FREEZE-DRIED RAW · CAT FEEDING GUIDE
How to feed Kittens
A kitten is a tiny obligate carnivore growing at breakneck speed. From weaning to about one year, they build bone, muscle, brain and immune system almost daily — and every bit of that growth is made from animal protein, fat and a long list of nutrients found only in meat and organ.
That's why what goes in the bowl matters so much right now. Freeze-dried raw gives a kitten dense, highly digestible animal nutrition — the meat, organ, taurine and moisture their bodies are built to run on — so they grow lean, strong and well.
What Kittens actually needs
Cats are obligate carnivores — they're built to run on meat, organ and moisture. Here's what matters most.
Rapid growth
Needs: More calories and protein per pound than an adult
Freeze-dried raw is concentrated animal protein and fat, fueling fast growth without bulky filler a small stomach can't handle.
Obligate carnivore from day one
Needs: Real meat and organ, not plant protein
Raw muscle meat, organ and bone deliver the complete animal nutrition a kitten's body actually uses to build itself.
Taurine-dependent development
Needs: Plenty of taurine for heart, eyes and growth
Animal tissue is naturally rich in taurine, essential as a kitten's heart and vision develop.
Tiny stomach, big appetite
Needs: Small, frequent, nutrient-dense meals
Calorie-dense raw lets a kitten get everything they need in the small amounts they can actually eat at one sitting.
Low thirst drive
Needs: Moisture in the meal, not just the bowl
Rehydrated freeze-dried raw is a high-moisture meal, supporting healthy hydration and urinary health from the very start.
How much to feed Kittens
Quick answer: portion freeze-dried raw by your cat's ideal weight — about 0.13 oz per pound per day, split across two or more small meals. Feed to a lean body, not the bag.
| Ideal adult weight | Freeze-dried per day | Per meal (×2) |
|---|---|---|
| 6 lb | 0.8 oz | 0.4 oz |
| 8 lb | 1 oz | 0.5 oz |
| 10 lb | 1.3 oz | 0.7 oz |
| 12 lb | 1.6 oz | 0.8 oz |
| 15 lb | 2 oz | 1 oz |
| 18 lb | 2.3 oz | 1.2 oz |
Starting points for a moderately active adult (~0.13 oz of freeze-dried per lb of ideal weight). Active pets need a little more, couch companions a little less — always adjust to body condition, not the bag.
What to feed Kittens
Build a kitten's bowl around complete-and-balanced freeze-dried raw. Rotating proteins early helps broaden their nutrient base and, just as importantly, builds an adventurous eater who won't get fussy later. Warm water on the food boosts moisture and scent for tiny noses.
Land Animal's cat recipes are high in animal protein and taurine and low in carbohydrate, gently freeze-dried to preserve nutrition — exactly the dense, meat-first nutrition a growing kitten thrives on.
Feeding by life stage
- Kitten: Kittens need about double the calories per pound and feed often — free-feed or 3–4 small meals a day while they grow, guided by body condition.
- Adult: Once growth slows near a year, shift to two or more measured meals a day and feed to a lean ideal weight, not appetite.
- Senior: Older cats need highly digestible protein and moisture to protect muscle and kidneys; smaller, more frequent meals help.
Common concerns — and the diet connection
- Healthy growthDense animal protein and fat from raw supports steady muscle and bone development without overloading a small stomach.
- DigestionA highly digestible, meat-first diet is gentle on a developing gut and supports firm, healthy stools as kittens transition off milk.
- Hydration & urinary healthThe moisture in rehydrated raw helps build good hydration habits early and supports healthy urine concentration.
- Coat & immune developmentReal animal protein and omega-rich fish support a soft coat and overall condition during the building years.
- Building a non-picky eaterRotating real-meat proteins while young helps prevent the food fixation that makes adult cats hard to feed.
Diet supports health but doesn't replace veterinary care — ask your vet about any specific condition.
Feeding Kittens: what to know
Kittens need roughly twice the calories per pound of an adult cat, and they need it in small, frequent meals. Plan on free-feeding or three to four meals a day through the fast-growth months, then ease toward two or three meals as they approach a year old.
Let body condition guide the amount — a growing kitten should be filling out steadily, not skinny and not pot-bellied. Rehydrate raw with a little warm water for easy eating and aroma, and always keep fresh water available.
Cat feeding questions
How much should I feed a kitten?
How often should a kitten eat?
Can kittens eat raw food?
When can a kitten start freeze-dried raw?
When does a kitten become an adult cat?
How do I keep my kitten from becoming a picky eater?
THE CLEAN BOWL GUARANTEE
If your cat won't eat it, it's on us
Try your cat's first plan risk-free. If they turn up their nose, we'll make it right — money-back, and skip, pause or cancel anytime.
- Obligate-carnivore formulated
- AAFCO complete & balanced
- Pathogen-tested every batch
“My picky indoor cat actually finishes her bowl now — and she’s drinking less because the food has real moisture back in it.”
— Dana & Miso“Switching our senior to raw was easier than I expected. He’s more playful and his coat looks incredible.”
— Theo & Pepper
Portions are starting points for freeze-dried raw and AAFCO complete-and-balanced recipes. Always feed to your individual cat's body condition and ask your vet about specific health needs.