Wet Food vs. Dry Food for Your Cat

Eating a nutritious diet is necessary for your cat to grow, develop, and sustain a long healthy life. However, when it comes to cat food, there are so many market options from which to choose. Often, cat parents will hesitate between picking wet or dry food, wondering which one to go for in terms of nutritional benefits for their cat.

Should I give my cat wet or dry food or alternate between both? If you have asked yourself that question, you’re not alone. In this post, we look at wet and dry cat food and which best fits your feline.

Wet Cat Food

Wet/canned cat food comes in tins/cans or pouches and contains about 65% or more moisture content, making it highly perishable. As a result, wet food should not be left in the open air for more than four hours to prevent bacterial growth.

Pros

• Palatable and Comes in a wide variety of flavors, intense aromas, textures, and ingredients
• Easier for cats to chew and digest
• High in protein, fats, and minerals
• Helps increase your cats total water intake

Cons

• Short shelf life
• Needs to be refrigerated after opening
• May cause dental issues and plaque build-up
• Pricier when compared to dry cat food

Wet cat food is best for:

Overweight cats — Wet food contains fewer calories and is ideal for weight loss management when feeding your cat on a controlled diet.

Cats with urinary tract and kidney problems — Wet food contains more moisture than dry food and provides cats with more hydration, which can help cats with urinary, kidney, and constipation issues.

Dry Cat Food

Also known as kibble, dry cat food is a popular choice among many cat owners, given its convenience. It contains less moisture content – less than 10% - which means that your cat needs to always have access to clean, fresh water.

Pros

• Convenient to store and feed
• Long shelf-life
• Less risk of bacterial infection and can be left out for free-feeding
• Good for your cat's dental health
• More cost-effective
• Comes in a wide variety of textures and shapes

Cons

• Low moisture content and may lead to cat dehydration
• Can be unpalatable to picky-eaters
• Contains low meat-based protein
• High in carbohydrates and can result in cat obesity

Dry cat food is best for:

Cats with dental issues — Dry cat food helps keep your cat's teeth clean. Its rough texture requires more chewing and biting, creating an abrasive-like action that helps remove or slow down plaque and tartar build-up.

Underweight cats — Dry food tends to be rich in calories compared with canned food. It's therefore ideal for cats who need to gain weight.

Wet vs. Dry Food —Which is Best for your Cat?

Ultimately, there's no clear winner when it comes to the best type of food for your cat! Both wet and dry cat feeds are packed with nutritional benefits and are great dietary options. Besides, each meal has its fair share of advantages and downsides. Although every cat parent may have firm opinions regarding either type of food, let your cat decide what they prefer between dry or wet cat foods. A combination of both types of meals is highly recommended to provide your cat with the best of both wet and dry food.

Speak to your vet. They will help you transition or formulate a meal plan that works well for your kitty. Above all, look for quality in either wet cat food or dry cat food and ensure there's plenty of clean, fresh water alongside meals.