Both wet and dry cat food can be complete and balanced, and lots of healthy cats eat one, the other, or both. The real differences are water, calories, cost and convenience. Here's how they compare, and how to decide.
The quick comparison
| Wet food | Dry food | |
|---|---|---|
| Water | At least 75% moisture | 6 to 10% moisture |
| Cost | Usually the most expensive type | Relatively inexpensive per calorie |
| Calories | Lower per bite, easier to portion by can | Dense, easy to overfeed |
| Convenience | Must be refrigerated once opened | Keeps in the bowl, works in puzzle feeders |
| Taste | Most cats find it more palatable | May be less appealing to some cats |
Water: wet food's biggest advantage
Cats evolved getting most of their water from prey and often don't drink much. Cornell's Feline Health Center notes canned food is at least 75% moisture, making it "a good dietary source of water," while dry food is 6 to 10%. Vets often suggest wet food for cats prone to urinary problems or who don't drink much, so ask yours if that applies.
Calories and weight
Obesity is the most common nutrition-related problem in cats, according to Cornell. Dry food packs a lot of calories into a small volume, and a bowl that's always full makes it easy to overfeed. Wet food comes in measured cans and fills a cat up with fewer calories. Either way, portion by calories, not by the bag chart. Our cat food calculator works out how much.
Cost
Wet food costs more per calorie. Across the wet cat foods we grade, the median price is about $0.42 per ounce. Dry foods we grade run from $0.55 to $3.01 per 1,000 kcal, which feeds a typical 10 lb cat for about four days.
Teeth
Most dry kibble isn't proven to clean teeth. Only products that prove it in trials earn the Veterinary Oral Health Council seal. See our dental chews guide.
The middle ground: feed both
Cornell says the choice "may be a matter of what your cat prefers," and many cats do well on a combination. A common approach is wet food for one or two meals and a measured amount of dry. Our wet and dry food calculator splits a day's calories between the two.
Top-graded wet and dry cat foods
Wet:
- Friskies Shreds Variety Pack: A (93), $0.15 per oz
- Fancy Feast Gravy Lovers Poultry & Beef Feast Variety Pack: A (88), $0.31 per oz
- Sheba Perfect Portions Cuts in Gravy Twin-Pack Trays: A (86), $0.42 per oz
Dry:
- Friskies Seafood Sensations: A (94), $0.55 per 1,000 kcal
- Purina Cat Chow Naturals Original: A (91), $0.84 per 1,000 kcal
- Purina ONE +Plus Indoor Advantage with Real Turkey: A (89), $1.20 per 1,000 kcal
See the full wet cat food and dry cat food rankings.
Questions
Is wet or dry food better for cats?
Both can be complete and balanced. Wet food adds a lot of water and is easier to portion, while dry food is cheaper and more convenient. Many cats do well on a mix.
Is dry food bad for cats?
No. A complete and balanced dry food is fine for most healthy cats. The main risks are overfeeding and low water intake, so measure portions and make sure your cat drinks.
How much wet food should a cat eat a day?
It depends on the cat's weight and the food's calories. A spayed or neutered 10 lb cat needs about 260 kcal a day, roughly three 3 oz cans of an 80 kcal food. Use our cat food calculator for your cat.
Can I mix wet and dry cat food?
Yes. Count the calories from both so the total stays right. Our wet and dry food calculator does the split.
Not veterinary advice. Ask your vet about your own pet's diet and health.