Have you ever been to the pet store and noticed the sheer variety of dog food available? Today, let's take a closer look at one type of food that our furry friends tend to love: wet dog food.
What is it and what makes it so beneficial to our pets? Let's find out!
What is wet dog food?
Your dog licking its lips at the sight of a plate of wet food is a perfectly normal behavior, as they usually enjoy the taste and texture of this type of food!
Wet dog food boasts a high water content and is packed with essential vitamins and nutrients that are perfect for furry pups. It contains an array of meats, vegetables, and fruits, providing everything a pooch needs!
Furthermore, fewer chemicals are utilized in the production process compared to the creation of animal feed.
A wet dog food that is balanced will typically contain a certain percentage of animal protein (commonly sourced from lamb, chicken, or beef), carbohydrates (such as peas and rice), and fats. Depending on the amount of each ingredient, the type of wet food will vary, which we will discuss further at a later time.
What benefits does wet dog food offer?
There are many benefits to this type of food! Not only does it have a high protein and vitamin content, but it also acts as a source of hydration which is incredibly important for dogs. Staying hydrated is key to maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and this type of food helps to ensure that.
Due to its appealing taste, smell, and texture, this food is highly recommended for elderly dogs who have lost their sense of smell and teeth, as it is very soft and easy to chew.
Although it is true that, like everything else, there are many advantages worth taking into account, it is also advisable to be aware of any small disadvantages.
Fresh feed spoils more quickly than dry feed and requires extra care in order to preserve its quality. Additionally, it is slightly more expensive than dry feed.
Furthermore, it is essential to be mindful of the quantity of the food, as a large amount of protein and calories can cause the animal to become overweight if not monitored.
It is said that soft food is more likely to cause tartar due to food debris remaining in between the dog's teeth. However, this can be prevented if the dog's teeth are cleaned regularly.
There are multiple varieties of wet dog food
Yes, depending on the type and amount of ingredients used, we can discuss various types of wet dog food.
For example, there are foods high in carbohydrates, with 50% of the composition composed of rice or ingredients of vegetable origin.
It is also high in fat (it is only advisable to give it once a week as a snack) or high in animal protein, making it a great choice for both adult dogs and puppies.
Of course, there is also wet dog food where the ingredients are balanced, always giving a little more importance to proteins (40%) than to carbohydrates or fats (30% each). This is usually the best option in most cases.
Which type of dog food is better: wet or dry?
When selecting a pet food, whether dry or wet, the first step should be to ensure it is of high quality before evaluating it further.
It is not possible to say that one is superior to the other, as both have their own pros and cons. Additionally, they are not interchangeable.
You should carefully consider your pet's specific needs and evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of each food. Additionally, it is important to consult with a veterinarian you trust, who can give you the best recommendation for your dog or suggest a balanced combination of both.
This will help your dog stay interested in mealtimes by offering a variety of foods rather than sticking to the same one.
Related: Is it OK to Add Water to Dry Dog Food
In conclusion, wet dog food is a great option for pet owners looking to provide their dog with a balanced, nutritious meal. It is highly digestible and usually contains higher levels of moisture and protein than dry dog food. It is important to consider the ingredients when choosing a wet dog food to ensure it meets your dog's nutritional needs.