When it comes to your dog, you want the best for them. You really do! That’s why selecting what kind of food they should eat can be overwhelming at times since there are so many options and types out there for dogs.
Should I feed my dog wet or dry food? In general, the answer is that they can be fed either. But wet foods are better for dogs than dry foods. Wet foods have fewer carbohydrates and more water which keeps them hydrated while also being easy for dogs to digest as opposed to high carbohydrate dry meals with less moisture content in them. It’s important to have a discussion with your vet before making any changes in the dog’s diet.
Doggy diets are no different than human ones: you are what you eat. The most important factor in a dog’s health is diet. According to The Forever Dog: Surprising New Science to Help Your Canine Companion Live Younger, Healthier and Longer by Dr. Karen Shaw Becker. Good nutrition is essential for your dog’s long-term health and well-being. It can help prevent obesity, joint problems like arthritis or inflammation of the hip joints; gastrointestinal issues including irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). There are a few things you can do now that will have long-term benefits for your dog.
The short digestive tract in dogs makes it hard for them to process carbohydrates. They have evolved from wolves, who rarely eat carbs but still need the right enzymes because they lack this one crucial gene variant. It’s important to feed your dog a balanced diet that includes both protein and fat.
Dr. Becker believes carbs shouldn’t take up more than 10% of your pup’s daily meals. For your dog’s diet, you should aim for a 50/50 ratio of protein to fat. Ideally, this will be achieved by eating fresh and unprocessed food according to her.
Dr. Gary Richter, veterinarian and founder of Ultimate Pet Nutrition says, wet food seems to be better for dogs. If he had to choose, he’d pick wet canned food. “It has fewer carbohydrates than [dry] kibble,” says Dr. Richter. “Fewer carbohydrates are healthier for dogs because evolutionarily, they don’t want the [roughly] 60 percent carbohydrates found in dry food. They can lead to weight gain, digestive issues, and immune problems.”
Wet Foods Benefits
In addition to being low in carbs, wet food also has hydrating properties. Dr. Micah Youello, a partner doctor with Heart + Paw in King of Prussia, Pennsylvania says, “Wet foods have more water content and would be healthier for those pets with kidney disease or urinary tract issues”. When it comes to picky eaters, wet food might be the way to go. This could possibly have something to do with its high protein and fat content. Dogs with painful mouth or dental issues will find wet food easier to consume because it is much softer.
Dogs who eat a healthy diet live longer and have fewer health issues than dogs that feed on processed food whether it’s wet or dry. Unfortunately, most commercial dog foods are ultra-processed. This means the food goes through several steps of processing and is not fresh at all. Many wet and dry processed pet foods contain additives that may be more harmful in the long run. Processed foods may be related to inflammation which can result in additional health issues like gingivitis, pancreatitis, and more. Luckily for dog owners, there’s an abundance of healthy and delicious pet food choices available. Companies like Ollie or The Farmer’s Dog are formulating human-grade meal plans that don’t include all the weird ingredients you wouldn’t want for your dog. The best way to save on vet bills is by providing your pet with a healthy diet. Fresh vegetables, fruits, and bones can also serve as good snacks for your furry friends.
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