The Best Wet Food for Cats
High quality wet food is a vital part of your cats’ diet. As obligate carnivores, cats must consume meat to thrive, meaning their dietary needs may greatly differ from other pets.
Cats are obligate carnivores, which means they must eat meat in order to thrive — or even survive. Cats break down nutrients in meat differently than dogs, for example, and their nutritional needs can be quite unique. Obligate carnivores require particularly high quality foods in their diets, both wet and dry, to promote their health and longevity. By selecting well-formulated wet foods for your furry companion, you help ensure they receive the essential nutrients needed at mealtime! Here, I share the five best wet foods that my cats have enjoyed throughout their lives:
Table of Contents:
Why Wet Food Matters
Nutritional Benefits of Wet Food for Cats
As I mentioned above, hydration is crucial for cats, especially regarding temperature regulation and joint health. Over the course of evolution, cats have adapted to obtain moisture from their prey—meat. Domestic cats, significantly different from their Mesopotamian ancestors, derive a substantial portion of their necessary water from wet foods, which have a higher moisture content compared to dry kibble. However, it’s also essential to provide plenty of fresh water sources!
For reference, cats generally avoid standing water, a behavior rooted in their evolutionary instincts; stagnant water in the wild can harbor dangerous parasites or bacteria. Experts recommend—and I can attest—that many cats prefer flowing water. Since getting a simple and easy-to-clean cat water fountain, all three of our cats have significantly increased their water intake.
In addition to hydration, wet food provides numerous vitamins and minerals essential for cats, such as taurine. Furthermore, cats’ digestive systems are more suited to wet food, which resembles what they would naturally hunt versus kibble, a technological advancement that has only emerged in the last century.
Palatability and Variety in Texture and Flavors
Beyond their nutritional value, high quality wet food options usually come with a broader variety of flavors and textures, making them more appealing even to the pickiest eaters.
While some cats prefer kibble and dry food, most enjoy having a mix of both wet and dry food in their diets.
Wet food is often easier for cats to consume, especially if they have dental issues. Additionally, managing portion sizes of wet food tends to be more straightforward than dry food, particularly in multi-cat households, allowing for precise servings rather than free-feeding dry kibble.
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Criteria for Selecting the Best Wet Food for Your Cat
When it comes to determining which wet foods to feed my cats, several key factors stand out. I consider nutritional value, the ingredients list, brand reputation, price, availability, and any specific dietary needs my cats may have. With these considerations in mind, here are five high quality wet food options that my cats rotate through and love.
My Wet Food Feeding Process
I’ll outline my process for feeding my cats wet food because it involves a few steps.
The Weruva Kitchen Cuties Variety Pack is the cornerstone of their wet food diet, and I typically order a pack during each monthly delivery from Chewy. I mix these larger cans with either a smaller can or pouch in an airtight container, along with the couple of health supplements my cats receive regularly—Solid Gold SeaMeal powder, a calming probiotic, a dental powder, and glucosamine as required.
Once the wet food and supplements are blended (occasionally with a tablespoon or two of extra water), I portion out the mixture for about three meals (for my three cats).
Top Row (L to R): Made by Nacho Minced Variety Pack | Weruva Slide-and-Serve Pouch Variety Pack
Bottom Row (L to R): Weruva Kitchen Cuties Variety Pack | Tiny Tiger Pate Variety Pack | Weruva Classic Pate Variety Pack
Top 5 Wet Foods for Cats
Weruva Kitchen Cuties Variety Pack
Weruva features prominently in this guide, as they are my preferred choice for wet food. I appreciate that Weruva emphasizes providing adequate hydration, crucial for kidney function. Additionally, their ingredient lists are easily recognizable, and they offer a wide variety of flavors, textures, and packaging to cater to your cats’ tastes. Overall, my pets have sampled numerous Weruva products over the years, and they have relished every one.
