09/08/2025
I used to feed my cats Daisy, Liliana, and Christy boy dry food only, because I tried giving them wet food and they wouldn’t eat it. Especially Lily. She would absolutely refuse. But after Daisy passed away, I knew something had to change. So I did some research and decided to get rid of all the dry food and only feed them wet food. It took awhile for Lily to adjust, she almost tried to starve herself, but when she realized that the wet food was her only choice, she began to eat it. And after awhile of both of them eating only wet food, I noticed a big change in them! They were more energetic and their coat was shinier. So I continued to feed them a good brand of wet food and they were overall much healthier than before!
Here are the things I found out:
Dry cat food is typically not the best food for cats and has some common drawbacks that many people consider when choosing a diet for their cat. Here are the main concerns, along with context:
- Low moisture content
- Dry kibble is typically about 10% moisture, while wet/canned food has around 70–80% moisture. Cats are not great at staying hydrated on their own, so dry diets can contribute to dehydration and concentrated urine. This can be a concern for cats prone to urinary or kidney issues.
- Higher carbohydrate content than many cats need
- Many dry foods rely on grains or other carbs as a large portion of calories. Cats are obligate carnivores and don’t require high carbohydrate intake. Excess carbs can contribute to obesity and insulin resistance in some cats, especially if the total calorie intake isn’t carefully controlled. Not all dry foods are high in carbs, but it’s a common attribute.
- Obesity and overeating risk
- Dry kibble is energy-dense and easy to overfeed, especially if offered free-choice. Obesity is a major health risk in cats and is linked with diabetes, joint problems, and other issues. Portion control and regular weighing are important if you rely on dry food.
- Dental health claims are overstated
- Many dry foods are marketed with “dental health” claims, but evidence for meaningful, long-term dental benefits is mixed. Brushing teeth, dental treats designed to reduce plaque, and professional cleanings are generally more reliable for dental care.
- Quality and formulation variability
- There is a wide range of dry foods in terms of protein quality, fat sources, and the use of byproducts or fillers. Cheaper or less-reputable brands may have lower-quality ingredients or insufficient levels of essential nutrients (like taurine for cats) if not properly formulated. Reading labels and choosing reputable brands helps.
- Urinary and kidney considerations
- For cats with a history of urinary tract problems or kidney disease, increased hydration is often beneficial, so many vets recommend wet diets or a mix that increases overall moisture intake. This doesn’t mean dry food causes these problems, but it can be less ideal for cats needing extra hydration.
- Allergies and sensitivities
- Some cats do better on certain protein sources or limited-ingredient diets. If a cat has food sensitivities, dry foods with problematic ingredients can trigger GI upset or skin issues.
Practical tips if you use dry food (or are considering it)
- Choose high-quality dry foods with animal-based proteins listed early in the ingredient list and moderate carbohydrate content. Look for statements that meet AAFCO nutrient profiles.
- Monitor portion sizes to avoid overfeeding; consider scheduled meals rather than free feeding.
- Ensure your cat has easy access to fresh water at all times; consider a water fountain or adding a little water to the kibble.
- Include some wet food or canned moisture-rich meals to boost overall hydration, if appropriate for your cat.
- Maintain good dental care: brushing, dental diets or treats (as recommended by your vet), and regular veterinary dental care.
- If your cat has or is at risk for urinary, kidney, or diabetes issues, consult a veterinarian for personalized guidance and consider increasing moisture intake or shifting to more wet food if advised.
