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Wet Food or Dry Food For Cats

July 5, 2024 JOLLYES TEAM

Questions

Why diet matters for your cat
Wet cat food
Dry cat food
Comparing nutritional content
Special dietary needs
The best of both worlds
The environmental impact of different food
Financial considerations
How to transition your cat's diet to a new food

Choosing the right food for your furry family member can feel like navigating an impossible maze. There are so many options, and each comes with its own set of benefits and drawbacks. We are going to simplify that decision making process by comparing the benefits of wet and dry cat food. We'll help you determine which type is best suited for your feline friend. There is no right or wrong when it comes to choosing between different diets for your fur baby but if you can tailor their diet so they get the absolute best out of it, they won’t just be happier for it but healthier as well.

Why diet matters for your cat

Cats are obligate carnivores, meaning they require a diet rich in animal protein. Unlike dogs, you cannot consider the option of a vegetable based diet for them as they won’t be able to get all the nutrients they need from plants alone. The food you choose should be balanced and nutritionally complete to ensure they live a long and healthy life. Both wet and dry foods have their merits, and understanding these can help you make an informed choice.

Wet cat food

Wet cat food typically comes in cans or pouches and contains high moisture content. It's often seen as a bit of a luxury item, but is it worth the extra cost? Cost effective doesn’t always mean it’s going to be better however, there are some perks of feeding your feline friend a delicious wet food diet.

Hydration benefits

You might have noticed that your feline friend has a naturally low thirst drive and often doesn’t drink enough water. Wet cat food can help mitigate this issue by providing additional hydration. This is particularly beneficial for those prone to urinary tract infections or kidney issues. They differ from dogs in that they don’t enjoy long drinks of water from their bowl and will only venture to it when they become dehydrated. Dry cat food contains up to 10% moisture while a wet diet like Sheba Fine Flakes Cat Pouches Fish Collection In Jelly Wet Cat Food contains a whopping 85% moisture to keep them nice and hydrated.

Enhanced palatability

Many cats find wet food more palatable than dry kibble. The strong aroma and soft texture make it easier for older cats or those with dental issues to eat. If your cat is a picky eater, wet food might be the solution. While it’s generally more rich in flavour, you will have to make sure you are feeding the right amount. It can help to feed in smaller portions throughout the day as you should only leave wet food out for about four hours before you risk it starting to spoil.

Nutritional completeness

Wet cat food often contains higher levels of protein and fewer carbohydrates compared to dry food. This aligns closely with a cat's natural diet, providing essential nutrients that promote overall health. Cat teeth have evolved to tear rather than crunch so wet food is arguably a little but closer to what they would gravitate towards eating naturally.

Dry cat food

Dry cat food, commonly known as biscuits or kibble, is a convenient and cost effective option. But convenience isn't the only advantage. There are a few different factors that could make a dry food diet more beneficial for both you and your kitty.

Dental health

Dry food can help maintain dental health by reducing plaque and tartar build-up. The crunchiness of biscuits acts like a toothbrush, cleaning your cat's teeth as they eat. It might not replace dental check ups entirely or eliminate the risk of dental issues further down the line but having a textured diet can reduce the need for teeth brushing or finding dental treats for them to crunch on instead.

Convenience and shelf life

Dry cat food is easy to store and has a longer shelf life than wet food. This makes it a practical choice for busy pet parents. You can leave dry food out for longer periods without it spoiling, making it ideal for free feeding. If you feed your fur baby before going to work in the morning, you don’t have to worry about throwing it out as soon as you come home. Some cats prefer to pick at their food rather than eat meals at a time and for those grazers, dry food is usually the better choice.

As for dealing with weight issues in your feline friend, there are benefits to both diets. While wet food is lower in calories so they can eat a little more and feel more full, they’re far less likely to gobble down an entire meal in one sitting when it comes to biscuits. It really just depends on the individual and what suits them.

Comparing nutritional content

When choosing between wet and dry cat food, it's essential to compare their nutritional content. Both types can offer complete and balanced nutrition, but there are differences.

