🥣 Wet vs. Dry Pet Food: Which Is the Best Food for Your Dog & Cat?

As a loving pet parent, you want nothing but the best for your furry family member. Their health and happiness often begin right in their food bowl because the food they eat provides all the essential building blocks, energy, and nutrients their bodies need to thrive. Just like humans, a balanced diet is the foundation for strong bones, healthy organs, a shiny coat, boundless energy, and a strong immune system to fight off illness. But step into any pet store, and you’re immediately faced with a dizzying array of choices: wet food, dry kibble, low grain, senior formulas, breed-specific diets… it’s enough to make anyone’s head spin!

Choosing the right food can feel overwhelming, and it’s a decision with real consequences. Giving your pet the wrong type of food, or a diet that doesn’t meet their specific needs, can unfortunately lead to various issues. You might start noticing things like an upset stomach, frequent diarrhoea, or vomiting. Their beautiful coat could become dull and flaky, or they might suffer from constant itching. Over time, an unsuitable diet can lead to more serious problems like unhealthy weight gain or loss, low energy levels, and even long-term health complications affecting their organs or overall vitality. It’s a bit like us trying to live on fast food alone – it might fill us up, but it won’t keep us healthy in the long run!

One of the most common questions we hear at PetStore Kenya, especially from new pet parents, is: “Should I feed my dog or cat wet food or dry food?”

The honest truth is, there’s no single “right” answer that fits every pet. Just like humans, every dog and cat is a unique individual with their own needs, preferences, and health considerations. What works wonderfully for one might not be ideal for another.

But don’t worry, you don’t have to navigate this journey alone! This comprehensive guide is designed to demystify the world of pet food, helping you understand the ins and outs of both wet and dry options. Whether you’re a seasoned pet owner or just welcoming your first four-legged companion, we’ll break down the benefits and considerations of each, so you can make an informed decision that truly nourishes your beloved pet!

Understanding the Basics: What’s in Your Pet’s Bowl?

Before we dive into the specifics, let’s clarify what we mean by “wet food” and “dry food.”

What is Wet Food?

Imagine opening a can or pouch of pet food, and you see soft, moist chunks, pâtés, or shredded meat in gravy. That’s wet food! It’s also commonly known as canned or pouched food. The defining characteristic of wet food is its high moisture content, typically ranging between 70–85%. This is significantly higher than dry kibble, making it feel more like a fresh meal.

Wet food comes in various textures, offering different experiences for your pet:

Chunks (often in gravy or jelly): These feature distinct pieces of meat, fish, chicken or any other animal protein, often suspended in a savoury gravy or a gelatinous jelly. They provide a satisfying, textured meal.
Pâté: This type has a smooth, consistent, and often dense texture, similar to a finely ground meatloaf. It’s easy for pets to lick and can be very appealing.
Mousse: A very light, airy, and whipped texture, mousse is often highly palatable and easy to consume, especially for very young, old, or recovering pets.

Curious to see these textures up close? We’ve put together a short video that visually demonstrates the different types of wet food textures we offer – from the hearty chunks to the smooth pâté and airy mousse. This can help you better understand what your pet will be enjoying! You can watch it here!

Why Pets (and Pet Parents) Love Wet Food

Supports Hydration: This is perhaps the biggest advantage, especially crucial for cats. Cats naturally have a lower thirst drive than dogs, often not drinking enough water on their own. Wet food helps them get a significant portion of their daily water intake through their meals, which is vital for kidney and urinary tract health. For dogs, especially those who aren’t big drinkers, it’s also a great way to boost hydration.
Highly Palatable: Let’s be honest, wet food often smells and tastes more appealing to pets. The strong aroma and soft, varied textures (think smooth pâté, chunky stews, or mousse) can be a huge hit, especially with picky eaters, senior pets with a reduced sense of smell, or those recovering from illness. It’s like a gourmet meal for them!
Gentle on Teeth & Gums: For senior pets, puppies or kittens with developing teeth, or any pet with dental issues (like missing teeth or gum sensitivity), the soft consistency of wet food is much easier to chew and swallow compared to hard kibble. This can make mealtime a comfortable and enjoyable experience.
Easier Digestion: The higher moisture content and softer texture can make wet food easier for some pets to digest. Think of it this way: softer food is less work for their digestive system to break down, and the extra moisture helps everything move smoothly through their gut. This can be particularly beneficial for pets with sensitive stomachs or certain gastrointestinal conditions.
Weight Management: While it might seem counterintuitive, wet food can sometimes aid in weight management. Because of its high-water content, it’s less calorie-dense by volume. This means your pet can eat a larger portion and feel fuller without consuming as many calories, which can be helpful for pets on a vet approved diet.

