Dry Food Vs. Wet Food for Puppies

Too young for dry or wet food

"Dog Owner's Home Veterinary Handbook" states that puppies should begin eating solid food when they are about 21 days old and still nursing. They should be weaned at two months old. Puppies should be given wet or dry puppy food.

Cost

Dry food for puppies costs less per serving than wet food in cans or pouches because less dry food is needed to fill up a pup.

Storage

Dry food can be bought in bulk and stored in a cool, air-tight, dry area for weeks or months. Once the can of wet food is opened, it must be used within a couple of days or the food will spoil.

Moisture

According to Race Foster, DVM, wet food can contain up to 80 percent water, which makes wet food bulky and quick to pass through the puppy's digestive system. In contrast, dry food contains very little moisture but gives more nutrients.

Tooth Care

"Dog Owner's Home Veterinary Handbook" claims that dry food helps to scrape plague off of the puppy's gums and teeth. Wet food is more easily trapped between teeth and under the gum line.

Warning

"The Kiss Guide to Raising a Puppy" by Liz Palika warns that puppy's should not be fed semi-moist complete puppy food because it is very high in preservatives, salt and sugar. Semi-moist food may be fed only as an occasional treat.

References

• "Dog Owner's Home Veterinary Handbook;" Debra M. Eldredge, DVM, et al.; 2007
• "The KISS Guide to Raising a Puppy;" Liz Palika; 2002
• PetEducation.com: Feeding Puppies: What, When, How by Race Foster, DVM

Resources

• PetPlace.com: Weaning Puppies
• VetInfo.com: Maintaining Clean Puppy Teeth
• Pet University: Semi-Moist Dog Food