Get Same Day Delivery!
Wet Cat Food
The Best Canned Cat Food for Feline Nutrition and Hydration
At Hollywood Feed, we know just how picky cats can be. That is why we carry all of the best wet cat foods for kitties of all ages and sizes, from Persians and Siamese to Ragdolls and Maine Coons. Wet cat food provides vital nutrients and moisture for your feline friend’s diet, making it highly beneficial for cats who naturally do not drink enough water. We proudly carry top-tier brands like Weruva, Fussie Cat, KOHA, and Fromm to ensure your cat bowls are always filled with the best nutrition available.
Why Buy Wet Cat Food at Hollywood Feed?
- A Texture for Every Picky Eater: We have pate wet cat food, shredded wet cat food, and stew cat food to fit your cat’s specific texture preferences.
- Meal Customization: Serve it alone as a complete balanced diet, or use it as a delicious cat meal topper over their normal dry cat foods.
- Weight Management: Many wet cat foods have fewer carbs and calories than dry kibble, making it a great option to keep your cat fit (just be sure to check that you are feeding enough volume if you switch entirely to wet!).
- Freshness Solutions: If your cat doesn't eat a whole can, we offer can lids and covers to help keep their canned food fresh in the fridge between meals.
- Unbeatable Value: Shop all cat supplies without breaking the bank using The 100% Price Match Guarantee—we gladly match any competitor's price on identical merchandise.
- The Hollywood Feed Promise: If your pet doesn't love it or if you don't love it, we will gladly replace or refund it!
Related Categories: Freeze Dried & Dehydrated Cat Food, Dry Cat Food, Cat Bowls
Related Blog: The Secret to Feline Wellness: Why Cats Need Taurine
Frequently Asked Questions About Wet Cat Food
Q: Why is wet food important for cats?
A: Cats have a naturally low thirst drive, which can lead to kidney or urinary tract issues over time. The added moisture of a wet cat food is an incredible benefit for cats who do not drink enough water on their own. (Pro tip: Adding a flowing pet water fountain is another great way to increase their hydration!)
Q: What should I do if my cat scarfs down their wet food?
A: If your cat eats too quickly, try mixing their wet food with dry kibble to change the texture. You can also use dry food or cat treats inside a cat puzzle feeder to slow down feeding time and extend their playtime.
Q: What are the best treats for a cat that loves wet food?
A: If your cat loves the soft, savory consistency of wet food, they will likely love our squeeze tubes of delicious lickable cat treats! You can also mix it up with great freeze dried cat treats or crunchy cat treats so your cat never misses out on their favorite snacks.
Q: I am out of canned cat food! Can I get it delivered today?
A: Yes! We know your cat won't wait patiently for dinner. Hollywood Feed offers fast fulfillment so you never run out of their favorite meals. Check your address for Same Day Delivery eligibility today and get your cat food delivered right to your door.
Keep your feline friend hydrated and happy—sign up for Hollywood Feed emails & texts for personalized offers, expert nutritional tips, and product recommendations!
Understanding AAFCO Standards for Wet Cat Food: Healthy Canned Diets
Selecting a high-quality wet cat food means verifying the AAFCO nutritional adequacy statement on the back of the can, pouch, or cup. The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) establishes strict profiles to ensure your cat’s wet food, pate, or shreds provide a complete and balanced meal. The expert Feed Team at Hollywood Feed can help you calculate dry matter basis metrics, monitor crucial moisture levels, and pick a premium wet cat food that fits your feline’s unique dietary preferences and hydration needs.
[+] Read More
What is AAFCO's Role in Wet Cat Food Regulation?
The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) is the primary entity setting quality and safety standards for pet food in the United States. It's a common misconception that AAFCO approves or certifies cat food; instead, it establishes model regulations and nutrient profiles that most states adopt into law. When a wet cat food claims to be "complete and balanced," it means it has followed AAFCO's stringent guidelines. This ensures that the food contains the necessary nutrients for a cat's specific life stage, be it growth, maintenance, or all life stages. For a product to meet one of the AAFCO nutrient profiles, it must contain every nutrient listed in the profile at the recommended level, according to a report from PetMD.
How to Find and Read the AAFCO Nutritional Adequacy Statement on Canned Cat Food
The nutritional adequacy statement is the most critical piece of information on a cat food label. It is usually found on the back or side of the can or packaging in small print. This statement confirms that the food is "complete and balanced" for a specific life stage. There are two primary ways a company can substantiate its nutritional claims:
- Formulation to meet AAFCO nutrient profiles: This means the wet cat food was created to meet the nutritional levels established by AAFCO for a feline's specific life stage.
- Animal feeding trials using AAFCO procedures: This is a more rigorous method where the food is fed to a group of cats to ensure it provides proper nutrition. The label will state that "Animal feeding tests using AAFCO procedures substantiate that [Product Name] provides complete and balanced nutrition."
Formulation vs. Feeding Trials: What's the Difference for My Cat?
While both methods are acceptable, feeding trials are often considered the gold standard. A wet food that has undergone a feeding trial has been proven to be palatable, digestible, and provide the necessary nutrients to a group of felines for a set period. However, a formulated wet cat food from a reputable company is still an excellent choice. The experts at Hollywood Feed can help you understand the difference and choose the best option for your pet.
