I was just wondering what the difference between adult and kitten food was. I went shopping with my mom today for cat food, and she complained about the prices for kitten food being higher, and wondered if there really was any difference between the two.
We bought kitten food anyway, but I'm still curious as to what the difference is.
Kitten food to my knowledge, has higher amounts of certain ingredients, to help with growth of a kitten, like calcium and protein etc. I always feed kitten food until they are approx a year old, then onto adult food. Just my 2 cents worth
The calcium/phosphorous proportions are the most important feature of kitten food and is the reason an all life stage food that is for both kittens and adults is a lesser choice. This supports the rapid bone growth of a kitten. Protein and fat and calories may be higher as well, but all life stages foods can meet those requirements and kittens/cats tend to manage those factors pretty well just by their own appetites. They do not have an appetite that stimulates them to get enough calcium/phosphorous unless those are very inadequate in the diet.