Is it better for cats to poop wet food or dry food
Wet vs. Dry Cat Food: Whats Better for Cats?
Cat owners often ask the question, is dry or wet food better for cats? The answer is not black and white. Both types of cat food have upsides and downsides. In this article on wet versus dry cat food, well go over all of the pros and cons to help you decide which is best for your cat.
Whether the food is dry or wet, look for foods that meet AAFCO standards. All commercial cat foodswhether dry or wetprovide all the nutrition cats need, as long as the food meets the standards established by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO). The AAFCO label on a bag of cat food indicates that the food is nutritionally complete and balanced for the cats life stage.
The life stages include adult, kitten, pregnant and lactating females, and all life stages (any cat of any age).
Is Wet or Dry Food Better for Cats?
In theory, it shouldnt matter if a cat eatsdry foodorwet food, but each type has its benefits and drawbacks.
Also Read:The 11 Best Dry Cat Foods
Drycat food, also known asdrykibble, is a highly processed, shelf-stable food.Drycat foodis good for a long time (sometimes a year or longer) in the original sealed bag. Look for a best by or use by date on the bag to find out if an unopened bag is still fresh.
Once opened, its best to usedrycat foodwithin about six weeks. Although you might be tempted to transfer yourdrycat foodinto a plastic container, its best to keep it in theoriginal bag, which has a special liner designed to maximize the freshness of the food. Fold the top of the bag down all the way, squeezing out as much air as you can, and clip it closed, then store the bag in a cool, dry place.
Wetcat food, also known ascannedfood, is generally less processed thandrycat food, but also very shelf-stable. Unopened cans, trays, and pouches ofwetcat foodlast a long time, usually several years.
Also Read:The 10 Best Healthy Canned, Soft & Wet Cat Foods
As with dry food, look for a best by or use by date on the can, tray, or pouch to determine if unopened wet cat food is still good. Once opened, wet cat food is highly perishable. Wet food can be left out for only a few hours before it will spoil, and leftovers must be refrigerated. Use wet cat food within five to seven daysof opening it.
Dry Cat Food Pros and Cons
Dry cat food is convenient to store, easy to serve, and nutrient-dense.
On the flip side, compared withwetcat food,drycat foodis usually higher in carbohydrates and has less protein (especiallyanimal protein). Although cats can digest and absorb beneficial nutrients from carbohydrates, cats have no minimumnutritional requirementfor carbohydrates.
Cats areobligate carnivores, meaning that they requireanimal proteinin their diet. Wild cats eat very littlecarbs, if any, as their diet consists mainly of eating small prey animals.
These small prey animals have high amounts of protein and moderate amounts of fat.Drycat foodis a less natural type of diet for cats, although domestic cats have evolved to live and thrive ondrycat foods.
Although you may have heard thatdry foodis better for yourcats teethbecause it scrapes the teeth clean, this is generally untrue for several reasons. For example, thekibbleis so small that it crumbles easily in a cats mouth. Also, cats swallow rather than chew their food, so theyre not munching ondry food.
In general,drycat foodis no better for yourcats teeththanwet food, and it no more keeps acats teethclean than eating crackers or cereal would keep your teeth clean.
Read More:Best Dental Cat Treats
However, some dry cat foods have been specially developed to help remove tartar from a cats teeth. These specialdental healthfoods, which have received the seal of acceptance from the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC), include these listed here:
A big plus ofdry foodis that you can keep it out all day. This is great for cats that like to nibble throughout the day. However, cats dont exactly have a sense ofportion control, so free-choice feeding can easily add on extra pounds. Cats that are overweight should not have theirdry foodleft out all day.
DryCat FoodPros
- Affordable
- Longshelf life
- Convenient (easy to serve and can be left out)
- More energy-dense thanwet food
- Many cats love the crunch and taste
DryCat FoodCons
- Lowerwater contentthanwet food
- Contains less protein, especially animal protein, than most wet foods
- Contains more carbohydrates thanwet foods
- May be difficult for cats with dental issues or missing teeth
- Cats may overeat if the food stays in the bowl all day
Wet Cat Food Pros and Cons
Wet cat food offers many health benefits, including high water content and more protein than dry cat food.
