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.
Your dog's refusal to eat dry food can stem from a general systemic failure, in which the need for hydration drives your dog to seek moist food. Your dog may have difficulty digesting dry food. There can also be various problems within your dog's mouth that make it painful for him to process hard food.
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.
Some dogs just don't like the taste or texture of dry food. If your dog is not eating his dry food, you may want to mix a small amount of wet food with his dry food to make it more palatable. If you do decide to add wet food to his regular meal, remember to scale back the amount of dry food to avoid over-feeding him.
Add a Homemade Topping to Your Dog's Kibble
There are some simple homemade choices that you can add to your dog's kibble that may make it more palatable and even healthier. Cut up or puree fruits or vegetables, like carrots, green beans, and apples. Unsweetened canned pumpkin has fiber and may settle an upset stomach.
Training Dogs to Live Off Dry Dog Food
If your dog is used to eating wet food, the switch over to dry food may be difficult. Dogs seem to love wet food, but it is messy and more expensive than dry food. Switching to dry food makes sense for a lot of pet owners, plus some dogs need to be on dry food for health reasons.
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.
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.
Due to the range of benefits that wet and dry diets boast, a mixed feeding approach can help your dog get the most out of mealtime. Combining both wet and dry to their diet can give them some variety, where they are exposed to different textures that they will generally be more tempted to try.
When it comes to fussy eating, remember that dogs will not normally starve themselves just because they are a bit choosy about their food (although if your dog goes 24 hours without eating anything, consult your vet).
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.
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.
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.
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.
Easy to Digest
The high moisture content and soft texture of wet food make it ideal for dogs with digestive difficulties or an upset stomach.
Some dogs become bored with the smell, flavor, and texture of their food. Change out one ingredient, such as swapping any chicken-based food for fish or lamb. You can also add fresh ingredients to the dog's kibble. Both steps may awaken those sensitive noses and make an old dish more exciting.
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.
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.
It is common for dogs to not eat their food, but eat treats or table scraps. This is referred to as partial anorexia and it typically occurs because your dog doesn't feel well.
You Could See Is A Well-Defined Ribcage
You should be able to feel individual ribs, but not see the definition of each rib. This is a good rule of thumb. If you don't feel his ribs, it means you're overfeeding him. If you see visible ribs, then your dog is truly hungry and needs more food.
Dogs get tired of eating the same thing every day.
Unlike us, our canine pals don't need variety. They're fine eating the same thing all the time. Once you find a food that works well for your dog, stick with it. Changing types or brands of food can make your dog sick.
How Long Can a Dog Go Without Food? Dogs can usually go three to five days without food, however, this is not ideal. If your dog has gone two days without food, it is highly recommended you call a veterinarian if you haven't already. More important than your dog eating is their water intake.
While meat makes up the majority of their diet, domestic dogs can also derive nutrients from grains, fruits, and vegetables. These non-meat foods are not simply fillers, but can be a valuable source of essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber. A good dog food will contain meat, vegetables, grains, and fruits.