Wet vs Dry Dog Food: Which Is Better for Your Pup?

Wet vs dry dog food: key differences

At a glance, the biggest difference between wet and dry dog food is the water content. Wet foods (cans, pouches or rolls) are full of moisture — they can be 60–85% water — whereas dry kibble contains only around 8–10% water. This means wet food is bulkier (and heavier to lug home) for the same nutrition that’s packed into a smaller scoop of dry biscuits.

Nutritionally, both types can be “complete and balanced” diets if you choose a reputable brand; the main ingredients like meat, grains, and vitamins may be similar, just formulated differently. Because dry food is concentrated, it often has more kilojoules and protein per gram than wet food, so dogs eat less of it to get their energy needs. Wet food, on the other hand, can make dogs feel fuller with fewer calories, thanks to all that water.

Another key difference is how dogs (and owners) experience these foods. Wet food tends to have a strong aroma and rich taste that many dogs find irresistible — if your pup turns up their nose at plain kibble, a smelly beef stew from a can might get their tail wagging at dinner time. It’s also easier for dogs with missing teeth or sensitive mouths to chew.

Dry food is much easier to handle and measure out without making a mess, and it usually works out far cheaper per meal. Kibble’s crunch can even provide a bit of a tooth-cleaning effect (though it’s no substitute for proper dental care). We’ve put together a quick comparison below of these differences and more:

Have you been wondering how much you should feed your dog? If so, we’ve published the perfect guide for you.

Dry dog food: pros and cons

Dry dog food is hugely popular in Australia — think of the big 15kg bags of kibble stacked in the pet aisle. The biggest advantages of dry food are convenience and cost. It’s easy to pour out the right amount, it doesn’t make your hands (or the floor) all gravy-sticky, and it can sit in your dog’s bowl for a few hours without going off.

In fact, on busy days I’ve left Bruce’s breakfast kibble out while I’m at work, knowing it won’t spoil (though I wouldn’t dare try that with meat loaf from a can, especially not in Queensland heat!). Dry food is also far cheaper per meal than most wet foods. A large bag might seem pricey upfront, but per kilo it often gives you more bang for your buck. This is a big deal for those of us with large breeds — my grocery bill shot up when I tried feeding Bruce only wet food, whereas a bag of quality kibble lasts much longer.

There are a few downsides to keep in mind. Dry kibble has almost no water in it, so your dog will need to drink a lot to stay hydrated — especially important in summer. Always leave lots of fresh water out (I put out extra bowls on scorching days). Some people worry that kibble isn’t as appetising; indeed, some fussy pups might turn their nose up at plain biscuits. You can overcome this by choosing a high-quality brand (premium kibbles often have better ingredients and taste) or by adding a bit of wet food or warm water to enhance the aroma.

Another consideration is that while dry food is often marketed as good for dental health, standard kibble only provides a modest scraping action on the teeth. It’s better than nothing, but it won’t magically keep tartar away — Bruce still needs his tooth brushing and the occasional dental chew. Finally, make sure to store dry food properly.

Keep the bag sealed or use an airtight container to prevent exposure to air and humidity which can make biscuits go stale or even grow mould. And always use it up before the “best by” date — old, rancid kibble is not safe (and your dog probably won’t fancy it either).

Wet dog food: pros and cons

Wet dog food comes in cans, pouches, or chilled rolls, and it’s the closest thing to a home-cooked stew for your pet. One of the biggest pros is palatability — simply put, most dogs find wet food delicious and easier to eat. It’s soft (great for puppies just learning to chew, or seniors with dental issues) and has a strong meaty smell that can entice even the pickiest eaters. If your dog ever turns down dinner, offering a wet option might do the trick. Wet food is also fantastic for hydration.

Since it’s mostly water, every mouthful helps keep your dog’s fluid intake up. This can be important if you live in a hot part of Australia or if your dog isn’t a big drinker. For example, when Bruce was feeling under the weather and not drinking much, the vet suggested adding wet food to make sure he got enough water and didn’t dehydrate.

On the flip side, wet food has its drawbacks. Cost is a major one — feeding only cans or pouches can strain the budget, especially for larger dogs that eat big portions.

You end up paying for a lot of water and packaging. Wet food also requires a bit more effort in handling. Once you open a can, any unused portion must be covered and refrigerated, and you should use it within a day or two. In our Aussie summers, you can’t leave wet food sitting out for long or it’ll spoil and attract flies (I learned that quickly when a certain neighbourhood fly squad descended on Bruce’s half-eaten breakfast). On that note, in our Product Guide on the best automatic dog feeders in Australia, we have highlighted convenient options for both automatic wet and dry food dispensing — including some fun high-tech options.

Hygiene is key: pick up any leftovers right away. Wet food can also be a bit messier — dogs with excited eating habits (looking at you, Bruce) might fling chunks out of the bowl. Another potential con is that wet food doesn’t give the teeth any workout. The soft texture means it won’t help scrape plaque. If you feed mainly wet, pay extra attention to your dog’s dental care to avoid gum disease.

All things considered, wet food is a lovely treat or even a daily staple if you can afford it and manage the storage — many pets absolutely thrive on it. Just be ready for the recurring cost and the fridge space it’ll occupy next to your own dinner leftovers!

There’s no single “best” choice between wet and dry — it’s about what works for your dog and your circumstances.

Choosing the best wet vs dry dog food option for your dog

Every dog is unique, so the “right” diet might be different for Bruce than it is for your pup. When deciding between wet vs dry (or a combination), consider your dog’s life stage, health, and preferences. Puppies, for instance, need high-energy, nutrient-dense food — they can eat wet or dry as long as it’s a puppy-formulated complete diet. Some folks start puppies on wet food or soak kibble in a bit of water to make it softer during weaning. On the other end of the spectrum, senior dogs may benefit from wet food if they have lost teeth or have a weaker sense of smell (the rich aroma can stimulate appetite in an older dog who’s not eating enough). That said, plenty of seniors do just fine crunching on quality senior kibble; you can always add a little gravy or wet topper if needed to entice them.

Your dog’s health conditions are another factor. If you have a pooch with urinary issues or who needs to stay slim, the extra water and lower calorie density in wet food might help. Conversely, a super active working dog that burns a ton of energy might do well with concentrated dry food to get enough calories without eating a huge volume. Some pet owners find that mixing wet and dry gives a nice balance — for example, you might feed a base of dry kibble for cost and dental benefits, and stir in a few spoonfuls of wet food for taste and moisture. Bruce definitely enjoys his kibble more when there’s a little something extra mixed through (and I enjoy not paying for full cans every meal!).

What about raw diets? In recent years, raw feeding (uncooked meat, bones, and offal) has been a hot topic. While it’s beyond the scope of wet vs dry commercial food, it’s worth a mention. Some owners swear by raw diets, but experts urge caution. WSAVA warns against raw diets due to the risks of bacterial contamination (think Salmonella or E. coli) and nutritional imbalance if not done perfectly. The RSPCA Australia also does not recommend feeding raw meat or bones because of these safety concerns. If you are considering raw feeding, do thorough research and consult with a vet or animal nutritionist — and remember that “natural” doesn’t automatically mean “better.” For most Aussie pet owners, a high-quality commercial wet or dry food (or a mix of both) is the safest and most convenient way to ensure your dog gets all the nutrients they need.