Last Updated: 10/09/2026
Types of Dog Food Explained: A Vet's Guide to Wet, Dry, Fresh and Raw
Unlock the benefits of combining wet, fresh and dry dog food! Discover how a mixed feeding approach can enhance nutrition, palatability, and hydration for your furry friend.
Author: Dr Carla Paszkowski BVSc (Hons)
Reading Time: 6 minutes - short read
The main difference between wet and dry dog food comes down to moisture content - wet food is typically 70-80% water, while dry kibble sits at around 10%. Beyond that, wet, dry, fresh, and raw dog foods each have their own nutritional profile, texture, and practical trade-offs. There's no single "best" option - the right choice depends on your dog's individual health needs, preferences, and what fits your lifestyle. For a broader look at how to choose the right food for your dog, see our dog food guide. This article covers the key pros and cons of each food type to help you decide.
What is wet dog food?
Wet dog food has a higher moisture content than dry food, making it ideal for fussy eaters and dogs who need extra hydration. It typically comes in cans, trays, or pouches and has a softer texture that's easy to chew.
Pros
- Helps to increase moisture intake, which is helpful for maintaining urinary health and overall vitality - particularly important for breeds or individuals prone to urinary crystals or bladder stones, where good hydration helps 'flush out' the system
- More palatable than dry food - the stronger aroma can entice fussy eaters or older dogs whose taste and smell sensation has declined with age
- Easier to chew - ideal for dogs with dental disease, jaw misalignment, or other oral issues
Cons
- Generally more expensive per serve than dry food
- Must be refrigerated once opened and shouldn't be left out for extended periods
For our top picks, check out the best wet food for dogs.
What is dry dog food?
Dry dog food (kibble) is made from a cooked, extruded dough mix that's cut into bite-sized pieces. It's often the most practical and affordable option for most households, and may help to support dental health.
Pros
- Convenient and affordable - easy to store, longer shelf life, no refrigeration needed, and can be kept at room temperature in its original bag or a storage container
- Can be left in the bowl longer, which suits dogs who like to graze throughout the day
- May be beneficial for dental health - the crunchy texture can help scrape away tartar and plaque, reducing the risk of gingivitis and dental disease
Cons
- Less palatable than wet and fresh food, which can be a challenge for fussy eaters
- Doesn't contribute to hydration, so dogs eating dry food need to be drinking enough water throughout the day
Curious how it's made? Read our article on how dry pet food is made. If you're interested in other minimally processed dry formats, we also cover air dried and freeze dried dog food.
What is fresh dog food?
Fresh dog food uses whole, minimally processed or gently cooked ingredients. It tends to be highly palatable and has a moisture content similar to wet food, making it a good choice for dogs who need extra hydration or struggle with dry kibble. The gentle cooking methods help preserve nutrients, which may improve digestibility, and the natural fibres can support a healthy gut microbiome. It does require refrigeration and tends to be the priciest option per serve.
For a full breakdown of what to look for, read our article on the benefits of fresh dog food and the difference between raw and fresh dog foods.
What is raw dog food?
Raw dog food typically consists of uncooked meat, bones, and sometimes fruit and vegetables. Some dogs do well on raw diets, but it's important to understand the risks before you start. Raw meat can harbour dangerous pathogens including Salmonella, E. coli, and Listeria — posing a risk not only to your dog but to people in your household through contact with contaminated surfaces, saliva, or faeces. Strict hygiene practices are essential.
Raw feeding is also not recommended for dogs from immunocompromised households, puppies, pregnant females, or dogs with sensitive digestive systems.
For a full guide before making the switch, read our articles on raw diets for dogs, the evidence for raw diets, and raw food safety. For a detailed comparison with kibble, see our guide to raw vs dry dog food.
Should I mix wet and dry dog food?
For most dogs, mixing wet and dry food is a great approach - it combines the convenience and dental benefits of kibble with the hydration and palatability of wet food. You can also bring fresh or raw food into the rotation, either as a regular meal or as a topper, to add variety and boost palatability further. Mixing gives you the flexibility to address multiple needs at once: for instance, pairing a dental kibble with a wet food to support both oral health and hydration. Rotating between different proteins and flavours can help keep even the fussiest of eaters interested, and may reduce the risk of food fixation.
For a full guide on how to balance the two - including worked examples of how to calculate serving sizes - read our article on the benefits of mixed feeding.
If you're changing your dog's current diet, go slowly - sudden switches can cause digestive upset. Read our tips on how to transition your dog's food safely.
FAQs
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History
Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space and we update our articles when new information becomes available.
Tue 4 Aug 2026
Edited by Dr Gillian Hill BVSc (Hons)Dr Carla Paszkowski BVSc (Hons)
Veterinarian
Dr. Carla graduated from the University of Queensland in 2013 with a Bachelor of Veterinary Science and worked for a number of years in small animal clinics across South East Queensland. While Carla enjoys most facets of clinical veterinary work, she holds a special passion for feline medicine, pocket pets, and nutrition.
