Introduction
Feeding your cat the right amount of wet cat food is important for its health and well-being. Wet food provides many benefits over dry food, most significantly increased hydration. Cats have a low thirst drive and do not typically drink enough water on their own, so the moisture from wet food helps prevent chronic dehydration. Ensuring your cat eats an appropriate amount of wet food can help prevent urinary and kidney problems. This article provides guidelines on optimal wet food quantities based on your cat’s age, size, and overall health.
Cats are obligate carnivores
Cats are obligate carnivores, meaning their bodies are designed by nature to obtain the majority of their nutrition through animal-based proteins. Unlike humans and dogs which can thrive on an omnivorous diet, cats have a biological requirement for large quantities of meat and animal products in order to survive and stay healthy. This is because cats lack essential enzymes needed to properly digest and utilize plant material as a primary food source.
Cats require a high amount of protein, the building blocks of muscles and organs, which they can only obtain through eating meat. Animal products like meat, fish, and eggs contain complete proteins with all the essential amino acids cats need. Plant proteins lack certain amino acids that obligate carnivores like cats depend on. Without enough protein from animal sources, cats can suffer malnutrition, muscle wasting, and organ damage [1].
In addition to protein, cats have nutritional requirements for certain vitamins and nutrients like taurine, vitamin A, niacin, and arginine that are found almost exclusively in meat sources. Taurine, for example, is an amino acid that supports eye and heart health in cats. Since feline bodies cannot efficiently produce their own taurine, cats must ingest it through their carnivorous diet [2].
Because of their biology as obligate carnivores evolved to hunt prey and eat meat, cats thrive best on a high-protein, meat-based diet that mimics what they would eat in the wild.
Wet food provides hydration
Cats have a low thirst drive and often do not drink enough water on their own. Dry food contains only around 10% moisture, while wet food typically contains around 75% moisture (1). This higher water content helps cats stay hydrated. Cats fed only dry food are chronically dehydrated compared to cats fed wet food (2). The increased moisture in wet food can help prevent urinary tract infections, kidney disease, and constipation (3). Wet foods provide hydration similar to the natural prey cats evolved eating. Since cats did not evolve drinking large volumes of water separately from their food, wet food is a more natural way for them to stay hydrated.
(1) https://petsonbroadway.com/blogs/expert-advice/whats-the-deal-with-wet-cat-food
(2) https://www.preventivevet.com/pawsandplay/why-cats-should-eat-wet-food
(3) https://www.petmd.com/cat/nutrition/wet-cat-food-vs-dry-cat-food-which-better
Nutritional contents of wet food
Wet cat food typically has higher protein and moisture content compared to dry kibble. According to PetMD, canned food contains about 75-78% moisture versus only 10% in dry food. The high moisture content helps cats meet their relatively high daily water needs.
Wet food also tends to have lower carbohydrate levels. Carbs from grains are added to dry kibble as binders and can boost the calorie content. According to iCatCare, dry food provides over 3-4 calories per gram versus 0.8-1.5 calories per gram in wet food. The lower carb and calorie density of wet food can help prevent obesity.
The increased protein and moisture makes wet food more similar to a cat’s natural carnivorous diet. This can help reduce risk of bladder and kidney issues associated with chronic dehydration or inadequate protein.
Wet Food Portion Sizes
The amount of wet food you feed your cat will depend on the cat’s weight, age, and activity level. Here are some general feeding guidelines based on a cat’s weight:
- 2 – 3 lbs: 1/4 to 1/3 cup per day (or around 3 ounces)
- 4 – 6 lbs: 1/3 to 1/2 cup per day (or around 5 ounces)
- 7 – 10 lbs: 1/2 to 2/3 cup per day (or around 6-7 ounces)
- 11 – 15 lbs: 2/3 to 3/4 cup per day (or around 8-10 ounces)
- Over 15 lbs: 3/4 to 1 cup per day (or around 10-12 ounces)
Kittens require more food per pound of body weight than adult cats. You can feed a kitten about twice as much wet food per pound as an adult cat. Pregnant and nursing mother cats also need increased portions.
As cats age, their metabolism slows down so senior cats generally need 20-30% less food. Monitor your senior cat’s weight and adjust portions if needed.
These are general guidelines only. It’s best to consult with your veterinarian for personalized portion recommendations based on your cat’s health and dietary needs. Portions may need adjusting over time as activity levels and weight fluctuate.
