Choosing the right food for your pet can feel overwhelming, especially with so many options available. A survey by The Pet Food Institute revealed that half of dog owners felt the most difficult part of owning a pet was choosing the correct food.¹ Specifically, knowing whether to feed them wet food, dry food, or both isn’t always clear. Understanding the differences between wet and dry food can help you make the best choice for your pet’s unique needs.

Wet Food vs. Dry Food: What’s the Difference?

Is it better to feed wet or dry food to your dog or cat? While some pet owners and vets have very strong feelings about this question, the final decision will depend on you and your pet’s situation.

Medically speaking, both wet and dry pet foods can provide your pet with complete and balanced nutrition. This can be verified by checking for the AAFCO Statement of Nutritional Adequacy on the label or packaging. This statement helps pet owners identify the life stage or lifestyle for which the food is approved. Ideally, for an adult dog or cat you would want the AAFCO Statement to be tested (not formulated) for adult maintenance (not all life stages)

• Canned food is sold in cans and has a high-water content. Each can will typically contain a few meals worth of food and will have a stronger odor. Many companies offer different textures of canned food-minced, shredded, pate, etc. 
• Dry food is sold in a bag and is typically hard kibble. Many manufactures offer different kibble size, shapes, and flavors.

Let’s break down some of the advantages and disadvantages of each type of food so that you can decide what works better for your pet and you. It is important to note, that if your pet has any medical conditions or concerns, your veterinarian will be able to guide you to the most appropriate food for your pet.

Wet vs. Dry Pet Food

Benefits of Wet Food for Dogs & Cats

What may seem like an advantage to one pet owner may be a disadvantage to another. Keep you and your pet’s lifestyle and health in mind as you weigh your options.

• Hydration. Wet food helps keep pets hydrated, which is especially important for cats with kidney issues or pets that don’t drink much water.
• Palatability. Many pets find wet food tastier and more appealing, especially if they have health issues that affect their sense of smell.
• Weight management. Wet food is less calorie-dense and carbohydrate-heavy than dry food, so pets may feel full with fewer calories, which can help manage weight.

Drawbacks of Wet Pet Food

• Cost. Wet food is usually more expensive than dry food.
• Storage. You need to cover and refrigerate opened cans. Wet food can spoil quickly and attract pests if left out.
• Smell. Wet food has a strong odor, which may be helpful for picky pets but can be unpleasant for you.
• Feeding schedule. Wet food must be served fresh at each meal, which isn’t as convenient as dry food that can stay out all day.
• Waste. If your pet doesn’t finish their meal, leftover wet food must be thrown away.
• Clean up. Bowls used for wet food need to be washed right after each meal.

Benefits of Dry Food for Dogs & Cats

• Convenience. Dry food is easy to store, measure, and feed. It can be left out for pets who like to graze and works well with automatic feeders.
• Dental health. Some dry foods are formulated to help clean teeth and control tartar buildup.
• Cost and shelf life. Dry food is often less expensive and stays fresh longer, making it a practical choice for many pet parents.

Drawbacks of Dry Pet Food

Despite all the advantages of dry food, it has its disadvantages too.

• Preference. Typically, dry food is less palatable than wet food.
• Higher carbs. Dry food is higher in carbohydrates compared to wet food Speak with your veterinarian if you think your pet may benefit from a lower carb diet for weight loss or diabetic management.
• Cost. If it isn’t bought in bulk, the cost of food per gram can be more expensive.

Another consideration is there are other forms of food available now beyond canned and dry, like are semi-moist, raw, and whole food options. With these other options, ask your veterinarian if any of them could be an option for your veterinarian.

So, what’s best for your pet? Consider their age, health, and preferences. Layer in your pet food budget, storage options, and schedule. Your veterinarian is always the best option to ask what the best food for your pet is.