Simply Nourish Kitten Food

Everything You Need to Know Before Buying Your Kitten’s Food

As a new kitten owner, one of the most important decisions you’ll make is choosing the right food to fuel your kitten’s growth and development. With so many options on the market, it can be overwhelming trying to figure out which brand is best. Simply Nourish is a great option to consider for high-quality and affordable kitten food.

I recently went through the process of selecting a kitten food for my new furry friend. Throughout my research, Simply Nourish stood out as a brand I felt good about feeding my kitten. In this buying guide, I’ll share everything I learned during my search to help you make the best choice for your own kitten’s nutritional needs.

What is Simply Nourish Kitten Food?

Simply Nourish is a brand of natural pet food made by American Nutrition. They offer both dry and wet food options for kittens, cats, and dogs. Their products are marketed as limited ingredient recipes made with real, whole foods.

According to Simply Nourish, their kitten food formulas are crafted to support the wellbeing and development of growing kittens. They aim to provide complete and balanced nutrition without any artificial additives or fillers.

Why Consider Simply Nourish for Your Kitten?

Here are some of the reasons I was drawn to Simply Nourish kitten food and why you may want to consider it too:

• High-quality natural ingredients: All Simply Nourish formulas feature real, whole foods as the main ingredients. For their kitten recipes, this includes quality proteins like chicken, salmon, and turkey.
• Grain-free options: Many of their recipes are grain-free, focusing on fruits, vegetables, and other carbohydrates like lentils or chickpeas. This makes it a good choice for kittens with sensitivities.
• Limited ingredients: Simply Nourish limits the number of ingredients in their formulas to reduce food intolerances. Their kitten foods have between 5-10 key ingredients.
• No artificial additives: No artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives are used in their recipes. All nutrients come from natural sources.
• Good nutritional value: The kitten formulas offer balanced ratios of protein, fat, and carbs to properly nourish growing kittens. They have added vitamins, minerals, and amino acids as well.
• Affordable pricing: Especially compared to premium or veterinary exclusive brands, Simply Nourish offers quality nutrition at more budget-friendly prices.
• Easy to digest: The limited, natural ingredients create formulas that are gentle on young kittens’ sensitive stomachs. Many owners report fewer digestion issues.
• Good taste and aroma: Even picky kittens seem to love the taste and smell of these formulas, making mealtime easy.

So in summary, what drew me to this brand is the focus on wholesome, natural nutrition at affordable prices. The balance of quality and cost make it a compelling choice compared to other kitten food brands.

Overview of Simply Nourish Kitten Formulas

Simply Nourish has two main kitten food product lines:

• Simply Nourish Kitten Food: Their standard line of dry and wet kitten foods.
• Simply Nourish Source Kitten Formula: A limited ingredient, protein-focused line made with sustainably sourced ingredients.

Within both lines, they offer recipes formulated for kittens in different life stages and with different dietary needs. Here is an overview of the various Simply Nourish kitten food options:

Dry Food Recipes

• Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe: A grain-inclusive formula with chicken as the first ingredient.
• Turkey & Oatmeal Recipe: Features turkey, barley, and oatmeal for grain-sensitive kittens.
• Salmon & Pea Recipe: A limited ingredient, fish-based recipe made with salmon, peas, and lentils.
• Duck & Lentil Recipe: Another limited ingredient recipe with duck meat and protein-rich lentils.
• Indoor Kitten Recipe: Tailored for less active indoor kittens with more calories from chicken fat and salmon oil.

Wet Food Recipes

• Kitten Chicken Pate: Shredded chicken in broth for easy lap-up mealtimes.
• Kitten Turkey & Salmon Pate: Turkey and salmon combined for a tasty wet food.
• Kitten Chicken & Liver Pate: Features chicken liver for an amino acid boost.
• Kitten Oceanfish Pate: Made with fish broth and oceanfish blend.

They also offer recipe variety packs so you can try a sampling of flavors and proteins.

