Wet vs. Dry Dog Food: Which is Better? [2025]

You’ve probably stood in the pet food aisle wondering, “What’s the difference between wet vs. dry dog food, and which one is better for my dog?” Figuring out what works best isn’t always easy, especially if you’re trying to treat food intolerance in your dog with a sensitive stomach, skin issues, or allergies.

Dry dog food recently made up 71.6% of the market, while wet food accounted for 28.4%. That’s a big split, but it doesn’t tell the whole story. Each option comes with unique benefits that can play an important role in your dog’s overall health and happiness.

In this guide, we’ll break down the real-life differences between wet and dry dog food so you can make the best choice for your furry pal.

What’s the Difference Between Wet vs. Dry Dog Food?

The main difference between wet and dry dog food is the composition and form. These distinctions make each type suited to different feeding routines and personal preferences.

Wet food has a higher moisture content and includes proteins and vegetables in formats like gravy, pate, or shreds. The ingredients are more visible and come together in a soft texture with a rich aroma, served in sealed cans or pouches.

Dry dog food, or kibble, also includes proteins and other ingredients but presents them in a bite-sized, crunchy form. The ingredients are blended into uniform pieces and packaged in easy-to-store bags, making it convenient and low-mess for everyday feeding.

How is Wet Dog Food Processed?

Wet dog food is made by blending ingredients like proteins, vegetables, and grains into a recipe. The mixture is placed into sealed cans, trays, or pouches, which are then cooked under high heat. Cooking the food inside its container keeps it fresh, safe, and free from harmful bacteria. This process also locks in flavors and nutrients, resulting in a finished product available in a variety of textures like chunks in gravy or smooth loaves.

How is Dry Dog Food Processed?

Dry dog food starts as a mix of dry and wet ingredients blended into a dough. This dough is then cooked using extrusion, where it’s heated under pressure and shaped into bite-sized kibbles. After shaping, the kibbles are dried, cooled, and often coated with flavor to make them more appealing. The low moisture content leads to a longer shelf life and convenient storage.

Dry Dog Food vs. Wet Dog Food: Which is Better? 

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The better choice depends on the specific needs of your dog. Consider the benefits each option offers to determine your best fit:

Benefits of Wet Dog Food 

• Increased palatability: Wet food usually has a richer aroma and flavor, which can be more appetizing to picky eaters. 

• Higher moisture content: The increased water content aids in hydration, which is useful for dogs that don't drink enough water.

• Easier to chew: The soft texture helps dogs with dental issues or missing teeth still get their nutrition. 

• Lower carbohydrate levels: Wet food typically contains fewer carbohydrates, which may help manage overall weight. 

Benefits of Dry Dog Food 

• Easier storage: Dry food is easy to store and serve, with no need for refrigeration.

• Long shelf life: The low moisture content extends its freshness once the bag is opened.

• Portion control: Pre-portioned kibble makes it easy to measure servings and manage your dog's weight.

• Cost-effective: Often more budget-friendly, especially for feeding larger dogs or multi-pet households.

How to Choose Between Wet vs. Dry Dog Food

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Maybe you’ve just brought home a new pup, or you’re considering switching up your dog’s current diet. Consider these key factors when deciding which food option to ultimately take home.

1.  Consult With Your Vet

Your vet is the best source of advice when it comes to your dog’s diet. They understand your dog’s individual health requirements and can recommend whether wet, dry, or a combination of both is ideal. For example, a vet may suggest wet food for hydration or dry food for longer-term feeding. 

2.  Consider Your Pet’s Health 

Match the food’s benefits to your dog’s unique health needs. Dogs with sensitive stomachs, IBS, or food allergies might benefit from limited-ingredient or bland diet recipes that focus on gentle, easy-to-digest ingredients. Wet food might work better for dogs who have sensitive teeth or hydration concerns.

3.  Check the Ingredients 

Double-check the ingredient list to ensure the food meets your dog’s dietary requirements. Look for quality recipes that avoid junky fillers or ingredients that could trigger allergies. Brands like KOHA offer Limited Ingredient and Bland Diet options, which focus on tasty, high-quality proteins and gentle, easily digestible ingredients. 

