Wet vs. dry cat food: Which is better?

• Both wet and dry cat food are nutritious options for cats.
• Dry food is easy to feed and costs less, while wet food is more hydrating and enticing.
• Veterinarians say you can feed a healthy cat a combination of wet and dry food.

Choosing the right food for your cat means balancing its nutritional needs with your lifestyle and budget. Two of the most common cat food options are wet (canned) and dry (kibble), and each has its own benefits. Dry cat food is a popular choice for its affordability and convenience, while wet food provides significantly more moisture, which some veterinarians recommend for specific health conditions.

Here's a closer look at dry versus wet cat food, including how each type is made, what sets them apart, and why you might opt for one over the other — or even a mix of the two.

The differences between wet and dry cat food

Both canned foods and kibbles can meet your cat's nutritional needs — so long as the food is labeled complete and balanced for their life stage (kitten, adult, or all life stages), according to the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) nutritional recommendations. The main differences between the best wet cat foods and best dry cat foods stem from how they're made.

Moisture: Canned foods typically contain 75% to 78% moisture compared to 10% to 12% water in kibble. Dry food ingredients are mixed, cooked, and extruded (pushed through a small opening to form its shape), then dried and coated with flavoring and preservatives. Wet cat food is mixed or blended, sealed into cans, and cooked inside the can using high-pressure steam, which is called retort cooking. Since the food is cooked inside the sealed can, water isn't lost during the process.

Texture: Dry food is crunchy, while wet food is moist and comes in a few textures, including shreds, smooth pates, or chunky bits. Cats can eat wet, dry, or a combination of the two throughout their lives — even seniors without teeth may still enjoy crunchy kibbles. However, your cat may have a preference for one over the other.

Carbohydrates: Kibble generally has higher carbohydrate content than wet food because it requires starch to hold its shape — similar to how flour binds cookie dough, says Dr. Lisa Weeth, a board-certified veterinary nutritionist at Metropolitan Animal Specialty Hospital and founder of Weeth Nutrition Services. Carbohydrates are an essential part of a cat's diet that provides energy.

Calories: Dry cat food is typically more calorie-dense than wet food. This doesn't necessarily mean a cat on a dry food diet will gain excess weight, but it does mean they may need smaller portion sizes compared to wet food to meet their daily caloric needs. Regardless of the type of food you serve, veterinarians recommend using a kitchen scale to weigh portioned meals.

Shelf life: Unopened canned foods can last years, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Once opened, canned cat food should be refrigerated and used within 48 to 72 hours, says Dr. Nancy Welborn, a veterinarian and associate professor of community practice at Louisiana State University School of Veterinary Medicine. If left out at room temperature, it should be used within a couple of hours.

In contrast, an unopened bag of cat food can be stored for several months to a few years. There's a "best by" or expiration date on every bag. "If food goes beyond the expiration date, the vitamins can lose potency," Welborn says. However, any damage to the bag negates this date, says Kara Burns, a licensed veterinary technician and nutrition specialist at EveryCat Health Foundation. She says that once opened, dry food stays fresh for two to three months when stored in an airtight container and kept below 80°F.

Cost: According to Petfood Industry research, dry cat food has significantly risen in price over the past several years. However, it often remains more cost-effective than wet food, though exact costs vary by brand and recipe. We've found the best budget-friendly cat foods in both dry and wet formulas.

Is wet or dry cat food better?

Wet food pros

Hydration: Wet food more closely mimics how cats naturally consume water, which is through their food. Cats on a dry food diet can still stay hydrated, but they'll need to drink more from their water bowl or fountain, Weeth says. For cats that require extra hydration, such as those with kidney disease or urinary tract issues, veterinarians may recommend a wet food diet.

Hairball prevention: The best hairball control cat food recipes contain extra fiber, but experts say that simply feeding wet food may be enough. Water helps hair move through the digestive system rather than getting stuck and coming back up, says Dr. Sara Ochoa, a small animal veterinarian at the Animal Hospital of West Monroe and cofounder of How To Pets.

Scent: Wet food has a stronger smell than dry food. This can make it more enticing to cats, especially seniors who have partially lost their sense of smell. To make it even more appealing, Welborn says you can briefly warm wet food in the microwave.

Shelf life: A long shelf life makes it easy to buy in bulk, a convenient, cost-effective option whether you have one cat or multiple.

Calories: Wet food may be ideal for cats who need to lose weight, as its high water content tends to fill a cat up while they're consuming fewer calories.

Wet food cons

Scent: Because wet food has a strong odor, some caretakers may find serving and refrigerating it off-putting.

Cleanup: Wet food creates more dishes, from serving utensils to washing bowls after every meal. And if you use a feeder puzzle to help slow your cat down while they eat, cleaning wet food from the cracks and crevices can be even more time-consuming.

