If you’re thinking about bringing a cat or kitten into your home, you’ll need to make sure you’re well prepared. Choosing the right food is really important but with so many options out there, finding the best cat food can be a little daunting. Should you choose wet or dry food, or a combination of the two? Each type of cat food has its pros and cons, 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 many cats love. There are lots of delicious flavours and textures available to provide cats with variety.
For cats with dental problems or difficulty chewing, wet food may be easier for them to eat. You may find that your cat shows less interest in their food over time, so older or senior cats may appreciate the palatability and ease of eating of a delicious wet food. If you have any concerns over your cat’s appetite or unwillingness to eat, however, then you should seek expert advice from a vet who will be able to identify underlying issues beyond just age or fussiness.
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 or pouched foods may be recommended because they offer other benefits, such as controlled mineral levels, that are helpful for those conditions.
When left out (especially during warmer weather), wet food may attract flies due to its rich smell, so make sure to keep an eye on any leftover food and discard it when necessary.
Tasty Tips
The benefits of dry cat food
Dry cat food is generally less expensive than wet food and can be gentler on your budget. Another great benefit to dry food is its ability to promote healthier teeth; due to the teeth-cleaning action of certain special dry dental food, it can keep tartar and plaque buildup at bay.
Dry food is available in bags of various sizes to cater for the number and size of your cats. Remember to always be aware of how quickly you will get through a bag to make sure it doesn't go out of date or go off after opening. Most dry cat foods, if stored in a cool, dry location and sealed after each use, will keep for around three months after opening, but be sure to check the advice for the brand you choose.
Always measure out the correct ration for your cat’s ideal weight and ask your vet if you’re not sure what that is. Cats like to have several small meals throughout the day and timer feeders can be really useful for this if you’re out and about at work. Unless you have a very fussy cat, it’s best not to offer unlimited food because most cats will simply become obese. Puzzle feeders can provide extra stimulation at meal times if you have a greedy cat.
Mixed feeding
Cats are creatures of habit and don’t much like change. They can get easily ‘hooked’ on a type or texture of food, such as kibble, chunks in gravy, or solid loaf-style tinned food. At some point in your life or theirs, circumstances may change. For example, your budget may vary or your cat may develop a medical condition that requires one type of food over another. With this in mind, it’s best, if you can, to feed a variety of textures and types of food from the start. This way, your cat will get the advantages of both types of food and will stay open to all the options.
As long as your cat’s daily calorie intake is right, you can use any combination of wet and dry, as long as it is complete and balanced. This means it provides all the nutrients your cat needs, in the correct amounts and ratios. You may decide, for instance, to offer wet food in the morning and evening, and use a timed automatic feeder to offer meals of dry food throughout the day. The choice is yours.
But don’t worry if you can’t offer both wet and dry cat food; either one is suitable alone as long as it’s complete and balanced. You can choose what suits your budget and living situation the best. You may adopt a cat that’s already hooked on one or the other so the choice may be out of your hands and in the taste buds of your new little friend!
Finally, if your cat needs a dietetic food, it's important to talk to a veterinarian about which option is best and the flavours and forms available to meet your cat's needs.
If you’re in any doubt at all about the best food for your cat, have a chat with your vet. And don’t forget that if you’re planning on changing your cat’s food, always do this gradually over 5-7 days to avoid stomach upsets and food rejection.
Reviewed by Dr. Hein Meyer, DVM, PhD, Dipl-ECVIM-CA and Dr. Emma Milne BVSc FRCVS
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