I think that largely makes sense, but also think the _biggest_ jump in cat food quality isn't so much the jump to freshness but the jump away from dry. Cats who eat primarily dry food are at risk of chronic dehydration. They simply do not end up drinking enough water to compensate for the low moisture content in their food[0]. Water fountains help entice some cats to drink more, but in the end it's usually not enough to compensate.
For my cats, I usually opt for variety. I try to pick high protein wet food of different types, including nutritionally balanced raw, within their individual requirements and tastes. At the same time, I follow my vet's advice and always have urinary wet food handy. Usually they get one pouch of urinary food that helps prevent and dissolve a certain type of bladder crystal in addition to normal wet food each day.
For my cats, I usually opt for variety. I try to pick high protein wet food of different types, including nutritionally balanced raw, within their individual requirements and tastes. At the same time, I follow my vet's advice and always have urinary wet food handy. Usually they get one pouch of urinary food that helps prevent and dissolve a certain type of bladder crystal in addition to normal wet food each day.
[0] https://www.waltham.com/news-events/nutrition/cats-can-benef...