Wet vs dry cat food costs compared

So you're bulk-buying dry food and wondering whether switching to wet would actually cost more — that's a really sensible question to ask before making any changes. Honest answer: wet food is generally better for cats. It keeps them hydrated, is more filling, and is closer to what cats evolved to eat. But bulk dry food is genuinely cheap, and a full switch to wet can cost two to three times more per month depending on what you buy. A mixed approach — wet in the morning, dry in the evening — often gives you the health benefits without blowing the budget. To give you a proper steer: how old is your cat, do they have any health conditions like kidney issues or weight problems, and roughly what are you spending on dry food each month right now?

£40 a month is the worst-case scenario if you're buying premium single-serve pouches at full price — but it doesn't have to be that way. At 5 with no health issues, she's in a good place and doesn't need anything fancy. The smart move for your budget is a mixed feeding approach: keep using dry food as the base, but add one wet pouch per day for hydration and satiation. That way you're probably looking at an extra £8–12 a month, not £25. Is she a picky eater, or does she generally eat what's in front of her?

Perfect — that makes this easy. For a non-fussy, healthy 5-year-old cat where budget matters, I'd go with Felix As Good As It Looks pouches, bought in the 40 or 60-pouch variety box from Amazon. You're looking at roughly £18–22 for 60 pouches, which is around 30–35p per pouch. One pouch a day alongside your existing dry food keeps your total monthly spend well under £25, she gets proper hydration and a more satisfying meal, and you're not overhauling anything drastically. Felix isn't the most premium brand on the market, but for a healthy adult cat it's nutritionally solid and cats genuinely eat it. The variety boxes also mean she gets different flavours so she won't get bored. Keep your dry food for evening or free-feeding, and use the wet pouch as her main morning meal.

Variety is worth it purely because cats can develop texture or flavour fixations if they eat the same thing every day — and then you're stuck. Mixing it up early keeps her flexible. On the dry food: yes, reduce the amount slightly once you introduce the wet pouch. A standard 85g Felix pouch has about 55–60 kcal, so knock back your dry food portion by roughly a quarter to avoid overfeeding. If you don't know her exact daily dry food amount, just watch her weight over a few weeks and adjust. If she's leaving dry food in the bowl, you're probably already at the right amount.

That's the right call. One month is plenty to see whether she's more settled, less pestery between meals, and drinking the right amount. Most owners notice the difference pretty quickly. Good luck with her.