Food

There are three main categories of cat food: Dry food (kibble), Cooked Wet food (canned), and raw food (uncooked meat). Each category has pros and cons that will lead each owner to make their own decision about what works best for them and their cat. Below you will find information about the different categories of cat food.

Dry Food

Dry cat food, or kibble, is the cheapest and most available type of cat food. The food contains meat from chickens, cows, fish, lamb, goats or others, as well as corn or other grain products to make the food last longer. All moisture is removed from the final product, so dry cat food can last many months without expiring. Cats are carnivorous creatures, so the addition of grains and other fillers is not beneficial for the health of the cat. The quality of dry food varies, often depending on the price. Some dry food contains almost entirely meat and few fillers, while other cheaper options may be mostly grains. Many cats will outright refuse to eat dry food since it is not as delicious to them as pure meat. Speciality dry food exists, such as dry food for older cats or cats who get many hairballs.

Pros of Dry Food

• Inexpensive
• Easy to use and store
• Widely available
• Minimal smell
• Speciality versions exist for certain health conditions

Cons of Dry Food

• Not entirely meat, may be bad for cats health
• Lacks moisture, cats who eat dry food near to drink more water
• Some cats will not eat dry food

Cooked Wet Food

Found in packets or cans, Cooked Wet cat food is available at any pet store. The food itself is mostly meat, from chickens, cows, pigs, fish, lamb, goats or others, as well as preservatives and some type of broth that the wet food sits in. While slightly more expensive, canned food is affordable for most cat owners and has some health benefits over most dry food. Grain-free wet food is almost entirely meat, which is what cats exclusively eat in the wild. Wet food also has water, which hydrates the cat. The vast majority of cats will happily eat Cooked Wet food, though some cats may prefer different flavors of meat. While generally healthier than dry food, Cooked Wet food still has additives which may cause health issues for cats. The shelf life of the food is slightly less than dry food, but most cans will still last several months before expiring.

Pros of Cooked Wet Food

• Generally affordable
• Easy to use and store
• Widely available
• Mostly healthier than dry food
• Provides moisture

Cons of Cooked Wet Food

• More expensive then dry food
• Strong smell
• Some have unhealthy additives
• Shorter shelf-life than dry food

Raw Food

Raw cat food has become increasingly popular in the last few years. The healthiest and most natural diet, raw cat food is meat that has been frozen or flash frozen to kill parasites and bacteria, and is then thawed before being given to a cat. Raw food is the most expensive option and requires the most work to be prepared. Raw food almost never has any additives and is the best for replicating how a cat would eat in the wild. Raw meat has the shortest shelf-life and has the potential to get a cat sick if prepared improperly. Raw food is the most difficult, expensive and time-intensive food, but is also the healthiest option available.

Pros of Raw Food

• Healthiest option for a cat
• Most natural diet
• No additives or preservatives
• Provides moisture

Cons of Raw Food

• Most expensive option
• Requires the most prep-time
• Strong smell