The Importance of Wet Food for Dogs and Cats with Urinary and Kidney Problems

When our dogs and cats suffer from urinary or kidney issues, their diet becomes a crucial factor in maintaining health. Wet food is not only more palatable for many pets, but it also provides key benefits for hydration, kidney function, and urinary tract health that dry food alone cannot match.

Wet Food vs. Dry Food: Hydration and Benefits

Dry food (kibble) typically contains only 6–10% moisture, whereas wet food can contain between 70–85% moisture. This extra water helps to dilute urine, reducing the formation of crystals and stones, and lessening the workload on the kidneys.

Dr Jean Dodds, a veterinarian specialising in internal medicine, explains:
“Adequate hydration through diet is crucial to prevent recurrent urinary infections and kidney problems in dogs and cats. Wet food offers a natural advantage in this respect.”

Even pets eating wet food can benefit from additional hydration:

• Mixing fresh water into their wet food.

• Preparing unsalted chicken or beef broth.

• Offering pet-safe soups that maintain essential nutrients.

These practices help keep urine diluted and reduce stress on the kidneys—especially important for animals prone to renal disease or urinary tract issues.

Common Myths About Wet Food

Many pet owners worry when their animal refuses dry kibble:

• “My cat won’t chew anything, it will affect their teeth.”
  Chewing does not depend solely on dry food. Regular brushing, safe chew toys, and dental check-ups are far more effective at preventing dental issues.

• “If my pet only eats wet food, they will gain weight or lack nutrients.”
  High-quality wet food is nutritionally balanced. The key is adjusting portions according to weight and activity levels.

• “My dog needs dry food to get used to harder textures.”
  Texture is not essential for digestive or kidney health. Chew toys and dental treats can maintain oral health without dry kibble.

How Wet Food Protects Kidneys and the Urinary Tract

By keeping pets well hydrated, wet food:

• Reduces the formation of urinary crystals and stones.

• Promotes more frequent, less concentrated urination, lowering the risk of infections.

• Eases the kidneys’ workload, allowing them to filter toxins more efficiently.

Recent studies in the Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine show that cats with chronic kidney disease fed wet food maintain more stable creatinine and urea levels, indicators of healthier kidney function.

Alternatives and Solutions for Picky Eaters

If your pet resists wet food:

• Mix small amounts of wet food with kibble and gradually increase the wet portion.

• Try different textures: pâté, chunks in gravy, or mousse.

• Use broths or liquid supplements to encourage fluid intake.

Remember, the goal is to ensure sufficient water and nutrient intake, not to force dry food unnecessarily.

Find the Best Wet Food in Our Shop

Discover a wide range of high-quality wet foods in our store, from 100% vegan options for dogs, packed with all the benefits you can read about, to top brands from different countries. All are suitable for pets with urinary or kidney issues.

Buy the best quality food today—not what you are “supposed” to buy or are pressured to buy. Take the time to research every ingredient and make informed choices for your pet’s health.

Wet food is not only a tool for nutrition, but also a preventive strategy for urinary and kidney health in dogs and cats. Instead of worrying about the absence of dry food, we can focus on hydration and overall well-being.

👉 Have you noticed your dog or cat drinking very little or showing signs of urinary issues? Could wet food be the key to supporting their kidney and digestive health this season?