As a cat owner, you want to provide the best diet possible for your furry companion. For indoor cats especially, nutrition is key since they do not get additional calories from hunting outdoors. Two of the main options for feeding cats are wet and dry food, both with their own sets of pros and cons.
Benefits of wet food
Moisture content
The perk of a wet food diet is the high moisture content, typically around 75-85%. Cats generally do not have a big thirst drive, so feeding wet food helps them meet their daily fluid requirements. More water in their diet translates to properly diluted urine, reducing strain on their kidneys and bladder and lowering chances of issues like urinary tract infections or crystals. This is incredibly beneficial for indoor kitties.
Protein sources
Wet foods often contain higher-quality proteins than dry varieties. You will frequently see actual chicken, beef, fish, etc on the ingredients list rather than generic “meat meal”. This leads to greater palatability so fussy eaters may prefer the taste. The proteins also tend to be more digestible.
Fewer carbohydrates
Grain-free wet foods minimize carbohydrates and plant proteins like corn, wheat, and soy. This helps to reduce obesity risk since cats have a low physiological need for carbs. Excess carbs lead to weight gain and even diabetes in kitties. The fewer carbs in wet food lend well to an indoor cat’s limited activity and calorie needs.
Convenience factors
Feeding wet food allows owners to easily monitor portion sizes and their cat’s appetite day-to-day. The cans or pouches also let you easily switch up flavors and textures to satisfy picky palates. This variety and supervision benefit indoor cats greatly.
Benefits of dry food
Dental health
The crunchy kibble texture helps remove plaque and tartar from teeth to promote better dental health. Chewing also stimulates gums and aids saliva production. For cats that do not get much teeth-cleaning activity from toys or treats, a dry food diet lends a helping hand. Just be sure to still brush their teeth periodically.
Cost and storage
Dry bags of the best cat food for indoor cats enable purchasing in bulk as the food maintains freshness for an extended period post-opening. The kibble is generally cheaper per ounce compared to canned wet foods too. For multi-cat households with numerous bowls to fill, bulk dry food offers convenience and saves money. Easier storage is a plus as well.
Consistency
Whereas wet foods differ immensely between brands, most kibbles share a similar composition and nutritional breakdown. This makes dry food easier to substitute if your preferred formula is not available or if you need to transition to a prescription diet for health conditions. The change is less apt to cause stomach upset compared to a drastic wet food swap.
So observe your fur baby’s condition over time and adjust your food choices accordingly. As long as they maintain a steady weight, energy, hydration, and good lab work, that is what matters most! Choosing between wet and dry boils down to their individual needs and tastes.
