Making The Case For Wet Dog Food

Is wet dog food the best way to go for your pet? Pet owners have argued for years over wet food versus dry food with no end in site to the argument.

Can You Make the Case For Wet Dog Food?

A separate category between dry and wet can be called soft wet dog food. In this category, some dog food brands include both wet kibble and moist, fleshy chunks, which are the more traditional dry bits. For instance, most Purina ONE Smart Blend formulas combine wet kibble with moist, fleshy chunks, which add textural variation and improve texture. Other manufacturers, however, tend to blend the dry and wet kibble in the same flavors, using a preservative to preserve the moisture.

Most manufacturers of wet dog food include one or two flavors: chicken, beef, lamb, tuna, or another specialty flavor. The dry components of the food are usually beef brisket, veal, lamb, bison, goose or duck. Some manufacturers use a combination of these meats; others use only one. The goal is to make the moist, but balanced meals that the dogs need for daily nutrition. Most dogs require about 14 ounces (five to six cups) of dry weight in their diet, and most manufacturers provide a list of recommended amounts on the label. These recommendations are based on an adult dog weighing about fifteen pounds.

Always Check The Protein Source

The first ingredient in any dog food formula is protein. The most common protein source in a wet dog food is poultry or fish. Chicken and beef provide the proteins that our dogs need to grow and develop well. Fish is also an excellent protein source, especially in the form of canned recipes included in our review of the Purina ONE professional line. Although the canned recipes do not contain the high level of protein that would be found in a beef or chicken meal, the dogs do well on the high-protein meats.  Natural and organic ingredients are always preferred for your pet’s food.

Another common ingredient found in many canned dog foods is chicken broth. Chicken broth is beneficial because it contains high levels of sodium and potassium, both of which are beneficial to the kidneys and lower the blood pressure in dogs. If you read any of the labels on many of the canned products from the top manufacturer, you will see a statement like “made with chicken broth”. This indicates that the ingredient has been derived from chicken. Chicken broth is the first 5 ingredients in virtually every canned dog food product on the market.

Watch Your Pet’s Weight Closely

Our final item in this article discusses weight management. Wet food is often cheaper because the preservatives and other chemicals used in the dry food are not needed. This means that dogs can spend more time enjoying the canned dog food as opposed to constantly feeling hungry and bored. There have been studies that indicate that dogs that have access to the canned dog food as opposed to the dry food are less likely to suffer from obesity, a leading cause of chronic illness and health issues.

In conclusion, we have looked at the differences between wet dog food and dry food and the benefits that each type of food offers your pet. We also discussed the common factors between both types of food, how each one targets specific aspects of dogs nutritional needs, and discussed the correlation between obesity and diabetes in pets. There are many different brands of food available today and your veterinarian can best recommend the one that is best for your pet. If you would like more information on the best food for your pet, please click on the link below.