Wet vs Dry Cat Food: Choosing the Best Option for Your Kitten

Bringing home a new kitten comes with plenty of cuddles – and just as many choices. One of the first big ones is food. You might be asking: wet vs dry cat food – which is best for my kitten? As New Zealand’s go-to experts in pet nutrition, we’re here to help you make an informed decision that supports your kitten’s growth, energy and long-term health. After all, We Get Pet.

Nutrition 101: What Kittens Need

Kittens grow quickly in their first year, which means their nutrition has a big job to do. They need energy-dense food that supports brain development, a strong immune system and healthy bones and muscles. Look for specially formulated kitten food options to ensure they’re getting the right mix of proteins, fats, vitamins and minerals.

Whether you’re leaning toward kibble or cans, your choice should meet these needs. Brands like Royal Canin and Hill's Science Diet offer high-quality kitten food in both dry and wet formats, tailored to support every stage of early life.

Benefits Of Wet Cat Food For Kittens

Wet food is often a hit with kittens thanks to its strong aroma and soft texture. But it offers more than just taste appeal:

• Higher moisture content: Helps keep kittens hydrated, which is especially important if they’re not drinking much water.
• Easy to eat: Great for tiny mouths and kittens adjusting from milk or soft foods.
• Weight-friendly: Wet food can help with portion control, making it easier to manage a healthy growth rate.

If your kitten is a picky eater or tends not to drink water regularly, wet food may be the pawfect solution. Explore our delicious wet cat food bundles, made to satisfy even the fussiest felines.

Benefits Of Dry Cat Food For Kittens

Dry cat food is a handy option for many kitten parents – and it's not just because it's easy to store. Here’s why you might choose kibble:

• Dental support: Crunching dry food may help reduce plaque build-up on baby teeth.
• Convenience: Lasts longer once opened, doesn’t require refrigeration, and is easy to portion out.
• Great for free feeding: Ideal if your kitten likes to nibble throughout the day.

Pairing crunchy kibble with a water source – like one of our cat water fountains – helps ensure your little one stays hydrated. You can check out our range of dry cat food, packed with nutrients for growing kittens.

Can I Feed My Kitten Both Wet And Dry Food?

Absolutely! Many kitten parents choose to offer both wet and dry food to get the best of both bowls. Known as mixed feeding, this approach provides hydration from wet food and dental and convenience benefits from dry food.

Just make sure you serve the right total amount of food so your curious kitten doesn’t over-indulge. Our experts recommend speaking with a qualified pet nutrition advisor to find the right balance for your kitten’s breed, activity level and needs. Don't forget to check out our mixed cat food bundles – an easy way to do both without the guesswork.

Our Final Thoughts On Wet Vs Dry Kitten Food

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer for every kitten. Some may thrive on dry kibble, others on juicy pouches, and many on a combination of both. The good news? You can try different options and see what suits your kitten best.

At Petdirect, we’re here with expert advice, a wide range of kitten foods and goodies from trusted brands like Feline Natural, Royal Canin, and ZIWI. Sign up for Pet Perks to earn rewards as you shop, and don’t forget, you can earn Airpoints too!

Feeding time just became something to purr about. Start exploring our Kitten Shop to find the purrfect food for your fluffy new family member today!