One of the best things you can do for your furry friend is to feed them the greatest diet. However, there are many dog foods on the market, so which one is the best for your pup? Let’s talk about the pros and cons of feeding dry food or wet food for dogs.
What’s The Difference Between Dry Dog Food And Wet Dry Food?
Dry dog food, also known as kibble, is as it sounds. It’s dry food that’s often crunchy. Kibble can come in different shapes and sizes, depending on the dog’s breed, size, or age.
For example, some kibble is marketed as “small bites” for toy dog breeds and puppies. These tiny pellets are easy for your dog to chew and won’t cause a choking hazard.
On the other hand, kibble is larger for giant dog breeds and older pups.
Wet food usually comes in a can or a plastic package. It’s moist, and you can often see the natural ingredients inside. It’s similar to feeding your dog a real meal.
How Are The Two Types Of Food Processed?
One major thing you want to look at is the ingredients and how the food is processed. For example, whether it’s kibble or canned food, you don’t want to provide your dog with food containing artificial ingredients or preservatives.
Wet food is often made by grinding the protein source. Then it’s mixed with gravy to add other vitamins and minerals. Finally, it’s sterilized before being packaged, staying fresh and moist.
On the other hand, dry dog food has its ingredients packed together into a dough. Then it’s dried out and made into crunchy, small balls or pellets.
So, let’s talk about the pros and cons of dry food or wet food for dogs.
Which Is Better: Dry Food Or Wet Food?
Now that we know how the two types of foods are processed let’s take a look at the benefits of both for your dog.
For instance, wet food has benefits that dry food doesn’t. Also, dry food has other benefits that wet food doesn’t contain.
What Are The Benefits Of Canned Wet Dog Food?
First, wet food has a high moisture content. It helps keep your dog hydrated, especially if they’re not drinking during the day.
Even if your dog does drink an average amount during the day, adding wet food to their diet will give them a slight boost of hydration. This is especially good on extra hot days or if your dog is feeling under the weather.
Second, wet food is more enticing to dogs. It smells better for pups, and it’s also more flavorful.
You can often see the real ingredients in the wet food, so you know your dog is getting the nutrients they love and need. While the food might not smell great to us, it’ll smell flavorful to your dog.
If you have a sick puppy or an elderly dog that doesn’t eat much anymore, wet food might entice them to do so.
Third, canned food is longer-lasting, so your dog will feel full longer. Also, it’s easy to chew.
So, once dinner time is over, your doggo should feel full for the night’s rest. In addition, it’s easier for them to chew, so they won’t have to worry if they have a toothache or if their teeth are brittle from old age.
In a nutshell, wet dog food has:
- High water content
- Enticing smells and flavors
- It keeps your dog full longer
- Easy to chew and eat
What Are The Benefits Of Dry Dog Food?
Dry dog food has its benefits, as well. First, kibble has dental health benefits. It encourages your dog to chew, which helps build up their jaw muscle and cleans their teeth.
For example, chewing the kibble helps control tartar buildup and keeps their teeth strong.
Kibble can also be used as enrichment. For example, you can add dry food to slow-feeders or puzzle feeders, simulating your pup’s mind while they eat.
In addition, kibble can fit inside dog toys that will keep your doggo busy for a little while. It can be a great alternative to dog treats, especially if you’re keeping an eye on your furry friend’s weight.
Finally, kibble has some benefits for you, too. It has a long shelf life, so you can buy it in bulk and have dry food for a few months at a time. In addition, it’s cheaper than buying wet food.
Overall, dry dog food has:
- Dental health benefits
- Supports enrichment
- Longer shelf life
- Less expensive for you
Is One Better Than The Other?
In the long run, wet food contains more nutrients than dry food. However, kibble can mentally stimulate your dog and suit their teeth.
Also, kibble seems to benefit your dog and you, but wet food has more benefits for your pup, which is what you want.
You can manipulate the dry food, though. For example, if you need them to stay hydrated, you can add a few drops of water to their kibble. It’ll add moisture and soften the kibble, so it’s easier for your pup to chew.
Overall, you can add both to your dog’s diet. For example, you can mix dry food in with wet food so that your dog gets the best of both worlds.
