Complete wet food for cats: the ultimate guide to choosing

A good complete wet food for cats represents the best diet for your little feline. According to the latest scientific studies, cats on a wet food-based diet show a significantly higher hydration rate compared to those fed exclusively on kibble.

This finding isn’t surprising when we consider that, in nature, cats obtain around 80% of their water intake from food. A cat’s diet also plays a key role in preventing many potentially fatal diseases. But what are the real benefits of complete wet food for your cat’s health?

Scientifically Proven Benefits of Wet Food for Cats

Wet cat food offers significant advantages, confirmed by numerous scientific studies. A study conducted by the University of Davis, California, showed that cats fed with wet food have a 28% lower risk of developing urinary tract diseases. This is also because cats retain the traits of their desert ancestors: they have a naturally low thirst drive.

But that’s not the only benefit. The high water and fiber content of wet food for cats helps improve digestion and promotes a greater sense of satiety, also assisting in obesity prevention.

Wet Food and the Evolutionary Aspect

As sweet and cuddly as they are, cats are born predators. The domestic life they’ve adapted to, which keeps them safe from the dangers faced by strays, can sometimes be far too monotonous for them.

As science confirms, wet food, combined with proper environmental enrichment, can act as a stimulus and positive reinforcement for indoor hunting simulations. This helps keep them active and satisfied—almost as if they were in the wild.

The Difference Between Complete and Complementary Wet Food

There are two types of wet cat food: complete and complementary.
Complete wet food for cats is formulated to provide all the essential nutrients a cat needs to stay healthy in a single serving. This type of food contains:

• High-quality proteins (e.g., meat or fish);
• Essential fats;
• Balanced vitamins and minerals;
• Functional natural ingredients, the so-called superfoods.

A cat fed exclusively on complete wet food receives a balanced diet without the need for additional supplements. Complementary wet food, on the other hand, is designed to supplement the cat’s diet, not provide full nutrition. It may be rich in protein or highly palatable but lacks all the necessary nutrients in balanced amounts. For example, a complementary food may have:

• Insufficient vitamins or minerals;
• An unbalanced ratio of nutrients (e.g., excess protein but lack of essential fats or taurine).

It is intended to be used as a snack, a supplement, or alongside complete food to vary flavor or enhance palatability.

How to Recognize High-Quality Complete Wet Food

How do I choose the best complete wet food for my cat? This is one of the most common questions among owners mindful of their cat’s diet. To answer it correctly, it’s crucial to rely on scientific criteria.

The latest FEDIAF guidelines recommend checking that, per 1000 kcal consumed by the cat, there are at least 83.3 g of protein and 22.50 g of fat. In addition, essential nutrients such as taurine, omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, calcium, and phosphorus must also be present.

Reading cat food labels is essential to ensure you’re buying a quality product. If you want to learn how, read our in-depth guide.

Naxos Complete Wet Food for Cats: Ingredients and Benefits

The new Naxos Pet Food complete wet food for cats was developed following these guidelines and based on scientific evidence from the most authoritative veterinary research teams, ensuring an optimal nutritional profile.

Its formulation was designed to provide:

• A high protein content from exclusive animal sources of high biological value, strictly made in Italy;
• An optimal balance of essential fats;
• A complete integration of vitamins and minerals, enriched with valuable superfoods such as pomegranate, spirulina algae, and salmon oil;
• Superior digestibility;
• The right nutritional balance for any need (kitten, adult, monoprotein, sterilized).

Thinking about spaying or neutering your cat? Discover how their diet should change and how to avoid potential complications.

Optimal Dosage: How Much Wet Food Should You Give Your Cat

How many grams of complete wet food should an adult cat eat? Generally, for an average adult cat (around 4 kg), studies suggest:

• 200–300 g of complete wet food per day if used as the sole food source;
• 85–150 g per day if combined with dry kibble;
• Dividing the amount into at least 2–3 meals per day.

However, the ideal wet food quantity can vary greatly depending on the cat’s weight, lifestyle, any medical conditions, and the nutritional profile of the chosen food.

Every cat is unique, and only a veterinarian specialized in animal nutrition can define the ideal diet for your feline friend.

Considering cooking for your furry companion? Check out our article on homemade diets.

Storage and Feeding: The Importance of Daily Practice

Even the nutritional properties of the best wet food for cats can be compromised by poor storage. To prevent this, once opened, keep the product refrigerated and use it within 24 hours.

Where to Buy High-Quality Complete Wet Food for Cats

To find high-quality products, it’s best to avoid supermarkets and rely on specialized retailers, who can properly preserve their quality and freshness.

Naxos Pet Food wet cat food is available online and in stores: choose the right option for your pet and find out where to buy it.

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