Wet food, also known as canned food, can be extremely beneficial to your cat’s health. However, this only includes high-quality wet food with no fillers, sugar, grains, or by-products.
Cats that are exclusively fed a dry kibble take in only half the moisture of cats fed a wet food. Cats with higher fluid intake often have healthier kidneys and bladders. Owners also often see an improvement in coat quality, energy, and muscle tone in their cats. Many owners choose to feed both dry and canned food to offset the cost and commitment of exclusively wet feeding.
When selecting a wet food, there are a few things to avoid. Look for a food that is grain free; i.e. corn, wheat, rice, soy, oatmeal, and barley. Cats need protein and good fats from meat, not excessive carbohydrates. Look at the ingredients to make sure you are avoiding any by-products, “animal fat”, BHA or BHT (harsh preservatives linked to cancer), Ethoxyquin (used both as a preservative and a pesticide), and Propylene Glycol (a liquid alcohol that is used as a solvent, in antifreeze, and in the food, plastics, and perfume industries).
As always, don’t hesitate to reach out to your local pet store if you have questions on this or any pet-related topic.