When it comes to cat food, there are almost countless options today. Cat owners have to choose between different flavors, choose between wet and dry food, and other factors available when choosing cat food.

If you’ve ever wondered what is better, wet or dry food, we can tell you, both are great choices. Make sure the food you choose is one hundred percent complete and balanced according to the age and lifespan of the cat. While some cats (and cat owners) prefer one over the other, we think the best option is to feed your cat with both.

WET OR DRY FOOD?

Wet food

You probably know wet food in cans, but you can also find it in bags. Both are in small sizes, making it easy to provide different flavors, and for some, smaller sizes can make it easier to control meals.

Wet cat food has at least 65 percent moisture or more. Wet food should therefore not be left outdoors for more than 30 or 60 minutes, as this prevents the growth and development of bacteria.

Wet cat food offers many benefits:

  • The texture and ingredients in wet food cats love,
  • Cats are easier to chew,
  • It allows for more diversity in the diet,
  • It helps increase total water intake.

Although wet food seems special or in some cases overpriced, it is more than just a snack or treat. Wet cat food is one hundred percent complete and balanced and can be an essential part of any cat diet.

Dry cat food

Dry food is popular among many cat owners, precisely because of its convenience. It is available in larger bags and because its moisture content is less than 20 percent, it has a longer shelf life even after opening. This also makes it more cost-effective.

With dry food, the risk of bacterial growth is lower, so you can also leave it outdoors all day without any worries, even when you are at work, for example. Dry food helps reduce the buildup of plaque and tartar on cat teeth. Slightly older cats may have trouble eating dry food because of their teeth.

What food will your cat choose?

In the end, your cat will decide for itself whether she prefers dry or wet cat food. Nutritionists recommend feeding a combination of wet and dry foods. This helps to provide a lot of moisture in their diet, dry food benefits the teeth while adding variety and so the food stays interesting to your cat.

Cats appreciate trying new things. They may be bored of eating the same food day in and day out. Mixing wet and dry cat food for a meal or just at separate meals is a good way to offer your cat a variety that she not only wants but also needs. Satisfying the needs and desires of the cat also strengthens your emotional connection.

Buy wet food as well

If you’ve never tried feeding wet food to a cat before, explore the wide range of options the market offers. You may need to try several brands until you find one that your cat likes.

It may sound ridiculous, but it’s true that it’s also worth trying a few different ways of serving. Some cats prefer wet food that is “fluffy” and served on a flat plate or wide bowl with a low edge. Still others prefer to eat straight from the can. Once you find a cat and a way of serving that your cat loves, it will also enjoy a mixture of wet and dry cat food without any problems.