Feeding your dog keeps them going and surviving, which is the best solution to keep your pup healthy and active. Food for dogs can be either dry or wet, so most pet owners might be concerned when selecting food. They might wonder which one they prefer, dry vs. wet dog food.
Being a first-time dog owner, your concern about your dog’s diet is understandable. Because the benefits and drawbacks of wet and dry dog food are so evenly distributed, it can be challenging to decide which is best for your dog. To assist you in choosing what to feed your dog each day, Pet Life Expert has outlined the distinctions between dry vs. wet dog food.
Selecting the Dry vs. Wet Dog Food
Choosing the proper diet for your pet can be tricky due to the abundance of dog food options available. Even the most essential decision of wet vs. dry dog food can be confusing due to the abundance of brands and ingredients. The primary distinctions between dry and wet dog food will be discussed in this article, but it is crucial to always ask your veterinarian for more detailed advice that suits your dog’s lifestyle.
What Is Wet Dog Food? | How is it Processed?
Many of you may have already guessed wet or canned dog food. The softer stuff comes in meat chunks drenched in jelly or gravy. The best wet dog food must be consumed as soon as it is opened to maintain its flavor and freshness because it is much wetter than dry dog food—up to 84% moisture.
- Wet food is made by grinding the protein sources or meat ingredients.
- Then, a gravy of vitamins, minerals, and grains is added to mix up.
- After mixing, the food is cooked correctly or sterilized for a canned product.
- Ultimately, a can contains wet food with a higher moisture content than dry food.
- The maximum moisture percentage is shown on the label under the guaranteed analysis section.
What Is Dry Dog Food? | How is it Processed?
The other end of the scale is about dry dog food that contains a limited amount of water. The percentage of moisture content in dry food for dogs is only about 3-12%. You can count “dog biscuits” in UK and “kibble” in dry dog food. This food comes in small brown pellets; the containers are usually larger than wet food.
- Although dry food contains very similar ingredients.
- But instead of canning the product & adding gravy, the meat mixture is pulverized.
- It creates a consistent dough that can be steamed moderately or adequately cooked.
- Once cooked, the dough is extruded through holes specifically shaped to form kibble.
- The kibble is dried and sprayed with fats, oils, vitamins, and minerals.
- The final step is packaging to protect the food from fats and oils.
Is Wet Food or Dry Food Better for Dogs?
Regarding the question that most pet owners might ponder, is wet or dry food better for dogs? You might find different answers. Let us tell you whether dry or wet food is better for dogs.
There’s not much difference when we examine the nutritional content during quality food selection. However, there might be specific pros and cons of giving dry vs. wet dog food to your pup. The variation between dry food and wet food for dogs can help you make the best decision.
Purina ONE High Protein Wet Dog Food True Instinct Tender Cuts in Dog Food Gravy With Real Beef and Wild-Caught Salmon
- Brand: Purina ONE
- Flavor: Beef & Wild-Caught Salmon
- Age Range: Adult
- Item Form: Gravy
- Specific Uses For Product: Digestive Health; Immune Support; High-Protein
Benefits of Wet Dog Food
Wet dog food formulas come with these benefits:
- More appetizing
- Easier to chew
- Keeps dogs fuller for longer
- It’s protein-rich
- Better for sensitive stomachs
- Higher moisture content
- Palatability
Disadvantages of Wet Dog Food
Let’s look at the drawbacks of wet and canned food for dogs.
- It’s messier and smellier
- Shorter shelf life
- Harder to portion
- More expensive
Benefits of Dry Dog Food
Here are some advantages of dry food for dogs.
- Easy to manage
- Longer lasting
- More economic
- Cleans teeth
- Better for weight loss
- Cleaner for doggy beards
IAMS Minichunks Adult Dry Dog Food Lamb & Rice Recipe Dog Kibble, 30 lb. Bag
- Brand: Iams Dry Dog Food
- Flavor: Lamb & Rice
- Age Range: Adult
- Item Form: Chunk
- Specific Uses For Product: Nutrition
Disadvantages of Dry Dog Food
Some drawbacks of dry food for dogs are listed here.
- Not as sensory
- Doesn’t provide moisture/hydration
- Tougher on teeth
What Wet Dog Food Do Veterinarians Recommend?
When choosing any type of food from dry vs. wet dog food, it is always helpful to have your pet’s requirements in mind. Also, it is advised to learn about the ingredients and don’t forget to read a pet food label. Lastly, get the vet’s assistance at any point.
Decision Is Yours!
Finding a pet food that provides your dog with high-quality food to meet their health demands should be your priority. When it comes to choosing between dry vs. wet dog food, pet parents must be considerate about various aspects. Additionally, dogs should enjoy the food they eat. While dry food can promote oral health, wet food is a fantastic method to offer your dog a boost in hydration. Another option to consider is feeding a combination of wet and dry dog food to provide your dog with a well-rounded diet that meets various demands since damp and dry dog foods have many advantages.
FAQs | Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the Core Difference Between Dry and Wet Dog Food?
The main distinction is their moisture content. Wet food, such as canned food, usually has a high moisture level, between 70 and 80%, whereas dry food, sometimes called kibble, has a very low water content, usually 10% or less. This distinction impacts their nutritional characteristics, texture, and shelf life.
Is One Type of Food Inherently “Better” Than the Other for All Dogs?
No, there is not one “better” choice for every dog. The best option is determined by your dog’s tastes, age, health, and specific demands. Creating comprehensive and balanced food formulations for dry and wet foods is possible.
What Are the Benefits of Feeding My Dog Dry Food Like Kibble?
Dry food has several benefits, including convenience—it is easy to store, serve, and measure. Additionally, it is a cost-effective and long-term solution for dogs that improves their dental health and hygiene.
What Are the Pros of Feeding My Dog Wet Food (Canned)?
Wet food also has advantages, including higher moisture content, which helps prevent dehydration and urinary issues; palatability, which is why food is often more appealing to picky eaters; variety (like pate, chunks, and gravy); and flavors, which can be beneficial. It is also suitable for dogs with health issues, like senior dogs.
Are There Any Drawbacks to Feeding Dry Food to Dogs?
Yes! Some potential disadvantages to feeding your pup dry dog food include lower moisture content, which leads to dehydration in dogs, being less palatable for picky eaters, and high in carbohydrates.
