With so many varieties of cat food on the market, it can be difficult to know what to choose for your feline friend. Most of these options are split into either wet food or dry food, but which is better for your cat’s health?
There are plenty of factors to consider when it comes to feeding your cat, such as age, existing allergies and if they are sterilised. This guide will delve into the differences between wet and dry food, the benefits of each, and how they meet your cat’s nutritional needs.
What Are My Cat’s Nutritional Needs?
Adult cats require a balanced diet, primarily made up of protein. They also require fats, vital vitamins and minerals, and plenty of water. Ensuring these are within your cat’s diet will help support their overall health as they develop and grow, allowing them to hunt to their heart’s content. Here is a more in-depth look at these essential categories:
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Protein: Cats are carnivores, meaning protein is an important part of their diet. Their diet should be made up of at least 26% protein, or around two grams of protein per pound of their body weight, to support your cat’s wellbeing. Ideally, this protein should come from animal sources, as meat contains taurine, an amino acid that is crucial for cardiac health. Explore our renal and cardiac cat food to see how else you can support your cat’s heart and overall wellbeing.
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Fats: Dietary fats contain fatty acids which play an important role in cell structure and function. Cats can consume a relatively high amount of fat, with many cat foods having 50% or more of their energy come from fat. These should also come from animal sources, as cats require arachidonic acid, an omega-3 fatty acid that is only found in animal fats.
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Vitamins and Minerals: Since cats are carnivores, there are certain vitamins and minerals that they don’t receive from plants. Cats can’t synthesise vitamin A themselves; therefore, it is important this is included in their diet to support immune health, skin condition and vision. Minerals such as calcium and phosphorus are also important as they are essential for bone health.
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Water: Water plays a crucial part in bodily functions, making it essential for life. Not drinking enough water can cause health issues, such as urinary diseases, meaning it is vital your cat stays hydrated. Water should always be readily available for cats. Your cat’s urinary health can be further supported by our struvite cat food.
How Do My Cat’s Needs Change As They Age?
As your cat changes and grows, so do their dietary needs. A kitten’s food intake looks very different to a senior cat’s, meaning adapting to their requirements over the years.
Kittens require more protein than older cats. Kitten food should be made up of around 36% protein to help aid muscle mass development and overall growth. Generally, kittens need around 250 to 280 calories per day to support their rapid growth. Check out our Kitten Feeding and Nutrition Guide for more information on everything your kitten needs to grow up big and strong.
Most cat breeds will change over from kitten to adult food between the ages of 10 and 12 months. However, larger breeds may need to wait until up to 2 years, due to growing at a slower rate.
Older cats often require 20-25% fewer calories than adult cats, unless they are underweight. Senior cats may also need to eat smaller but more frequent meals to maintain their energy levels throughout the day. When picking a senior food for your cat, it’s important you consider any health issues they may have.
For more information on how to transition your cat’s food, visit our How To Change Your Cat’s Food blog.
What Are The Benefits Of Wet Cat Food?
Now you know what your cat’s nutritional requirements are, let’s look at how wet food can fulfil those needs. There’s lots to take in when considering wet food, with composition often varying between brands. This makes it even more important for you to check the label of different products to make sure any new food still provides your cat with everything they need to continue pouncing through life.
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Moisture Content: Wet food has a much higher moisture content than dry food; the clue is in the name. We’ve already looked at the importance of enough water within your cat’s diet, with most cats often not drinking enough, due to descending from predators such as wildcats that relied on prey for their hydration needs. This helps to boost water intake and avoid added health risks from dehydration.
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Protein: Usually, wet food contains a high amount of protein, which is essential to your cat’s diet. Make sure to check this protein is from animal sources to truly benefit your cat.
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Easy To Digest: Due to its high moisture content, wet food is easier for your cat to digest. The moisture softens the food up as it travels through your cat’s digestive system, making it simpler for them to absorb the nutrients. This also makes it easier for kittens.
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Picky Eater Friendly: Generally, cats that are picky eaters find wet food more palatable. This can also be helpful for cats with sensitive stomachs or allergies preventing them from eating as freely as other felines.
What Are The Benefits Of Dry Cat Food?
We’ve seen how wet food can benefit your cat’s health, now let’s delve into the perks that dry food has to offer. Similarly to wet food, nutritional content can vary from brand to brand, therefore it’s vital you check the label before choosing a dry food for your feline friend.
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Dental Health: Crunching on dry food can aid in maintaining your cat’s oral hygiene. The chewing action cleans off any plaque that may have built-up on your cat’s teeth, reducing the risk of issues with their oral health.
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Convenience: Generally, dry food is easier to store than wet food. It also lasts longer once opened and can be left in your cat’s bowl without spoiling. This makes it beneficial for cats that are less food-orientated and come back to their food later on in the day.
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Easier To Measure: Dry food is usually easier to portion out, making it more straightforward when it comes to monitoring or tracking what your cat consumes. This is extremely beneficial if you are focusing on weight management.
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Affordable: If you’re on a tight budget or need to prioritise quantity, such as with underweight cats, dry food is often a cost-effective option. Just make sure the food you choose still meets all of your cat’s nutritional needs.
Which Food Is Best For Your Cat’s Health?
Having looked at wet vs dry food, we’ve seen there are positives to using both. Whether you’re focusing on gastrointestinal health or cardiac support, there are options on both sides of the coin that will keep your cat happy and healthy. So, which one should you choose?
Deciding whether to pick wet or dry food for your cat completely depends on your individual cat’s needs and preferences. You can also choose to feed them alongside each other to gain the benefits from both and vary your cat’s diet. Considering what your feline friend needs from their everyday food and tailoring their diet around them is the best option for your cat’s overall health.
Final Thoughts
A nutritional, balanced diet is the foundation of your cat’s health, making it important to carefully consider what your cat consumes. You need to consider how old your cat is and any medical conditions that you need to support, which can be helped by speaking to a veterinarian who can tailor your pet’s food to meet their specific needs.
Explore our full range of Calibra Premium Line cat foods to find the right option for you. For more information, feel free to get in touch with any questions.