The Weruva Kitchen Cuties Variety Pack is a convenient high-quality wet food choice for multi-cat households, as it comes in practical 10 oz cans. It is on the pricier side, generally costing around $40 to $45 per case, but that’s because it contains a larger volume than other wet foods mentioned here. The multi-pack includes four flavors, blending salmon, lamb, and chicken recipes to keep your cats engaged and satisfied.
Shop the Weruva Kitchen Cuties Variety Pack.
Made by Nacho Minced Variety Pack
My cats have enjoyed both the minced and pate wet food styles from Made by Nacho, and they appear to appreciate both equally. I choose the minced variety to introduce some variety in their meals. These recipes are packed with salmon, herring, and chicken, minced and accompanied by the brand’s popular hydrating bone broth. They are flavorful, made with recognizable ingredients, and very affordable. A 12-pack of 3 oz cans typically retails for $17 to $20. If your cat prefers pate, the pate variety pack from Made by Nacho is a touch pricier, featuring three flavors instead of two.
Shop the Made by Nacho Minced Variety Pack.
Learn more about Made by Nacho in my full review here!
Weruva Slide-and-Serve Pouch Variety Pack
Weruva’s Slide N’ Serve wet food pouches are incredibly convenient to have on hand. Each pouch can easily serve two to three cats, making it a perfect complement to the Weruva Kitchen Cuties Variety Pack previously mentioned. The Showcase Chowdown Variety Pack consists of two pouches, featuring eight different recipes, all for about $28. The flavors are diverse, including a mix of seafood, poultry, and beef, ensuring all cats are pleased!
Shop the Weruva Slide-and-Serve Pouch Variety Pack.
Weruva Classic Pate Variety Pack
This pate variety pack is a great addition alongside the Weruva Slide-and-Serve Pouch Variety Pack. This collection features six easy-to-eat pate recipes, with some containing visible vegetables like chicken and pumpkin, diced small enough for easy consumption by cats and kittens. This 18-can pack usually costs around $30 to $33.
Shop the Weruva Classic Pate Variety Pack.
Tiny Tiger Pate Beef & Poultry Recipes Variety Pack
Last but not least is the Tiny Tiger beef and poultry pate variety pack. This grain-free variety pack is an excellent value at just under $20 for a case of 24 3 oz cans. My cats absolutely love the flavors, and it mixes well with their other wet foods and supplements for a hearty meal. These pate cans have rich broth, further enhancing their hydration appeal.
Shop the Tiny Tiger Pate Beef & Poultry Recipes Variety Pack.
How to Transition to a New High Quality Wet Food
For those previously relying on a single wet food, gradually introducing a new option is essential to avoid digestive issues. Blend the new food with the current variety and monitor how your cat responds; if everything goes well, progressively increase the amount of new food.
Watch for any adverse reactions or signs indicating disinterest in the new food. If this occurs, consider a different flavor or style, and consult your veterinarian for guidance.
If everything indicates a healthy transition, maintain a consistent feeding schedule that suits you and your cat. Keeping portion sizes steady will facilitate the transition and lessen the likelihood of over-eating or waste.
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Now that you have a new wet food to spoil your furbaby with, check out my roundup of adorable handmade and customizable pet bowls in which to serve them their feast!
See the full pet bowl roundup here!
Whether you’re adopting your first cat or adding to your clowder,
my Cat Care Guide covers everything you need to know about giving your cat their best life!
Check out my full Cat Care Guide here!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Why is wet food important for cats?
Wet food provides hydration, essential nutrients, and is easier for cats to digest than dry food.
2. How should I introduce wet food to my cat?
Gradually mix new wet food with their current diet to ease them into the change and monitor for any reactions.
3. Can wet food help with my cat’s hydration?
Yes, wet food contains higher moisture content than kibble, promoting better hydration for cats.
4. How often should I feed my cat wet food?
This depends on individual dietary needs, but regular feeding schedules, such as two to three meals per day, are typically recommended.
5. Are there specific brands recommended for quality wet food?
Recommended brands include Weruva, Made by Nacho, and Tiny Tiger, known for their high-quality ingredients and formulations.
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