Wet versus dry dog food
Choose the right dog food for your pup
You’re considering switching up your dog’s food, but you want to be sure that you’re doing what’s best for your pet. If you’re deciding between wet and dry food, let veterinarian and pet health advocate Dr. Aliya McCullough’s tips help guide your decision.
Benefits of dry food
- Easy to feed and store
- Less expensive than wet food (usually!)
- Nutrient-dense
- Reduces plaque on teeth thanks to hard texture
Benefits of wet food
- Hydrating and filling thanks to high water content
- Easier to chew and eat
- More flavorful
What should you look for in dog food?
When choosing a new dog food brand, ask your vet or veterinary nutritionist what type of food is best for your pup. In addition to healthy ingredients, Dr. McCullough recommends looking for brands that don’t use artificial colors and flavors and have conducted extensive research about their ingredients.
Puppies, adult and senior dogs
Check with your vet about how your dog’s breed, age, health issues and lifestyle may influence the choice of wet or dry food. Choosing wet or dry food really comes down to your dog’s preference, as long as the food has the nutrients your pup needs. However, dry food may feel better on a teething pup’s teeth.
Depending on dietary requirements or underlying health issues, your vet may recommend switching from dry to wet food or vice versa. It’s generally OK to mix wet and dry food together but talk to your vet to make sure you’re giving your dog the right amount of each kind.
Finding the right food for your pup may be trial and error and change over time, but these tips will put you on the right track.
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The Dig, Fetch Pet Insurance's expert-backed editorial, answers all of the questions you forget to ask your vet or are too embarrassed to ask at the dog park. We help make sure you and your best friend have more good days, but we’re there on bad days, too.
