Best Cat Food UK: Wet vs Dry and How to Choose

Cats are obligate carnivores — unlike dogs, they have a biological requirement for nutrients found only in animal tissue. That makes the quality of your cat's food more critical than many owners realise. Here's what you need to know to choose well.

Wet vs Dry Cat Food: The Core Debate

Wet cat food (pouches, trays, tins) has a moisture content of around 70–80%. Since cats have a naturally low thirst drive and evolved to get most of their hydration from prey, this moisture is genuinely beneficial. Wet food supports kidney and urinary tract health, which is a significant issue in cats — urinary tract disease is one of the most common reasons cats visit the vet in the UK.

Dry cat food is more calorie-dense, convenient and often better for dental health. It's also cheaper per serving. The downside is that cats fed exclusively on dry food often don't drink enough water to compensate, which can contribute to urinary and kidney issues over time.

The ideal approach for most cats: a combination of both — wet food as the primary diet, with dry available for grazing or dental benefit.

What to Look for on the Label

• Named meat as the first ingredient — chicken, turkey, salmon, tuna. Avoid foods where the first ingredient is "meat derivatives" or cereals
• High protein content — aim for 30%+ on a dry matter basis
• Taurine — an essential amino acid cats cannot produce themselves; must be present in the food
• No artificial colours or flavours
• Life-stage appropriate — kitten, adult, senior and indoor-specific formulas exist for good reasons

Indoor vs Outdoor Cats

Indoor cats are typically less active and more prone to weight gain and hairballs. Many brands now offer indoor-specific formulas with lower calorie density and added fibre to help move hair through the digestive system. If your cat lives entirely indoors, this is worth considering.

Feeding by Life Stage

Kittens (under 12 months) need energy-dense food with high protein and fat, plus DHA for brain development. Always use a kitten-specific formula — adult food won't provide the right nutrition for rapid growth.

Adult cats (1–7 years) do well on a quality maintenance formula. Monitor weight carefully — obesity in cats is common and leads to diabetes, arthritis and liver disease.

Senior cats (7+) often benefit from highly digestible proteins and added joint support. Many seniors also develop kidney issues, so high-moisture diets become even more important.

How Much to Feed

Follow the guide on the packaging, but treat it as a starting point. Most cats do well with 2 meals per day. Free-feeding dry food works for some cats but leads to overeating in others. If your cat is gaining weight, switch to measured twice-daily meals.

Browse our full cat food range at UK9 Petcare — including wet, dry and mixed feeding options from Royal Canin, Hills Science Plan, Felix, Purina Pro Plan and more.