Wet vs Dry Cat Food: Which Is Best for Your Cat?
We always want to feed our feline friends what’s best for them, but sometimes it can be a little overwhelming when you’re faced with many different brands, types of food, and what benefits they have for your cat. From your cat’s hydration levels to finding the best food for your budget, we’ll dive paw-first into what types of cat food you can feed your feline friend, and what the differences are between both wet and dry food, plus a few informed tips to help you make the right decision.
What Is Wet Cat Food?
Wet cat food typically contains between 70 and 80% of water, which is what creates a soft and palatable texture. High moisture levels that you find in wet food is particularly appealing to cats who naturally don’t drink too much during the day. They’ll feel fulfilled by the meal whilst also quenching their thirst
To maintain freshness, you’ll find most wet foods come in a single-serve pouch or tin. The food is also cooked in the packaging it comes in as this preserves all the nutrients your cat requires and creates an irresistible aroma for your cat.
When Wet Food Works Best
We may try our best to keep our cat’s teeth in top condition, but as they get older it may become more difficult. That’s where wet food comes in – a softer texture to chew on, reducing strain on the gums and teeth.
If your cat has any health concerns then the extra hydration from wet food can help. Moisture content that you’ll find in wet food can help support their kidney function and prevent a nasty urinary tract problem. This is particularly important for indoor cats who may not be drinking enough water during the day.
If you’ve got a fussy feline who is very particular about what they’re eating then wet food can work wonders due to its strong scent and variety of different textures. If you’ve seen your cat turn its back on other foods then the appealing scents from wet food may be the best choice.
What Is Dry Cat Food?
Dry food has a much lower moisture content compared to wet, with it making up just 6-10% of the food, many cats thrive on it when they have access to fresh water. This offers your cat a crunchy texture.
Once you’ve opened the dry food, commonly called kibble, you’ll be able to store it for weeks as it keeps its quality when stored properly. This is much different to wet food which requires quick consumption after being opened.
Today especially, there are many premium dry foods that have been scientifically formulated to meet your cats’ nutritional needs, and they are more often than not enriched with added vitamins and joint-supporting ingredients like glucosamine.
Dry Cat Food Benefits
Nutritionally efficient and budget-friendly feeding makes dry food a great option for your pocket, especially for multi-cat households. The price per serving typically costs a lot less than wet food equivalents, but doesn’t lack on nutrients or quality
Convenience factor allows free-feeding schedules where cats can graze throughout the day. This suits cats who prefer multiple small meals rather than set feeding times.
Dental support comes from the crunchy texture, which helps reduce tartar build-up through mechanical action. This, unlike wet food, is a proven way to keep plaque at bay. However, this shouldn’t replace regular veterinary dental care.
Easy storage requires no refrigeration and bags store efficiently in cupboards or pantries. This is especially useful if you have a full fridge, or live a busy lifestyle where adding dry food feeding times to your day is a simple option.
Portion control becomes simpler with dry food, as measuring exact amounts helps with weight management programmes.
Comparing Wet vs Dry Cat Food
Hydration Considerations
Cats evolved from desert animals and naturally have a low thirst drive. Wild cats obtain most moisture from prey, so domestic cats eating only dry food often struggle to drink enough water to compensate.
Wet food’s high water content helps cats meet daily hydration needs naturally. This supports kidney function and reduces the risk of urinary tract issues.
Nutritional Aspects
Both wet and dry cat foods can provide complete, balanced nutrition when you select quality brands. The key lies in reading ingredient lists and choosing age-appropriate options.
Wet food typically contains higher protein levels and fewer carbohydrates, aligning more closely with cats’ natural dietary requirements. Quality dry foods also offer excellent nutrition, though they may contain more plant-based ingredients.
No matter the age of your furry feline, we stock brands that cater to all ages, like Meowing Heads Smitten Kitten for the young ones, and James Wellbeloved Adult for the older cats
Practical Considerations
Cost: Dry food generally offers better value per serving, making it economical for long-term feeding.
Convenience: Dry food excels for storage and feeding flexibility, whilst wet food requires more planning and refrigeration.
Feeding style: Consider your cat’s preferences. Some cats prefer scheduled meals with wet food, others like grazing throughout the day.
Mixed Feeding Approach
Many veterinarians recommend combining wet and dry food to provide benefits from both types. This approach offers hydration from wet food whilst maintaining the convenience and added nutrients of dry food.
Cat Feeding Tips for Mixed Diets
Gradual introduction: If your cat is accustomed to one type, introduce the new food slowly over 7-10 days to prevent digestive upset.
Portion monitoring: Track calories from both food types to prevent overfeeding, which can lead to weight gain.
Timing strategies: Feed wet food at specific meal times (morning and evening) whilst leaving small amounts of dry food available for grazing.
Observe changes: Monitor your cat’s appetite, digestion, and energy levels during any dietary transition.
Looking for a new bowl or feeder? Browse our range today!
Choosing the Right Option
The wet vs dry cat food decision should consider your cat’s individual requirements:
Age factors: Kittens need nutrient-dense food for growth, adults require maintenance nutrition, and senior cats may benefit from easily digestible options.
Health considerations: Cats with kidney issues, diabetes, or dental problems may benefit from specific food types.
Lifestyle factors: Indoor cats have different activity levels than outdoor cats, affecting nutritional needs.
Your schedule: Consider time available for feeding routines and food preparation.
Finding Quality Options
Quality wet foods should list meat as the first ingredient and avoid excessive fillers. The best dry foods balance protein, healthy fats, and limited carbohydrates whilst avoiding excessive corn, wheat, or soy.
At Gladwells Pet & Country Stores, we stock carefully selected cat foods from trusted manufacturers. Our range includes options for every life stage and dietary requirement, from kitten formulas to senior cat diets.
Why More Owners Are Choosing Dry
Convenient, easy to store, budget-friendly, and now much more healthy for your cat, dry food offers a lot of benefits for your feline. Not only are they largely more cheaper than buying wet, they’re also easy to store away in a convenient place and can last weeks if stored properly.
For our complete selection of premium cat foods and supplies, visit our cat products section. We offer specialised diets for cats with specific health needs, ensuring you’ll find the right nutrition for your feline companion.
Every cat is different in their feed-time preferences, keep an eye on what your cat does and doesn’t enjoy to make a more informed decision on what to buy them next.
Throughout the month of August, you can claim 10% off your cat food order! use code CAT10 when checking out and save whilst stocking up on your cats’ favourite food