A Guide to Reading Wet Cat Food Labels Beyond the AAFCO Statement
Understanding a pet food label can feel like deciphering a foreign language. In the United States, the pet food market is a massive industry, with owners spending billions annually on food alone, as reported by Mordor Intelligence. With so much at stake, it's crucial to understand what you're buying. Here's a breakdown of the key components of a pet food label:
| Component | What It Means | What to Look For |
|---|---|---|
| Product Name | The name of the food, which can indicate the amount of a specific ingredient. | Terms like "Tuna Cat Food" mean tuna makes up at least 70% of the product. "Cat Food with Tuna" means it contains at least 3% tuna. |
| Guaranteed Analysis | Lists the minimum percentages of crude protein and fat and the maximum percentages of crude fiber and moisture. | Use this to compare different wet cat foods, but be aware that you need to convert to a dry matter basis for accurate comparisons between wet and dry foods due to the significantly higher moisture content in cans and pouches. |
| Ingredient List | Ingredients are listed in descending order by weight. | Look for high-quality protein sources like chicken, salmon, tuna, or turkey as the first few ingredients. Be wary of "ingredient splitting," where a manufacturer lists different parts of the same ingredient separately to make it appear less prevalent. |
| Feeding Directions | Provides a guideline for how much to feed your cat based on its weight. | This is a starting point. Adjust the portion size or number of cans/pouches based on your cat's age, activity level, and body condition. |
| Calorie Statement | Lists the calorie content of the food in kilocalories per kilogram and per pouch or can. | This is essential for managing your cat's weight and monitoring daily caloric intake. |
Why Trust Hollywood Feed for Wet Cat Food Guidance?
In a crowded market, getting expert, unbiased advice is invaluable. This is where Hollywood Feed stands out. The company's "Feed Team" members receive over 40 hours of annual training through Hollywood Feed University. This intensive education covers a wide range of topics, including feline nutrition, AAFCO standards, and the specific formulations of the canned diets and pouches they carry. This commitment to education ensures that when you walk into a Hollywood Feed store, you're speaking with someone who can provide genuine, knowledgeable advice. They can help you navigate the complexities of wet food labels and select a diet that is genuinely right for your cat. This dedication is backed by the "Hollywood Feed Promise," ensuring customer satisfaction.
3 Common Myths About Wet Cat Food and Pet Nutrition Debunked
Myth 1: "Grain-Free" Wet Cat Food is Always Healthier
While some cats have legitimate grain allergies, grain-free wet diets are not inherently better for all felines. The priority for a cat is high-quality animal protein and proper hydration. It's crucial to speak with a veterinarian or a trained nutrition expert before shifting your cat's primary diet based purely on marketing tags.
Myth 2: Canned Cat Food Causes Dental Problems Compared to Kibble
While crunchy kibble can offer some mechanical scraping benefits, standard dry food does not brush a cat's teeth. Wet food provides vital moisture that supports kidney and urinary tract health, which is incredibly crucial for felines. A balanced combination of dental care and high-quality wet food is often the best approach.
Myth 3: "All Life Stages" Canned Food is Good for Every Cat
An "all life stages" food is formulated to meet the nutritional needs of the most demanding life stage: growth and reproduction (kittens). This means it might be too rich or high in calories for a sedentary, indoor adult or senior cat, potentially leading to weight gain. It is often better to choose a wet formula specifically targeted for your pet's current life stage.
How to Spot Potential Nutrient Deficiencies in Your Cat
| Sign | Possible Nutritional Link | Recommended Action |
|---|---|---|
| Dull, flaky coat or coarse fur | Lack of essential fatty acids (Omega-3 and Omega-6). | Consider a wet food with higher levels of these fatty acids or a specialized salmon oil supplement. |
| Low energy/lethargy | Could be related to a number of deficiencies, or a diet that is too low in calories or animal-based proteins. | Consult with a vet to rule out any underlying health issues and to ensure your cat's caloric intake from their canned food is appropriate. |
| Urinary tract issues (frequent attempts, straining) | Often linked to low hydration or improper mineral balance (magnesium/phosphorus) in low-tier diets. | Regular veterinary check-ups are critical. Increasing high-moisture wet food in their diet is highly beneficial for urinary health. |
| Digestive issues (gas, vomiting hairballs) | Could be a sign of a food intolerance, an inability to process certain fillers, or low moisture. | A limited-ingredient wet diet may be beneficial. Speak with a vet about an elimination diet to isolate any problematic ingredients. |
| Weight changes | Unexplained weight loss or gain can be a sign of a serious health issue or an imbalanced diet. | Consult with a vet immediately. |
AAFCO-Specific Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What's the difference between AAFCO and the FDA?
A: AAFCO sets the nutritional standards for cat food, while the FDA enforces the regulations. The FDA ensures that pet food is safe to eat and properly labeled.
Q: Can I make my own "complete and balanced" pet food at home?
A: It is exceptionally difficult to make homemade wet cat food that safely satisfies a cat's nutritional profile. Missing even a tiny amount of necessary taurine can result in severe cardiac failure or blindness. For most cat owners, a commercially prepared wet food from a reputable brand like those found at Hollywood Feed is a safer option.
Q: How often do AAFCO standards change?
A: AAFCO's nutrient profiles are updated periodically based on the latest scientific research in pet nutrition. This ensures that the standards continue to reflect the most current understanding of what constitutes a healthy diet for cats.