Because of extra water content, wet food is great for cats that need to increase their water intake, such as cats with urinary tract disease like kidney disease, urinary crystals, or cystitis (inflammation of the bladder). Low-carbohydrate diets are sometimes recommended for diabetic cats, and wet cat food generally meets that requirement.
Wetcat foodalso contains more protein thandrycat food, especiallyanimal protein. Cats, beingobligate carnivores, are made to consume and digest high amounts ofanimal protein, moderate amounts of fat, and minimal amounts of carbohydrates.Wet foodchecks all of those boxes nicely.
Many cats love the taste of wet food, especially picky eaters and older cats. Older catswith dental problems benefit from the soft texture ofwet food.
One of the biggest disadvantages of wet cat food is cost. Even though wet cat foods high moisture content is a good thing, all that extra water weight makes the food less nutrient-dense. So, you have to buy and feed more wet food to make sure your cat gets all of the nutrients they need. Also, ounce for ounce, wet food costs more than dry food.
Another downside ofwet foodis that its quickly perishable. You have to pick up yourcats foodafter a few hours or it will spoil. This can be hard for cats that prefer to nibble throughout the day, especially if youre not home and cant feed three or four small meals a day.
Leftovers must be promptly refrigerated. When stored in the fridge in an airtight container, some commercial food companies state that opened canned food might last as long as five to seven days. However, its best to use up leftover wet food within 72 hours, so stay on top of whats left in the fridge. Marking the date on the can of food can help you do that.
WetCat FoodPros
- Higher water content than dry food
- More protein, especially animal protein, than most dry food
- Fewer carbohydrates than dry food
- Long shelf life when unopened
- Very good flavor
- Good for cats with dental issues or missing teeth
WetCat FoodCons
- Expensive
- Less energy-dense than dry food
- Quickly perishable once opened (must be refrigerated)
Mixing Wet and Dry Cat Food: The Best of Both Worlds
To avoid picky eating habits later in life, offer kittens both dry food and wet food.
If youre torn about whether to feed your catdry foodorwet food, consider offering both. You might serve one meal ofdry foodin the morning before you leave for work, then offerwet foodin the evening once you return home. Or, if your cat tends to eat her food all at once, mix the two types together. Any amount ofwet foodcan boost your cats overall diet with extra water and protein.
If you have a kitten, offer dry andwet foodearly on. Cats usually develop preferences for taste and texture early in kittenhood. If your kitten eats onlydry food, she might turn her nose up atwet foodin the future (and vice versa).
Also Read:The 8 Best Kitten Foods
For all cats, always offer plenty of fresh,clean water.
Ask your veterinarian for advice if you are still wondering about thebest foodfor your cat, especially if your cat has specifichealth issueslikekidney diseaseor diabetes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do cats need wet food every day?
Whether dry or wet, healthy cats get all the nutrients they need from any form of cat food, provided that the food has the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) label on it. This label indicates that the food is nutritionally complete and balanced for the cats life stage (the life stages include maintenance for an adult cat, kitten and pregnant/lactating females, or all life stages).
However, wet cat food does provide the benefits of extra water and protein in a cats diet, so it's beneficial to feed wet food every day if you can.
Can cats live on dry food only?
Yes, as long as the pet food is high-quality and is labeled complete and balanced according to AAFCO standards.
Should cats eat both wet and dry food?
Because there are pros and cons to both wet and dry cat food, feeding both types of food may offer the best of both worlds: the extra water and protein from the wet food and the convenience of dry food.
Is wet food bad for cats teeth?
The oft-told theory that dry food is better for a cats teeth than wet food is mostly untrue. Dry cat food cleans a cats teeth no better than crackers or cereal clean a humans teeth. Feeding a cat only wet food is not bad for the teeth. However, special dental diets that contain the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) seal have been proven to support dental health and keep the teeth cleaner. All cats should have their teeth brushed daily, or at least several times a week, with a pet-safe toothpaste and cleaned professionally by the veterinarian at least once a year.
9 Best Cat Foods for Smelly Poop
Tired of litter box odor? Youll be glad to know you can change the smell of your cats litter box by changing what you put in his bowl. After hours of studying the relationship between feline food and feces, weve identified the qualities of the best cat food for a healthier gut and less odor.
