How to Choose the Right Food for Your Pet: Dry, Wet, or Raw?

Walk into any pet shop and you’ll see shelves full of bags, tins, and trays – puppy, adult, senior, grain-free, sensitive, raw… It’s no surprise many pet owners in Malta feel confused about what to feed their dogs and cats.

At Songbirds & More Pet Shop in Zurrieq, we talk to pet parents every day who ask the same thing:
“Should I feed dry, wet, or raw – and what’s actually best for my pet?”

This guide will help you understand the differences and make a choice that fits your pet’s needs and your lifestyle.

1. Start With Your Pet’s Needs

Before you think about dry, wet, or raw, look at your pet:

Age: puppy/kitten, adult, or senior
Size and breed: small, medium, large, giant
Activity level: couch potato or very active
Health: any allergies, sensitive stomach, skin problems, or medical conditions?

These factors decide what kind of food is suitable. That’s why we stock a range of carefully selected brands such as Vet Expert, Raw Paleo, Calibra, Natural Greatness and others – so we can match different recipes to different needs.

If your vet has given you specific recommendations (for example, a veterinary diet), always share that with us. We’ll help you find the most appropriate option.

2. Dry Food (Kibble): Convenient and Balanced

What it is:
Dry food is the crunchy kibble you see in bags. It’s one of the most popular choices for both dogs and cats.

Benefits:

Easy to store and measure
Usually more affordable per meal
Great for puzzle feeders and slow feeders
Helps some pets with dental hygiene (though it doesn’t replace tooth brushing)

Things to watch:

Choose high-quality kibble with clear meat sources and appropriate protein and fat levels
Avoid foods with too many fillers and unnecessary additives
Make sure your pet always has fresh water, as dry food has low moisture

Dry food is often a good base for many pets – especially when combined with a bit of wet or fresh food.

3. Wet Food: Tasty and Hydrating

What it is:
Wet food comes in tins, trays, or pouches and has a much higher moisture content.

Benefits:

Very palatable – great for fussy eaters
Helps increase water intake, especially important for cats and pets prone to urinary issues
Softer texture is easier for some seniors or pets with dental problems

Things to watch:

Can be more expensive if used as the only food
Needs to be stored properly and not left out too long
Check the label for meat content and quality, just like with dry food

Wet food can be used:

As a complete meal (if labelled as “complete”)
Mixed with dry food to make meals more appealing
As a topper to encourage a pet to eat

For cats, especially indoor cats, adding wet food is often a very good idea to support hydration and urinary health.

4. Raw Food: Natural but Needs Care

What it is:
Raw feeding usually means uncooked meat, bones, and organs, sometimes with added vegetables and supplements. Some owners prepare it at home, while others use ready-made raw diets.

Potential benefits:

Can be very palatable for many dogs and cats
Some owners report improvements in coat, digestion, and energy
Feels “natural” and closer to what animals would eat in the wild

Important considerations:

Needs careful hygiene and handling to avoid bacteria for both pets and humans
Must be balanced – not just meat and bones. Pets need the right vitamins and minerals.
Not suitable for every household (e.g. small children, immunocompromised people) or every pet

If you’re considering raw feeding, it’s important to:

Discuss it with your vet
Choose reputable, balanced raw products
Follow safe storage and handling instructions

We can talk you through the pros and cons and help you decide if raw is right for your situation.

5. Can You Mix Dry, Wet, and Raw?

Many pet owners don’t choose just one – they combine different types of food.

Common combinations:

Dry food as the base + a spoon of wet food for taste
Dry food in the morning + wet food in the evening
Dry or wet food + occasional raw treats (if safe and appropriate)

Mixing can:

Make meals more interesting
Help picky eaters
Support hydration (thanks to wet food)

However:

Keep the total daily calories under control to avoid weight gain
Introduce changes gradually to avoid stomach upset
If your pet is on a special veterinary diet, always check with your vet before mixing

We’re happy to help you plan a feeding routine that suits your pet and your schedule.

6. How to Read Pet Food Labels (Without Going Crazy)

Labels can look complicated, but a few key points make a big difference:

Look for:

Clear animal protein sources (e.g. “chicken”, “salmon”) high on the ingredient list
A statement that the food is complete and balanced for your pet’s life stage
Appropriate protein and fat levels for your pet’s age and activity

Be cautious with:

Vague terms like “meat and animal derivatives” without specifying which animals
Very long ingredient lists full of artificial colours and unnecessary additives
Extremely cheap foods – they often cut corners on quality

If you bring us a photo of your current food label, we can help you compare and understand it in simple language.

7. Changing Your Pet’s Food Safely

Whatever you decide – dry, wet, raw, or a combination – never switch suddenly unless your vet instructs you to.

To change food:

Day 1–2: 75% old food, 25% new food
Day 3–4: 50% old food, 50% new food
Day 5–6: 25% old food, 75% new food
Day 7: 100% new food

Watch your pet’s:

Stool (too soft or too hard?)
Appetite
Energy and behaviour

If you notice vomiting, diarrhoea, or your pet seems unwell, contact your vet.

8. Need Personalised Advice? We’re Here to Help

There is no single “perfect” food that suits every pet. The best choice is the one that:

Fits your pet’s age, health, and lifestyle
Is made from reliable, well-balanced recipes
Works for your budget and daily routine
Keeps your pet happy, healthy, and at a good weight

At Songbirds & More Pet Shop in Zurrieq, we’re more than just shelves of bags and tins. We’re animal lovers who take the time to:

Listen to your pet’s story and any health concerns
Explain the differences between brands and recipes
Help you choose between dry or wet – or a combination – with confidence

Bring us a photo of your pet, their current food, or your vet’s recommendations, and we’ll guide you step by step.

Because we truly believe every pet deserves the best – starting with what’s in their bowl.