Feeding kittens and pregnant/nursing cats
Kittens and pregnant/nursing cats have increased calorie needs compared to adult cats. Growing kittens require more calories for development while pregnant and nursing cats need additional calories to support the kittens they are carrying or feeding. It’s important to ensure kittens and nursing mothers receive adequate nutrition during this demanding time.
The ASPCA recommends feeding pregnant or nursing cats kitten formula wet food. This provides the extra calories and nutrients needed for maternal health and milk production. Kittens should be fed a nutritionally-complete wet kitten food formulated for growth and development.
Look for kitten wet foods with around 10-12% fat and 30% protein. Some good options are Hill’s Science Diet Kitten Wet Food or Royal Canin Mother & Babycat Wet Food. Avoid budget brands that may be lacking in nutrients. Feed kittens and nursing mothers the amount recommended based on weight, splitting into several meals throughout the day.
Transitioning from dry food
When transitioning a cat from dry to wet food, it’s important to take it slowly to allow their digestive system to adjust. Going cold turkey can upset their stomach. Here are some tips for a smooth transition:
Start by mixing a small amount of the new wet food in with their regular dry food. The ASPCA recommends starting with a 25% wet to 75% dry ratio. Over the course of 5-7 days, gradually increase the amount of wet food while decreasing the dry.1
Try warming the wet food to room temperature or slightly warmer to increase palatability and aroma. Cats prefer their food around 100°F.
If your cat is struggling with the texture of chunks in wet food, start with a smooth pâté and gradually mix in more textured varieties.
Stick to a consistent feeding schedule, rather than leaving wet food out all day. Refrigerate any uneaten portion.
Make the transition gradual over 2-4 weeks. Monitor your cat for signs of digestive upset like vomiting or diarrhea and slow the process if needed.
Be patient and encouraging. It can take cats time to adjust to new textures and flavors.
Wet food feeding tips
Canned or wet cat food often comes in larger cans or pouches that can’t be finished in one meal. It’s important to follow proper storage and feeding practices to avoid wasting food and keep it safe for your cat to eat. Here are some tips:
Feed wet food in small portions 2-3 times a day rather than one large meal. Refrigerate any unused portion and throw it out after 24 hours. Allowing wet food to sit at room temperature for too long can allow bacterial growth.[1]
Only dish out the amount your cat will eat per meal rather than filling the whole bowl. Cats tend to prefer fresh wet food.
Mixing leftover wet food with fresh food can make it more appetizing. But don’t mix new food with foods that have been refrigerated for over 24 hours.
When transitioning from dry food, gradually introduce wet food in small amounts. Too abrupt of a switch can upset your cat’s stomach.
Feed wet foods specially formulated for kittens and cats with certain health conditions as recommended. Otherwise, most adult cats can eat the same wet foods.
Store unopened cans or pouches of wet food in a cool, dry place. Refrigerate opened cans, and use refrigerated wet food within 2-3 days.
Health considerations
Wet food can help manage certain health conditions in cats such as diabetes and urinary issues. The high moisture content helps increase water intake which is beneficial for diluting urine and preventing crystals from forming in the urinary tract (Purina). For cats with diabetes, wet food can help regulate blood glucose levels. The moisture helps slow down digestion and absorption of carbohydrates (Blue Buffalo).
Kidney disease is another condition where feeding wet food is recommended. The extra hydration supports kidney function by flushing toxins from the body. Cats with kidney disease have a reduced thirst drive so eating wet food helps increase their fluid intake (PetMD). Overall, incorporating wet food into a cat’s diet can promote urinary tract health, assist in managing diabetes, and support kidney function.
Conclusion
Cats have unique nutritional needs as obligate carnivores. Feeding wet food provides important hydration and protein. Most adult cats should eat around 5.5 ounces of wet food per day, split into 2-3 meals. Kittens, pregnant and nursing cats require more frequent, smaller meals. When transitioning from dry food, go slowly to allow the digestive system to adjust. Give wet food at room temperature and refrigerate unused portions. Consider your cat’s health, age, activity level and other factors when determining ideal wet food portions. The key is finding the right amount of wet food to keep your cat hydrated, satisfy hunger and maintain a healthy weight. Monitor your cat’s body condition and energy levels and adjust portions if needed. Feeding the optimal amount of quality wet food is essential to your cat’s health and happiness.