nutrition
Wet vs dry cat food
The options
Wet (canned/pouch) food
75–82% water, formulated to meet AAFCO profiles for a defined life stage.
Pros
Cons
Dry (kibble) food
6–10% water; shelf-stable, extruded or baked, formulated to AAFCO profiles.
Pros
Cons
Side by side
| Criterion | Wet (canned/pouch) food | Dry (kibble) food |
|---|---|---|
| Water contribution | High (75–82%) | Minimal (6–10%) |
| Cost per kcal | High | Low |
| Urinary/renal support | Better | Needs pairing with fountain/water |
| Puzzle feeder / auto-dispenser | Not compatible | Yes |
| Weight management | Higher satiety per kcal | Easier to overfeed |
| Dental benefit | None | Minimal unless VOHC-sealed |
The mixed-feeding default
For most healthy adult cats, a practical default is one canned meal per day plus measured kibble the rest of the day. That captures most of the urinary/weight advantage of wet without the cost and refrigeration burden of feeding it exclusively.
Cats already diagnosed with FLUTD, urinary crystals, or CKD should follow their vet's recommendation, which is often canned-first or canned-only. IRIS-guideline renal-support diets come in both forms.
Budget math
An average 10-lb adult cat needs ~200–250 kcal/day. That's roughly one 3 oz can (75–90 kcal) plus ~40 g of kibble, or ~$1.50–$3.00/day depending on brand. Feeding canned only usually runs $3–$6/day per cat.
Storage and safety
- Refrigerate opened cans immediately, cover with a silicone lid.
- Discard uneaten wet food after 2 hours at room temperature (1 hour above 85°F).
- Store kibble in the original bag inside an airtight container — the bag has the lot number for recalls.
- Check the AAFCO statement matches your cat's life stage (kitten, adult, all life stages).