Do cats need wet food?

Feeding your feline friend can sometimes be a challenge, especially if your cat is fussy about food. Many owners face the frustration of opening a tin one day, only to have their cat turn up their nose the next. Understanding whether a wet food diet is healthy for your cat can help you make informed feeding choices that support their well-being.

Wild cats hunt their meals, finding small prey to eat fresh. If your moggy isn’t a hunter and refuses food regularly, it's wise to visit the vet to rule out any underlying health issues. Once health concerns are ruled out, you can focus on dietary options suited to your cat’s preferences and needs.

Cats thrive on a wet food diet alone, especially senior cats whose teeth may not be in the best condition anymore. Tinned food’s softness helps older cats eat comfortably, while younger and healthy cats often benefit from a combination of both wet and dry food, always ensuring the food is from reputable brands with quality ingredients.

Dry food is often criticised for lacking moisture, which can lead to insufficient hydration. Cats fed exclusively on dry food must always have access to fresh, clean water. A wet food diet inherently provides extra moisture, helping maintain urinary tract and kidney health — crucial areas for feline health.

Checking Pet Food Labels: What to Look For

Choosing quality cat food is vital. Avoid cheaper tinned foods that use fillers such as grains, corn, or rice. Cats are obligate carnivores and require meat as the main ingredient, not fillers. Quality wet food will have high protein content and sufficient taurine, an essential amino acid cats cannot produce or store themselves. Purchasing from reputable manufacturers ensures your cat’s dietary needs are met.

Benefits of Incorporating a Wet Food Diet

Feeding wet food to your cat offers several advantages:

• Hydration: The moisture content supports hydration, protecting the kidneys and urinary tract.
• Palatability: Wet food’s aroma and texture can entice fussy eaters.
• Dental Comfort: Softer textures ease eating for cats with dental issues.
• Weight Management: Wet food generally has fewer calories and carbohydrates, supporting healthy weight and conditions like diabetes.

Offering a Varied Wet Food Diet

Variety can enhance your cat’s dining experience. Alternate between fish-based and meat-based tinned foods during the week to keep meals interesting. Introduce changes gradually, as sudden diet shifts may cause stress and food refusal. Always store opened tinned food in a sealed container in the fridge to keep it fresh and safe.

Adding a little water to canned food when serving can further increase your cat’s water intake, which is especially beneficial if your cat is less inclined to drink water directly. This also helps stretch the food, which could be advantageous when budgeting.

Consider Preparing Homemade Cat Food

If time permits, cooking fresh cat food can be rewarding. Numerous recipes are available that provide balanced nutrition tailored for cats. However, fresh food should generally be an occasional treat unless balanced carefully for everyday feeding, as cats can become picky and refuse commercial foods otherwise.

Alternatively, consider ready-cooked frozen fresh food delivered directly to your door. This option provides convenience without sacrificing nutrition and frees up kitchen storage space. Ensure any homemade or fresh food meets your cat’s dietary requirements, particularly for protein and taurine.

When to Consult a Veterinarian

If your cat consistently rejects food or shows other signs of discomfort or illness, have them checked by a veterinary professional to exclude dental problems or other health conditions. Early intervention can prevent complications and improve quality of life.

Related articles

• Cat Broken Tail: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment Guide
• Flea Treatment for Kittens
• Flea and worm treatment for cats

Conclusion

Feeding a wet food diet can be highly beneficial for your cat, promoting hydration, supporting kidney and urinary health, aiding picky eaters, and accommodating those with dental issues. Selecting good quality, high-protein tinned food that contains adequate taurine is essential. Always prioritise your cat’s health and consult your vet about the best dietary choices tailored to your cat’s individual needs.