nutrition
Wet vs dry food moisture
Why cats are different
Cats evolved from desert ancestors and have a weak thirst drive. Cats on all-dry diets typically drink less total water than cats on canned or mixed feeding, even when a fountain is available. For cats with a history of urinary crystals, cystitis, or CKD, adding wet food is a first-line management step endorsed by AAFP, ISFM, and IRIS.
Comparing wet and dry on the label
Guaranteed analysis is 'as fed,' so wet food looks lower in protein than kibble even when it isn't. To compare, convert to a dry-matter basis: (nutrient % ÷ (100 − moisture %)) × 100. A 10%-protein canned food at 78% moisture is actually 45% protein on a dry-matter basis, higher than most kibble.
Why it matters
'Wet vs dry' is not a good vs bad debate. Both can be complete and balanced. The relevant question is which format supports your specific pet's water intake, weight, dental status, and litter-box behavior.
Frequently asked questions
- Does dry food cause kidney disease?
- No direct causal link exists in peer-reviewed literature. But cats already diagnosed with CKD generally benefit from increased water intake, which wet food delivers passively.
- Is dry food better for teeth?
- Most kibble shatters on first bite and provides minimal abrasive cleaning. Only diets carrying the VOHC seal, or dental chews, have documented plaque-reduction effects.