March 25, 2022
How To Choose: Wet Vs Dry Dog Food
For many years, dry dog food was the most common option for pet parents. Besides being convenient to feed and easy to store, dogs generally seem to enjoy it and can live happily and healthily on the diet.
However, wet and raw dog food diets have become more popular recently, leading some people to wonder which option is the healthiest dog food for their beloved pets. Let’s explore some of the pros and cons of wet vs dry.
Benefits of Dry Dog Food
Dry dog food comes with many benefits for dogs and dog parents alike. However, there can be some drawbacks to dry food depending on what you choose.
Some pros include:
- Easy to store and keep fresh
- Easy to serve the correct portions by following the instructions given on the package
- Encourages healthy chewing habits, massages the gums, and cleans teeth
- Balanced and nutritious (check the ingredients to ensure you give your pet the best dry dog food!)
- Relatively mild smell
The mild smell of it could be a pro or a con. Most people don’t enjoy the smell of dog food, but dogs rely on their noses first and foremost to decide if they like the food in front of them. While dogs generally have stronger senses of smell than humans, the stronger smell of wet or raw dog foods can make them more appetizing if you have a picky eater.
When it comes to a balanced diet, the healthiest recipes will be made with natural ingredients and contain between 18-32% protein, around 22% fat, and the appropriate amount of carbohydrates to boost your dog’s energy. These nutritious ingredients encourage digestive health, support active dogs, provide an outlet for natural gnawing and chewing behaviors, and more.
Benefits of Wet Dog Food
Wet dog food often comes canned or in pouches, which can sometimes be convenient for storage and portioning. However, wet dog food can go bad in just a few days once opened. In addition, the smell that can make wet dog food more appetizing for your pup might also be too strong for some pet parents compared to dry dog food.
Consider the following when deciding whether to feed your dog wet food:
- Aids with hydration
- Easier to chew
- Many wet dog food recipes are carefully crafted to deliver a balanced, healthy diet
- Can be messy for your dog to eat
In many cases, wet dog foods are higher in protein and fat but lower in carbohydrates than dry dog foods. Dry may be a better option if you have a higher-energy dog. However, if your dog has more minor carbohydrate needs, they may do better with wet dog food.
Important Dog Food Qualities
Whether you choose to feed your dog dry or wet dog food, make sure you look for the healthiest, natural dog food recipes containing the right balance of healthy dog food ingredients, including appropriate protein, fats, and carbohydrates. You also need to select the right kibble size for your dog.
Both wet and dry dog foods can be healthy, complete, and balanced options for your pet. Consulting with your vet can help you understand your dog’s particular nutrition needs and eating habits. This step can help you decide whether dry, wet, or a combination is best.
Ready to feed your dog the best dry dog food to support their health and happiness? Our popular Wellness CORE and Wellness Complete Health recipes are a great place to start. We also have natural dry dog food recipes crafted especially for seniors, puppies, and dog breeds of different sizes so you can find the perfect dog food for your best friend.
Wellness Pet Food recipes are lovingly crafted with digestive enzymes, probiotics, prebiotic fibers, and the right balance of wholesome, healthy ingredients to help your dog live its best life. Browse our delicious and nutritious natural dog food recipes today.