Wet vs. Dry Cat Food: What’s the Difference?

While there are some big differences, both wet cat food and dry cat food can provide complete and balanced nutrition to support your feline best friend.  

The right choice for your cat depends on their health, preferences, and your lifestyle. 

Here are some factors to consider when making a decision:  

Do cats need wet food? Not always, but for many cats it’s an excellent choice. Plus, it tends to match a cat’s natural, prey-based diet.  

Wet food may be the best option for cats who: 

• Have trouble staying hydrated: Many cats prefer to get most of their water from their food instead of water bowls. Wet food is a great choice for cats who need extra hydration, like those with kidney disease. 
• Have lower urinary tract disease: A wet diet helps produce urine with lots of water in it, which can sometimes prevent and even dissolve bladder stones and help manage symptoms associated with other types of lower urinary tract disease. 
• Have diabetes: High-protein and low-carbohydrate diets are recommended for most cats with diabetes to help keep blood sugar levels stable. 
• Need to lose weight: Wet food has a lower caloric density, so cats can eat more food while consuming fewer calories, which can help them feel full. High protein levels also help cats maintain their muscles while they lose weight. 
• Are picky eaters: Wet food tends to have a stronger smell and more appealing taste. Many cats prefer it over dry. 
• Are seniors: Senior cats may have dental disease, a reduced appetite, or kidney problems. Wet food is easier to chew, more palatable for cats reluctant to eat, and offers better hydration for cats who need to take in extra water.  

Dry food may be a good fit for cats who:  

• Graze throughout the day: Dry food can stay out at room temperature, making it a better choice for cats who like to eat small, frequent meals. 
• Enjoy puzzle feeders: Food-dispensing toys can provide enrichment and help prevent boredom. Most are designed for dry cat food. 
• Need extra dental care: Daily brushing is best, but dry foods specifically designed to reduce the buildup of plaque and tartar can help too. 
• Like kibble better: Some cats simply prefer foods with a crunchy texture. As long as your cat is healthy and thriving on dry food, you probably don’t need to force a change. Ask your veterinarian if you’re concerned.  

Dry cat food is also usually less expensive than wet food. If you are on a tight budget or feeding lots of cats (in a multi-cat household or taking care of community cats, for example), dry food is a sensible option. 

The best way to choose food for your cat is to first talk with your veterinarian. They will take many factors into consideration, including your cat’s: 

• Age: Kittens, adults, and senior cats can have very different nutritional needs. 
• Body condition: Cats who are overweight will benefit from a reduced calorie food while underweight cats need calorie-dense formulations. 
• Activity level and lifestyle: Indoor cats who don’t move around a lot typically need fewer calories than those who get a lot of exercise. (However, letting your cat outside is not recommended.) 
• Health conditions: Dietary allergies and sensitivities, hairballs, urinary and kidney problems, metabolic disorders like diabetes or hyperthyroidism, and other health problems can all be managed with specific diets that your vet will guide you on.  

Whatever food you choose, make sure it’s labeled with an Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) statement of nutritional adequacy. You’ll also want to work with your vet, who can recommend the best food for your cat. 

Here are some vet-approved wet cat food options:  

• Purina ONE Grain-Free Variety Pack Natural High Protein Canned Cat Food 

• Royal Canin Feline Health Nutrition Kitten Thin Slices in Gravy Wet Cat Food 

• Weruva Paw Lickin’ Chicken in Gravy Grain-Free Wet Cat Food 

Here are some vet-approved dry cat food options:  

• ORIJEN Original Grain-Free High-Protein Premium Dry Cat Food 

• Purina Pro Plan Adult Indoor Hairball Management Salmon & Rice Formula Dry Cat Food 

• Hill’s Science Diet Adult Oral Care Chicken Recipe Dry Cat Food 

Mixing wet and dry cat food can be a good option in certain situations, particularly if: 

• Your cat loves kibble but needs more moisture in their diet. Bone broths and toppers—like Solid Gold Bone Broth Chicken Shreds Grain-Free Wet Cat Food Topper—don’t provide complete nutrition on their own but can be safely added to a complete cat food.  

• You need to manage costs while still incorporating a budget-friendly wet food option, like Tiny Tiger Grain-Free Pate Beef & Poultry Recipes Variety Pack Canned Cat Food. 

• Your cat eats mostly wet food but could benefit from the oral health support of a dental diet, like Hill’s Prescription Diet t/d Dental Care Chicken Flavor Dry Cat Food, or you’d like to use kibble in food-dispensing toys for enrichment. 

Do vets recommend dry or wet food for cats?  

Veterinarians may recommend wet food, dry food, or a combination of both depending on a cat’s age, health, hydration needs, and preferences. 

What is the healthiest food to feed a cat? 

The healthiest cat food is complete and balanced for your cat’s life stage and tailored to their individual health needs. Your veterinarian can help you choose the best option. 

Is dry food bad for cats?  

No, dry cat food isn’t inherently bad for cats. High-quality dry cat food can provide complete and balanced nutrition. However, because it’s low in moisture and high in carbohydrates, it may not be ideal for cats who don’t drink enough water or have certain health conditions. Your veterinarian can help you decide what’s best for your cat.