Wet food or dry food? It is the age old question for pet owners. What’s the difference? Does it matter what I buy? Most experts agree that, yes, it does, and it all depends on your dog and his lifestyle.

In general, dog owners look to kibble first when deciding what to buy their dog. For convenience, kibble takes the trophy hands down. Pouring a scoop of kibble into a bowl is much more convenient for an on-the-go pet owner than taking the time to open a can with a can opener and scooping out the contents.

It is also important to monitor wet food. If your dog doesn’t eat all of it in one sitting, it is now exposed to bacteria that will want to grow on the food after an hour or two of sitting out. For someone always on the move, wet food is definitely more of a time investment.

Wet food is also more of a monetary investment. Kibble is more appealing to pet owners on a budget because wet food can get much higher in price range. The payoff, however, is clear.

Canned wet food, on average, has higher amount of meat protein and natural fats, and lower amounts of carbs and chemical additives. Dogs also seem to prefer the taste of wet food. Don’t believe me? Test it out. Before you know it, your dog will go crazy over the sound of the can opener. Wet food also comes in more meaty varieties than kibble, has a longer shelf life, and is easier to chew.

Being easier to chew is a big plus, especially for older dogs. Teeth and gums can become more sensitive in our senior pups, and so it is a good idea to consider switching to canned food to protect your older dog’s teeth. Another tip for dogs with sensitive teeth is trying boiled chicken and rice instead of wet food. Kibble, however, is a great way for dogs to get out their chewing impulses, and helps with removing stubborn plaque build-up on your dog’s teeth.

If you’re worried about the extra calories in wet food, there are a few alternatives that you can take. Instead of using the entire can, you can scoop a tablespoon of wet food on top of the kibble and then add a splash of water. Your dog will think he’s getting more wet food than he really is.

So what does all of this mean? Most vets will tell you that a combination of the two is a great way to get the benefits of both. If you can afford it and have the time, adding wet food on top of your kibble is the best way to keep your dog happy and healthy.