Things to Keep in Mind with Wet Food

Needs Refrigeration & Short Shelf Life: Once opened, wet food needs to be refrigerated promptly to prevent spoilage, typically lasting only 2-3 days. This means you need to be mindful of portioning and storage.
Can Be Messier: Serving wet food can sometimes be a bit messier than dry kibble, and it might require more frequent cleaning of bowls.
No Dental Cleaning Benefits: Unlike some dry kibbles, wet food offers no abrasive action to help clean teeth. This means you’ll need to rely on other methods for dental hygiene, such as regular brushing or dental chews.

What is Dry Food (Kibble)?

Dry food, commonly known as kibble, consists of small, hard, crunchy pieces. It’s made by mixing ingredients, cooking them at high temperatures, and then shaping them into various shapes and sizes before drying. Kibble is low in moisture (typically 5-10%) and is the most widely used type of pet food due to its convenience and affordability.

Why Pet Parents (and Some Pets) Love Dry Food

Dry food’s widespread popularity largely comes down to several key factors that make pet parenting a little easier:

Convenience & Easy to Serve: Imagine just scooping food from a bag and pouring it into a bowl – that’s the ease of dry kibble! It’s less messy and a convenient option for busy schedules, making daily feeding quick and simple.
Affordability & Cost-Effective: Generally speaking, dry kibble offers more servings per bag compared to wet food, making it more cost-effective over time. This can be a significant advantage, especially for larger pets or households with multiple furry friends, helping you manage your budget without compromising on providing a complete diet.
Long Shelf Life & Convenient for Free-Feeding: Dry kibble has a significantly longer shelf life than wet food, even after the bag is opened, as long as it’s stored properly in an airtight container. This makes it ideal for bulk purchases, reducing how often you need to shop. It’s also great for “free-feeding“, which means you can leave it out throughout the day for your pet to graze on whenever they feel hungry, without worrying about spoilage. This offers great flexibility for both you and your pet, especially if your pet is good at managing their own food intake.
Dental Support (Limited): The crunchy texture of kibble can provide some cleaning action against your pet’s teeth as they chew, which may help to reduce plaque and tartar buildup in some cases. However, it’s crucial to understand that kibble alone is not a substitute for regular professional dental care or dedicated dental hygiene practices like brushing. Think of it as a minor aid, not a solution.

Things to Keep in Mind with Dry Food

Low Moisture Content: This is the primary concern, particularly for cats who often don’t drink enough water. A diet solely of dry food might contribute to chronic dehydration, which can impact kidney and urinary tract health over time. For dogs, while less critical, ensuring adequate water intake is still important. To help your pet stay well-hydrated, always ensure they have access to fresh, clean water, and consider using water fountains or adding water to their kibble.
Less Appealing to Some Pets: The texture and aroma of dry food can be less enticing to picky eaters compared to the rich smells and soft textures of wet food. For pets, especially cats with their keen sense of smell, a less aromatic and harder-to-chew food might simply not spark their interest as much.
Hard Texture Challenges: For older pets, puppies or kittens with sensitive gums, or pets with existing dental problems, the hard texture of kibble can be difficult or even painful to chew. In some rare cases, very hard kibble can contribute to dental wear or gum irritation over a long period.

Making the Choice: Wet or Dry?

