What are the benefits of wet food for cats?

Discover what wet cat food is, what its benefits are and how it can contribute to your pet's well-being and hydration.

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One of the most common questions among those living with cats is: what type of food is most suitable for my pet? With such a wide offer available on the market, choosing the right one can be overwhelming. Although most foods available meet basic nutritional requirements, there are factors such as flavour, texture or even the hardness of the food that also influence the cat's dietary experience and they are worth bearing in mind.

What is wet cat food and what does it consist of?

First things first: What is wet cat food? Wet cat food is a type of food characterised for having a high water content, which usually ranges between 70% and 85%. It is usually sold in tins or packets and notably has a more intense flavour and smell than dry food, making it particularly attractive for even the most discerning cats.

Benefits of wet cat food

One of the main benefits of wet cat food is that, thanks to its high water content, it is ideal for keeping cats well hydrated, a vital requirement for this species, which usually drinks little water by nature. Therefore, the advantages of wet food for cats’ health and well-being are:

Hydration. Its high water content helps to maintain good hydration, contributing to the prevention of kidney and urinary diseases.
Comprehensive nutritional content. It contains quality proteins, essential fatty acids, minerals, vitamins and antioxidants, fundamental for a healthy and balanced diet.
Variety of flavours and textures. It is an interesting alternative to dry food, since it arouses the cat's interest and encourages a more complete and varied diet.
More palatable. By preserving the natural juices in its ingredients, it is usually more tasty, which is useful for cats with a small appetite.
Weight control. Thanks to its lower calorie density (fewer calories per gramme), it can help with weight control programmes provided that the recommended portions are used.
Fresh and natural ingredients. It is more common to find meat, fish, quality fruit and vegetables in this type of food, free from artificial preservatives or by-products.

On the other hand, there are also other aspects to take into account:

These products may be more expensive.
Since they are so tasty, some cats may ask for more than they need, which may lead to excess weight if portions are not kept under control.

How much wet food should a cat eat?

If you are wondering how much wet food a cat should eat, this depends on a range of factors:

Age. Kittens and young cats need more energy, so they require larger portions.
Weight and body condition. If the cat is overweight, he/she will need controlled portions or fewer calories.
Health condition. Problems such as kidney diseases, diabetes or food allergies may require a specific diet with controlled portions.
Activity levels. More active cats burn more calories and may require more food.

A good practice is to combine wet and dry food, alternating between them at different times of day (for example, dry food in the morning and wet food in the evening); this encourages a more varied and balanced diet.

How to choose the best wet cat food?

Choosing the best wet cat food may seem complicated because there are so many options on the market. Here are some recommendations to help you make the right decision:

Consider, as we mentioned earlier, some of your cat’s individual, such as age, activity levels, medical conditions or food preferences.
Read the labels and make sure that the first ingredient in particular is a source of high quality animal protein. In the same vein, avoid products with meat by-products, artificial preservatives or unnecessary fillers.
Prioritise natural and fresh ingredients; the best wet foods usually incorporate lean meats, vegetables, fruits and essential oils.
Consult a vet, since it is always best to seek professional advice before making changes to your cat's diet. This can help you to choose the right food to meet the specific needs of your pet.

Wet food is an excellent option for your cat. It provides hydration, variety, flavour and essential nutrients, and is helpful in guaranteeing the health, well-being and longevity of your feline friend.