Wet or dry food: which is better for my dog?

Wet food and dry food can both meet your dog’s nutritional needs. The decisive factors are the labelling, energy content, tolerance and your dog's needs.

The form of food alone says nothing about the quality of a ration. Both wet food and dry food can be offered as complete food. Make sure the product is intended for dogs and for the appropriate life stage.

A complementary food is usually not sufficient as a sole daily supply. The term complete food shows that the product should provide all the necessary nutrients when fed according to the instructions.

Wet food contains significantly more water. This can be helpful for dogs that drink little or prefer a larger amount of food in their bowl. Many dogs like the smell and texture. Opened tins or trays must be stored in a cool place and consumed promptly.

Due to the high water content, wet food often contains less energy per gram than dry food. However, a large bowl is not automatically low in calories. The decisive factor is the indication of the kilocalories and the actual amount fed.

Dry food is compact, easy to portion and practical for training or feeding toys. It stays fresh longer when stored properly. Because it contains little water, a small amount often provides a lot of calories. Accurate weighing is therefore particularly important.

Normal dry food does not replace dental care. Individual, specially tested dental products can provide support, but regular dental checks and appropriate care remain crucial.

A combination can also work. You cannot simply feed the full daily amount of both products. Divide the daily energy appropriately and take treats, chews and table scraps into account. A kitchen scale is more reliable than estimating portions with a cup.

Change food gradually to allow the digestive tract to adjust. If there is vomiting, persistent diarrhoea, severe itching or changes in weight, the cause should be checked by a vet.

Check the life stage, energy content, feeding instructions, manufacturer contact and the description as a complete food. A responsible manufacturer can explain who develops the recipe, what quality controls take place and how the nutrient supply is checked.

Don't be guided by the order of individual ingredients or advertising terms alone. Ingredient lists are important, but cannot alone prove overall quality and digestibility.