How to Switch Your Cat from Dry Food to Wet Food: A Vet’s Guide
If your cat won’t eat wet food, don’t worry. This article will show you how to transition your cat from dry food to wet food safely and easily.
If you have decided to switch your cat from dry food to wet food, you might be wondering how to do it without causing stress or digestive issues for your feline friend.
Wet food has many benefits for cats, such as better hydration, lower calorie density, and more variety.
However, some cats can be picky eaters and may resist the change. In this blog post, we will share some tips from a vet on how to make the transition easier and what to do if your cat won’t eat wet food.
Why Switch Your Cat from Dry Food to Wet Food?
Before we get into the details of how to switch your cat from dry food to wet food, let’s first understand why you might want to do that.
There are several reasons why wet food may be a better option for your cat than dry food, such as:
Wet food is more natural for cats
Cats are obligate carnivores, which means they need animal protein to survive and thrive. Wet food is usually higher in protein and lower in carbohydrates than dry food, which matches the nutritional needs of cats better.
Wet food also mimics the texture and moisture of the prey that cats would eat in the wild.
Wet food helps with hydration
Cats are not very good at drinking water, especially if they only eat dry food. This can lead to dehydration, which can cause various health problems, such as urinary tract infections, kidney disease, constipation, and more.
Wet food has a high water content (about 75–80%) that can help keep your cat hydrated and prevent these issues.
Wet food is easier to digest
Some cats may have trouble chewing or swallowing dry food, especially if they have dental problems or are older.
Wet food is softer and smoother, which makes it easier for cats to eat and digest. Wet food can also help reduce hairballs by lubricating the digestive tract.
Wet food is more palatable
Many cats prefer the taste and smell of wet food over dry food, especially if they are picky or have a low appetite. Wet food comes in a variety of flavors and textures that can appeal to the different preferences and needs of cats.
How to Switch Your Cat from Dry Food to Wet Food?
Now that you know why wet food may be a better choice for your cat than dry food, let’s see how you can make the switch without causing any problems for your cat. Here are some steps you can follow:
Consult your vet
Before you make any changes to your cat’s diet, it’s always a good idea to consult your vet first.
Your vet can advise you on the best type and brand of wet food for your cat based on their age, weight, health condition, and dietary needs. Your vet can also tell you how much-wet food to feed your cat per day and how often.
Choose a high-quality wet food
Not all wet foods are created equal, so you want to choose one that is high-quality and suitable for your cat.
Look for wet foods that have good sources of animal protein as the first ingredients, such as chicken, turkey, beef, fish, etc. Avoid wet foods that have fillers, by-products, artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives.
Start slowly and gradually
The most important thing when switching your cat from dry food to wet food is to do it slowly and gradually. Don’t just replace all of their dry food with wet food overnight, as this can cause digestive upset or refusal to eat.
Instead, start by adding a small amount of wet food (about 10–25%) to their dry food and mix well. Then slowly increase the amount of wet food over 7–10 days while decreasing the amount of dry food until you reach 100% wet food.
Monitor your cat’s reaction
As you transition your cat from dry food to wet food, keep an eye on their behavior and health. Watch for signs of appetite, weight, energy, stool quality, and any signs of discomfort or illness.
If your cat seems to like the wet food and has no problems, you can continue with the transition.
If your cat refuses to eat the wet food or has any adverse reactions, such as vomiting, diarrhea, or lethargy, you may need to slow down the transition or try a different brand or flavor of wet food. If the problems persist or worsen, contact your vet immediately.
Make it fun and rewarding
Switching your cat from dry food to wet food can be a challenge, but it can also be a fun and rewarding experience for both you and your cat. You can make the transition easier and more enjoyable by following these tips:
Use a flat dish
Some cats may not like to eat wet food from a bowl because it can irritate their whiskers or make them feel trapped.
Try using a flat dish or a plate instead, as this can make it easier and more comfortable for your cat to access wet food.
Warm up the wet food
Some cats may not like the cold temperature of wet food straight from the fridge, as it can dull the flavor and smell.
Try warming up the wet food slightly in the microwave or by adding some warm water to it, as this can make it more appealing and appetizing for your cat.
Add some toppings
Some cats may need some extra incentives to try the wet food, especially if they are used to dry food.
You can try adding some toppings to the wet food, such as shredded cheese, tuna juice, chicken broth, or some dry kibble. You can also mix some of these toppings with wet food to make it more flavorful and enticing for your cat.
Hand-feed your cat
Some cats may enjoy being hand-fed by their owners, as this can create a bond and trust between them.
You can try hand-feeding your cat some pieces of wet food or letting them lick it off your finger, as this can make them feel more comfortable and curious about the wet food.
Praise and reward your cat
Cats respond well to positive reinforcement, so make sure you praise and reward your cat whenever they eat wet food.
You can use verbal praise, petting, treats, toys, or playtime as rewards for your cat’s good behavior. This can help them associate wet food with something positive and enjoyable.