Best Food Choices for Cats

Animal welfare is closely linked to food. Providing the right food is one of the key factors in maintaining a cat’s health. Not only for pet cats, but we also need to consider food when doing street feeding for stray cats.

There are several types of cat food, each with different purposes, advantages, and disadvantages. In this article, we will discuss various types of cat food.

1. Dry Food

This type of food is usually in the form of kibble. With a low water content of less than 10%, dry food has a long shelf life and is practical to serve. In addition to its easy storage, dry food is also economical.

For dental health, dry food has the advantage of helping keep teeth clean. The chewing and grinding activity can help prevent plaque buildup and tartar. However, due to its low moisture content, cats may be prone to dehydration if they do not drink enough water. So, always ensure your cat gets enough fresh water when consuming this type of food.

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2. Wet Food

Wet food has a high water content, up to 75%. Cats generally prefer this type of food because of its soft texture. It is often more flavorful than dry food. Wet food is usually packaged in cans and contains fresh ground meat.

Before the packaging is opened, it has a relatively long shelf life. Due to its high moisture content, wet food does not pose a dehydration risk for cats. However, because of its high-quality processing and nutritional content, wet food tends to be more expensive than dry food.

3. Semi-Moist Food

Semi-moist food contains about 15-30% water. It typically includes fresh or frozen animal tissue, cereal grains, fats, and simple sugars as its main ingredients.

Its texture is softer than dry food, and it has a long shelf life when stored in cans, like wet food. However, this product can dry out and lose its appeal if left in a feeding bowl for too long. For this reason, semi-moist food is usually sold in single-serving or portion-sized packaging.

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4. Home-Cooked Food

Home-cooked food is prepared by the pet owner. The nutritional content varies depending on the chosen ingredients. Generally, this type of food is rich in nutrients. However, the owner must ensure a balanced diet. It is recommended to follow a recipe formulated by a pet nutritionist to meet the cat’s dietary needs.

Additionally, cleanliness in the preparation process is essential. Although it takes more time and effort, home-cooked food is usually highly nutritious and well-liked by pets.

5. Snack 

Snacks or treats for cats have become increasingly popular among pet owners in recent years. Typically, owners provide treats not for their nutritional value but as an expression of love and affection.

Treats can create a positive emotional bond between pets and their owners. Due to their emotional benefits, taste is the primary factor in choosing this type of food.

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Keeping your cat healthy starts with selecting the right food. Each type of food has its own advantages and disadvantages. Understanding your cat’s nutritional needs and carefully considering the nutritional content of each food option is essential.

Consulting a veterinarian for the best recommendations tailored to your cat’s health and special needs is always a good idea.

Dog and cat foods – Management and nutrition. (n.d.). MSD Veterinary Manual. Retrieved February 2, 2025, from https://www.msdvetmanual.com/management-and-nutrition/nutrition-small-animals/dog-and-cat-foods

Themes, U. (2016, July 31). Types of pet foods. Veterian Key. https://veteriankey.com/types-of-pet-foods/