The scores
Royal Canin Kitten: C (58/100)
Purina Pro Plan Kitten: C (58/100)
A perfect tie at 58 points apiece. Both land squarely in the middle of C-grade territory — not terrible, but far from the ingredient quality you'd want for a growing kitten. The identical scores mask genuinely different ingredient philosophies, which is what makes this comparison worth digging into.
How the ingredients compare
Here are the first five ingredients side by side:
Royal Canin Kitten: Chicken By-Product Meal, Brown Rice, Brewers Rice, Chicken Fat, Wheat Gluten
Purina Pro Plan Kitten: Chicken, Rice, Chicken By-Product Meal, Corn Protein Meal, Beef Fat
The difference is immediate. Pro Plan starts with real chicken — a whole meat source — while Royal Canin starts with chicken by-product meal. By-product meal isn't inherently dangerous, but it's a rendered product made from parts like necks, feet, and organs rather than the muscle meat you'd want to see leading a kitten formula. Pro Plan still includes by-product meal at position three, but at least it's not the foundation of the food. Both formulas lean heavily on grains and plant proteins: Royal Canin uses two rice sources and wheat gluten, while Pro Plan uses rice and corn protein meal.
Where Pro Plan pulls ahead
Real chicken first. Having whole chicken as the first ingredient means the most abundant component by weight is actual meat. After cooking, chicken loses moisture and drops in the formula, but it's still a better starting point than a by-product meal.
Higher protein content. Pro Plan Kitten lists a minimum of 42% crude protein on its guaranteed analysis. For growing kittens who need ample protein for muscle and organ development, that higher floor matters.
Fish meal and fish oil for DHA. Pro Plan includes fish meal and fish oil, both of which provide DHA — a fatty acid critical for brain and eye development in kittens. These are proven, well-absorbed sources of omega-3s.
Probiotics. Pro Plan includes Bacillus coagulans, a live probiotic that supports digestive health. For kittens transitioning between foods or adjusting to a new home, probiotics can help maintain gut stability. Shop on Amazon →
Where Royal Canin holds its own
Marine microalgae oil. Royal Canin uses a sustainable, plant-based source of DHA derived from marine microalgae. It's a different approach than Pro Plan's fish oil but achieves the same goal of supporting kitten brain development without relying on fish-sourced ingredients.
Psyllium seed husk. This soluble fiber source supports digestive health by promoting regular bowel movements and healthy stool consistency — particularly helpful for kittens whose digestive systems are still maturing.
Fructooligosaccharides prebiotics. Royal Canin includes FOS, a prebiotic fiber that feeds beneficial gut bacteria. While Pro Plan uses a live probiotic, Royal Canin takes the prebiotic route to support digestive health from a different angle.
No soy ingredients. Royal Canin's formula avoids soy entirely, which is worth noting for kittens with soy sensitivities. Pro Plan uses corn protein meal instead, which is its own concern but at least Royal Canin sidesteps one common allergen. Shop on Amazon →
The bottom line
Both Royal Canin Kitten and Purina Pro Plan Kitten earn C/58 — decent but not impressive. Pro Plan has the edge in protein content and starts with real chicken, which matters for an obligate carnivore. Royal Canin counters with unique kitten-specific supplements like marine microalgae DHA and psyllium fiber. If you're choosing between just these two, Pro Plan's higher protein and real-chicken-first formula gives it a slight practical advantage despite the identical score.
But neither food is ideal for a growing kitten. Both rely heavily on grains and plant proteins to fill out their formulas. If your budget allows, consider Orijen Cat & Kitten (A/91) or Nulo (B/88) for meaningfully better kitten nutrition — both put animal protein first and skip the filler.