Feline Dry Food Vs. Canned Food

A wide variety of cat foods are available, though most fall into two categories: dry food and wet food. There are advantages to both kinds, and a decision on what kind to feed your cat can be difficult.

    Nutrition

    • Dry food contains more carbohydrates than protein. The higher protein content of wet food more closely resembles the diet of what cats would eat in the wild.

    Water Content

    • Dry food contains far less moisture than wet food--only up to 10 percent. Wet food provides up to 78 percent moisture, which helps keep cats hydrated.

    Dental Health

    • Dry food helps prevent tarter buildup better than wet food, though to what extent is debatable.

    Feeding Times

    • Dry food can be left out and available for your cats all of the time, but a feeding schedule is generally required for wet food because cats require smaller amounts of it.

    Food Storage

    • Dry food lasts longer and stores more easily. Wet food spoils quickly and must be refrigerated after opening.

    Cat Preference

    • Some cats prefer one kind of food over another, and some cats like both. Your cat's food preference should factor into the decision.