Cats are known to be phenomenally picky eaters – which is why it’s so important to choose the right food for the right cat. Regardless of whether your cat prefers wet or dry, there’s always a good middle to be found in semi-soft cat food. Taking the best of both worlds, this option provides ample opportunity to provide the right aspects of each type of cat food, so your cat will be happy and healthy for years to come. Check out our Top Picks below, and learn more about the benefits of semi-moist cat food.

The Best Semi-Moist Cat Food

1 Weruva Cats in the Kitchen Love Me Tender

Weruva Cats in the Kitchen Love Me Tender
Key features:
  • Brand: Weruva
  • First 5 ingredients: Chicken Broth, Chicken, Tuna, Duck, Tapioca Starch
  • Primary Proteins: Chicken, Tuna & Duck
  • Calories: 65 kcal/3-oz pouch
  • Flavor: Chicken & Duck
  • Life Stage: All

Weruva’s Cats in the Kitchen is loved by customers for always putting the nutritional needs of the cat first in their products – and that value holds true in this semi-moist cat food. Packed with added vitamins and minerals, this is an option which offers plenty of health benefits to cats. From a softer coat and keen eyes, right through to a healthy digestive tract and urinary system, this is an option which offers better health from their tail to the tip of their nose.

Packed with quality protein from suitable sources for our feline friends, this semi wet food is ideal for picky cats. Made with a thicker broth that smells enticing to the household puss, it’s no secret that any cat will dive straight into this offering without complaint.

Take a look at our Weruva Cat Food Review.

Ingredients:

Chicken Broth, Chicken (Boneless, Skinless Breast), Tuna, Duck, Tapioca Starch, Sunflower Seed Oil, Calcium Lactate, Xanthan Gum, Tricalcium Phosphate, Choline Chloride, Taurine, Zinc Sulfate, Vitamin E Supplement, Nicotinic Acid (Vitamin B3), Ferrous Sulfate, Manganese Proteinate, Thiamine Mononitrate (Vitamin B1), Calcium Pantothenate, Vitamin A Supplement, Riboflavin Supplement (Vitamin B2), Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B6), Folic Acid, Copper Sulfate, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Potassium Iodide, Biotin, Sodium Selenite, Vitamin B12 Supplement.

What others say about it:
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Sure, the price is a little high but it’s worth it because the food is free of harmful ingredients and full of truly healthy ones. It also looks and smells better than any cat food I’ve ever tried! The shredded chicken is all white meat and there is a very good amount of liquid broth. Honestly, this food looks and smells like it is good enough to be consumed by humans! (no, I haven’t tried it) It has also really helped my 17yr old cat’s chronic constipation and overall health. She’s a very picky eater but she loves this food. Highly recommend!

Read more buyer reviews at Amazon.com

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2 Wellness Morsels Healthy Indulgence

Wellness Morsels Healthy Indulgence
Key features:
  • Brand: Wellness
  • First 5 ingredients: Chicken Broth, Water Sufficient for Processing, Chicken, Turkey, Duck
  • Primary Proteins: Chicken, Turkey & Duck
  • Calories: 62 kcal/container
  • Flavor: Turkey & Duck in Savory Sauce
  • Life Stage: Adult

Highly rated by customers who are keen to shout out about the benefits of this semi wet food, this is definitely a premium option, which comes with plenty of premium features to match. In particular, this semi wet food holds a greater balance of vitamins and minerals than the average canned food. One ingredient of note is the addition of cranberries, which can help with senior cats especially, as it’ll provide a smoother, healthier urinary tract – a key issue in aging cats.

On top of this, it has no added nasties or artificial flavorings, colorings or preservatives, making it the ideal choice for cats with a sensitive stomach, or who may have allergies. Customers note some major benefits, not long after swapping to this canned food alternative, such as healthier skin and eyes. Wellness Healthy Indulgence Morsels with Chicken is one of 5 cat food recipes mentioned in our review of Wellness Cat Food.

