Reviewed By Joana Garrido DVM
During the foray of pawrents into dog ownership, one of the first major decisions that need to be made in selecting the right food. Dry and wet foods for dogs are the leading options dominating the market.
Choosing between the two can be overwhelming. So this article will go over the differences between them as well as their pros and cons to help you pick which best fits your furry pal’s health and lifestyle.
Dry vs. Wet Food for Dogs: Moisture Content
Wet Dog Food
Out of the two, wet food for dogs contains the highest water content. It ranges between 60% and 87%. You can find its percentage of maximum moisture right below the Guaranteed Analysis section.
This type of dog food is great for pooches that do not drink enough water, as well as those living in hot climates in need of frequent hydration. It also helps dogs with renal or urinary health conditions maintain fluid balance.
Dry Dog Food
Dry food for dogs has a significantly lower water content, which is only around 8% to 10%. It intentionally undergoes dehydration, removing most of its moisture for longer shelf life.
Pets that are fed dry dog food will need to increase their water intake to prevent dehydration, especially if they rarely drink water. Some dog owners mix in water to their furry pal’s kibbles for extra hydration.
Dry vs. Wet Food for Dogs: Dental Health
Wet Dog Food
The moisture content in wet dog food makes it softer and easier to chew, reducing the risk of dental fractures and tooth loss. This is particularly beneficial for senior dogs with periodontal disease, as it alleviates the discomfort associated with breaking down dry kibble.
However, wet dog food also has its downside on a dog’s dental health. Its remnants tend to stubbornly stick to the teeth. This can eventually cause fast plaque and tartar buildup if proper dental care is not observed.
Dry Dog Food
Some pet food companies market regular dry kibbles as tartar and plaque minimizers. Chewing dry dog food is believed to help scrape them off from the teeth. However, this said ability remains a contentious topic.
A 2002 study shows that commercial dry dog food exhibited less effectiveness in reducing the accumulation of dental substrates than specifically formulated and processed dental food.
Some people also pointed out that not all dogs have a habit of chewing when eating. Thus, the conventional kibbles’ tooth-scraping ability is rendered useless.
As evident in the study presented, dogs can benefit more from dental dog kibbles as they are purposely created to be bigger. It encourages pooches to chew instead of gulping down their food whole.
That being said, regardless of the type of food you feed to Fido, tooth brushing and professional dental cleaning should be carried out regularly to prevent dental issues in the long run.
Dry vs. Wet Food for Dogs: Palatability
Wet Dog Food
For many dog owners, the strong, meaty aroma of canned dog food might be off-putting. However, its rich scent is very enticing to the powerful sniffers of canines.
Thus, picky eaters are more likely to prefer eating wet food for dogs. Serving it to ill dogs, underweight dogs, and geriatric dogs may also motivate them to consume more food.
The mushy texture of wet dog food makes it a convenient tool to use when administering medications and supplements.
Before resorting to this method, it’s important to consult with a vet as the potency of certain drugs may be affected when taken with food. Additionally, some dogs may develop a food aversion if they discover hidden medication within their meals.
Dry Dog Food
If your dog is a finicky eater, he might not be a fan of dry dog food. Unlike canned food, regular dry kibbles do not emit a flavorful scent and have a less appetizing taste.
It can be challenging to encourage him to consume this type of food. Fortunately, there are a few tried and tested ways to boost its palatability, such as:
- Adding dog-friendly food toppers like peanut butter, eggs, cheese, or yogurt.
- Warming up plain water or a sodium-free bone broth and mixing them with kibbles.
Dry vs. Wet Food for Dogs: Carbohydrate Content
Wet Dog Food
More often than not, you will find many wet dog food brands containing high protein and fat levels and low carbohydrate content. That is because their ingredients largely consist of animal meats as a protein source.
Feeding dogs wet food will provide them with more energy they need throughout the day. It is suitable for canines that have an active lifestyle such as working dogs.
Be sure to watch out for high fat levels of canned dog food as excessive consumption can lead to obesity and pancreatitis. As with any food, portion control must be observed to avoid overfeeding.
Dry Dog Food
The carbohydrate content of dry dog food often outweighs its protein and fat concentrations. The reason behind this is carbs function as an important binder that gives kibbles their shape, texture, and density.
Truth be told, carbohydrates are not detrimental to your dog’s health. His body also uses them as energy fuel, just like fat and proteins. However, carbs can contribute to weight gain if ingested in large amounts.
Do note that some high-carb dry foods for dogs are specially formulated to contain more fiber. They are prescription diets that help control certain medical conditions such as diabetes.
Dry vs. Wet Food for Dogs: Shelf Life
Wet Dog Food
A can of wet food for dogs quickly becomes a magnet for molds and harmful bacteria as soon as it is opened. The product’s high moisture content predisposes it to easy contamination when left at room temperature.
Generally, it is considered unsafe to feed pets wet dog food that has been exposed to air for more than 3 to 4 hours. Discarding it may sound like a waste, but it will save you plenty of money when it comes to vet bills.
