Is Wet Food Good for Dogs? Benefits and When to Feed
Wet dog food is good for dogs. In fact, it’s great for dogs! Wet food provides vital hydration, offers a complete and balanced nutrition, and (most importantly to your dog), has a rich aroma and tender texture, making it especially tempting to even the pickiest eaters.
This is true for all dogs, but if you’ve got a small breed pup, wet food is ideal. It’s easier to chew in their small mouth, is gentle on their digestive system, and offers bigger portions with fewer calories. Win, win, and win!
Whether you’re thinking about using wet food as your dog's primary means of nutrition or as a complement to dry, understanding its benefits can help you make the best choice.
In this guide, we explore the benefits of wet food, the key differences between wet and dry dog food, when wet food is the right choice, and how to incorporate it into your dog's routine.
Key Takeaways
- Wet dog food is 70-80% water making it beneficial for dogs who don’t drink enough water.
- The rich aroma and flavor of wet dog food are appealing to dogs, especially picky eaters.
- The soft texture of wet dog food makes it easier to chew for older dogs as well as dogs with smaller mouths or dental issues.
- Dogs can eat larger portions of wet dog food because it has fewer calories per serving, supporting their weight management.
- Quality wet dog food meets AAFCO standards for balanced adult dog nutrition.
What Is Wet Dog Food?
Probably the most defining feature of wet dog food is that it’s 70% to 80% moisture, making it an excellent way for your dog to stay hydrated. It’s made with meat, vegetables, vitamins, and minerals, typically in a gravy or sauce.
Wet dog food provides complete and balanced nutrition when formulated to AAFCO standards. And because it’s available in several different textures, including loaf, chunks, shreds, and filets, most dogs love it!
Table of Contents
Benefits of Wet Dog Food and When to Feed It
Supports Healthy Hydration
Your dog relies on hydration to help regulate their body temperature and support their joints and skin. It also reduces potential strain on their kidneys and urinary tract.
The high moisture content of wet dog food keeps dogs hydrated. This is important year-round, but especially when the weather gets warmer.
Best for:
- Dogs who don’t drink enough water on their own
- Dogs with kidney disease or urinary tract concerns
- Dogs living in hot climates
- Dogs recovering from illness
Appeals to Picky Eaters
If your dog sniffs and rejects dry kibble, wet dog food may be precisely what brings them back to their bowl! It stimulates their appetite with its rich, meaty aroma, and once they try its tender texture and savory flavors, they’re bound to be hooked.
Best for:
- Dogs who turn away from dry food
- Dogs with reduced appetite due to illness or recovery
- Older dogs with a decreased sense of smell
Easier to Chew and Digest
If your dog has dental disease or tooth issues, wet food is ideal because it’s easier to chew. It’s also more comfortable to chew, which can be the difference between eating or not eating for a dog with a sensitive mouth.
The soft texture of wet food makes it easier to digest, too. Dogs with sensitive stomachs and digestive systems are often able to process wet food better than dry. Its high moisture and high protein content mean your dog can absorb the nutrients more effectively.
Best for:
- Senior dogs with aging teeth and slower digestion
- Small breeds with crowded teeth or tiny mouths
- Puppies transitioning from milk to solid food
Supports Weight Management
Finally, because of its low calorie density, dogs can enjoy larger, more satisfying portions of wet food than they can with dry food. With wet food, they experience a longer-lasting sense of being full.
So, if you’ve got a dog who’s constantly looking for more food, serving them wet food might be a great way to manage their weight.
Best for:
- Small breeds prone to weight gain
- Dogs on calorie-restricted diets
- Dogs who always seem hungry after meals
Wet Food vs. Dry Food: Key Differences
The table below shows general comparisons between wet and dry dog food. Specific nutritional values vary depending on the brand and formula.
Make a habit of checking labels so you know exactly what you’re giving your dog, and ask your veterinarian for specific recommendations.
Feature | Wet Dog Food | Dry Dog Food |
Moisture Content | 70% to 80% | Around 10% |
Texture | Soft, tender, easy to chew | Crunchy, requires more chewing |
Aroma And Palatability | Strong aroma, highly appealing | Milder scent |
Calorie Density | Lower calories per serving | Higher calories per cup |
Shelf Life (opened) | Refrigerate and use within 3 days | Stays fresh longer in airtight container |
Storage Convenience | Requires refrigeration after opening | Room temperature storage |
Best For | Picky eaters, senior dogs with dental issues, hydration needs | Convenience, dental maintenance, free feeding |
Which Is Better? | Wet offers hydration and palatability | Dry offers convenience and dental benefits |
Can You Mix Wet and Dry Dog Food?
Definitely! Mixing wet and dry dog food is completely safe for most dogs, and it can be beneficial, too. This is because mixing combines the best of both worlds: you get the hydration and flavor benefits of the wet food with the ease and dental benefits of kibble.
Another great reason for combining the two kinds of food is the variety of textures and tastes it offers your dog. Mealtimes become a lot more interesting for them!
Just remember to adjust the portions of each to avoid overfeeding your dog, and be sure that whatever you’re giving them is a balanced meal plan for your dog’s specific life stage and needs.
How Much Wet Food to Feed Your Dog
To figure out how much wet food to feed your canine pal, start with the general feeding guidelines on your specific product to determine the correct amount for your dog. But then you have to consider your dog’s weight, age, and activity level.
If you’re not sure how those details translate into portion sizes, it’s always smart to consult with your veterinarian for personalized recommendations.
A note about small dog breeds: because they’re prone to weight gain, try to measure their food portions carefully to avoid overfeeding them.
Estimated Daily Calories for Adult Dogs by Weight
The table below gives estimated calorie ranges for adult dogs at a healthy weight who engage in moderate exercise. Your dog’s unique calorie needs are based on their age, breed, metabolism rate, activity level, and health.
Again, always follow the feeding guidelines found on the package, and ask your veterinarian for their recommendations for your dog.
Dog Weight | Estimated Daily Calories |
5 lbs | 150 to 200 kcal |
10 lbs | 250 to 350 kcal |
15 lbs | 350 to 450 kcal |
20 lbs | 400 to 550 kcal |
30 lbs | 550 to 700 kcal |
Explore CESAR® Wet Dog Food
Small dogs have big hearts and big appetites, and CESAR® Wet Dog Food has big flavor to match!
Crafted with small breeds in mind, the CESAR® Brand focuses on gourmet recipes made with high-quality protein as the #1 ingredient and the essential vitamins and minerals your dog needs to help maintain their health and well-being.
Why do small dog owners choose CESAR® wet dog food?
Because of flavors like filet mignon, grilled chicken, and slow-cooked beef that can entice even the pickiest eater. Because of soft, tender textures that are easy to chew and digest. Because of no fillers, no artificial flavors, and convenient single-serve trays with peel-away freshness seals!
On top of all that, CESAR® wet dog food is 100% complete and balanced nutrition. That’s a big win for everyone!
References
https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/nutrition-general-feeding-guidelines-for-dogs
https://www.petmd.com/dog/nutrition/dry-dog-food-vs-wet-dog-food-which-better
https://www.merrickpetcare.com/articles/everyday-benefits-of-wet-food
https://www.aafco.org/consumers/understanding-pet-food/
https://www.healthextension.com/blogs/blog/wet-vs-dry-dog-food-which-is-healthier-for-your-pet
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