There are so many dog food products on the market that it can be difficult to figure out which ones are right for your dog. Wet, dry, grain-free, meat-based… All of the different options can make it quite confusing. So how do you actually go about choosing the right food for your dog? Here’s what you need to know about the differences between wet and dry dog food.
How They Are Processed
Both wet and dry dog food products provide nutritionally balanced diets, such as the ones you find in Open Farm, but they are processed in different ways. Wet food involves meat ingredients being ground down. Gravy is then added, as well as essential vitamins, minerals, and grains. The ingredients are all cooked together and then sterilized in the canning process. This gives wet food a higher moisture content.
Dry food, on the other hand, uses similar ingredients, but there is no gravy added. The meat mixture is pulverized to create a dough that is then baked in the oven. Once baked, it is extruded to create dry kibble. Before being packaged, the kibble is sprayed with fats, oils, vitamins, and minerals.
Benefits of Wet Dog Food Over Dry Dog Food
There are a few reasons why you might want to go with wet food over dry food. Firstly, there is higher moisture content, which provides a dog with more hydration if they don’t drink as much water as they should. Secondly, wet food often just smells and tastes better than dry food, enticing dogs to actually eat instead of ignoring their food bowls. This can be a good option for older dogs who have decreased appetites. Third, wet dog food can help a dog feel full for much longer. And lastly, it’s just easier for dogs to chew, especially if there are dental abnormalities present.
Benefits of Dry Dog Food Over Wet Dog Food
Dry dog food, or kibble, can be good for keeping dogs’ teeth healthy, as the hardness and roughness of the texture can help to keep tartar off of teeth. Secondly, dry dog food is a little more convenient than wet food. It’s easier to control portion size and it won’t spoil if it’s been left out all day. Third, dry dog food is more financially feasible, as they tend to be less expensive and can be stored for the long term. Lastly, kibble is easier to integrate into food puzzles, which can keep dogs mentally busy when you’re not around.
Mixing Them Together
There is always the option to mix wet and dry dog food together in order to get the best of both worlds. However, it’s important that you measure how much food you’re actually providing to ensure that you’re not overfeeding.
It’s important that you always consult your veterinarian before suddenly changing your dog’s diet, as this can lead to a lot of upset stomach and diarrhea. It might also not be a diet that’s right for your dog and could lead to complications and illness.
