What can I give my cat instead of wet food?
Chloe Ramirez
Updated on February 21, 2026
Discover some harmless staples you can share with your favorite feline:
- Fish. While you don't want your kitty eating from the aquarium, feeding him oily fish such as tuna or mackerel can help his eyesight, joints and brain.
- Meat. ...
- Cheese. ...
- Bananas. ...
- Berries. ...
- Melon. ...
- Carrots. ...
- Rice.
What can I substitute for wet cat food?
Scrambled or hard-boiled eggs with no seasoning, cooking oil or sprays. Other cooked meats like fish, turkey, lean beef or pork. Low-fat deli meats. Canned tuna will work in an emergency as well, but the mercury present in tuna is best avoided.Can cats live without wet food?
Your cat will be fine as long as it has food and water. The reason for giving wet food is to keep your cat well hydrated but skipping wet food for a couple of days is not a problem. You have to be sure the automatic feeder is working so your cat gets food at the usual times each day.Can cats live on dry food only?
"Dry food is fine as long as it is complete and balanced," says Dr. Kallfelz. Dry food may be less expensive than canned cat food and may stay fresher longer. Cats that eat only dry food need to be provided with lots of fresh water, especially if they are prone to developing urinary tract blockages.What human food can cats eat as a treat?
Which Human Foods Are Safe for Cats to Eat?
- Apples. Apple flesh is safe for feline consumption, but apple seeds, stems, and leaves contain cyanide, which is poisonous to cats and must be removed before serving.
- Bananas. ...
- Blueberries. ...
- Strawberries. ...
- Watermelon. ...
- Peanut butter. ...
- Cooked eggs. ...
- Baked bread.
How to Transition Your Cats to a Different Diet
Is Tuna good for cats?
Cats can be addicted to tuna, whether it's packed for cats or for humans. Some tuna now and then probably won't hurt. But a steady diet of tuna prepared for humans can lead to malnutrition because it won't have all the nutrients a cat needs. And, too much tuna can cause mercury poisoning.What table food can cats eat?
Whole grains such as oats, corn, brown rice and even couscous all contain lots of protein and are all human foods your cat can eat.Should cats have wet food everyday?
Feeding your cat wet food every day in addition to dry food ensures that your cat receives plenty of fluids. This is because fresh animal-based food naturally contains lots of water, which is also a key part of the jelly that binds the pieces together.Can I put water in dry cat food?
Just take about a ΒΌ cup of filtered water and add it to the top of the bowl of kibble in order to moisten and enhance the flavor of the pet food. Cats often stand to benefit the most from doing this, as they frequently have issues with dehydration.When should I stop giving my cat wet food?
By three to four weeks, kittens can begin eating moistened dry kibble or wet food. Between six and eight weeks, kittens are fully weaned from their mother's milk and can eat dry or wet kitten food.Why does my cat only like dry food?
If your cat normally enjoys dry food but has suddenly become a fussy eater, you may need to replace your supply. As dry food absorbs moisture (especially in warm weather), your stocks may have turned stale. If your cat has started to turn their nose up at their usual wet food, it could be because it's too cold.Is dry food better for cats?
Ultimately, your cat will decide whether she prefers dry or wet cat food. Purina nutritionists recommend feeding a combination of wet and dry food, though. This helps ensure she gets plenty of moisture in her diet, plus the dental benefits of dry food, all while adding variety to keep her interested.Can I give my cat scrambled eggs?
Want to see if your cat likes eggs? Great! After consulting with your vet to make sure it's a safe snack for your kitty, you can try serving them scrambled, hard-boiled or poached. Just remember to consider them a treat, and only feed your fur baby eggs as part of a balanced meal plan.How do you make homemade cat wet food?
Ingredients4
- 1/4 cup chicken breast (cooked)
- 1/2 ounce clams (canned, chopped in juice)
- 1/2 cup rice (long-grain, cooked)
- 1 tablespoon chicken fat.
- 1/8 teaspoon salt substitute (potassium chloride)
- 1/4 multiple vitamin-mineral tablet.
- 1/10 B complex vitamin-trace mineral tablet (Give it your best shot)
Can I give my cat tuna in water?
Yes, in most cases, cats can drink tuna water in moderation. But because of concerns around mercury, you wouldn't want to make tuna water or juice a regular part of your cat's diet. Instead, it's best a treat or as a way to encourage your cat to drink more water.Can I feed my cat canned chicken?
Luckily, canned chicken is a typically okay option.Your cat shouldn't live off of canned chicken, but you can use it to supplement their diet when used correctly. Canned chicken smells so good that many felines love the smell of it.