The best cat food for smelly poop is easy to digest and free of ingredients that could trigger a food allergy or cause digestive upset. Its ingredients are high-quality and species-appropriate, with items like muscle meat, organs, and animal-derived fat making up most of the recipe.
At a Glance: Best Cat Food for Smelly Poop To Buy
Want a quick look at the products reviewed in this article? In the comparison table below, weve highlighted some of the most important features of each product. Youll find more detailed information about each product later in the article.
Overall Best
10.0
Picked by 31 people today!
- Species-appropriate fresh cat food recipes
- Made with a single source of animal protein
- Good source of hydrating moisture
Premium Pick
9.8
Picked by 31 people today!
- Rich in animal-sourced protein and fat
- Very low carbohydrate content, under 10%
- Made with ethically and sustainably sourced ingredients
Budget Pick
9.8
Picked by 25 people today!
- Contains over 45% dry matter protein
- Free from hard-to-digest peas and legumes
- Rich in moisture to support your cats hydration
Best Wet Food
9.7
Picked by 21 people today!
- Made with a single source of animal protein
- Rich in moisture to support your cats hydration
- Very short list of ingredients, highly digestible
Best Dry Food
9.7
Picked by 18 people today!
- Relies primarily on animal-sourced protein and fat
- Very low carbohydrate content, under 10% dry matter
- Doesnt contain peas, lentils, or legumes
Best for Weight Loss
9.6
Picked by 31 people today!
- Rich in species-appropriate animal protein
- Short list of simple, digestible ingredients
- Very low in carbohydrates
- May be a good option for overweight cats
Best Novel Protein
9.5
Picked by 31 people today!
- Made with a single source of novel animal protein
- Species-appropriate blend of muscle meat, organs, and bone
- Herring oil provides animal-sourced omega-3s
Best for Sensitive Stomachs
9.5
Picked by 25 people today!
- Made with a single source of animal protein
- Rich in moisture to support your cats hydration
- Made with human-grade ingredients
Best for Kittens
9.4
Picked by 21 people today!
- Relies on animal-sourced protein and fat
- Soft texture is easy for kittens to eat
- Rich in hydrating moisture
Why Should You Trust Us?
Weve reviewed over 200 of the worlds most popular cat food brands and hundreds of different formulas. Weve spent hours researching, contacting pet food companies, analyzing labels, and reading customer reviews. With the help of our cats, we also got hands-on experience with most of these foods.
Finally, we consulted 7 veterinarians to get their professional opinion on what makes a great cat food.
Our Veterinary Advisors
How We Tested
We personally purchased and tested the products on this list. The entire testing process was funded by Cats.com without direct input or influence from the companies involved.
When researching cat food, we analyze the information on the label including the guaranteed analysis, list of ingredients, and life stage designation. We also consult customer reviews for insight regarding reformulations or issues with product quality and check for product recalls.
During our in-depth testing, we make observations about the products appearance, texture, consistency, smell, and packaging. We also feed the food to our cats to get their opinion regarding palatability and general appeal.
What Are the Qualities of the Best Cat Food for Smelly Poop?
Changes inside the litter box are often a first-line indicator of underlying health issues. If your cats feces has changed in odor, appearance, frequency, or volume, its best to consult your veterinarian to rule out infections and other health problems.
Once you and your veterinarian have established that diet is the solution to your cats smelly poop, prioritize two things: simplicity and efficiency.
All poop smells, but it smells worse when theres more to itmore sulfur, more bacteria, and more digestive by-products. Time also plays a part. Foods that take longer to digest spend more time in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, giving digestive gases more time to build up and make your cats litter box session all the smellier.
By keeping things simple, the best cat food for smelly poop minimizes the amount of work your cats body does to process his food, making digestion more efficient.
The best cat food for smelly poop exhibits the following qualities:
It is rich in species-appropriate animal protein.
Cats are obligate carnivores which means theyve evolved to follow a meat-based diet. Their digestive tracts are very short because theyre designed to process highly-digestible raw prey theres little need for the fermenting bacteria required to digest plant matter.
Species-appropriate food for cats is formulated around animal products like poultry, meat, and fish. Animal-based protein should top the ingredient list, ideally balanced with animal-sourced fat.
