Key Takeaways
- Wet and dry dog foods each have unique perks, and the best choice depends on your dog’s needs, preferences, and your lifestyle.
- Mixing wet and dry can give your pup variety, balanced nutrition, and extra excitement at mealtime.
- Transition to any new food gradually to avoid tummy troubles and keep your dog happy and healthy.
At The Pets Table, we believe that mealtime is about more than just feeding your pup something “fine.” It’s about nutrition, taste, texture, and what actually works for your pup’s life stage, health, and personality.
The good news? There’s no one-size-fits-all winner here, just the option that fits your dog best. And because we offer both fresh, wet-style meals and air-dried, dry-style options, we can help you nail the perfect combo for your pup’s bowl without the guesswork.
Let’s break down the pros, cons, and details so you can make mealtime their favorite time.
What Is Wet Dog Food?
Wet dog food is exactly what it sounds like: food that’s higher in moisture and typically comes in a soft, scoopable form. Think stews, pâtés, or chunky mixes instead of hard, crunchy kibble.
Traditional wet food often comes in cans or pouches, but there’s also a fresher, healthier side to the category. At The Pets Table, our Fresh Meals fall into this “wet” camp. They include gently cooked high-quality proteins and produce that look a lot more like real food than something that’s been sitting on a shelf for years.
Because of that moisture content, wet food needs a little extra care in storage. Unopened cans and pouches are shelf-stable, but once you crack one open, it needs to be covered and refrigerated. Our fresh meals are flash-frozen to keep things seriously fresh. You store packs in the freezer until you’re ready to thaw and serve. Dogs love wet food for a reason.
It smells more like “real dinner” to them, the texture is softer and easier to chew, and the flavors tend to be stronger. For picky eaters, it’s often the magic bullet that turns “meh” into “where have you been all my life?” at mealtime.
What Is Dry Dog Food?
Dry dog food is the classic crunch you picture when someone says “kibble.” It’s usually bite-sized pieces with very low moisture content, designed to be shelf-stable and easy to serve. But not all dry food is created equal.
Our Air-Dried Meals take dry food to a whole new level. Instead of ultra-processed pellets, we start with real meat, veggies, and superfoods, then gently air-dry them at low temperatures to lock in nutrients and flavor without artificial preservatives.
The making of dry food depends on the style. Traditional kibble is typically cooked at high heat and extruded into uniform shapes, while our air-dried process is slower and more delicate, so the food keeps more of its natural goodness. The end result is a nutrient-dense meal that’s lightweight, portable, and ready to scoop straight from the bag.
Storage is a breeze. There’s no fridge required and no “use within three days” clock ticking after you open it. Plus, dry food’s tidy little pieces mean less mess at mealtime and easier measuring for portion control. Whether you’re topping off their bowl at home or packing for a weekend away, it’s about as convenient as dog dining gets.
Wet vs. Dry Dog Food: Pros and Cons
When it comes to choosing between wet and dry dog food, it’s less about one being “better” and more about which fits your dog’s needs (and your lifestyle) best.
Here’s a side-by-side look at the bigger factors that can help you decide:
Wet Food Pros
- More appealing to picky eaters thanks to a stronger aroma and richer flavor.
- Higher moisture content can help with hydration, especially for dogs who don’t drink much water.
- Softer texture is easier for seniors or pups with dental issues.
Wet Food Cons
- Shorter shelf life after opening, so storage needs more attention.
- Typically pricier per serving than dry food.
- Less convenient for travel or long-term storage.
Dry Food Pros
- Long shelf life, even after opening.
- Easy to measure and store with minimal mess.
- More portable for trips, daycare, or dog sitters.
Dry Food Cons
- Lower moisture content, so hydration has to come from water or other foods.
- Some dogs may find it less exciting than wet food without toppers or mix-ins.
So, Which Should You Choose?
Still not sure whether your dog’s destiny is in Team Wet or Team Dry? Here are a few questions to ask yourself before you commit:
- How’s your dog’s vibe at mealtime? Are they the “inhale it in 12 seconds” type or the “sniff, walk away, come back later” kind? Picky eaters often perk up for wet food, while enthusiastic chompers might be fine with dry.
