Dry foods give the teeth and jaws the exercise they need. If the dog actually chews the food, it helps scrape off the tartar improving the breath. I am used to Labs that tend to bolt their food down whole. It is tragic that people spend extra money on canned food that isn't as good for the dog, thinking they are doing the best for their pet. You don't always get what you pay for. I also like the ease of adjusting the amount fed to maintain the dog at its ideal body condition.
It is necessary to soften the food with water at first, but by the time a puppy is old enough to leave its litter, it should be eating dry right out of the bag.
Check the sticky starting at
http://www.askmehelpdesk.com/dogs/in...tml#post251802 For the non eater, continue through housebreaking to the ''My dog won't eat'' post. The typical roly poly butter ball from the breeder is not healthy. The sticky has a link to how to evaluate your puppy.