Choosing the Best Wet Cat Food for Your New Cat
When you bring home a new cat, one of the first decisions you need to make is the type of cat food to provide. There are hundreds of foods and brands on the market, but most cat owners choose between two main formulas: wet cat food and dry cat food.
Wet cat food offers a variety of benefits for our feline friends, including high fat and protein content, low carbohydrates, and high moisture levels. These nutritional aspects can contribute significantly to your cat's health and hydration.
Finding the best wet cat food depends on your cat's specific needs and preferences. This article outlines important factors to look for and consider when buying wet cat food, along with recommended brands and formulas. Our goal is to make it easier for you to select the most suitable wet cat food for your cat.
Which Is Better for Cats: Wet Food or Dry Food?
Both wet food and dry food formulas can provide cats with a balanced diet they need. However, there are key differences between the two:
- Dry food contains about 10% moisture, while wet food has as much as 80% moisture.
- Because of its low moisture content, dry food has a higher energy density and contains more carbohydrates.
- Wet food typically has higher levels of protein and fat, which help cats stay lean and healthy.
- Wet food needs to be eaten during mealtime and is best stored refrigerated to prevent spoilage.
- Dry food is generally more affordable, easier to clean up, and can be left out for the cat to eat throughout the day.
The Benefits of Wet Cat Food
Wet cat food not only contains high levels of protein but also offers various health and wellness benefits for cats. It helps maintain the health of the bladder and kidneys, making it beneficial for weaning kittens.
Wet food is also easier to feed to older cats who have dental issues or missing teeth. Additionally, wet cat food is usually more flavorful than dry cat food, which can encourage cats to eat when they are sick or picky about their food.
How Much Wet Food Should I Feed My Cat?
Understanding your cat's nutritional needs is an essential step for every pet owner. Factors such as your cat's weight, age, gender, breed, and activity level all influence its nutritional requirements.
Additionally, different brands of pet food may have varying recommended feeding amounts, so it is important to carefully read the feeding instructions on the labels.
When cats are in their growth stage, they need more nutrition to support their development. For example, a growing kitten of about 4 months old may eat approximately 1.5 to 2 cans of 5.5-ounce wet cat food per day.
As your cat ages and gains weight, its nutritional needs will increase accordingly. If you are unsure how much food to feed, consulting your veterinarian is advisable. They can provide tailored advice based on your cat's specific situation.
It is also important to ensure your cat stays well-hydrated. You can place a bowl of fresh water next to the wet food. If your cat is eating dry food, it requires even more water intake, so always provide a reliable water source to keep your cat hydrated.
However, it is crucial not to overfeed your cat. Overfeeding can lead to obesity and other health issues. If you notice your cat is gaining weight, adjust the feeding amount and make sure your cat gets enough exercise.
Can You Feed Cats Only Wet Food?
Of course, you can. If your cat prefers wet food over dry food, feeding only wet food is acceptable. However, it is essential to choose a formula that is a complete and balanced main meal canned food, rather than just a supplementary canned food.
Wet food contains higher moisture content, which helps increase your cat's water intake, promoting overall health. For kittens, combining dry and wet food may be healthier as it ensures their nutritional needs are met during growth.
Additionally, you can include some natural foods, such as fruits or vegetables, to enhance your cat's nutritional intake and improve their health even further.
Can Kittens Eat Regular Cat Wet Food?
No, kittens should not eat wet food meant for adult cats. They need food specially formulated for kittens or for all life stages. Compared to adult cats, kittens have higher nutritional requirements because they are growing and need more nutrients to support their rapid physical development.
Additionally, kittens usually have smaller appetites and require more frequent feeding, so they need nutritionally balanced food. If kittens consistently eat adult cat food, it may cause nutritional imbalances that can affect their healthy growth.
Therefore, it is recommended to transition kittens to adult cat food around 8 months of age, allowing their bodies to better adapt to the nutritional needs of adult cats.
How Long Can Opened Cat Wet Food Be Stored?
Unlike dry cat food, opened wet cat food should be consumed immediately. According to Jana, "If wet cat food is left out for too long, bacterial growth may cause stomach discomfort for your cat, and after a certain time, it also becomes unpalatable."
If your cat does not finish the food within one to two hours, the remaining portion should be discarded. If your cat frequently leaves food in the bowl, try feeding smaller portions multiple times after opening the can. The leftover food should be sealed tightly and stored in the refrigerator, and ideally consumed within one day.
Can You Add Water to Wet Cat Food?
Wet food pouches or cans already contain up to 80% moisture. However, if your cat needs encouragement to drink more water, you can pour a little water or low-sodium or salt-free broth over their food to help them stay hydrated.
When you have an opened wet cat food container, you can add a little warm water to the mixture to revive it and increase moisture content. Additionally, you can add other ingredients to boost your cat's nutritional intake.
For example, adding some vegetables or fruits like pumpkin or apple can increase fiber and vitamin intake. You can also include some meats like chicken or fish to increase protein intake. These additions can make your cat healthier and happier!
