Wet versus Dry cat food

If you are a pet parent to a cat, then you will know there are two types of cat food: wet and dry cat food. Most wet and dry cat food is complete – that means that it has a complete balance of nutrients and can be fed to your cat alone, without any need for supplementary foods. But is there a difference between wet and dry cat food? And if so, how do you choose?

What is dry cat food?

Dry cat food is essentially kibble. It is made with ingredients that are mixed into dough, then cooked and dried, and cut into a kibble shapes – circles, hearts, fish, you name it. It does contain water, about 11%, and comes in packets that can be opened and stored in pantries for long periods of time. Because it contains such a low percentage of water, dry cat food does not go bad as easily as wet cat food. It is also high in carbohydrates, as ingredients usually include some sort of barley, wheat or corn. There are several types of dry cat food available in shops near you or online, including Orijen Cat & Kitten Food,N&D Adult Cat Lamb and Blueberry and Acana Cat Pacifica.

Here are some advantages of dry cat food:

Cheaper: Dry cat food is cheaper than wet cat food, which makes it a favorite among many pet parents.

Easy storage: Unlike wet cat food, dry cat food can be stored in a cupboard after it has been opened and does not go bad as easily. Just make sure you buy the right size of packet for your cat though, so that the dry cat food is not open for months and months before it is finished.

Dental care: Dry cat food is better for your cat’s teeth, as it hard and cleans your cat’s teeth as they chew. It also does not leave behind any residue in your cat’s mouth. That being said, all cats will need proper dental care at some point, so dry cat food is not a substitute of dental care.

Dry cat food also includes added preservatives, which is not great for your cat.

What is wet cat food?

Wet cat food is usually available in cans and must be refrigerated after being opened. Each can should typically be used up as fast as possible, to prevent it from going bad. Wet cat food is higher in water content – it has between 70% to 80% of water. This water won’t be found in the can; it will be trapped in gelatine or sugars found in the food, which distribute the water. Wet cat food is more expensive than dry cat food because of its weight and volume. Wet cat food containing the same amount of calories as dry cat food will be higher in volume, which makes it more expensive to pack and transport.

There are plenty of advantages to wet cat food:

Protein: Wet cat food online and in shops has a higher amount of protein, such as meat or fish. This is excellent in terms of nutrition for cats, as they are obligate carnivores.

Taste: Cats are choosy eaters and rely extensively on their sense of smell and taste when deciding what diet suits them. Wet cat food is usually more popular among cats because it smells and tastes better.

Nutrition: The emphasis on protein means that wet cat food can often be good for your cat’s growth. It helps build muscle. That being said, dry cat food does have a good balance of nutrients, including protein, so it is not bad for cat at all.

High water content: Cats tend to be bad at drinking water, which can cause a lot of diseases throughout their lifetime. Wet cat food ensures they get water via their food, and thus keeps them healthier.

Examples of good wet cat food in India and globally include Little Big Paw Chicken Mousse Cat Food, Me-O Adult Cat Canned Tuna, Belotta Pouch Tuna and Salmon, and Little Big Paw Salmon Mousse Cat Food.

Wet cat food versus dry cat food

So which one should you choose? As always, it comes down to one answer: it depends on your cat. Here are some questions and tips to help you decide which diet may be best for your cat:

· Is your cat a fussy eater? If your cat is a fussy eater, then wet cat food may be the best option for them. Wet cat food smells better, tastes better and a finicky cat is more likely to finish everything on their plate.

· Is expensive a factor? If so, dry food is a smarter option, as it is cheaper to buy and easier to store.

· What kind of feeding schedule does your cat have? If your cat likes to free feed – which means you fill their bowl with cat food and they nibble at it throughout the day – then dry cat food is the smarter option, as it will not go bad as easily. If you use wet cat food for a free feeding schedule, then you will need to make sure the food is not spoilt at regular intervals and throw out any food that might be.

· How old is your cat? Older cats may find it difficult to chew on dry cat food, as their teeth and gums may not be up to the task. Wet cat food is easier for them to eat.

· Is your cat on a diet? Sometimes, it is necessary to put our cats on controlled diets to manage their weight. If your cat is on such diet, then wet cat food may be a great choice. Wet cat food has greater volume for the same amount of calories, which means your cat will feel as full even on a diet.

· How much does your cat need their water? Wet cat food can be better for cats with kidney problems, as it makes sure they get a consistent supply of water.

Most cats like variety, so a lot of pet parents make a cat food list and mix and match their cat’s diet with a combination of wet and dry food. Speak to your vet about what they recommend and what proportions would be best for your kitten.