In the debate between dry and wet cat food, there has yet to be an undisputed winner. Both options have their advantages and shortcomings. Despite that, when you look at many cat owner’s shopping patterns, you’ll find that dry food tends to be the go-to option, while wet food is often called upon as a vet-recommended supplement or a special treat.
With all that dry food has going for it in terms of convenience and price, if you belong in the ranks of its loyalists, no one can really blame you. After all, your cat seems healthy enough and goes from zero to 80 every time it hears that kibble clink-clanking its way into its bowl.
However, as tempted as you might be to write off wet food as an unnecessary indulgence, there are several reasons why you should consider incorporating it as part of your cat’s diet.
5 Benefits of Wet Food for Cats’ Health
The following are some benefits that wet cat food can have on your furry friend’s health:
1. Better Hydration
According to Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, wet food contains as much as 80% water, which can be a big help to cats in many ways, including:
- Enhancing Urinary Health
Wet food is great for promoting more diluted urine, which prevents urinary tract problems. The idea is that the water in wet food may result in a lower concentration of inflammatory components in the bladder which, in turn, supports better urinary health.
- Relieving Constipation
Dehydration increases the risk of constipation; feeding your cat wet food is a perfect way to combat that. In fact, it’s often recommended for cats that are prone to constipation to eat wet food regularly.
2. Weight Management
If you have an overweight cat who you’ve been feeding primarily dry food, it may be time to add wet food into the mix for two main reasons:
- Lower Calories
Water has no calories, and since it’s a big part of wet food, it’s generally lower in density than dry food. Dry diets typically have a calorie content of more than 3–4 kcal/g, sometimes even higher. On the other hand, wet food typically provides 0.8–1.5 kcal/g, with certain weight loss varieties containing even fewer calories.
Additionally, the moisture content in wet food makes cats feel full and prevents frequent eating.
- Less Carbohydrates
Just like with humans, a high-carb diet can lead to weight gain in cats. And dry food generally has more carbs than wet food. This is because most dry cat food manufacturers use starchy ingredients, such as wheat, corn, barley and oats to bind and shape the kibble.
3. More Muscle Mass
Cats, being carnivores, naturally require a diet that’s rich in protein. They need it at every stage of their lives to build and maintain lean muscles, but especially as kittens experiencing growth spurts or seniors who are losing muscle mass.
Wet cat food is known to contain higher levels of protein than dry food. Not only that but the protein in wet food is primarily animal-based, which means it’s of higher quality, easily digestible and will foot the bill for your cat’s muscle-building needs.
4. Easier on the Teeth
Although kibble can aid in maintaining your cat’s dental hygiene, its rough texture can be harsh on their teeth and gums. Cats with teeth or mouth problems or seniors may find wet food kinder to eat, as it has a softer texture.
5. Stronger Scent and Palatability
If you think your cat is running to its bowl now, wait till you see how it reacts to wet food’s smell and taste. Wet cat food tends to have a strong aroma and comes in various textures and flavours. It can even be warmed up a bit to boost its scent and lure in that picky eater or old timer whose senses aren’t what they used to be.
What to Look For in Wet Cat Food
If you’ve decided to give wet cat food a try, here are some factors to help you select the best one for your feline friend:
1. Animal Protein Source
As with wet dog food, good quality cat food should have an animal protein listed as the main ingredient on the can, such as chicken, turkey, lamb or beef, rather than just “meat”.
2. AAFCO Compliance
Ensure your cat’s wet food meets AAFCO standards. According to AAFCO guidelines, pet owners must carefully read labels, choose the appropriate food based on their pet’s species, life stage and condition and follow feeding directions. This guarantees proper nutrition for their health and weight.
3. Freshness
Before you leave the store with your kitty’s new food, check the expiration date and make sure it’s still valid.
Cats’ Health Begins with Nutrition
Wet food can have a positive impact on your cat’s health. Consult your veterinarian on the best wet food brand for your pet’s health requirements. Once you have the all-clear, introduce wet food gradually, and you’ll soon have an even happier, healthier cat.