So, with all this information, how do you decide what’s best for your furry companion? The ideal choice truly hinges on your pet’s individual needs, lifestyle, and health profile.

Wet food may be a better option if:

Your pet needs extra hydration: This is especially true for cats, who are prone to urinary tract issues if chronically dehydrated. Wet food significantly boosts their water intake.
They’re older, have missing teeth, or trouble chewing: The soft texture is much more comfortable for sensitive mouths.
They’re a fussy eater or have a reduced appetite: The strong aroma and appealing texture can entice even the most reluctant eaters.
They have urinary or kidney concerns (especially cats): Increased water intake from wet food can help dilute urine and support kidney function.
You’re looking for lower-calorie food option by volume: This can be beneficial for pets needing to lose weight, as they can eat a more satisfying portion for fewer calories.

Dry food may be a better option if:

You’re looking for a convenient, budget-friendly option: Its long shelf life and ease of serving make it a practical choice for many households.
Your pet drinks enough water on their own: If your dog or cat consistently drinks plenty of fresh water throughout the day, the lower moisture content of kibble might not be a significant concern.
You want some support for dental health: While not a substitute for professional care, the crunch can contribute to cleaner teeth.
You’re managing weight or portion control with specific feeding guidelines: Dry food allows for precise portioning, which is crucial for managing your pet’s weight.
You prefer free-feeding: If your pet self-regulates their intake well, leaving kibble out can be very convenient.

The Best of Both Worlds: Combination Feeding

Many pet parents find that the perfect solution isn’t one or the other, but a clever combination! Combination feeding involves mixing both wet and dry food, allowing your pet to enjoy the benefits of both.

Why Mix It Up? The Advantages of Combination Feeding

Enhanced Hydration: By adding wet food to their diet, you boost your pet’s overall water intake. This helps dilute their urine, reducing the risk of common issues like urinary crystals and stones. Adequate hydration is essential for maintaining healthy kidney function and supporting overall organ health.
Variety in Taste and Texture: Pets, like humans, appreciate variety! Mixing textures and flavours can make mealtime more exciting and prevent boredom with their diet. Think about it: eating the same meal, day in and day out, can get pretty dull, even for our furry friends! Pets, especially those with a strong sense of smell and taste, can experience ‘food fatigue’ if their diet lacks variation. Offering different textures (crunchy kibble, soft pâté) and flavours can stimulate their senses and keep them engaged at mealtime, preventing them from becoming uninterested or picky.
Increased Appetite Appeal: For picky eaters, adding a spoonful of highly palatable wet food to their dry kibble can make the entire meal much more enticing. The strong aroma and rich flavours of wet food act as a powerful attractant, stimulating your pet’s appetite and encouraging them to eat their entire meal. This is especially helpful for pets who are recovering from illness, have a reduced sense of smell due to age, or simply need a little extra encouragement to finish their food.
Nutritional Flexibility: You can strategically combine different formulas to meet specific nutritional goals. For example, a senior formula kibble with a hydrating wet food, or a weight management kibble with a low-calorie wet food. This approach allows you to fine-tune your pet’s diet precisely, and the flexibility ensures your pet gets exactly what they need, addressing multiple health or life stage requirements simultaneously.

How to Practice Combination Feeding Safely

When combining foods, it’s crucial to adjust portion sizes to avoid overfeeding and prevent weight gain. Since you’re now feeding two types of food, the total daily calorie intake must be carefully managed to ensure your pet gets balanced nutrition. The best approach is to reduce the amount of dry food when adding wet food. Always follow the feeding guidelines on both product labels.

To ensure a smooth transition and maintain a healthy weight, here are the most important pointers:

Substitute, Don’t Just Add: If you simply add wet food on top of your pet’s regular kibble, you will likely overfeed them. The goal is to replace a portion of the kibble with wet food.
Measure Accurately: Use a standard measuring cup or kitchen scale to precisely measure portions. This prevents accidental overfeeding.
Transition Slowly: Introduce the wet food gradually over 7-10 days by mixing a small amount with the dry food.
Monitor Weight: Keep a close eye on your pet’s body condition. If you notice weight gain, adjust their daily portions accordingly.

