Wondering what to feed your new feline or thinking about changing foods to better support your kitty’s overall health and well-being? One of the first things you’ll need to figure out is whether to feed them kibble or canned wet food. While the correct answer really depends on your pet’s specific needs and preferences, we rounded up a few experts to discuss the pros (and cons) as well as their picks for the best wet cat foods available right now.
what to know before buying wet cat food
When it comes to planning your pet’s diet, many factors such as age, breed, and overall health can play a role in determining which foods are best, which is why you should always consult with a vet before making major changes. While kibble certainly has its advantages—namely, it’s convenient, affordable, and can be beneficial for feline teeth—most experts say wet food is just as crucial because it can help cats stay hydrated, plus it may be closer to the natural diet they have. d have in nature.
“The domestic cat is a desert animal, so it naturally doesn’t drink a lot of water,” says dr. John P. Loftus, Ph.D., DVM, an assistant professor at Cornell College of Veterinary Medicine, tells Mental Floss. is a point repeated by dr. gary richter, dvm, medical director of holistic veterinary care, founder of ultimate nutrition for pets, and author of the ultimate guide to pet health: innovative nutrition and integrative care for dogs and cats, who notes that because cats “They naturally don’t drink a lot of water, [it’s] important for them to get a lot of water in their food.”
according to dr. loftus and dr. Richer, higher moisture content found in canned wet foods gives it a distinct advantage over kibble; dr. Richter even states that although dry food is often considered better for feline dental health, a diet based solely on kibble is not recommended, as cats are carnivores and “high carbohydrate diets, such as dry food, They’re not the best for them.” dr. cori blair, dvm, a veterinarian and owner of feline health in new york city, goes a step further, comparing kibble to bread you might find at a restaurant, while high-protein canned wet food is more like Salad: Bread might taste great, but if you have too much, you probably won’t have room to eat all the rest, and the same is true for cats. “canned food is healthier for them overall and [helps cats] maintain better hydration and lean body mass, as well as being better for their kidneys,” says dr. says blair.
Another reason to integrate canned wet food into your feline’s daily diet is that it might help her better manage certain health conditions. “Diabetic cats benefit from the higher protein, lower carbohydrate formulation of wet food,” says dr. katy nelson, senior veterinarian at chewy, tells mental floss. Also, Dr. Nelson notes that the caloric content and nutrient density of wet food can be great for kittens and nursing mothers, and the higher moisture content can help felines with urinary issues. “Wet food can also be useful for cats on a weight loss plan, as cats process protein much more efficiently than carbohydrates (which they tend to store) and can also be easily measured to ensure their Kitty stays within her daily caloric recommendations. she adds.
That said, there are a few things to keep in mind if you plan on serving your kitty a plate of pate any time soon. “Wet food doesn’t have as long a ‘shelf life’ in the bowl as dry food,” says dr. says nelson. she recommends discarding leftovers after a couple of hours, as everything can go bad. Another important factor to consider is where her pet is, developmentally. “Pet owners should be sure to choose a canned food formulated to meet the nutritional requirements of the cat’s life stage,” says dr. loftus says. If he’s not sure, he recommends looking for the Association of American Food Control Officials (AAFCO) statement, which should be on the can label.
according to dr. Blair, a diet based solely on canned food can also lead to constipation in some cats, who may then need fiber supplements to balance things out. as such, pet parents may want to consider a combination diet, meaning one that incorporates fresh, whole foods or kibble and canned wet foods as part of a pet’s daily menu. “If people are going to feed [cats] canned food, they should look for premium foods with all-natural ingredients,” says dr. richter adds. “no grains, no artificial preservatives.”
the best wet cat foods to buy now
1. BEST FOR INDOOR CATS: Iams Perfect Servings Grain-Free wet cat food for indoor adults; from $13
With so many options to choose from (and pet-specific factors to consider, such as age and health), it can be difficult to determine the best overall option for canned wet food. however, Dr. Nelson believes this iams variety pack is a great choice if you want to support your indoor cat’s overall well-being – it’s soft, easy to chew, and made without grains or artificial preservatives. Each easy-peel tray also comes in convenient portions, so you can feed your pet a balanced meal without worrying that you’re serving too much food.
buy it: chewy
2. Great if your cats don’t like fish: Purina Fancy Wet Cat Food Gravy Feast; from $24
purina is one of the best brands that dr. Blair recommends (along with iams, hill’s science diet, and royal canin) to mental floss readers because “all of these companies conduct ongoing studies on their products to ensure they are of the highest quality.” If your four-legged friend generally prefers chicken, turkey, and/or beef over fish entrees, you may want to consider grabbing this 30-pack of fancy banquet.
buy it: amazon
3. Best for Cats with Sensitive Systems: Hill’s Science Diet Adult Urinary Hairball Control Wet Cat Food; from $45
Although urinary tract infections are not very common in cats (petmd states that only 1-3% of cats with urinary tract disease will develop them), problems can still occur in that area, so prevention is key to maintaining the health of your cat. if your cat has a sensitive system, dr. Nelson says this hill’s science diet variety pack could support your overall well-being and add more magnesium to your daily diet. “This functional food helps prevent the onset of urinary tract problems in cats, and also contains natural fiber to reduce hairballs, ensuring your cat stays comfortable and calm,” he says.
buy it: chewy
4. GREAT FOR ACTIVE CATS: Tiny Tiger Grain-Free Canned Wet Cat Food; from $20
As brands advance, tiny tiger provides high-quality animal protein for the amino acids needed to maintain lean, active muscles in cats, according to dr. Nelson One of the most popular varieties is this grain-free pate variety pack, which includes beef, chicken and turkey and giblets, also known as land animals. “The recipe features a complete and balanced meal in each bowl, with essential vitamins, minerals, and taurine, plus real broth that provides the necessary moisture levels to help keep [cats] hydrated,” says dr. says nelson
buy it: chewy
5. Best for Weight Management: Hill’s Science Diet Perfect Weight Wet Cat Diet; $49
according to the brand, this wet cat food is made from chicken broth, pork liver, carrots, spinach and other ingredients that support a balanced diet. but also, it is specially formulated with overweight cats in mind; In product testing, more than 70 percent of felines who chewed these morsels lost weight within 10 weeks. but to be safe, be sure to check with your vet before adding this to your pet’s diet, especially if your cat has other pre-existing health conditions.
buy it: chewy
6. ideal for nursing cats and kittens: royal canin feline health nutrition mother & babycat canned wet cat food; from $24
Both mother cats and baby kittens need foods formulated with their special needs in mind. This wet cat food is made with chicken and a blend of vitamins and omega-3 fatty acids like docosahexaenoic acid (dha), which is found naturally in breast milk and may boost your kitty’s cognitive development. each can also contains a blend of highly digestible proteins and prebiotics that will be gentle on their changing (and developing) systems. the texture itself is also a bit smoother than your typical pate; royal canin likens it to a fluffy mousse and claims it can help newborn kittens transition from milk to solid food more easily.
buy it: chewy
