Wet vs Dry Cat Food: How to Combine Them Well

Many cat owners wonder whether they should feed wet food or dry kibble. In truth, there is no single right answer for every cat. What matters is understanding the pros and cons of each so you can combine them in a way that keeps your cat well nourished, well hydrated and at a healthy weight.

How wet and dry food differ

The biggest difference is water content. Wet food usually contains a lot of water, which makes up most of its weight. Dry kibble is the opposite and contains only a small amount of moisture. That is why a full bowl of kibble provides far more energy than the same bowl of wet food.

Advantages of wet food

• It helps your cat take in extra water with meals. Cats descend from ancestors that lived in dry regions, so they tend to drink little.
• It smells appealing and is soft, which suits picky eaters, senior cats and cats with dental problems.
• For the same feeling of fullness, cats usually take in fewer calories, which helps cats that need to watch their weight.

Advantages of dry food

• It is convenient, easy to store and keeps well after opening if sealed properly.
• It usually costs less for the same amount of energy.
• It can be used in treat-dispensing toys to keep your cat active and less bored.

There are downsides too. Wet food spoils quickly if left out in the air. Kibble makes it easy for cats to overeat if you keep the bowl full all day, and it does not provide water the way wet food does.

Why you might combine the two

For many healthy cats, mixing wet and dry food strikes a balance between health benefits and convenience. Wet food increases the amount of water your cat takes in each day. This is especially helpful for cats prone to urinary stones or crystals, or cats that rarely drink, although a cat that already has a medical condition should follow its veterinarian's advice.

Kibble gives you more flexibility if you are out at work all day. Your cat also gets used to different food textures, which makes it easier to change diets later if needed, for example when a prescribed diet becomes necessary.

How to combine wet and dry food

The most important rule: the total daily energy intake must suit your cat. When you add wet food, you must reduce the kibble accordingly, not add wet food on top of the old kibble portion.

1. Work out the daily requirement. Read the feeding guide on each package according to your cat's weight. This is only a starting point; less active or neutered cats usually need less.
2. Split the ratio. For example, if you want your cat to get roughly half its energy from wet food, give half the recommended amount of wet food plus half the recommended amount of kibble.
3. Divide the meals. A common approach is wet food for breakfast and dinner when you are home, with kibble measured out in advance for the daytime.
4. Monitor weight. Weigh your cat regularly, roughly every few weeks. If your cat gains weight, cut back slightly. If it loses weight, ask your veterinarian before increasing portions much.

You can mix wet food and kibble in one bowl or serve them separately. If you mix them, serve right away, because kibble that absorbs moisture spoils as quickly as wet food.

Choosing the right food and storing it safely

Read labels carefully. Choose products labeled as complete and balanced for your cat's life stage. Some wet foods are only complementary foods or treats and are not nutritionally adequate as a main diet in the long term.

• Opened wet food: cover tightly, refrigerate and use within the time stated on the package, usually just a few days.
• Let wet food from the fridge lose its chill or warm it slightly; cats will like it more. Do not make it hot.
• Throw away wet food your cat has not finished after about half an hour (as a guide; sooner in hot weather).
• Kibble: keep it in its original bag, clipped shut or placed inside an airtight container, somewhere cool and dry to prevent mold.
• Wash food bowls every day, especially bowls used for wet food.
• Always provide clean water and change it daily, even if your cat eats a lot of wet food.

Change food gradually

When switching to a new food or changing the ratio of wet to dry, transition gradually over about one to two weeks. Every few days, add a little more of the new food and reduce the old food a little. Sudden changes can cause food refusal, vomiting or diarrhea.

Do not rely on rice mixed with fish or human leftovers as a long-term main diet. These meals often lack nutrients cats must get from food, and they may contain seasonings, onion or garlic that are harmful to cats.

When to see a vet

Take your cat to a veterinarian if you notice:

• Your cat has not eaten for more than a day, even after you offer a favorite food. Cats that go without food for long can develop serious liver problems.
• Repeated vomiting, persistent diarrhea or blood in the stool after a food change.
• Frequent urination with little urine, straining or blood in the urine. A male cat straining without passing urine is an emergency.
• Clear weight loss or weight gain with no obvious reason.
• Unusually heavy drinking.

If your cat has kidney or urinary disease, diabetes or a food allergy, its wet and dry food plan should be tailored by your veterinarian.