Wet vs dry dog food: which is better for your dog?
Updated: 3 days ago
Wet or dry? Ask ten dog owners and you'll probably get ten opinions. The truth is that both can be perfectly good, as long as the food is complete and suits your dog. Here's how they compare.
What's the difference?
Dry food (kibble) is cooked and formed into small pieces, then dried, usually to around 8-10% moisture. Dog's Life recipes are dry foods, around 8% moisture.
Wet food comes in tins, trays or pouches and is typically around 70-80% moisture.
Both can be "complete" (everything your dog needs) or "complementary" (designed to be fed alongside something else). Always check the label.
The case for dry food
Concentrated nutrition
Because most of the water has been removed, dry food packs much more nutrition into every gram. That means smaller portions. A 20kg adult dog might need somewhere around 225-335g a day of one of our adult recipes.
Better value per day
Gram for gram, dry food usually costs considerably less to feed than wet, especially for medium and large dogs.
Convenient and easy to store
Kibble doesn't need refrigerating once opened. Simply keep the bag sealed, in a cool, dry place. It's easy to measure and handy for travel.
Great for training
Kibble makes a brilliant training reward. At Puppy Steps we often use part of a puppy's daily allowance in training sessions.
Can be designed for size
Dry food can be made in different kibble sizes. Our Small Breed recipes use smaller kibble for smaller mouths.
The case for wet food
Extra hydration
Wet food contains a lot of water, which can help dogs who don't drink much.
Palatability
Many dogs love the smell and texture of wet food, which can help fussy eaters or older dogs with a reduced appetite.
Softer texture
Wet food can be easier for dogs with dental problems or very small mouths.
On the downside, wet food is usually more expensive per day, needs refrigerating once opened, and doesn't keep long in the bowl.
Is dry food bad for dogs' teeth?
You may hear that kibble "cleans teeth". Crunchy food may help a little, but it isn't a substitute for proper dental care. Regular tooth brushing with a dog toothpaste and routine checks by your vet matter far more than whether the food is wet or dry.
Do dogs on dry food get enough water?
Yes, as long as water is always available. Dogs on dry food naturally drink more to make up the difference. Always make sure fresh, clean water is available, and refill the bowl daily.
Can you mix wet and dry dog food?
Yes, and many owners do. A spoonful of wet food on top of kibble can tempt a fussy eater. A few tips:
Reduce both portions. If you add wet food, cut back the kibble so you don't overfeed.
Keep it complete. Make sure most of the diet comes from a complete food.
Introduce it gradually, just as you would any new food.
Don't leave wet food out for more than an hour or so.
You can also add a little warm water to kibble to release the aroma, which many dogs enjoy.
So which is better?
For most dogs, a good-quality complete dry food is a convenient, nutritious and economical choice, and it's what we feed every puppy we train. Wet food can be a useful addition for fussy eaters, dogs who drink little, or older dogs with sore mouths. The best choice is the one your dog thrives on: good energy, a healthy weight, firm stools and a shiny coat.
What to look for in a good dry food
Named meat or fish as the first ingredient
Complete nutrition, with vitamins and minerals listed
Clear analytical constituents (protein, fat, fibre, moisture)
Added omega 3 for skin and coat
No added artificial colours or preservatives
Every Dog's Life recipe starts with at least 50% meat or fish, includes omega 3, and is naturally preserved with rosemary extract.
Frequently asked questions
Is it OK to feed my dog only dry food? Yes. A complete dry food contains everything your dog needs, as long as fresh water is always available.
Is wet food healthier than dry food? Not necessarily. Both can be healthy if they're complete and good quality. The main differences are moisture, cost and convenience.
How do I store dry dog food? Keep it in the original bag, sealed, in a cool, dry place. Pouring it into a tub can let fats spoil faster, so if you use a container, put the whole bag inside.
Should I soak kibble for puppies? Some owners soften kibble with warm water for very young puppies. Gradually reduce the water as they grow.
How much dry food should I feed? Use the feeding guide on the product page as a starting point and adjust for your dog's body shape and activity.
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