When you bring home a kitty, it can be difficult to choose between wet and dry cat food. Both are ultimately excellent sources of nutrition, and some pet parents decide to offer both. Each type of food presents its own advantages, so here’s what you need to know so you can decide what's best for your cat.
The benefits of wet cat food
Wet cat food comes in pre-measured portions that cats love. There are a variety of delicious flavours and forms available to provide cats with variety to their meals. For cats with dental problems or difficulty chewing, wet food may be easier for them to eat.
Wet foods also provide cats with additional water to help them stay hydrated. Even with wet foods, cats should always have access to clean, fresh water. Increasing water intake is often recommended for cats diagnosed with certain health problems, such as kidney or urinary issues. For these cats, clinical canned foods would be recommended because they offer other benefits, such as controlled mineral levels, that are beneficial for those conditions.
Tasty Tips
The benefits of dry cat food
Dry cat food is available in conveniently sized bags, keeping well up to the "best by date" on the bag as long as you store it in a cool, dry location. It's generally less expensive than wet food and can be gentler on your budget.
Some cats are perfectly content with dry food left as free-choice feeding, which is where you leave a bowl of food out for your cat to nibble on throughout the day. Other cats gorge on food and must be fed only portion-controlled meals. Luckily, you can easily use a measuring cup to control each serving for overweight or gluttonous cats. The kibble can also be used in feeding puzzle toys to keep your cat friend active and happy.
Blended or mixed feeding
Blended or mixed feeding routines can offer cats the best of both worlds. With a blended feeding routine, you may feed your cat dry food in the morning, and wet in the evening. This way, they can graze on the dry food throughout the day if they choose, and you can dispose of any dried out wet food before going to bed.
There is also the option of mixing your cat's dry food with wet cat food, which can also help provide additional moisture with each meal. If you choose this option, any of the uneaten mixture needs to be discarded within a few hours. Keep in mind, though, that it is still important to maintain proper portion control to ensure your cat is getting the proper amount of nutrients to maintain a healthy weight.
No matter which type of cat food you choose, the debate between wet vs. dry cat food isn't one that's easily answered. Each cat is unique with their own tastes and preferences. Consult with your cat's vet if you have any questions about choosing wet vs. dry cat food, and let your little friend's tastes guide you to the preferred flavours.
Related products
Adult Cat Food
Hill's Science Plan Adult Cat Food with Lamb & Rice is a complete pet food, specially formulated with ActivBiome+ Multi-Benefit Technology.
This food is specially formulated to fuel the energy needs of cats during the prime of their life.
Feline Adult Wet Food
Tender chunks in gravy for cats, with high-quality protein to maintain lean muscle. With vitamin E and omega-3s & -6s for healthy skin and balanced minerals to support healthy vital organs.
Kitten Dry Food
Hill's Science Plan Sterilised Kitten Cat Food with Salmon is specially formulated with ActivBiome+ Multi-Benefit Technology. This food is carefully formulated for the developmental needs of kittens, so they get the best start in life & grow to their full potential.
Adult Cat Food
Hill's Science Plan Adult Cat Food with Chicken is a complete pet food, specially formulated with ActivBiome+ Multi-Benefit Technology.
This food is specially formulated to fuel the energy needs of cats during the prime of their life.
Related articles
Foods that are Dangerous or Toxic to Cats
Many human foods are dangerous to cats. Read about 5 of the worst toxic food offenders that can kill your cat - and how much it takes to hurt them.
Hill's Cat Foods: A Healthy Choice for Your Cat
Selecting the right food for your kitten is a key to quality nutrition and a long, healthy life. Learn more about how to select the right kitten food.
Choosing the Best Cat Food: What to Look For
From essential vitamins & minerals to different types of meat, learn what to look for when choosing the best cat food for your feline.
Free of Fur Balls
Cats are very clean creatures and your kitten will spend approximately five hours a day grooming herself. In doing so, they'll pick up any loose hairs from their coat.
Put your cat on a diet without them knowing
Our low calorie formula helps you control your cat's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.
Put your cat on a diet without them knowing
Our low calorie formula helps you control your cat's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.