Lets Talk Cat Health: Raw and Wet Food

We are back for part 2 of cat health tips as promised! Today we are going to dive into raw food and wet food.

If you’ve ever wondered why people talk so much about raw feeding or wet food for cats, there’s a good reason for it. Cats are unique nutritionally and one of the biggest things they need to thrive is moisture-rich food. As obligate carnivores cats are designed to thrive off of diets that are meat forward and high in moisture.

In the wild cats eat a lot of meat which means they are inherently gaining more moisture from their food than house cats. Unlike dogs, cats have naturally low thirst drives and are chronically dehydrated because of it. And if there is one thing we know as cat parents, it's that you cannot force your cat to do anything...including drinking water! This is where their diet becomes really important.

The Importance of Moisture in a Cat’s Diet 💧
Making sure your feline friend has enough moisture in their diet can help with some pretty heavy concerns. Some of the biggest benefits of hydrating diets for cats can be:

• Urinary health
• Kidney function
• Healthy digestion
• Skin and coat health

Think about it this way: as humans we need water in our diets to maintain overall wellbeing and bodily functions. Why would the same not go for our furry friends? Dehydration can lead to complications in urinary and kidney health, which cats are masters at disguising until they can't hide it anymore. Taking precautions and adding hydrating foods into their diets is one way to assure you are doing everything you can to keep your little ones comfortable and happy!

Now before we dive in to this topic in a little more detail, we want to say that our belief at Bon A-Pet-Treat! is make it make sense and that it works for you. We just want to put forward some of our tips and tricks that we have learned from many years of experience when it comes to dealing with cat health. We believe cat health (especially hydration) is not talked about enough, and we don't think that there is one answer for everyone. Cats are PICKY eaters, and if your cat loves their crunchy brown kibbles there is nothing wrong with that! A little of everything goes a long way and even adding some of these moisture rich foods into their every day diet can make a world of difference.

Signs your cat may need some extra hydration:

• Dry or flaky skin and dull coat
• Hairballs
• Digestive upset
• Strong smelling or discoloured urine
• Low water intake

Of course, if something feels off with your cat, always check with your vet. We are not experts and you know your cat better than anyone! Checking in regularly with your vet is always a preventative and good way to know what's going on inside your kitty's body.

The Differences between Wet Food and Raw Food
While both are great options there are a few key differences between the two.

Wet food is gently cooked and comes in cans, pouches, or cartons. It’s convenient, hydration-focused, and often a great starting point for picky eaters or cats transitioning away from dry food. Wet food includes tons of protein varieties, sizes, and lots of texture. It's recommended to introduce this once or twice a day for extra moisture, especially if your cat doesn't like drinking water!
Raw food is exactly what it sounds like: raw. It is minimally processed and designed to mimic a more natural, prey-based diet. It typically contains raw meat, organs, and bone (or balanced alternatives), making it a more biologically appropriate option for many cat parents who want to have the most natural and balanced diet they can for their kitties. Raw food is the most natural and contains the highest amount of water content compared to other foods.

The good news? Both options can be beneficial! The “best” choice depends on your cat, lifestyle, comfort level, and feeding goals. Even adding a little moisture-rich food to the bowl is a win. 💛

Benefits of Raw Feeding for Cats 🥩

Shinier Coat & Healthier Skin ✨

Raw food has healthy fats, omegas, and is packed with natural moisture! Which will leave your furry feline feeling smooth and silky!

Better Digestion and Poops! 💩

Yes, better poops! Raw food does not contain unnecessary fillers or extra ingredients which means your kitty will have less smelly and smaller poops.

Increased Energy & Muscle Maintenance 💪

High protein can help support lean muscle and overall energy. Your kitty will love the extra zoomies and strength they acquire from raw food.

Better Hydration 💧

Because raw food is high in moisture content your kitty will look and feel hydrated. This will help their urinary health and kidney health as strong organs require strong hydration.

Does my cat have to eat ONLY raw food?
No! Raw food is so beneficial in so many ways, but we also understand it is a bit more of a commitment than kibble or wet food. It requires thawing and portioning, which can be challenging when you already have such a busy day to day life. That's why we recommend even a little bit to make sure your kitty is getting balance in every bowl. Raw food is usually fed on it's own as the main diet with extra treats and toppers added to it. However it can also be a great addition to dry diets for extra hydration and adding some variety! Dehydrated raw food like Smack Lamb Royale is also a great option for all of the benefits of raw without the extra preparation of frozen raw.

One of our favourite brands of kitty raw food is Red Dog Blue Kat; these meals are packed with goodness and are conveniently portioned into 1/4lb patties, making preparation easy and quick! They are 97% meat/bone/organ, with 3% fruits and veggies making them a complete and delicious meals for our pets.

Benefits of Wet Food for Cats 🥫

Wet food is also an amazing option and can make a huge difference, especially for cats currently eating only kibble or dry food.

The benefits of wet food are similar to those of raw:

• Increased moisture intake
• Better urinary support
• Easier eating for picky cats
• More variety in texture and flavour
• Great for toppers, adding supplements, or enrichment

Even adding a little wet food to your cat’s bowl can be a positive step. Wet food has such a variety of proteins and flavours available that even a picky cat will find something they love.
Compared to kibble, wet food contains significantly more moisture, typically around 70–80% water, while kibble often sits around 8–12% moisture. That extra hydration can help support urinary health, kidney function, digestion, and overall hydration, especially for cats that don’t naturally drink much water.
Wet food also tends to be higher in animal protein and lower in carbohydrates than many traditional kibbles, making it a more species-appropriate option for obligate carnivores.

We have a variety of wet foods available, but our newest addition is Weruva Cats in the Kitchen! We love this line because not only are their names really cute and quirky, but they are hydrating, come with lots of texture, and offer tons of proteins for cats that are a little more picky than others.

Staff Story
A perfect example of this comes from one of our own Bon A-Pet-Treat! kitties Rocco. Rocco is a HUGE cat, and an avid kibble eater. He has never been a fan of wet or raw foods. He has always enjoyed the crunch of his kibble and turned his nose up to wet and raw options. However this has changed! Since we brought in Weruva Cats in the Kitchen, Rocco has been OBSESSED with their Lamburgini and La Isla Bonita recipes! He is also a huge fan of Smack Lamb Royale as a topper or a treat. These changes to his diet have significantly increased his energy, mood, and his skin and coat health. As such a large cat he requires lots of food in his diet, and these changes have made it even more fun for him! He is living proof that even the pickiest of cats can find something they love!

When it comes to cat nutrition, one of the simplest things we can focus on is adding moisture back into the bowl.
Whether that looks like raw food, wet food, or small hydrating upgrades over time, every little step can help support your cat’s overall health.
Because happier tummies, healthier hydration, and thriving cats? We love to see it 🐱💛