Use and storage: Once open, wet cat food gradually loses its appeal and safety. Burns says to toss it after one to two hours at room temperature, or less when left out in warm environments or outdoors. Any unused food left in the can should be covered and refrigerated for no more than 72 hours. However, Welborn says some cats don't like cold food, so you may need to warm leftovers in the microwave before serving.

Automated feeding: The best automatic cat feeders offer portion control, scheduled feedings, and some even include a camera. However, the options for automatic wet food feeders are limited. Even the top performer in my testing could only keep meals at a safe temperature for about 14 hours.

Cost: Wet cat food tends to be pricier than kibble, but high-quality options across budgets exist. Hill's, Royal Canin, Purina Pro Plan, and Eukanuba offer a range of recipes, including some of the best budget-friendly cat foods, that are recommended by veterinarians. "These brands have a board-certified veterinary nutritionist on staff ensuring the food is balanced and safe for consumption," says Dr. Caitlin Johnson, a veterinarian at Lovet Pet Health Care.

Dry food pros

Cleanup: Dry food is the easier, low-maintenance option when it comes to cleanup — there's no need for extra utensils like a spoon or fork. And rather than washing the bowl after every meal, one thorough wash each day is typically enough to keep the feeding station clean.

Use and storage: Kibble does not require refrigeration. Storing dry food in an airtight container helps keep it fresh for two to three months by protecting it from insects, rodents, and moisture. Plus, you can leave your cat's bowl out throughout the day without worrying about spoilage. This may reduce food waste if your cat prefers to graze on pre-portioned meals.

Cost: Dry food usually costs less than wet food. It's also more calorie-dense, meaning smaller portions are needed, so one bag can provide many meals. Plus, dry food is less likely to go to waste since it doesn't spoil when left out for the day.

Automatic feeders: Automatic feeders can be really useful, especially for dry food, where overfeeding is a common concern. Plenty of feeders are made to dispense dry food, from budget-friendly feeders to those with a companion application, camera, or microchip-activated cover.

Oral health: Some dry cat foods can help remove plaque and tartar. These include both prescription and non-prescription recipes from Hill's, Purina, and Royal Canin. It's important to note that diets not on the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) list of accepted products have not been proven to improve oral health.

Dry food cons

Shelf life: While an unopened bag of dry cat food typically lasts several months to a few years, it has a shorter shelf life compared to unopened wet food. Plus, it's more susceptible to moisture and damage to the bag.

Calories: While it's not necessarily bad that dry food is generally more calorie-dense than wet food, it does mean that if portion control isn't strictly followed, cats may gain weight more quickly. However, because dry food can sit out, it's commonly used for free feeding, which Burns says isn't recommended. Free feeding can make it easy to lose track of how much cats are eating, especially when their bowls are continuously topped off.

Hydration: Dry food contains little moisture, so cats need to drink more water to stay hydrated. This doesn't always come naturally to cats. "They're desert animals," Weeth says. Some dry cat foods, such as the best weight loss foods for cats, contain salt to encourage cats to drink. The moving water of a cat water fountain can also help entice your cat to lap up more water throughout the day. "For some medical issues — kidney disease, especially — an increase in water intake is recommended or preferred. Canned food is sometimes recommended to help with this," Welborn says.

When should I feed my cat dry or wet food, or a combination of both?

When it comes to the "right" diet for your cat, the best guidance comes from your veterinarian. However, there are some situations where a dry food diet might be a better choice than wet and vice versa.

Dry food can be a great option if your cat grazes throughout the day or simply prefers the taste and texture of kibble. It's also easier to serve and store once opened, as long as you practice portion control. In some cases, your veterinarian may recommend a specific food that only comes in kibble form. If you're unable to brush your cat's teeth or want to add to their oral care routine, a dry cat food that's VOHC-accepted may be appropriate.

Wet cat food is a great option for pets that overeat, beg for food, or don't drink enough water. Its high moisture content supports hydration while promoting the feeling of fullness. Cats don't have a high thirst drive, says Burns. Therefore, vets often recommend wet food for conditions that benefit from extra hydration, such as kidney disease, urinary tract issues, and even hairballs. While canned food is easy to store before opening, serving it can be less convenient and may lead to waste.

If you still can't choose between the two, you might not have to. Our sources say offering kittens a variety of wet and dry food textures, flavors, and even different shapes of dry food helps promote food flexibility. If your cat's favorite food is unavailable, the recipe changes, or they need a diet change for medical reasons, this can make the transition much smoother or even possible. Cats in middle age or older often won't eat new food types or textures because they don't recognize it as food, Weeth says.

The bottom line

Wet food is more appealing to cats because it's moist and has a strong aroma. However, kibble provides the same nutritional value and is often cheaper and more convenient for people. That said, dry food is more calorie-dense and easier to overfeed, making portion control even more important. Unless your cat has a strong preference or your vet recommends a specific diet for a health condition, there's no need to choose just one. In fact, exposing kittens to a variety of textures, flavors, and food shapes can help prevent picky eating later.