Vet Sarah Aldridge discusses pros and cons of wet/dry cat food
October 21, 2023
Ensuring your cat has the correct diet is an essential part of keeping them happy and healthy. There are many factors involved when it comes to choosing the correct diet, such as age, lifestyle, their health status and also their individual preferences. One of the most frequently asked questions our Vet Sarah Aldridge receives relating to cat nutrition is whether cats should eat wet or dry food. To help you decide what’s best for your pet, Sarah has put together the following advice.
Advantages of wet food
- Wet cat food can help keep your cat hydrated as it has a high moisture content. Sarah advises that cats fed wet food tend to have a higher total water intake.
- It generally is easier to chew and digest – making wet food a good option for young and senior cats, or those suffering from dental issues.
- Picky eaters tend to prefer wet food due to its strong smell and flavour.
- Wet food can be warmed to encourage cats to eat when they are unwell.
Wet food – things to consider
- Your cat could need a higher amount of food to meet their calorific needs if they are on a wet food diet.
- Wet food has a shorter lifespan and needs to be discarded only a few hours after being served.
- Wet food tends to be more expensive and needs to be refrigerated.
Advantages of dry food
- Storing and serving dry food is often easier as it does not need refrigerating and can be left out without spoiling.
- Dry food tends to be more calorie dense so your cat may require a smaller portion to meet their nutritional needs. Sarah recommends that you weigh out your cat’s food portions daily to ensure they are getting the right amount for their needs.
- You can purchase brands of food that are designed to help clean your cat’s teeth as they feed – reducing plaque and tartar build-up. Make sure you buy one with the Veterinary Oral Health Council’s (VOHC) seal of approval.
Dry food – things to consider
- If you plan on feeding your cat a dry food diet, make sure they have several bowls to drink from in different places in the house. There are numerous types of drinking fountains available too, some cats prefer theses as they like to drink from running water.
- If you are transferring your cat from wet to dry food, do it gradually over a couple of weeks to allow them to adjust their water intake.
Can you feed wet and dry food?
Many owners choose to feed wet and dry food to provide their cat with benefits from both types of diet.
Vet Sarah at Daventry Vets recommends you chat to our experienced nursing team who will be able to advise on your cat’s ideal diet depending on their specific needs. Contact us today on 01327 877767 to book a nurse consultation or for more advice about feeding your cat.
