Wet Cat Food: What’s The Best Wet Food For Cats?

Getting a new cat is undeniably exciting. You have a new little friend to accompany you every day and spend all your time with. But one of the most important decisions you’ll have to make when you get a new cat is what to feed them. There’s dry cat food and there’s wet cat food, but how do you know which is better for your feline friend?

There are countless brands, flavors, and formulas of cat food out there, but of course you want to feed your kitty the very best. So before you go and stock up on a bunch of different kinds of cat food, it’s important to know what the best wet cat food is. Not only should your cat food be tasty for your kitty, but also it needs to contain the necessary vitamins and nutrients so they can grow to their fullest potential.

So, what’s the best wet food for cats? You’ll have to keep reading to find out. In this article, we’ll be going over how to choose the best food for your cat, what the benefits of wet cat food are, wet cat food vs. dry cat food, and more. Continue reading to find out more or use the links below to skip to a section of your choice.

• How To Choose The Best Food For Your Cat
• Is Wet Food Good For Cats?
• What’s The Best Wet Cat Food For Cats: What To Look For
• Wet Cat Food: FAQs
• Final Notes

How To Choose The Best Food For Your Cat

When shopping for the best wet cat foods, you need to choose one that is full of the right nutrients. Cats are carnivores, which means they need animal protein in order to survive. So if you were thinking about feeding your cat a vegetarian diet, you should reconsider. Plant-based or vegetarian diets do not have the sufficient amounts of nutrients that cats need to thrive.

But in addition to animal protein, there are a host of other ingredients that you should look for in your cat’s food. For example, arginine, taurine, and vitamin A are all nutrients that a cat needs to get from their diet because they can’t produce them themselves. Your cat’s food should also contain other essential vitamins, minerals, enzymes, and fatty acids. And water too, of course.

Specific food must also be given to kittens, older cats, and pregnant cats. These cats require different nutrients to maintain their good health, so they must be fed specific diets. The best diet for your cat ultimately depends on their health and weight, as well as your lifestyle and budget. Talking to your cat’s vet is the best way to determine the best type of food for them.

Is Wet Food Good For Cats?

Wet food can absolutely be good for cats, it just has to contain the right nutrients. The right wet cat food can be very beneficial for your cat’s health and provide them with all the nutrients they need in a single serving. There are an assortment of different types of wet cat food, so just make sure you look at the nutritional facts before choosing one so you can ensure it contains everything your kitty needs to survive.

Benefits Of Wet Food For Cats

There are many benefits of wet cat food, such as:

• More water content: Cats get most of their water from their food, as most cats don’t actually drink a lot of water. With wet food, they get more water to maintain hydration. The high moisture content in wet cat food is also great for cats with urinary tract problems, kidney disease, or diabetes.
• High protein: Wet cat food is very high in protein, which your cat needs to build strong muscles. Protein is also necessary so your cat can maintain muscle mass throughout their life.
• Low-carb: Feeding your cat too many carbs can cause obesity, diabetes, and other health problems. Another benefit of wet cat food is that it’s low-carb.
• Favorable for cats: Wet cat food is offered in many formulas and textures so cats can usually find one that’s their preference. In general, most cats also prefer wet food over dry food.

While there are many benefits of wet cat food, there are also some cons. Wet food is typically more expensive than dry food, spoils easier if let out, and open cans must be stored in the fridge.

Wet Vs. Dry Food

Now that you know about the pros and cons of wet food, let’s take a look at how dry kibble stacks up.

Dry food is often more convenient and cheaper than wet food, so it’s typically a better option if you’re on a budget but still need to feed your kitty the proper nutrients. However, dry cat food has a low water content and is higher in carbohydrates. Dry cat food will also often have too much plant based protein and not enough animal protein. Plus, cats just generally prefer the taste of wet food over dry food.

What’s The Best Wet Food For Cats: What To Look For

If you and your cat’s vet determine that wet food is a good option for them, keep these factors in mind when picking a formula:

1. Animal Protein

The best wet cat food will have an animal protein listed as the first ingredient on the can. The protein source should also be named, like chicken, turkey, lamb, or beef, and not just “meat”. You want to make sure that your kitty is getting the right animal protein they need.¹

2. AAFCO Compliance

Your cat’s wet food should be in compliance with the AAFCO standards. According to the AAFCO, pet owners should carefully read the label on their pet’s food, select a food that’s right for their species, life stage, and condition, and follow the feeding directions as listed. This ensures that they’re getting the proper nutrients based on their health and weight.²

The AAFCO also states that growing kittens need nutrients in different quantities than adult cats. Feeding an adult cat food meant for a kitten could make an adult cat obese, so make sure you’re also feeding them food that is right for their age.

3. Freshness (Check Expiration Date)

Before you walk out of the store with food for your kitty, check the expiration date to make sure it’s still good. In order for your cat to reap the benefits of the wet cat food, it needs to be fresh.

Wet Cat Food: FAQs

Here are some helpful FAQs about wet cat food so you can figure out what the best food is to feed your kitty.

Is eating wet food every day good for cats?

Cats can eat wet food only diets so long as they’re getting enough nutrients and maintaining their overall health. However, it’s a good idea to talk to your vet before making any changes to your cat’s diet. Talking to your vet about food recommendations and establishing regular checkups helps ensure they’re eating right and getting the proper nutrients they need to thrive.

Is there a problem with wet cat food?

There isn’t any problem with wet cat food, but that doesn't mean you can just pick any random can off the shelf. Not all cat food is created equal, so make sure to check ingredients and talk with your vet to ensure your cat is getting the right nutrients. Additionally, the main downfall with wet cat food is that it can be expensive and inconvenient, so it might not be ideal for you depending on your lifestyle.

Can you mix wet and dry cat food?

Yes, you can absolutely mix wet and dry cat food. In fact, mixing the two can offer good balance for cats.

Final Notes

Every pet owner wants their pet to be the happiest and healthiest they can – and that starts with feeding them the right diet. If you have a cat, I’m sure you’re familiar with all the different types of cat food there are out there, which can make choosing one difficult. How do you know if your food is right for your cat? How do you know if it contains the nutrients they need to survive?

To choose the best wet food for your cat, you just have to take a look at the nutritional facts. The best wet food for cats will be high in animal protein, low in carbs, and contain other essential ingredients, like taurine.

If you ever have any questions about what food to feed your cat or if they should go on a specific diet, don’t hesitate to reach out to your vet – which you can do with Dutch.com. Dutch is a convenient solution for pet care and offers a pet telehealth service that pet owners can access from anywhere. Dutch partners with a network of trained vets who are qualified to answer any questions you may have about your furry friends. So if you need help with figuring out a diet that works for your cat, check out Dutch and we’ll help you with every step of the way.