Wet Cat Food vs Dry Cat Food
Choosing the right food for your feline friend is one of the most important things you can do for your pet, but can easily feel overwhelming with so many different options. Wet and dry cat food have differences in moisture content, nutrition, and taste. It’s also important to consider the convenience and cost of each type of food. By weighing the pros and cons of both dry kibble and canned food, you can work with your veterinarian to make an informed decision about the best option for your cat.
Moisture Content
A big difference between wet and dry cat food lies in their moisture content. Dry cat food has a moisture percentage of around 9-12%. In contrast, wet cat food or canned diets contain a higher moisture level, typically ranging from 70-80%. This difference significantly impacts how much hydration your cat gets in their diet.
Proper hydration is crucial for cats, just like for humans. It supports vital functions like digestion, temperature regulation, and organ health. While cats can get some moisture from their food, it’s important to note the difference between wet and dry food in this regard. Wet food, with its higher moisture content, can contribute significantly to a cat’s daily hydration compared to dry food. You should always provide fresh water in a clean bowl for your cat, and if they have finicky drinking habits, consider a mix of wet and dry food to boost the amount of hydration your cat is getting.
Nutritional Value
Cats, as obligate carnivores, have different dietary needs compared to other pets. Obligate carnivores depend largely on meat because they require nutrients, like taurine, only found in proteins from animal flesh. This difference is reflected in the composition of wet and dry cat food, particularly in the content of protein, fat, and carbohydrates.
Protein:
Canned cat food generally lists 10-20% protein on the Guaranteed Analysis. This aligns well with a cat’s ancestral diet as they require protein for muscle development and energy.
Dry cat food typically shows a higher protein content, ranging from 28-36% on the GA. However, due to the lower moisture content, the actual amount of protein consumed might be similar to wet food depending on feeding portion sizes.
To accurately identify protein percentages between wet and dry food recipes you should look at the protein content on a dry matter basis. You’ll often find that wet food and dry food have a similar protein content on a dry matter basis, meaning that regardless of the type of food you pick, your pet will get the right amount of protein it needs.
To calculate a food’s protein content on a dry matter basis, divide the stated amount of protein on the label by the amount of dry matter in it then multiply by 100.
Dry Matter Protein Content = (Protein Percentage/Dry Matter Percentage) x 100
This calculation also works to find the dry matter basis of any other nutrient.
Fat:
Wet cat food contains 2-10% fat, providing essential fatty acids which can support healthy skin, fur, and energy. Dry cat food often has a higher fat content, ranging from 8-22%.
Carbohydrates:
Wet cat food contains a lower carbohydrate content, typically less than 10%. Dry cat food generally has a higher carbohydrate content, ranging from 25-25%.
It’s important to note that not all wet cat foods are complete and balanced to meet a cat’s nutritional needs on their own. However, these foods are excellent sources of additional nutrients when used for supplemental feeding or as a meal topper.
Palatability & Dental Health
When deciding if dry or wet food is right for your cat, consider both their picky palate and pearly whites, as each type of food offers unique advantages and drawbacks for both taste and dental health.
What tastes better: Wet or Dry food?
When it comes to taste appeal for cats, wet food generally wins over dry food for a few reasons:
- Stronger aroma: Wet food has a more intense smell due to the higher moisture content and presence of animal based protein, which cats find enticing.
- Flavor variety: Wet food recipes typically come in a wide range of flavors, including chicken, duck & salmon, rabbit, and sardine, offering more choices to suit your cat’s individual preferences.
- Texture: The moist texture of wet food is often more appealing to cats than the dry, crunchy texture of kibble, especially for kittens or older cats that may have dental problems.
It’s important to remember that every cat is an individual with its own preferences. Some cats may prefer the taste and crunch of dry food.
Convenience & Cost
Choosing between wet and dry food for your cat involves more than just flavor preference. Convenience and cost are also important factors to consider.
Convenience: Storage Life & Portion Control
Individual cans or pouches of wet cat food ensure portion control, but once opened, the leftovers must be refrigerated and used within a day. Wet food requires opening individual cans or pouches, which can be messier and take more prep time.
Bags of kibble can mean less frequent shopping trips as kibble has a longer shelf life after opening, when stored properly. Feeding kibble is typically quick, easy, and it can be left out for grazing throughout the day, but measuring portions can be trickier and free feeding can lead to overeating.
Cost:
Wet food is generally more expensive per ounce due to the higher moisture content. However, smaller portions may be needed compared to dry food. On the other hand, dry food has a lower cost per ounce, but cats might eat more to feel full due to the lower moisture content.
Cost largely depends on factors like quality and portion size. High quality dry food might cost more per ounce than a basic wet food, but you might need to feed less. Talk to your vet to determine the right portion size for your cat’s age, weight, and activity level.
Wet food vs Dry cat food
| Wet Cat Food Benefits | Dry Cat Food Benefits |
| Higher Moisture content can improve hydration | Higher nutrient density due to less moisture |
| Easy portion control with cans or pouches | Easy to scoop and store |
| Higher palatability | Lower cost per ounce |
Special Considerations
It’s important to consult with your veterinarian and consider your cat’s specific needs when choosing between wet and dry food. Kittens need high calorie, nutrient rich food to support rapid growth while senior cats benefit from easily digestible food with moderate calories to maintain weight. Cats with specific health issues may require specialized diets to address weight management or allergies.
Mixing wet and dry cat food can provide additional benefits for your cat. Benefits of mixing wet and dry cat food include variety of texture and flavor, added moisture, and higher calories.
- Enhanced palatability: Picky eaters may find the mixture of wet and dry food more appealing due to the variety in taste and texture.
- Increased hydration: Mixing dry and wet food can cats who are naturally poor drinkers get the hydration they need.
- Potential weight management: Wet food is generally less calorie dense than dry food, so adding wet food and removing dry food can help with weight control.
The best food type (wet or dry) depends on your cat’s individual preferences and health needs. Consult your veterinarian for personalized recommendations.
Transitioning between Wet & Dry Cat Food
As cats’ nutritional needs can change throughout their lives, transitioning to a different type of food may be necessary. The key to successfully changing cat food is to work with your vet as you transition slowly over 7-10 days and note how your cat responds. Here are some tips to consider when changing cat food.
- If transitioning from wet to dry food:
- Introduce the dry food by giving the cat a few pieces as a treat
- Slowly add dry food to the wet diet
- Reduce the amount of wet food as you add more dry
- If transitioning from kibble to canned food:
- Introduce the wet food by using it as a meal topper
- Slowly reduce the amount of dry food in the meal
- Once you begin to add the wet food, do not leave food out for more than a day
Whenever considering switching your cat to a new food, it’s worthwhile to discuss the plan with your vet to confirm the best course of action for your feline family member.
Is Wet or Dry Food Better for Cats?
While both wet and dry cat food can be part of a healthy diet, the ideal choice depends on your cat’s individual needs and preferences. Both options can provide your cat with high quality, natural nutrition. Choosing a high quality, all natural cat food like those offered by Nature’s Logic is a great way to give your pet the nutrients they need. Consult your veterinarian for guidance on selecting the most appropriate food for your feline friend.
