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Your Guide to Wet Food

Choosing between dry and wet dog food is a big factor when deciding what to feed your dog, and selecting the right diet is a key part of keeping them as happy and healthy as possible. 

Wet food can be a great option for your pooch, as it has the delicious meaty taste that many dogs love and is hydrating, while providing nutrition in a lower calorie-dense format. That said, it’s not the right choice for all dogs, so you need to think about what will suit you and your pup best.

Why you might choose wet food for your dog

Many dog owners choose wet food because of its meaty taste and texture, which closely resembles what our dogs’ wild ancestors would have eaten. This arguably adds to its taste appeal among our furry friends, and if you choose a high-quality wet food that offers complete and balanced nutrition, like the My Dog ™ product range, they’ll also get all the nutrients they need to feel their best.

How to tell if wet food is the right choice for your dog

While wet dog food has plenty of benefits, it might not be the best choice for your pup, and some people might feel that a dry food diet benefits their dog more.

Advantages of wet dog food

• Higher moisture content - If your dog doesn’t drink much water, wet food could help them maintain healthy hydration levels.
• Appealing flavour - Due to its meaty taste and aroma, wet food is often more enticing than dry food, making it a good choice for dogs that have lost their appetite due to age or illness.
• Easier to chew - Wet food is much softer than dry food, so it can be gentler on the mouths of dogs who have sore teeth or gums.

• Helps maintain a healthy body condition – wet food provides around a quarter the calories of dry food on a gram for gram basis. which helps keep a dog trim.

   

Disadvantages of wet dog food

• It spoils if left out - It’s important that wet dog food isn’t left out at room temperature for too long as it can spoil. Once a pack is opened, it should be refrigerated to keep it fresh, and eaten within a few days.
• It’s got a stronger smell than dry food - The aroma may be what makes wet food more appealing for our furry friends, but it’s not always so appealing for the human family members.
• It doesn’t suit all budgets - Dog owners on a smaller budget may find it more cost-effective to buy a big bag of dry food.

What ingredients commonly make up wet food?

Wet dog food is usually made up of protein-rich chunks of meat or fish, combined with vegetables and grains, and enriched with essential vitamins and minerals. It tends to come in tins, trays, or pouches, and you can find varieties in a juicy gravy, sauce, jelly, or pate form. 

What does wet food contribute to your dog's diet?

It’s important to look for wet food that is complete and balanced, as this means it contains all the nutrients your dog needs to stay healthy. Wet food is high in protein, due to the meat or fish, while other natural ingredients and supplements add fibre, antioxidants, and other goodness to their diet. 

Choosing the right food for your dog

To find the right food for your dog, think about their unique needs and eating habits. For example, if your pooch has dental issues or you struggle to get them to eat because of age, illness, or fussiness, you might find wet food is a good choice for them.

Another option is to feed your pup a mixed diet of both wet and dry food, so they get the best of both worlds. If you do choose to do this, make sure you don’t overfeed them. If the food packets don’t provide feeding guidelines for a mixed diet, simply halve the recommended feeding amounts of each wet and dry food product.

Once you’ve decided what food type will suit your dog best, you can then find a variety that suits their life stage, lifestyle and dietary needs, for example, puppy food or food for older dogs. You may also need to try a couple of different types to find one your pooch enjoys!

Choosing the right food for your dog is an essential part of being a pet parent. Wet dog food is a popular choice thanks to its taste appeal and soft texture, but it's important to consider your pup's individual needs and nutritional requirements before making a decision. By taking the time to choose the right food, you can ensure that your pooch is happy, healthy, and well-nourished for years to come. For more tips on caring for your furry companion as best possible, check out our blog.

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