When keeping your cat fed, you have a couple of options: chiefly wet food versus dry cat food. While both can keep your cat happy and healthy, here’s what you need to know about feeding your feline friend wet cat food.

What are the benefits of wet cat food for my cat? 

Wet cat food offers several benefits for your fluffy friend. Firstly, its high moisture content can help keep your cat hydrated – a hugely important factor, as adequate hydration is important for maintaining your cat’s overall health, supporting kidney function and preventing urinary tract problems. With a stronger aroma than dry food, the smell and taste of canned cat food can also make meals more appealing for your kitty companion, especially for picky eaters. Formulated for optimal nutrition, the best wet cat food offers your furry friend a balanced diet, complete with all the essential nutrients they need to keep them healthy and energised. 

How much wet food should I feed my cat?

The amount of wet cat food to feed your feline friend depends on a few different factors, including their age, weight, activity level and overall health – meaning you’ll need to adjust the amount you feed them accordingly. Your vet can help you determine the best portion sizes for your cat, or you can carefully follow the portion guidelines for your cat’s weight on the label of your chosen canned cat food. Keep in mind that you’ll need to divide this amount between two to three meals over the course of the day.

Kittens and more active cats may also require larger portions. The feeding instructions on wet cat food packaging can provide a starting point, but it's important to monitor your cat's weight and body condition and make adjustments as needed. Monitor things like whether your cat is leaving food in the bowl (meaning they may not need quite as much as you’re giving them) or if they’re hungry in the middle of the night (they may need a bit more!). Remember to avoid overfeeding and to always provide fresh water in addition to canned cat food.

How often should I feed my cat wet food? 

The number of times you feed your cat each day will depend largely on their age and individual needs, but generally speaking, adult cats need to eat two to three meals of dry or wet cat food daily. Kittens may need to be fed more frequently, as they’re growing and have a lot of energy! As they get older, you can gradually reduce the number of meals and adjust the portion sizes accordingly.

However often you decide to feed your feline, it’s important to establish a regular feeding schedule by feeding them at the same time every day. This can help regulate their digestion and prevent them from becoming overly hungry or demanding food at irregular times.

And, of course, it’s important to remember that all cats are different. If you’re unsure, consult your vet, who can provide personalised recommendations based on your cat's age, weight, health condition and lifestyle.

What are the most popular brands of wet cat food?

If you need to buy wet cat food for your feline but are unsure which brand to choose, you can’t go wrong with the selection at Petbarn. We have all the best wet cat food for indoor cats and outdoor cats alike, with favourites including Royal Canin, Dine, Fancy Feast, Hill’s Prescription Diet, Leaps & Bound, Tiki Cat, Ziwi Peak, Purina Pro Plan, Advance, Trilogy and more. We also have the healthiest wet cat food brands for felines needing a special diet.

What is the best quality wet cat food in Australia? 

If you’re looking for the best wet cat food brands, Petbarn has all the best quality wet cat food Australia could ask for. When choosing the best wet cat food, choose one with high-quality protein sources, such as chicken, fish or turkey, as the main ingredients, and avoid foods that contain excessive fillers, by-products, and artificial additives. Remember, cats are carnivores, so their diet should be primarily protein-based. Also, be sure to choose the right wet cat food for your furry friend’s age – kitten formulations for younger cats and mature options for older cats. This will ensure they get the nutrition they need at each life stage. And don’t forget to speak to your vet to ensure you choose the healthiest wet cat food to suit any health conditions your cat may have.