Wet vs Dry Cat Food: Which is better for cats?

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2 October 2024

Wet vs Dry Cat Food: Which is better for cats?

New and experienced cat owners wonder if wet or dry food is better for cats. With so many options available, it can be hard to find a clear answer. That's why we've made this wet vs. dry cat food comparison to help you find the best cat food for your cat. 

Is Dry Food Bad for Cats? 

Dry food is not bad for cats, and they can still live a happy, healthy life on a dry food diet. The problem lies not in the form the food takes but the ingredients. Cats are obligate carnivores, which means they need more protein than dogs. Choose a high-quality dry cat food that meets your cat's unique nutritional needs. 

Cat eating kibble cat foodCat eating kibble cat food

Benefits of Dry Cat Food

Many owners choose to feed their cats dry food-only diets, and it's no wonder why. Dry cat food is generally cheaper and has a longer shelf life once opened than wet food, making it more cost-effective for many owners. 

Some more dry cat food benefits include: 

  • Crunchy texture—This encourages chewing and can help keep your cat's teeth cleaner by scraping residue off them. 
  • Long Shelf Life—Dry food can be left out for longer, making it great for free feeding and bulk buying. An opened bag can last for 2-3 weeks, depending on the manufacturer and storage. 
  • Enriching—Biscuits can be used in treat toys or puzzles, making meals and enriching challenges for your cat, especially if your cat eats too fast. 
  • Easy to Clean—Some cats are messy eaters, and dry food is much easier to clean than wet food, which can splatter and harden surfaces. 

Downsides to Dry Cat Food 

Every rose has its thorns, and an entirely dry food diet for cats is no exception. To manufacture dry foods, all the moisture needs to be removed, typically by drying the initial biscuit dough in an oven.

Eating only dry food can cause dehydration in cats, especially those who don't drink enough water. 

Other downsides to a dry cat food diet include: 

  • Higher in carbohydrates—As obligate carnivores, cats don't need as many carbohydrates as other animals and thrive with higher protein cat foods. 
  • Potential allergens—Dry foods often contain wheat or grains, which are common cat food allergens. 
  • Hard to Chew—This is especially true for older cats or those with dental conditions. 

Make sure you choose a high-quality brand with good ingredients to meet your cat's needs and that fresh water is available.

It can take time for a cat to accept a new food, so take a gradual approach. Mix a little of the new food with the old, slowly adding more of the new food over 1-2 weeks. You can view our complete range of high-quality dry cat foods here. 

What is the Best Dry Cat Food?

There is no one best cat food for all cats. Each cat is unique and has its own needs, and understanding these is the key to finding the best dry cat food. You must first understand their nutritional needs to find the best dry food for your cat.  

Consider any problem areas with your cat that could benefit from dry food, such as dental health which can be aided by a dental cat food, and that the food it suitable for their life stage.  

Take a look at our complete range of nutritious dry cat foods and find the perfect pick for your cat. 

Is Wet Food Better for Cats? 

While some owners prefer dry food, many choose a wet diet for their cats. Nutritionally, wet food is not necessarily better, but some cats prefer the scent and texture of wet food. Its higher moisture content (65% higher than dry) and smell can be great for cats that don't drink enough water. Wet food, in particular, can be a good choice for cats with certain health conditions, such as: 

  • Urinary issues — Wet food helps dilute urine, helping to avoid urinary tract disease or other urinary problems. 
  • Weight Management — Wet cat food’s moisture content is also great for weight management in cats, as water contains no calories. This means the food has a lower energy density than dry food, making it a popular choice for weight management diets. 
  • Diabetes— One key way of caring for a diabetic cat is managing its diet, specifically the amount of carbohydrates it consumes. Wet cat foods tend to be lower carb than dry foods. 

Wet cat foods give your cat more choices at mealtime. Many brands provide different flavours to suit your cat's tastes. Different textures in the protein and the jelly or gravy can keep your cat interested in their food. This variety in smell and texture helps ensure your cat finishes every meal. 

Cat enjoying wet cat foodCat enjoying wet cat food

Benefits of Wet Cat Food

Feeding your cat a high-quality wet food can bring a wealth of benefits, including: 

  • Easier to chew, especially for older cats or those with dental problems. 
  • More appealing scent and texture 
  • More variety in flavours and textures 
  • Higher water content 

Downsides of Wet Cat Food

There are some drawbacks to feeding a wet food-only diet. Wet food tends to be more expensive, which can be off-putting to more cost-conscious owners. Once opened, it won't keep as long as dry food and can attract pests like flies, leading to cross-contamination. 

Cons of wet cat food include: 

  • Shelf life— Wet food should not be left out for more than 30-60 minutes, and opened containers must be stored in the fridge. 
  • Waste— Uneaten food must be thrown away, and wet cat food requires more packaging, such as tins or pouches.   
  • Storage— Besides potential refrigeration, wet food is heavier and bulkier than a single bag of dry food, making bulk buying challenging. 
  • Mess— Wet food can be harder to clean as it hardens after it spoils, causing it to stick to surfaces. 

What is the Best Wet Cat Food?

When choosing wet cat food, pick one best suited to your cat’s requirements and individual preferences. Unlike dry food, wet food can come in a variety of formulas, like foods in jelly, gravy, mousse cat foods, and more.

While some cats are happy with any wet food that is put in front of them, others can be more picky eaters regarding texture, scent and taste. If your cat doesn’t like one kind of food, you can try them on other wet food recipes or flavours to find the one that fits.  

Comparing the nutritional contents of wet cat food brands is the best way to ensure you choose the right one. Finding the right food may take time, but we're here to help with a range of high-quality wet cat foods available from some of the top brands in the industry. 

Mixing Wet and Dry Cat Food

As you’ve noticed, there are pros and cons for both wet and dry cat food, so why not give your cat the best of both worlds? 

A combination of wet and dry cat food has been a popular choice for cat owners for years. This method can give your cat the benefits of one type of food while balancing the downsides of the other.  

Other benefits of mixed-feeding cats include:  

  • Ability to free-feed 
  • Variety 
  • Hydration 

Always read manufacturer instructions and follow the recommended feeding guide with the other food in mind. This will help prevent overfeeding.  

Also, ensure you have checked the ingredients for dry and wet food to ensure your cat gets enough of the essentials they need without overdoing it. If cats have too many of certain vitamins and minerals, it can harm their health, so bear this in mind.

If you are unsure what your cat should eat, speak with your veterinarian. They can provide insight into your cat's nutritional needs and offer tailored recommendations. This can benefit cats with existing or potential health concerns that a tailored approach can prevent or improve.  

Ultimately, your cat is going to be the decider on which food is best for them. You need to take into account their nutritional needs as well as their personal preferences. There's no point splashing on a nutritionally rich cat food if your cat isn't interested in eating it. Remember to gradually change your cat's diet to reduce changes of digestive upset or food rejection.  

If you're looking for a new food for your cat, browse our range of complete and balanced cat foods to find the perfect choice. 

Shop all Cat Food | Vet cat food, dental cat food, high protein cat foodShop all Cat Food | Vet cat food, dental cat food, high protein cat food
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