Today's dog foods have gotten a facelift. You can serve your dog a blend of beef, lamb, chicken, and nutritious vegetables and grains, and all of which play a major role in providing balanced nutrition for your dog through all stages of his life. Though dry food has often been thought to be the healthier option, wet dog food is just as healthy, too. Here's why:
1. Variety
Both wet and dry foods are equally healthy for dogs. Wet foods often have aroma and taste appeal that can get some picky puppies to eat consistently. Also, wet foods comes in many options of flavors, textures and forms than dry foods which can provide for varied meal time experiences.
2. Easier to Chew
Many pet parents shy away from offering canned dog food to their pets. They're worried they aren't giving their dogs adequate nutrition, or that wet food harms a dog's teeth. A good-quality wet food can offer your pet balanced nutrition to support and maintain his health throughout all stages of life, and veterinarians say that feeding your dog wet dog food won't harm his teeth or gums. In fact, for older dogs with tooth or gum issues, wet food may be easier to eat than dry.
3. Keeps Well
Look for brands of wet foods that offer complete and balanced nutrition with a balance of wholesome meats, vegetables, grains, vitamins and minerals for a tasty and healthy meal. Beef, lamb, chicken, and wholesome grains and vegetables offer your dog a rewarding mealtime through these nutrients. Wet food in unopened pouches and cans can have a long shelf life but remember to refrigerate them after opening.
Tasty Tips
When to Serve Dry
While wet and dry food are equally nutritious, there can be reasons you may want to offer your dog a dry food. Dry food can be easier to portion, especially when you are using a gram scale to weigh the food. Dry food can be purchased in larger bag sizes too, which can be more convenient for pet parents with large breed dogs. And if your dog is a grazer, dry food is a better fit as wet food will spoil within four hours after being served if left out. Kibble is also easy to use in food puzzle toys to enrich your dog's life and satisfy them without overfeeding.
Why Not Both?
Blended feeding mixes wet food and dry into your dog's daily routine, so he gets some of both each time they visit their bowl. Just remember that mixing means it will spoil faster, so any uneaten mixture shouldn't be left out. Some pet parents choose to feed dry kibble in the morning and offer their dog a meal of wet food at night. This covers all your bases, and provides your dog with some variety as well as a tasty treat.
Related products
Hill's Science Diet Adult 11+ Small & Mini Chicken, Brown Rice & Barley Recipe Dog Food
For the unique nutritional needs of mature Small & Mini Dogs
Hill's Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin Small & Mini Chicken Recipe Dog Food
Hill's Science Diet Sensitive Stomach & Skin Small & Mini dry dog food is tailored nutrition for Small & Mini dogs while being gentle on stomachs. Nourishes skin & promotes a lustrous coat.
Hill's Science Diet Puppy Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe
Vital nutrients to support 5 essential building blocks for lifelong health
Hill's Science Diet Puppy Sensitive Stomach & Skin Salmon & Vegetable Stew
Gentle on stomachs while nourishing skin & supporting development in growing puppies
Hill's Science Diet Puppy Large Breed Lamb Meal & Brown Rice Recipe
Vital nutrients to support 5 essential building blocks for lifelong health
Hill's Science Diet Adult Chicken & Barley Entrée Dog Food
Chicken & Barley recipe with precisely balanced nutrition to keep adult dogs active and healthy
Hill's Science Diet Adult Perfect Weight & Joint Support Hearty Vegetables and Tuna Stew Dog Food
Hill's Science Diet Adult Small & Mini Savory Stew Can Variety Pack Dog Food
A delicious complement to the nutrition of Science Diet Small & Mini dog food
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Entrée Can Variety Pack Dog Food
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Variety Pack
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Chicken & Barley Entrée Dog Food
Chicken & Barley recipe with precisely balanced nutrition to support mobility and muscle mass for older dogs
Hill's Science Diet Adult 6+ Large Breed No Corn, Wheat, Soy Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe dog food
Supports energy & beautiful coat. Helps keep immune system, joints, heart & kidneys healthy
Hill's Science Diet Adult Perfect Weight Small Bites Chicken Recipe Dog Food
Over 70% of dogs lost weight within 10 weeks when fed this nutrition. Delicious food in a small bite size.
