1. Hydration

One of the key differences between wet and dry food is moisture and hydration.

Wet food contains a high amount of water and protein which is great for your dog’s hydration and diet. Dogs that don’t drink enough water or live in a hot climate will benefit from having wet food because of the added water intake.

2. Shelf life and convenience

A downside of tinned wet food is that it doesn’t have a long shelf life. Most wet food products recommend only keeping a can open for a maximum of 4 days. This time period may be fine if you purchase smaller cans (but these are more expensive) or if you go through food quickly because you have more than one dog.

But in terms of getting bang for your buck, wet food cans have a short shelf life . The costs and wastage can add up over time. Many dog owners find dry kibble easier to store and more convenient.

3. Cost

Wet food is often more expensive than dry kibble. Bulk dry dog food purchasing is also more readily available than bulk wet food. So you can purchase larger amounts at a lower cost – which is great if you own more than one dog!

4. Automatic feeders

Dry food is generally better for automatic feeders. If you’re going out one night and won’t be back to feed your dog for dinner or you prefer to sleep in and let your pup be fed via an automatic feeder – the ideal food is dry kibble. This is due to the design of most automatic feeders. Another important consideration is that wet food may require refrigeration, which typically isn’t possible in a food dispenser.

5. Messy eaters

Some dogs make a mess when they eat and this can be tough to control. Dry kibble gets the vote over wet food for dogs who are messy eaters. Dry kibble is less likely to spill, and is much easier to clean up.

6. Health & Dental issues

If your pup is unwell, has trouble chewing or a sensitive stomach wet food can be the better, softer, safer choice. But too much soft food can lead to dental issues. As puppies’ teeth develop, they benefit from harder foods like kibble. Adult dogs’ teeth also benefit from dry kibble as some dry foods are designed to clean your dog’s teeth as they eat it.

7. Weight issues and protein

Wet food generally contains a higher fat content but this is not always a bad thing. As canned food is often richer, it can be more filling for dogs. This can be helpful if you’re trying to encourage your dog to lose weight. You can then feed your dog a smaller amount of wet food containing fewer calories, but it will be more filling.

Wet food is good for dogs that are underweight or have lost weight after infection, surgery or illness.

Dry foods are often best for sustaining a healthy weight, but sometimes have lower protein levels which are required for your puppy’s development. You will need to consider what stage of life your dog is at and adapt their diet as they grow and mature.

8. Urinary issues

Dogs who need to urinate regularly may find eating dry kibble (which contains less moisture) helpful in reducing their need to urinate.

But dogs that suffer from urinary tract issues will likely benefit from wet foods, as the higher levels of moisture can help their urinary problems.

To summarize – what food is best for my dog?

When it comes down to it, many experts say there are no major differences between the canned wet food and dry kibble. In the end, it all depends on your dog’s needs and preferences, as well as your lifestyle. 

As your dog grows and their needs change, so might their diet. Be sure to check out our free printable which lists the specific benefits of wet and dry food for your dog. 

Many dog owners give their furry friends a mix of both wet and dry food to add variety and ensure they meet all their dog’s nutritional needs.

It’s important to note that it’s not necessary to feed both types of food to ensure your dog has a balanced well-rounded diet, but quality of food is important.