Some cats inhale their dinner in seconds. Others inspect the bowl like a food critic judging a five-star restaurant before deciding whether it’s acceptable. Either way, one thing most cats have in common is this: they know exactly what they like.
That’s why wet food continues to grow in popularity among cat owners. The texture, aroma, flavour and moisture content all appeal to a cat’s natural instincts in a way that feels closer to how they’re designed to eat.
Now, two premium pet food brands well-known for their biologically appropriate approach to nutrition — ACANA and ORIJEN — have launched exciting new wet food ranges for cats in New Zealand.
Whether you’re feeding wet food full-time, exploring mixed feeding, supporting hydration, or simply trying to impress a particularly fussy feline, here’s what you need to know about these new ranges and why cat owners are paying attention.
Why Wet Food Matters for Cats
Cats naturally have a low thirst drive. In the wild, they would get most of their moisture from prey, which contains around 70 to 75% water. Wet food helps mimic this natural moisture intake, making it a simple and effective way to support hydration as part of a cat’s everyday routine.
That extra moisture can play an important role in supporting urinary tract health, kidney function, and overall wellbeing. Many cat owners also find wet food useful for senior cats, fussy eaters, or cats that simply don’t drink much from their water bowl.
But wet food isn’t just about hydration. Cats are highly sensory eaters. Aroma, texture and flavour all influence whether a meal gets enthusiastically devoured or dramatically ignored. Wet food tends to deliver strongly in all three areas, which is why many cats find it irresistible.
Meet ACANA Chunks in Broth
ACANA’s new Chunks in Broth range is designed to combine high-quality animal protein with hydrating broth in a texture many cats naturally enjoy. Each recipe features tender chunks paired with savoury broth, creating a moisture-rich meal that supports hydration while delivering the protein cats need to thrive.
Another standout feature of the ACANA range is its clean ingredient philosophy. The recipes are crafted without grains, carrageenan, peas, lentils or legumes, making them a simple, high-quality option for cat owners wanting carefully selected ingredients in every bowl.
The inclusion of antioxidant-rich ingredients and added vitamin E also helps support everyday immune health, while naturally occurring omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids contribute to healthy skin and a glossy coat. Combined with the enticing aroma and flavour of broth-based meals, the range offers a balance of nutrition and palatability that works well for both everyday feeding and fussier cats.
Meet ORIJEN Chunks & Shreds
If your cat prefers rich, protein-packed meals with varied texture, ORIJEN’s new Chunks & Shreds range is likely to grab their attention. This range combines hearty chunks with tender shreds in nourishing broth, creating a texture experience that feels highly appealing to many cats.
ORIJEN is well known for its protein-rich philosophy, and the wet range continues that approach with recipes crafted from 95% premium animal ingredients designed to reflect a cat’s biological needs. Alongside its high animal protein content, the ORIJEN range is made without grain ingredients, carrageenan, peas, lentils or legumes.
The recipes also include ingredients that support overall wellbeing beyond just taste. Antioxidant-containing ingredients and added vitamin E help support immune function, while naturally occurring omega fatty acids help maintain healthy skin and coat condition. Combined with the hydrating broth and texture-rich format, the range is designed to satisfy both a cat’s nutritional needs and their love of flavourful, moisture-rich meals.
The ORIJEN range is ideal for cat owners wanting to increase moisture intake while still prioritising high animal protein content.
Wet Food and Mixed Feeding
One of the biggest shifts in cat feeding over the last few years has been the rise of mixed feeding. Rather than choosing between wet or dry food exclusively, many owners now combine both as part of their cat’s routine.
Mixed feeding allows cats to benefit from the hydration and palatability of wet food while maintaining the convenience many owners enjoy from dry feeding. It also introduces more texture and variety into the diet, which can help keep meals interesting.
Some owners feed wet food in the morning and dry food later in the day. Others use wet food as a topper, enrichment activity, or evening meal. There’s no single “correct” approach — the goal is simply finding a routine that works for both you and your cat.
Both ACANA Chunks in Broth and ORIJEN Chunks & Shreds fit easily into mixed feeding routines, whether you’re introducing wet food for the first time or already have a dedicated wet-food fan at home.
Which Range Is Right for Your Cat?
The good news is there’s no wrong answer here — both ranges are designed to provide high-quality nutrition and moisture-rich meals for cats.
Some cats may prefer the softer, savoury simplicity of ACANA Chunks in Broth, while others may be drawn to the richer texture combination found in ORIJEN Chunks & Shreds. Fussy cats, in particular, often have strong opinions about texture, so trying a few options can help you discover what your cat genuinely enjoys.
Cats can also benefit from rotational feeding, where different flavours and textures are offered throughout the week to provide variety and maintain excitement around meals.
At the end of the day, the “best” wet food is the one your cat happily eats consistently while supporting their overall health and hydration.
Explore the New ACANA and ORIJEN Wet Food Ranges
Whether you’re supporting hydration, upgrading your cat’s meals, introducing mixed feeding, or trying to win over a fussy eater, the new wet food ranges from and make it easy to add flavour, moisture and high-quality nutrition to the bowl.
Browse the full ranges here:
- Shop ACANA Chunks in Broth
- Shop ORIJEN Chunks & Shreds
Frequently Asked Questions
Is wet food better for cats?
Wet food can provide important hydration support because it contains significantly more moisture than dry food. Many cats naturally drink very little water, so wet food is a useful way to help increase overall moisture intake.
Can I mix wet and dry food together?
Yes. Mixed feeding is very common and allows cats to enjoy the benefits of both wet and dry food. Many owners feed wet food as one meal a day or combine it alongside dry food for added variety and hydration.
Are the new ACANA and ORIJEN wet foods complete and balanced?
Yes. Both ranges are formulated to provide complete and balanced nutrition for cats when fed according to feeding guidelines.
Is there a recipe suitable for kittens?
Yes, ACANA Chicken & Salmon Recipe and ORIJEN Chicken & Tuna Entrée are both suitable for kittens.
Will wet food help my cat drink more water?
Wet food naturally increases moisture intake because it contains a high percentage of water. This can be especially helpful for cats that don’t drink much from bowls or fountains.
My cat is really fussy. Which range should I try first?
Fussy cats often respond strongly to texture and aroma. Some may prefer the tender chunks and savoury broth in ACANA, while others enjoy the varied texture of ORIJEN Chunks & Shreds. Trying a few flavours and textures is often the best approach.
How should I introduce wet food to my cat?
Start gradually by mixing a small amount into your cat’s usual routine and increasing it slowly over several days. Some cats adjust immediately, while others prefer a slower transition.
Are these ranges grain-free?
Yes, both wet food ranges are crafted without grains, carrageenan, peas, lentils or legumes.