Following proper storage guidelines for canned dog food such as the ones below will help prevent fast spoilage:
- Store leftover wet dog food in a container with an airtight lid. If you do not have one, a ziplock bag will do as an alternative, but note that it does not hold off oxygen and odor well compared to a plastic container.
- Refrigerate leftovers in temperatures between 40 and 45 degrees Fahrenheit. They can remain fresh for up to 48 hours unless stated otherwise in the packaging.
- Unopened cans of dog food should be kept in a dim and dry place. Their ideal storage temperature is between 50 and 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Be sure they are located away from sources of high heat or else they will quickly turn rancid even when unused.
Washing of food bowls must be done after every meal when feeding wet food to dogs to prevent the growth of microbes that spread food-borne diseases.
Dry Dog Food
Regular kibbles can be left out for longer periods compared to wet food for dogs. Thus, they are more convenient for meal portioning.
Pawrents, especially those in multipet households, can buy them cheaper in bulk with fewer worries about spoilage. Dry dog food is also more practical to use during emergencies since it does not require refrigeration.
Here are some general rules when it comes to using and storing dry kibbles for dogs:
- They can be exposed to room temperature for 6 to 8 hours. However, avoid leaving them in your dog’s food bowl for a whole day as they will get stale.
- Opened bags of dry dog food have a shelf life of around 12 to 18 months. But despite its long shelf life, it is recommended to use everything up within 2 months to avoid excessive nutrient loss in the food.
- Do not remove the kibbles from their original bag. Most dog food bags have an oil-resistant liner, which keeps the kibbles from becoming stale quickly. Instead, store the dry dog food in the original bag and place it inside an airtight container to keep off pests.
- Never combine old kibbles and new kibbles in the same food bag. If the older dry dog food is contaminated with molds or bacteria, it can spread throughout the new refill.
Do not skip washing dog food bowls daily even if your furry pal is on a dry dog food diet. You can do it after he eats his final meal of the day.
Dry vs. Wet Food for Dogs: Cleanliness Factor
Wet Dog Food
When it comes to cleaning, canned food is messy to deal with. Bits of it can get stuck on your canine friend’s fur and end up getting tracked all over your home.
Depending on your dog’s food bowl, getting rid of wet dog food residues can be difficult since it easily sticks to nooks and crannies. This applies to bowls with complex designs such as puzzle feeders and automatic feeders.
To avoid bacterial contamination, always clean your dog’s feeding station and food bowls after every meal. Your dog may need a brisk rubdown too if he got wet food on his coat.
Dry Dog Food
It is less taxing to clean up after dogs that eat conventional kibbles. In most cases, the only cleaning needed to be done is sweeping off any dry dog food that falls off their food bowls and discarding them properly.
If your dog has long hair, a mustache, or a beard, feeding him dry food for dogs will save you a great deal of time in cleaning. It also lowers your furry pal’s risk of developing skin problems such as infections.
How to Know If Wet and Dry Foods Meet Fido’s Nutritional Needs
The easiest way to know if wet and dry foods for dogs are nutritionally complete and balanced is by looking for a statement of nutritional adequacy.
This label is regulated by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO). You will typically find this printed on the back or side of the product’s packaging. It will say something along the lines of:
- It is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles.
- Animal feeding tests using AAFCO procedures substantiate that it provides complete and balanced nutrition.
FAQs About Dry and Wet Food for Dogs
1. Can I Mix Dry Food with Wet Food for Dogs?
Yes, you can mix dry food with wet food for dogs. Combining the two will improve the palatability and moisture content of regular kibbles.
However, there is also the danger of gastrointestinal upset and nutritional imbalance. So only make these dietary changes with the vet’s approval.
2. Is It Okay to Feed a Dog Wet Food Only?
Yes, it is ok to feed a dog wet food only provided that the product is complete and balanced.
It must also be suited for your dog’s breed, size, age, and activity level. The same criteria apply if you intend to place your canine companion on a dry dog food diet.
3. How Long Is Wet Dog Food Good When Left Out?
Wet dog food is only good for 3 to 4 hours when left out at room temperature. Anything beyond that increases the likelihood of bacteria growth and contamination.
Leftover canned food must be stored in an airtight container and refrigerated to avoid quick spoilage.
4. Should I Add Water to My Dog’s Dry Food?
Yes, adding water to your dog’s dry food is a good idea. Since kibbles have a low moisture content, mixing them with water provides added hydration.
Additionally, water enhances the taste and flavor profile of the food. So your furry pal will find it more appetizing and will likely eat more.
Summary
Dry food and wet food for dogs comes with their own pros and cons. Knowing which works best for you and your furry pal’s lifestyle will make mealtimes satisfying for him and hassle-free for you.
The transparency of dog food ingredients is a big deciding factor for many dog owners whether they should switch to a different dog food or not.
However, some pet food brands use questionable ingredients without you knowing. Read the article “Can Dogs Eat Roadkill? 5 Risks of Ingesting Dead Animals” to find out more about it.
