Kibble or Wet Food? Or Both?

Which is better to feed to your dog?

Photo by Chris Benson on Unsplash

DISCLAIMER: The following post is not medical or health advice for your dog. It is meant for informational purposes only.

If we just examine kibble and wet food, which is better to feed your dog?

This is what I found after researching it and what my opinion is:

The Benefits:

Kibble has a long shelf life. Purina mentioned that “crunchy kibble can help remove plaque from dogs’ teeth as they chew.” The American Kennel Club (AKC) includes these benefits for kibble: “healthier gums, reduced risk of bacteria, easier storage, less risk of spoilage, and cost-effectiveness.”

Wet food has a rather long shelf life. According to the AKC, “Wet food contains higher amounts of fresh meat, poultry, fish, and animal byproducts, along with more textured proteins derived from grains.” Wet food is much easier for dogs to chew (especially for aging dogs) and might appeal to picky or sensitive eaters. For dogs who struggle to hydrate, wet food could provide needed water.

Alternatively, you could top your dog’s kibble with wet food for, as Purina stated, “a boost of flavor and moisture.”

The Downsides:

Kibble can be hard or dry for senior dogs, who may prefer wet food at that stage in life.

Wet food can be more expensive.

Some dog owners, handlers, and trainers have noticed that dogs fed even partially with wet food had smelly and/or softer droppings.

The Daily Wag! explained: “Wet dog foods are often higher in both protein and fats, but lower in carbohydrates. This means that dogs who need less carbohydrates in their diets will do better on wet dog food, while dogs that have a lot of energy may need to be on dry dog food to have enough energy to make it through the day.” Thus, a dog may do better with one type of food depending on caloric needs.

Takeaway

Feeding your dog kibble or wet food is an individual choice, and depends on your dog’s health, taste, and stage of life. Your preference and convenience must also shape your decision, as well as advice from your veterinarian.

As there are no significant health benefits for using kibble over wet food (or vice versa), do not switch foods if your dog is already content and thriving with their current food. If you need to switch your dog’s food, consult with your vet.

What food does your dog eat? Leave a comment below: