Wet cat food offers numerous benefits, including high moisture content and a nutrient-rich formula that supports your cat’s overall well-being. However, if you’re new to incorporating wet food into your cat’s diet, you might wonder: Just how much soft food should a cat eat? The answer depends on several factors, such as your cat’s age, weight, activity level, and whether they also consume dry food or treats.
We’ll break down everything you need to know about feeding wet food to your cat, including tips on appropriate portion sizes, feeding frequency, and why wet food is an essential part 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 example, consider Farmina® N&D Prime Chicken & Pomegranate canned wet food, which suggests 3.25 cans daily for a 10-pound cat.
However, these guidelines might need tailoring to your individual cat, so always consult your veterinarian for personalized advice. The appropriate food amount depends on several factors, including age, activity level, health status, and genetics.
For instance, a cat might have a naturally faster metabolism for their age and weight than another cat of the same age and weight. Similarly, cats with hyperthyroidism may have an increased metabolism, requiring them to eat more calories daily than a healthy cat of the same age and weight.
- Age: Age significantly impacts how much wet food your cat requires. Young, growing kittens need roughly twice the calories as mature cats.
- Weight: The more a cat weighs, the more energy they require each day for normal bodily functions and maintaining lean muscle mass.
- Activity Level: Every cat has a baseline metabolism, a resting energy requirement for maintaining body functions and muscle tissue even before activity. More active cats generally require more food than less active cats.
- Pregnant or Nursing: Pregnant or nursing female cats need approximately 25–50% more calories daily, thus requiring 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%. Keep this in mind after spaying or neutering; you’ll need to reduce their food intake to maintain a healthy weight.
Wet Food Feeding Chart for Cats
The following daily feeding chart assumes the wet food contains 90 calories per 2.5-ounce can, that wet food is the cat’s only food source, and that your lean cat is spayed or neutered.
This chart provides general guidance. Consult your vet to confirm proper food portions for your 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 would need 3.5 cans daily of Farmina N&D Prime Chicken & Pomegranate Kitten Food (2.46-ounce cans).
Alternatively, a 10-pound overweight adult cat would require 2.5 cans daily of Farmina N&D Prime Lamb & Blueberry Wet Cat Food (2.46-ounce cans).
Feeding Frequency: How Often Should Cats Eat Wet Food?
How often you feed your cat wet food depends on their specific needs. If your cat exclusively eats wet food, divide their daily amount into two or three meals. If supplementing dry food with wet food, they may only eat wet food once or twice daily.
Always factor in calories from all food and treats to avoid overfeeding, preventing unintentional weight gain and related health issues.
Some cats might need wet food only during dental issues, nasal congestion, or when prescribed a special diet for post-hospital recovery. You might also feed wet food as a treat on special occasions or to encourage appetite when they’re unwell.
Benefits of Wet Food for Cats
Wet cat food provides numerous benefits, including improved hydration, appetite stimulation, weight management, and potentially enhanced nutrition, making it a vital part of a cat’s diet.
Enhanced Hydration
Wet food contains approximately 70% more water than dry food, crucial for cats who don’t drink enough water. High moisture aids digestion, prevents constipation, and promotes urinary health by diluting urine and reducing the risk of urinary crystals. Wet food is also beneficial for cats with kidney disease, supporting kidney function through increased water intake.
Appetite Stimulation
Its strong aroma and flavor enhance wet cat food’s palatability. This stimulates appetite, especially helpful for picky eaters or cats with a reduced appetite.
Weight Management Support
Wet food generally has fewer calories than the same amount of dry food, making it excellent for cats needing to lose weight. Cats can eat the same amount (or more) while consuming fewer calories.
Enrichment
Wet cat food comes in various textures and flavors, providing sensory enrichment and an enjoyable eating experience.
Easier Chewing
The soft texture of wet food can be life-saving for cats with severe dental disease or those needing extensive tooth extractions, allowing them to eat more comfortably and maintain balanced nutrition.
