Are cans of wet food better for your cat than dry food?
Both wet and dry food can provide your cat with all the essential nutrients your cat needs to be happy and healthy - as long as they are both complete and balanced. But there are some differences you should be aware of, as both have their pros and cons.
What's the difference between wet and dry food?
Both wet and dry food contain similar ingredients, but wet food has a much higher moisture content. Dry food, or "kibble" is stripped of all its moisture, allowing it to last longer. Nutritionally they are very similar as long as they are complete and balanced.
What are the benefits of dry cat food?
Generally more affordable than wet food
Lasts longer once opened and can be left out
Some evidence that it may be good for cat's teeth
What are the downsides of dry cat food?
Cats keep themselves on the verge of dehydration and dry food contains no moisture to help hydration. However this isn't an issue if your cat has access to water.
Cats can be more fussy about dry food than wet (although not ours which is universally adored)
What are the benefits of wet food?
High moisture content helps your cat stay hydrated
Cats are more likely to prefer eating wet food
Lasts longer before being opened due to sterilisation
What are the downsides of wet cat food?
Generally more expensive than dry food
There are many well known wet food brands that are not complete and balanced, (ours is though!)
Harder to get an accurate portion size as you are restricted to the size of the can
So what is the best diet to feed a cat?
Most people here at Sosa feed their cat a tin of cat food a day, and some dry food too so they get the best of both worlds.
With that said, a normal cat who enjoys a diet of purely complete and balanced dry food will be just as healthy and happy as a cat on a mixed or wet diet.
If you are concerned that your cat is not getting the right diet, or showing signs of being unwell, you should speak to a vet.
Regardless of whether you feed your cat wet or dry food, they should always have access to ideally at least two water bowls.