Supermarket and pet store shelves are packed with cat food, and dry food (kibble) is one of the most popular choices. It’s convenient, affordable and keeps well. But is dry food bad for cats? The honest answer: a good-quality, complete dry food isn’t harmful for most cats, but it has some drawbacks you should know about.
Cats Are Carnivores with a Low Thirst Drive
Cats are obligate carnivores, and their wild ancestors got most of their water from their prey, which is about 70% water. Many cats still have a relatively low thirst drive. Dry food contains only about 6–10% moisture, compared with about 75–80% in wet food. Cats eating only dry food do drink more, but overall, they usually take in less water than cats eating wet food.
Lower water intake means more concentrated urine, which is a risk factor for urinary problems such as cystitis and urinary crystals, especially in cats that are prone to them.
Why Owners Choose Dry Food
- it’s convenient and easy to store;
- it’s usually cheaper per meal than wet food;
- it can be left out without spoiling as quickly as wet food;
- it’s useful in puzzle feeders and timed feeders.
The Possible Downsides
- Lower water intake, as explained above.
- Weight gain: dry food is very calorie-dense, and it’s easy to overfeed, especially if it’s left out all day. Read more about obesity in cats.
- More carbohydrates than wet food, in many products.
- Food quality varies: not all dry foods are equal, so choose a complete and balanced food from a reputable manufacturer.
Does Dry Food Clean Cats’ Teeth?
Not really. Most standard kibble shatters when a cat bites it and doesn’t clean the teeth any better than wet food. Some specially designed dental diets, with a large kibble shape and texture that scrubs the teeth, are proven to reduce plaque and tartar: look for the VOHC (Veterinary Oral Health Council) seal. But the best way to keep your cat’s teeth clean is still regular brushing and dental checkups. Read more about cat teeth.
So, Should You Feed Dry Food?
For most healthy cats, a good-quality complete dry food can be part of a healthy diet. Many vets recommend:
- including some wet food every day, especially for cats prone to urinary problems or weight gain;
- measuring dry food carefully rather than free-feeding;
- encouraging your cat to drink with several water bowls or a water fountain;
- choosing a complete and balanced food made by a reputable company;
- following your vet’s advice if your cat has a medical condition, such as kidney disease, diabetes or urinary problems, which may need a specific diet.
Read more: what to feed a cat and how to read cat food labels.
