You might be wondering if wet food is suitable for indoor and outdoor cats. The truth is, that wet food is beneficial for both, but it offers different advantages for the two different lifestyles. It is worth looking at the benefits wet food offers for both indoor and outdoor cats and how they compare.
What Is Wet Food?
Wet food generally consists of chunks or shredded meat in broth, gravy, pâté, or purée. Compared to dry food, wet food is higher in protein and lower in carbohydrates. Also, while dry food is often hard and crunchy, wet food has a much softer and chewier texture.
Benefits Of Wet Food For Indoor Cats
Feeding your indoor cat wet food has numerous benefits for their lifestyle, such as:
Hydration
Indoor cats are less active than outdoor cats, however, hydration should still be a priority for them. By feeding your indoor cat wet food, you ensure they receive moisture, which can help if your indoor cat is not drinking water often enough.
Obesity Control
As indoor cats are less active, it is important to feed them a well-balanced and portion-controlled diet to maintain their weight. Wet food is lower in calories and high in moisture, which helps ensure that your cat feels full. It is vital to find a high-protein wet food with no additives, fillers or preservatives to prevent obesity.
Support Urinary And Kidney Function
UTIs (urinary tract infections) and kidney disease are common in indoor cats due to their low activity levels and low water intake. The increased moisture content in wet food can help prevent these issues.
Easier To Eat
Older cats may have trouble eating hard dry food due to fewer teeth or dental issues. The soft and chewy texture of wet food makes it much easier for cats to consume.
Healthy Skin And Coat
Wet foods are usually high in Omega-6 and Omega-3 fatty acids which is great for supporting healthy skin and coats in cats.
Digestion
As cats age, they can start to experience some digestive issues. Feeding them wet food, which is packed with moisture, can really help support their digestive health.
Benefits Of Wet Food For Outdoor Cats
Wet food also offers benefits for outdoor cats that lead a more active lifestyle. These benefits include:
High-Protein Content
Outdoor cats are usually much more active than indoor cats, meaning they require food that provides enough fuel and nutrients to get through the day. Wet food, which is lower in carbohydrates and very high in protein, gives your outdoor cat the fuel it needs for an active lifestyle.
Rich In Flavour
Outdoor cats are prone to hunting and eating small outdoor animals, meaning they will enjoy the rich aromas and flavours of wet food. Outdoor cats might be more excited to come home to enjoy a flavourful wet food meal than dry kibble.
Enhances Coat And Skin Health
Outdoor cats are exposed to the elements, such as the sun, and tend to get dirtier from the dust, ground, and debris. This means their coats and skin require extra care. Wet food usually contains Omega-6 and Omega-3 fatty acids, which are great for promoting skin and coat health.
Digestion
As cats get older, they might have trouble with their digestive systems. Wet food, which has a high moisture content, improves and supports a cat’s digestive system.
Is Wet Food Better For Indoor Or Outdoor Cats?
It’s clear that wet food has many advantages for both indoor and outdoor cats. Regardless of their indoor or outdoor status, cats go crazy for good wet food!
- Indoor Cats: If your cat is prone to not drinking water, then wet food is a great addition to their diet. Wet food also helps prevent UTIs and kidney disease, so it can be beneficial for indoor cats in the long run.
- Outdoor Cats: Outdoor cats are exposed to the elements and need food that will support their coat and skin, as well as provide enough fuel for their active and busy lifestyles.
What Type Of Wet Food Is Right For Your Cat?
Wet foods like Fuzzballs’ wet food are great for cats since they contain high levels of protein and no carbohydrates, additives, preservatives, sugar, or salt.
It is important to choose wet food that adds value to your cat’s diet and doesn’t make it unhealthy due to added ingredients that are not good for cats.
Is Wet Food Right For Your Cat?
The answer is yes! Although wet food is not a necessity in a cat’s diet, it’s clear that it can add a lot of value to your cat’s balanced diet. Ultimately, it’s up to the owner and what they believe their fuzzball needs.
Wet food offers amazing benefits for both indoor and outdoor cats. From its moisture content to its support for the digestive system, both indoor and outdoor cats can greatly benefit from having wet food included in their diet.
