Best Wet Cat Food Ingredients: What to Look for On Labels When Buying

Cats are notoriously picky eaters. Luckily, their diets are relatively straightforward. Wet or dry? Grain-free or organic? There are many popular debates about cat food, but when it comes down to it, the best cat food is one that gives your cat the proper mix of nutrition—and one that your cat finds delicious!

When you find the right ratio of protein, fat, and other ingredients, you've found the best wet cat food to tempt your kitten or cat into a healthy eating routine.

Why do cats seem to like wet food more?

A cat that turns its nose up at dry food might come running at the sound of the can opener. Wet cat food is often more appealing to cats because it's richer in hydration and variety than standard dry food. Cats have trouble getting enough water because they automatically distrust still or standing water—unless you leave the faucet on a drip for them, they're likely to get more hydration from their wet food than their water dish.

Plus, wet cat food doesn't contain as many carbohydrate-based fillers as dry cat food. Because of this, the best wet cat food promotes healthy body mass, muscle growth, and fat resistance as your cat grows and maintains his weight. Your cat isn't necessarily reading the nutrition labels and counting macros, but their body instinctively finds this nutrient-rich wet food more appealing than bland dry food.

What ingredients should I look for in wet cat food?

  • High amounts of moisture. If your cat doesn't drink enough water around the house, wet cat food can play a major role in helping them stay hydrated.
  • High amounts of a named protein. For example, chicken or beef instead of "chicken flavor" or "beef extracts." Some lackluster pet food companies get away with calling their foods "fish" or "poultry"-based, when it turns out they're just using flavorings or extracts and not actually providing a solid source of protein.
  • Vitamins and minerals from natural sources. Cats need vitamins and minerals from sources like vegetables, herbs, and additives. Some of these must be added artificially since they don't occur naturally in the wild, but for the most part, your cat will benefit from vitamin-rich food in the same way you do. Read the label carefully to make sure they're getting vitamins like C and E.
  • Formulas suited to your cat's age. The best wet cat food is one that aligns with your cat's age. For example, kitten formulas often contain taurine and DHL, vitamin and protein mixes that help young cats build muscle mass safely. Alternatively, formulas made for senior cats may have extra calcium to encourage bone and tooth strength.

What should I avoid in wet cat food?

  • Low moisture or protein contents. Wet cat food isn't "wet" if it doesn't have enough moisture in it. In the same way that high amounts of moisture and protein are good for your cat's diet, too little of these crucial ingredients is a sure sign of low-quality wet cat food.
  • Artificial ingredients. Like humans, cats need all-natural foods in their diets. While some essential nutrients like antioxidants and vitamins may only be available from artificial sources, your cat generally doesn't benefit from chemical additives with unpronounceable names.
  • Lots of carbohydrates. This is more of an issue in dry cat food, which needs some kind of filler to hold together in kibble form, but many wet cat foods fill out their recipes with empty carbs. Like health-conscious humans, cats need to avoid excessive carbs to keep their weight and muscle under control.
  • Grains. One of the most common food allergies among cats is an allergy to different types of grain. If you find your cat has an upset stomach after eating one brand of wet cat food, but not when you switch, the culprit might be grain in the first recipe.

What do I do if my cat isn't eating?

Cats, especially young ones, have rather small stomachs. As such, they're more likely to grab a couple of mouthfuls and go on their way than sit and eat a full can of food in one sitting. Odds are good that your cat is eating, he just wants privacy when he's chowing down.

If you don't see your cat finishing his meals, don't panic. Your cat may just prefer to graze, or you may need to mix up the flavors to find what your cat is actually interested in eating. However, if your cat refuses food or water completely, you should make an appointment with your vet to rule out any other health concerns.

Wet cat food can be a more expensive alternative to dry cat food, but it has some excellent health benefits. Plus, your cat may just like it more! The variety available in flavors helps keep things interesting for an animal that's predisposed to hunting their own food, and the nutrient mix often has a healthier lean to it than carb-filled dry food. With a little experimentation, you'll find the best cat food for your routine, budget, and hungry little hunter.

Resources— Chewy's Pet Central, Hill's PetThe Spruce Pets

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