Can you feed your cat both wet and dry food. Yes, you can. Many vets and pet food makers agree this is a smart choice. Cats need a complete mix of nutrients to stay healthy. Using both wet and dry food helps make sure they get everything they need.
You might give wet food for their main meals, like in the morning and evening. Then, keep a small dish of dry food out. This lets them snack whenever they want during the day. This method gives them more variety. It also helps with their dental health, offering different textures.
Most big wet cat food brands often suggest a mixed diet. They generally say wet food should be the bigger part of what your cat eats. Why? Cats don’t always drink enough water. Wet food adds a lot of moisture to their diet. This is a big plus because an all-dry food diet might not give them enough fluids. Plus, wet food often costs more. A mixed diet can help balance your budget too.
Can you mix wet and dry cat food together?
Yes, you can mix wet and dry food for your cat. Just check that both foods are “complete and balanced.” This means they have all the nutrients your cat needs for good health. Most experts suggest making wet food the main part of the mix. This helps your cat get enough moisture, since they often don’t drink enough water on their own.
There’s a small thing to keep in mind though. Mixing wet and dry food can make the dry kibble soft. Some cats really don’t like that texture. Also, when dry food gets soft, it loses some of its teeth-cleaning power. The crunchy bits are what help clean their teeth.
Do cats prefer wet or dry food?
It really depends on the cat. Each one is a bit different. Many cats do seem to like wet food more. This is often because wet food has more meat in it. But, wet food usually costs more than dry food.
If you’re out of the house for a long time, you might want to leave out dry cat food. Or, a good solution is to use an automated cat feeder. This makes sure your furry friend gets their meals even when you’re not around.
The benefits of wet cat food
Wet cat food offers several good things for your feline friend. Here are some of the main perks:
- **Plenty of moisture:** This helps your cat stay hydrated, which is very important.
- **Lots of protein:** Good for building and keeping strong muscles. It helps cats keep their body mass as they get older.
- **More iron:** Good for healthy blood and tissues in their body.
- **More biotin:** Helps give them a steady flow of energy from their meals.
- **More zinc:** Keeps their bones, eyes, and skin in good shape.
- **Adds choice:** Different flavors keep your cat interested in eating. This helps them eat well and stay healthy.
- **Soft texture:** It’s soft, which is perfect for tiny kittens or older cats with dental issues.
Does wet cat food help my cat hydrate?
Yes, most wet cat foods certainly help your cat stay hydrated. We mentioned this earlier, but cats aren’t really natural water drinkers. So, wet food is a big help here. It gives them a lot of the water they need.
When you choose wet cat food, try to find kinds with a lot of moisture. Look for around 75% or more. This boosts their water intake. It can also help prevent kidney issues as your cat gets older.
You can also get your cat to drink more by putting a bowl of water close to their food. Or, think about getting a cat water fountain. We’ve seen these work wonders for getting our own cat to drink more.