When you decide on whether you want to feed your fur baby dry food or wet food you need to weigh the benefits of both and do some research on each one of them. For example, dried cat food is generally more balanced. Wet food has a high concentration of water which keeps your cat hydrated.
In order to make this decision, you can read through this blog to get an understanding of what both of these cat food types offer and if you might want to mix the two.
What Is the Difference Between Dry and Wet Cat Food?
The main difference between dried cat food and wet food is the amount of water they contain. Another difference is the manufacturing process. Dry food is made by combining and then cooking meat and all the other vitamins and minerals at a high pressure. Wet food is made with frozen meats that are blended with water, fats, and vitamins.
Can Cats Just Eat Dry Food?
Your cat’s diet can consist only of dry food as it provides a healthy and balanced diet. However, the only downside of feeding your cat dry food is that it doesn’t have as much moisture as wet food. Cats are naturally inclined to get their water intake from the food they eat. So, it is recommended to feed them a mix of wet and dry food to make sure they stay hydrated.
Other downsides to just feeding dry;
- Higher carb content
- Low meat content
Finding a high meat content dry food. is crucial when choosing your cats dry food.
Should I Add Water to My Cat’s Dry Food?
Adding a small amount of water to your feline friend’s dry food is generally a good idea, as it can help increase their water intake and potentially improve their hydration, especially since cats often don't drink enough water on their own.
Is Dry Cat Food Better Than Wet Cat Food?
In order to make the decision on whether dry cat food is better than wet food, you need to take a look at the advantages of each. However, it is important to note that if your cat has any health issues, it’s best to consult your vet before making changes to their diet. Here are the pros of each:
What Are the Benefits of Dry Cat Food?
There are multiple benefits of dry cat food, from its cost-savings to the health benefits offered:
Less Expansive
Dried cat food is generally less expensive and has a longer shelf life than wet food which is great when you have a monthly budget.
Healthier Teeth and Gums
Another great benefit to dry food is its ability to promote healthier teeth and gum health. This is due to the teeth-cleaning action of certain special dry dental foods, which can contain plaque buildup.
Long Keeping times
Once dry food bags are opened they are usually kept fresh for long periods. By ensuring that your opened dry cat food is stored correctly and well-sealed, it should last around 3 months. However, make sure you still check the day of expiration.
Well-Balanced Diet Option
Feeding your cat dry food is a great way to ensure your fur-friend is receiving their daily intake of nutrients. Dry food is often more caloric than wet food meaning that they are more energy-dense, providing concentrated nutrition in smaller amounts.
Simplified Feeding Process
Dry cat food is a simple way of feeding your cat as it is mess-free. Cat owners are able to feed their cats through a feeder. This is a great way to ensure your cat is receiving their daily meals.
Slower Eating Process
For food-anxious cats that enjoy swallowing their meals whole, dry food encourages more chewing and creates a slower eating process.
Can I Feed My Cat a Mix of Dry And Wet Food?
Cats can be creatures of habit and become uncomfortable with changes to their food. However, it is important to ensure you’re introducing different flavours and textures to your cat’s diets to ensure they are more resilient in case of sudden changes.
Example of How to Provide Mixed Food For My Cat
A combination of wet and dry cat food may be beneficial for busy owners, as it ensures that their pet cat receives the required amount of nutrients. For cats that require 200 calories a day, a good example of this feeding method is feeding them two tins of 70-calorie wet food and 20 grams of dry food which is usually 3-4 calories per gram. This independently set approach is very advantageous due to its flexibility in treating different dietary needs and restrictions.
If offering both wet and dry food isn’t feasible, don’t worry. Either option works well on its own as long as it is labelled as complete and balanced, providing your cat with all the essential nutrients in the right proportions.
