diet to help the body function well and keep her bones strong from an early stage.
Protein and Fat Content
One of the important elements to look at while purchasing kitten milk replacer is whether it includes protein and fat and in how much ratio as well as how many calories are included per spoon consumption. This gives a tentative idea of how much protein and fat are being consumed by your kitten and whether is it sufficient to feed only KMR or if anything else is also needed to be fed to get complete nutrients benefits.
Shelf Life
As we know kitten milk replacers are available in wide varieties ad ranges and so their packaging is available in different sizes. So, it’s better to roughly draw the estimation of how much quantity you need to be required to feed your kitten and according to that buy the appropriate quantity.
For instance, if you are feeding a small quantity to your kitten and you have bought large cans of KMR then there are chances that the rest of the powder will get spoiled if not been used for a long time. Plus, there are many air-tight cans available in the market which you can store in a refrigerator to prevent them from getting spoiled.
However, there are also a few cans that you can keep in a cool place so it’s advisable to go through the instruction carefully before buying if you want to go for long-lasting KMR then check its criteria and according to that make your decision.
Taurine
Taurine[1] is one of the essential elements that should be included in your feline’s diet. It not only helps to boost your kitty’s energy level but also helps to maintain healthy vision, and boost the immune system. It works as an essential amino acid in your feline’s body.
Mostly animal-based product contains taurine like chicken, meat, turkey, and fish. However, it is not possible to feed your little munchkin solid food at an early stage so for that make sure you are feeding a taurine-fortified milk replacement which can help to boost her energy level.
Taurine helps to develop muscles, easy digestion, helps maintain good vision, and many more health benefits.
FAQs About Best Kitten Milk Replacer
How much does kitten milk replacer cost?
As per our current survey, it has been observed that kitten milk replacers are available in wide ranges but if we talk about the best ones in the market it will cost you something between $12 to $44.
Which is the best kitten milk replacer?
Kitten milk replacers are available in various ranges and types, but if we look from the best-listed point of view then PetAg KMR Kitten Milk Replacer Powder and Nutri-Vet Milk Replacement For Kittens come to the mind. Both in terms of money and quality, it is worth buying these products. It offers a complete diet for kittens, packed with all the essential vitamins and minerals. Plus, aids to prevent nutrient deficiency in your kitten.
Is evaporated milk good for kittens?
No, it is recommended not to feed evaporated milk to your little munchkins. Even in case of an emergency where your kitten is hungry and needs to be fed, it is advisable to avoid feeding evaporated milk to her. In the worst scenario, where you have to feed her then offer her a pinch, not more than that it is not healthy for your kitten’s health.
How do I make my own kitten formula?
You can easily make homemade kitten formula simply by boiling water and milk, then just add half a tablespoon of powder and mix it well. After diluting all three ingredients make sure you store it in an air-tight sealed container and keep it in the fridge for long-lasting usage.
How long do I need to feed my kitten a milk replacement?
Kitten milk replacer should be fed until 6-8 weeks of age by the time the weaning process begins. After that, you can safely feed solid food to your kitten it won’t harm her and it is advisable to start with wet food for an easy transition from milk to a solid diet.
Conclusion
Concluding our review of the best kitten milk replacer available on the market. Confidently, we were able to serve you the appropriate list of products that will be beneficiary for you and your kitten.
Let’s quickly give a recall.
PetAg KMR Kitten Milk Replacer Powder is the best overall choice in this category. Enriched with all the nutrients level that matches with queen’s milk. Plus, suitable for kittens and senior cats as it boosts their energy level.
If you’re looking for the best kitten milk replacer for the money, then powdered kitten milk replacer by Hartz is our suggestion. Packed with nutrients balanced diet and easily digestible.
Our review will help you to make a wise decision for your kitten. We know you want the best for your kitten’s growth and development so our list will surely give you a fair view.
References:
- Coates, J. D. (2015, January 15). What is Taurine? Retrieved September 5, 2022, from https://www.petmd.com/blogs/nutritionnuggets/cat/dr-coates/2014/december/what-taurine-32287
- Choosing the best diet for your kitten. (2022, March 11). VMBS News. Retrieved September 5, 2022, from – VMBS