Answer:
gemini / gemini-2.5-flash
No, cats should not eat *only* dry food. While convenient and sometimes beneficial for dental health, an exclusive dry food diet can pose risks due to its low moisture content. Cats are obligate carnivores who naturally obtain most of their hydration from prey. A dry-food-only diet can contribute to chronic dehydration, potentially leading to urinary tract issues like crystals, stones, and kidney problems. It can also be higher in carbohydrates and lower in protein than ideal for a cat's metabolic needs, increasing obesity risk. Most veterinarians recommend incorporating wet food into a cat's diet, or feeding a solely wet food diet, to ensure adequate hydration and a more species-appropriate nutritional profile. A mixed diet of both high-quality wet and dry food is often a good compromise.
openai / gpt-4o-mini
Score: 9
The answer is largely accurate and informative, emphasizing the importance of moisture in a cat's diet and pointing out the potential risks of a dry food-only diet. It accurately describes cats as obligate carnivores and mentions the risks of dehydration and urinary tract issues. However, it could elaborate more on the variability in individual cats' dietary needs and preferences. While high-quality dry food can be part of a cat's diet, it is crucial to stress the quality of the food being chosen, as not all dry foods are created equal. Overall, the recommendation for a mixed diet of wet and dry food is sound and reflects veterinary advice.
anthropic / claude-sonnet-4-5-20250929
Score: 8.5
The answer is largely accurate and well-informed. It correctly identifies that cats are obligate carnivores, that dry food has low moisture content which can contribute to dehydration and urinary issues, and that wet food is generally recommended by veterinarians. The points about potential kidney problems, higher carbohydrate content in dry food, and obesity risk are valid concerns supported by veterinary literature.\n\nMinor issues: The claim that dry food is 'beneficial for dental health' is somewhat overstated—research shows dry food provides minimal dental benefits and doesn't prevent periodontal disease effectively. The answer could also note that some cats do fine on dry food if they drink sufficient water, though wet food is still generally preferable. Overall, this is a comprehensive, evidence-based response with only minor caveats.
The answer is factually accurate and comprehensive, addressing the key issues with a dry food-only diet for cats, including hydration, urinary tract health, and nutritional balance. It correctly highlights the benefits of incorporating wet food. However, the statement about dry food being 'sometimes beneficial for dental health' could be misleading. While some dry foods are marketed as beneficial for dental health, the evidence supporting this is weak and inconsistent. A more accurate statement would be that dry food's impact on dental health is debated and not universally supported by research.
Scores are 0–10. The selected AI’s score is a self-rating.
