Choosing dog food can feel overwhelming. First comes the brand, then the formula — and then the big question: wet or dry?
Is one healthier? Is one tastier? And which option will actually help your dog thrive?
Let’s break down the wet vs. dry dog food debate so you can make the best choice for your four-legged best friend.
Wet vs. dry dog food: what’s the real difference?
The most obvious difference is texture — but nutritionally, wet and dry foods are often very similar.
For most healthy dogs, neither option is inherently better. Dogs can thrive on wet food, dry food, or a combination of both. In fact, many pet parents feed kibble topped with a bit of wet food for extra flavor.
Each option simply comes with its own set of advantages and drawbacks.
Benefits of wet dog food
Wet dog food can be a great choice in several situations:
Easier to eat
Its soft texture makes wet food ideal for dogs with dental issues, missing teeth or oral pain.
Extra hydration
Because it contains a lot of moisture, wet food is especially helpful for dogs with kidney disease or those who don’t drink enough water on their own.
More appealing to picky eaters
Wet food often comes as pâté or stew, and many dogs prefer the stew-style options because they resemble human food.
Great for hiding medication
Wet dog food also comes in handy when you’re trying to give your dog medicine, because it’s much easier to conceal pills in something soft and flavorful than in dry kibble.
Lower calorie density
Wet food contains fewer calories per volume due to its high water content, allowing dogs to eat a larger portion while consuming fewer calories — helpful for weight management.
And despite a common myth, wet food doesn’t cause diarrhea. Dogs who eat canned food exclusively can have perfectly normal, firm stools.
Downsides of wet dog food
Wet food does have a few practical drawbacks:
- It must be refrigerated after opening
- Feeding can be messier than kibble
- It’s typically more expensive, since it contains more water and fewer calories per serving
Benefits of dry dog food
Dry food remains popular — and for good reason:
Convenience
Kibble is easy to store, scoop and serve, with no refrigeration required.
Budget-friendly
Dry food generally costs less than wet food and requires less packaging, which also makes it more eco-friendly.
Variety of sizes and formulas
Different kibble sizes can accommodate puppies, adults and large or small breeds.
Dental support options
Some prescription and specialty dental diets can help reduce tartar buildup (though they don’t replace regular tooth brushing).
Downsides of dry dog food
Dry food isn’t perfect either:
- It often contains more carbohydrates than wet food (though this varies by brand and recipe)
- Picky eaters may find kibble less appealing than wet food
What wet and dry dog food have in common
Both wet and dry dog foods must meet the same nutritional standards. Many brands even offer identical recipes in both forms.
In general, both options can be equally healthy, as long as the food is complete, balanced and made by a reputable company.
What to look for in a quality dog food
Veterinarians typically recommend:
- Commercially prepared diets that are cooked
- Foods that contain grains (unless your vet advises otherwise)
- Brands with strong quality control and extensive testing
Reputable companies often employ full-time veterinarians and pet nutritionists and base their formulas on scientific research.
Your own vet may also recommend specific foods or ingredients if your dog has special needs, such as weight management, urinary issues or a sensitive stomach.
What to be cautious about
In most cases, vets advise avoiding grain-free diets, as there’s a suspected link between grain-free foods and heart disease in dogs — though research is still ongoing.
Vet-recommended wet and dry dog food brands
Many veterinarians suggest choosing brands known for rigorous testing and nutritional expertise, such as:
- Royal Canin
- Hill’s Science Diet
- Purina Pro Plan
- Natural Balance
- Nutro
All of these brands offer both wet and dry options, making it easy to find a format your dog loves. Check them out below:
Royal Canin Adult Canned Dog Food
Royal Canin Small Breed Adult Dry Dog Food
Royal Canin Large Breed Adult Dry Dog Food
Hill's Science Diet Wet Dog Food, Adult 1-6
Hill's Science Diet Wet Dog Food, Adult 7+
Hill's Science Diet Dry Dog Food, Adult 1-6
Purina Pro Plan Pate Wet Dog Food
Purina Pro Plan Shredded Blend Chicken and Rice Formula
Natural Balance Ultra Premium Wet Dog Food with Real Meat & Brown Rice
Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Diets Dry Dog Food with Grains
Nutro Cuts in Gravy Grain Free Wet Dog Food
Nutro Natural Choice Small Bites Adult Dry Dog Food
Royal Canin X-Small Adult Dry Dog Food
Royal Canin Medium Breed Adult Dry Dog Food
The bottom line
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. The best dog food is one that meets your dog’s nutritional needs, fits your lifestyle and keeps your pup happy and healthy. When in doubt, your veterinarian is always the best resource for personalized guidance.
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