How Much Wet Food Should My Cat Eat? A Complete Guide

Wet cat food is a fantastic way to keep your feline friend healthy and hydrated. Its high moisture content, combined with essential nutrients, offers significant benefits for cats of all ages. If you’re considering adding or switching to wet food, a primary question on your mind is likely: how much wet food should my cat eat?

Determining the correct portion of wet food isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer. It depends on a variety of individual factors, including your cat’s age, weight, activity level, and overall health. It also matters if wet food is their sole diet or a supplement to dry kibble.

This comprehensive guide will break down everything you need to know about feeding your cat wet food. We’ll cover portion sizes, feeding frequency, the advantages of wet food, and how to choose the best option for your beloved companion. Understanding these aspects will help you ensure your cat gets the right amount of nutrition to thrive.

Understanding Your Cat’s Nutritional Needs

Just like humans, cats have unique dietary requirements that fluctuate throughout their lives. To accurately determine how much wet food your cat needs, you must consider these key factors:

Age: Kittens, Adults, and Seniors

Age is a crucial determinant of a cat’s caloric needs.

Kittens: Growing kittens require significantly more calories than adult cats to support their rapid development. They typically need about twice the calories of a mature cat to fuel their growth spurts and high energy levels.
Adult Cats: Once a cat reaches adulthood (around 1 year old), their growth slows down, and their caloric needs stabilize. The amount of wet food for an adult cat should be enough to maintain a healthy weight and energy level.
Senior Cats: As cats enter their senior years (typically around 7 years and older), their metabolism may slow down, and they might become less active. However, some senior cats may also have conditions that increase their caloric needs. It’s essential to monitor their weight and adjust food portions accordingly, often under veterinary guidance.

Weight: Lean, Overweight, or Underweight

A cat’s weight and body condition play a significant role in determining their food requirements.

Lean Cats: A cat at a healthy, lean weight needs enough calories to maintain that condition, supporting their daily activities and bodily functions. The feeding chart later in this article will provide a guideline for lean cats.
Overweight Cats: If your cat is overweight, you’ll need to reduce their calorie intake to help them shed excess pounds and reach a healthier weight. Feeding charts for “overweight cats” offer a starting point, but veterinary advice is crucial for a safe and effective weight loss plan.
Underweight Cats: An underweight cat may need increased calorie intake to reach a healthy weight. However, it’s important to rule out any underlying health issues causing weight loss before simply increasing food portions.

Activity Level: Indoor vs. Outdoor Cats

A cat’s daily activity level directly impacts their energy expenditure and, consequently, their food needs.

Indoor Cats: Generally, indoor cats tend to be less active than outdoor cats. They may spend more time napping and less time hunting or exploring. Their caloric needs will typically be lower than those of a highly active outdoor cat.
Outdoor Cats: Outdoor cats, especially those who are active hunters or roam extensively, burn more calories throughout the day. They require more food to fuel their higher activity levels and maintain their energy.

Health Conditions: Impact on Food Intake

Certain health conditions can significantly alter a cat’s metabolism and nutritional requirements.

Hyperthyroidism: This condition causes an overactive thyroid gland, leading to an increased metabolism. Cats with hyperthyroidism often require significantly more calories to maintain their weight and may seem constantly hungry.
Diabetes: While wet food is often recommended for diabetic cats due to its lower carbohydrate content, the specific amount needs to be carefully managed. Diabetic cats require a consistent feeding schedule and portion control to regulate their blood sugar levels.
Kidney Disease: Cats with kidney disease often benefit from wet food due to its high moisture content, which helps support kidney function. However, the specific type and amount of food may need to be adjusted based on the stage of kidney disease and veterinary recommendations.

Spay/Neuter Status: Metabolism Changes

Spaying or neutering your cat has a significant impact on their metabolism.

Reduced Metabolic Rate: After spaying or neutering, a cat’s baseline metabolic rate can drop by as much as 30%. This means they require fewer calories to maintain a healthy weight. It’s crucial to adjust their food intake after the procedure to prevent weight gain.

Pregnancy and Nursing: Increased Caloric Needs

Female cats who are pregnant or nursing kittens have dramatically increased nutritional demands.

Pregnancy: Pregnant cats need approximately 25-50% more calories than usual to support the developing kittens. This increased need becomes more pronounced as the pregnancy progresses.
Nursing: Nursing or lactating cats require even more calories—sometimes up to 2-3 times their normal intake—to produce milk for their kittens. They need access to plenty of nutritious food to meet these demands and maintain their own health.

A tabby cat happily enjoying a meal of wet food from a can.

Wet Food Feeding Chart: General Guidelines

The following chart provides a general starting point for determining how much wet food to feed your cat daily. It is based on the assumption that the wet food contains approximately 90 calories per 2.5-ounce can and that wet food is the cat’s sole source of nutrition. Keep in mind that these are just guidelines, and individual needs may vary. Always consult with your veterinarian to confirm the appropriate food portions for your specific 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

Example Scenarios:

5-pound Kitten: According to the chart, a 5-pound kitten would need approximately 3.5 cans per day of a wet food containing 90 calories per 2.5-ounce can. For example, using Farmina N&D Prime Chicken & Pomegranate Kitten Food (2.46-ounce cans).
10-pound Overweight Adult Cat: A 10-pound overweight adult cat might require around 2.5 cans per day of the same 90-calorie wet food. For instance, Farmina N&D Prime Lamb & Blueberry Wet Cat Food (2.46-ounce cans) could be a suitable option, always considering the specific calorie content and veterinary advice.

