One of the most common questions dog owners ask is what type of food they should give their dog- canned or kibble? If you serve just dry food you’ll have a much less appetizing meal because a dog biscuit, for example, will never be as scented as a wet food. Dry foods also lack some of the “natural” nutritional benefits derived from wet food, especially vitamins and minerals because they’re more processed than wet foods.
At the end of the day, it can be quite confusing to make the right decision especially when there are all sorts of pet products out there all claiming to fulfill your dog’s nutritional needs. Hopefully, this article will help shed some light on the best way forward. Let’s look at the pros and cons of these two types of meals.
Wet or canned dog food certainly has several advantages over kibble. For one, they usually have a higher meat protein content than dry food, not to mention that they’re made using fewer carbohydrates.
Some of the pluses of wet foods include:
- They are a great option especially if you’re concerned about your dog’s hydration. One advantage they carry is that they keep your dog hydrated and allow him to enjoy a larger portion per meal without necessarily increasing the calories in his diet. If your pooch isn’t particularly keen on drinking water, then wet food is a good way to keep him hydrated.
- Wet foods are richer in scent and flavor compared to dry foods which makes them more suitable for older pets whose smelling senses have been blunted by age. The same goes for ill pets whose appetite may be lost and need something more appealing to their taste buds.
- Dogs with missing teeth, problems with their jaws, or tiny mouths can also benefit greatly from wet food.
- Canned dog foods are packed in air-tight containers and usually don’t have synthetic preservatives or artificial ingredients. This enables the fats and oils sealed to remain fresh in the unopened can, while meat ingredients maintain their natural state.
Wet foods aren’t without some drawbacks, though, some of which include:
- Wet foods create a mess when fed to some dog breeds such as Pugs and Persians whose muzzles make it difficult to get food into their mouths and chew on it long enough.
- Dogs that are prone to developing dental problems will need more attentive dental care when fed regularly on wet foods.
- Once a can of dog food is opened it loses any shelf life it had and can easily get contaminated. It, therefore, needs to be eaten fast before it can spoil.
- Wet dog food is generally more expensive than dry dog food and must be bought in smaller quantities at a time to avoid wastage.
- Serving wet food to your dog more frequently means you stand to lose out on the many benefits associated with mastication, the first stage of digestion because he gobbles up the food fairly quickly. Soft foods also don’t massage the gums as much as dry food an important factor when dogs are teething and for their dental hygiene.
There’s no question that when it comes to convenience, both during feeding and storage, there are few dog foods that measure up to kibble. Ask any pet owner and they’ll tell you how hassle-free it is to leave food in their pet’s feeding bowl especially when they go on a trip away from home.
Dry foods are easier to store. You can use a large plastic bin that’s tightly shut to keep the pet food fresh and safe from pests like insects and rodents.
Dry kibble provides a very effective way of training your pet when used as a treat, not to mention it has the added benefit of acting as a dental health supplement.
Aside from that, dry dog food puts less pressure on your pocket when you’re on a budget and it can prove very cost-effective when feeding multiple pets.
One drawback that comes from feeding your pet dry foods is that they provide less moisture compared to wet foods. This can have an impact on your aging or ill pet, or if you live in an area with hot and dry climate.
What to do?
When all is said and done, there’s really no right or wrong decision when choosing between dry and wet dog food. What’s important is ensuring that the foods are well balanced in their nutrient content and that they are made using quality ingredients. What you feed your pet should also be able to fit your lifestyle without harming your pet.
One tip that can help you take advantage of both types of food is to mix the two together. You may, for example, add one tablespoon of wet food into your dog’s kibble as a special treat. This way you will be able to satisfy both their hunger and their taste buds, making mealtime a much more pleasant event and not a chore. If you do have any concerns get a second opinion from your vet just to be sure that the meal plan is suitable for your dog’s breed or age.
1. Taste of the Wild Grain-Free High Protein Natural Dry Dog Food
This grain-free formula includes sweet potatoes and peas to fuel your mutt’s daily activities as well as real roasted and smoked fowl for a wonderful taste sensation.
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- Includes roasted bison as the #1 ingredient; has an optimal amino acid profile and is protein rich to keep your dog’s muscles lean and strong.
- Comes with superfoods made with natural fruits and vegetables rich in vitamins & minerals. these act as natural antioxidants and a fatty acid blend for a great skin & coat.
- Excludes grains such as corn, wheat or filler and doesn’t have artificial flavors, colors or preservatives. Taste of the Wild’s ingredients come from TRUSTED and SUSTAINABLE sources around the world.
- This formula contains highly digestible nutrient rich ingredients and comes with guaranteed species-specific, proprietary probiotics that are highly useful in the GI tract.
- Made by a family owned and run American business using the most scientifically advanced food safety protocols.
What We Liked:
- The product is grain-free meaning less chance of your dog developing obesity by consuming it.
- It is made from quality ingredients and probiotics that are good for your dog’s digestion.
What We Didn’t Like:
- There’s some inconsistency in the sizes of kibble in the package depending on where you buy the product from.
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2. Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Natural Adult Dry Dog Food
BLUE Life Protection Formula dog food is made from premium quality real meat including healthy fruits and wholesome whole grains and is enhanced with vitamins and minerals.
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- Includes roasted bison as the #1 ingredient; has an optimal amino acid profile and is protein rich to keep your dog’s muscles lean and strong.
- Comes with superfoods made with natural fruits and vegetables rich in vitamins & minerals. these act as natural antioxidants and a fatty acid blend for a great skin & coat.
- Excludes grains such as corn, wheat or filler and doesn’t have artificial flavors, colors or preservatives. Taste of the Wild’s ingredients come from TRUSTED and SUSTAINABLE sources around the world.
- This formula contains highly digestible nutrient rich ingredients and comes with guaranteed species-specific, proprietary probiotics that are highly useful in the GI tract.
- Made by a family owned and run American business using the most scientifically advanced food safety protocols.
- The product is grain-free meaning less chance of your dog developing obesity by consuming it.
- It is made from quality ingredients and probiotics that are good for your dog’s digestion.
- Dogs are prone to diarrhea and vomiting if the bag is not fresh enough.
Amazon Rating: TufToys Rating: 3. Purina ONE SmartBlend Natural Formula Adult Dry Dog Food
Purina ONE SmartBlend uses real lamb as the primary ingredient important for keeping your dog's muscles strong and heart healthy.
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- Purina one is made using high-quality protein sources, primarily real lamb as the main ingredient.
- Contains Omega-6 fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals that keep your dog’s skin and coat healthy.
- Has an antioxidant blend important for developing a strong immune system Dual-defense.
- Includes natural sources of Glucosamine to help maintain healthy joints.
- It has high-quality ingredients but still has a pocket-friendly price.
- Competes very favorably with wet dog food especially in terms of taste appeal.
- It gives pet dogs a little gas, but that’s not a big issue.
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