Wat is beter voor je hond: droogvoer of natvoer?

What is better for your dog: dry food or wet food?

As a dog lover, you naturally want the best for your faithful four-legged friend, and nutrition plays a crucial role in that. The choice between dry food (Kibble) and wet food (steamed sausages, canned or pouch food) depends on various factors, including your dog’s health, age and preferences. Let’s look at the pros and cons of both options so you can make an informed decision.

Dry food: the pros and cons

Dry food, in other words Kibble, is probably the most commonly used dog food. For good reason: it’s easy to use, relatively affordable and simple to portion. But it has more to offer than you might think at first glance.

Benefits of dry food:

1. Convenience: Kibble is easy to store, doesn’t need to be refrigerated, stays fresh for a long time and is easy to take with you when travelling.


2. Good for dental health: Because of its firmer texture, Kibble encourages dogs to chew their food more thoroughly than wet food. This helps reduce plaque and tartar.


3. More affordable: Per meal, Kibble is often cheaper than wet food.


4. Handy for rewards: Thanks to its texture, Kibble can also be used as a training treat.



You might say: piece of cake! Still, Kibble also has some drawbacks:



1. Lower moisture content: Dry food contains little moisture, which is less ideal for dogs that drink little or are prone to urinary tract problems.


2. Less appealing to picky eaters: The taste and aroma of dry food are often less intense than those of wet food, making it less appealing to some dogs.


3. Can be hard on the stomach: Especially for older dogs or dogs with sensitive digestion.

The advantages and disadvantages of wet food

Wet food is often seen as a treat meal — and that's somewhat true. Due to its high moisture content and intense smell and taste, it is irresistible to many dogs. Especially for dogs with a smaller appetite or dental issues, wet food is a good option.

We list the benefits of wet food for you:

1. Rich in moisture: Wet food helps with good hydration, which is especially important for dogs that drink little.


2. Very tasty: The rich aromas and soft texture often make wet food more appealing, which is especially useful for picky eaters or older dogs with reduced appetite.


3. Easy to chew: Ideal for puppies, seniors, or dogs with dental problems.


4. Good digestibility: Wet food often contains more meat or fish than dry food. Diets with a lot of meat or fish (of high quality, so watch out for animal by-products!) provide better digestibility.


You guessed it; every advantage has its disadvantage:


1. Less good for dental health: The soft texture does not contribute to a clean mouth


2. Spoils faster: An opened can or pouch must be consumed quickly and kept refrigerated.


3. Higher costs: Daily portions of wet food can be more expensive than dry food.

Combining dry and wet food

More and more dog owners are choosing to combine dry and wet food. This way, you benefit from the advantages of both types of nutrition: the convenience of kibble and the taste and hydration of wet food. For dogs that quickly get bored with one type of food, variety can work wonders.

Did you know you can even mix kibble with wet food in one meal? Just make sure the wet food is steamed.


Why combining works:


  • Your dog gets more moisture without needing to drink extra.

  • You can provide variety in taste and texture

  • It is possible to prevent overweight, provided you keep a close eye on the total calorie intake.

What is really better?

There is no universal “best” choice when it comes to dog food. What is good for one dog may be less suitable for another. It is important that the food matches your dog’s age, activity level, weight, and any health issues.

👉 Does your dog have dental problems or eat poorly? Then wet food can be a solution.
👉 Is your dog healthy, enjoys chewing, and drinks enough? Then kibble is a great base.
👉 Unsure? Then a combination of both can offer the right balance.

Our advice: consult your veterinarian or nutritionist to determine together what suits your dog best. This way, you give your buddy exactly what he needs to live a healthy and happy life.

Want to know more about healthy dog food or have questions about combining wet and dry food? Feel free to contact us or discover the range of natural dog food from Riverwood.

Many dogs already enjoy Riverwood every day. Would you also like your dog to savor our delicious foods and are you curious which variant would suit your dog best? Answer a few questions here and order a discounted trial pack right away.

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