Which is better, dry or wet food for a male cat?

Question

My male cat just passed a kidney stone basically and we were feeding it dry food. Does it matter if the food is dry or wet?

Answer 1

Dry food is better for a cat because it is better in the long run for oral hygene. There teeth will be stonger.

Answer 2

There are a couple things that I think need to be clairified here. The first to answer your question. Anyone that tells you just to feed wet food only, does not know much about the nutrition requirements of cats. Canned food is over 70% water, which yes is really great for preventing crystals but also means that your cat is not getting the required amounts of protein, fat, carbohydrates, etc. that it needs to be health and prevent other illnesses like cancer, diabetes, etc. So the absolute best solution is to add water to your cats dry food (which a friend of mine does). If this is not an option because your cat will not eat it, then supplement the dry food with a little wet food.
Second, the issue of food quality is a big thing. I would stay far away from any generic food like Iams, Science Diet, Royal Canin, etc. and only feed a food like Innova or Wellness which are by fair the best foods on the market. (As a side note, no organic cat food is currently produced. Karma is the only organic dog food produced by the same manufacturer as Innova). These foods are all 100% fresh meat, vegetables and the highest quality grains. No fillers, chemical preservatives, or by-products, all of which could be causing those kidney stones. I'll stop my rambling now but it's important that people understand what you feed your pet has the same impact as what we eat affects our health. Feeding foods like Iams and Science Diet to your pet everyday is liking eating McDonalds everyday...do you really know what your getting???! I would highly recommend feeding Innova Cat Lite as it has been shown to reduce the occurance of health problems like crystals in cats.

Answer 3

Wet food is actually better for male cats because it will prevent them from getting kidney stones and other urinary tract issues. I have 8 cats, of which 3 are male, all ranging in ages 5 -10. The eldest male has never had urinary tract issues at all. I give the cats wet food for their main meal, with dry left out for their nibbling urges. I do worry about my youngest male however, as he will only eat dry food. I try to incorporate home cooked chicken and meat for him periodically as a balance.

I hope your fur baby gets better!

Answer 4

I give my cat both. I give him a moderate sized amount of dry food in the morning, and by the time it's evening, he's finished his dry food, and I give him a few tablespoons of wet food, which lasts the whole night. I also think that the organic pet food is A LOT better, I would never give any of my cats anything other. It's only about $15.00 per bag in the US and Canada, and it lasts my cat an entire month. The wet food is $2.00 per can, and lasts one week.

Answer 5

Male cats actually need both, and he should be eating a premium dry food (like Hills Science Diet, etc.)

Male cats CAN get urinary problems if they only eat dry food. Since your boy is already having problems, I would make sure he gets both -- and consult your vet if you haven't already done so.

Dry food is, for the most part, fine. But for male cats in particular, some wet should be incorporated info feedings. However, it is true that dry is better for his oral health.

Poor baby boy -- hope he's feeling better now!

Answer 6

Hills science diet is crap its mostly fillers. You want your cat on a premium food like Wellness, Innova, Nutro, Royal Canin, Eagle Pack. Its been proven that it doesnt matter if the cats been on wet or dry that both can have bad teeth if you do not brush them. Wet is better because it has more moisture content. But always make sure the cat has fresh water. I bought my cats the Cat It Fountain by Hagen and they love it, they are drinking all the time wich is good since i have a male and males are more prone to urinary tract infections. Here is a site that shows how to brush a cats teeth and how to get them used to it.
http://www.felinevideos.vet.cornell.edu/

Answer 7

Depends on the ingrediants of the food, dry or wet. Try to look for foods that are lower in calcium or vitamin D as excess amounts can form kidney stones.

It should not matter if its wet or dry.

Answer 8

Wet food will definitely help that situation. However, feeding only wet food is bad for their teeth. The best thing is to feed both wet and dry. Try alternating them between morning and evening.

Answer 9

Our cats have had dry food all their lives, and it doesn't hurt them.

Since your cat has had trouble with kidney stones, though, you may want to add a little wet food. And make sure he drinks plenty of water: That should help lessen the chance of a new stone forming.

Good luck!

Answer 10

Dry, too much wet food will throw off its digestive tract. A little wet food mixed with dry food is good. My cat got fat off wet food, so stick to dry it will keep him healthy, wet food should be a treat.

Answer 11

dry food only give them wet food for treats and if it is an older cat put a little pumpkin in the wet food once a day it helps them stay regular