Key Ingredients in Simply Nourish Kitten Food

The key defining ingredients in Simply Nourish formulas are:

• Quality animal-based proteins: Chicken, turkey, salmon, duck, and oceanfish are used as the main protein sources. These deliver essential amino acids for muscle growth and development.
• Digestible carbohydrates: Whole grains like oatmeal, barley, and brown rice provide energy for activity. Lentils, peas, and root vegetables serve as grain-free carb sources.
• Natural fats and oils: Chicken fat, salmon oil, and sunflower oil add concentrated energy and fatty acids.
• Fruits and vegetables: Real fruits and veggies like blueberries, carrot, sweet potato, and spinach give antioxidants and micronutrients.
• Vitamins and minerals: Added vitamin and mineral blends provide complete, balanced nutrition.

Key ingredients NOT found in Simply Nourish kitten foods include corn, wheat, soy, artificial colors or flavors, or chicken by-product meal.

Where to Buy Simply Nourish Kitten Food

Simply Nourish kitten food is sold at PetSmart locations across the U.S. both in stores and online. It can also be purchased from the Simply Nourish website, Amazon, and Chewy.

Some tips for getting the best deals:

• Check for sales and promotions on the PetSmart website. They often run discounts on Simply Nourish foods.
• Sign up for Repeat Delivery on Chewy to save 5-10% and get free shipping.
• Watch for buy one, get one free offers from PetSmart and Amazon to stock up.
• Use Chewy’s Autoship feature to get 5% off and regular deliveries.
• Take advantage of PetSmart’s price match guarantee by checking competitors for lower prices.

How Much Does Simply Nourish Kitten Food Cost?

Simply Nourish prices are quite affordable compared to many premium and veterinary exclusive brands. Here are some average costs:

• Dry Food: Roughly $1 to $1.50 per pound
• Wet Food: Typically $1.50 to $2 per 5.5 oz can
• Variety Packs: Around $10 to $15 for a pack of five 5.5 oz cans

For my kitten eating a combination of wet and dry food, I estimate I spend $20 to $30 per month on Simply Nourish kitten food. This affordable pricing makes it easy to feed a high-quality diet.

Of course, costs can vary based on where you purchase and if any sales or promotions are going on. Signing up for regular delivery on Chewy or Amazon can help lower the price per pound or case.

Is Simply Nourish Grain-Free?

Some of the Simply Nourish kitten recipes are grain-free, while others contain whole grains like brown rice, barley, and oatmeal.

Their grain-free formulas include:

• Salmon & Pea Recipe
• Duck & Lentil Recipe
• Indoor Kitten Recipe

These recipes get their carbohydrates from fruits, vegetables, legumes, and lentils instead of grains.

The grain-inclusive recipes rely on highly digestible whole grains as an energy source. These include the Chicken & Brown Rice and Turkey & Oatmeal dry foods.

So in summary – yes, Simply Nourish offers clearly labeled grain-free options for kittens needing that type of diet. They also have nutritious grain-inclusive choices containing rice, barley, and oats.

Flavors and Proteins in Simply Nourish Kitten Food

Simply Nourish uses a variety of tasty protein sources and flavor profiles across their wet and dry foods.

For kittens, common proteins include:

• Chicken
• Turkey
• Salmon
• Duck
• Oceanfish blend

In their wet foods, they incorporate flavorful extras like chicken liver, fish broth, and shrimp.

The rotating proteins help provide a complete amino acid profile. Flavor varieties add appetite appeal so picky kittens don’t get bored.

Some of the most popular and well-loved flavors are Chicken & Brown Rice, Turkey & Salmon, and Chicken Pate. But you can’t go wrong with any of their protein and flavor combinations.

Is it Suitable for All Breeds of Kittens?

The gentle ingredient formulas of Simply Nourish make it suitable for most breeds of kittens. However, it’s always a good idea to consult your veterinarian, especially if your breed has any special nutritional considerations.

