
What Is Wet Dog Food?
Wet dog food has a high moisture content and can be an incredibly versatile way to feed.
It is available in many different formats including:
- Pate
- Loaf
- Chunks in gravy or jelly
- Stews and casseroles
- Terrines
- Broths and soups
- Mousse
What Are the Benefits of Wet Dog Food?
Wet dog food offers many benefits to pets and owners and can be an incredibly versatile way to feed.
Wet food is naturally higher in moisture (around 65-80%) so feeding these can help keep dogs hydrated, especially those who are reluctant to drink.
Breeds that are prone to urinary or kidney problems will benefit from the extra moisture in wet food.
Highly Palatable for Fussy Eaters
The rich meaty aromas and soft textures of wet dog food make it irresistible to even the fussiest dogs. If your dog turns their nose up at dry food, introducing a wet meal or mixing wet in can transform their dinner.
Gentle on Sensitive Stomachs
There are many grain free, novel protein and hypoallergenic wet dog food recipes available. These digestible diets are perfect for dogs with allergies, intolerances and sensitive stomachs.
Soft Texture for Puppies and Senior Dogs
The soft texture of wet food is perfect for older dogs who have dental issues or struggle with chewing on hard kibble.
Wet food is also perfect for puppies to help with the transition onto solid food or harder kibbles.
Versatile Feeding
Wet food is easy to use and is a very versatile way of feeding.
These diets can be used alone; alongside dry food and the soft texture is easy to spread into interactive feeders and snack mats. Wet food is a great way to enrich your dog’s dinnertime!
Complete Nutrition in Every Meal
A complete wet dog food contains everything your dog needs to thrive. Always check the label to confirm a food is described as complete rather than complementary, which requires feeding alongside another food source.
Wet Dog Food for Puppies
A complete wet puppy food provides the higher levels of protein, fat, calcium and DHA needed to support healthy growth and brain health. The best and most wholesome wet puppy foods will be high in fresh named digestible meat and added supportive ingredients such as prebiotics.
Wet puppy food can be fed alone or mixed with a dry puppy kibble to add some variety to your puppy’s mealtimes
Grain-Free Wet Dog Food
Grain-free wet dog food is typically made with ultra digestible carbohydrates such as sweet potato, pumpkin, potato, parsnip or chickpeas.
These are great sources of slow-release energy and contain great levels of fibre to support bowel health.
Grain-free wet recipes can improve the digestion and overall wellbeing of dogs with sensitivities or confirmed grain allergies.
Can You Mix Wet and Dry Dog Food?
Yes absolutely!
Mixing wet and dry food can be great for increasing hydration, adding more variety and making meals more appealing to those fussy dogs.
Using a mixture of diets means your dog gets the benefits of both. Dry foods are crunchy and abrasive so support dental health and work wonderfully alongside a wet meal.
It is important not to overfeed when mixing diets. The best way to keep your dog healthy is to weigh out their meals and reduce the overall portion when mixing.
How to Choose a Good Wet Dog Food
When browsing wet dog food, look for natural recipes that contain named high-quality meat.
The best wet dog foods include:
- Named meat or fish as the first ingredient, for example fresh chicken or fresh salmon.
- A complete nutritional profile appropriate for your dog's life stage.
- No vague ingredients such as 'meat and animal derivatives' or unnamed by-products.
- No artificial preservatives, colours or flavourings.
- Functional and supportive ingredients such as oils, prebiotics, botanicals and joint supplements.
How Much Wet Dog Food Should You Feed?
The right amount of wet dog food depends on your dogs weight, age, activity level and whether you feeding alone or with a dry diet.
Every wet food will come with a feeding guideline based on the weight of the dog. Start with this guide and adjust (reduce or increase) by 10% to find the perfect amount for your pooch.
To truly know you are feeding the right amount it is important to regularly weigh and body score your dog. This way you will spot any changes.
Watch our video on How to Body Score Your Dog.
Wet Dog Food vs Dry Dog Food: What Is the Difference?
| Feature | Wet Dog Food | Dry Dog Food (Kibble) |
| Moisture Content | 70 to 80% | 8 to 10% |
| Palatability | High, rich aroma and soft texture | Moderate, varies by recipe |
| Hydration Support | Excellent | Low, fresh water essential |
| Dental Health | Limited benefit | Moderate mechanical cleaning |
| Shelf life (unopened) | Moderate | Long |
| Cost per day | Mid to high | Often most coffee-effective |
| Best suited for | Fussy eaters, sensitive stomachs, seniors, puppies | Everyday complete feeding |
Shop Wet Dog Food at Pets Corner
From hearty stews to mouthwatering pates our wet dog food range is packed with only the best wholesome and digestible ingredients.
Browse our complete wet dog food range, from puppy food to grain-free dinners and hypoallergenic options.
Shop Wet Dog Food
FAQ's
Both diet types can be wonderful for our dogs, and neither is superior.
Wet dog is highly palatable, is great for hydration and is versatile. Dry dog food offers dental support, high levels of supportive ingredients and is very cost effective.
Feeding a combination will ensure your dog gets the benefit of both!
Once opened, wet dog food should be covered, refrigerated and used within 48 hours.
Never leave wet food in the bowl for extended periods, particularly in warm weather.
Although wet dog food is typically quicker to digest than dry, it is still best to feed wet and raw separately as they will digest at different rates.
Many owners will variety feed their dogs and use raw for certain meals or days and wet or dry food for the other mealtimes. This can be a great way to include the benefits of all types of diets into your dog’s lifestyle and reduce some of the cost of raw food.