How Often to Feed Wet Food

The frequency of wet food meals depends on your cat’s lifestyle and feeding habits.

All Wet Food Diet: If your cat primarily eats wet food, divide their daily portion into two or three meals throughout the day. This helps maintain consistent energy levels and prevents them from becoming overly hungry between meals.
Supplement to Dry Food: If you feed your cat dry kibble and supplement with wet food, you might offer wet food once or twice a day. Wet food can be a delicious and hydrating addition to a dry food diet.

Regardless of the feeding schedule, it’s crucial to consider the total calorie intake from all sources, including dry food, wet food, and treats. Overfeeding, even with healthy wet food, can lead to weight gain and related health problems.

Wet food can also be strategically used in specific situations:

Dental Issues: Cats with dental problems may find wet food easier and more comfortable to eat than dry kibble.
Nasal Congestion: The strong aroma of wet food can be appealing to cats with nasal congestion, encouraging them to eat when their sense of smell is diminished.
Post-Surgery or Illness Recovery: Wet food can be highly palatable and digestible, making it a good choice for cats recovering from surgery or illness, stimulating their appetite and providing essential nutrients.
Treat or Appetite Stimulant: Even if your cat primarily eats dry food, offering wet food as an occasional treat or to entice a picky eater can be beneficial.

A cat eagerly anticipates a serving of flavorful wet food.

The Benefits of Wet Food for Cats

Wet cat food offers a multitude of advantages that contribute to your cat’s overall health and well-being, making it a valuable component of their diet.

Enhanced Hydration

One of the most significant benefits of wet food is its high water content. Typically, wet food contains around 70% more water than dry kibble. This is particularly important because cats often have a low thirst drive and may not drink enough water on their own. Increased hydration from wet food helps:

Support Kidney Function: Adequate hydration is vital for kidney health, helping to flush out waste products.
Prevent Urinary Issues: Higher water intake dilutes urine, reducing the risk of urinary crystals and urinary tract problems, which are common in cats.
Aid Digestion and Prevent Constipation: Moisture aids in smoother digestion and helps prevent constipation.

Palatability and Appetite Stimulation

Wet food is generally more palatable to cats due to its:

Stronger Aroma: The enticing smell of wet food can pique a cat’s interest and stimulate their appetite, especially for picky eaters or those with reduced appetite due to illness or age.
Flavor and Texture Variety: Wet food comes in a wide array of flavors and textures (pâté, chunks, shreds, etc.), offering sensory enrichment and catering to individual preferences.

Effective Weight Management

Wet food can be a valuable tool for managing a cat’s weight.

Lower Calorie Density: Compared to dry food, wet food typically has fewer calories per serving for the same volume. This allows cats to eat a satisfying portion size while consuming fewer calories, aiding in weight loss or maintenance.
Increased Satiety: The higher moisture and protein content in wet food can help cats feel fuller for longer, reducing overeating.

Digestive Health Support

The moisture content in wet food, combined with its often softer texture, can be beneficial for digestion, especially for cats with sensitive stomachs or digestive issues.

Dental Health Advantages (Easier to Chew)

For cats with dental problems, such as dental disease or missing teeth, wet food is significantly easier and more comfortable to chew than hard kibble. This ensures they can eat comfortably and maintain proper nutrition even with dental challenges.

Lower Carbohydrate Content

Wet food generally contains fewer carbohydrates compared to dry food. This can be particularly beneficial for:

Diabetic Cats: A lower carbohydrate diet can help manage blood sugar levels in cats with diabetes.
Cats Prone to Weight Gain: Lower carbohydrate content can contribute to better weight management.

Choosing the Right Wet Cat Food

Selecting the best wet cat food for your feline companion involves considering several key factors to ensure their nutritional needs are met.

Life Stage Specific Formulas

Choose a wet food formula specifically designed for your cat’s life stage:

Kitten Food: Formulated to meet the higher nutritional demands of growing kittens, supporting bone development, muscle growth, and overall health. Look for labels that say “kitten food” or “growth formula,” such as Farmina N&D Prime Chicken & Pomegranate kitten wet food.
Adult Food: Balanced for the maintenance needs of adult cats, providing appropriate levels of protein, fat, and essential nutrients. Examples include Farmina N&D Ocean Sea Bass, Sardine & Shrimps wet cat food.
Senior Food: Formulated to address the specific needs of older cats, often with adjustments in calorie content, protein levels, and added supplements for joint health or cognitive function.

High-Quality Ingredients

Prioritize wet cat foods made with high-quality ingredients. Look for:

Named Protein Sources: Real meat, poultry, or fish should be listed as the primary ingredients (e.g., chicken, salmon, beef).
Essential Nutrients: Ensure the food provides a balance of protein, fats, vitamins, and minerals necessary for feline health.
AAFCO Statement: Check for the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) statement on the packaging. This guarantees the food is nutritionally complete and balanced for your cat’s life stage.