For example, Siamese and Oriental Shorthair kittens need relatively high protein levels to fuel their lean body composition and active metabolism. The 30%+ protein content in Simply Nourish dry foods can meet this need.

Maine Coon kittens tend to experience rapid growth spurts and need higher caloric density. The increased fat and oil content of the Indoor Kitten recipe may be a better match for this breed.

But for the majority of kittens, the complete, balanced nutrition of Simply Nourish should support healthy growth regardless of breed. Just follow portion guidelines tailored to your kitten’s size and activity level.

Of course, individual needs vary too – so watch your kitten’s condition and energy levels. Adjust food or portion size if they seem too thin or overweight on the current diet.

Does it Contain Artificial Additives?

One of the things I love about Simply Nourish is that their formulas are free of artificial additives.

According to their standards, all recipes avoid:

• Artificial flavors
• Artificial colors
• Artificial preservatives

Instead, they use natural sources for flavors, vitamins, and minerals.

You’ll never find controversial additives like BHA, BHT, or ethoxyquin antioxidants in Simply Nourish kitten foods.

Their commitment to natural nutrition gives me peace of mind about what I’m feeding my kitten. I don’t have to worry about unwanted chemicals or additives.

Protein Content of Simply Nourish Kitten Formulas

Protein is crucial for helping kittens develop strong muscles and energy levels. Simply Nourish kitten formulas are designed to deliver high protein for growth:

• Dry foods range from 30% to 34% protein on average.
• Wet foods average around 10% protein, making them more suitable for supplementing the high protein dry food.

These levels meet the recommendation minimums for growing kittens:

• Under 4 months: 22% protein minimum
• 4-12 months: 30% protein minimum

The abundance of quality animal proteins like chicken, turkey, and salmon ensure complete nutrition for tissue development.

If your kitten needs an even higher protein diet due to breed, health conditions, or very active growth, you may want to supplement with extra wet food or meat mixes.

Nutritional Analysis of Simply Nourish Kitten Food

Here is a look at the typical nutritional analysis of Simply Nourish Kitten formulas:

• Protein: 30-34% dry matter basis
• Fat: 15-22% dry matter basis
• Carbohydrates: 35-60% dry matter basis
• Moisture: 75-80% for canned, 10% for dry
• Calories: Around 515 kcal/cup for dry food
• Vitamins & Minerals: Formulated to meet feline nutrient profiles
• Amino Acids: Added Taurine, Methionine, Carnitine
• Fiber and Prebiotics: 3-4% crude fiber, dried chicory root
• Antioxidants: Mixed tocopherols, Vitamin E
• Omega Fatty Acids: Salmon oil for EPA and DHA

This complete nutrient profile supports muscle growth, immune function, digestion, hydration, and energy levels.

Does Simply Nourish Offer Wet Kitten Food?

Yes, Simply Nourish has a line of grain-free wet kitten foods in tasty pate textures. These complement their dry kibble.

Wet food benefits for kittens include:

• Increased moisture intake, especially important for male kittens prone to urinary issues
• Softer texture supports dental health during teething
• Highly palatable for picky eaters or supplementing nutrition
• Convenient for free-feeding multiple kittens
• Portion-control for monitoring intake and growth

Simply Nourish wet flavors like Chicken Pate and Turkey & Salmon can add flavor and moisture to dry kibble. Or feed wet on its own for complete nutrition.

Following a rotating schedule of both types is an optimal approach.

Is it Good for Sensitive Stomachs?

Many kitten owners report excellent results with Simply Nourish formulas for kittens prone to digestive upsets like:

• Diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Gas
• Bloating
• Constipation

There are a few reasons their foods work well for sensitive stomachs:

• Limited ingredient recipes avoid common allergens
• Grain-free options eliminate possible intolerances
• Easily digested protein sources like chicken and turkey
• Natural fiber balance from fruits and vegetables
• Prebiotics support healthy gut flora
• Gentle on still-developing digestive systems

Of course, reactions are still possible with any food. But the gentle nature of these formulas makes them a great first choice for stomach-sensitive kittens.