- What’s your schedule like? If you’re always running out the door with coffee in one hand and your phone in the other, dry food’s no-fridge, no-mess setup might save your sanity. If you’ve got a little more time to scoop and store, wet food’s freshness factor might win.
- Any special needs? Senior dogs, pups with dental issues, or those who don’t drink enough water can benefit from wet food’s softer texture and higher moisture.
- What’s your budget? If you want to stretch your dollar while still giving your dog the good stuff, dry food tends to go further per serving.
Pro tip: You don’t have to pick just one. Many Pets Table families mix fresh (wet) and air-dried (dry) for variety, balanced nutrition, and the occasional “surprise” at dinner. Basically, your dog gets the best of both worlds. Our Mixed Plan is the most popular for a reason.
How Do You Switch Your Dog to a New Food Without Drama?
To avoid side-eye, skipped meals, or the dreaded upset tummy, you’ll want to ease your pup into a new food.
Here’s how to make the switch like a pro:
Start Slow and Mix It In
Start with about 25% new food and 75% current food for a few days, then slowly increase the new-to-old ratio over a week. This gives your dog’s digestive system time to adjust without staging a protest in your living room.
Watch for Clues
Your dog can’t tell you, “This is upsetting my stomach,” but they have other ways of communicating it. Keep an eye on their energy, appetite, and poop quality. If things get too soft or they seem off, slow the transition.
Keep the Mealtime Mood Positive
Dogs feed off your energy (and also your snacks). If you’re stressed or pushing the bowl toward them like it’s a dare, they’ll pick up on it.
Stick to your normal feeding routine, use a happy tone, and maybe toss in some extra praise when they eat. We’re not saying throw a dinner party for your dog, but we’re also not not saying it.
Resist the Urge To Bribe
Yes, a little topper or mix-in can help a hesitant pup warm up to new food. But if you go overboard with treats, cheese, or shredded chicken every time, you might accidentally teach them that they only get the “good stuff” when they refuse to eat. Keep bribes minimal so they learn to love the new food.
Stick With It
Some dogs are instant converts, others need more convincing. As long as they’re healthy and not losing weight, a little pickiness during the transition isn’t unusual. Give it at least a week before deciding whether it’s a hit or miss. And remember, patience pays off, especially when the payoff is a happy, healthy dog doing a happy-food-dance at their bowl.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I talk to my vet before switching my dog’s food?
If your pup has existing health issues, food allergies, or is on a special diet, check with your vet first. Your vet can help you avoid ingredients that might cause trouble and suggest the smoothest way to transition.
Can I mix wet and dry food together?
Absolutely. Mixing can add variety, keep picky eaters interested, and combine the convenience of dry food with the extra flavor and moisture of wet food. Just keep total portions balanced so you’re not accidentally doubling dinner.
What if my dog refuses to eat the new food?
First, don’t panic. Most dogs come around once they realize this is the new normal. You can try adding a small topper (like a spoonful of The Pets Table Fresh Meals) or serving it at room temperature to boost aroma. If they still refuse after a week, talk to your vet to rule out any underlying health issues.
The Bottom Line on Wet vs. Dry Dog Food
At The Pets Table, we’re not here to tell you there’s only one “right” way to feed your dog. That’s why we make both Fresh Meals and Air-Dried Meals, so you can pick the option that works for your dog’s taste buds, your schedule, and your budget, or mix them together for the ultimate mealtime glow-up.
Our Fresh Meals bring the moisture, aroma, and excitement, while our Air-Dried Meals keep things tidy, shelf-stable, and nutrient-packed without a single artificial preservative in sight. Every recipe is crafted with real meat, veggies, and superfoods your pup would put on their own grocery list if they could drive.
Still not sure which to try first? Take our quick quiz to find your pup’s perfect match. Worst case? They get two favorites instead of one. Best case? You become their favorite human, forever.
Sources:
Is Wet Food Good for Dogs? | The Spruce Pets