Wet vs. Dry Dog Food: Which Is Better?

The short answer: both wet and dry food can be complete, healthy diets. The best choice depends on your dog and your budget. Dry food is more affordable and convenient; wet food has more moisture, tends to be more appealing to picky eaters, and can help some dogs with weight control. Many owners do best with a mix of the two.

The real differences

Whichever you choose, the most important thing on the label is the AAFCO statement saying the food is complete and balanced for your dog's life stage.

When wet food makes sense

• Picky eaters. The smell and texture of wet food appeal to many dogs who turn their nose up at kibble.
• Dogs who don't drink much. The extra moisture adds to daily water intake, which can help some dogs, including those with certain urinary or kidney concerns (follow your vet's guidance for any diagnosed condition).
• Weight management. Because wet food is mostly water, a dog can eat a satisfying volume for fewer calories.
• Seniors or dogs with dental problems. Soft food is easier to eat for dogs with missing teeth or sore mouths.
• Dogs recovering from illness, when appetite is low.

When dry food makes sense

• Budget. Feeding a large dog entirely on wet food gets expensive quickly.
• Convenience. Kibble can sit in a bowl during the day without spoiling and is easy to bring along when traveling.
• Food puzzles and training. Kibble works well in puzzle feeders and as training rewards from the daily ration.

The dental myth

It's a common belief that crunchy kibble cleans a dog's teeth. For most kibble, the effect is small: it shatters on contact rather than scrubbing the tooth surface, and it does little at the gumline, where dental disease starts.

If dental health is a priority, the things that actually help are daily tooth brushing, dental diets or chews that carry the VOHC (Veterinary Oral Health Council) seal, and regular dental checkups and cleanings.

Mixing wet and dry

Combining the two, such as kibble with a spoonful of wet food on top, gives many dogs the best of both: the cost and convenience of dry food with the appeal and moisture of wet.

If you mix, adjust the amounts so your dog's total daily calories stay the same. Adding wet food on top of a full portion of kibble is an easy way to cause weight gain. Check the calorie content (kcal per cup or per can) on both labels, or ask your vet for a daily calorie target.

Storage and safety

• Refrigerate opened wet food, covered, and use it within the time on the label, usually a few days.
• Don't leave wet food out for more than a couple of hours.
• Store kibble in its original bag, inside a closed container, in a cool, dry place. The bag has the lot number you'd need if there were ever a recall.
• Wash bowls regularly, especially after wet food.

When to talk to your vet

Check with your vet before changing foods if your dog has a diagnosed condition such as kidney disease, diabetes, urinary stones, or food allergies, since the type of food can matter. Also call if your dog suddenly loses interest in food, has trouble chewing, or is gaining or losing weight unexpectedly.

Our picks: Canned/Wet Food

If a canned/wet food food makes sense for your dog, these are good places to start. Every dog is different, so introduce any new food gradually.