Ingredients:

Chicken Broth, Water Sufficient for Processing, Chicken, Turkey, Duck, Potato Starch, Eggs, Carrots, Chicken Liver, Natural Flavor, Salt, Guar Gum, Tricalcium Phosphate, Potassium Chloride, Taurine, Magnesium Sulfate, Vitamins [Vitamin E Supplement, Thiamine Hydrochloride, Niacin, Vitamin A Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, D-Calcium Pantothenate, Riboflavin Supplement, Folic Acid, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Biotin, Vitamin B12 Supplement], Cranberries, Blueberries, White Sweet Potatoes, Xanthan Gum, Choline Chloride, Zinc Amino Acid Chelate, Iron Amino Acid Chelate, Manganese Amino Acid Chelate, Copper Amino Acid Chelate, Potassium Iodide, Sodium Selenite.

What others say about it:
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Maggie, age 14, devours these packages! Always a hit, no matter what flavor. Vet likes us to increase her water intake, so always add about 1 tblsp warm water with each package

Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com

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3 Instinct Raw Cage-Free Chicken Recipe

Instinct Raw Cage-Free Chicken Recipe
Key features:
  • Brand: Instinct
  • First 5 ingredients: Chicken, Chicken Liver, Pumpkinseeds, Chicken Heart, Carrots
  • Primary Proteins: Chicken
  • Calories: 244 kcal/tablespoon
  • Flavor: Chicken
  • Life Stage: All

Providing unbeatable value for money, this freeze-dried soft kibble cat food is used as a topper for standard cat food – whether that’s canned food or their daily kibble. This is ideal for those seeking to get a little extra protein and nutrition into their cat’s diet without making a sudden change from their favorite cat food.

Made with all-natural ingredients, this option is great for cats on specialized diets, sensitive stomachs or those with suspected or confirmed allergies. This is as natural and raw as they come, with no added artificial colors, flavors and preservatives – leaving more room for healthy, protein-packed raw meat. this cat food is a great choice if you’re looking to entice your cat into eating their everyday food.

Check out our Nature’s Variety Instinct Cat Food Reviews, Ingredients and Recall History.

Ingredients:

Chicken (including Ground Chicken Bone), Chicken Liver, Pumpkinseeds, Chicken Heart, Carrots, Apples, Butternut Squash, Turkey Liver, Turkey Heart, Ground Flaxseed, Montmorillonite Clay, Dried Kelp, Broccoli, Mixed Tocopherols (for freshness), Apple Cider Vinegar, Salmon Oil, Rosemary Extract, Blueberries, Dried Chicory Root.

What others say about it:
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We’ve all been there. You buy your cat a new pack of wet food just to have him not eat it. I had bought these to use as treats, but they crumble in your fingers very easily to sprinkle as a powder on top of wet food. I can now get my cat to eat food he previously turned his nose up at! Great to use as treats and to entice your cat to eat foods that are otherwise below their standards.

Read more buyer reviews at Amazon.com

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4 Blue Buffalo Wilderness Tasty Toppers Wild Cuts

Blue Buffalo Wilderness Tasty Toppers Wild Cuts
Key features:
  • Brand: Blue Buffalo
  • First 5 ingredients: Chicken, Chicken Broth, Water, Chicken Liver, Dried Egg Product
  • Primary Proteins: Chicken, Egg
  • Calories: 77 kcal/pouch
  • Flavor: Chicken Morsels in Savory Gravy
  • Life Stage: Adult

Blue Buffalo are always looking for ways to provide ample nutrition and pack in some extra vitamins and minerals with each bite – and these Natural Wild Cuts provide exactly that. With chicken as the number one ingredient on this list, you can be sure that your cat will get their protein from a suitable source in this moist dry cat food.

Use as a topper for their standard cat food or as a standalone soft dry cat food to give your cat an extra boost. These pouches come without any added grain, wheat and soy, as well as no artificial flavors or preservatives, for added peace of mind.

You may also like our detailed review of Blue Buffalo Cat Food.

Ingredients:

Chicken, Chicken Broth, Water, Chicken Liver, Dried Egg Product, Potato Starch, Natural Flavor, Guar Gum, Sodium Phosphate, Salt, Sodium Carbonate.

