Wet Dog Food in India: Benefits, Comparison & Best Options for Your Pet

When it comes to feeding our furry companions, every pet parent wants the best. But with shelves stacked with countless options—dry food, wet food, semi-moist, and even raw diets—the choice can be overwhelming. One of the most common debates in pet nutrition is wet vs. dry dog food.

While dry food (kibble) remains the go-to choice for many due to its convenience, wet dog food is gaining popularity among health-conscious pet parents across India. The soft texture, high moisture content, and rich aroma make it not only appetizing but also nutritionally valuable—especially for dogs that struggle to stay hydrated or have dental issues.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about wet dog food in India—its benefits, drawbacks, how it compares to dry food, and how to choose the right one for your pet.

What Is Wet Dog Food?

Wet dog food—often found in cans, tins, or pouches—is formulated with a high water content (typically 70–85%). It’s made from real meat, vegetables, and grains, blended with gravy or jelly to create a moist, flavorful meal.

Unlike dry kibble, which undergoes high-heat extrusion, wet food is cooked gently in its packaging, which helps retain more natural nutrients and taste. It’s an ideal option for:

• Picky eaters who need more flavor and aroma to entice them

• Senior dogs or puppies with weaker teeth

• Dogs prone to dehydration

• Pets with sensitive digestion or certain medical conditions

In short, wet food is a nutrient-rich, hydrating alternative that can either replace or complement dry food in your dog’s diet.

Nutritional Profile of Wet Dog Food

Wet dog food typically contains:

• 70–85% moisture, aiding hydration

• High-quality animal proteins (like chicken, lamb, or fish)

• Healthy fats for coat shine and energy

• Essential vitamins and minerals for immunity and organ function

• Low carbohydrate content, as it doesn’t need fillers to bind ingredients

Because of its soft, digestible texture, wet food is often recommended for dogs with dental issues, digestive sensitivities, or loss of appetite.

Unlike some dry foods that rely on artificial flavors, wet food often gets its taste naturally—from meat and broth—making it closer to your dog’s ancestral diet.

1. Improved Hydration

One of the biggest advantages of wet dog food is its water content. Many dogs, especially smaller breeds or those in warm Indian climates, don’t drink enough water during the day.

Feeding wet food ensures your dog stays hydrated without needing to drink excessive amounts of water separately.

Benefits of better hydration include:

• Improved kidney and liver function

• Lower risk of urinary tract infections

• Healthier digestion

• Better skin and coat health

For Indian summers—where dehydration is common among dogs—wet food can be a literal life-saver.

2. Highly Palatable and Aromatic

Wet food’s rich meaty smell and soft texture make it irresistible to most dogs. For picky eaters, recovering pets, or senior dogs with reduced senses, this can make mealtime enjoyable again.

The texture also makes it easier to mix medication or supplements—perfect for dogs who resist taking tablets.

In multi-dog households, adding a spoon of wet food on top of kibble can even reduce mealtime competition and stimulate appetite.

3. Easier to Chew and Digest

Wet food is gentler on the mouth and stomach. For puppies developing teeth or older dogs with missing or weak teeth, it’s a comfortable option that doesn’t compromise on nutrition.

Since wet food is already partially broken down and contains more moisture, it passes through the digestive tract more smoothly—reducing bloating, constipation, and indigestion.

Dogs with sensitive stomachs, pancreatitis, or dental disease benefit significantly from wet diets.

4. Helps With Weight Management

Wet food has fewer calories per gram compared to dry food due to its water content. This makes it ideal for dogs on a weight-control or obesity management plan.

Because it’s more filling, your dog feels satisfied sooner, reducing overeating tendencies.

Additionally, wet food often contains less starch and fillers, helping maintain lean muscle mass rather than promoting fat storage.

5. Natural Ingredients and Fewer Additives

Most modern wet foods use fresh meat, limited fillers, and natural preservatives. Since the canning process naturally seals in freshness, there’s less need for artificial preservatives or flavor enhancers.

Premium options like grain-free wet food are now widely available in India, making it easier to find recipes suited to specific sensitivities—like allergies, itchy skin, or digestive issues.

Drawbacks of Wet Dog Food

While wet food has many benefits, it’s not perfect. Here are some points to consider before making it your dog’s sole diet.

Shorter Shelf Life

Once opened, wet food must be refrigerated and used within 2–3 days. Leaving it out for long can cause spoilage, especially in India’s humid weather.

Less Convenient

Cans and pouches are bulkier and less portable than dry food bags. Measuring portions can be messy, and feeding multiple dogs exclusively on wet food can become time-consuming.

Higher Cost

Wet food is typically 2–4 times more expensive per meal compared to kibble, mainly due to meat content and packaging.

Dental Issues

Because of its soft texture, wet food can stick to teeth, promoting plaque buildup. Regular brushing or occasional dental treats can help offset this issue.

