Is Wet Or Dry Food Better For Cats?

Cat owners can never agree on what’s better for cats: wet food, dry food, or both? Both wet and dry food come with their advantages and disadvantages, so cat owners often mix the two.

If you’re trying to decide whether to give your cat wet food, dry food, or a mixture of both, you should base your decision off your cat and its wants and needs. While some cats prefer dry food, others may choose to only eat wet food. Cats are notoriously picky eaters, so your cat may pick between dry food or wet food for you.

Those with non-picky cats or kittens have a chance to pick between wet or dry. So, which is better, wet or dry food for cats?

Dry Food vs Wet Food For Cats: Main Differences

The main differences between wet and dry food for cats are the consistency of the food, the moisture, and the nutrients. 

Consistency is important for picky cats. Cats form food habits early on in life, and those with established tastes may base their food preferences off consistency.

Moisture is a tough factor to overlook. In the wild, cats get a lot of their hydration from prey. Similarly, wet food can be a great source of fluids for your cat, especially if they’re hesitant to drink from their water fountain or bowl. 

Lastly, pay attention to nutrients. Nutrients vary by brand, so two dry foods could have vastly different nutritional values. That being said, the nature of wet food and dry food can mean vastly different nutritional mixes. 

To make the best pick for your cat, consider the advantages and disadvantages of each option.

Dry Cat Food: Advantages and Disadvantages

Dry cat food, such as kibble, is a classic in many homes. Here are reasons to consider getting dry food for your cat.

Cost. Dry cat food tends to be quite a bit cheaper than wet food, mostly because it keeps longer and can be easier to produce. If you’re on a budget, dry food is probably the best option.

Convenience. There’s no denying that dry food is incredibly convenient. While wet food can go bad from sitting out, dry food can last much longer, though it does go bad eventually. It also comes in large bags while wet food is usually individually packed.

Health: Dry food can be great for your cat’s dental health. The hard food can help clean your cat’s teeth, maybe saving a brushing or two.

While the advantages are clear, there are reasons to stay away from dry food. Here are some disadvantages of dry food for cats.

Hydration. As mentioned before, some cats get most of their fluids from wet food. On a dry food only diet, your cat will miss out on this chance to hydrate. This can lead to health problems down the road.

Nutrition. While specifics vary by brand, dry food tends to be unhealthier than wet food. If this is a concern of yours, look into the ingredients for different dry foods before shopping.

Hard food. Older cats and kittens with developing teeth might not be able to properly chew dry food. If your cat has tender teeth, you might want to stick with wet food. 

As a recap, dry food can be cheap, easy, and good for strong teeth, but it can exacerbate hydration issues and could be bad for cats that require a diet. Regardless, many cats have lived happily for years on dry food, so this option could be good for your cat.

Wet Cat Food: Advantages and Disadvantages

If you’re curious to have your cat try wet food, the good news is that this can be a very healthy option for cats. Here are some advantages of wet cat food.

Hydration. As mentioned before, wet food can be a great source of fluids for your cat. If you worry about whether your cat drinks enough water or not, consider a wet food diet.

Nutrition. Again, this varies by brand, but wet food can generally be more nutritious than dry food. However, make note of the wet food you buy. Too much gravy isn’t healthy for anyone!

Variety. From cuts in gravy to pate, there’s no shortage of options when it comes to wet cat food. While your cat may not prefer a specific, there are plenty of picks that your cat could love. 

As with dry food, there are disadvantages to serving your cat wet food. Here are some reasons to consider.

Cost. Wet cat food tends to cost more than dry cat food. These costs can add up over time, so be mindful before putting your cat on a wet food diet.

Wet food goes bad faster. Wet food doesn’t preserve the same way dry food does, meaning you won’t be able to store it for as long as dry food. Similarly, wet food doesn’t last as long as dry food when sitting out in a food bowl.

Convenience. Wet cat food just isn’t as convenient as dry cat food. Wet cat food requires opening individual cans or packages, cleaning the bowls, and picking up uneaten food that’s gone bad. You also need to track the best time to feed your cat to make sure they’re hungry enough to eat the food before it spoils.

While there are downsides to wet cat food, there are plenty of benefits to consider. In many cases, wet cat food can be a better option for cats than dry cat food. At the end of the day, the decision between wet or dry cat food is yours. 

Is Wet Or Dry Cat Food Healthier?

The good news is that both wet and dry cat food have nutritional value, though benefits vary by brand and food.

Most cats should be able to thrive on a dry food or wet food diet, though many cat owners prefer to use both. This provides the low cost and convenience of dry food while providing the hydration of wet food. It also gives your cat some variety which they might appreciate.

In terms of health, be sure to look at ingredients when comparing food types. For example, a limited ingredient wet food might be better for cats than a cheaper option. Of course, you also need to purchase food that your cat wants to eat. 

Is It OK To Feed Cats Just Dry Food?

Yes, many cats thrive on just dry food, though this isn’t the best option for all cats. Cats that are susceptible to dehydration, particularly male cats, should be given wet food to supplement their hydration. If your cat drinks plenty of water, then dry food only should be fine.

If you do decide to use a dry food only diet, make sure your cat has easy access to clean water. Consider investing in a water fountain to encourage your cat to drink more water.

It’s also worth bringing up again that food quality varies, and cheaper dry foods will have less nutritional value than nicer brands. When in doubt about dry foods and your cat’s health, consult your vet.

Do Vets Recommend Dry Food Or Wet Food?

While all veterinarians have different opinions, most recommend a mix of dry food and wet food for cats. This combines the advantages of each option while minimizing the disadvantages, and it increases the chance of your cat enjoying a balanced diet. 

Of course, your cat’s needs will vary depending on age, current health status, and eating/drinking habits. Watch how your cat responds to different foods to determine the best option moving forward. 

Final Thoughts: Is Wet Or Dry Food Better For Cats?

While an all wet or all dry food diet might seem like a good idea, the best option is to mix the two types together. Needs vary by cat, but a blend of the two provides tons of health benefits for your cat. Using multiple food also gives your cat some variety making meal time more interesting.

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