Dry food or wet food for cats? A guide to choosing cat food

Dry food, wet food or a mix of both? This is one of the most common questions we get from cat owners. The short answer: cats benefit from wet food, dry food is convenient and economical, and for most cats a mix is the best option. Here's the longer answer – what matters in the content, how much to feed and what suits kittens, senior cats and cats with sensitive digestion.

Cats are carnivores – and drink little

The cat is strictly carnivorous. It needs animal protein, fat and the amino acid taurine, which is only found in animal products, but has little need for carbohydrates. Cats are also descended from desert animals and are poor at drinking water on their own; in nature they get most of their moisture from prey. These two factors – protein and moisture – are the key to choosing food.

Dry food: pros and cons

• Pros: Convenient, stores well once opened, economical per meal and suitable for automatic feeders and puzzle toys. Good dry food with high meat content is complete nutrition.
• Cons: Only about 8–10% moisture, so the cat needs to drink much more than most cats do. Cheap dry food is often bulked up with grain and fillers and the protein then comes partly from plants.

Wet food: pros and cons

• Pros: 75–80% moisture – the cat gets the liquid with the food, which is good for kidneys and urinary tract. Higher proportion of animal protein, less carbohydrates and most cats prefer it over dry food.
• Cons: More expensive per meal, stores poorly after opening and unsuitable for automatic feeders. Some cats that have only had dry food need time to get used to it.

Mixed feeding – what we most often recommend

For a healthy adult cat, a simple rule is: wet food once to twice a day and dry food in smaller amounts – e.g. wet food morning and evening and a small portion of dry food during the day or in a puzzle toy. This way the cat gets the moisture and protein from the wet food and you keep the convenience and lower cost of dry food. Just watch the total amount; many cat weight problems start with wet food being given on top of a full dry food portion.

What matters in the ingredient list?

1. Meat first. The first ingredient should be named meat or fish (chicken, salmon, lamb), not "meat and animal derivatives" or grain.
2. High protein, low carbohydrates. In dry food, 35–45% protein is a good benchmark; in wet food 8–12% (of total, with moisture).
3. Little or no grain. Cats don't need grain. Potatoes and legumes are better, but least is best.
4. Taurine should be added to all complete food for cats.
5. "Complete food" on the packaging means the food is sufficient on its own. "Complementary food" – e.g. many pouches and treats – is not and should be given with.

How much to feed?

Follow the table on the packaging as a starting point and adjust according to body condition. You should be able to feel the ribs easily with your fingers without seeing them, and the cat should have a clear waist seen from above. An average-sized indoor cat (4 kg) needs about 200–250 kcal per day – that's e.g. one 85 g can of wet food plus 25–30 g of dry food. Weigh the dry food instead of using cups; the difference in "one cup" can be 30%.

Kittens, senior cats and sensitive digestion

• Kittens (0–12 months): Need kitten food with more protein, fat and energy. Give 3–4 small meals a day; wet food is easy for small mouths.
• Senior cats (10 years+): Wet food becomes more important as the kidneys age. Monitor weight in both directions; many senior cats lose weight because their teeth are bad – then wet food and soft food help.
• Sensitive digestion or food intolerance: Try food with a single protein source (e.g. only salmon or only insect protein) and change food slowly, over 7–10 days. If the problem persists, a vet is the next step.
• Neutered indoor cats: Burn less and gain weight easily. Wet food is more filling for fewer calories than dry food.

What does Móri sell?

We choose food based on content, not advertising. In our cat food you'll find e.g. wet food with high meat content and no grain, dry food with meat or insect protein first in the ingredient list and sample packs so you can try before you buy a big bag. If you're not sure what suits your cat – visit us at Nýbýlavegur 10, we'll help you choose.

Common questions about cat food

Is it okay to give the cat only dry food?

Yes, if the food is complete food with high meat content and the cat drinks enough. Most cats drink too little though, so we recommend including wet food – especially for neutered cats, senior cats and cats that have had urinary tract problems.

Can I mix dry food and wet food together?

Yes. Give them either in separate meals or together in a bowl – both are fine. Just reduce the dry food portion to match the wet food so the total amount stays right.

How often should the cat eat?

Adult cats: two to three meals a day, or wet food at fixed times and a little dry food in between. Kittens: three to four meals.

How do I change food?

Slowly, over 7–10 days: start with 25% new and 75% old and increase the ratio every 2–3 days. Quick changes often cause diarrhea or the cat refusing the food.

Is grain-free food better?

Cats don't need grains, so grain-free food is a natural choice. However, it's more important that meat is first in the ingredient list and carbohydrates are low than whether the filler is called wheat or potatoes.

What is insect protein and is it suitable for cats?

Protein derived from insect larvae. It's easily digestible, hypoallergenic (few cats have developed intolerance to it), and sustainable to produce. It's well suited for cats with food intolerance to chicken or beef, but the food still needs to be complete with taurine.