There are countless dog food brands in addition to different types, such as dry vs. wet. Wet food is generally preferable to dry food for dogs, so how do you choose? Wet food has more water, which keeps dogs hydrated, and fewer carbohydrates, which are hard for dogs to digest. Every puppy is an individual, as we have repeatedly stated when discussing training methods, breed standards, and best dog parent behaviors. Consult your veterinarian about your options before making any changes to your dog’s routine, including his diet, and use what you know about his health and personality to guide your choices. You want your dog’s nutrition to be effective for them, whether it is wet or dry food.
Dog diets are just as important as human diets because we are what we eat. According to Dr. David Katz’s book The Forever Dog: Surprising New Science to Help Your Canine Companion Live Younger, Healthier, and Longer, Diet is the single most crucial factor when it comes to a dog’s health, according to Rodney Habib and Karen Shaw Becker, two of the most popular veterinarians on social media. A bad diet can cause obesity, joint issues, gastrointestinal problems, and many other problems. Be intentional about your dog’s diet today to position them for success tomorrow rather than treating these conditions later in your dog’s life.
Dogs are carnivores with short gastrointestinal tracts. Despite having evolved from wolves—which rarely consume carbohydrates—to domesticated animals that can tolerate some carbohydrates, they don’t actually have the enzyme necessary to break down carbohydrates. This means that the main components of their diet should be protein and fat. Although some studies have suggested that grain-free diets are bad for dogs, the truth is that grain fillers—rather than actual whole grains like rice and quinoa—are to blame.
In any case, Dr. According to Becker, your dog’s daily meals shouldn’t include more than 10% carbohydrates. For a dog’s diet, she advises a roughly 50/50 ratio of protein to fat. Ideally, we should only consume fresh, unprocessed foods to reach this ratio.
There are so many food type choices: dry, canned, and semi-moist. How do I decide which is best for my dog?
Although feeding dogs does not have to be a complicated process, there are many options available. It is logical to wonder which approach is best. A specific recommendation for a nutrient profile that best suits your dog’s needs can be found from your veterinarian. Beyond that, though, it’s a good idea to consider the benefits and drawbacks of the different formulations that are available.
How Is Dry Dog Food Processed?
Similar ingredients are used in dry food, but instead of adding gravy and canning the product, the meat mixture is ground into a uniform dough that can be cooked.
After cooking, the dough is extruded through holes with specific shapes to create kibble. After drying, the kibble is sprayed with fats, oils, vitamins, and minerals before being packaged to prevent the fats and oils from spoiling.
Additionally, some dry dog food diets contain live probiotics to support immune and digestive health.
Pros of wet food
Veterinarian Jamie Whittenburg explains that ingredients like meats, grains, and nutritional additives are ground and combined to create dry dog food, also known as kibble. The water content is then removed by shaping them into tiny kernels and cooking them at high temperatures.
Dry food is often recommended by vets due to its:
Simon notes that many dog owners begin by giving their dogs dry food because it’s easier. This is due to the fact that it can be stored for a longer period of time after being opened and leaves less mess around the house (or on your pet’s face).
When you need to allow your friend to gradually eat their meal, kibble usually comes in handy. For instance, if you leave for work and Luna demands access to her bowl of food
Though Whittenburg asserts that kibble can be left out for extended periods of time, she generally advises against it. Aka, head home to your pets, pals! They miss you.
All that chewing on dry food may actually help your dog keep their teeth.
“I recommend dry food for dental diets,” Whittenburg says. She prefers to supplement a wet food diet with dry kibble because “it can be thought of as brushing the dog’s teeth daily.” ”.
In fact, a small 2022 study found that dogs fed dry food had lower breath odor and tooth plaque buildup and a healthier oral microbiota than dogs fed wet foods. Some older studies have contested this claim, saying the evidence isn’t totally there yet — so more research is needed to confirm these findings for sure.
Another thing to think about is that, according to Whittenburg, the increased added sugar content in low-quality wet foods may be to blame for canine cavities worldwide.
However, as of now, the majority of vets concur: Dry food = improved oral hygiene. Simon explains that because kibble doesn’t stick to teeth like wet food can, gingivitis and plaque buildup are reduced. She makes the point that breeds like greyhounds, poodles, and chihuahuas that are susceptible to dental disease should pay particular attention to this.
There are also prescription foods for dogs with dental issues that use unique fibers that essentially “act as a toothbrush,” according to Whittenburg.
FAQ
Which is better dry or wet dog food?
In general, wet food is preferable to dry food for dogs. Wet food has more water, which keeps dogs hydrated, and fewer carbohydrates, which are hard for dogs to digest. Every puppy is an individual, as we have repeatedly stated when discussing training methods, breed standards, and best dog parent behaviors.
Is it OK to feed dogs only wet food?
Conclusion. If you make sure you’re giving your dog high-quality wet food in the right amount, you can absolutely choose to feed them only wet food.
What are 3 advantages of canned dog food?
- Because wet food contains more moisture, it can keep your pet hydrated and prevent urinary tract issues.
- Wet food has less carbohydrates but the same amount of protein as dry food.
- Wet food is often more appealing to picky eaters.
What are the pros and cons of canned dog food?
Wet food has more flavor, is higher in protein and fat, and is simpler to eat. Cons: Increases risk of obesity, spoilage, cost, and dental problems. Wet food is favorable toward smaller dogs. Their daily activities don’t require as much energy from them.