Quite often cats have food anxiety, often from periods of food competition or just food scarcity. These food-anxious cats will eat all the dry-food in the bowl immediately. Some cats are so food-anxious, that they will eat to the point of vomiting, then continue eating after vomiting.

Grazer cats are not food-anxious, and will usually take small nibbles from the dry-food throughout the day. These cats are usually given one meal during the day to meet nutritional needs that their dry food may not provide. I've met these cats before, and they are able to stay a healthy weight without any negative health effects.

[–] Maalus@lemmy.world 1 points 1 week ago

Dry food is bad for a cat's kidneys. Wet food only is the best diet for them, but people don't like the smell, the mess or the hassle. Leaving out food 24/7 for most cats tends to make them obese.