Wet or Dry Food for Cats, and Why Water Matters

October 26, 2026 · Doubtless Bay Pet Resort

Wet food or dry food? It is one of the most common questions we get. The good news is that both can be a healthy choice, as long as the food is complete and balanced. Many cats do well on a mix of both.

The short version: choose a complete and balanced food your cat enjoys, think about water, and keep the total amount right for your cat.

Look for "complete and balanced"

Check the pack. A food labelled complete and balanced has everything your cat needs to live on, every day. Some wet foods are only made as a topper or treat, so they should not be your cat's only food.

Wet food

Wet food comes in pouches, cans and trays.

More water. It is mostly water, so it helps your cat take in more fluid with each meal.
Tasty. Many cats love the smell and texture.
Can help urinary health. More water usually means more diluted urine, which can help cats prone to bladder problems.
Fewer calories per mouthful, which can help some cats stay in shape.

Keep in mind: once opened, wet food goes off faster. Cover leftovers, keep them in the fridge, and throw away anything left in the bowl after a few hours.

Dry food (biscuits)

Easy and handy. It keeps well and is simple to measure out.
Good value for many households.
Great for puzzle feeders, which keep cats busy.

Keep in mind: dry food has very little water, so cats on dry food need to drink more. It is also easy to overfeed, so measure it rather than filling the bowl to the top.

Mixing wet and dry

Lots of owners give both, like a pouch in the morning and biscuits later. That works well. Just remember: if you add wet food, give a little less dry food, so your cat is not getting too much overall. The feeding guides on each pack will help.

Why water matters for cats

Cats are not big drinkers. Their wild ancestors got most of their water from their prey, so many cats do not drink much from a bowl. That is one reason vets often suggest adding some wet food, especially for cats with bladder or kidney problems.

Easy ways to help your cat drink more

Fresh water every day in a clean bowl.
Put water away from food and away from the litter tray. Many cats prefer it that way.
Try a wide, shallow bowl. Some cats do not like their whiskers touching the sides.
Have more than one water spot around the house.
Try running water. Some cats love a pet water fountain or a dripping tap.
Add a little water to wet food. Use room temperature water, not cold.

When to call the vet

Call your vet if your cat:

suddenly drinks a lot more, or a lot less, than usual
goes to the litter tray often but passes little or no wee
strains, cries or has blood in their wee
stops eating, or seems flat and unwell

A cat, especially a male cat, who is straining and passing no wee is an emergency. Call your vet straight away.

Foods we stock

We have both wet and dry options, including Black Hawk wet pouches, Addiction Wild Islands cans and dry food from Addiction, Black Hawk and Chicken Supreme. Browse all cat food.

Thinking about changing your cat's food? Go slowly over a week or more. Not sure what suits your cat? Ask us in store. We are happy to help.

This is general advice and does not replace advice from your own vet.