Wet or Dry Dog Food? Which Is Better?

Wet food is generally a safer bet for dogs over dry food as it keeps them more hydrated, and has fewer carbohydrates. So, today we are gonna try to resolve the mystery between wet or dry dog food and which is better.

That said, the best diet for your dog conforms to their specific needs. But what if you’re not sure what those needs are? There are many different types of dog food on the market; how can you know which one is right for your pet?

The two most common types of dog food are dry and wet (similar to cat food). Each has its own set of pros and cons that you’ll need to consider when choosing your dog’s diet.

So, which type of food is best for your dog?

Wet or dry dog food?

This article breaks down the details of each kind of food, and you can always ask your vet about the best food for your dog. So, let’s see more about wet food vs dry food.

How Is Dog Food Made?

Dry dog food starts by mixing wet and dry ingredients into a dough. Depending on the manufacturer and food quality, these ingredients can include meat, vegetables, animal by-products and animal by-product meal.

The dough is heated and sent through a machine that cuts the food into kibble shapes. The pieces are dried and sealed with a spray coating.

Making canned dog food is a bit more complex. Meat is ground and steamed. The “broth” created is mixed with the meat in a giant container. Any remaining ingredients like vegetables are added.

Machines heat the mixture again, and the company performs a chemical analysis. Cans pass through boiling water before workers fill it with the finished food.

What Are Some Common Dog Food Ingredients?

Some of the unhealthy dog food ingredients to watch out for include:

• Artificial colors
• Artificial flavors
• By-products
• Corn
• Dairy
• Soy
• Wheat

Some quality dog food ingredients to look for include:

• Meat
• Grains
• Vegetables
• Fruit
• Vitamins and minerals

What Are the Benefits of Dry Dog Food?

Dry kibble is the most popular type of dog food. It’s affordable and easy to store, and it doesn’t require any special preparation. Just scoop out the desired amount and serve.

One of the main benefits of dry food is that it helps keep your dog’s teeth clean. The crunchy kibble helps remove plaque and tartar from dogs’ teeth as they chew.

The dry variety is also less likely to spoil than wet food, so you can feel confident that your dog is getting a nutritious meal even if you cannot feed them every day.

Dry kibble is often less expensive than wet food, and it keeps for more extended periods than wet food. Dry food can help create firm stools, and this diet encourages dogs to drink more water.

Also, dry food has a higher percentage of carbs than wet food.

On the other hand, wet food has a higher percentage of protein and fats and more vitamins.

What Are Some Problems with Dry Dog Food?

Dry food is not without its drawbacks. One of the biggest is that it can be challenging for some dogs to digest, which can lead to an upset stomach and diarrhea.

If your dog has a sensitive stomach, you may want to consider switching to a wet food diet.

The carbohydrate content of dry kibble is often high. Some believe increased carbs can lead to obesity in dogs.

Dry pet food can be high in gluten, which can cause problems for canines with allergies. Dry food also contains more fillers and less meat than wet food in many cases. 

Dry food can be messy, and it may attract bugs or rodents.

What Are the Benefits of Wet Dog Food?

Wet food is becoming increasingly popular among dog owners. It’s just as nutritious as dry food, but it’s easier for dogs to digest.

Wet food has the added benefit of being more palatable for dogs. If your dog is a picky eater, it may be more likely to eat a wet food diet.

The canned variety has higher moisture content than dry food, which is essential for dogs who don’t drink enough water. Wet dog food is soft and easier to eat for canines with dental problems, and it often contains more meat than dry food. 

Wet food usually makes a dog feel full for longer, so they (hopefully) won’t overeat as much.

Wet foods have a more pungent smell. This smell can encourage your dog to eat when sick and does not have a strong appetite.

They often contain more protein than dry foods, and some dogs prefer the taste of wet food over dry food. Dogs with kidney disease may do better on a wet food diet because it contains less phosphorus than dry food.

As I mentioned above, wet food has more vitamins and a higher percentage of protein and fats, and dry food has a higher percentage of carbs.

What Are Some Problems with Wet Dog Food?

Wet foods often contain more protein and fat than dry food, which can cause upset stomachs in some dogs (like grain-free pet foods).

Wet food can keep for shorter periods than dry food, and owners must refrigerate it once opened. It is often more expensive than dry food (especially if it’s high-quality). Some dogs do not like the taste or texture of wet food, and it doesn’t have the teeth-cleaning benefits of kibble.

What Is an Ideal Diet for Your Dog?

Every dog is different, and some may do better on a diet that consists primarily of dry food, while others may enjoy a diet that mainly consists of wet food.

It’s a good idea to investigate what works best for your pet. A combination of both dry and wet food is often the best option. This way, your dog can benefit from both types of food and enjoy some variety in its diet.

It is essential to read the ingredient list on any dog food you consider feeding your dog. In that regard, premium dog food is often worth the price. 

Some ingredients can cause allergies or other problems in dogs. If you’re concerned about an ingredient, it’s best to do some research before selecting a food.

Bottom Line: Wet or Dry Dog Food?

So, which is the best type of food for your pet? The answer depends on the individual nutritional needs of your canine. If you’re not sure what type of food is right for them, talk to your veterinarian. They can help you pick a diet that will provide your dog with all the nutrients they need to stay healthy and happy.