Wet Food
Wet dog food is a type of dog food that consists of at least 60% liquid (usually water).
It’s usually sold in a tin or can and typically contains higher nutritional value for a dog compared to dry food provisions.
Wet Food Composition
Depending on the dog food variety and manufacturer, there can be a mixture of different ingredients which come together to form an ideal dog food.
For wet dog food, mainly fresh meat and offal are used. Fish is also very popular in some dog foods as it provides very high-quality protein, which is extremely important for strong muscle growth and development.
In addition to meat, cereals, grains and in some cases vegetables are also used as part of the wet dog food diet. As a carnivore it is against the nature of the dog to eat such foods, however they do add additional benefits for the animal.
Some grains act as an energy source for the animal. Dogs that are more energetic need an extra energy source to compensate their energy levels. Vegetables also provide important vitamins for health and promote a strong physique.
Domestic dogs no longer hunt for their food and therefore they require additional vitamin boosts.
Organic Wet Food
More pet food companies are turning down the organic route when it comes to dog food. Preservatives and flavour enhancers are being used less in dog food, with owners paying more attention to the fact of where their dog food meat comes from. The same trend has been witnessed amongst the best, wet dog food.
Does this approach have benefits for the dog or is that just a green trend?
A careful preparation and a restriction of additives included in the food may indeed be beneficial. This is particular prevalent for some animals who react badly to additives and develop allergies or gastrointestinal complaints.
Also, it is worthwhile to mention that when buying wet dog food, it is important to check for products which are as free as possible of such additives. Also, the quality of the meat contained can have an impact on the overall health of the dog. Therefore, this should also be monitored and checked when deciding on the particular wet dog food to give your four-legged friend.
Animals that have lived free and have not been bred with specimens provide higher quality meat with stronger proteins. This is important for a stronger physique.
However, you do not necessarily have to find all these things in organic dog food. There are manufacturers who specialize in such high-quality food and who still do not carry a Bio-Siegel. Instead of relying on a seal, it is more appropriate to look more closely at the ingredients and to understand the preferences and requirements of your own dog.
Advantages of Wet Food
As wet food consists of a large liquid content, it makes the food easier for the dog to swallow. Also, dogs that drink small amounts get a sufficient amount of fluid from eating this type of food.
Moreover, dogs that are prone to obesity or allergies are often better off with wet food due to the nutrient concentration difference compared to dry food. Also, there is a difference in amount with wet food that the dog will eat before feeling full.
Wet food contains significantly less additives compared to dry food. This means this variant of food is more tolerable for sensitive dogs stomachs.
Wet food can also come in a variety of flavours to ensures that the dog likes and enjoys the taste of the food. Just like humans, some dogs can be very fussy with what they eat!
Summary
- High liquid content makes the food easier to swallow.
- Higher nutrient concentration compared to dry food.
- Less added additives compared to dry food.
- Available in a large selection of flavours.
Wet Food vs Dry Food
FACT: The question of “Which is better wet or dry food” cannot be answered with one simple answer.
The main difference between wet and dry food is the water content. With regards to dry food, the nutrients are more concentrated which is why the dog can feel full from a smaller quantity. Also, dry food has a longer shelf life.
However, many dogs don’t want to solely feed on dry food. Given the choice, dogs prefer fresh food. Often a good healthy diet is a mixture of both wet and dry food.
Supplementary Food - When and Where?
In addition to wet food, there is the also the option for a supplementary feed.
Within supplementary feeds there are additional nutrients which are present in particularly high concentrations. This can be important in animals over a certain age as they can no longer digest the food so easily. Even dogs with a sensitive stomach or animals who are weakened after illness require a nutritious diet.
Some supplemental feeds can often be offered instead of regular dog food, or there are some varieties which are served as an addition to the animals normal food. The advantage with the latter is that the owner can dose the amount themselves, depending on how well the dog tolerates the feed.
