CAT FOOD COMPARISON: WET VS DRY – WHAT’S BEST?

Both wet and dry cat food offer distinct advantages and disadvantages at the same time. Wet cat food provides higher moisture content, which is beneficial for hydration, especially for cats that are prone to dehydration or with certain health conditions, however it’s definitely more expensive and requires proper storage. Dry cat food is more cost-effective and convenient to handle and store, and there are some dental-specific varieties available that can aid in dental health of cats, but it is lower in moisture content and can lead to dehydration if not supplemented with water. Therefore, the ultimate best choice depends on individual cat needs, preferences, and health considerations. Keeping in mind all these factors, the cat owner needs to decide which cat food should be chosen for the cat.

Wet Cat Food:

Pros:

Wet cat food has a higher moisture content, which helps with hydration and can be beneficial for cats particularly that are suffering from kidney disease, diabetes, or other health issues. It can be more palatable for picky eaters and may be easier to digest for some cats, as well.

Cons:

Wet cat food is much more expensive than dry food, it has a shorter shelf life once opened, requires refrigeration, and can also be messier to feed.

Dry Cat Food:

Pros:

Dry cat food is less expensive than wet food, it has a longer shelf life, and can be convenient for travel and storage. Some dry foods are especially designed to promote dental health by reducing tartar and plaque buildup.

Cons:

Lower moisture content in dry cat food can contribute to dehydration if cats don’t drink enough water, and it generally contains more carbohydrates than wet food which may get problematic in future.

Factors to Consider:

Hydration:

Originally by nature, cats are obligate carnivores and rely on the moisture content in their food for hydration. Therefore, wet cat food caters to this requirement by naturally providing more moisture in the diet.

Health Conditions:

Cats that are suffering from certain health conditions, such as kidney disease, tend to benefit from a high-moisture diet like wet cat food options.

Dental Health:

Dry cat food can help clean teeth and reduce tartar and plaque buildup; however, at the same time wet food may be easier for cats to eat that are already suffering from dental issues.

Cost:

Dry cat food is generally more affordable than the alternate wet food options available in the market, thus making it a budget-friendly option for the customers.

Convenience:

Dry cat food is easier to store and transport, and it does not require refrigeration after opening the bag. It just needs to be stored in a moderately cool and dry place, preferably in a container. 

Individual Preferences:

In certain cases, the cats might prefer the taste and texture of wet cat food, while the others like the crunchy kibble of the dry food option.

Nutritional Needs:

One needs to ensure that the chosen food is complete and balanced in order to meet your cat’s specific needs. Whether they are given dry or wet cat food, but the cat’s dietary needs cannot be compromised in any way.

Recommendations:

Consult with your veterinarian:

In case of confusion, it’s always a good idea to consult your cat’s veterinarian. They can provide personalized recommendations and professional insight in this regard, which would be based upon your cat’s individual needs, medical history and overall health status.

Consider a combination:

Moreover, in order to avoid confusion, many cat owners choose to feed a combination of wet and dry cat food to their cats. That would definitely provide variety and at the same time also ensure optimal hydration and dental health.

Provide fresh water:

Regardless of the food type, always ensure your cat has access to plenty of fresh drinking water available in its reach, at all times. Hydration is an important health requirement of all living creates and therefore cats should drink a lot of water to stay healthy. Dehydration can lead to several health problems that would need further treatments and care. In case your cat is fed only dry cat food, it would obviously feel thirstier and that lack of moisture in the food must be duly replenished.

Monitor your cat’s weight:

Either wet or dry cat food; both can result in weight gain in case of over-feeding. In order to prevent your cat from gaining extra weight, one needs to monitor its weight on constant basis. As we know that obesity can cause many health issues, therefore this issue must be taken seriously right from the very beginning. Whatever diet your cat is being fed, it should be given in the proper portions, as required. The appropriate feeding quantities, proportional to the cat’s weight are generally stated on the cat food packaging. One may get a general idea on the feeding portion by looking at the packaging; however in some cases, certain adjustments have to be made depending on your cat’s individual preferences, behavior and needs.

In a nutshell, both the wet and dry cat food options are good and both are created especially for your cats, keeping their dietary needs in mind. Now, as the owner, you have to make your decision, so choose wisely and ensure that your cat receives the best nutrition and care you can provide. You know your furry friend better than anymore and your choice is definitely in its best interest!