4.  Slowly Work Their New Food Into Their Diet

Switching your dog to a new food should be done by vet recommendation and gradually to prevent gastrointestinal issues like vomiting, diarrhea, or loss of appetite. For example, during the first couple of days, use about 25% new food and 75% old food. Gradually transition to a 50/50 mix by the middle of the week, then move to 75% new food, and finally 100% new food by the end of the week. This slow transition allows your dog’s digestive system to adjust to the new diet, minimizing the risk of upset stomachs. 

5.  Monitor Your Dog 

Once your dog starts eating their new food, keep an eye out for any signs of discomfort or allergies. Symptoms like skin rashes, vomiting, diarrhea, or watery eyes could indicate a negative reaction. If you notice anything unusual, stop feeding the new food and consult your vet immediately for guidance. 

Can You Mix Wet and Dry Dog Food? 

Yes, many pet owners mix wet and dry dog food to give their pups the best of both worlds. Combining the two can give your dog’s mealtime experience more flavor, variety, and texture. For example, you can leave kibble out during the day for dogs to snack on, offer a wet meal in the evening, or mix both types together in the same bowl.

KOHA minimal ingredient recipes make mixing easy and safe, even for dogs with sensitive stomachs. The carefully selected ingredients ensure that both wet and dry options are gentle on digestion, so the combination won’t trigger flare-ups or upset stomachs. Pair KOHA’s moisture-rich wet food with their dry food to provide hydration and easy digestibility—all while making mealtime more exciting.

More About Wet vs. Dry Dog Food

Still curious about which option to pick up? Let’s answer some frequently asked questions about wet vs. dry dog food:

Is it okay to feed a dog dry food only? 

Yes, it’s okay to feed your dog dry food only, as long as it provides complete and balanced nutrition. For example, KOHA Limited Ingredient Bland Diet Dry Food uses single animal proteins, along with easily digestible ingredients like pumpkin and brown rice for dogs with sensitive stomachs or dietary sensitivities.

Always make sure your dog has access to fresh water when feeding dry food, as the lower moisture content requires proper hydration to support their overall health.

Is it ok to alternate wet and dry dog food?

Yes, it’s typically fine to alternate between wet and dry dog food. Many pet parents do this to provide variety in their dog’s diet or to cater to different needs at different times, such as using wet food for hydration or during illness and dry food for convenience. 

However, sudden changes in diet can upset a dog’s stomach, so it’s best to transition gradually between wet and dry food. This allows time for your dog’s digestive system to adjust. Make sure to monitor your dog for any signs of digestive issues during the transition and proceed at a pace that suits their needs.

How much wet food equals 1 cup of dry dog food?  

To determine how much wet food equals 1 cup of dry food, it's best to compare the feeding guidelines for both and follow them accordingly. 

For a 15 lb dog, the feeding guidelines for KOHA Limited Ingredient Bland Diet Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe Dry Dog Food suggest 1.5 cups per day, while the KOHA Limited Ingredient Diet Chicken Entrée Wet Food guidelines recommend 1 can per day. This means that 1.5 cups of KOHA’s dry food is very similar in calories to 1 can of their wet food.

Always refer to the specific feeding recommendations on the packaging and adjust as needed based on your dog’s activity level, health, and size.

Wet vs. Dry Dog Food: Make the Best Choice for Your Pet 

Now that you know all about the key differences between wet vs. dry dog food, you’re ready to pick the best option for your pet. Ultimately, the best choice is one that supports your dog’s health, fits their preferences, and makes mealtime enjoyable. 

If your dog needs more hydration or has a sensitive stomach, wet food may be the way to go. If your dog requires a convenient option, dry food might be the better fit. Or combine both to cover all your bases.

For dogs with IBS, constipation, or other stomach issues in mind, consider KOHA. KOHA recipes are made using simple, easily digestible ingredients like pumpkin, brown rice, and single-source proteins—providing the energy and nutrition your dog needs. 

Try KOHA Dog Food today!