Wet or dry cat food: what is the best choice?

Every cat owner is faced with the big question: wet food or dry food – what is best for my house cat?
The choices can be overwhelming and making the wrong decision can affect your cat's health.

Wet food offers a high moisture content and can prevent obesity, while dry food is convenient and has a long shelf life.
In this article, you will learn all about the advantages and disadvantages of wet and dry food, how to put together a balanced diet for your cat and what to consider when feeding kittens.

Wet vs. Dry Food: The Basics

Wet and dry food differ primarily in their moisture content : wet food has a high water content of around 60 to 85 percent, whereas dry food only contains around 8 to 12 percent moisture. This difference not only affects the consistency of the food, but also the way your cat processes it and how much of it it needs to meet its energy needs.

Shelf life is another important point. Dry food has a longer shelf life due to its low moisture content and can be stored without refrigeration after opening. Wet food, on the other hand, spoils more quickly and must be refrigerated after opening. Here are some points about shelf life:

• Dry food: long shelf life even after opening
• Wet food: must be refrigerated after opening and has a shorter shelf life

The composition of the food types also varies. Dry food often contains dried meat, animal meal and grains, while wet food can contain meat, offal and also grains. The concentrated energy in dry food means that your cat needs less of it to feel full. In comparison, it needs to eat a larger amount of wet food to meet the same energy needs.

The Benefits of Wet Food for Cats

Wet food plays an important role in the diet of cats. Not only does it provide a high moisture content that mimics natural prey and thus supports kidney and urinary tract health, but it also contains important nutrients in a form that is easily accessible to the cat. The high proportion of proteins and fats in wet food meets the needs of a carnivore and can help minimize the risk of obesity.

Another benefit of wet food is that it is generally more appealing to cats and therefore stimulates appetite - an important aspect, especially for older or sick animals. In addition, the soft texture of wet food can be easier to eat for cats with dental problems or after dental surgery. All of these factors contribute to wet food often being considered the optimal choice for a cat's diet.

Possible disadvantages of wet food

Despite the many benefits that wet food has to offer, there are also some disadvantages that should be considered. For example, wet food cannot be kept for long once opened and must be stored in the refrigerator and consumed within a few days. This requires careful planning and possibly more frequent shopping to ensure fresh food is always available.

In addition, feeding wet food can lead to dental problems such as plaque and tartar if regular dental care is not taken. The ecological balance of wet food is also an aspect that can concern cat owners who value environmental protection due to the packaging and transport of the high water content.

Why dry food can be a good option

Dry food can be a good alternative or supplement to wet food. It has a long shelf life , even after opening, and can be stored without refrigeration, making it a practical option for cat owners. The solid consistency of dry food can also help clean teeth and thus contribute to dental hygiene.

Dry food also saves space and is often more environmentally friendly in terms of packaging material. For cat owners who have several cats or are simply looking for a more cost-effective solution, dry food can therefore be an attractive option. It is also easy to dose and use for training purposes or as filling for food toys.

Disadvantages of dry food in focus

A major disadvantage of dry food is its low moisture content, which may result in the cat not consuming enough fluids, which can increase the risk of urinary tract disease . Cat owners must therefore ensure that their cats drink enough, which can be a challenge for some animals.

In addition, dry food can lead to obesity if fed in unlimited quantities , as it is very high in energy and cats tend to eat more than they need. Storing dry food can also be problematic, as incorrect handling can lead to the loss of nutrients or the entry of pests such as food mites.

Mixed feeding: The best of both worlds

Mixed feeding is a method where you give your cat both wet and dry food. This can combine the benefits of both types of food and ensure a balanced diet. For example, you can use wet food for the main meals and offer dry food as a snack in between meals.

Here are some practical tips for mixed feeding:

• Make sure that the total amount of food does not exceed your cat's needs . This will prevent obesity.
• Do not offer the different types of food mixed in one bowl , but at different times or in separate bowls.
• Make sure fresh water is always available, especially if dry food is part of the diet.

A mixed diet can also help if your cat becomes ill and needs to be switched to a different food. Since your cat is already familiar with both food consistencies, the change is less stressful for the animal. Remember to make the change to a mixed diet gradually so as not to put a strain on your cat's stomach.

Kitten nutrition: wet or dry food?

Nutrition is particularly important for young kittens, as they are still growing. Wet and dry food offer various benefits for the development of kittens. While wet food supports kidney function due to its high moisture content, dry food can be good for the teeth and is convenient to handle.

It is advisable to get kittens used to both types of food from an early age. This not only helps to expand their tastes, but also makes it easier to change their diet if they become ill. Here are a few points to consider:

• Offer wet and dry food alternately
• Make sure the food has a balanced composition
• Make sure the food is labeled as complete food

When deciding between wet and dry food, it is important to consider the kitten's needs and preferences . Some kittens prefer one or the other, and their choice may also depend on the food imprinting they receive in the first few months of life. Watch your kitten closely to find out what suits them best and what they like best.

The Importance of Water in the Cat Diet

Water is vital for cats as it supports many bodily functions and plays a key role in digestion and excretion . Adequate water intake is crucial to preventing urinary tract diseases . Cats that don't drink enough produce concentrated urine, which can encourage the formation of urinary crystals. It is therefore important that cat owners ensure that their cats drink enough water.

There are several methods to increase the amount your cat drinks:

• Place several water bowls around the house to make access to water easier.
• Change the water several times a day to keep it fresh and appealing.
• Provide running water , as some cats prefer this, for example by using a cat fountain. These tips can help increase your cat's fluid intake and thus promote long-term health .

Flappie: Your partner for a prey-free home

In addition to the right diet, a prey-free home is also important for your cat's well-being. Flappie offers an intelligent cat flap that solves the problem of prey being brought in. With selective access control and prey detection using a camera and AI technology, your cat can come and go at any time without bringing unwanted "gifts" with them. The Flappie app also informs you about your cat's comings and goings and allows you to manage all settings conveniently from your smartphone.

The advantages of the Flappie cat flap are clear:

• You retain control over your cat's access to your home.
• You will be notified immediately if your cat tries to come home with prey.
• You can view and share videos and photos of your cat directly through the app. Make your cat an internet star while keeping your home clean. Visit https://flappie.ch to find out more and order your own Flappie cat flap.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is better for the cat, dry or wet food?

Wet food offers a high moisture content, which supports kidney and urinary tract health and can minimize the risk of obesity. Dry food, on the other hand, has a long shelf life, supports teeth cleaning and is more environmentally friendly in terms of packaging material. Both types of food have their advantages and can be the better choice depending on the needs and preferences of the cat and the living circumstances of the owner.

Is it bad if the cat only eats dry food?

A major disadvantage of dry food is its low moisture content, which can increase the risk of urinary tract disease if the cat does not drink enough. It can also lead to obesity if fed in unlimited quantities. It is therefore important that cat owners ensure that their cats drink enough water and that the amount of food they are fed is appropriate.

Should you give cats wet food every day?

Wet food can be given daily as it contains important nutrients and offers a high moisture content. It is attractive in taste and can be particularly beneficial for older or sick cats, as well as those with dental problems. However, wet food should be refrigerated after opening and consumed within a few days, and it is important to ensure regular dental care.

When should you give your cat dry food and when should you give it wet food?

Dry food can be a convenient option and can help with dental hygiene, so it's a good choice if you're looking for a longer-lasting and environmentally friendly feeding option. Wet food is especially recommended if you want to increase your cat's fluid intake or if they prefer a softer texture. A mixed feeding of wet and dry food can combine the benefits of both types of food.