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You have to decide on pet food but are not sure what to choose – the turkey or the tuna? The beef or the lamb? The dry or the wet? It can be confusing, but in reality, it is not all that complicated. Most people decide on dog food or cat food based on their previous experience. Some of them follow the advice of their friends, breeder, or vet. It is not counting the influence of the magazine and television advertisements, all of which boast the highest quality. So, which one do you choose?
The advantages of wet foods
Most dogs consume less than their daily water requirement. Wet foods are a great hydration source if your pet is reluctant to consume the necessary amount of water. There are a few other health considerations that make them a practical choice. Some senior dogs lose the power of their olfactory sense as they age. They will be more inclined to eat food with a richer flavor and scent, which is the case with most wet dog foods.
They are also a great alternative if your pet is ill and cannot smell that well or if they have a low appetite. This way, you can ensure that they get the essential vitamins, minerals, and proteins that they need to maintain their health. If your dog has missing teeth, badly aligned jaws, or a small mouth, wet food will make it easier for him to eat fresh dog food like Nutro Ultra Senior Chicken, Lamb, and Salmon Pate Wet Dog Food.
The advantages of dry foods
Dry kibble is the most convenient food for both feeding and storage. You can leave it out for your pet to eat at his own pace without worrying about it getting spoiled. A lot of pet owners prefer the convenience of filling their pet's bowl with an entire day's food or using a slow-feeder dog bowl and not having to worry about feeding their pet on time. In the case of cats, you can fill the bowl to feed them for days while you go for short trips away from home.
They are also extremely easy to store – all you need is a dog food storage bin with an airtight lid. That will keep it safe from rodents and insects. They are also extremely cost-effective if you have multiple pets to feed. They are great as training treats and supplements for dental health. Some of the dry foods are formulated to clean the teeth of the animals as they chew on them.
Both of them are good choices to meet the nutritional requirements of your pet, as long as they have the right balance of nutrients and are made using high-quality ingredients Like Diamond Naturals Lamb and Rice Lite Dog Food. It is just a question of what will suit your pet and lifestyle in the long run. You can also choose to mix them both in the same bowl. Talk to your vet if you have any doubts since there are a lot of considerations for your dog's age and breed.
Let's dive into a few more pointers before concluding.
Wet or Dry Dog Food: Which is Better?
Some pet parents claim that dry food is better for dogs, and others quite forcefully state the opposite -- that dogs are healthier and happier with wet food. Some combine the two for a nice balance. Other folks skip commercially prepared dog food and instead opt to make their dog food at home or purchase readymade raw or fresh dog foods.
As with many points of conflict, the best answer to the wet food or dry food question appears to be somewhere in the middle: for some dogs, wet food will be best, while other puppies will fare better with dry puppy food. It will depend on your particular dog and its health and nutrition requirements. Of course, your preference as a dog owner also fits into the equation.
Dry Dog Food Advantages
There are a few things to consider when purchasing dry food for your dog.
The advantages of dry dog food are clear. Kibble is easy to measure out, and food can be accurately and easily portioned to keep diets consistent. Kibble is easy to store. Dry food rarely goes bad as long as used within the expiration date. It can be purchased in bulk and stored for relatively long periods. It means little waste, which often means good savings. Dry foods are also less expensive than wet foods in general. If you have a mobile lifestyle or travel a lot, dry food travels well and easily in any container.
Another advantage of dry kibble is that some of them are designed to help clean dog’s teeth as they eat. Since some dog breeds tend toward tooth and gum problems, dry food may help stave off such conditions. Of course, dogs with established tooth decay may find it painful to chew kibble and at that point, wet food may become a better option.
Dry Dog Food Drawbacks
To make kibble keep its shape, many dry foods have a reduced amount of fat content and an increased carbohydrate content. If your dog is very active, it may require higher fat than dry dog food can provide. Some breeds of dogs may have a hard time breaking up kibble due to dental problems or facial structure, making it more difficult for them to eat dry dog food. Also, as protein and fat content in dry foods rise, so do the prices, which negates one of the major benefits of dry food: the relative inexpensiveness.
