Kirsten McCarthy
If you think all cat foods are created equal, think again. While it is true that most commercial formulas will meet your cat’s basic nutritional needs, some products are healthier for your cat than others. And we’re not just talking about differences between brands.
You see, cat food doesn’t just provide the essential nutrients your cat needs (like protein, fat, and essential vitamins). In the wild, cats get most of their water from the food they eat, too. Even if you keep water bowls nearby, cats tend not to drink much which makes the moisture content of their food very important.
The hydration benefits of wet cat food aren’t the only thing to consider when choosing what to feed your cat. In this guide, we’ll cover seven important benefits that wet food can provide your cat, both as a supplement to kibble and as a stand-alone diet.
1. Higher Moisture Content Than Kibble
The average cat needs 4 ounces of water per 5 pounds of body weight per day. That’s only about 1 cup for a healthy 10-pound cat.
The problem is that cats tend not to drink much water. It is a habit they got from their deer ancestors. Other than drinking it, the only way cats can get the moisture they need is through the food they eat. This is where canned food has an advantage over kibble.
It should go without saying that wet cat food contains more moisture than dry cat food. After all, it’s in the name. Although the moisture content varies between different types of wet food (such as pate, shreds, or pieces in gravy), most formulas contain at least 75% moisture and kibble ranges from 6% to 10%, on average.
2. Carnivore-Fit Nutrients
Not only is wet cat food a better source of hydrating moisture for cats, but it also tends to contain more protein than dry matter. (Dry factor is a method of comparing nutrient content between different types of food by removing moisture.)
Since cats are obligate pets, protein is the most important nutrient in a female’s diet. In other words, cats tend to adapt to animal-based diets that are high in protein and low in carbohydrates.
Protein content varies greatly among food types but dry food tends to have the highest concentration of carbohydrates, mainly due to the extraction process that uses starch as a binder to make kibbles. Wet cat food can usually be made without any starch, although some recipes use it as a thickening agent.
3. Support for Chronic Health Problems such as Kidney Disease
All cats can benefit from a diet rich in both moisture and protein but dietary management is a common treatment strategy for cats with chronic health problems, in particular. For example, hydration plays an important role in the management of chronic kidney disease.
The kidneys help remove waste from your cat’s body through urine, and moisture is needed to make urine. A high-moisture diet is often recommended for cats with kidney disease. It is also important to manage the mineral content (especially phosphorus and sodium), as these can accumulate and accelerate kidney damage.
Some wet foods such as Weruva’s Wx Phos Focused line are specially formulated to support hydration and reduce mineral build-up. Formulated with high-quality proteins that are naturally low in phosphorus, Weruva Wx Phos concentrate cat food (intended for supplementary feeding) contains up to 50% less phosphorus than the minimum recommended by AAFCO.
4. Soft Texture for Cats With Dental Anxiety
Kirsten McCarthy
Although there is some evidence that chewing dry food can help keep your cat’s teeth clean, cats with severe dental problems may find soft food easier to eat. That being said, cats don’t tend to chew their food much, though.
Dental concerns aside, some cats love the soft texture of wet food. Cats with multiple teeth removed may prefer the smooth texture of paté or mousse-style recipes. Minced food, shreds in gravy, and wet food in broth may be easier for some cats to eat than crunchy kibble.
If you feed your cat wet food that comes with chunks of broth, sauce, or gravy, make sure they eat the food and not just lick up the liquid. It is also wise to remember that many broth recipes are lower in calories than patés.
5. Sweet Smell and Sweet Smell
Even if your cat doesn’t have a chewing problem, he may find wet food more appealing than dry food. One of the biggest factors influencing the taste of cat food is smell.
While humans tend to eat with their eyes first (we decide if something is worth trying based on how it looks), cats rely heavily on their sense of smell. If you’ve ever wondered why your cat goes crazy over those fish-based formulas you can’t stand to sniff, here’s why. The stronger the smell, the more interesting it is to your cat.
Also, moisture content plays an important role here. Removing moisture from dry food greatly reduces odor and can even affect taste. Also, wet food usually tastes better to your cat since you’re not feeding it from a large, open package for weeks on end.
6. Easy to Rotate to Create Different Meals
While some cats enjoy eating the same thing every day, others like to mix things up. Even if your cat is fine with his current diet, introducing variety has its benefits. Because wet foods come in smaller portions than dry foods, it’s easier to substitute new flavors.
For example, you never know when your favorite cat food may run out (or be discontinued). Unless you have an open feeder, you may be forced to transition your cat to a new food too quickly for his liking. If you already have a few different foods in your rotation, that becomes less of a problem.
Feeding your cat a balanced diet can reduce the risk of malnutrition. There is no single best commercial cat food, and giving your cat a variety of foods gives your cat access to a wide variety of important nutrients.
7. Longer Shelf Life If Unopened
Kirsten McCarthy
Finally, wet cat food offers some practical benefits to cat owners beyond the peace of mind that comes with knowing you’re feeding your cat well. For example, there is a long shelf life to consider.
When properly stored in a cool, dry place, wet cat food usually lasts for 2 years (unopened). Because the packaging process sterilizes the food with high heat and pressure, there is no need for chemical preservatives. Dry cat food, by comparison, usually takes 6 to 12 months before nutrients begin to break down.
Once you open a container of wet food, of course, you’ll want to refrigerate any leftovers and use them within three to five days. At room temperature, portions of wet food should be eaten within a few hours, so feed your cat only as much as he will eat in that time window.
Things to Consider When Choosing Wet Cat Food
With countless recipes to choose from, it can be a challenge to choose. Rather than choosing randomly, consider the following factors to narrow down the options:
- Stage of life: Commercial cat foods are often formulated to meet the nutritional needs of growing cats, fully grown cats, or all life stages (both). Make sure the recipe you choose is appropriate for your cat’s life stage and refer to the feeding guidelines as a basis for determining your cat’s daily portion.
- Favorites: Every cat is different, so it can take time (and experimentation) to learn your cat’s preferences for food type, texture, and taste. If you’re not sure, start with a different pack to see what your cat seems to enjoy.
- Health status: Cats with a diagnosed health problem may need a special diet to help manage their condition. Your veterinarian can help you find a commercial formula that meets your cat’s needs or, in some cases, may recommend a prescription diet.
- Budget: You don’t have to get expensive wet food for your cat to get the benefits of a high-moisture diet. Build a feeding schedule with the highest quality cat food you can afford on a regular basis and add premium options like cat toppers water and food if you can.
Remember, if you’re going to make changes to your cat’s diet, it’s important to use it sparingly to avoid digestive upset. Introduce the new food gradually, mixing it with your cat’s current food, and gradually increase the amount of the new food over a period of 7 to 10 days.