Dry or wet dog food: which is better?

Have you been feeding your dog dry dog ​​food just because you were told it prevented tartar and dental disease? Do you feel guilty when you add canned food because of the damage it can cause? Dry foods do not prevent dental disease, and wet or canned foods do not cause dental problems. Each type of dog food has its own advantages and disadvantages. A combination of wet and dry combines the best of both foods.

The unique style of feeding the dog

The belief that dry food prevents dental disease stems from the belief that chewing causes abrasion on tooth surfaces to prevent or remove tartar. And that’s true, but dogs don’t chew their food! Anyone who has witnessed or stepped on dog vomit knows that vomit looks just like food, only wetter.

Like pack animals, dogs killed and feasted in highly competitive packs. Individuals tore the flesh from the carcass they swallowed, then plunged back repeatedly into a frenzy for more. Taking the time to chew would have meant less food and possibly hunger.

This feeding habit has not changed in our modern dogs. Examination of a modern dog’s mouth reveals that they share the same sharp, pointy teeth as their carnivorous ancestors. They grab, maybe crunch once, swallow and grab again. No abrasive cleaning action of the teeth occurs during a meal.

Dental Pie and Type of Food

Feral cats and dogs do not eat dry food. Studies show they have less dental tartar than pets fed commercial wet or dry food. The fact is that dental disease is more complicated than the type of food that is eaten. Dental hygiene depends less on diet and more on routine care. Regular tooth brushing and the availability of hard chew toys have a greater impact on dental health than diet. Owners can rest assured that they can feed however they want without guilt.

dry dog ​​food

The main benefits of dry food are convenience and price. Open the bag and take out, no mess. This makes traveling with a dog much easier. It is also very economical compared to wet food. A 50-pound dog can be fed for as little as 13 cents a day.

The main drawbacks of dry food are its quality and the reluctance of dogs to eat it when sick.

All the dry food ingredients are placed in huge pressure cookers and turned into a liquid at high temperatures. This means that any form of protein, carbohydrate or fat can be used. That’s why this method is perfect for using leftover meat, grains, and processed foods, as well as dead and decaying animals, in place of actual cuts of meat, whole grains, and vegetables.

Once the hot suspension reaches the right time and temperature, it is injected through superheated extruders. As the liquid exits the extruders, cold air causes it to “pop” into various shapes based on the pattern of the extruder outlet. The dried kibble is then sprayed with oil and vitamins before being packed to replenish some of the nutrients lost in this double-heat process.

Dry kibble will not “pop” without enough carbohydrates. That’s why dry dog ​​food tends to be lower in protein and higher in carbohydrates than wet or canned food.

Although dogs eat their dry food when they are healthy, they often refuse to eat it when they feel sick. The refusal to eat can lower your nutritional status and your ability to heal. This downward spiral often leaves these dogs very fragile when they are finally taken to the vet. Would you eat shredded wheat without milk if you were sick?

canned dog food

The main benefits of canned food are taste and quality. Only rarely will sick dogs refuse to eat canned food. When wet food is mixed with dry food, dogs eat more eagerly. The greater variety of flavors in canned foods allows for greater diversity in the diet. Canned foods are generally higher in protein than dry foods. With canning, the ingredients are cooked in the sealed can so the nutrients are not lost during the heating process.

A big drawback of wet food is that it is more expensive than dry food. Also, many homeowners object to the smell of canned food and do not like to keep partial cans in the refrigerator. And certainly, opening a can is more complicated than taking it out of a bag.

Why not feed both?

Since food isn’t to blame for dental disease, why not spice up your dog’s diet with a mix of canned and dry food? The use of moisture improves quality, flavor, and enthusiasm for mealtime. Adding the dry reduces feed costs. Everyone wins. Having wet food available can help maintain your dog’s appetite during illness.