Wet cat food vs. Dry cat food: Which is better?

In this post & video let us look at the pros and cons of wet vs. dry cat food and decide which one is better for your cat.

First and foremost wet cat food typically contains about 80% moisture. Some brands even have higher than 80% moisture.

On the other hand, dry cat food contains about 8-12% moisture.

In the wild cats get most of their required water from their food. Cats tend to not drink water as frequently as dogs. 

In this regard wet cat food is definitely superior to dry cat food.

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Unlike dry cat food wet cat food needs refrigeration after opening. If some portion of the wet food is left in the can or in the pouch it must be refrigerated and used within 2-3 days.

Wet cat food when given to your cat it needs to be brought down to the room temperature. Make sure that your cat finishes eating it within an hour. Storing wet food at room temperature for more than an hour may not be safe for your cat.

On the other hand, dry cat food does not need refrigeration. But once the bag is opened make sure that it is stored in cool and dry conditions. Try your level best not to expose it to air as it can make the kibble unpalatable for your cat.

Cats when fed wet cat food feel like they have eaten higher volume of food because of its high moisture content.

Since dry cat food contains much lesser moisture content compared to the wet variety it is much more energy dense. If the kibble is not properly weighed and appropriate amounts for your cat size & weight are not followed then the chance of your cat getting overweight increases significantly.

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If we look at the pricing of wet vs. dry cat food in general wet cat food is more expensive.

One of the cons of wet cat food is the buildup of plaque & tartar on the teeth. Unless the teeth of cats are not regularly cleaned this can lead to dental & gum problems over a period of time. 

Dry food is safer in this aspect.

Some cats do not drink enough water. Over a period of time this can lead to kidney problems, urinary tract infections & other host of issues. Wet food is more suitable for these cats.

For senior cats aged more than 7 years wet pet food can be more appealing as many of these might be already having dental issues and chewing kibble can be quite uncomfortable.

Overall wet & dry cat food varieties have their own pros and cons. If your cat is really not very picky you can go alternatively with wet food and dry cat food.

You can even feed them together. Just make sure that you follow feeding guidelines.

You can also consult your veterinarian for more information and recommendations.

This video is a part of the Pet Food & Nutrition series.

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