Do dogs prefer kibble or wet food

Wet Food v Kibble (Which Is Best For Your Dog?)

If your dog has a particular preference for a certain type of food, you might be wondering if their favourite (be it wet food or kibble) is better or worse than the alternative?

We all want to ensure our dog is getting the best food for their age, breed, lifestyle and general activity level. So is there a simple answer to the question of which food is better between wet food and kibble?

This guide from Pat Woodward will help you to understand the key differences.

Put yourself in your dogs place. Thats right, bury your face as deep as you can in that bowl on the kitchen floor. No, wait! Make sure somebodys watching before you actually chow down so you can hear their silly baby-talk expressions of approval.

Even better, pretend you couldnt care less about the food in the bowl when its placed in front of you, then go crazy when somebody picks up a piece to feed you by hand. Good boy! Atta girl!

Dog lovers know that just about anything a pooch finds worth investigating can end up in its stomach. Sometimes the only thing better than rolling in the grass of the backyard is eating it. That means the joy of companionship comes with a duty of vigilance that extends all the way to the food dish.

The age-old question of whether its better for your dog to eat dry kibble or wet food seems to have as many permutations as the most perplexing mathematical problem. Cost, calories, taste, hydration, even dental health factor into the equation. The options can be overwhelming, so lets look at some of the considerations.

Health

Kibble and wet food both meet the basic requirements for your dogs health and nutrition, but canned wet food provides some distinct benefits. The greater moisture content of canned food helps with hydration and promotes a healthy urinary tract.

Wet food is typically higher in crude protein and fat than kibble. Thats why most vets will recommend wet food for pregnant dogs and those that are nursing.

That rich content of wet food can promote weight loss through a full feeling that lasts longer between meals and prevents overeating. Conversely, your dog may be tempted to wolf down his kibble too quickly, which could result in gastrointestinal problems.

Read: Why is my dog farting so much?

Dental Development and Hygiene

That crunch you hear could be the sound of dental development. As puppies grow, harder foods like kibble can aid with the proper growth of their teeth. Kibble also encourages chewing in dogs of all ages, which can help prevent the buildup of tartar and subsequent periodontal disease.

Some dogs, especially as they get older, have trouble chewing hard food. Wet canned food is a good option, or you can soak kibble to soften it up.

Taste and Smell

Dogs may not be known as finicky eaters, but they know what they like. Open a bag of kibble and then open a can of wet food. Now, get out of the way!

The potent aroma of each may not do much for you, but its chemically designed to bring a dog running. In general, canned food is both more aromatic and flavorful, which can encourage eating and nutrition for dogs that may have a diminished appetite because of age or illness.

Cost and Convenience

We may tell ourselves that nothing is too good for our canine buddy, but price is a factor in what we feed ourselves, so it naturally comes into play when it comes to our dogs.

Typically, dry food is cheaper than wet food, and if you buy it in bulk, the cost difference is even greater. Dry kibble has an extended shelf life, so theres less potential for waste than with a can of wet food that can spoil if it has been open for even just a few days. Also, automatic feeders are typically designed for kibble.

The Best of Both

With so many choices, from kibble that you can top with flavour additives to wet foods now, including even fish, your best option may depend on what your dog needs, what it likes, and what works best with your lifestyle.

So don't stress. If the food you are feeding meets these criteria:

• Your dog enjoys it
• It's affordable and conveniently available for you to purchase
• Your dog is doing well on it, physically
• Your dog is maintaining good weight, skin condition and is thriving

Then you, my friend, have chosen the food that is right for your dog. Whether that's wet food or kibble, it doesn't really matter. The right food for your dog is the one that works best for them and for you.

Some people mix and match, combining or alternating dry and wet food. If that approach sounds like something that could work, check it out with your vet first to make sure youre not short-changing your dogs health and nutrition.

Now that youve put yourself in your dogs place, you can take your face out of that bowl on the kitchen floor. If you need to wash down that kibble or wet food, you know where the water bowl is.

Pat Woodard is a freelance writer who takes occasional breaks from high country hikes with his German shepherd in Colorado to chase golf balls, rainbow trout, and full-bodied red wines. He's also a longtime radio and television broadcaster, documentary producer, and losing contestant on Jeopardy.

Do Dogs Like Kibble? 3 Surprising Answers (Updated 2023)

Day in and day out

No matter what time it is

The menus always the same for your dog.

And its nothing but their classic kibbles.

You might be wondering:

Isnt that tiring?

Or does Fido like their dog food that much?

Ill serve you the answers while its hot.

Continue reading to find out:

• 3 surprising answers about dogs and kibble.
• Truth whether Fidos prefer kibbles or wet food.
• Real reasons why dogs dont eat their kibbles (#1 is alarming.)
• And thats only the beginning

Do dogs like kibble?

Dogs do like kibble. Most canines enjoy their dog food due to its potent scent. Thats because dogs have a strong sense of smell. However, canines only have 1,700 taste buds. As a result, dogs care more about the scent of kibbles than the taste. Thats why canines like their dog food.

Do dogs prefer kibble or wet food?

Dogs prefer wet food over kibbles.

But the reason goes beyond just the taste.

You see, as explained by vets

These 2 types of dog food have their pros and cons.

