Cats are obligate carnivores, which means they need to eat meat. That’s why they have such impressive canine teeth - perfect for ripping and tearing at prey. A diet that’s high in animal-based proteins is necessary - think fish, poultry, or even rabbit, lamb, or beef. Wet food contains animal-based protein and the nutrients in it help to maintain lean muscle mass, energy levels, a healthy skin and coat, and overall health.
Hydration
As obligate carnivores, cats derive most of their water needs from their diet, which, in the wild, consists of prey with a high moisture content. This means that cats naturally have a lower thirst drive and often don’t drink a sufficient amount of water on their own. Eating wet cat food can substantially increase their water intake, which is crucial because adequate hydration helps prevent dehydration, urinary tract infections or urinary obstructions, and kidney and bladder issues. Wet food has a high moisture content (usually around 75-80%), which can help keep your cat hydrated and flush toxins out of their body.
The high moisture content in wet food softens the food, making it easier for cats to break down and absorb the nutrients. This ensures that cats gain the maximum nutritional benefit from their meals, which can aid in maintaining energy levels, a healthy immune system, and overall vitality.
The softness of the food also makes it easier to chew and digest than kibble, allowing for easier absorption of nutrients and more efficient processing of food.
Protein
As obligate carnivores, cats’ bodies are designed to digest and utilize animal-based proteins effectively. Wet food generally has a high protein content and few carbohydrates, an ideal meal for a carnivorous cat. Wet food also usually has fewer calories per serving than dry food because of its higher moisture content. The high protein, low carb, and high moisture content help cats feel fuller faster and satiated for a longer time than kibble, which can reduce their overall food intake and help maintain an ideal weight.
Urinary Benefits
Wet cat food also helps promote a healthy urinary tract because of its high moisture content. Both male and female cats are susceptible to urinary issues, which can be exacerbated by dehydration. The increased moisture helps dilute the urine and ensures more frequent urination, which can help flush out toxins and prevent the formation of crystals or stones in the urinary tract.
Litter Box Benefits
Wet food is often easier for cats to digest than dry food because their bodies can process it more easily. This can lead to fewer gastrointestinal issues, such as constipation or bloating.
When a cat is eating a diet high in protein, their body is using most of the nutrients. This means there is little waste to excrete. Cats’ bodies don’t need that many carbohydrates so most of the ingredients turn to waste. If your cat eats an abundance of dry food, particularly if they have access to a never-ending bowl of kibble and snack a lot, this usually turns into diarrhea. For healthy, solid poops, a high-protein, low carb diet is ideal.
Low Carbohydrates
Cats have a limited need for carbohydrates because their bodies cannot process carbs very well, which means high-quality cat foods should contain minimal carbohydrate content. When carbohydrates are included, they should preferably come from digestible sources like vegetables and fruits rather than grains, corn, wheat, and rice. Wet foods typically have fewer carbs and are more aligned with a cat's natural dietary needs than dry kibble.
Kibble is high in carbohydrates and low in protein and moisture so it doesn’t offer many health benefits. A small amount of dry kibble every day is fine - typically no more than half a cup - so your cat has something to snack on throughout the day. However, their two main meals should be protein heavy, low carb wet food. Think of kibble as a treat for when they need a little pick-me-up.
Cats who eat primarily dry food are often overweight and have lower energy levels. Their bodies aren’t getting the nutrients they need to thrive; rather they are getting empty calories that their bodies are unable to process. Obesity in cats can lead to diabetes and other health issues that can affect their hearts, their mobility, and their lifespans.
Variety
There are so many kinds of wet food. It’s just a matter of finding what your cat likes best. There are so many flavor options like salmon, tuna, mackerel, chicken, duck, turkey, and even lamb and beef. There are also different textures and formulations to try like pate, grilled, gravies, or stews. The variety of textures can help maintain a cat's interest in meals and encourage appetite, which can be particularly important for picky eaters or cats with lower food drives. The strong aroma of wet food also stimulates a cat's sense of smell, making the food more appealing.
Cats can be finicky so luckily there are variety packs available. This variety facilitates nutritional completeness by making it easier to introduce a broad spectrum of flavors. This variety can also be beneficial if your cat has dietary sensitivities or health concerns that require specialized food, such as hypoallergenic or grain-free options. Once you find what your cat enjoys best, you can start to understand what their body wants and needs.
Although wet cat food is generally more expensive than dry kibble, investing in high-quality wet food is important for your cat's long-term health and well-being. Higher-quality wet foods often contain better ingredients and provide more complete nutrition, which can lead to fewer health problems.
It's important to note that switching from dry to wet cat food should also be done gradually. Start with a small amount and gradually increase over time until your cat is fully transitioned to wet food to ensure a successful transition.
Conclusion
High-quality wet cat food is specifically crafted to support cats’ optimal health and vitality. Wet food is vital for maintaining cats’ well-being and ensuring they remain active and healthy throughout their lives. Wet food is full of protein, moisture, and essential nutrients; supports hydration and digestion; and can help manage your cat's weight, energy levels, and urinary and digestive health.The goal is to find what your cat likes best. Find out what food gives them energy, keeps them active, makes their coat bright and shiny, and gives them healthy poops. As always. consult with your vet to determine the best feeding plan for your cat's age, health, and lifestyle.
Love, Nala
