Best Wet Dog Food
Whenever the conversation turns to pet food, and specifically dog food, you generally get a mixed level of advice. Some say the wet dog food (canned) is the best and others say that dry dog food like dry kibble or freeze-dried dog food is the way to go. Then, you get another group of people that like to mix and match using both dry and wet food. So, how are you supposed to know which path to take? Well, we are here to make it a bit easier for you. Below we have outlined all the benefits of wet dog food as well as providing a selection of our favorites.
The Benefits of Wet Dog Food
The most noticeable benefit of wet dog food is that almost all senior dogs and pups alike love it! It is usually much more palatable than dry food which is why many dogs usually eat it so quickly. Wet food also contains a fairly high amount of moisture, which enables your pet to stay hydrated. The additional water content also means the dogs are able to eat a larger portion without loading up on calories. Those who stick to a dry food diet for their pet usually struggle to keep the protein levels high enough. If there isn’t enough protein in the dried food, the owners typically have to incorporate protein boosters into the diet. With wet dog food, protein levels aren’t an issue as they contain real meat pieces.
Switching to Wet Food
If a dog has been on a dry-food-only diet and you are looking to switch over to a wet food diet, then it’s recommended to do it gradually. Switching it over immediately could cause digestion issues and the richness of the wet food might be a bit overpowering at first. The best way to switch from dry to wet is by replacing a small amount of dry food for wet food, increasing the amount each day. If you are used to handling kibble, then you should note that wet food requires a bit more care. Unlike dry food, wet dog food shouldn’t be left out for too long with the recommended length of time being no more than four hours. Also, once a can has been opened, it needs to be refrigerated. It’s not a particularly nice job but using wet food means that the dog’s bowl needs cleaning a lot more often and more thoroughly.
Affordability
Generally, wet dog food is much more expensive than dry food. Above, we mentioned about the additional water content in wet dog food, and since the water levels can be up to 75%, it takes a much greater portion size to deliver the required amount of nutrients. Dry food, on the other hand, is made up of around 10% water, meaning that it goes a lot further than wet food. This all contributes to the cost. Another thing that affects the expense of wet dog food is combined diets, using both wet and dry food. Experts say that an opened packet or can of wet dog food should not be kept any longer than seven days after opening. For dogs on a diet with a majority of dry food and a small amount of wet food, there may end up being wastage, which then equates to more money being spent on each packet or can that’s bought.
Grain and Grain-Free
This is a big topic when it comes to dog food, and you may be wondering why certain dog foods are grain-free in the first place. According to research and statistics, a large number of dogs have allergic reactions with grains and grain-based products. This information then sparked a worldwide debate as to whether products containing grain should even be allowed in the diet of dogs. Wet dog foods typically contain little to no grain-based ingredients whatsoever, but that’s not always the case for dried dog foods. In order for dried dog food to remain dry, it usually means that certain grain-based products are used to create its kibble form. It mostly requires things like rice, corn, and wheat. On the flip side of this debate, these ingredients along with soy can also replace a certain amount of protein that is usually acquired from wet dog foods. It really does come down to what you feel is best for your dog and how your dog reacts to certain foods. If you do have concerns consulting with a veterinary professional is advisable.
Wet Dog Food Reviews
Now that we have provided everything there is to know about wet dog food, and why people feed it to their dogs, there is just one thing left to do. Below you will find our top recommendations for wet dog food to help make your decision a little easier.
Hound and Gatos Grain-Free Dog Food
The source of protein in the Hound and Gatos Grain-Free canned dog food comes from high-quality chicken. Hound and Gatos create their products with the inspiration of a paleolithic diet which results in a mix of wholesome meats with added vitamins and minerals. There are no carbohydrates or artificial flavors added.
- Prevents inflammatory bowel disease
- Hypoallergenic
- Helps reduce the likeliness of gastritis
- Grain-free
- No additional carbohydrates
Merrick Lil’ Plates Grain-Free Texas Steak Tips
With real beef meat, the Merrick Lil’ Plates Steak Tips is a hearty pooch meal in a tray. The formula contains no gluten which promotes healthy digestion. There is a low level of carbohydrates in this food, but it maintains a strong amount of protein. The single serving trays eliminate wastage and are perfect for smaller dogs.
- Deboned beef
- Includes real fruit and vegetables
- Gluten free
- Grain-free
- Convenient
Rachael Ray Nutrish Natural
Highly recommended by both customers and industry experts is the Rachael Ray Nutrish Natural wet dog food. The simple yet nutritious formula consists of vegetables and quality meats with no meat byproducts. Also gluten and grain-free, these meals deliver a great source of protein for all dog breeds.
- Grain-free
- Gluten-free
- Made with real meat
- No by-products or fillers
- No artificial flavors or ingredients
Whether you go for wet food, dry food, or a mixture of both, you really can’t go far wrong with a respected and high-quality brand. If you are still confused as to which dog food is best for your pooch, then a consultation with a veterinary professional should help you to find the best option for your dog.
