Dry or wet dog food, it is one of the most frequently asked questions when it comes to dog nutrition but before we go to the question, let’s tackle the very root of dog food. Commercial dog food today are thoroughly researched and formulated to provide enough animal protein and other essential nutrients needed for good canine health. There is an association today that is responsible for the nutrient profile, testing protocols and labeling regulations for the pet food industry to follow and this organization is called The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO). All of the major pet food manufacturers use AAFCO’s standard for formulating and substantiating the nutrients of their products in either dry or wet dog food. Here are the facts about dry and wet dog food:
Dry dog food
Generally, these are less expensive to buy but more convenient to serve. They are not that smelly compared to wet dog foods, and they can be given without spoiling for dogs to nibble so they can be left out all day.
However, owners sometimes make the mistake of leaving out too much dry dog food that leads to overeating and grow fat. It is best to carefully measure each meal or each day’s portion, following the product recommendation as a guide.
Dry food also may benefit puppies by promoting better dental health. Although this issue is being debated, it is generally believed that the hard chewing action required in dry foods helps scour teeth and gums and therefore helps in controlling tartar build-up that can lead to gum disease and tooth loss.
Wet dog food.
This type of food is much more expensive than dry foods. They contain more moisture making them good for dogs with gums and tooth problems. Wet dog foods are also ideal because they require virtually no chewing, and they contain more protein and fats than dry dog foods. Single serving canned wet dog foods, results in less waste, because many dogs refuse to eat canned foods after it has been refrigerated.
One of the advantages of wet canned food is that they are the food of choice for dogs that are sick or recovering from a disease.
Choosing between dry or wet dog foods are mostly based on animal’s health condition and age rather than availability and price.