Protein levels

Wet cat food often has higher protein levels, which is crucial for muscle maintenance and overall health. However, high quality dry foods also offer sufficient protein, so always check the label. As long as you’re getting your fur baby good quality food, any diet can meet their protein needs and if it’s a little low, you can always supplement it with fresh meat.

Carbohydrates

Cats have a limited ability to digest carbohydrates. Wet food typically contains fewer carbs, making it a better option for cats with dietary sensitivities. The carbohydrates in dry food can put cats at risk of obesity if the amount they are fed isn’t monitored as strictly which is often more likely to happen with a biscuit diet and free feeding.

Additives and preservatives

Dry cat food often contains preservatives to extend its shelf life. While these are generally safe, some cats may have sensitivities. Wet food usually has fewer additives, but it's essential to read the ingredient list for any potential allergens.

Special dietary needs

Every moggy is unique, and some may have specific dietary needs that influence your choice between wet and dry food.

For overweight cats, wet food can be beneficial due to its lower calorie content and higher moisture levels, which help them feel full. On the other hand, portion controlled dry food can also aid in weight management. Many brands like Iams Cat Food Adult Weight Control have lower calorie food to help with weight loss.

If your furry friend has a medical condition such as diabetes, kidney disease, or dental issues they may benefit from a diet tailored to their needs. Your vet will often be able to help you select the best diet for them. Plenty of companies made diets for specific issues like Royal Canin Feline Urinary Care Gravy Wet Cat Food.

The best of both worlds

Why choose one when you can have both? Many kitty parents find a mixed feeding approach to be the best option for keeping your feline friend and your wallet happy.

Combining wet and dry food can provide a balanced diet that meets all of your cat's nutritional needs. The wet food adds moisture and enhances palatability, while the dry food contributes to dental health and convenience. Offering a variety of textures and flavours can keep your moggy interested in their meals. This is particularly useful for picky eaters or cats who get bored with their food. A mixed feeding schedule can be convenient. You can offer wet food in the morning and dry food in the evening. This also allows you to manage their calorie intake more effectively.

The environmental impact of different food

When considering the environmental impact of wet and dry cat food, several factors come into play. Wet cat food typically has a higher environmental footprint due to its packaging and production processes. The cans or pouches used for wet food often require more resources to produce and recycle, contributing to higher waste levels. Wet food needs to be kept fresh, often necessitating more energy for storage and transportation.

Dry cat food usually has a lower environmental impact. It is often packaged in bulk bags that generate less waste and can be more easily recycled or reused. The production of dry food generally requires less water and energy, making it more resource efficient. Dry food has a longer shelf life, reducing the frequency of purchases and transportation, which helps lower its carbon footprint. For the environmentally conscious pet parent, a predominantly dry food diet may be the better choice.

Financial considerations

When evaluating the cost effectiveness of wet versus dry cat food, dry food often emerges as the more economical option. Dry biscuits generally costs less per serving and has a longer shelf life, reducing waste and saving money over time. Wet cat food is typically more expensive and requires proper storage to maintain freshness. Once opened it will need to be placed in the fridge if you’re not feeding a whole pack at a time.

You can sometimes mitigate these costs by exploring subscription services or looking for special offers. You can get your feline friend a complete and balanced diet like Riley's Standard Cat Fish in Jelly Selection Cat Food for 15% less if you subscribe and save!

How to transition your cat's diet to a new food

Transitioning your fur baby to a new food should be done gradually to prevent gastrointestinal upset. Start by mixing a small amount of the new food with your cat's current food. For the first few days, use approximately 25% new food and 75% old food. Gradually increase the proportion of the new food over the next 7 to 10 days, moving to a 50/50 ratio, then 75/25, and finally 100% new food.

Monitor your cat closely for any signs of digestive issues, such as vomiting or diarrhoea, and adjust the transition period if necessary. Patience and a gradual approach will help your four-legged family member adjust without stress.

Choosing between wet and dry cat food doesn't have to be daunting. By understanding the benefits of each, you can make an informed decision that best suits your cat's needs. Whether you opt for the hydration benefits of wet food or the dental advantages of dry food, the most important thing is to ensure that they receive a balanced and nutritious diet. To find the perfect diet for your fur baby, visit us in store or online.