Wet vs Dry Dog Food: A Complete Comparison

Feature	Wet Food	Dry Food (Kibble)
Moisture	70–85%	8–12%
Palatability	Highly appetizing	Mild flavor
Shelf Life	Short after opening	Long-lasting
Storage	Needs refrigeration	Easy to store
Hydration	Excellent source	Minimal hydration
Dental Health	May stick to teeth	Helps reduce tartar
Digestibility	Easy and gentle	Requires more chewing
Cost	Relatively high	Budget-friendly
Convenience	Slightly messy	Simple to serve
Nutrient Density	High in protein	Denser in calories
Ideal For	Puppies, seniors, picky eaters	Active dogs, bulk feeding

Verdict:
Neither option is inherently better—each has unique strengths. The best choice depends on your dog’s age, health, activity level, and your lifestyle as a pet parent.

Mixed Feeding: The Best of Both Worlds

Many veterinarians now recommend mixed feeding, which means combining wet and dry food to balance nutrition, taste, and convenience.

Benefits of Mixed Feeding:

• Adds flavor and texture variety to prevent boredom

• Keeps your dog hydrated

• Promotes dental health (thanks to dry kibble)

• More flexible and cost-efficient than feeding only wet food

Sample Ratio:

You can start with a 70% dry + 30% wet ratio, or a 50/50 mix depending on your dog’s weight and preferences.

For example, mix a scoop of wet food into your dog’s kibble for added aroma and taste—it’s an easy upgrade that enhances nutrition and enjoyment.

How to Choose the Right Wet Food for Your Dog

Choosing the right food requires understanding your dog’s needs, not just the brand reputation.

1. Check for Quality Certification

Look for AAFCO, FEDIAF, or FSSAI compliance. These standards ensure the food provides “complete and balanced” nutrition.

2. Identify the Primary Protein

High-quality foods mention specific meats like chicken, lamb, or salmon—not vague terms like “meat by-product.”

3. Avoid Artificial Additives

Stay away from foods containing artificial colors, preservatives (like BHA or BHT), or flavor enhancers.

4. Consider Life Stage and Size

• Puppies: High-protein and DHA-rich formulas

• Adult dogs: Balanced maintenance diets

• Senior dogs: Joint support and easy-to-digest options

5. Health Requirements

If your dog has kidney issues, allergies, or obesity, consult your vet for prescription-based wet diets.

6. Read Feeding Guidelines

Each brand varies in calorie density—always check portion sizes and feeding charts on the packaging.

Best Wet Dog Food Brands in India

When it comes to wet dog food in India, several reliable and vet-approved brands stand out:

Farmina N&D Wet Dog Food

• Grain-free, high-meat content, excellent for sensitive dogs.

• Uses antioxidant-rich ingredients like pomegranate and blueberries.

Royal Canin Wet Dog Food

• Scientifically formulated for specific breeds and health needs.

• Ideal for puppies, senior dogs, and those under medical care.

Drools Wet Dog Food

• Made in India, affordable, and enriched with vitamins and minerals.

• Good balance between cost and quality for everyday feeding.

Pedigree Gravy Pouches

• Easily available, convenient, and budget-friendly.

• Great for mixing with kibble to improve taste and hydration.

NativFarm Preservative-Free Wet Recipes (Add when live)

• Small-batch, slow-cooked meals using natural ingredients.

• Formulated for better digestion and real nutrition.

When choosing among these, focus on ingredient transparency, protein source, and brand reputation over just price or packaging.

How Much Wet Food Should You Feed?

Feeding amounts depend on your dog’s size, weight, and energy level.
As a general guideline:

Dog Weight	Wet Food Per Day
5–10 kg	½ to 1 can (400g)
10–20 kg	1 to 2 cans (400g each)
20–30 kg	2 to 3 cans
30+ kg	3+ cans or mix with kibble

Always divide the total into two meals per day, and adjust based on your dog’s activity and metabolism.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is wet food better than dry food for dogs?

It depends on your dog’s health and preferences. Wet food improves hydration and digestion, while dry food supports dental health and convenience.

2. Can I mix wet and dry dog food?

Yes! It’s a great way to combine the best of both types—better taste, hydration, and balanced nutrition.

3. Is wet food suitable for puppies?

Absolutely. Puppies often prefer the texture and taste of wet food. Just ensure you choose a puppy-specific formula rich in DHA and calcium.

4. How long can I store opened wet dog food?

Keep it refrigerated and use within 2–3 days. Always discard if it smells off or has mold.

5. Which wet food brands are best in India?

Top picks include Farmina, Royal Canin, Drools, Pedigree, and NativFarm’s preservative-free wet recipes.

6. Is wet food good for dogs with dental issues?

Yes. Wet food is easier to chew and swallow, making it ideal for dogs with missing teeth or gum sensitivity.

7. Can wet food cause obesity?

Not if portioned correctly. In fact, it’s often better for weight control since it fills dogs up faster due to its moisture content.

Conclusion: What’s the Best Choice for Your Dog?

When it comes to wet vs dry dog food, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Both have unique advantages, and the right choice depends on your dog’s age, health, and your convenience as a pet parent.

If your dog struggles with hydration, digestion, or appetite—wet food is a fantastic solution. On the other hand, for busy owners or large breeds, dry food is more economical and practical.

The best approach? Mix both! This way, your dog enjoys variety, hydration, and balanced nutrition in every meal.

At NativFarm, we believe every dog deserves real, wholesome, preservative-free meals that support long-term health and happiness. Explore our collection of healthy dog food in India, crafted with care, nutrition, and love.

“Healthy dogs start with healthy food — make every meal count.”