Dry vs Wet Dog Food: Which is Better for Your Dog?
When it comes to feeding your furry friend, there is so much choice in the saturated market. It can be hard to choose the best option for your pooch and it’s natural to want the best for them. Each food choice comes with unique benefits and drawbacks that can make it confusing to know what is best to give your dog.
The main choice for pooches is between dry and wet dog food. This option needs to be a decision based on a deeper understanding of your dog’s health requirements, dietary needs and the most practical for your life. The battle between dry and wet dog food has been ongoing for years and is fuelled by particular aspects, such as nutritional content, cost, convenience and the impact on dental health. At Pero, we explore dry vs wet dog food helping you to understand which is better for your dog. Gain clarity and valuable insights about each option to help you determine what your pooch needs.
What is the difference between wet and dry food?
The main difference between wet and dry dog food is the water content within them. Dry dog food has a moisture content of only 2 to 12% while wet food is between 60% and 84%. This monumental difference affects the shelf life of the dog food with dry food lasting much longer than wet. This is due to the moisture in wet dog food being higher which can attract bacteria growth, meaning it goes off sooner once opened.
As well as this, there is a difference in calorie content between the two food options. Dry dog food can lead to your pooch consuming lots of calories in small quantities while this is significantly less in wet food. A dog must eat twice or three times as much wet food to consume the same amount of calories as a small amount of dry food.
Is wet or dry food best for dogs?
When it comes to the ever-popular question “Is wet or dry food best for dogs?” the answer can be hard to determine. This is due to each type of dog food having different benefits and drawbacks. The answer is all based on the requirements of your furry friend and what suits their health and lifestyle best.
On one hand, wet dog food has long shelf lives when unopened, however, this significantly shortens when the can is opened as the moisture is open to bacteria. The meaty content in wet food can appeal to the pickiest of pooches and there are so many different varieties that can cater to various dietary needs, such as allergies. Plus, wet canned food can be highly nutritious for your pooch, although it can sometimes contain lots of artificial ingredients that can include chemicals and preservatives.
On the other hand, dry dog food is the main go-to option for many pooch parents. It is very convenient as you only have to scoop it out of the bag into the bowl and continue your day, having the option of leaving it out for when your dog is hungry. It has a much longer shelf-life, especially when opened, and is more affordable, suiting more budgets. However, in some brands, it can have preservatives and artificial flavour, and the processing of dry food can destroy some of the nutrients within it. This aspect is tested regularly after processing to ensure it meets nutritional needs, so dry food can still give your pooch everything it needs.
Which is best is all dependent on your pooch and their requirements. For example, dry food may not be best for those with certain health conditions that require particular nutrition, and wet food may not be best for certain breeds. It is best to consult your vet to check what your dog needs and understand your pooch’s health.
Is dry or wet food better for puppies?
Owners of puppies often wonder is dry or wet food better for puppies. Typically, because of their growing bodies and changing stomachs, the answer is dry food as having wet regularly can be too harsh on their small stomachs. However, wet dog food can be used for puppies in small quantities and as part of a balanced diet.
You may want to use wet food for your pup if they are having trouble chewing or digesting dry food. Some puppies have a hard time with dry food as all their teeth aren’t through yet and they’re not strong enough, but some pups find it easy enough to manage.
If your little puppy needs wet food because they aren’t eating dry, then it’s best to choose a high-quality option that is formulated for puppies. This ensures they get the proper nutrients needed for their growth and development. It is vital to slowly introduce wet food into your pup's diet and monitor their response to make sure that they are responding to it well.
Benefits of dry dog food & drawbacks
There are multiple benefits of dry dog food that can make this option the best choice for your pooch. These are:
- Improves oral health: The crunchy texture gives dogs a mechanical cleaning effect on their teeth. Dry food helps to reduce tartar buildup and enhances gum health.
- Convenient: Dry dog food is extremely convenient as it can easily be stored and measured out daily, giving owners a quick and simple way to feed their dogs. It can also be left out in the day for pooches to graze on and it produces less mess too.