Wet Dog Food Advantages
When it comes to wet food, your dog will often be its biggest advocate. Many dogs prefer wet food as it tends to be more flavorful and more closely resembles meat and meat by-products.
Wet dog foods contain a significantly higher moisture content than dry kibbles, which can be important for dogs with urinary tract conditions or dogs who don’t tend to drink enough water on their own. This added moisture will help fill your dog’s belly, which will temporarily help your pup feel satiated without actually consuming more calories. In this way, wet foods are a great way to trick dogs on a diet into believing they’re not being deprived of a weight loss plan.
Wet foods often have a higher protein content than dry foods. Active and younger dogs may require this boost in protein to keep them energetic and active and to help build muscle.
Drawbacks to Canned Food Only Dog Diets
Wet foods such as the Wellness Core Grain-Free Canned Dog Food generally need to be refrigerated after opening, and even then, its shelf life is limited to a day or two. You may throw out some wet food, which is wasteful to the planet and pocketbook. Wet foods won’t clean your dog’s teeth or massage their gums as they eat, which may lead to more plaque build-up and potentially tooth decay.
Owners who feed their dogs exclusively wet food may need to be more vigilant with brushing and tooth maintenance. The higher moisture, protein, and fat content in wet food can sometimes cause upset tummies, especially while transitioning off kibble. Some pet advocates argue that a canned dog food diet too high in protein can overtax the kidneys and liver, and they prefer a more balanced diet. Other nutritionists, however, argue that dogs’ diets should be comprised primarily of protein.
A Mixed Compromise
Since both wet and dry dog foods have their advantages, many pet owners find that mixing wet and dry together at feeding time provides the best of both worlds. Unless your dog has very specific dietary requirements, you may consider this option. Combining wet and dry foods will allow your dog the flavor benefits of wet food while you can keep some of the financial and logistical ease of kibble.
Your veterinarian can help you determine the right combination of wet and dry foods to keep your dog healthy, and you can work out what will keep their tummies happy, too. For the most part, the consistency of dry foods will keep digestion steady, while the flavor of wet foods mixed in can change to keep your pup interested in mealtime.
Take Care! This Food Might Be More Harmful Than Beneficial For Your Pet
If you have a pet, then you know the amount of effort you need to give to ensure your pet is taken care of in the best way. However, things that might be harmless for you might act in the opposite way for your dog or cat. Food is one such thing. You might indulge in particular food and must have eaten it all your life, but that does not mean it will be good for your pet too. Milk and dairy products may seem like the most harmless of all foods, but if you are giving them to your pet, then you should stop immediately. It seems absurd that cats, who can live on milk, are also included in the list, but the truth is milk is harmful to cats too.
Why is milk harmful?
Unlike us, our pets do not have a significant amount of lactase in the digestive system, which is required to break down milk into smaller components. Another reason why pets shouldn’t be given milk is that they might be lactose intolerant, and you might not even know about it. But then what about mother’s milk then? Every child born must be fed mother’s milk because it contains all the essential nutrients that even the best food in the world can’t provide.
In puppies, the enzyme lactase is found in abundance, so it does not affect them. However, when the puppy grows up, some of the enzymes get lost, and dogs develop an intolerance toward milk. However, recent research has shown that dogs can drink cow and goat milk, and it does not cause any harm. In certain cases, it causes diarrhea or other complications in the stomach.
Dogs often have a difficult time digesting the lactose and, in some cases, develop serious stomach complications. Milk and dairy products including chocolates can be replaced with other nutritional supplements which provide the same amount of energy. Consult a pet dietician or a veterinary doctor to learn more about food replacements.