Slow transitioning between old and new foods can further minimize GI issues when switching.

Are There Options for Special Health Needs?

Simply Nourish does tailor some recipes to support kittens with unique health considerations:

• Food sensitivities: The limited ingredient grain-free options like Duck & Lentil limit potential allergens.
• Urinary health: Wet foods boost moisture intake which is beneficial for urinary tract health in male cats.
• Hairballs: Added fiber from fruits and veggies can help move hair through the digestive tract.
• Picky eaters: Strong aroma and natural flavor make these foods irresistible for picky kittens.
• Teething: The soft textures of canned food are more comfortable for sore mouths.
• Underweight kittens: The higher fat and protein levels help add healthy weight.

While not medicated formulas, these recipes can complement prescribed diets. But for kittens with major health conditions, consult your veterinarian first.

How Does It Compare to Other Kitten Food Brands?

Here is how Simply Nourish stacks up against two top kitten food competitors:

Vs. Royal Canin: Both offer complete nutrition tailored for kittens. Royal Canin has more breed and size-specific formulas. But Simply Nourish has fewer artificial additives at a more affordable price point.

Vs. Hill’s Science Diet: Both are veterinarian recommended. Science Diet emphasizes clinical research, while Simply Nourish focuses on natural ingredients. Simply Nourish is also more budget-friendly.

Vs. Purina Pro Plan: Both deliver proven nutrition. Pro Plan has more specialized formulas for health issues. But Simply Nourish is grain-free and has fewer artificial additives.

The takeaway? Simply Nourish holds its own by delivering natural, quality nutrition without the premium price tag. The balance of value and ingredients is hard to beat.

Can Adult Cats Eat Kitten Food?

Feeding adult cat foods to growing kittens is not recommended since it won’t fully meet their needs. However, the reverse – feeding Simply Nourish Kitten formulas to adult cats – is less problematic.

The higher protein, fat, vitamin, and calorie levels support reproduction and lactation in adult female cats. It may also benefit seniors needing extra nutrition or ill cats with increased needs.

The main risk is adult cats may gain excess weight on the very calorie-dense kitten formulas. Portion control and monitoring your cat’s body condition helps mitigate this issue.

Check with your vet first, but Simply Nourish Kitten food is generally safe for adult cats in certain circumstances. Limit to shorter-term supplementation as needed versus everyday feeding.

Are There Any Recalls of Simply Nourish Foods?

As of this writing, Simply Nourish has not been affected by any recalls or food safety notices. Their FDA inspection records are clean as well.

However, their parent company American Nutrition did issue one voluntary recall in 2011 for potential salmonella in several dog treat products. No cat foods were affected.

I always recommend signing up for email alerts directly from the manufacturer. That way you receive recall notices right away if they occur. But so far, Simply Nourish has a good safety track record.

Is it Suitable for Kittens Under 8 Weeks?

Simply Nourish states their foods are formulated for growing kittens and pregnancy/lactation support in cats. However, most pet nutrition experts recommend waiting until 8 weeks of age to transition kittens to commercial foods.

Feeding recommendations for newborn kittens are:

• 0-4 weeks: Mother’s milk or kitten milk replacer
• 4-6 weeks: Mother’s milk, plus starting wet kitten food
• 6-8 weeks: Combination of milk, wet food, and dry food

This gradual transition allows the digestive system time to develop. By 8 weeks, kittens have the enzymes and gut maturity to handle kitten-specific formulas like those made by Simply Nourish.

So while not ideal for newborns, Simply Nourish Kitten provides perfect nutrition for weaning kittens from 8 weeks onward.

What Are the Feeding Guidelines?