Practical Examples

Cat: For “Milo,” an indoor cat who eats a half-cup of dry kibble per day, add an 100g pouch of wet food by mixing the wet food with a quarter-cup of kibble in a single serving. This keeps his total calorie intake balanced.

Dog: For “Buddy,” a 30Kg adult Labrador, who eats three cups of dry food daily, mix a half-can of wet food into his meal. To balance this, you would reduce his dry food intake to two cups per day, split between his meals.

Beyond the Bowl: Key Considerations for Every Pet Parent

Choosing the right food is more than just picking wet or dry; it’s about understanding your pet’s entire dietary picture.

Age and Size: Puppies and kittens have different nutritional needs than adult or senior pets. Their food should be specifically formulated for their life stage to support proper growth and development. Small breeds might need smaller kibble, while large breeds have specific joint support requirements. It’s important to know their life stage because their bodies are constantly changing and require different levels of nutrients and energy. For example:

Puppies and Kittens: These little ones are growing rapidly! They need significantly more calories, protein, and specific vitamins and minerals (like calcium and phosphorus for bone development) to fuel their intense growth, build strong muscles, and develop their immune systems. Feeding them adult food would mean they miss out on these crucial building blocks, potentially leading to developmental issues.
Adult Pets: Once growth is complete, their energy needs stabilize. Adult food is formulated to maintain their health, weight, and energy levels without promoting excessive growth or weight gain.
Senior Pets: As pets age, their metabolism slows down, and they might become less active. They may also develop age-related conditions like arthritis or kidney issues. Senior formulas often have fewer calories to prevent weight gain, and may include ingredients to support joint health, kidney function, or cognitive well-being.
Breed-Specific Needs: Beyond age, a small breed puppy needs tiny kibble they can easily chew, while a large breed puppy needs carefully controlled calcium and phosphorus levels to prevent rapid growth that could harm their developing joints.

Breed and Activity Level: A highly active working dog will require a much more calorie-dense diet than a sedentary lap cat. Breed-specific foods can sometimes cater to unique needs, though individual assessment is always key. Think of it like this: an energetic Border Collie herding sheep all day burns far more calories than a quiet Persian cat lounging on the sofa! Their metabolism and energy output are vastly different.

Activity Level

Active Pets: Energetic dogs and cats, such as a working Labrador or a playful Bengal, have a higher metabolism and need food with higher calories, protein, and fat to fuel their energy and maintain muscle mass.
Less Active Pets: Older pets or those with a relaxed lifestyle need fewer calories. Managing their weight is critical to prevent serious issues like joint problems, diabetes, and heart disease.

Breed-Specific Needs

Some breeds have health predispositions that a specialized diet can help manage.

Dogs: Large breed dogs are often prone to joint problems, so their food might include ingredients like glucosamine and chondroitin for joint support. Other formulas can address common issues like skin sensitivities, digestive problems, or feature specially shaped kibble to suit the unique jaw structures of breeds like Bulldogs, Pugs, and Boxers.
Cats: Some breed-specific foods might target hairball reduction for long-haired breeds or support urinary health for breeds prone to such issues.

Health Conditions or Special Dietary Needs: This is paramount. Pets with allergies, sensitive stomachs, kidney disease, diabetes, or dental issues will require specific dietary considerations. Just like humans with specific health needs, pets often benefit immensely from specialized diets. For example:

