Alternatives to

B

Hill's Vet Essentials Kitten

dry food · cats · 78/100 · Good

Looking for an alternative to Hill's Vet Essentials Kitten? Here are dry food products for cats that PetFoodRate grades higher, and cheaper options for the same use.

In short

The best-rated alternative to Hill's Vet Essentials Kitten in our database is Orijen Cat & Kitten (94/100, grade A), versus Hill's Vet Essentials Kitten's 78/100. Cheaper-per-kg pick: Orijen Cat & Kitten. All graded on the same independent A-E method, no sponsored brands.

By Theo Blanchard · reviewed by Max Kowalski · updated June 2026 · independent grading, no sponsorship

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Hill's Vet Essentials Kitten vs its best alternative

Criterion Hill's Vet Essentials Kitten Orijen Cat & Kitten
Overall grade B 78/100 A 94/100
Protein quality B A
Nutritional balance A A
Few undesirables A A
Ingredient transparency D A
Species fit B A
Crude protein36%40%
Protein (dry matter)39.6%44.4%
Estimated carbs25%19%
First ingredient Dehydrated chicken Fresh chicken

Wins on protein quality and ingredient transparency ; 40% crude protein vs 36%.

Orijen Cat & Kitten outscores 100% of dry food for cats in our database.

8 better-graded alternatives

  1. #1 A Orijen Cat & Kitten 94/100 +16 Wins on protein quality and ingredient transparency ; 40% crude protein vs 36%.
  2. #2 A Orijen Six Fish Cat 92/100 +14 Wins on protein quality and ingredient transparency ; 40% crude protein vs 36%.
  3. #3 A Applaws Kitten 90/100 +12 Wins on protein quality and ingredient transparency ; 38% crude protein vs 36%.
  4. #4 A Acana First Feast Kitten 89/100 +11 Wins on protein quality and ingredient transparency ; 37% crude protein vs 36%.
  5. #5 A Acana Homestead Harvest Cat 88/100 +10 Wins on protein quality and ingredient transparency ; 37% crude protein vs 36%.
  6. #6 A Ultra Premium Direct Croquettes Chat Adulte Saumon 88/100 +10 Wins on protein quality and ingredient transparency.
  7. #7 A Acana Indoor Entrée Cat 88/100 +10 Wins on protein quality and ingredient transparency ; 37% crude protein vs 36%.
  8. #8 A Ziggy Croquettes Chat Stérilisé Sans Céréales Saumon 87/100 +9 Wins on protein quality and ingredient transparency.

Cheaper alternatives per kilo

  1. #1 A Orijen Cat & Kitten 9.10€/kg -0.90€
  2. #2 A Applaws Kitten 7.80€/kg -2.20€
  3. #3 A Ultra Premium Direct Croquettes Chat Adulte Saumon 6.50€/kg -3.50€
  4. #4 A Carnilove Fresh Chicken Cat 8.50€/kg -1.50€
  5. #5 A Brit Care Kitten Chicken 7.00€/kg -3.00€
  6. #6 A Edgard & Cooper Chat Adulte Poulet Frais 9.00€/kg -1.00€

Other food types for cats

  1. #1 A Thrive ProReward 100% Poulet 90/100 treats
  2. #2 A Applaws Natural Tuna Fillet 87/100 wet food
  3. #3 A ZIWI Peak Air-Dried Mackerel Lamb Cat 86/100 raw food
  4. #4 A Lily\'s Kitchen Terrine au Saumon 85/100 wet food
  5. #5 B Tiki Cat Aloha Friends Tuna & Pumpkin 84/100 wet food
  6. #6 B Edgard & Cooper Pâtée Chat Adulte Saumon 84/100 wet food

Keep exploring

All Hill's products See the average score and range Best dry food for cats Top 10 by PetFoodRate Compare 2 products Side by side, grade by grade

Frequently asked questions

What is the best alternative to Hill's Vet Essentials Kitten?

In our database it's Orijen Cat & Kitten, scoring 94/100 (A) versus Hill's Vet Essentials Kitten's 78/100, among dry food for cats. 8 better-graded alternatives are listed above.

Is there a cheaper alternative to Hill's Vet Essentials Kitten?

Yes: Orijen Cat & Kitten costs less per kg for the same use (dry food, cats). More cheaper-per-kg options are in the dedicated section further down.

Why switch from Hill's Vet Essentials Kitten?

Hill's Vet Essentials Kitten scores 78/100 (B) on our A-E method. Buyers look for an alternative to get higher protein quality, fewer undesirables, better transparency, or a better species fit. Our grading is independent with no sponsorship.