Dr. Sarah Yosry

Reviewed by Dr. Sarah Yosry
Updated on 08/25/2024
Reading time 5 min.

Overview

Severity: Low

Life stage: All

Cats are carnivores, so most of their food should be a type of meat they like to eat, such as fish or chicken. However, some cat foods can be beneficial for your cat’s teeth. In this article, we’ll discuss why wet food is better than dry for cats and also look at other benefits and disadvantages.

What is the difference between dry and wet cat food?

The main difference between dry and wet cat food is in its ingredients. Dry foods contain more protein, fiber, and water than wet foods, which means they have a higher calorie content.

Dry cat food also tends to be less fatty than wet recipes—which can make for an easier diet for your little buddy. In addition to being high in protein, fiber, and water (all essential for keeping teeth clean), specific dry kibbles can be low-calorie or gluten-free!

Benefits and disadvantages of wet food for cats

Benefits of wet food for cats

  • As a cat owner, you may have heard that wet food is bad for a cat’s teeth. But is it? The answer is no, but wet food has some benefits over dry food.
    Wet foods are more palatable than dry ones because they have been prepared with water and added flavorings like chicken fat, which give them their unique taste. These additives make your cat’s mouth tingle, making him want more of the treat!
  • A study published in the Journal Of The American Veterinary Medical Association found that cats who were fed canned wet pasta showed lower levels of inflammation and inflammation markers in their urine compared to those who were fed dry pasta.

Disadvantages of wet food for cats

  • While wet cat food is convenient, it can also be expensive. If you have a fussy pet who doesn’t like to eat his regular diet, this might not be the best option.
  • Wet cat food is high in carbs and low in protein, which may lead to weight gain if given too much of either one.
  • In addition, some people worry about their pets getting sick from eating raw meat (even though this does happen).

Does wet food cause dental disease?

It is important to note that just because your cat eats wet food, it doesn’t mean that the food causes dental disease.

Most cats can eat without any issues at all. However, there are some issues that wet food can cause when consumed by cats.

  1. First, there’s tartar buildup on their teeth if they don’t brush their teeth regularly or if they don’t have regular cleanings done on them by a veterinarian or someone else who knows how to do it properly (like this guide).
  2. Secondly, the plaque buildup will begin once you start feeding them wet food regularly because of the high levels of sugars in this diet compared with dry foods, which contain fewer carbohydrates per serving size.

How to choose a wet cat food?

There are several things you should look for in wet cat food.

  • High protein and low carbohydrates. Cats need high protein levels to prevent kidney problems, but they also need enough carbohydrates to keep them feeling full. If a cat food has too much carbohydrate, your pet may become hypoglycemic (low blood sugar).
  • Low sodium content. Most cats don’t have any salt intake—they get all their sodium from their diet! To keep your pet healthy and happy, ensure the amount of salt in their food is in line with what nature intended it to be: just right!
  • Low calories and high water content are also important factors when choosing which wet foods will work best for each animal’s needs.”
How to choose a wet cat food?

Conclusion

Although wet food is an excellent option for cats, it can be tricky to choose the right one. We recommend reading our article on choosing the best cat food for your cat’s dental health before deciding which brand will work best for them.

Share this, choose your platform!

Dr. Sarah Yosry

Writen by
Dr. Sarah Yosry
DVM

A product of a rich Australian/Egyptian heritage, Dr. Sarah Yosry stands as a testament to the union of diverse cultures and a shared love for animals…

WELLNESS EXAMS

Home Vet Services
Home Vet Services

Worried about your pet?

Worried about your pet?

Does your cat need emergency veterinary care?

Find the nearest clinic for emergency treatment.

Does your cat need emergency veterinary care?

Find the nearest clinic for emergency treatment.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTION
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTION
The main difference between wet and dry cat food is in its ingredients.
Just because your cat eats wet food, it doesn’t mean that the food causes dental disease.
You should look for high protein and low carbohydrates, low sodium and calories content, high water content.
dog and cat
THE ONLY MULTI-SPECIALTY
24 HOUR HOSPITAL
IN THE UAE!
dog and cat
THE ONLY MULTI-
SPECIALTY 24 HOUR
HOSPITAL IN THE UAE!

A veterinary consultation is often the first and most important step in managing your pet’s health. When your dogs appear tired, your cats stop eating,...

Cancer is one of the most significant health challenges facing pets today, affecting millions of dogs and cats worldwide each year. A cancer diagnosis...

Spaying is an important part of being a responsible pet owner. It helps keep the number of pets down and is very good for the health of female dogs and...

Expert Veterinary Care, Now Delivered to Your Door

At Modern Vet, we understand that not every pet is comfortable traveling to the clinic—and not...

Hydrotherapy for pets is one of the most rapidly adopted and effective rehabilitative techniques used today in veterinary medicine. The modality of...

Moving to a new house is a life-altering situation, and it is not only about packing the boxes and securing plane tickets when you have pets. Your furry...

At Modern Vet, proactive preventative healthcare lays the foundation for your pet's long and happy life. From standard blood tests to urinalysis or...

Preventive care extends beyond basic attention to caring for your dogs and cats; it is the central pillar for ensuring the happiness and well-being of...

Save our number now so you are prepared if the worst happens.

24-Hour Emergency Hotline: 800-82
Address: Umm Suqeim, Al Wasl Road, Villa #793,...

SPAY & NEUTER
Your Reliable Partner in Caring for Your Pet’s Health
One of the most responsible things a pet owner can do is to spay or neuter...

Your pet’s eyes are one of their most sensitive and important organs. Like people, animals rely on vision to get around the world, communicate with you,...

At Modern Veterinary Hospital, we know that being able to move comfortably is critical to your furry friends’ overall happiness and well-being....

Your pet requires proper oral health maintenance for their general health and wellness. Gum disease, tooth decay and infections affect dogs and cats...

Pet physiotherapy is an important and growing aspect of veterinary medicine, addressing recovery from injury, surgery, chronic conditions or poor...

Your pet requires the best care, including nutritious food, veterinary visits, and professional grooming services for year-round comfort, cleanliness,...

Holistic pet medicine originated in ancient times and now exists as a contemporary integrative system that focuses on treating the complete animal...

You want the best for your pet’s health and longevity, but feeding them well-balanced meals can be difficult. The same principles apply to humans also...

The transportation of pets in busy Dubai becomes difficult because of the combination of traffic congestion, heat exposure, limited time availability,...

Family pets hold a special place in family life, just like human family members, because they develop various skin and coat issues as they age. Skin...

The fastest-growing cities, including Dubai, need to prioritize pet welfare because their pet population exceeds available resources when not managed...

Here at Modern Veterinary Hospital, we are aware of the fact that having your furry friend deal with neurological disease can be incredibly traumatizing....

Pet cardiology functions as a veterinary medical speciality that diagnoses, treats, and controls Heart and circulatory diseases in animals. A strong...

At ModernVet, we are committed wholeheartedly to improving the wellbeing of your faithful canines with our state-of-the-art dog spay and neuter services....

ModernVet offers professional cat spaying and neutering services that deliver top-level care to feline pets. The procedures form an essential part of...

A powerful alliance based in Dubai's center has established new benchmarks for animal medical care. Modern Vet operates as a top veterinary hospital...

For every devoted cat owner, ensuring the long-term health and happiness of their feline companion is a top priority. Protecting cats from infectious...

The Modern Vet Clinic in Dubai is a top-tier animal hospital providing complete veterinary services for dogs. Our clinic provides veterinary care for...

The Modern Vet clinic in Dubai operates as the leading facility which provides specialized healthcare solutions for cats in the city. The clinic provides...