Ingredients like novel proteins, such as wild boar found in Farmina’s N&D Prime Wild Boar & Apple wet cat food, can be beneficial for cats with food sensitivities or allergies.

Addressing Health Conditions with Veterinary Diets

For cats with specific health conditions, veterinary diets formulated to manage those conditions can be incredibly beneficial. These diets are typically available only through a veterinarian’s prescription.

Urinary Tract Health: For cats prone to urinary issues, veterinary urinary diets like Farmina’s Vet Life Urinary ST Management wet cat food are designed to promote urinary health and prevent stone formation.
Kidney Disease Management: Cats with kidney disease often benefit from renal diets like Farmina’s Vet Life Cat Renal Recipe in Gravy wet cat food, which are formulated to reduce the workload on the kidneys.
Recovery and Recuperation: For cats recovering from illness or surgery, highly palatable and digestible recovery diets, such as Farmina’s Vet Life Recoup Recipe wet cat food, can aid in regaining strength and nutritional balance.

Texture Preferences

Wet cat food comes in various textures, including pâté, minced, shredded, chunks in gravy, and broth-based options. Experiment to find the textures your cat enjoys most to ensure they eat enthusiastically.

Serving and Storing Wet Cat Food Properly

Proper serving and storage are essential for maintaining the quality, safety, and palatability of wet cat food.

Serving Temperature

Cats can be particular about the temperature of their food.

Room Temperature or Slightly Warmed: Most cats prefer wet food served at room temperature or slightly warmed.
Warming Wet Food: Warming wet food can enhance its aroma and palatability, especially for picky eaters or cats with nasal congestion. Microwave briefly (in a microwave-safe dish, not the can) and always check the temperature to ensure it’s not too hot before serving.

Safe Handling and Time Limit

Discard Uneaten Food: Wet food should not be left out at room temperature for more than two hours. After this time, it can spoil and become a breeding ground for bacteria. Discard any uneaten portion after two hours to ensure freshness and prevent foodborne illness.

Storage Tips

Unopened Cans: Store unopened cans of wet cat food in a cool, dark, and dry place like a pantry. Check the expiration date before serving.
Opened Cans: Once opened, promptly cover the can with an airtight pet food can cover or lid, like a Frisco Silicone Pet Food Can Cover. Refrigerate it immediately at 37 degrees Fahrenheit (3 degrees Celsius) or below.
Refrigeration Time: Use refrigerated opened wet food within 2-3 days for optimal freshness and safety. Discard any remaining food after three days.

FAQs About Feeding Cats Wet Food

Can I overfeed my cat wet food?

Yes, it’s definitely possible to overfeed your cat with wet food. While wet food is generally lower in calories per volume than dry food, excessive portions can still lead to weight gain and obesity over time. Always adhere to the manufacturer’s feeding guidelines as a starting point and adjust based on your cat’s individual needs and veterinary recommendations. Monitoring your cat’s weight and body condition regularly is crucial.

What is the best ratio of wet food to dry food for cats when feeding both types of food?

Many cat owners choose to feed a combination of wet and dry food. There’s no single “best” ratio, but a common guideline is around 2/3 wet food and 1/3 dry food by calorie contribution. However, the ideal ratio depends on your cat’s individual calorie needs and preferences. Consulting with your veterinarian is highly recommended to determine the most appropriate balance for your cat. They can help you calculate the correct portions of each type of food to ensure your cat receives the right amount of calories and nutrients.

How long can wet cat food sit out?

Wet cat food should not be left out at room temperature for more than two hours. After this time, it becomes increasingly susceptible to bacterial growth and spoilage, posing a health risk to your cat. Always discard uneaten wet food that has been sitting out for over two hours.

Is wet food better than dry food for cats?

Neither wet nor dry food is inherently “better” than the other; they both have their own advantages and disadvantages. Wet food excels in hydration and palatability, while dry food is convenient and can be more economical. The best type of food for your cat depends on their individual needs, health status, preferences, and your lifestyle. Many veterinarians recommend incorporating wet food into a cat’s diet due to its hydration benefits, but a balanced diet can be achieved with either type or a combination of both, as long as it meets your cat’s specific nutritional requirements. Discussing your cat’s diet with your veterinarian is the best way to determine the most suitable feeding plan.

Conclusion

Knowing how much wet food your cat should eat is essential for their health and happiness. By considering factors like age, weight, activity level, and health conditions, and using general feeding guidelines as a starting point, you can provide appropriate portions. Remember, this guide provides general recommendations, and consulting your veterinarian is always the best approach to personalize your cat’s diet. Wet food offers numerous benefits, from hydration to appetite stimulation, making it a valuable addition to many cats’ diets. By feeding wet food correctly and choosing high-quality options, you’re taking a significant step in ensuring your feline companion enjoys a long, healthy, and vibrant life.

This sponsored article was paid for by Farmina Pet Foods. All opinions within belong to Farmina.

WRITTEN BY

Farmina Pet Foods