Hill's Science Diet Adult Oral Care Chicken, Rice & Barley Recipe Dog Food
Clinically proven kibble technology to reduce plaque & tartar build-up
Hill's Science Diet Adult No Corn, Wheat, Soy Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe dog food
Supports healthy immune system, digestion, lean muscle & beautiful coat
Hill's Science Diet Adult Light Large Breed Chicken Meal & Barley Recipe Dog Food
Fewer calories for less active large breed dogs
Hill's Science Diet Adult Large Breed Lamb Meal & Brown Rice Recipe Dog Food
Supports healthy joints, lean muscle, and beautiful coat for large breed dogs
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Small & Mini Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe Dog Food
For the unique nutritional needs of mature Small & Mini dogs
Hill's Science Diet Puppy Savory Stew with Chicken & Vegetables
Chicken & Vegetables recipe with great taste and precisely balanced nutrition to help your puppy build immunity and strong bones
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ No Corn, Wheat, Soy Chicken & Brown Rice Dog Food
Supports energy level & beautiful coat. Helps keep immune system, heart & kidneys healthy
null Hill's Science Diet Adult Healthy Cuisine Hearty Beef, Carrots & Peas Stew Dog Food
Delicious braised beef paired with tender vegetables in a succulent stew
Related articles
Dog Carrier Bags: What You Need to Know
Discover helpful tips for choosing the right dog carrier bag or purse for your tiny pup, including safety features to look for & when a dog purse is ideal.
My Dog Ate Gum: What Should I Do?
Learn what to do if your dog ate gum, symptoms that might indicate if he has xylitol poisoning and when you should bring them to the vet.
Can My Dog Eat Spicy Food?
Find out if you can feed your dog spicy food or add some spicy flavor to his dog food, and any health implications of doing so.
Can Dogs Actually Get Hiccups?
Can Dogs Get Hiccups?
How to Make Your Garden Safe for Your Dog
If you have a garden, find out how you can protect your dog from potential hazards such as plants, garden tools, and water features.
Recognizing Dog Obesity, Causes and Signs
Do you think you might have an overweight dog? Learn the signs of dog obesity, as well as causes, potential effects and tips for prevention.
What to Expect When Adopting a Three-Legged Pet
Learn common concerns from pet parents considering adopting a three-legged pet, including info about mobility, preparing your home, & long-term care.
Tapeworms in Dogs: How Dogs Get Them & Getting Rid of Them
Learn how common tapeworms in a dog are, how to spot the signs of tapeworms on your dog (or in their poop), and tips about prevention & treatment.
Managing Megaesophagus in Dogs
Learn about megaesophagus in dogs, how it makes digestion difficult & impacts your dog's health, and tips for helping you manage this condition.
8 Common Health Problems in Senior Dogs
Learn about the most common health problems in senior dogs, such as hearing & vision loss, joint problems and dementia, and treatment options.
Whipworms in Dogs: Signs, Treatment and Prevention
Whipworms in dogs are a common problem. Learn what they are, the signs and how whipworms in dogs are diagnosed, treated and prevented.
Can Dogs See Ghosts?
Learn possible explanations for your dog's mystifying behaviors. If you've ever wondered if your dog can see things you can't, this article is for you.
Common Causes of Dog Skin Conditions
Understand the common irritants that cause various dog skin conditions, whether they be due to parasites, infections, food, or the environment.
How to Tell if You Have an Overweight Dog
Learn how to tell if your dog is getting to be overweight and discover helpful advice on how to help him get down to a manageable, healthier weight.
Chondrodystrophic Dog Breeds: All About Short-Legged Dogs
All About Chondrodystrophic (Short Legged) Dog Breeds
How to Keep Dogs Safe (and Cool) in Summer Weather
Learn tips for keeping your dog safe in warmer summer weather, as well as some fun activities to keep your pup active (and cool), even in the summer heat.
Distemper in Dogs: Symptoms, Diagnosis & Treatment
Learn important information pet parents should know about distemper in dogs, including symptoms, how it's diagnosed, treatment options & how to prevent it.
Dog Dewclaws: What Are They?
Learn why your dog has that extra nail on the side of his paw, what it's purpose is and where it came from.
My Dog Is Bullying Other Dogs: What Should I Do?
Learn how to spot bullying behavior in dogs, including signs like being pushy, aggressive and stealing other dogs' food, and tips for putting a stop to it.
Washing Your Dog from Ear to Paw: Eight Supplies to Make It Easy
Use this dog washing supply checklist to help you get all the materials needed, making bathing your dog at home a fun and easy experience.
Put your dog on a diet without them knowing
Our low calorie formula helps you control your dog's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.
Put your dog on a diet without them knowing
Our low calorie formula helps you control your dog's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.