The lower the carbohydrate content of your cats food, the better. A whole-prey diet for cats contains less than 10% dry matter carbohydrate.
It contains a short list of highly digestible ingredients.
The more ingredients a cat food contains, the more work it is for your cats body to digest. A short list of species-appropriate ingredients ensures optimal digestion with less waste, and therefore less odor.
Again, animal ingredients are the most digestible for your cat. Avoid starchy carbohydrates that add bulk to the product without supplying much nutritional value. Peas, lentils, and other legumes should be avoided as well because they contain high levels of lectins and phytates.
Lectins are plant proteins which, when consumed in large quantities, can contribute to gastrointestinal distress. Phytates play a role in leeching essential minerals like calcium and iron from your cats body.
It contains plenty of hydrating moisture.
Wild cats get most of their water from prey, so they dont have high thirst drives. Unfortunately, domestic cats have inherited this trait and many cats dont get the water they need for proper hydration.
Water is a key ingredient in both urine and feces, and its necessary to remove waste products from the body. When your cat isnt properly hydrated, it can lead to constipation and other health issues. High-moisture cat food helps support your cats digestion and may reduce litter box odor.
It is free from allergenic and irritating ingredients.
In addition to other symptoms, food allergies may cause flatulence and smelly stool. The most common food allergies in cats are caused by proteins, primarily chicken, fish, or beef. Other less common cat food allergies include wheat, corn, and soy.
True food allergies are fairly uncommon in cats, and they often manifest with skin-related symptoms like itchy skin and hair loss. If your cat is diagnosed with a food allergy, its imperative that you identify the allergen and adjust your cats diet to avoid it.
In many cases, switching to a limited ingredient diet made with a single, novel source of protein does the trick. A novel protein is simply one your cat hasnt eaten before.
Most adult cats are lactose-intolerant, so its wise to avoid cat foods that contain dairy as well. Dairy products have the potential to cause digestive distress, flatulence, and smelly poop. Avoid giving your cat cows milk as a treat and pass up foods that contain it.
The Best Cat Foods for Smelly Poop: Our Top Picks
The following foods emphasize the qualities that we look for in the best cat food for smelly poop.
Rememberfood isnt always the solution. Sometimes more serious issues are at play.
Many times, simply changing out what your cat is eating can be enough to fix the smelly poop problem. But its a good idea to talk to your vet first to see if the problem is more severe than just a poor diet.
Other, more dangerous factors can contribute to seriously smelly poop:
- Spoiled food. If your cat eats something rottenmaybe something straight from the garbagehis poop might temporarily smell worse than usual.
- Tapeworms and other parasites.Intestinal parasites cause a variety of digestive issues, including severe fecal odor. Giardia, for example, is an intestinal parasite that causes a foul fecal odor.
- Digestive disorders.If your cat has a digestive disorder that impedes nutrient absorption, it can cause your cats poop to smell foul.
- Drugs.Antibiotics and certain other drugs can contribute to severe fecal odor.
- Infections.Certain types of infections can cause similar digestive issues, including smelly poop.
Bacterial infections from E.coli and Salmonella cause inflammation, leading todiarrheaand gas, both of which can have an unusually intense odor.
If increased litter box odor is a new problem and you havent recently made any changes to your cats diet, talk to your veterinarian to determine whether an underlying health problem might be at play.
Ask a Vet
If your cat is exhibiting
labored, rapid, or noisy breathing, youll need an expert to help you identify whats going on and how to fix it. If you cant bring your cat to a veterinarian right now you may want to contact a vet on
JustAnswer.For between $10 and $100, this service allows you to
connect one-on-one with a real veterinarian in real time. Its one of the best ways to get personalized expert advice at a fraction of the cost of a vet visit.
Ask a Question
Your vet can help you determine what the cause of the smelly poop is and what you need to do to fix the problem. If your cat has had this issue for only a day or two, then it may not be something you need to concern yourself with, but if it persists or keeps coming back, then you will need to take action.
Often, a change of diet is all your cat needs to start feeling better and having better-smelling poop. Be sure to consult with your veterinarian about any major changes you are making to your cats lifestyle and diet, especially if your cat is being treated for a medical condition.
We hope that you can use the information here to get your cat healthy once more and to get rid of that foul poop smell.