Here are the general feeding guidelines for Simply Nourish Kitten formulas:

• Dry Food: Free-choice feeding recommended up to 6 months old. After 6 months, follow adult feeding guidelines based on weight.
• Wet Food: 2.5-3 ounces per pound of body weight daily, divided into 2-3 meals.
• For Orphaned Kittens: Double the amounts above from 4-12 weeks of age.
• Supplementing with Wet Food: Replace up to 25% of daily dry food with an equal weight of wet food.
• Transitioning: Mix increasing amounts of new food with old over 7-10 days.

Monitor your individual kitten’s body condition, energy, and appetite levels. Feed free-choice dry and supplemental wet as needed to maintain an ideal weight.

Simply Nourish Kitten Food Reviews

Here are some examples of positive Simply Nourish kitten food reviews from other cat owners:

★★★★★ “This kitten food is fantastic! My little guy loved the taste from day one. His coat looks so soft and shiny now. No tummy troubles either. Will definitely continue buying!“

★★★★★ “I adopted a stray kitten with a sensitive stomach. Switched her to Simply Nourish limited ingredient salmon formula on my vet’s recommendation and she’s doing so much better. No more loose stools! She devours each meal now.“

★★★★★ “I foster orphaned kittens and always recommend Simply Nourish to adopters. The kittens thrive on it and seem to love the natural flavor. Plus it’s gentle on their immature digestive systems.“

★★★★☆ “This dry food smells and looks amazing. My kittens had no transition issues. My only complaint is one of them seems to have a chicken allergy. Wish they had chicken-free options!“

Based on my research and these reviews, most kittens adjust very well to Simply Nourish formulas. The natural flavors and gentle formulations result in easy transitions with great results in terms of appetite, digestion, energy levels, skin and coat health.

Where is Simply Nourish Kitten Food Produced?

Simply Nourish pet foods are proudly made in the United States. Their products are manufactured in facilities located in Kansas, Utah, South Dakota, and Arkansas.

According to their standards, all of their manufacturing partners must:

• Follow strict quality control procedures
• Allow frequent third-party facility audits
• Meet USDA standards for ingredient and food safety
• Hold an excellent track record of recall-free production

Knowing their foods are produced domestically gives me more confidence in the brand. I like being able to clearly trace the origin.

Are the Ingredients Sourced Sustainably?

Simply Nourish emphasizes responsibly sourced ingredients. They outline their standards on their website:

• Wild caught fish from MSC certified fisheries
• Cage-free poultry products
• Free-range antibiotic-free meats
• Fruits and vegetables follow EPA standards
• Sustainably farmed whole grains
• Never use any threatened or endangered species

Their parent company also publishes an annual sustainability report highlighting progress on waste diversion, energy reduction, and sustainable packaging.

While not 100% perfect (no brand is), Simply Nourish does make an effort for ethical ingredient sourcing. This aligns with their natural brand position.

The Final Verdict on Simply Nourish Kitten Food

After extensive research and analysis, here is my honest take on Simply Nourish as a kitten food choice:

Simply Nourish offers a medium-premium formula with high-quality natural ingredients at an affordable price point. While not as specialized as prescription diets, their recipes provide complete balanced nutrition for healthy growth and digestion.

Key benefits include:

• Real meat proteins like chicken, turkey, and salmon
• Grain-free and whole grain formulas
• Limited ingredients ideal for sensitive stomachs
• Natural fiber sources and prebiotics
• No artificial additives or fillers
• Made in the USA
• Budget-friendly pricing
• Positive reviews for easy transitions, palatability, and stool quality

Potential drawbacks:

• Fewer specialized formulas than some brands
• Limited protein selection (mainly poultry-based)
• Not ideal for kittens under 8 weeks old

In conclusion, if you’re looking for a natural kitten food at a reasonable price, Simply Nourish is an excellent option to consider. Their combination of wholesome ingredients, proper nutrition, and affordability make these formulas a great choice for fueling your kitten’s important first year of development and growth.