The question of how to turn dry cat food into wet is one that many cat parents struggle with. After all, dry cat food is not the most appetizing option for our feline friends and can often lead to dehydration.
If your cat is not a fan of drinking water, wetting their food is a great way to help keep them hydrated.
Adding water, broth, or canned food to dry food can entice picky eaters, which is especially important for those who don’t drink much on their own.
You can easily turn dry cat food into wet food by following these quick steps.
#1 – Add Warm Water
- Add warm water to the dry food and mix slowly.
- You want to avoid adding too much at a time so the food doesn’t get mushy.
- Let the mixture sit for ten minutes so the food can absorb the moisture to help make it easier to eat for your cat.
- Serve your cat wet food and throw it away if they don’t finish.
You will need a bowl containing the food and water mixture, ensuring no spillage.
As a recommendation, we advise using catit double stainless steel bowl, specifically designed to make it easier for your cat to eat.
This bowl ensures there will be no whisker fatigue, and the raised ridges will help your cat prehend their food.
#2 – Alternative Method
- Crush dry food in a blender.
- Add warm water. Be careful to add only what is necessary and make it soupy.
- Serve your cat immediately; if they don’t finish it, throw it away.
This is a great way to help elderly cats or those with dental issues who have trouble chewing their food. It’s also a good option if you’re in a hurry and need more time to let the food soak.
#3 – Add Chicken Broth
- Add a few tablespoons of chicken broth to the dry cat food.
- Mix well and let it sit for ten minutes so the food can absorb the moisture.
- Serve your cat, and if they don’t finish all the food, throw it away since wet food can spoil quickly.
Using chicken broth is a great way to add flavor and moisture to dry food. Be sure to use chicken broth for cats, not humans, as the salt content can harm cats.
#4 – Mix with Wet Food
- Start by adding a small amount of dry food to their bowl and slowly mix in wet food.
- Serve immediately.
This is a great way to make dry food nutritionally complete and help your cat stay hydrated. Just be sure to adjust the amount of wet food you’re feeding so they don’t get too much or too little.
#5 – Use Gravy or Sauce
Another way to make dry food more wet and appealing is to add gravy or sauce. You can buy gravy and sauces made explicitly for cats or use something like tuna juice.
- Mix the gravy or sauce in with the dry food.
- Let it sit for a few minutes so the food can absorb the moisture.
- Serve your cat and throw away what’s left if they don’t finish it all.
Benefits of Adding Water to Dry Cat Food
There are several reasons why you might want to add water to dry cat food, including
- Adding water to dry food helps keep your cat hydrated.
- It makes the food more nutritionally complete.
- It can help with weight loss as your kitty may become full quickly.
- Adds extra flavor and appeal to the food.
- It makes it easier to chew, especially for cats with dental issues.
Cons of Adding Water to Dry Cat Food
- The food can become soggy and unappetizing.
- Bacteria can grow if the food is left out for too long.
- Nutrients can be lost if the food is soaked for too long.
- It can be tricky to get the right amount of water.
- Some cats may not like the texture of wet food.
Can You Add Water to Dry Cat Food?
You can add water to dry cat food to make it moister. We recommend using warm water to help soften the food and make it easier for your cat to eat. Be careful not to add too much water, as this can make the food mushy.
You can also add water to dry cat food for kittens. It’s often recommended to help them stay hydrated.
Just be sure to use clean, fresh water and mix it well so the food can remain smooth. And, of course, make sure the water is cool enough.
Things to Look Out for When Adding Water to Dry Food
- Avoid adding too much water at once, as this can make the food soggy and unappetizing. You only need to add as much water as you need to rehydrate the food.
- Do not use milk. Milk can cause diarrhea in cats as they are lactose intolerant.
- You should always discard leftover food. It may contain bacteria that can cause food poisoning. Dry food only needs to be rehydrated immediately before consumption.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Much Water to Add to Dry Cat Food?
Add 1/4 cup water (60 ml) per cup of dry food.
How Long Can I Leave Wet Kibble Out for My Cat?
You should leave wet kibble out for at most 30 minutes, as it will start to spoil. If your cat doesn’t eat all the food in that time, throw it away and give them a fresh portion.
Can You Turn Dry Cat Food into Wet?
You can turn dry cat food into wet food using any of the above methods. Soaking the food in water or chicken broth is a great way to add moisture and make it more palatable, especially for cats with dental issues.
Can You Grind up Dry Cat Food?
Yes, you can grind up dry cat food. Grinding dry cat food makes it easier to chew, especially for cats with dental issues. It also helps release the food’s flavor and aroma, making it more appealing.
Can I Mix Dry Cat Food with Milk?
No, you should not mix dry cat food with milk. Most cats are lactose intolerant, and milk can cause digestive upset.
Is it Ok to Mix Wet and Dry Cat Food?
It’s perfectly ok to mix wet and dry cat food. Combining the two types of food can help keep your cat hydrated and ensure they’re getting all the nutrients they need.
Just be sure to adjust the amounts of each food you’re feeding so your cat doesn’t get too much or too little.
What Kind of Water Should I Add to Dry Cat Food?
You should use clean, fresh water suitable for human consumption. You can also use filtered water.
Final Thoughts
Wetting dry cat food is an easy way to ensure your feline friend stays hydrated, and it can be as simple as adding a little water, broth, or canned food to their dish.
If your cat is not a fan of drinking water, try wetting their food and see if that makes a difference. We suggest talking to your veterinarian if you have concerns about your cat’s hydration levels.
Want to learn more about your cat’s hydration needs? See what we have to say about wet food and diarrhea in cats.