Kibble or wet food: what’s the best choice for your dog or cat?

As a responsible pet owner, you want to feed your dog or cat in a way that matches their needs and your approach to care. In general, there are two types of complete pet food to choose from: dry food (kibble) and wet food. Each comes with its own characteristics and benefits. In this article, we explain the differences and why combining both can be a smart option.

What is kibble (dry food)?

Kibble — or dry food — contains a low moisture content (on average around 8%). For many pets, it serves as a daily staple, thanks to its ease of use and long shelf life.

At Yarrah, we offer organic kibble for dogs and cats, made without artificial additives. It’s a complete, plant-based, balanced meal prepared with honestly sourced ingredients.

Benefits of kibble:

Dental support: Chewing on dry kibble creates friction along the teeth, which may help reduce plaque build-up.
Easy to portion: The low moisture content makes it simple to measure exact servings.
Long shelf life: Kibble stays fresh for a long time, even outside the fridge — ideal for daily use or when travelling.

What is wet food?

Wet food contains much more moisture than kibble, usually between 70% and 80%. It typically comes in cans, trays or pouches and is often highly appealing to pets because of its aroma, texture and flavour.

In practice, we see that wet food is often more readily accepted, especially by picky eaters. Our Paté with Chicken and Duck for dogs and cats is a great example, many animals find it simply irresistible.

Benefits of wet food:

Hydration: Its high water content contributes to daily fluid intake, especially useful for pets that don’t drink much.
Taste and acceptance: Its rich smell and soft texture make it highly palatable — even for older animals or those with a reduced appetite.
Soft consistency: Ideal for puppies and kittens transitioning to solid food, or for senior pets with sensitive teeth.

When should you choose kibble or wet food?

The best choice depends on several factors: age, health, lifestyle and your pet’s preferences. Here are a few things to consider:

Puppies and kittens: Wet food is easier to eat and supports hydration — helpful during the transition to solids.
Adult animals: Kibble provides structure to meals and pairs well with wet food for extra variety.
Senior pets: Wet food may be easier to chew and has a stronger scent, which can help stimulate appetite.
Cats that drink little: Cats naturally tend to drink less. Wet food helps support hydration.
Busy households: Kibble is practical for pet parents who are out and about or need to leave food out during the day.

A combination can be a smart choice

Many pet owners choose a mix of kibble and wet food — often referred to as mixed feeding. This approach brings together the benefits of both formats, as long as the overall quantity is adjusted to meet your pet’s energy needs.

At Yarrah, we often see our customers using wet food as a flavourful addition to their pet’s kibble. It keeps mealtimes interesting without compromising on nutritional balance or quality.

Why combine both?

More variety in scent, taste and texture
Extra hydration from wet food
Helpful for giving medicine or as a treat
Practicality of kibble with the taste appeal of wet food

Make sure not to serve the full daily recommendation of both kibble and wet food. Adjust the portions to avoid overfeeding.

Need advice for specific health needs?

If your dog or cat has a medical condition, food sensitivity or specific dietary requirements, we recommend consulting your vet or a qualified pet nutritionist. They can help you choose the right food based on your animal’s health situation.

Want to learn more about our products?

Wondering which food is right for your dog or cat? Discover our full range of organic kibble, patés, chunks in sauce and grain-free options on our website. Need a bit of help? Feel free to contact us for personalised advice, we’re happy to think along with you.