What others say about it:
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My ManeCoon loves tasty toppers. He eats them daily for his 2pm snack. He can hardly wait for me to empty the pouch into his bowl – gobbling up each morsel as he purrs.

Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com

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5 Natural Balance Platefulls Chicken & Pumpkin Formula

Natural Balance Platefulls Chicken & Pumpkin Formula
Key features:
  • Brand: Natural Balance
  • First 5 ingredients: Chicken Broth, Chicken, Chicken Liver, Pumpkin, Peas
  • Primary Proteins: Chicken, Peas
  • Calories: 75 kcal/pouch
  • Flavor: Chicken & Pumpkin
  • Life Stage: Adult

Ideal for adding in those essential fatty acids, without a high price tag, this option is the best choice if you’re looking to give your cat added nutrition from a range of good quality sources. No corn, soy wheat or artificial flavors and preservatives are used in the nutritional makeup of this option, leaving you safe in the knowledge that a sensitive stomach won’t reject or struggle with this cat food.

Mixing meats from chicken and salmon, with vegetables such as pumpkin and peas, this is a great choice for providing a well-rounded meal for cats of any age. Use with canned cat food or their dry kibble, to give extra nutrition and encourage eating for picky cats, or as a standalone meal. Natural Balance Platefulls Chicken & Pumpkin Formula is one of 5 recipes included in our review of the Natural Balance Cat Food.

Ingredients:

Chicken Broth, Chicken, Chicken Liver, Pumpkin, Peas, Dried Egg Whites, Ground Dried Peas, Potato Starch, Natural Flavor, Sweet Potatoes, Guar Gum, Salmon Oil (Preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Ground Flaxseed, Potassium Chloride, Sodium Acid Pyrophosphate, Tetrasodium Pyrophosphate, Minerals (Iron Proteinate, Zinc Proteinate, Copper Proteinate, Manganese Proteinate, Potassium Iodide, Sodium Selenite), Sodium Carbonate, Vitamins (Vitamin E Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate, Niacin, D-Calcium Pantothenate, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Riboflavin Supplement, Vitamin A Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Folic Acid, Biotin), Taurine, Spinach, Parsley, Dried Kelp, Cranberries, Choline Chloride, Sodium Phosphate, Sodium Hexametaphosphate, Dl-Methionine, Yucca Schidigera Extract, Rosemary Extract.

What others say about it:
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I had one cat who was not a big water drinker and because of this he would get constipated! He would give little yelps/meows when he was ‘trying’ to potty. The vet said he was healthy but to try to find ways to get him to take in more liquid. After a lot of reading on how to help him ‘go’ I read an article about pumpkin, etc being helpful. Well I was a bit nervous as my cats are mainly dry food eaters from the adult cats to the kittens (6 in total) and I didn’t want anyone to end up with wet food that would upset their systems and cause a mess.

I found this food and saw really good reviews on it from here and from online and decided to try it…They loved it!!! All of them loved it!! Each night they get this, they love the taste and not one has had an upset stomach. He LOVES it, even if for nothing more than the liquid, the wet food he sees as a treat. I add a tablesppon of extra pumpkin to his and some extra water he laps it ALL up and has had no more problems since he started on this!!!!

Read more buyer reviews at Amazon.com

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Best Semi Moist Cat Food Buying Guide

What Is Moist or Semi-Moist Cat Food?

Moist food for cats marries together the best qualities of both dry kibble and wet cat food. As kibble often has higher levels of protein and fats than wet options (when looking at the guaranteed analysis), yet wet options provide more moisture and are generally preferred by cats, this is a great way to give cats everything they need in one sitting. Thus, moist and semi-soft food is preferred as both a topper (used on top of their daily meals) or as a standalone meal that provides a completely balanced meal for your cat.

Wet Cat Food

How to Choose a High-Quality Moist Cat Food

Similar to when choosing any cat food, it is important to consider the ingredients of the food you choose for your cat, first and foremost. Every cat requires a good level of protein – although this is especially true for cats which spend most of their time outdoors, or who are very active. However, this protein also needs to come from a source which is suited to the cat’s digestive system, such as meat and fish. It is not unusual, of course, for this to be supplemented with protein from vegetable sources – but the main ingredient should always be a good, healthy source of meat or fish.

