How Much Wet Food Should You Feed a Cat?
Daily wet food depends on calories per can, not can size alone. Use this simple method and worked examples.
Use calories, not the can
Cans vary from 50 to over 100 calories. Check the label for kcal per can, then divide the daily goal by that number. A 260 calorie cat eating an 80 calorie can needs about 3¼ cans if wet is the only food.
Examples
- 180 calories, 75 per can: 2.4 cans
- 220 calories, 85 per can: 2.6 cans
- 300 calories, 70 per can: 4.3 cans
Splitting meals
Split the total into two to four meals. Serve wet food at room temperature. Cover and refrigerate leftovers and use them within about three days.
Common mistakes
Feeding by the can without checking calories is the biggest one. Adding wet food on top of a full dry portion is the second. Use the wet and dry cat food calculator to keep totals right.
Cans needed by daily calories
| Daily kcal | 70 kcal/can | 80 kcal/can | 90 kcal/can |
|---|---|---|---|
| 180 | 2.6 | 2.3 | 2.0 |
| 220 | 3.1 | 2.8 | 2.4 |
| 260 | 3.7 | 3.3 | 2.9 |
| 300 | 4.3 | 3.8 | 3.3 |
These are wet-only amounts. If you also feed dry food, subtract the dry calories first.
Different can and pouch sizes
Not every can is 3 ounces. Many cans hold 5.5 ounces and often have well over 100 calories. Pouches are often 2.8 to 3 ounces.
To compare, divide calories by ounces. A 3 oz can with 80 calories has about 27 calories per ounce. Use that number to portion any size. Weigh the food if the can has no calorie count.
Splitting cans and serving food
Many cats eat better at room temperature. If food is cold, stir in a spoon of warm water or warm it briefly in a dish and stir well. Never heat food in the can.
Spoon the day’s portion into clean bowls. Remove uneaten wet food after a couple of hours. Refrigerate the rest of an opened can with a lid and use it within about three days.
Complete and balanced vs. toppers
Look for a statement that the food is “complete and balanced.” Some wet foods are labeled as toppers, treats or complementary food. They are not meant to be the whole diet.
Feeding only complementary food for weeks can lead to nutrient gaps. Count their calories, but do not base a cat’s diet on them.
Wet food and weight
Wet food has fewer calories per bite, so a cat can eat a bigger-looking meal. That helps many cats feel full. It does not make wet food “free.”
If your cat is overweight, calculate portions from the ideal weight. See how to help an overweight cat lose weight.
Frequently asked questions
Can my cat eat only wet food? Yes, if it is complete and balanced. Many cats do well this way.How many cans for a kitten? It depends on weight and age. See the kitten feeding chart.Why does my cat leave food? Cold food, a stale bowl or too large a portion are common reasons. Try smaller, fresher meals.Conclusion
Read the calories on the can, divide the daily goal by that number, and split the result into meals. Keep it fresh and count every extra. Our cat food calculator does the math in seconds.
Sources and further reading: WSAVA Global Nutrition Guidelines; AAHA Nutrition and Weight Management Guidelines; NRC Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats. This article is educational and does not replace advice from your veterinarian.