A common question that most cat owners ask is whether to feed their cats dry food or wet food. When you walk into a pet shop or supermarket, you find a variety of different cat foods. With so many available options, it can be quite tricky to figure what’s the right food for your cat.
However, it highly depends on your cat’s health, weight, nutritional adequacy, lifestyle, and, most of all, your budget.
If you’re wondering which one is better when it comes to wet vs. dry cat food, they’re both outstanding choices. It’s important to ensure that the food you select is completely balanced for your cat’s age and life stage. Here’s what you need to know about dry cat food vs. wet cat food.
Dry Cat Food Vs. Wet Cat Food:
Both are excellent sources of nutrition if you serve a proper amount. Some cat parents even decide to blend the two. Factors like convenience to nutritional analysis are essential considerations when looking at types of cat foods. Keep reading to find out more!
Dry Cat Food
Millions of cat owners worldwide feed dry food (either exclusively or in combination) to their cats, which helps provide long, healthy lives. Dry cat food has its benefits and disadvantages; some of them include;
Pros:
- Dry cat food is less expensive than wet food
- It is a convenient option for most cat owners since you can leave it outside, and it doesn’t spoil as easily
- It helps prevent dental diseases and plaque accumulation
- Dry food is a good source of providing mental simulation
- It doesn’t have to be stored in refrigerators
- It’s good for free-feeding your cats any time of the day
Cons:
- Dry cat food has only 10% moisture content and can cause dehydration
- It can be difficult for older cats to chew on dry cat food
- Due to free-feeding, many cat owners can’t measure how much their cats are consuming in a day, leading to obesity or unhealthy eating habits
- Dry cat foods are usually high in carbs and low in proteins
- It is energy-dense, making cats consume a lot of calories quickly
- It may contain a lot of fillers like grains and cornmeal instead of animal protein
Note: When purchasing dry cat food, it’s best to read the labels and ingredients. Dry foods and treats high in meat content and low in grains are the best ones for your cats.
Wet Cat Food:
Wet cat food, also known as canned food, is commonly preferred by many cat owners. Here are some of the pros and cons of canned food.
Pros:
- Wet cat food has approximately 78% moisture content, preventing urinary tract problems
- It has a lower energy density (0.8-1.5 kcal/g) than dry cat food (3-4 kcal/g) and helps in effective weight management
- It helps in relieving constipation
- Most cats love the texture and ingredients of wet cat food
- It’s much easier to chew, especially for older cats
- Wet cat food contains animal protein and fats
Cons:
- Wet cat food is more expensive than dry cat food
- It can easily get spoiled after a few hours
- It requires refrigeration after opening and can’t be left outside for too long
- Wet food can be quite malodorous where the smell can permeate your home
- A diet containing only wet cat food can cause dental problems like bad breath or gum diseases
- Wet can food can be quite messy if left for too long, making it difficult to clean the bowls
Note: Wet cat food is usually more prone to ant attacks; in order to prevent that from happening, try opting for ant-proof bowls to keep the food safe and healthy once it’s out of the refrigerator.
CONCLUSION
Dry cat food and wet cat food has its benefits and disadvantage. Many cat owners combine both options to balance the benefits and drawbacks. Remember, every cat is different! The amount you choose to feed your cat should depend on its health, age, and weight requirements. Make sure to read the labels carefully before purchasing. Your cat’s food should be high in animal proteins, contain sufficient water content, and have nutritional value!