It is also important to consider moisture levels for a cat. The drier the cat food is, the more water will need to be provided alongside the food. This ensure that their digestive and urinary tract works to its full capacity, and is able to help your cat’s kidneys work well in sifting out the impurities in the blood and keeping your cat healthy.

Next, it is important to consider the amount of fillers used in the food. Corn, wheat and soy are often found in cat food of a lower quality and these fillers not only have very little-to-no nutritional value, but can even exacerbate some digestive issues. If you have a cat with a sensitive stomach, then it is important to opt for cat food without these fillers, as well as any artificial colors, flavorings or preservatives.

Take a look at our guide on the Best Cat Food for Sensitive Stomachs.

Finally, added nutrition, in the form of vitamins, minerals and fatty acids can help your cat be happy and healthy. These acids are essential for the brain and nervous system to work at its best, so can be a major benefit in your cat food. Likewise, vitamins and minerals can not only make your cat’s coat look and feel silky and smooth, but benefit their eyes, teeth, heart, skin and brain, too.

Benefits of Semi-Moist Cat Food

Choosing quality cat food is hard enough without the added stress of deciding between kibble and wet cat food. Oftentimes, wet cat food is preferred by militant cat owners, as the consistency best meets their digestive needs, while dry food is more likely to offer plenty of added benefits in the vitamins and minerals added.

Because of this, choosing the right cat food from these options allows you to make the most of both worlds. They also have a wide range of added benefits, which other types of food for cats simply don’t have. For example, senior cats, or cats with a history of medical problems, can often find it easier to eat semi-soft dry cat food. Without this, cats may struggle to swallow kibble or can make a mess with wet options, as they chase the food around the plate, unable to get purchase on their dinner.

For a full list of our favorite options, see our round-up of the Best Cat Food for Senior Cats.

It is also majorly beneficial to cats with urinary tract issues, as it allows your cat to maintain a balanced, nutritional diet, while also being able to take advantage of the added moisture content for a healthier urinary tract.

Check out our take on Best Cat Food For Urinary Tract Health.

Alternatives to Semi Moist Cat Food

For those struggling to get hold of the right cat food, there are a few alternatives out there. Firstly, mixing together the traditional wet and dry cat food is one option, allowing the moisture of the wet to soak into the kibble. You can also add a little warm water to the dry cat food, making it more appealing to your cat and softening the chunks a little, to make it easier to swallow.

If the biggest appeal is the added nutritional benefits, supplements are available to shake over the top of the cat food, to add in some added vitamins and minerals where required. Finally, a raw diet can also appeal for many of the same reasons as moist cat food, in that suitable sources of protein are provided and the basic nutrition is covered. If you do choose the raw cat food option, be sure to utilize supplements to provide a balanced diet.

Cute cat lying near bowl with food in kitchen

Our Top Pick

We love the high-protein moist cat food because it pairs the best parts of both dry and canned cat food together, to create a balanced meal for cats. Able to sate the appetite of most cat’s desire for meat, and being appealing enough to entice even the pickiest eaters, this option comes with no unnecessary added extras.

Packed with amino acids, as well as plenty of vitamins and minerals, this cat food offers plenty of benefits which owners are likely to see within just a few days of starting on this new cat food. From a soft, healthy coat through to a healthier digestive and urinary tract, this is a cat food which provides everything your cat could possibly need.

Sources:

1. Dr. H. Ellen Whiteley, How to Care for a Cat, HowStuffWorks
2. Krista Williams, BSc, DVM, Dry, Canned, or Semi-Moist: Food Choices for Cats, VCA Hospitals
Wendy Young

A freelance writer and word nerd, Wendy is a content writer with a knack for getting into the nitty-gritty of pet ownership. For the past three years, she’s been researching and writing a huge range of different topics – but always comes back to her beloved pet articles. Lover of all things four-legged and owner of Harley, Pepper and Rush, Wendy is currently completing her MNSW at Edge Hill University.

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