Choosing Dog Food
Dry vs. Wet Dog Food: Which is Best for Your Pet?
Choosing between dry and wet dog food? Learn the pros and cons of each, and discover why combining them might be the perfect solution for your dog's health.
1 min readReviewed: Sep 1, 2025
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Dry vs. Wet Dog Food: Which Should You Choose?
Benefits of Dry Food
- Convenient storage and serving
- Generally more affordable
- Can help prevent tartar buildup
- Longer shelf life
Disadvantages of Dry Food
- Lower moisture content
- More processed
- Less palatable
Benefits of Wet Food
- High moisture content (60–80%)
- Generally more palatable
- Easier to digest
Disadvantages of Wet Food
- More expensive
- Spoils quickly after opening
- Does not help prevent tartar buildup
The Combination Approach
Many nutritionists recommend a 70% dry, 30% wet combination.
What to Consider When Combining
- Accurately calculate portion sizes
- Use the same protein source for both if your dog has sensitivities
Free tool — no sign-up
How much food does your dog need per day?
Enter weight and activity level — 10 seconds and you get the daily portion.
References
- 1.FEDIAF (European Pet Food Industry Federation) — Nutritional Guidelines for Complete and Complementary Pet Food for Cats and Dogs. FEDIAF, 2024. https://europeanpetfood.org/self-regulation/nutritional-guidelines/ (accessed: 2026-09-10)
- 2.National Research Council (US), Committee on Animal Nutrition — Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats. National Academies Press, Washington DC, 2006. https://doi.org/10.17226/10668 (accessed: 2026-09-10)
- 3.WSAVA Global Nutrition Committee — WSAVA Global Nutrition Guidelines. World Small Animal Veterinary Association, 2021. https://wsava.org/global-guidelines/global-nutrition-guidelines/ (accessed: 2026-09-10)
This is general information and does not replace a veterinary diagnosis.
This guide was compiled based on the expert input of Reka Fazekas-Birizdo canine nutritionist.
Certified Canine Nutritionist
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