Wet cat food provides significant benefits, including high moisture content and a nutrient-rich composition that supports your cat’s overall well-being. If you’re new to incorporating wet food into your cat’s diet, you might wonder: “How Many Oz Of Wet Cat Food Per Day should I feed my cat?”. The answer hinges on several factors, such as your cat’s age, weight, activity level, and whether they also consume dry food or treats.
We’ll explore everything about feeding your cat wet food, offering advice on portion sizes, feeding frequency, and why wet food is a vital component of their diet.
Determining the Right Amount of Wet Food for Your Cat
Many pet food manufacturers provide feeding guidelines on their wet food cans. For instance, Farmina® N&D Prime Chicken & Pomegranate canned wet food suggests feeding 3.25 cans daily for a 10-pound cat.
However, these guidelines might require adjustment based on your cat’s specific needs, so always consult with your veterinarian to determine the correct amount for your pet. Several factors influence the amount of food your cat requires, including age, activity level, health status, and genetics.
For example, your cat might naturally have a faster metabolism than another cat of the same age and weight. Similarly, cats with hyperthyroidism might have an increased metabolism, requiring more calories daily than a healthy cat of the same age and weight.
- Age: Age is a crucial factor in determining how much wet food your cat needs. Young, growing kittens need about twice the calories as mature cats.
- Weight: The more a cat weighs, the more energy they need each day for normal body functions and maintaining lean muscle tissue.
- Activity Level: All cats have a baseline metabolism—a resting energy requirement for maintaining body functions and muscle tissue even before considering activity level. More active cats generally need more food to support their activity than less active cats.
- Pregnant or Nursing: Female cats who are pregnant or nursing kittens need about 25–50% more calories per day—and thus more wet food—than other adult female cats.
- Spay/Neuter Status: When a cat is spayed or neutered, their baseline metabolism drops by about 30%. Decrease their food intake to maintain a healthy weight.
Wet Food Feeding Chart for Cats
The following daily feeding chart assumes you’re feeding your cat wet food containing 90 calories per 2.5-ounce can, that wet food is their only food source, and that your lean cat is spayed or neutered. Consult your veterinarian to confirm the proper food portions for your individual cat or kitten.
| Cat’s Weight | Kitten | Lean Cat | Overweight Cat | Pregnant | Nursing |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 pounds | 320 calories 3.5 cans | 160 calories 1.75 cans | 130 calories 1.5 cans | 260 calories 2.75 cans | 260 calories 2.75 cans |
| 10 pounds | 550 calories 6 cans | 275 calories 3 cans | 220 calories 2.5 cans | 450 calories 5 cans | 450 calories 5 cans |
| 15 pounds | 720 calories 8 cans | 360 calories 4 cans | 300 calories 3.25 cans | 585 calories 6.5 cans | 585 calories 6.5 cans |
| 20 pounds | 880 calories 9.75 cans | 440 calories 5 cans | 370 calories 4 cans | 715 calories 8 cans | 715 calories 8 cans |
For example, a 5-pound kitten should eat 3.5 cans per day of Farmina N&D Prime Chicken & Pomegranate Kitten Food (2.46-ounce cans).
A 10-pound overweight adult cat should eat 2.5 cans per day of Farmina N&D Prime Lamb & Blueberry Wet Cat Food (2.46-ounce cans).
Feeding Frequency of Wet Cat Food
The frequency of feeding your cat wet food depends on their needs. If your cat’s diet consists entirely of wet food, divide their daily amount into two or three meals. If supplementing dry food with wet food, offer wet food once or twice daily.
Factor in the calories from all food and treats to avoid overfeeding, which can lead to weight gain and health issues. Some cats might need wet food only during dental issues, nasal congestion, or when a special diet is prescribed for recovery after a hospital stay. Wet food can also be a treat on special occasions or to encourage appetite when they’re not feeling well.
The Benefits of Wet Food for Cats
Wet cat food offers many benefits, from improved hydration to appetite stimulation and weight management, making it a crucial part of your cat’s diet.
Provides Hydration
Wet food contains about 70% more water than dry cat food, aiding in digestion, preventing constipation, and supporting urinary health. It’s beneficial for cats with kidney disease, who need more water to support kidney function.
Stimulates Appetite
Wet cat food is palatable due to its strong aroma and flavor, stimulating appetite in picky eaters or cats with a reduced appetite.
Aids in Weight Management
With fewer calories than dry food, wet food is excellent for cats needing to lose weight. They can eat more wet food while consuming fewer calories.
Offers Enrichment
Wet cat food comes in various textures and flavors, providing sensory enrichment and an enjoyable eating experience.
Easier To Chew
Wet food is lifesaving for cats with dental disease, allowing them to eat comfortably and maintain balanced nutrition after tooth extractions.
Lower in Carbs
Often lower in carbohydrates than dry food, wet food is a good choice for cats with diabetes, who thrive on low-carbohydrate diets.
Choosing the Right Wet Cat Food
When selecting the best food for your cat, look for companies that offer research into their diets and conduct feeding trials to ensure their effectiveness.
Life Stage
Select food appropriate for your cat’s life stage to ensure their specific nutritional needs are met. Look for specifically formulated kitten or adult diets.
Ingredients
Cats need protein, fat, vitamins, minerals, carbohydrates, and water. Look for the nutritional adequacy statement from the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) on the food’s packaging.
Health Conditions
Cats with health conditions might benefit from veterinary diets, which are specially formulated to manage specific conditions and available only with authorization from your vet. Common conditions that can be supported include lower urinary tract disease and kidney disease.
Texture
Wet cat food comes in various textures, such as shredded, chunks in broth or gravy, pâté, and puree. Experiment to determine your cat’s preference.
Serving and Storing Wet Cat Food
Cats have individual preferences regarding wet food temperature. Some prefer it cold, while others like it at room temperature or warmed in the microwave. Warming enhances flavor and scent, which is beneficial for cats with nasal congestion. Always check the temperature before feeding and avoid repeated overheating. Discard uneaten wet food within two hours.
Store unopened wet cat food in a cool, dark location, check the expiration date, and refrigerate opened cans covered with an airtight lid for up to three days.
Addressing Common Questions About Feeding Wet Cat Food
Can I overfeed my cat wet food?
Yes, overfeeding wet food can lead to weight gain and health issues. Consult your veterinarian to determine the appropriate amount.
What is the best ratio of wet food to dry food for cats when feeding both types of food?
A general rule of thumb is 2/3 wet food to 1/3 dry food, but consult your vet for the right ratio for your pet to avoid over or underfeeding.
How long can wet cat food sit out?
Wet cat food should not sit out for more than two hours to prevent bacterial growth.
By understanding how many oz of wet cat food per day your cat needs and following these guidelines, you can ensure they receive the optimal nutrition for a healthy and happy life.
