While it is not a necessity to feed your cat a combination of wet and dry foods, there are many benefits to feeding both. Dry food provides the added benefit of dental health – helping to reduce the build-up of plaque and tartar as your cat crunches. Wet food works as an additional moisture source for your cat – particularly if they are not big drinkers. Aside from the obvious health benefits, unlike humans, who have 10,000 taste buds, our cat friends only have 470 on average, which means the texture of the food helps to play a pivotal role in a cat’s enjoyment. Combining wet food and kibble enhances the texture and variety for your cat. In addition, feeding your cat two different sources of food makes it easier for you to keep an eye on your cat’s eating habits and make any changes that might be required.
How does wet and dry cat food work together?
Wet food provides most of the essential proteins that your cat needs. It’s also deliciously moist, allowing your cat to absorb liquids that help to keep them hydrated. Dry food provides the natural crunch of prey that your cat craves. Eating dry food will also give your cat’s pearly whites a great clean. When mixed together, these foods simulate a hunter’s diet.
How should I introduce my cat to wet food?
If you’ve been feeding your cat dry food only, you’ll need a little patience to transition your cat to a wet and dry food diet. Cats can be fussy eaters. We’d recommend you allow your cat 7 – 10 days to slowly move to a mixed diet. Remember, many cats love one flavor of wet food and hate another. It may take a little experimenting to find the right food for your cat.
Here are our top tips to make the changes you need in your cat’s eating:
Tip 1: Give your cat its first bite of wet food right after a fun session of play. A small feed after a great play session will help your cat associate wet food with fun! It will also give your cat a chance to adjust to the taste, texture, and smell of this new food.
Tip 2: Once your cat takes an interest in wet food, it’s time to slowly add wet food to your cat’s diet on a daily basis until you reach the recommended serving. Don’t forget to reduce the amount of dry food to avoid your cat getting more food than it needs.
Tip 3: Feed your cat wet and dry food at different times. Cats tend to be most active at dawn and just after sunset. If this is your cat, feed wet food early in the morning and immediately after dark. Feeding your cat dry food is a little easier. Just place the recommended amount in your cat’s bowl when you leave for work in the morning, and let your cat graze throughout the day.
