When it comes to deciding between wet or canned food for your pet, there are a number of pros and cons on each side. However, the vets at our Bulleen veterinary clinic usually recommend dry food over wet food for both cats and dogs. Today we are explaining exactly why dry food is better for your pet than wet food.
Generally speaking, wet food is better for dogs than dry food. Wet food has fewer carbohydrates, which are difficult for dogs to digest, and more water, which keeps dogs hydrated. As we've said time and again when discussing training techniques, breed standards and best dog parent practices, every pup is an individual.
It is entirely acceptable to feed your dog a pure kibble diet. Or you can mix their diet up with some cooked or raw meat, fish, vegetables and rice. Many owners like to feed a raw meat diet to their dogs, and while this can suit some dogs very well, there are some important considerations you need to be aware of.
Should you mix wet and dry dog food? Because both wet and dry diets contain all the nutrients your furry friend needs, mixing foods isn't a necessity for most dogs in good health. However, if you have the time and money, go for it! By mixing wet and dry you get the best of both worlds!
Canned food is more expensive per energy calorie than kibble due to the high water content and the packaging. Another disadvantage to canned dog food is that for some dogs, canned food may contribute to periodontal disease.
Wet entrees are also less processed than kibble but much less expensive than raw diets. Contrary to the myths around wet entrees, dogs can enjoy them every day without worry of upsetting your pet's gastrointestinal system, especially if you stick to high-quality brands.
The reality is that it's completely your choice whether you want to feed your dog wet or dry dog food. The most important thing is to choose a food that's complete and balanced and appropriate for his age, size, and activity level.
This is why mixing wet and dry food can be so beneficial. It's the best of both worlds. Combining the two will bring balance to your dog's diet, offering up a complete and more rounded mealtime that covers a wider range of nutrients. More variety, different textures, contrasting flavours.
When transitioning your dog to wet food, introduce the food slowly. Just like humans, sometimes new foods can upset our stomachs. Add a little wet food each day to your dog's bowl while slowly reducing the amount of kibble. Within a week, you should have fully transitioned to their new diet.
Dry Food: Pros – easy storage and feeding, more energy dense, lower cost, dental benefits. Cons – lower palatability, more grains, more likely to contain preservatives.
No. Dogs actually have fewer taste receptors compared to humans. That means they have less of an urge to eat something different every day. So your dog will not get bored of eating the same food every day.
Common meats to avoid are any processed meats like sausage, bologna, hot dogs etc. Also avoid giving your dog any rib bones as they are extremely brittle and can damage your dog's stomach and throat.
Precise Nutrition for Digestive Health Support
Royal Canin Gastrointestinal™ diets (canned and dry) provide precise nutrition with benefits to support digestive health. Key features include high palatability, omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil, optimal fiber blends and prebiotics.
While most commercial dog food brands are specially formulated with at least the minimum nutritional requirements for dogs, it is important to remember that not every dog has exactly the same nutritional needs. Dogs require a wide range of nutrients in different quantities over the course of their lives.
The vet-proven advantages of air-dried food
Since air-dried food comes naturally packed with the vitamins and minerals dogs need to stay well both mentally and physically, it's a good way to keep their behaviour under control. Especially if your dog is known to be excitable or aggressive.
Many vets recommend kibble overall because a lot of big-name companies are paying them to push their product, and that's just as simple as that. And it's convenient for a person to grab some dry kibble, put it in a bowl, and let their dog eat it instead of letting that thaw, natural diet on their counter.
Give your dog one 3 oz can per 3 - 3½ pounds of body weight daily, divided into two or more meals. Adjust this amount as needed to help maintain your dog's ideal body condition. If mixing with dry food, remember that one 3 oz can replaces about ¼ cup of dry dog food.
Your dog needs protein (chicken, beef, lamb, duck, etc.), fat from meat or oil, carbohydrates like grains and vegetables, and essential fatty acids, often from plant based oil, oatmeal, and/or eggs. Eggshells provide a good amount of calcium, along with other dairy products.
Keep in mind that wet dog food contains moisture. Dogs who are on a wet food diet may drink less water than dogs on just a dry food diet. Every dog owner should know how to check for dehydration. Check your dog's gums; if they feel dry or sticky, it means your pet does not have enough water.
Satiety: Wet dog food tends to create a longer-lasting feeling of being “full.” Increased satiety is useful in weight management, especially in dogs that seem to have a never-ending appetite. Easier to chew: Dogs that have dental disease or other oral abnormalities may find wet food easier to chew than dry food.