Can I Feed My Dog Only Wet Food? Dry vs. Wet Dog Food

Written by

Dr. Paulina Czerska

Updated Date

Aug 13, 2024

10 minutes

A veterinarian is holding a brown dog on a metal table for a checkup.

Dry Dog Food

Dry dog food is a popular choice for many owners because it offers a lot of benefits for them and their dogs. However, there are also some downsides to consider. Let’s talk about all of them.

Benefits of Dry Dog Food

Supports Dental Health

Dry dog food helps keep your dog’s teeth clean while filling up its belly. The crunchy texture of dry dog food doesn’t stick as easily as wet food. This means less plaque and tartar buildup, which will be a net positive for your dog’s teeth.

Convenience and Accessibility

One of the standout advantages of dry dog food is its convenience. Kibble is easy to store and put away. You can easily place it anywhere that is dry and safe. Additionally, dry dog food also has a longer shelf life, which means you won’t have to make frequent trips to the pet store.

Plus, it’s easy to portion and serve. This means you can easily give out a few scoops to your dog every mealtime without any significant mess.

It’s Cost-Effective

Dry dog food is also cost-effective. It provides good nutrition for your dog while also saving you time and money. Homemade meals require time to prepare, and other diets are more expensive.

Not to mention, the longer shelf life means you will effectively reduce food waste. You can buy in bulk and get the savings without worrying about any loss. It’s also cheaper per serving than wet food because of its accessibility, packaging, and type.

Packed With Nutrients

Modern dry dog food is formulated to provide balanced nutrition. Since dry dog food only has a small percentage of water, it’s packed with a lot of dietary needs. It’s often enriched with important nutrients such as proteins, vitamins, and minerals.

Many options cater to specific life stages, breeds, and dietary needs, from puppyhood to senior years. This in itself makes sure your dog gets what they need.

Downsides of Dry Dog Food

A veterinarian is holding a dog in his arms in front of a shelf full of dog food.

Low Moisture Content

Because it has only a small amount of water, dogs on a dry food diet will need to have plenty of fresh water. If not, it can increase the risk of kidney problems, dehydration, and urinary tract infections.

Higher Carbohydrate Content

Many dry dog foods have a lot of carbohydrates and fillers. This can increase the risk of weight gain and obesity if this is not monitored closely.

Plus, these can cause a lot of digestive issues for dogs, including bloating and gas. The higher carbohydrate content can make it hard for some dogs to digest the food.

Less Palatable

Some dogs find dry kibble to be less tasty compared to wet food, especially when they’ve gotten used to it. Others may even refuse to eat it as it’s not that appealing for some, particularly those dogs who are picky eaters.

High-Heat Processing

A significant problem with dry dog food is when it’s made with high-heat processing. This process degrades vitamins, proteins, and other essential nutrients. High-heat processing can also create carcinogens and other harmful compounds that will affect your dog’s health.

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Wet Dog Food

Wet dog food offers something new and exciting compared to dry food. But it does come at the cost of a few disadvantages.

Benefits of Wet Dog Food

Helps With Hydration

One of the most significant benefits of wet dog food is its high water content. Wet dog foods have up to 65-80% moisture and can be a valuable source of hydration. This is usually recommended for dogs who don’t drink enough water on their own.

Because the water comes naturally with their food, dogs can maintain kidney function and avoid a lot of urinary tract issues. It’s a popular choice for stubborn dogs and those with health issues.

More Platable

The rich aroma and soft texture of wet dog food make it incredibly appealing, even for the pickiest of eaters. Dogs who turn up their noses at dry kibble might eagerly devour a bowl of wet food.

This is one of the reasons why pet owners often switch up their dog’s meals from dry to wet food. The unique texture and smell can entice dogs with weak appetites and those recovering from illnesses. It’s also the perfect choice for hiding medications and making sure your dog takes them.

Easier to Chew and Digest

Wet dog food is also softer and easier to digest. Because of its high water content, it can be the perfect choice for dogs with sensitive stomachs and dental problems. It offers a gentle food source that can easily avoid digestive distress.

Helps With Weight Management

Another plus of having a high moisture content is helping dogs feel full faster. This works wonders when it comes to managing a dog’s weight, as this will prevent a lot of them from overeating.

Plus, wet dog food doesn’t have as many fillers and carbohydrates compared to dry food.

Downsides of Wet Dog Food

A veterinarian is talking to a pet owner holding a white dog in his arms.

Shorter Shelf Life

Once opened, wet dog food must be refrigerated and used within 2 to 3 days, or it can spoil. This makes it less convenient than dry dog food for long-term storage. Plus, the strong smell can be unpleasant when put in the same place as other groceries.

Less Convenient

Wet dog food is also difficult to portion out, which means that you’ll likely spend more time and tools giving the food to your dog. Plus, it can also be messy, which means extra cleanup. Their food bowls should also be cleaned immediately to prevent residue and odors.

More Expensive

Wet dog food is generally pricier and more expensive compared to dry dog food. Additionally, because its shelf life is not that long, it can quickly expire and spoil, increasing costs. The costs will especially add up in households with multiple dogs.

Higher Risk of Dental Issues

Wet food can also get easily stuck in the dog’s teeth, causing plaque buildup that can eventually turn to tartar without regular brushing. The moist texture can cling to teeth and become a food source for bacteria.

Best Dog Food in Dubai

With the variety of options for dog food, it’s hard to choose the right one for your dog. Feel free to visit our pet pharmacy for the best dog food for your best friend. In the meantime, here’s a quick guide:

Royal Canin

Royal Canin has established itself as a leader by focusing on scientifically backed, tailored nutrition that meets the specific needs of different dogs. They have several options for dog nutrition, based on their size, breed, and medical needs.

Purina

Purina is also another brand of dog food that offers options to suit all dogs of all ages and lifestyles. Their Pro Plan is their premium line, with more options such as Bakers, Beneful, Alpo, and Dentalife. All of them provide specific needs for each unique dog.

Hill’s

Hill’s Pet Nutrition is built on science-based formulations. They have options for life stage and specific needs, as well as medical conditions and dietary needs. These are all divided nicely into their Science Plan, Prescription Diet, and Vet Essentials.

“What your dog eats is what makes when happy and healthy.”
- Dr. Paulina Czerska

Final Thoughts

When it comes to choosing your dog’s food, dry and wet are two of the most popular options. There’s no single best option. It’s best to focus on what your dog needs to thrive and lead a happy life.