Allergies/Sensitivities: If your pet has food allergies (which can cause skin itching, ear infections, or digestive upset), they might need a “limited ingredient” diet or a “hydrolysed protein” diet where proteins are broken down into tiny pieces to avoid triggering an immune response.
Kidney Disease: Pets with kidney issues often require diets lower in protein, phosphorus, and sodium, but with higher levels of certain B vitamins and omega-3 fatty acids to support kidney function and reduce the workload on these organs.
Diabetes: Diabetic pets need diets that help stabilize blood sugar levels, often with controlled carbohydrate content and high fibre.
Dental Issues: Beyond just the texture of food, some specific dental diets are designed with unique kibble shapes and textures that physically scrub the teeth, or contain ingredients that help reduce plaque and tartar formation.
Digestive Upset: For pets with sensitive stomachs, diets with easily digestible ingredients, prebiotics, and probiotics can help soothe their digestive system and promote a healthy gut microbiome.
Weight Management: For pets needing to lose or gain weight, specialized formulas exist that are either lower in calories and higher in fibre (for weight loss) or more calorie-dense (for weight gain), ensuring they reach a healthy body condition.

These specialized diets are not just “different” foods; they are scientifically formulated to help manage specific medical conditions and improve your pet’s quality of life. Always work closely with your veterinarian to determine if your pet needs a prescription diet or a specially formulated therapeutic food.

Taste Preferences: At the end of the day, your pet has to eat the food! If they consistently refuse to eat, they won’t get the necessary nutrients, leading to weight loss and a decline in health. Finding a food that your pet genuinely looks forward to is vital for their overall well-being and ensures consistent, balanced nutrition.
Reading Food Labels: Don’t just look at the front of the bag! Turn it over and read the ingredients list. Ingredients are listed by weight, so the first few ingredients make up the bulk of the food. Look for whole protein sources (like chicken, lamb, salmon) as primary ingredients. Understanding terms like “AAFCO Statement” is also important – this indicates the food meets minimum nutritional requirements for a specific life stage.

What is AAFCO and ISO Certification?

Choosing the right food is easier when you understand what the labels mean. At PetStore Kenya, we’re proud to offer products that meet the highest standards.

AAFCO Certification: The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) is a non-profit that sets the nutritional standards for pet food. An AAFCO statement on a label is a guarantee that the food provides a complete and balanced diet for your pet’s specific life stage, according to expert guidelines. It’s your assurance of a nutritionally sound diet.
ISO Certification: The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) sets global benchmarks for quality and consistency in manufacturing. An ISO certification means the food is produced under rigorous international standards, with a strong focus on quality control, safety, and reliability. It’s an added layer of assurance for the consistency and safety of every bag.

PetStore Kenya’s Double Certification: Our pet food is both AAFCO and ISO certified, giving you peace of mind that you’re choosing a product that is not only nutritionally complete but also produced with the highest quality and safety standards.

For best results, always consult your veterinarian before making big changes to your pet’s diet, especially if they have health concerns like kidney disease, diabetes, or dental issues. Your vet can provide personalized advice tailored to your pet’s unique characteristics and health status.

Your Partner in Pet Nutrition: PetStore Kenya 🛒

At PetStore Kenya, we understand that choosing the right food can feel overwhelming. That’s why we’re committed to being your trusted partner in pet nutrition. We offer a wide selection of both wet and dry food tailored to your pet’s needs from sterilised and senior formulas to low-grain and breed-specific options. Whether you’re feeding a fussy cat, a growing puppy, or a senior dog with sensitive teeth, we have something for every bowl!

We encourage you to explore our diverse range of high-quality pet foods. Our team is always ready to provide personalized nutrition advice, helping you navigate the choices and find the perfect fit for your furry friend.

👉 Browse our pet food selection here

📍 Visit us in-store at one of our convenient locations for personalized advice

💬 Chat with our team online via WhatsApp for quick questions and tips. You can also join our WhatsApp Channel for more tips and updates.

Conclusion: Nourishing Happy, Healthy Pets Every Day

Choosing between wet and dry food, or finding the perfect combination, is a significant decision for your pet’s health. By understanding the unique benefits and considerations of each, and by focusing on your pet’s individual needs, you’re already on the path to making the best possible choice.

Remember, a well-nourished pet is a happy pet, and a happy pet makes for a happy home. We are here to support you every step of the way in nourishing happy, healthy pets every day!

The PetStore Kenya Team

We ❤️ Them As Much As You Do!