Lower Carbohydrate Content
Often lower in carbohydrates than dry food, wet food is a suitable choice for cats with diabetes, who thrive on low-carbohydrate diets.
Key Considerations When Choosing Wet Cat Food
When selecting the best food, prioritize companies that research their diets and conduct feeding trials.
For example, Farmina employs leading experts in nutrition, veterinary medicine, and food formulation. Always consult your veterinarian when choosing food. They can also advise you on transitioning to a new food gradually (over one to two weeks) to avoid gastrointestinal upset.
Life Stage
Choosing food appropriate for your cat’s life stage ensures their specific nutritional needs are met. For example, kittens need specially formulated kitten food, and adult cats need food designed for adults, such as Farmina N&D Ocean Sea Bass, Sardine & Shrimps wet cat food.
Ingredients
Cats need protein, fat, vitamins, minerals, carbohydrates, and water to thrive. Protein helps cells grow, repair, and function properly. Common protein sources include fish and chicken, although some foods contain novel proteins, like wild boar in Farmina’s N&D Prime Wild Boar & Apple wet cat food. Novel proteins can help cats with food allergies or intolerances.
Fats, like fish oil, are energy-rich and provide essential fatty acids. Vitamins and minerals support overall health. While carbohydrates provide energy, cats primarily get energy from protein and fats.
Look for the nutritional adequacy statement from the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) on the packaging. This ensures the diet is complete and balanced for your cat’s life stage.
Health Conditions
Cats with certain health conditions might benefit from veterinary diets. These diets are specially formulated and available only with veterinarian authorization.
Two common conditions that can be supported with veterinary diets are:
Lower Urinary Tract Disease: These diets, like Farmina’s Vet Life Urinary ST Management wet cat food, are typically formulated to prevent urinary stones.
Kidney Disease: Kidney diets, such as Farmina’s Vet Life Cat Renal Recipe in Gravy wet cat food, are generally formulated to reduce the kidneys’ workload.
Your vet might also recommend a veterinary diet for cats recovering from illnesses causing weight loss or malnutrition. Farmina’s Vet Life Recoup Recipe wet cat food is highly palatable, digestible, and energy-rich, aiding debilitated pets in recovery.
Texture
Wet cat food comes in various textures like shredded, chunks in broth or gravy, pâté, and puree. Experiment to determine your cat’s preferences.
Serving Wet Cat Food
Cats have individual preferences regarding how they enjoy wet food. Some prefer it cold, straight from the refrigerator, while others like it at room temperature. Many also enjoy it warmed in the microwave (remove from the metal can first), enhancing flavor and scent.
Warming is especially beneficial for cats with nasal congestion, releasing aromas they might otherwise struggle to smell. Always check the temperature before serving to avoid burning your cat’s mouth. Avoid repeatedly overheating the food, as this degrades nutrients and alters texture. Discard uneaten wet food within two hours to prevent spoiling.
Storing Wet Cat Food
Follow these tips for storing wet cat food:
- Keep unopened wet cat food in a cool, dark place like the pantry.
- Always check the expiration date.
- Once opened, cover the can with an airtight can cover or lid and refrigerate at 37 degrees Fahrenheit or below.
- Discard open, unused food after three days.
Common Questions About Feeding Wet Food to Cats
Can I overfeed my cat wet food?
Yes, overfeeding can lead to weight gain, obesity, and related health issues. Refer to manufacturer guidelines, but remember individual needs vary. Consult your vet for personalized advice.
What is the best ratio of wet food to dry food?
Some pet parents feed both wet and dry food, either mixed or as part of a rotational diet. Consult your vet, but a general rule is 2/3 wet food to 1/3 dry food. Mixing can make it harder to manage calorie intake, so consult your vet for guidance.
How long can wet cat food sit out?
Do not leave wet cat food at room temperature for more than two hours to avoid bacterial growth.
This sponsored article was paid for by Farmina Pet Foods. All opinions within belong to Farmina.
