Choosing a Food Format
Cat food comes in four main formats, each with distinct advantages and trade-offs. Understanding these differences helps you make choices that balance nutrition, convenience, cost, and your cat's preferences. Many experienced cat owners find that a combination works best.
Dry Food (Kibble)
Pros:
- Convenient and extremely long shelf life
- Most affordable per calorie — often 2–3× cheaper than wet food
- Can be left out for free-feeding without spoiling
- Works well in puzzle feeders for mental stimulation
Cons:
- Very low moisture (~10%) — does not support adequate hydration
- Typically highest in carbohydrates (30–50%) due to manufacturing requirements
- Most heavily processed option — undergoes high-heat extrusion
- Calorie-dense and easy to overfeed, contributing to obesity
The hydration concern is serious. Cats on dry-food-only diets exist in a state of chronic mild dehydration, which may contribute to kidney disease and urinary problems over time.
Wet Food (Canned / Pouches)
Pros:
- High moisture (~78%) — excellent for hydration and kidney health
- Generally higher in protein and lower in carbohydrates
- More palatable for picky eaters due to stronger aroma
- Closer to a cat's natural prey diet in macronutrient composition
Cons:
- More expensive per calorie
- Shorter shelf life once opened (refrigerate and use within 3 days)
- Cannot be left out for more than 1–2 hours without spoiling
- Less convenient for travel or automated feeders
Raw Food
Pros:
- Minimally processed — retains natural enzymes and nutrients
- Highest protein, very low carbohydrates
- Mimics a natural prey diet most closely
- Proponents report improved coat quality and digestion
Cons:
- Significant food safety risk — Salmonella, E. coli, and Listeria are regularly found in commercial raw pet foods
- Requires careful handling, dedicated prep surfaces, and thorough cleanup
- Most expensive mainstream option
- Risk of nutritional imbalance if not expertly formulated
- Not suitable for households with immunocompromised individuals
Veterinary organizations including AVMA and AAHA advise against raw diets due to documented food safety risks to both pets and their human families.
Freeze-Dried / Dehydrated
Pros:
- Minimal processing retains nutrients similar to raw, without the bacterial risk
- Lightweight with excellent shelf life
- Rehydrates with water to add moisture back
- Good travel option
Cons:
- Most expensive option per calorie
- Must be properly rehydrated before feeding
- Limited variety compared to wet and dry options
- Some cats dislike the rehydrated texture
Comparing the Formats
| Format | Moisture | Carbs | Cost | Convenience |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dry | ~10% | High | $ | Highest |
| Wet | ~78% | Low | $$ | Medium |
| Raw | ~65% | Very Low | $$$ | Low |
| Freeze-Dried | ~5% (dry) | Low | $$$$ | Medium |
A combination of wet food as the primary diet supplemented with some dry food offers the best balance of hydration, nutrition, convenience, and cost. This approach ensures adequate moisture intake while keeping the food budget manageable.
MealMeow tip: Our meal planner lets you mix food types in a single plan — for example, wet food for breakfast and dinner with a small portion of kibble for a midday snack. We calculate portions for each format based on your cat's caloric needs.
Sources
- Zoran, D.L. "The carnivore connection to nutrition in cats." JAVMA, 221(11), 2002. View source
- Freeman, L.M. et al. "Current knowledge about the risks and benefits of raw meat–based diets for dogs and cats." JAVMA, 243(11), 2013. View source
- National Research Council. Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats. National Academies Press, 2006. View source