Dry Food Or Wet Food: What Should You Choose For Your Cat?

Cats naturally drink very little and normally get most of their moisture from prey. That makes the choice between dry and wet food more important than you might think.

Short answer: there's no single right answer, but moisture intake is a decisive factor for cats. Wet food naturally contains far more moisture than dry food, which supports urinary tract health. Dry food is more practical, keeps longer, and is good for the teeth. Many cats ultimately do best on a combination of both.

Why moisture intake matters even more for cats

Cats descend from desert animals and naturally have a low thirst drive: in the wild, they got most of their moisture from prey, not from drinking. A cat that mainly eats dry food and drinks little can therefore end up chronically under-hydrated. That raises the risk of concentrated urine and lower urinary tract problems (FLUTD), such as cystitis or struvite crystals. This is one of the most important, and often underestimated, reasons to seriously consider wet food.

Advantages of dry food

• Keeps well, even if it's left in the bowl all day.
• Practical for several small meals a day or when using an automatic feeder.
• Chewing kibble can somewhat counteract plaque build-up, though this effect is more limited than often assumed.
• Usually cheaper per portion than wet food.

Advantages of wet food

• Significantly higher moisture content (typically 70–80%, versus 6–10% in dry food).
• Often more appealing in smell and taste for fussy eaters.
• Lower calorie content per portion, which can help overweight cats.
• Less suitable to leave out all day; spoils faster.

Why a combination is often the best choice

Many vets recommend a combination: for example, wet food as the main meal for moisture intake, supplemented with a small amount of dry food. This way you benefit from the advantages of both, without relying entirely on one type of food. When combining the two, do keep an eye on total calorie intake: serving dry and wet food together without adjusting the amounts can quickly lead to weight gain.

Checklist: dry food, wet food, or a combination?

• ✅ Has your cat ever had a urinary tract infection or cystitis? Seriously consider (more) wet food.
• ✅ Does your cat noticeably drink little from the water bowl? Wet food compensates for this automatically.
• ✅ Do you leave food out during the day for a grazing cat? Then dry food is more practical.
• ✅ Combining both types? Adjust the portion sizes to avoid overfeeding.
• ✅ Not sure? Ask your vet for tailored advice, especially with overweight or kidney issues.

Common mistakes when choosing between dry and wet food

Choosing on price alone. Cheap dry food with no regard for moisture intake can contribute to urinary problems over time, ultimately leading to higher vet bills.

Leaving wet food out all day. Wet food spoils faster than dry food; remove untouched leftovers after 20 to 30 minutes.

Combining dry and wet food without adjusting the portion. This is a common cause of gradual weight gain in cats.

Assuming dry food alone provides sufficient dental hygiene. Regular dental checks remain necessary, regardless of the type of food.

Frequently asked questions about dry versus wet food

Is wet food always better than dry food?
Not necessarily "better", but it's more favourable for moisture intake. For a healthy cat that drinks well, dry food can work perfectly well.

Can I simply switch from dry to wet food?
Build this up gradually, as with any food change, to avoid digestive upset.

Is wet food bad for my cat's teeth?
No, but it doesn't actively clean the teeth either. Dental care is separate from the choice between dry and wet food.

How much wet food does my cat need per day?
This depends on weight, age and activity level. Check the feeding guidelines on the packaging and adjust if you're combining dry and wet food.

Summary and conclusion

There's no universally right answer in the choice between dry and wet food, but moisture intake weighs more heavily for cats than is often assumed. Wet food supports urinary tract health, dry food is practical and keeps well. For many cats, a thoughtful combination is the best solution – as long as you keep an eye on the total portion size.

Looking for the right food for your cat? At the time of writing, Fidello's UK range doesn't include a dedicated cat food line, so for tailored advice on dry versus wet food, we'd recommend asking your vet rather than linking you to a product that isn't the right fit.

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