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Is dry or wet kibble better for my dog's digestion and teeth?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Goldendoodle | Female | spayed | 8 months and 24 days old | 53 lbs

We were told there are health/digestive issues serving her kibble dry. So we started softening it with water and notice her teeth are starting to build up plaque or tartar. Which is best?

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Anna M., DVM

Veterinarian

Published on July 23rd, 2017

Good question, although it's difficult to answer accurately without knowing Riley's history and medical issues that may have factored into previous advice. As a general rule, it is fine to serve kibble either dry or soaked in water - most dogs do fine with either option and both options have pros & cons. Softening the food helps encourage more water intake and might encourage some dogs to eat a little bit slower (for those dogs who are what I call "scarf & barfers"!). Feeding kibble dry *may* be better for teeth, although in my opinion most kibbles don't do much to help keep teeth clean since they are so easily chewed up, unless you're feeding a prescription dental food such as t/d. So, sorry if this is a non-answer....but frankly both ways of feeding are perfectly acceptable! Hope this helps.

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