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What is better for your dog: dry food or wet food?

As a dog lover, you naturally want the best for your four-legged friend, and nutrition plays a crucial role in this. The choice between dry food (kibble) and wet food (steamed sausages, canned or pouch food) depends on various factors, including your dog's health, age, and preferences. Let's take a look at the pros and cons of both options so you can make an informed decision.

Dry food: the pros and cons

 
Dry food, or kibble, is probably the most commonly used dog food. And with good reason: it is easy to use, relatively inexpensive, and easy to measure out. But it has more to offer than you might think at first glance.
 
 
Advantages of dry food

 
1. Ease of use: Kibble is easy to store, does not need to be refrigerated, has a long shelf life, and is easy to take with you when traveling.
 
2. Good for teeth: The harder texture of kibble forces dogs to chew their food more thoroughly than wet food. This helps reduce plaque and tartar buildup.
 
3. More economical: Kibble is often cheaper than wet food per meal.
 
4. Handy for rewards: Due to their structure, kibble can also be used as a training snack.
 
 

You could say: cat (eh, dog) in the bag! However, there are also some disadvantages to kibble:


 
1. Lower moisture content: Dry food contains little moisture, which is less ideal for dogs that drink little or are prone to urinary tract problems.
 
2. Less appealing to picky eaters: The taste and smell of dry food are often less intense than wet food, which some dogs find less appealing.
 
3. Can be hard on the stomach: Especially for older dogs or dogs with sensitive digestion.
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The advantages and disadvantages of wet food

Wet food is often seen as a treat—and that's partly true. Its high moisture content and intense smell and taste make it irresistible to many dogs. Wet food is a great option, especially for dogs with a smaller appetite or dental problems.

 

We have listed the advantages of wet food for you: 

 

1. Rich in moisture: Wet food helps with proper hydration, which is especially important for dogs that drink little.

 

2. Very tasty: The rich aromas and soft texture often make wet food more palatable, which is especially useful for picky eaters or older dogs with reduced appetites.

 

3. Easy to chew: Ideal for puppies, seniors, or dogs with dental problems.

 

4. Easy to digest: Wet food often contains more meat or fish than kibble. Foods that contain a lot of meat or fish (high quality, so be careful with animal by-products!) are easier to digest.
 

 

As you might expect, every advantage has its disadvantage:

 

1. Less good for teeth: The soft texture does not contribute to a clean mouth. 

 

2. More perishable: An opened can or bag must be consumed quickly and kept in the refrigerator.

 

3. Higher costs: Daily portions of wet food can be more expensive than dry food.

 

 
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Combining dry and wet food

 
More and more dog owners are choosing to combine dry and wet food. This allows you to enjoy the benefits of both types of food: the convenience of kibble and the taste and hydration of wet food. Variety can also work wonders for dogs that quickly become bored with one type of food. 
 
Did you know that you can even mix kibble with wet food in a single meal? Just make sure that the wet food is steamed. 
 
Why combining works:

  • Your dog gets more moisture without having to drink extra water.
  • You can provide variety in taste and texture.
  • It is possible to prevent obesity, provided you keep a close eye on the total calorie intake.
 

What really is better?

 
There is no universal “best” choice when it comes to dog food. What is good for one dog may be less suitable for another. It is important that the food is appropriate for your dog's age, activity level, weight, and any health issues.

👉 Does your dog have dental problems or eat poorly? Then wet food may be the solution.
👉 Is your dog in perfect health, does he enjoy chewing, and does he drink enough? Then kibble is a great basis.
👉 Not sure? Then a combination of both may offer the right balance.
 
 
Our advice: consult your veterinarian or nutritionist to determine what is best for your dog. This way, you can give your buddy exactly what he needs to live a healthy and happy life. 
 
Would you like to know more about healthy dog food or do you have questions about combining wet and dry food? Feel free to contact us or discover Riverwood's range of natural dog food.
 
 
 
Many dogs already enjoy Riverwood every day. Would you like your dog to enjoy our delicious food too, and are you curious about which variety would suit your dog best? Answer a few questions here and order an affordable trial pack right away.