How to Choose Wet Cat Food: Texture, Protein, Moisture and Labels

By Tailwisp Editorial TeamUpdated October 20, 20264 min read

The wet food aisle can be overwhelming, with dozens of flavors and brands. But a handful of questions will help you find a good food for your cat. Wet food is particularly valuable for hydration and protein, so it is worth choosing well. See wet vs dry cat food.

Start with the basics

• Complete and balanced. Check the nutritional adequacy statement for your cat's life stage. See cat food aafco statement explained.
• Named animal protein. Chicken, turkey, salmon or beef rather than vague terms. See by-products and meals in cat food.
• No toxic ingredients. No onion or garlic powder. See are onions and garlic toxic to cats.
• Taurine included.

Texture and format

• Pâté or loaf: smooth and uniform, easy to mash with water or medication, good for cats with dental problems.
• Chunks or flakes in gravy or jelly: appeal to cats that like shreds, and may be moist. Some gravies add starch.
• Shredded, minced and mousse: variations in texture.
• Cans, pouches and trays: the same food in different packaging. Cans are recyclable, pouches are light, and trays are easy to portion. Pick what suits your routine.

Cats have strong texture preferences, formed early. Try a variety, in small sizes, to find which your cat prefers.

Reading the protein and fat

Moisture varies between foods, which makes the numbers on the label hard to compare. To compare protein on a dry-matter basis:

1. Take the moisture percentage, such as 78 percent.
2. Subtract from 100, to give dry matter, here 22 percent.
3. Divide the protein percentage, such as 11 percent, by dry matter, giving 50 percent protein on a dry-matter basis.

Many cats do well on wet foods with at least about 40 percent protein on a dry-matter basis, though needs vary with age and health. Cats with kidney disease may need less phosphorus, and different protein levels. See cat kidney disease stages.

Calories

Check the kilocalories per can or per 100 grams. A 3-ounce can often holds 70 to 100 calories, though this varies. Use it to plan portions. An average adult indoor cat needs roughly 200 calories per day, but this varies with weight, age and activity. See how much should I feed my cat.

Ingredients to scrutinize

• Sugars and sweeteners, such as molasses, caramel or sugar, which cats do not need.
• Excess thickeners, such as carrageenan, guar gum and starches. Opinions on carrageenan differ, and some cats with sensitive stomachs do better without it.
• Artificial colors and flavors.
• High carbohydrate fillers, particularly in diabetic cats. See diabetic cats: insulin, home monitoring and diet.
• Fish as the main protein every day, because of contaminants and sometimes thiamine or fat issues.

Picky eaters

If your cat refuses, try warming the food slightly, changing the texture, adding a little warm water or serving in a shallow dish. Introduce new foods gradually, mixing a little with the old. See how to switch cat foods.

Rotation and allergies

Rotating flavors may help avoid pickiness and expose your cat to different nutrients, if it tolerates changes. If your cat has food allergies or a sensitive stomach, stick to a vetted diet. See cat food allergies and sensitive stomachs.

Storage and serving

Refrigerate leftovers promptly. Warm refrigerated food slightly. Do not leave wet food out more than a short time. See how to store cat food.

Budget

Wet food costs more per calorie than kibble. A compromise is to feed wet food for one or two meals, and a measured amount of dry food for the others. Count all calories. See cat food types explained.

Reading the can in the shop

A quick routine helps. First, find the adequacy statement. Second, read the first five ingredients for a named protein. Third, look at the calories per can. Fourth, check for sugar, colors and flavors you do not want. Fifth, buy two or three single cans of different textures before committing to a case. Take notes on what your cat eats, and what it ignores. Cats often favor a particular protein or texture, and will happily eat the same one for years, so a little testing saves money and waste.

When to ask your vet

If your cat has kidney disease, diabetes, urinary crystals, pancreatitis or food allergies, do not choose wet food by label alone. Ask your vet which products suit the condition, and whether a prescription diet is needed. Bring the cans you use now to the appointment, so the vet can compare them with the recommended options.

When to see a vet

See a vet if your cat will not eat, vomits after meals or loses weight. Use the US vet directory to find a clinic.

This article is general educational information, not veterinary advice. Every cat is different. If your cat is unwell, or you are unsure about a symptom, diet change or medication, contact your veterinarian.