So first, let me tell you why most Fidos prefer wet food.

3 reasons why dogs prefer wet food

Starting with the basics

#1: Most pups like wet food due to its texture

Since the meal is juicier, its closer to the same feeling as eating meat.

And as we all know, dogs are carnivores.

Thats why munching on wet food is more pleasing for Fidos.

Moreover, its also easier to chew for dogs. With that, pups with oral issues can enjoy wet food more than dry meals.

Not to mention, canned food is pricier than kibbles.

Thanks to that

Most dogs can only eat wet food occasionally

And as a result, experts conclude:

Wet food is like treats for pups. Thats why your furry pals more eager to eat canned meals.

I mean, if you rarely dine at your favorite restaurant

Youd also get excited to go there again next time, right?

Well, thats the same thing many dogs might feel.

#2: Canned meals are more aromatic than dry kibbles

Unlike dry kibbles, most wet food has a stronger smell.

Now, remember what I said at the beginning of the article?

Your furry friends care more about the scent. Not the taste.

After all, dogs only have 1,700 taste buds. Meanwhile, you have 9,000.

See that huge gap?

Thanks to that, most Fidos dont worry a lot about the flavors. Instead, they just care about the texture. And most importantly, the scent.

Not to mention

#3: Wet food can also keep your dog feeling full

Thats due to the water inside Fidos canned meals. Plus, it also keeps your dog hydrated.

So if your furry friend rarely drinks water

Canned meals are good for your pups health.

After all, dehydration could lead to issues in dogs like:

That aside

This makes wet food good for certain Fidos. And Im talking about the pups that seem obsessed with eating.

Plus, its also good to limit your dogs wet food intake.

After all, too much of something can be unhealthy.

You see, canned food also has its risks. Such as:

• High in fat.
• Pancreatitis.
• Gum diseases.
• Affect some dogs bloodstreams.

And this is why Fidos shouldnt eat too much wet food.

But lets not forget about kibbles.

Benefits of dry dog food

First of all, kibbles are easier to manage.

Not only are they clean, but theyre also simple to serve.

Plus, some Fidos love eating every few hours. And in animal terms, thats called grazing.

So if your pooch seems to only care about food

Kibbles can help keep their appetite in check.

Now, thats something wet food cant do. After all, canned food spoils easily. That means you cant leave it on Fidos bowl for more than 4 hours.

Even if you store the leftover, it can only last for 3 days in your fridge.

And that might even put your dog at risk of eating spoiled food.

Not to mention

Kibbles also come in many shapes or sizes too

That said, some pups might have a preference for that.

What I mean is, there are dogs who like small kibbles. And there are Fidos who like the big ones.

Thanks to this variety

Your furry friend can enjoy munching on their food.

Lastly, kibbles are flexible. You can even use them to train your dog too.

And you know whats more fun?

You could use kibbles with toys as well. Or even auto feeders.

With this, you can make eating amusing for your pup.

Now, all these reasons make kibbles good for your pooch.

Why dont dogs eat their kibble?

Dogs dont eat their kibbles for reasons like:

• Illnesses.
• Depression.
• Your dog wants other snacks.

And to help you understand your dog

Ill explain each reason in detail below:

#1: Depression

Mental health is important. Not just to humans, but to dogs too.

You see, these joyful Fidos can be depressed as well.

And 1 of its main symptoms is: not eating their food.

But of course, you cant just jump to conclusions.

So in case you have doubts

Here are more signs of depression in dogs:

Warning: Depression can be fatal in the long run. So if you suspect this in your pup, take them to the vet ASAP.

But what causes depression in dogs in the first place?

Good thing you asked. After all, thats 1 way to prevent the issue.

So, as per AKC

Here are 9 common things that might affect your pup:

• Stress.
• Anxiety.
• Trauma.
• Boredom.
• Constant pain.
• Losing a loved one.
• Lack of socialization.
• Sudden lifestyle changes.
• Meeting new family members.

Note: Every dog is different. Thus, not all of them might have the same triggers.

Worried about Fidos mental health?

You can learn some tips from this helpful video:

Read next: Why Is My Dog Avoiding Me All Of A Sudden? 11 Real Reasons

#2: Your dog might feel sick

Many dogs love eating.

So the moment they stop munching on their kibbles

Thats the time you might have to worry.

Why so?

Well, your furry friend could be sick.

And Im talking about physical injuries. Or diseases that your eyes cant see.

Now, since there are many possible illnesses

Its hard to pinpoint exactly what your pup might have.

But I wont leave you empty-handed.

So if you think your pooch might be sick

You can look out for other signs of discomfort, such as:

Note: These 13 symptoms align with many illnesses. To ensure your dogs condition, you should talk to Fidos vet.

You might also like: Do dogs pant when they are in pain? 13 Causes of Panting

#3: Fido wants some human food

Sometimes, your furry pal might just want other meals.

Specifically, they crave your food.

And this could happen if you often share Fido some of your snacks.

I mean, if you tasted the best treat ever

You wouldnt want to go back to the old food you always had, right?

Now, that might be the case for some dogs.

And thats why consistency is a must for Fidos.

So if youre going to give them kibbles

Ensure that you always stick to that.

Otherwise, you might break your furry pals feeding habits.