Good Food: Answers on Cat Nutrition & Feeding
Get guidance to help you compare the different types of cat food, plus advice on when, where and how to feed your cat.
The main difference between wet and dry cat food is the moisture content. Increased moisture or “water” content could be a benefit if your cat has trouble staying hydrated.
Wet food also tends to be denser in certain nutrients, including protein and fat — although your cat can get all the nutrients he or she needs from a diet of either wet or dry food, or a combination of both.
Dry food may be more convenient for cat owners, and the crunchy texture of the kibble can help clean your cat’s teeth to help support healthy teeth and gums.
If a food offers “complete and balanced nutrition for adult cats,” that means it contains the right amount of all the nutrients most adult cats need. You may also see products labeled as “100% nutritionally complete for adult cats,” which means the same thing. In other words, if you fed your adult cat the proper amount of that food and nothing else, your cat wouldn’t miss out on any vital nutrients or have too much of any nutrients.
If you have a kitten, or if your cat is pregnant or lactating, he or she needs some additional nutrients. In that case, look for a formula that offers complete and balanced nutrition for all life stages, including pregnant or nursing cats.