- Cheaper costs: This option of dog food is more cost-effective, especially for the owners of larger breeds or multiple dogs as they need more food. Dry food can be bought in bulk and have a longer shelf life, making your money go further.
- Portions can be adjusted: Dry dog food doesn’t come in portion sizes, but this can allow owners to adapt the portion size for their dog’s needs. You can also use a piece of dry food as a treat for training or motivation.
Dry dog food also has its drawbacks that may not suit your pooch’s requirements. To help you weigh up what’s best for your dog, we have outlined the drawbacks below:
- Lacks appeal for dogs: For a few dogs, particularly the picky eaters, dry food may not be as appealing as wet. It has a lower scent and lacks as much flavour which can lead to reduced interest in meals.
- Low moisture content: The biggest drawback of dry food is it has a low moisture content. This is typically around 10% moisture content, meaning dogs on a dry food diet need to have regular access to fresh water to avoid dehydration.
- Can have fillers in it: Some dry dog foods include fillers and grains to bulk up the product. These ingredients may not provide good nutrition and can also trigger allergies in sensitive dogs.
Benefits of wet dog food & drawbacks
There are many benefits of wet dog food as well that can suit your dog better than dry. Explore them below to help you decide what food is better for your pooch:
- High moisture content: Wet dog food is much higher in moisture than dry food. It contains between 75% and 80% water which is a benefit for those pooches who may not drink enough water during the day on their own. Wet food helps to keep them hydrated and prevents urinary tract issues.
- Easy to chew: Wet food has a soft texture which is perfect for dogs who have dental issues, puppies and senior dogs who may have lost some of their chewing capabilities. This benefit can prevent discomfort during eating and make sure that dogs with oral issues can still enjoy their meals and gain nutrition.
- Full of flavour and aroma: The attractiveness and palatability of wet dog food are superior because it is packed full of flavour and aroma. This can entice even the pickiest of dogs to eat or for those who are ill or older. It has a strong scent and delicious savoury taste that encourages pooches to eat every meal, making sure they get the necessary nutrients for their health.
Wet dog food also has its drawbacks that may mean your pooch can’t have this option. These are:
- Can create dental issues: Due to the ease of chewing this type of dog food, pooches don’t use their teeth as much to chew. This can lead to dental issues if they rely on wet food as they aren’t building the strength in their teeth. Dogs on wet food may have more plaque buildup and can even get gum disease, meaning owners need to find other methods to look after their oral health.
- Short shelf life when opened: Wet dog food tends to perish quickly when it has been opened. After opening a tin or pouch, the food needs to be consumed within a small window and be kept properly refrigerated to help it remain fresher for longer.
- Can be expensive: For each meal, wet dog food can be a higher cost compared to dry food. Owners on a budget or with multiple dogs may struggle to afford this option as the cost can quickly rise. This makes it a poorer option for long-term feeding.
Do dogs prefer dry or wet food?
So, do dogs prefer dry or wet food? Well, it is all dependent on your pooch, their preferences and their requirements. You also need to factor in your lifestyle and finances to decide which is best for your furry friend. Both wet and dry food can offer different, unique benefits that can suit your pooch best.
A great way to tackle this decision and confusion on which is best is to feed your pooch a combination of the two, balancing their diet in a healthy way. There is nothing wrong with encouraging a combination of food into your dog’s diet, however, you must ensure that they aren’t mixed, they should be served separately at different mealtimes. This gives them each of the unique benefits of wet dog food and dry food.
If your furry friend has digestive problems though, stick with one type of food as mixing it up between wet and dry food can upset their stomachs. Plus, certain breeds can’t have particular types of dog food, for example pugs can’t have too much wet food as they have sensitive stomachs, and this can trigger it. This means they need a balanced diet. It’s always best to consult your vet for health advice of your pooch to gain valuable insights and help you make the right choice.
Explore Pero’s range of dog food for all types, sensitivities and preferences to give your furry friend high-quality, nutritious and healthy meals, whichever type they prefer!