Conclusion
Milk and dairy products are harmful to pets and can cause serious medical conditions. As a pet keeps growing, the level of lactase enzyme in the digestive system keeps decreasing. The lactase breaks down lactose into smaller, more digestible substances. However, since the body lacks an adequate amount of lactase enzyme, milk and dairy products become toxic. Diseases like pancreatitis and diarrhea are some of the complications that take place in a pet’s body if the lactose does not get digested properly. In the case of serious complications, take your pet to the vet and have him/her checked. Additionally, remove milk and dairy products from the diet.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is wet or dry food better for pets?
Both wet and dry food can provide adequate nutrition for pets, but the choice between the two may depend on a number of factors, including the pet's individual needs and preferences, as well as the owner's lifestyle and budget. Wet food can be a good option for pets who have difficulty chewing or swallowing dry kibble or who need additional moisture in their diet to help prevent dehydration or urinary tract problems. It can also be more appealing to picky eaters, and may be easier to digest for some pets. However, wet food can be more expensive than dry food and may not be as convenient for owners away from home for extended periods. Dry food, on the other hand, is generally more affordable than wet food and can be more convenient for owners, as it can be left out for longer periods of time without spoiling. It can also be beneficial for dental health, as the crunchy texture can help scrape away plaque and tartar. However, some pets may not find dry food as palatable as wet food, and it may not provide enough moisture for pets who are prone to dehydration or urinary tract issues. Ultimately, the choice between wet and dry food may depend on the specific needs and preferences of the individual pet and owner.
Why is dry dog food better than wet?
There are some potential advantages and disadvantages of dry dog food compared to wet dog food. Dry dog food is easy to store and handle. It can be kept in a sealed container or bag and doesn't require refrigeration. Dry dog food is often less expensive per serving than wet dog food, which can make it more affordable for pet owners on a budget. Some types of dry dog food are formulated to help clean teeth and promote healthy gums as dogs chew on the hard kibble. This can help reduce the risk of dental problems like plaque and tartar buildup. Dry dog food can last longer on the shelf than wet dog food. This can be particularly helpful for pet owners who want to stock up on food or who have multiple dogs. On the other hand, dry dog food typically has a lower moisture content than wet dog food. This means that dogs may not get as much hydration from their food as they would from wet food. Some dogs may not find dry dog food as palatable as wet food. This can lead to picky eating or a lack of appetite. Dry dog food may not be as easily digestible as wet food, particularly for dogs with sensitive stomachs or digestive issues. Also, Not all dry dog foods are created equal. Some lower-quality brands may contain fillers, additives, or artificial ingredients that aren't as healthy for dogs as natural or organic options.
How much wet food equals 1 cup of dry dog food?
It is difficult to give an exact measurement for how much wet food equals 1 cup of dry dog food, as the nutritional content of each can vary depending on the brand and recipe. However, as a general guideline, one 13-ounce can of wet dog food is roughly equivalent to 3 cups of dry dog food. Keep in mind that this is just an estimate, and the best way to determine the appropriate feeding amount for your dog is to consult with a veterinarian. The amount of food your dog needs can depend on a number of factors, including their age, weight, activity level, and overall health.
Is it OK to give a dog wet food everyday?
Yes, it is generally okay to give a dog wet food every day, as long as the food is nutritionally complete and balanced for their specific life stage and dietary needs. Wet food can provide a good source of hydration and may be easier for some dogs to digest, which can be beneficial for dogs with certain health conditions, such as kidney disease or dental problems. However, it is important to keep in mind that wet food can be more expensive than dry food and may not be as convenient for owners who are away from home for extended periods of time. Additionally, wet food can spoil more quickly once opened, so it is important to store it properly and discard any uneaten food after a certain period of time.
Back to Your Dog Food Questions Answered
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This information is for informational purposes only and is not meant as a substitute for the professional advice of, or diagnosis, or treatment by, your veterinarian. It has however been reviewed for accuracy by Dr. Joe, a board-certified veterinary nutritionist and graduate of Cornell University's program for Veterinary Medicine.
